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When to Plant Borage in Storey County, NV

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.

Storey County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.

At an elevation of 4,167 feet, Storey County receives approximately 11 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Borage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Borage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Storey County, NV (Zone 6b) Moderate season
151 days
Last Spring Frost May 12
151 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Storey County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.2-8.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (57 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 27 Transplant: Apr 24 🍅 Harvest: Jun 19 – Aug 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (53 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 7 Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Jun 30 – Aug 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (44 days to spare)
Start indoors: May 2 Transplant: May 30 🍅 Harvest: Jul 25 – Sep 12

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
0.3″/week
You supply
0.4″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 555 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 10/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Borage needs ~1,128 GDD — county provides 3,095 GDD Excellent fit

Borage Planting Timeline โ€” Storey County, NV

Borage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 7 Apr 7 โ€“ Apr 21
Transplant Outdoors May 5 May 5 โ€“ May 19
Direct Sow April 28 Apr 28 โ€“ May 19
Fall Sowing August 1 Aug 1 โ€“ Aug 15
Harvest June 30 Jun 30 โ€“ Aug 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April Start Indoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September โ€”
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 6b

Growing Season

151 days

Growing Tips for Storey 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 Storey County, NV?

Storey County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Storey County, NV?

Storey County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 10.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Storey County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Storey County, NV. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.