When to plant Portulaca in Comanche County, KS
Plant Portulaca in Comanche County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 22. Continue planting through May 13 for the spring crop.
When to Plant Portulaca in Comanche County, KS
Top priorities for Comanche County, Kansas gardeners in June
A quick June briefing for Comanche County, Kansas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Start harvesting portulaca
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
July prep starts now
- 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.
Comanche County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 695 feet, Comanche County receives approximately 28.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Portulaca during the growing season.
Comanche County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.5
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 Comanche County
How your county's soil matches Portulaca's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.5) is more alkaline than Portulaca prefers (5.5–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Comanche County is excellent for Portulaca — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.8%). Annual compost additions will help Portulaca.
How to Plant Portulaca
Succession Planting Portulaca
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 15 to harvest before frost.
Portulaca Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.6" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Comanche 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 — Comanche County, KS
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 30 |
· 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
192 days in Comanche County
Growing Tips for Portulaca in Comanche County
Direct sow Portulaca outdoors after April 15 in Comanche 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 Comanche County, KS?
Comanche County is in Zone 6b 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 Comanche County, KS?
Comanche County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Portulaca in Comanche County, KS?
In Comanche County, KS, plant Portulaca after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Comanche County, KS for Portulaca?
Comanche County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Portulaca grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Portulaca grow in Comanche County's climate?
Yes — Portulaca grows well in Comanche County's temperate climate. Comanche County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 24.
Your Comanche County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Comanche County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.