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When to Plant Purslane in Marion County, MS

Marion County, Mississippi Zone 8b May

This month in Marion County, Mississippi

May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Marion County, Mississippi.

Avg. last frost March 8
Avg. first frost November 20
Soil temp (4") 74°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.6 hrs
  1. Pick purslane

    If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.

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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.

Marion County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 257 days.

At an elevation of 330 feet, Marion County receives approximately 48.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Purslane during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Purslane, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Marion County, MS (Zone 8b) Long season
257 days
Last Spring Frost March 8
257 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20
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Marion County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Purslane

Purslane needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Purslane Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Dec 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Marion County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Purslane Planting Timeline — Marion County, MS

Purslane Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 1 Feb 1 – Feb 15
Transplant Outdoors March 8 Mar 8 – Mar 22
Direct Sow February 22 Feb 22 – Mar 15
Harvest April 19 Apr 19 – May 24
Fall Sowing September 11 Sep 11 – Sep 25

Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June
July
August
September Fall Sowing
October
November
December
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Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

40–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

257 days in Marion County

Growing Tips for Marion County

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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Purslane in Marion County, MS?

Marion County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Purslane planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Marion County, MS?

Marion County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 20.

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Your Marion County Garden Planner — Free

A 24-page printable planner built for Marion County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Marion County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: May 2026.

Sources & credits

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