When to plant Borage in Autauga County, AL
Plant Borage in Autauga County, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 28. Continue planting through March 21 for the spring crop. A second sowing from September 5 to September 19 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Autauga County, AL
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.
Autauga County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.
At an elevation of 80 feet, Autauga County receives approximately 58.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Borage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Borage root diseases.
Autauga County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Borage
Borage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Borage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Autauga County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Borage Planting Timeline — Autauga County, AL
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Direct Sow | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 21 |
| Harvest | May 2 | May 2 – Jun 20 |
| Fall Sowing | September 5 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
245 days in Autauga County
Growing Tips for Autauga 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Borage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Borage in Autauga County, AL?
Autauga County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Autauga County, AL?
Autauga County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 14.
When should I plant Borage in Autauga County, AL?
In Autauga County, AL, plant Borage after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Autauga County, AL for Borage?
Autauga County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Borage grow in Autauga County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Autauga County's temperate climate. Autauga County averages a 245-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 14.
Your Autauga County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Autauga County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.