When to plant Portulaca in Jackson County, FL
Portulaca planted in Jackson County between February 20 and March 13 matures in 50–70 days — well before the November 19 first frost.
When to Plant Portulaca in Jackson County, FL
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.
Jackson County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and the first fall frost is November 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 258 days.
At an elevation of 223 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 48.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Portulaca during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Portulaca will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients.
Jackson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Portulaca Planting Timeline — Jackson County, FL
Portulaca Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 6 |
| Direct Sow | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 13 |
| Bloom | April 10 | Apr 10 – Oct 16 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
258 days in Jackson County
Growing Tips for Jackson County
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 Jackson County, FL?
Jackson County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 6. Plan your Portulaca planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jackson County, FL?
Jackson County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 6 and first fall frost is November 19.
When should I plant Portulaca in Jackson County, FL?
In Jackson County, FL, plant Portulaca after the last frost (around March 6) and before the first frost (around November 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Jackson County, FL for Portulaca?
Jackson County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Portulaca grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Portulaca grow in Jackson County's climate?
Yes — Portulaca grows well in Jackson County's temperate climate. Jackson County averages a 258-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 6 and first frost around November 19.
Your Jackson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jackson County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.