When to plant Borage in Davis County, IA
Borage planted in Davis County between April 5 and April 26 matures in 50–60 days — well before the October 16 first frost. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Davis 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.
Davis County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 180 days.
At an elevation of 859 feet, Davis County receives approximately 30.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Davis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Borage Planting Timeline — Davis County, IA
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 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
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 5b
📆 Growing Season
180 days in Davis County
Growing Tips for Davis 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 Davis County, IA?
Davis County is in Zone 5b 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 Davis County, IA?
Davis County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Borage in Davis County, IA?
In Davis County, IA, plant Borage after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Davis County, IA for Borage?
Davis County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Borage grow in Davis County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Davis County's temperate climate. Davis County averages a 180-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 16.
Your Davis County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Davis County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.