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When to Plant Borage in Baca County, CO

Borage is a self-seeding annual herb with star-shaped blue flowers that attract pollinators. Its leaves have a cucumber-like flavor and the flowers are edible.

Baca County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.

At an elevation of 4,958 feet, Baca County receives approximately 12.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Borage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Baca County, CO (Zone 6a) Moderate season
182 days
Last Spring Frost April 19
182 growing days
First Fall Frost October 18

Baca County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.9

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (84 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 10 Transplant: Apr 7 🍅 Harvest: Jun 2 – Jul 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (84 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 15 Transplant: Apr 12 🍅 Harvest: Jun 7 – Jul 26
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (85 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 30 Transplant: Apr 27 🍅 Harvest: Jun 22 – Aug 10

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.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.3″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 420 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Borage needs ~962 GDD — county provides 3,185 GDD Excellent fit

Borage Planting Timeline โ€” Baca County, CO

Borage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 15 Mar 15 โ€“ Mar 29
Transplant Outdoors April 12 Apr 12 โ€“ Apr 26
Direct Sow April 5 Apr 5 โ€“ Apr 26
Fall Sowing August 9 Aug 9 โ€“ Aug 23
Harvest June 7 Jun 7 โ€“ Jul 26

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

50โ€“60 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

182 days

Growing Tips for Baca County

Direct sow in spring as borage does not transplant well. Allow some plants to go to seed for next year. Young leaves are best; older leaves become bristly.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Borage in Baca County, CO?

Baca County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Baca County, CO?

Baca County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 18.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Baca County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Baca County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.