When to plant Portulaca in DeWitt County, IL
Plant Portulaca in DeWitt County after April 15; the prime window is April 22–May 13.
When to Plant Portulaca in DeWitt County, IL
DeWitt County, Illinois gardeners: here's your July plan
Here's what deserves your attention in DeWitt County, Illinois this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Harvest portulaca as they ripen
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Looking ahead to 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.
DeWitt County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 801 feet, DeWitt County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Portulaca to ensure they mature before fall.
DeWitt County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
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 DeWitt County
How your county's soil matches Portulaca's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.0) is within Portulaca's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in DeWitt County is excellent for Portulaca — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Portulaca.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — Portulaca will thrive.
How to Plant Portulaca
Succession Planting Portulaca
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 08 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in DeWitt 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 — DeWitt County, IL
Portulaca Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Bloom | June 10 | Jun 10 – Sep 23 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
185 days in DeWitt County
Growing Tips for Portulaca in DeWitt County
Direct sow Portulaca outdoors after April 15 in DeWitt 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 DeWitt County, IL?
DeWitt County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Portulaca planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is DeWitt County, IL?
DeWitt County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Portulaca in DeWitt County, IL?
In DeWitt County, IL, plant Portulaca after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is DeWitt County, IL for Portulaca?
DeWitt County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Portulaca grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Portulaca grow in DeWitt County's climate?
Yes — Portulaca grows well in DeWitt County's temperate climate. DeWitt County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 17.
Your DeWitt County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for DeWitt County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.