When to plant Borage in Tazewell County, IL
In Tazewell County, plant Borage in spring between April 5 and April 26, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Tazewell County's last frost averages April 19, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 6 and August 20 — roughly 50–60 days before the first frost on October 15.
When to Plant Borage in Tazewell 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.
Tazewell County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 1,006 feet, Tazewell County receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Tazewell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Borage Planting Timeline — Tazewell County, IL
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 26 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jul 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 6 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| 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
179 days in Tazewell County
Growing Tips for Tazewell 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 Tazewell County, IL?
Tazewell County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Tazewell County, IL?
Tazewell County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 15.
When should I plant Borage in Tazewell County, IL?
In Tazewell County, IL, plant Borage after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Tazewell County, IL for Borage?
Tazewell 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 Tazewell County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Tazewell County's temperate climate. Tazewell County averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 15.
Your Tazewell County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Tazewell 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.