When to Plant Borage in Crawford County, IL
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.
Crawford County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 555 feet, Crawford County receives approximately 33 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Crawford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Borage Planting Timeline — Crawford County, IL
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Fall Sowing | August 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
| Harvest | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jul 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
50–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
192 days
Growing Tips for Crawford 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
Borage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Borage in Crawford County, IL?
Crawford County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crawford County, IL?
Crawford County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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