When to plant Borage in Carroll County, IA
For Carroll County, gardeners: plant Borage April 13 through May 4 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from July 27 to August 10 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Carroll County, IA
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.
Carroll County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 5, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.
At an elevation of 751 feet, Carroll County receives approximately 38.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Carroll County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Borage Planting Timeline — Carroll County, IA
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Aug 3 |
| Fall Sowing | July 27 | Jul 27 – Aug 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors 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
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
161 days in Carroll County
Growing Tips for Carroll 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 Carroll County, IA?
Carroll County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Carroll County, IA?
Carroll County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 5.
When should I plant Borage in Carroll County, IA?
In Carroll County, IA, plant Borage after the last frost (around April 27) and before the first frost (around October 5). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Carroll County, IA for Borage?
Carroll County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Borage grow in Carroll County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Carroll County's temperate climate. Carroll County averages a 161-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 27 and first frost around October 5.
Your Carroll County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Carroll County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.