When to Plant Portulaca in Roberts 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.
Roberts County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.
At an elevation of 1,068 feet, Roberts County receives approximately 51 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Portulaca may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Portulaca will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Portulaca root diseases.
Roberts County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Portulaca Planting Timeline — Roberts County, TX
Portulaca Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Bloom | June 5 | Jun 5 – Oct 2 |
· 8" apart · Rows 10" 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 | 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 7a
📆 Growing Season
190 days in Roberts County
Growing Tips for Roberts 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 Roberts County, TX?
Roberts County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Portulaca planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Roberts County, TX?
Roberts County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 24.
Your Roberts County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Roberts 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.