When to Plant Portulaca in Van Wert County, OH
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.
Van Wert County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 1,085 feet, Van Wert County receives approximately 41.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Portulaca to ensure they mature before fall.
Van Wert County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Portulaca Planting Timeline — Van Wert County, OH
Portulaca Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | May 2 | May 2 – May 23 |
| Bloom | June 20 | Jun 20 – Oct 3 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | Bloom |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
180 days in Van Wert County
Growing Tips for Van Wert County
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 Van Wert County, OH?
Van Wert County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Portulaca planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Van Wert County, OH?
Van Wert County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 22.
Your Van Wert County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Van Wert County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.