When to Plant Borage in Pipestone 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.
Pipestone County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 906 feet, Pipestone County receives approximately 37.4 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.
Pipestone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.8
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 — Pipestone County, MN
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Fall Sowing | July 10 | Jul 10 – Jul 24 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 10 |
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
151 days
Growing Tips for Pipestone 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 Pipestone County, MN?
Pipestone County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Pipestone County, MN?
Pipestone County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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