When to plant Borage in Ellis County, KS
Ellis County's spring Borage window runs April 10 through May 1. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 6 to August 20 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Ellis County, KS
June in the garden — Ellis County, Kansas
Your garden in Ellis County, Kansas is working on a schedule, even when you're not. Here's where you should be this June.
-
Harvest borage as they ripen
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- First harvests: 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.
Ellis County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 664 feet, Ellis County receives approximately 20.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Ellis County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.2
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 Ellis County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.2) overlaps with Borage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Ellis County is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help Borage.
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 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 06.
Borage Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.1" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 2.2" | 2.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 2.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 2.2" | 1.2" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ellis 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 — Ellis County, KS
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 31 |
| 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 | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Ellis County
Growing Tips for Borage in Ellis County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after April 24 in Ellis 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 Ellis County, KS?
Ellis County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ellis County, KS?
Ellis County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 15.
When should I plant Borage in Ellis County, KS?
In Ellis County, KS, plant Borage after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ellis County, KS for Borage?
Ellis 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 Ellis County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Ellis County's temperate climate. Ellis County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 15.
Your Ellis County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ellis 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.