Warning: Undefined variable $min– in /var/www/html/pz-plugin/includes/class-when-to-plant-pool.php on line 140
When to plant Borage in Dundee,
Dundee sits in USDA Zone 10a. Plant Borage between January 4 (after last frost on January 25) and January 25. A second sowing from October 24 to November 7 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Dundee, FL
June to-do list for Polk County, Florida
Your Polk County, Florida garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for June and why each task matters now.
-
Survive, don't thrive
June-August is endurance gardening. Keep okra, peppers, sweet potatoes, and southern peas alive. Harvest everything daily before the heat damages produce on the vine.
-
Start fall tomato seeds indoors
Yes, indoors — under lights or in AC. They'll be ready to transplant in August when temperatures briefly moderate.
-
Add compost to empty beds
Empty beds get a thick layer of compost + mulch to suppress weeds and feed the soil for fall planting.
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.
Dundee, Florida is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 25 and the first fall frost is December 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 328 days.
At an elevation of 236 feet, Polk County receives approximately 58.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Borage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Borage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Borage root diseases.
Dundee Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-6.3
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 Dundee
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.3) is more acidic than Borage prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Polk County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Borage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Borage.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 20 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 24.
Borage Water Budget
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 | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Feb | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 9.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 2.2" | 2.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Polk 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 — Dundee, FL
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 28 | Dec 28 – Jan 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 18 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 |
| Direct Sow | January 4 | Jan 4 – Jan 25 |
| Harvest | March 15 | Mar 15 – May 3 |
| Fall Sowing | October 24 | Oct 24 – Nov 7 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | Fall Sowing |
| December | Start Indoors |
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_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
328 days in Polk County
Growing Tips for Borage in Dundee
Direct sow Borage outdoors after January 25 in Polk County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Polk County dries quickly — mulch Borage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Polk County, provide afternoon shade for Borage and water deeply in the morning.
With 58" of annual rainfall in Polk County, ensure good drainage for Borage — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
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
When should I plant Borage in Dundee, ?
In Dundee, , plant Borage after the last frost (around January 25) and before the first frost (around December 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Dundee, for Borage?
Dundee sits in USDA Zone 10a. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Borage grow in Dundee's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Dundee's temperate climate. Dundee averages a 329-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 25 and first frost around December 19.
Your Polk County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Polk County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.