When to plant Purslane in Cole County County,
Purslane planted in Cole County County between March 24 and April 14 matures in 60 days — well before the October 28 first frost. A second sowing from August 19 to September 2 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Purslane in Cole County, MO
Your June gardening checklist
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Cole County, Missouri this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Pick purslane
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
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.
Cole County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 614 feet, Cole County receives approximately 39.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Purslane during the growing season.
Cole County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Purslane 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 Cole County
How your county's soil matches Purslane's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.9) overlaps with Purslane's range (5.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cole County is excellent for Purslane — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Purslane prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). Annual compost additions will help Purslane.
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 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 19.
Purslane 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Cole 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 — Cole County, MO
Purslane Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Harvest | May 19 | May 19 – Jun 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
204 days in Cole County
Growing Tips for Purslane in Cole County
Direct sow Purslane outdoors after April 07 in Cole County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 204.0-day season in Cole 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 Cole County, MO?
Cole County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Purslane planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cole County, MO?
Cole County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 28.
When should I plant Purslane in Cole County County, ?
In Cole County County, , plant Purslane after the last frost (around April 7) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cole County County, for Purslane?
Cole County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Purslane grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Purslane grow in Cole County County's climate?
Yes — Purslane grows well in Cole County County's temperate climate. Cole County County averages a 204-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 7 and first frost around October 28.
Your Cole County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cole County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.