When to plant Portulaca in Teller County, CO
Teller County sits in cold Zone 5b. Plant Portulaca May 18–June 8 for the single annual harvest; the October 6 first frost closes the window.
When to Plant Portulaca in Teller County, CO
This month in Teller County, Colorado
July is a pivotal month for Teller County, Colorado gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Collect portulaca at their peak
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
To set up a strong August, finish these tasks
- 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.
Teller County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 148 days.
At an elevation of 6,538 feet, Teller County receives approximately 19.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Portulaca to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Portulaca successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Teller County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.1
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 Teller County
How your county's soil matches Portulaca's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.1) is more alkaline than Portulaca prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Teller County is excellent for Portulaca — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Portulaca.
How to Plant Portulaca
Succession Planting Portulaca
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 28 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Teller 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 — Teller County, CO
Portulaca Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Direct Sow | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 8 |
| Bloom | July 6 | Jul 6 – Oct 12 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
148 days in Teller County
Growing Tips for Portulaca in Teller County
Direct sow Portulaca outdoors after May 11 in Teller County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Teller County receives only 20" of rain annually. Portulaca needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Teller County, CO?
Teller County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Portulaca planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Teller County, CO?
Teller County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Portulaca in Teller County, CO?
In Teller County, CO, plant Portulaca after the last frost (around May 11) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Teller County, CO for Portulaca?
Teller County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Portulaca grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Portulaca grow in Teller County's climate?
Yes — Portulaca grows well in Teller County's temperate climate. Teller County averages a 148-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 11 and first frost around October 6.
Your Teller County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Teller County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.