Purslane in Zone 9a & 9b
Portulaca oleracea sativa
When to plant purslane in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 | Jan 25–Feb 1 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 15–Feb 22 |
| Estimated harvest | Apr 6–Apr 13 (~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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 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 9b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Purslane in USDA zone 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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