When to Plant Borage in Armstrong County, PA
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.
Armstrong County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 172 days.
At an elevation of 213 feet, Armstrong County receives approximately 49.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Armstrong County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.3
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 — Armstrong County, PA
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 25 | Mar 25 – Apr 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 6 |
| Direct Sow | April 15 | Apr 15 – May 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
| Harvest | June 17 | Jun 17 – Aug 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
172 days
Growing Tips for Armstrong 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 Armstrong County, PA?
Armstrong County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Armstrong County, PA?
Armstrong County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 18.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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