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When to plant Borage in Phillips County, AR

The best window to plant Borage in Phillips County, is February 28–March 21, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits March 14; first frost November 12. A second sowing from September 3 to September 17 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Borage in Phillips County, AR

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.

Phillips County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 243 days.

At an elevation of 678 feet, Phillips County receives approximately 50 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.

Phillips County, AR (Zone 8a) Long season
243 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
243 growing days
First Fall Frost November 12

Phillips County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.7

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 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Dec 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Phillips County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Borage Planting Timeline — Phillips County, AR

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 3 Sep 3 – Sep 17

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

243 days in Phillips County

Growing Tips for Phillips 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Borage in Phillips County, AR?

Phillips County is in Zone 8a 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 Phillips County, AR?

Phillips County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 12.

When should I plant Borage in Phillips County, AR?

In Phillips County, AR, plant Borage after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Phillips County, AR for Borage?

Phillips County sits in USDA Zone 8a. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Borage grow in Phillips County's climate?

Yes — Borage grows well in Phillips County's temperate climate. Phillips County averages a 243-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 12.

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Your Phillips County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Phillips County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Phillips County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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