When to Plant Borage in Rush County, KS
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.
Rush County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 759 feet, Rush County receives approximately 21.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Rush County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.3
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.
Soil Compatibility in Rush County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.3) overlaps with Borage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Rush County is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Borage.
How to Plant Borage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Borage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 06.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Borage Planting Timeline — Rush County, KS
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 6 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Rush County
Growing Tips for Borage in Rush County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after April 24 in Rush County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 Rush County, KS?
Rush County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rush County, KS?
Rush County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 15.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Rush County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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