When to Plant Borage in Wakulla County, FL
Top priorities for Wakulla County, Florida gardeners in May
Your garden in Wakulla County, Florida is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this May.
-
Basket week: borage
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Looking ahead to June
- First harvests: 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.
Wakulla County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 254 days.
At an elevation of 375 feet, Wakulla County receives approximately 48.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 95°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.
Wakulla County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-5.9
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 Wakulla County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–5.9) is more acidic than Borage prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Wakulla 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 (1.3%). 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 Sep 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 27.
Plant 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 | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.8" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Wakulla 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 — Wakulla County, FL
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Direct Sow | February 20 | Feb 20 – Mar 13 |
| Harvest | May 1 | May 1 – Jun 19 |
| Fall Sowing | September 27 | Sep 27 – Oct 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
254 days in Wakulla County
Growing Tips for Borage in Wakulla County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after March 13 in Wakulla County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Wakulla County dries quickly — mulch Borage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 Wakulla County, FL?
Wakulla County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wakulla County, FL?
Wakulla County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 22.
Your Wakulla County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Wakulla 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.