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When to plant Borage in Clark County, ID

Clark County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Plant Borage between May 24 (after last frost on June 7) and June 14. A second sowing from July 2 to July 16 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Borage in Clark County, ID

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.

Clark County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 95 days.

At an elevation of 7,493 feet, Clark County receives approximately 21.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Borage to ensure they mature before fall.

Clark County, ID (Zone 5b) Very short season
95 days
Last Spring Frost June 7
95 growing days
First Fall Frost September 10

Clark County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.8

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2.2" 2.1" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jun–Sep in Clark County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Borage Planting Timeline — Clark County, ID

Borage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 3 May 3 – May 17
Transplant Outdoors May 31 May 31 – Jun 14
Direct Sow May 24 May 24 – Jun 14
Harvest July 26 Jul 26 – Sep 13
Fall Sowing July 2 Jul 2 – Jul 16

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
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

95 days in Clark County

Growing Tips for Clark 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 Clark County, ID?

Clark County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 7. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clark County, ID?

Clark County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 7 and first fall frost is September 10.

When should I plant Borage in Clark County, ID?

In Clark County, ID, plant Borage after the last frost (around June 7) and before the first frost (around September 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clark County, ID for Borage?

Clark 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 Clark County's climate?

Yes — Borage grows well in Clark County's temperate climate. Clark County averages a 95-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 7 and first frost around September 10.

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Your Clark County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clark 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 Clark County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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