When to Plant Borage in Teton County, WY
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.
Teton County, Wyoming is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 82 days.
At an elevation of 6,591 feet, Teton County receives approximately 19.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°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.
Teton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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 Teton County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.6) is more alkaline than Borage prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Teton County is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Borage.
How to Plant Borage
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Borage
Borage needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Borage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Teton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Borage Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Borage Planting Timeline — Teton County, WY
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jun 23 |
| Direct Sow | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jun 30 |
| Harvest | August 4 | Aug 4 – Sep 22 |
| Fall Sowing | June 14 | Jun 14 – Jun 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
82 days in Teton County
Growing Tips for Borage in Teton County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after June 16 in Teton 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Borage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Borage in Teton County, WY?
Teton County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Teton County, WY?
Teton County, Wyoming is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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