When to Plant Borage in Caroline County, MD
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.
Caroline County, Maryland is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 214 days.
At an elevation of 469 feet, Caroline County receives approximately 40.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Caroline County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.8
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
Borage Planting Timeline — Caroline County, MD
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Direct Sow | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 11 |
| Fall Sowing | August 26 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Jul 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
214 days
Growing Tips for Caroline 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 Caroline County, MD?
Caroline County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Caroline County, MD?
Caroline County, Maryland is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is November 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Caroline County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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