When to Plant Borage in Delaware 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.
Delaware County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.
At an elevation of 1,094 feet, Delaware County receives approximately 38.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Delaware County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.2
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.
Soil Compatibility in Delaware County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.2) is more acidic than Borage prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Delaware County is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Borage.
How to Plant Borage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Borage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 15.
Plant Water Budget
Borage Planting Timeline — Delaware County, PA
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
191 days in Delaware County
Growing Tips for Borage in Delaware County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after April 16 in Delaware County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 Delaware County, PA?
Delaware County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Delaware County, PA?
Delaware County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Delaware County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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