When to Plant Borage in Cass County, MI
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.
Cass County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 1,030 feet, Cass County receives approximately 34.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Cass County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
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 — Cass County, MI
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Aug 5 |
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 Harvest |
| 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
171 days
Growing Tips for Cass 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 Cass County, MI?
Cass County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cass County, MI?
Cass County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Cass County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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