When to Plant Borage in Gallatin County, MT
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.
Gallatin County, Montana is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 8 and the first fall frost is September 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 103 days.
At an elevation of 8,376 feet, Gallatin County receives approximately 12.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Borage to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Borage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Gallatin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-8.1
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Borage Planting Timeline — Gallatin County, MT
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 15 |
| Direct Sow | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jun 22 |
| Fall Sowing | June 27 | Jun 27 – Jul 11 |
| Harvest | July 27 | Jul 27 – Sep 14 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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
103 days
Growing Tips for Gallatin 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 Gallatin County, MT?
Gallatin County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of June 8. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gallatin County, MT?
Gallatin County, Montana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is June 8 and first fall frost is September 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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