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When to Plant Borage in Oktibbeha County, MS

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.

Oktibbeha County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and the first fall frost is November 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 229 days.

At an elevation of 430 feet, Oktibbeha County receives approximately 60.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92ยฐF, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Borage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Borage root diseases.

Oktibbeha County, MS (Zone 7b) Long season
229 days
Last Spring Frost March 23
229 growing days
First Fall Frost November 7

Oktibbeha County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.7-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (132 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 8 Transplant: Mar 8 🍅 Harvest: May 3 – Jun 21
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (131 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 16 Transplant: Mar 16 🍅 Harvest: May 11 – Jun 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (130 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 8 Transplant: Apr 5 🍅 Harvest: May 31 – Jul 19

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

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.1″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Borage needs ~1,045 GDD — county provides 4,351 GDD Excellent fit

Borage Planting Timeline โ€” Oktibbeha County, MS

Borage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 16 Feb 16 โ€“ Mar 2
Transplant Outdoors March 16 Mar 16 โ€“ Mar 30
Direct Sow March 9 Mar 9 โ€“ Mar 30
Fall Sowing August 29 Aug 29 โ€“ Sep 12
Harvest May 11 May 11 โ€“ Jun 29

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July โ€”
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

50โ€“60 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

229 days

Growing Tips for Oktibbeha 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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Borage in Oktibbeha County, MS?

Oktibbeha County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 23. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Oktibbeha County, MS?

Oktibbeha County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 23 and first fall frost is November 7.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Oktibbeha County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Oktibbeha County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.