When to plant Purslane in Douglas County County,
Plant Purslane in Douglas County County, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 26. Continue planting through April 16 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 16 to August 30 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Purslane in Douglas County, MO
Douglas County, Missouri gardeners: here's your June plan
June is a pivotal month for Douglas County, Missouri gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Pick purslane
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Douglas County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 758 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Purslane during the growing season.
Douglas County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.9
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 Douglas County
How your county's soil matches Purslane's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.9) is within Purslane's preferred range (5.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Douglas County is excellent for Purslane — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
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 26 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 16.
Purslane Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Douglas 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 — Douglas County, MO
Purslane Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
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 | — |
| 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Douglas County
Growing Tips for Purslane in Douglas County
Direct sow Purslane outdoors after April 09 in Douglas County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 199.0-day season in Douglas 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 Douglas County, MO?
Douglas County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Purslane planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Douglas County, MO?
Douglas County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Purslane in Douglas County County, ?
In Douglas County County, , plant Purslane after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Douglas County County, for Purslane?
Douglas County County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Purslane grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Purslane grow in Douglas County County's climate?
Yes — Purslane grows well in Douglas County County's temperate climate. Douglas County County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.
Your Douglas County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Douglas County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.