When to plant Portulaca in LaGrange County, IN
In LaGrange County, plant Portulaca in spring between May 5 and May 26, once soil temps hold above 50°F. LaGrange County's last frost averages April 28, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 50–70 days before the first frost on October 16.
When to Plant Portulaca in LaGrange County, IN
July in the garden — LaGrange County, Indiana
Welcome to July in Zone 6a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Basket week: portulaca
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
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.
LaGrange County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 651 feet, LaGrange County receives approximately 41.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Portulaca during the growing season.
LaGrange County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.1
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 LaGrange County
How your county's soil matches Portulaca's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.1) overlaps with Portulaca's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in LaGrange County is excellent for Portulaca — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Portulaca will thrive.
How to Plant Portulaca
Succession Planting Portulaca
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 07 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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in LaGrange 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 — LaGrange County, IN
Portulaca Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | May 5 | May 5 – May 26 |
| Bloom | June 23 | Jun 23 – Oct 6 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Bloom |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
171 days in LaGrange County
Growing Tips for Portulaca in LaGrange County
Direct sow Portulaca outdoors after April 28 in LaGrange 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 LaGrange County, IN?
LaGrange County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Portulaca planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is LaGrange County, IN?
LaGrange County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Portulaca in LaGrange County, IN?
In LaGrange County, IN, plant Portulaca after the last frost (around April 28) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is LaGrange County, IN for Portulaca?
LaGrange 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 LaGrange County's climate?
Yes — Portulaca grows well in LaGrange County's temperate climate. LaGrange County averages a 171-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 28 and first frost around October 16.
Your LaGrange County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for LaGrange 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.