When to Plant Purslane in Yakima County, WA
May in the garden — Yakima County, Washington
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Yakima County, Washington this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
-
Plant out purslane
Your last frost (May 6) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
Looking ahead to June
- Starting indoors: purslane
- 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.
Yakima County, Washington is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.
At an elevation of 3,150 feet, Yakima County receives approximately 18 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Purslane during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Purslane successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Yakima County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.3
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 Yakima County
How your county's soil matches Purslane's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.3) is within Purslane's preferred range (5.5–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Yakima County is excellent for Purslane — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — 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 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 25.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 1" | 1.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.6" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.6" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Yakima 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 — Yakima County, WA
Purslane Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Jul 22 |
| Fall Sowing | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
40–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 5.5–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
150 days in Yakima County
Growing Tips for Purslane in Yakima County
Direct sow Purslane outdoors after May 06 in Yakima County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Yakima County receives only 18" 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 Yakima County, WA?
Yakima County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 6. Plan your Purslane planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Yakima County, WA?
Yakima County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 6 and first fall frost is October 3.
Your Yakima County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Yakima 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.