When to Plant Purslane in Dakota County, MN
This month in Dakota County, Minnesota
Each item below is timed to Dakota County, Minnesota's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Starting indoors: purslane
- 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.
Dakota County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.
At an elevation of 616 feet, Dakota County receives approximately 35.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Purslane to ensure they mature before fall.
Dakota County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
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 Dakota County
How your county's soil matches Purslane's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.0) is within Purslane's preferred range (5.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Dakota County is excellent for Purslane — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Purslane will thrive.
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 09 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 30.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Dakota 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 — Dakota County, MN
Purslane Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 14 | Apr 14 – May 5 |
| Harvest | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jul 14 |
| Fall Sowing | July 30 | Jul 30 – Aug 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
163 days in Dakota County
Growing Tips for Purslane in Dakota County
Direct sow Purslane outdoors after April 28 in Dakota County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 163.0-day season in Dakota 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 Dakota County, MN?
Dakota County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 28. Plan your Purslane planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dakota County, MN?
Dakota County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 28 and first fall frost is October 8.
Your Dakota County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Dakota County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.