When to Plant Borage in Sacramento County, CA
May to-do list for Sacramento County, California
May is a pivotal month for Sacramento County, California gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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It's harvest week for borage
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
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.
Sacramento County, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 292 days.
At an elevation of 263 feet, Sacramento County receives approximately 33.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Sacramento County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.1
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 Sacramento County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–7.1) overlaps with Borage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Sacramento County is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Borage.
How to Plant Borage
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Borage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 06.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 6.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 0.8" | 1.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 0.2" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 0" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 0.3" | 1.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 2.2" | 5.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Sacramento 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 — Sacramento County, CA
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 15 | Jan 15 – Jan 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Direct Sow | January 22 | Jan 22 – Feb 12 |
| Harvest | April 2 | Apr 2 – May 21 |
| Fall Sowing | October 6 | Oct 6 – Oct 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
292 days in Sacramento County
Growing Tips for Borage in Sacramento County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after February 12 in Sacramento 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 Sacramento County, CA?
Sacramento County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 12. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sacramento County, CA?
Sacramento County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 12 and first fall frost is December 1.
Your Sacramento County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Sacramento County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.