When to Plant Purslane in Jefferson Davis Parish, LA
Your May game plan for Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana.
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Basket week: purslane
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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.
Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 297 days.
At an elevation of 381 feet, Jefferson Davis Parish receives approximately 61.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Purslane may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Purslane will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Purslane root diseases.
Jefferson Davis Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.3
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 Jefferson Davis Parish
How your county's soil matches Purslane's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.3) overlaps with Purslane's range (5.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Jefferson Davis Parish warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Purslane will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Purslane prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (2.0%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Purslane.
How to Plant Purslane
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Purslane
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 12.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 5.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Jefferson Davis Parish). 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 — Jefferson Davis Parish, LA
Purslane Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 16 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Direct Sow | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 13 |
| Harvest | March 27 | Mar 27 – May 1 |
| Fall Sowing | October 12 | Oct 12 – Oct 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
297 days in Jefferson Davis Parish
Growing Tips for Purslane in Jefferson Davis Parish
Direct sow Purslane outdoors after February 13 in Jefferson Davis Parish when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Jefferson Davis Parish dries quickly — mulch Purslane with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Your generous 298.0-day season in Jefferson Davis Parish 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 Jefferson Davis Parish, LA?
Jefferson Davis Parish is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Purslane planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jefferson Davis Parish, LA?
Jefferson Davis Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 7.
Your Jefferson Davis Parish Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Jefferson Davis Parish (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.