When to plant Borage in Chaffee County, CO
In Zone 5b (Chaffee County), direct-sow Borage between June 2 and June 23 for spring, after the June 16 last-frost mark. A second sowing from June 29 to July 13 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Chaffee County, CO
June in the garden — Chaffee County, Colorado
Your garden in Chaffee County, Colorado is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
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Harden off and plant borage
Harden off for 7 days — a little more sun each day — before planting. That's the difference between a seedling that thrives and one that stalls.
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Seed borage outdoors
Thin ruthlessly once seedlings are up. Crowded roots mean smaller crops from every plant.
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Get borage in for a late-season harvest
Keep young seedlings shaded and moist in summer heat. A row of taller crops works as natural shade.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- Starting indoors: borage
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.
Chaffee County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and the first fall frost is September 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.
At an elevation of 7,788 feet, Chaffee County receives approximately 18.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°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.
Chaffee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Borage 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 Chaffee County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.6) is more alkaline than Borage prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Chaffee County is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Borage.
How to Plant Borage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Borage Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.4" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Chaffee 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 — Chaffee County, CO
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | May 12 | May 12 – May 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jun 23 |
| Direct Sow | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jun 23 |
| Harvest | August 4 | Aug 4 – Sep 22 |
| Fall Sowing | June 29 | Jun 29 – Jul 13 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Start Indoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
83 days in Chaffee County
Growing Tips for Borage in Chaffee County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after June 16 in Chaffee 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 Chaffee County, CO?
Chaffee County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 16. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Chaffee County, CO?
Chaffee County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 16 and first fall frost is September 7.
When should I plant Borage in Chaffee County, CO?
In Chaffee County, CO, plant Borage after the last frost (around June 16) and before the first frost (around September 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Chaffee County, CO for Borage?
Chaffee County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Borage grow in Chaffee County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Chaffee County's temperate climate. Chaffee County averages a 83-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 16 and first frost around September 7.
Your Chaffee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Chaffee County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.