When to plant Portulaca in Ringgold County County,
In Ringgold County County, plant Portulaca in spring between April 30 and May 21, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Ringgold County County's last frost averages April 23, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between and — roughly 70 days before the first frost on October 11.
When to Plant Portulaca in Ringgold County, IA
Top priorities for Ringgold County, Iowa gardeners in June
Your garden in Ringgold County, Iowa is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Start harvesting portulaca
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Ringgold County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 1,349 feet, Ringgold County receives approximately 40.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Portulaca during the growing season.
Ringgold County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.7
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 Ringgold County
How your county's soil matches Portulaca's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.7) is within Portulaca's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ringgold County is excellent for Portulaca — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Portulaca will thrive.
How to Plant Portulaca
Succession Planting Portulaca
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 02 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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ringgold 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 — Ringgold County, IA
Portulaca Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Bloom | June 18 | Jun 18 – Sep 24 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
171 days in Ringgold County
Growing Tips for Portulaca in Ringgold County
Direct sow Portulaca outdoors after April 23 in Ringgold 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 Ringgold County, IA?
Ringgold County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Portulaca planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ringgold County, IA?
Ringgold County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Portulaca in Ringgold County County, ?
In Ringgold County County, , plant Portulaca after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ringgold County County, for Portulaca?
Ringgold County County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Portulaca grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Portulaca grow in Ringgold County County's climate?
Yes — Portulaca grows well in Ringgold County County's temperate climate. Ringgold County County averages a 171-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 11.
Your Ringgold County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ringgold 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.