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When to plant Borage in Modoc County County,

Plant Borage in Modoc County County after May 31; the prime window is May 17–June 7. A second sowing from July 13 to July 27 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Borage in Modoc 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.

Modoc County, California is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 113 days.

At an elevation of 2,205 feet, Modoc County receives approximately 28.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Borage to ensure they mature before fall.

Modoc County, CA (Zone 6b) Short season
113 days
Last Spring Frost May 31
113 growing days
First Fall Frost September 21

Modoc County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

5.9-7.4

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 5.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 5.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 0.7" 3.6" 🚿 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" 0.4" 3.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 5.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Borage Planting Timeline — Modoc County, CA

Borage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 26 Apr 26 – May 10
Transplant Outdoors May 24 May 24 – Jun 7
Direct Sow May 17 May 17 – Jun 7
Harvest July 19 Jul 19 – Sep 6
Fall Sowing July 13 Jul 13 – Jul 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

113 days in Modoc County

Growing Tips for Modoc 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 Modoc County, CA?

Modoc County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Modoc County, CA?

Modoc County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 21.

When should I plant Borage in Modoc County County, ?

In Modoc County County, , plant Borage after the last frost (around May 31) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Modoc County County, for Borage?

Modoc County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Borage grow in Modoc County County's climate?

Yes — Borage grows well in Modoc County County's temperate climate. Modoc County County averages a 113-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 31 and first frost around September 21.

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Your Modoc County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Modoc County (Zone 6b). 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 Modoc County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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