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When to plant Borage in Rio Blanco County, CO

Plant Borage in Rio Blanco County, when soil hits 50°F — usually May 19. Continue planting through June 9 for the spring crop. A second sowing from July 9 to July 23 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Borage in Rio Blanco County, CO

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.

Rio Blanco County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 2 and the first fall frost is September 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 107 days.

At an elevation of 6,974 feet, Rio Blanco County receives approximately 19 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.

Rio Blanco County, CO (Zone 5b) Short season
107 days
Last Spring Frost June 2
107 growing days
First Fall Frost September 17

Rio Blanco County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Borage Planting Timeline — Rio Blanco County, CO

Borage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 28 Apr 28 – May 12
Transplant Outdoors May 26 May 26 – Jun 9
Direct Sow May 19 May 19 – Jun 9
Harvest July 21 Jul 21 – Sep 8
Fall Sowing July 9 Jul 9 – Jul 23

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 5b

📆 Growing Season

107 days in Rio Blanco County

Growing Tips for Rio Blanco 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 Rio Blanco County, CO?

Rio Blanco County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 2. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Rio Blanco County, CO?

Rio Blanco County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 2 and first fall frost is September 17.

When should I plant Borage in Rio Blanco County, CO?

In Rio Blanco County, CO, plant Borage after the last frost (around June 2) and before the first frost (around September 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Rio Blanco County, CO for Borage?

Rio Blanco 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 Rio Blanco County's climate?

Yes — Borage grows well in Rio Blanco County's temperate climate. Rio Blanco County averages a 107-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 2 and first frost around September 17.

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Your Rio Blanco County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Rio Blanco 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.

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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 Rio Blanco County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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