When to plant Borage in Jerome County County,
Jerome County County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Plant Borage between April 26 (after last frost on May 10) and May 17. A second sowing from July 26 to August 9 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Jerome County, ID
Your June planting checklist for Jerome County, Idaho
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Time to start borage inside
Give them 6–8 weeks indoors before the last frost and you'll transplant into warm soil with seedlings that are already leaping.
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Pick borage
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- First harvests: borage
- Fall sowing: 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.
Jerome County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 147 days.
At an elevation of 6,306 feet, Jerome County receives approximately 13.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°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.
Jerome County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.9
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 Jerome County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.9) is more alkaline than Borage prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Jerome County is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Borage.
How to Plant Borage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Borage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 26.
Borage Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 2.2" | 1.5" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 2.2" | 1" | 1.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.1" | 1.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Jerome 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 — Jerome County, ID
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | June 28 | Jun 28 – Aug 16 |
| Fall Sowing | July 26 | Jul 26 – Aug 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
147 days in Jerome County
Growing Tips for Borage in Jerome County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after May 10 in Jerome County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Jerome County, ID?
Jerome County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jerome County, ID?
Jerome County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 4.
When should I plant Borage in Jerome County, ?
In Jerome County, , plant Borage after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 4). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Jerome County, for Borage?
Jerome County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Borage grow in Jerome County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Jerome County's temperate climate. Jerome County averages a 147-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 4.
Your Jerome County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jerome County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.