When to Plant Purslane in Morrow County, OR
Your May game plan for Morrow County, Oregon
A quick May briefing for Morrow County, Oregon gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Start purslane indoors
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
Get ahead of June
- 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.
Morrow County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 2,335 feet, Morrow County receives approximately 20.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Purslane during the growing season.
Morrow County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Morrow County
How your county's soil matches Purslane's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.8) overlaps with Purslane's range (5.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Morrow County is excellent for Purslane — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Purslane.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — Purslane will thrive.
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 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 06.
Plant 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 | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.7" | 1.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0.4" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.8" | 1.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Morrow 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 — Morrow County, OR
Purslane Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 11 | Apr 11 – May 2 |
| Harvest | June 6 | Jun 6 – Jul 11 |
| Fall Sowing | August 6 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
173 days in Morrow County
Growing Tips for Purslane in Morrow County
Direct sow Purslane outdoors after April 25 in Morrow County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 173.0-day season in Morrow County allows multiple plantings of Purslane. Sow every 20.0 days for continuous harvest.
Morrow County receives only 21" of rain annually. Purslane needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Morrow County, OR?
Morrow County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Purslane planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Morrow County, OR?
Morrow County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 15.
Your Morrow County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Morrow County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.