When to plant Portulaca in Pinellas County, FL
The best window to plant Portulaca in Pinellas County, is December 21–January 11, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits January 25; first frost December 16.
When to Plant Portulaca in Pinellas County, FL
This month in Pinellas County, Florida
July is a pivotal month for Pinellas County, Florida gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Start harvesting portulaca
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Get ahead of August
- 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.
Pinellas County, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 25 and the first fall frost is December 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 325 days.
At an elevation of 246 feet, Pinellas County receives approximately 58.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Portulaca may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Portulaca will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Portulaca root diseases.
Pinellas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.1-6.2
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 Pinellas County
How your county's soil matches Portulaca's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.2) overlaps with Portulaca's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Pinellas County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Portulaca will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Portulaca.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.5%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Portulaca.
How to Plant Portulaca
Succession Planting Portulaca
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 07 to harvest before frost.
Portulaca Water Budget
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 | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Feb | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Pinellas 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 — Pinellas County, FL
Portulaca Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 28 | Dec 28 – Jan 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | December 21 | Dec 21 – Jan 4 |
| Direct Sow | December 21 | Dec 21 – Jan 11 |
| Bloom | February 8 | Feb 8 – Sep 13 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Bloom |
| March | Bloom |
| April | Bloom |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
325 days in Pinellas County
Growing Tips for Portulaca in Pinellas County
Direct sow Portulaca outdoors after January 25 in Pinellas County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Pinellas County dries quickly — mulch Portulaca with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 102°F in Pinellas County, provide afternoon shade for Portulaca and water deeply in the morning.
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 Pinellas County, FL?
Pinellas County is in Zone 10a with an average last frost of January 25. Plan your Portulaca planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pinellas County, FL?
Pinellas County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 25 and first fall frost is December 16.
When should I plant Portulaca in Pinellas County, FL?
In Pinellas County, FL, plant Portulaca after the last frost (around January 25) and before the first frost (around December 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pinellas County, FL for Portulaca?
Pinellas County sits in USDA Zone 10a. Portulaca grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Portulaca grow in Pinellas County's climate?
Yes — Portulaca grows well in Pinellas County's temperate climate. Pinellas County averages a 326-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 25 and first frost around December 16.
Your Pinellas County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pinellas County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.