When to plant Borage in Edwards County, IL
Plant Borage in Edwards County after April 9; the prime window is March 26–April 16. A second sowing from August 19 to September 2 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Edwards 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.
Edwards County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 1,374 feet, Edwards County receives approximately 35.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Edwards County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Borage Planting Timeline — Edwards County, IL
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
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 | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
202 days in Edwards County
Growing Tips for Edwards 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 Edwards County, IL?
Edwards County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Edwards County, IL?
Edwards County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 28.
When should I plant Borage in Edwards County, IL?
In Edwards County, IL, plant Borage after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Edwards County, IL for Borage?
Edwards 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 Edwards County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Edwards County's temperate climate. Edwards County averages a 202-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 28.
Your Edwards County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Edwards 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.