When to Plant Portulaca in Foard County, TX
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.
Foard County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 24 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.
At an elevation of 1,496 feet, Foard County receives approximately 57.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Portulaca during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Portulaca root diseases.
Foard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.3
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Portulaca
Portulaca needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Portulaca Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Foard County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Portulaca Planting Timeline — Foard County, TX
Portulaca Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Direct Sow | March 17 | Mar 17 – Apr 7 |
| Bloom | May 5 | May 5 – Sep 29 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Bloom |
| June | Bloom |
| July | Bloom |
| August | Bloom |
| September | Bloom |
| October | — |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
232 days in Foard County
Growing Tips for Foard 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 Foard County, TX?
Foard County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 24. Plan your Portulaca planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Foard County, TX?
Foard County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 24 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Foard County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Foard County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.