When to Plant Borage in Grand Traverse 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.
Grand Traverse County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 149 days.
At an elevation of 787 feet, Grand Traverse County receives approximately 38.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Grand Traverse County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
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 — Grand Traverse County, MI
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 8 | Apr 8 – Apr 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
| Harvest | July 1 | Jul 1 – Aug 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing 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 5b
Growing Season
149 days
Growing Tips for Grand Traverse 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 Grand Traverse County, MI?
Grand Traverse County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Grand Traverse County, MI?
Grand Traverse County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 9.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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