Purslane in Zone 4a & 4b
Portulaca oleracea sativa
When to plant purslane in zone 4b
Zones 4a and 4b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Purslane tolerates either.
| Start indoors | Apr 24–May 1 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 15–May 22 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 4–Jul 11 (~50 days after planting) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 4-8 in.
Purslane has a genuine identity crisis: most gardeners spend years pulling it as a weed before realizing the same succulent, mildly citrusy leaves are a legitimate salad green, and a cultivated selection exists specifically bred for eating.
How purslane fits zone 4's season
Zone 4b's frost-free window runs about 128 days, from May 15 to September 20. Purslane needs about 50 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Purslane.
Where to buy purslane seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing purslane" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 4b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Purslane in USDA zone 4b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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