When to Plant Borage in McDonald 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.
McDonald County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 977 feet, McDonald County receives approximately 39.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
McDonald County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.5
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 — McDonald County, MO
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 15 |
| Direct Sow | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Harvest | May 27 | May 27 – Jul 15 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
202 days
Growing Tips for McDonald 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 McDonald County, MO?
McDonald County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 8. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McDonald County, MO?
McDonald County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 8 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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