When to Plant Purslane in Lincoln County, KS
May in the garden — Lincoln County, Kansas
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Lincoln County, Kansas.
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Indoor seed-starting week for purslane
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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Harvest purslane as they ripen
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- First harvests: purslane
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.
Lincoln County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 822 feet, Lincoln County receives approximately 29 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Purslane to ensure they mature before fall.
Lincoln County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Lincoln County
How your county's soil matches Purslane's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.5) is within Purslane's preferred range (5.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Lincoln County is excellent for Purslane — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). Annual compost additions will help Purslane.
How to Plant Purslane
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Purslane
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 09.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Purslane
Purslane 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 | Purslane Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lincoln County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Purslane 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.
Purslane Planting Timeline — Lincoln County, KS
Purslane Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
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 | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
185 days in Lincoln County
Growing Tips for Purslane in Lincoln County
Direct sow Purslane outdoors after April 16 in Lincoln County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 185.0-day season in Lincoln County allows multiple plantings of Purslane. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
General growing tips
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 Lincoln County, KS?
Lincoln County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Purslane planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lincoln County, KS?
Lincoln County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 18.
Your Lincoln County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lincoln 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.