When to Plant Borage in Boone County, MO
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.
Boone County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 727 feet, Boone County receives approximately 33.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Boone County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7.1
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 — Boone County, MO
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jul 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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
198 days
Growing Tips for Boone 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 Boone County, MO?
Boone County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Boone County, MO?
Boone County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 25.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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