When to plant Borage in Franklin County, IA
Plant Borage in Franklin County, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 16. Continue planting through May 7 for the spring crop. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Franklin County, IA
June in Franklin County, Iowa — your action list
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Get borage seeds going inside
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
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It's harvest week for borage
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: borage
- Fall sowing: borage
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.
Franklin County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 1,145 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 41.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Borage to ensure they mature before fall.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Borage Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Franklin County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.0) is within Borage's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Franklin County is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Borage will thrive.
How to Plant Borage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Borage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 29.
Borage Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Borage
Borage needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Borage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Franklin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Borage Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Borage Planting Timeline — Franklin County, IA
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Aug 6 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
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
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
160 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Borage in Franklin County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after April 30 in Franklin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
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 Franklin County, IA?
Franklin County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, IA?
Franklin County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Borage in Franklin County, IA?
In Franklin County, IA, plant Borage after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Franklin County, IA for Borage?
Franklin 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 Franklin County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 160-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 7.
Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin 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.