When to plant Borage in Merced County, CA
Plant Borage in Merced County, when soil hits 50°F — usually February 3. Continue planting through February 24 for the spring crop. A second sowing from October 3 to October 17 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Merced County, CA
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.
Merced County, California is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 24 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 269 feet, Merced County receives approximately 18.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°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.
Merced County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
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 | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 2.6" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.1" | 4.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0" | 4.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Merced County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Borage Planting Timeline — Merced County, CA
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 27 | Jan 27 – Feb 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 17 | Feb 17 – Mar 3 |
| Direct Sow | February 3 | Feb 3 – Feb 24 |
| Harvest | April 14 | Apr 14 – Jun 2 |
| Fall Sowing | October 3 | Oct 3 – Oct 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
277 days in Merced County
Growing Tips for Merced 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 Merced County, CA?
Merced County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 24. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Merced County, CA?
Merced County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 24 and first fall frost is November 28.
When should I plant Borage in Merced County, CA?
In Merced County, CA, plant Borage after the last frost (around February 24) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Merced County, CA for Borage?
Merced County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Borage grow in Merced County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Merced County's temperate climate. Merced County averages a 278-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 24 and first frost around November 28.
Your Merced County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Merced County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.