When to Plant Portulaca in Augusta County, VA
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.
Augusta County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 889 feet, Augusta County receives approximately 51.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°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.
Augusta County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7.1
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 | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Augusta County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Portulaca Planting Timeline — Augusta County, VA
Portulaca Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 11 |
| Bloom | June 8 | Jun 8 – Oct 5 |
· 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
185 days in Augusta County
Growing Tips for Augusta 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 Augusta County, VA?
Augusta County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Portulaca planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Augusta County, VA?
Augusta County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 22.
Your Augusta County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Augusta 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.