When to plant Borage in Union County, FL
Aim to plant Borage in Union County on or after February 8; the window stays open through March 1. Union County's 271-day frost-free season gives you plenty of room for a spring and fall cycle. A second sowing from October 2 to October 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Union County, FL
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.
Union County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 271 days.
At an elevation of 360 feet, Union County receives approximately 60.6 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.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-6
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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Union County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Borage Planting Timeline — Union County, FL
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 1 | Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Direct Sow | February 8 | Feb 8 – Mar 1 |
| Harvest | April 19 | Apr 19 – Jun 7 |
| Fall Sowing | October 2 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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 9a
📆 Growing Season
271 days in Union County
Growing Tips for Union 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 →
Borage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Borage in Union County, FL?
Union County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 1. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, FL?
Union County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and first fall frost is November 27.
When should I plant Borage in Union County, FL?
In Union County, FL, plant Borage after the last frost (around March 1) and before the first frost (around November 27). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Union County, FL for Borage?
Union County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Borage grow in Union County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Union County's temperate climate. Union County averages a 271-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 1 and first frost around November 27.
Your Union County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Union County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.