When to plant Borage in Champaign County, IL
Borage planted in Champaign County between March 31 and April 21 matures in 50–60 days — well before the October 19 first frost. A second sowing from August 10 to August 24 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Champaign County, IL
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.
Champaign County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 188 days.
At an elevation of 1,215 feet, Champaign County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Champaign County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-6.8
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Champaign County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Borage Planting Timeline — Champaign County, IL
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jul 21 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
188 days in Champaign County
Growing Tips for Champaign 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 Champaign County, IL?
Champaign County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Champaign County, IL?
Champaign County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 19.
When should I plant Borage in Champaign County, IL?
In Champaign County, IL, plant Borage after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 19). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Champaign County, IL for Borage?
Champaign County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Borage grow in Champaign County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Champaign County's temperate climate. Champaign County averages a 188-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 19.
Your Champaign County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Champaign County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.