When to plant Portulaca in Crawford County County,
Plant Portulaca in Crawford County County from April 8 to April 29 in spring. Crawford County County sits in USDA Zone 7a, with last frost around April 8 and first frost on October 26.
When to Plant Portulaca in Crawford County, KS
June to-do list for Crawford County, Kansas
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Crawford County, Kansas.
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Bring in the portulaca
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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.
Crawford County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 813 feet, Crawford County receives approximately 33.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Portulaca during the growing season.
Crawford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
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 Crawford County
How your county's soil matches Portulaca's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.1) overlaps with Portulaca's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Crawford County is excellent for Portulaca — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Portulaca.
How to Plant Portulaca
Succession Planting Portulaca
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 17 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 | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Crawford 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 — Crawford County, KS
Portulaca Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Direct Sow | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 29 |
| Bloom | May 27 | May 27 – Sep 23 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Bloom |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
201 days in Crawford County
Growing Tips for Portulaca in Crawford County
Direct sow Portulaca outdoors after April 08 in Crawford 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 Crawford County, KS?
Crawford County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Portulaca planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crawford County, KS?
Crawford County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Portulaca in Crawford County County, ?
In Crawford County County, , plant Portulaca after the last frost (around April 8) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Crawford County County, for Portulaca?
Crawford County County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Portulaca grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Portulaca grow in Crawford County County's climate?
Yes — Portulaca grows well in Crawford County County's temperate climate. Crawford County County averages a 201-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 8 and first frost around October 26.
Your Crawford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Crawford County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.