When to plant Portulaca in Grenada County County,
Spring Portulaca in Grenada County County goes in March 23–April 13, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing.
When to Plant Portulaca in Grenada County, MS
June to-do list for Grenada County, Mississippi
June is a pivotal month for Grenada County, Mississippi gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Bring in the portulaca
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
Before July arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Grenada County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.
At an elevation of 101 feet, Grenada County receives approximately 49.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Portulaca during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Portulaca, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Grenada County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.4
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 Grenada County
How your county's soil matches Portulaca's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.4) is within Portulaca's preferred range (5.5–7.0).
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Grenada County is excellent for Portulaca — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). Annual compost additions will help Portulaca.
How to Plant Portulaca
Succession Planting Portulaca
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 22 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 | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Oct in Grenada 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 — Grenada County, MS
Portulaca Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Bloom | May 11 | May 11 – Oct 5 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8a
📆 Growing Season
215 days in Grenada County
Growing Tips for Portulaca in Grenada County
Direct sow Portulaca outdoors after March 30 in Grenada County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Grenada County's clay soil (28% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Portulaca. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Grenada County, MS?
Grenada County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Portulaca planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grenada County, MS?
Grenada County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 31.
When should I plant Portulaca in Grenada County County, ?
In Grenada County County, , plant Portulaca after the last frost (around March 30) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Grenada County County, for Portulaca?
Grenada County County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Portulaca grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Portulaca grow in Grenada County County's climate?
Yes — Portulaca grows well in Grenada County County's temperate climate. Grenada County County averages a 215-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 30 and first frost around October 31.
Your Grenada County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Grenada County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.