When to Plant Borage in Inyo County, CA
May in Inyo County, California — your action list
Your garden in Inyo County, California is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
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.
Inyo County, California is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is January 15 and the first fall frost is December 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 329 days.
At an elevation of 4,562 feet, Inyo County receives approximately 16.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Borage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Inyo County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6-7.8
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 Inyo County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–7.8) overlaps with Borage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Inyo County is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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 Oct 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 01.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | 2.2" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Feb | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 0.5" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.1" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 0.6" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Inyo 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 — Inyo County, CA
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 11 | Dec 11 – Dec 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 8 | Jan 8 – Jan 22 |
| Direct Sow | January 1 | Jan 1 – Jan 22 |
| Harvest | March 5 | Mar 5 – Apr 23 |
| Fall Sowing | October 1 | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | — |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
329 days in Inyo County
Growing Tips for Borage in Inyo County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after January 15 in Inyo 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 Inyo County, CA?
Inyo County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of January 15. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Inyo County, CA?
Inyo County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is January 15 and first fall frost is December 10.
Your Inyo County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Inyo 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.