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When to plant Purslane in Sutter County, CA

Spring Purslane in Sutter County goes in February 11–March 4, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from October 1 to October 15 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Purslane in Sutter County, CA

Purslane is a succulent edible plant rich in omega-3 fatty acids, often considered a weed but increasingly valued as a nutritious green. It has a lemony, peppery flavor.

Sutter County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 267 days.

At an elevation of 484 feet, Sutter County receives approximately 21.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Purslane during the growing season.

Sutter County, CA (Zone 9b) Long season
267 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
267 growing days
First Fall Frost November 26

Sutter County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Purslane

Purslane needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Purslane Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 0.6" 3.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.1" 4.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Sutter County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Purslane Planting Timeline — Sutter County, CA

Purslane Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 4 Feb 4 – Feb 18
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Direct Sow February 11 Feb 11 – Mar 4
Harvest April 15 Apr 15 – May 20
Fall Sowing October 1 Oct 1 – Oct 15

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September
October Fall Sowing
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

267 days in Sutter County

Growing Tips for Sutter County

Direct sow after last frost or allow to self-seed. Purslane thrives in hot, dry conditions. Harvest stem tips regularly. Contains more omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy green.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Purslane in Sutter County, CA?

Sutter County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Purslane planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sutter County, CA?

Sutter County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 26.

When should I plant Purslane in Sutter County, CA?

In Sutter County, CA, plant Purslane after the last frost (around March 4) and before the first frost (around November 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Sutter County, CA for Purslane?

Sutter County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Purslane grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Purslane grow in Sutter County's climate?

Yes — Purslane grows well in Sutter County's temperate climate. Sutter County averages a 267-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 4 and first frost around November 26.

🌱

Your Sutter County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Sutter County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Sutter County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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