When to plant Portulaca in Simpson County, KY
For Portulaca in Simpson County, the safe spring window opens around April 6 and closes around April 27. Last expected frost is April 6, first fall frost October 29, giving a 206-day growing season.
When to Plant Portulaca in Simpson County, KY
Your June gardening checklist
Each item below is timed to Simpson County, Kentucky's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Basket week: portulaca
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- 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.
Simpson County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 3,996 feet, Simpson County receives approximately 49.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Portulaca during the growing season.
Simpson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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 Simpson County
How your county's soil matches Portulaca's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.7) is within Portulaca's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Simpson County is excellent for Portulaca — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Portulaca prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Portulaca.
How to Plant Portulaca
Succession Planting Portulaca
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 20 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 | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Simpson 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 — Simpson County, KY
Portulaca Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Bloom | May 25 | May 25 – Sep 21 |
· 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
206 days in Simpson County
Growing Tips for Portulaca in Simpson County
Direct sow Portulaca outdoors after April 06 in Simpson 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 Simpson County, KY?
Simpson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Portulaca planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Simpson County, KY?
Simpson County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 29.
When should I plant Portulaca in Simpson County, KY?
In Simpson County, KY, plant Portulaca after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Simpson County, KY for Portulaca?
Simpson 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 Simpson County's climate?
Yes — Portulaca grows well in Simpson County's temperate climate. Simpson County averages a 206-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 29.
Your Simpson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Simpson 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.