Purslane in Zone 5a & 5b
Portulaca oleracea sativa
When to plant purslane in zone 5b
Zones 5a and 5b 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 19–Apr 26 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 10–May 17 |
| Estimated harvest | Jun 29–Jul 6 (~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 5's season
Zone 5b's frost-free window runs about 148 days, from May 10 to October 5. 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 5b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Purslane in USDA zone 5b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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