When to plant Portulaca in Baxter County, AR
In Zone 7a (Baxter County), direct-sow Portulaca between April 2 and April 23 for spring, after the April 2 last-frost mark.
When to Plant Portulaca in Baxter County, AR
Your June planting checklist for Baxter County, Arkansas
Your Baxter County, Arkansas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Pick portulaca
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
July prep starts now
- First harvests: portulaca
Portulaca (Portulaca grandiflora), commonly called moss rose, is a succulent- stemmed annual built for hot, dry, low-fertility conditions where other flowers fail. Its silky, rose-like blooms open in full sun and close at night or on cloudy days. Excellent for slopes, rock gardens, containers, and parking-strip plantings where irrigation is limited. One of the easiest annuals for neglect- proof summer color.
Baxter County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.
At an elevation of 587 feet, Baxter County receives approximately 45.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Portulaca during the growing season.
Baxter County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Portulaca Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Baxter County
How your county's soil matches Portulaca's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.0) is within Portulaca's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Baxter County is excellent for Portulaca — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). Annual compost additions will help Portulaca.
How to Plant Portulaca
Succession Planting Portulaca
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 18 to harvest before frost.
Portulaca Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Portulaca
Portulaca needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Portulaca Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Baxter County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Portulaca Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Portulaca Planting Timeline — Baxter County, AR
Portulaca Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Bloom | May 21 | May 21 – Sep 17 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
208 days in Baxter County
Growing Tips for Portulaca in Baxter County
Direct sow Portulaca outdoors after April 02 in Baxter County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Direct-sow after last frost once soil warms to 65°F, or start indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost. Seed is tiny — surface sow and do not cover. Thin to proper spacing after germination. Thrives in poor, well-drained soil; rich or wet soil produces lush foliage but fewer blooms. No deadheading required — plants are self-cleaning. Double-flowered varieties hold blooms open longer in overcast conditions.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Portulaca in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Portulaca in Baxter County, AR?
Baxter County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Portulaca planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Baxter County, AR?
Baxter County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is October 27.
When should I plant Portulaca in Baxter County, AR?
In Baxter County, AR, plant Portulaca after the last frost (around April 2) and before the first frost (around October 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Baxter County, AR for Portulaca?
Baxter County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Portulaca grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Portulaca grow in Baxter County's climate?
Yes — Portulaca grows well in Baxter County's temperate climate. Baxter County averages a 208-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 2 and first frost around October 27.
Your Baxter County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Baxter County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.