When to plant Portulaca in Pine County County,
In Pine County County, Portulaca is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant May 24–June 14 for an 70-day harvest, finishing well before the September 29 first frost.
When to Plant Portulaca in Pine County, MN
Top priorities for Pine County, Minnesota gardeners in June
Your Pine County, Minnesota garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
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Start portulaca indoors
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
Get ahead of 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.
Pine County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.
At an elevation of 538 feet, Pine County receives approximately 33.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Portulaca to ensure they mature before fall.
Pine County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.3
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 Pine County
How your county's soil matches Portulaca's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.3) overlaps with Portulaca's range (5.5–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Pine County is excellent for Portulaca — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Portulaca will thrive.
How to Plant Portulaca
Succession Planting Portulaca
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 21 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Pine 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 — Pine County, MN
Portulaca Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 7 |
| Direct Sow | May 24 | May 24 – Jun 14 |
| Bloom | July 12 | Jul 12 – Sep 20 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
142 days in Pine County
Growing Tips for Portulaca in Pine County
Direct sow Portulaca outdoors after May 10 in Pine 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 Pine County, MN?
Pine County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Portulaca planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pine County, MN?
Pine County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 29.
When should I plant Portulaca in Pine County, ?
In Pine County, , plant Portulaca after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around September 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pine County, for Portulaca?
Pine County sits in USDA Zone 4a. Portulaca grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Portulaca grow in Pine County's climate?
Yes — Portulaca grows well in Pine County's temperate climate. Pine County averages a 142-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around September 29.
Your Pine County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Pine 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.