When to plant Purslane in McHenry County, IL
For Purslane in McHenry County, the safe spring window opens around April 4 and closes around April 25. Last expected frost is April 18, first fall frost October 20, giving a 185-day growing season. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Purslane in McHenry County, IL
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.
McHenry County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 640 feet, McHenry County receives approximately 39.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Purslane to ensure they mature before fall.
McHenry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Purslane Planting Timeline — McHenry County, IL
Purslane Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | May 30 | May 30 – Jul 4 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
185 days in McHenry County
Growing Tips for McHenry 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 →
Purslane in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Purslane in McHenry County, IL?
McHenry County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Purslane planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McHenry County, IL?
McHenry County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 20.
When should I plant Purslane in McHenry County, IL?
In McHenry County, IL, plant Purslane after the last frost (around April 18) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is McHenry County, IL for Purslane?
McHenry County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Purslane grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Purslane grow in McHenry County's climate?
Yes — Purslane grows well in McHenry County's temperate climate. McHenry County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 18 and first frost around October 20.
Your McHenry County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for McHenry 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.