When to Plant Borage in Brown County, MN
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.
Brown County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 1,199 feet, Brown County receives approximately 31.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Borage to ensure they mature before fall.
Brown County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
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 — Brown County, MN
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Fall Sowing | July 15 | Jul 15 – Jul 29 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Aug 6 |
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 | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | 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 4b
Growing Season
160 days
Growing Tips for Brown 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 Brown County, MN?
Brown County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Brown County, MN?
Brown County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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