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When to plant Borage in Barton County, KS

For Barton County, gardeners: plant Borage April 6 through April 27 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Borage in Barton County, KS

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.

Barton County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.

At an elevation of 638 feet, Barton County receives approximately 25.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.

Barton County, KS (Zone 6b) Moderate season
179 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
179 growing days
First Fall Frost October 16

Barton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Borage

Borage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Borage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Barton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Borage Planting Timeline — Barton County, KS

Borage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 16 Mar 16 – Mar 30
Transplant Outdoors April 13 Apr 13 – Apr 27
Direct Sow April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 27
Harvest June 8 Jun 8 – Jul 27
Fall Sowing August 7 Aug 7 – Aug 21

Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

179 days in Barton County

Growing Tips for Barton 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 →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Borage in Barton County, KS?

Barton County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Barton County, KS?

Barton County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 16.

When should I plant Borage in Barton County, KS?

In Barton County, KS, plant Borage after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Barton County, KS for Borage?

Barton 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 Barton County's climate?

Yes — Borage grows well in Barton County's temperate climate. Barton County averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 16.

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Your Barton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Barton 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Barton County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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