When to plant Borage in Ottawa County, KS
Borage planted in Ottawa County between March 31 and April 21 matures in 50–60 days — well before the October 23 first frost. A second sowing from August 14 to August 28 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Ottawa 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.
Ottawa County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 192 days.
At an elevation of 993 feet, Ottawa County receives approximately 24 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Ottawa County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.6
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.1" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.3" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ottawa County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Borage Planting Timeline — Ottawa County, KS
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | June 2 | Jun 2 – Jul 21 |
| Fall Sowing | August 14 | Aug 14 – Aug 28 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| 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
192 days in Ottawa County
Growing Tips for Ottawa 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 Ottawa County, KS?
Ottawa County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ottawa County, KS?
Ottawa County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 23.
When should I plant Borage in Ottawa County, KS?
In Ottawa County, KS, plant Borage after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ottawa County, KS for Borage?
Ottawa 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 Ottawa County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Ottawa County's temperate climate. Ottawa County averages a 192-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 23.
Your Ottawa County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ottawa 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.