When to Plant Purslane in Plymouth County, MA
Your May planting checklist for Plymouth County, Massachusetts
May is a pivotal month for Plymouth County, Massachusetts gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Get purslane seeds going inside
Give them 6–8 weeks indoors before the last frost and you'll transplant into warm soil with seedlings that are already leaping.
-
Collect purslane at their peak
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.
Plymouth County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 947 feet, Plymouth County receives approximately 46.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Purslane during the growing season.
Plymouth County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.6
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 Plymouth County
How your county's soil matches Purslane's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.6) overlaps with Purslane's range (5.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Plymouth County is excellent for Purslane — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.6%). 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 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 17.
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 | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Plymouth 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 — Plymouth County, MA
Purslane Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Direct Sow | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 25 |
| Harvest | May 30 | May 30 – Jul 4 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Plymouth County
Growing Tips for Purslane in Plymouth County
Direct sow Purslane outdoors after April 18 in Plymouth County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 191.0-day season in Plymouth 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 Plymouth County, MA?
Plymouth County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Purslane planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Plymouth County, MA?
Plymouth County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 26.
Your Plymouth County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Plymouth 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.