When to plant Purslane in Iron County County,
The best window to plant Purslane in Iron County County, is April 2–April 23, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 16; first frost October 21. A second sowing from August 12 to August 26 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Purslane in Iron County, MO
Iron County, Missouri gardeners: here's your June plan
Each item below is timed to Iron County, Missouri's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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It's harvest week for purslane
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Get ahead of July
- First harvests: purslane
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.
Iron County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 188 days.
At an elevation of 1,227 feet, Iron County receives approximately 35.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Purslane during the growing season.
Iron County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.7
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 Iron County
How your county's soil matches Purslane's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.7) is within Purslane's preferred range (5.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Iron 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 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 12.
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Iron 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 — Iron County, MO
Purslane Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 2 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
188 days in Iron County
Growing Tips for Purslane in Iron County
Direct sow Purslane outdoors after April 16 in Iron County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 188.0-day season in Iron 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 Iron County, MO?
Iron County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Purslane planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Iron County, MO?
Iron County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 21.
When should I plant Purslane in Iron County County, ?
In Iron County County, , plant Purslane after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Iron County County, for Purslane?
Iron 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 Iron County County's climate?
Yes — Purslane grows well in Iron County County's temperate climate. Iron County County averages a 188-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 21.
Your Iron County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Iron 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.