When to Plant Purslane in Lake County, MN
Your May planting checklist for Lake County, Minnesota
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Direct-sow purslane
Mark the row. Birds and stray feet both have opinions about unmarked beds.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Transplants going out: purslane
- Fall sowing: 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.
Lake County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 1 and the first fall frost is September 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 103 days.
At an elevation of 1,191 feet, Lake County receives approximately 36.6 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.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
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 Lake County
How your county's soil matches Purslane's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–6.8) is within Purslane's preferred range (5.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lake County is excellent for Purslane — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Purslane.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.1%) — Purslane will thrive.
How to Plant Purslane
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Purslane
Sow every 4.6 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 14 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 20.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 4.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Lake 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 — Lake County, MN
Purslane Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 |
| Direct Sow | May 25 | May 25 – Jun 15 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Aug 17 |
| Fall Sowing | June 20 | Jun 20 – Jul 4 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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 4a
📆 Growing Season
103 days in Lake County
Growing Tips for Purslane in Lake County
Direct sow Purslane outdoors after June 01 in Lake County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Lake County, MN?
Lake County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of June 1. Plan your Purslane planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, MN?
Lake County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 1 and first fall frost is September 12.
Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Lake County (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.