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When to plant Borage in Gladwin County County,

Borage planted in Gladwin County County between April 25 and May 16 matures in 60 days — well before the October 6 first frost. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Borage in Gladwin County, MI

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.

Gladwin County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 150 days.

At an elevation of 832 feet, Gladwin County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Borage to ensure they mature before fall.

Gladwin County, MI (Zone 6a) Moderate season
150 days
Last Spring Frost May 9
150 growing days
First Fall Frost October 6

Gladwin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.3

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 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 3.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.4" 1.9" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Borage Planting Timeline — Gladwin County, MI

Borage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 4 Apr 4 – Apr 18
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Direct Sow April 25 Apr 25 – May 16
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 – Aug 15
Fall Sowing July 28 Jul 28 – Aug 11

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors 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

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

50–60 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

📆 Growing Season

150 days in Gladwin County

Growing Tips for Gladwin 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 Gladwin County, MI?

Gladwin County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 9. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Gladwin County, MI?

Gladwin County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 9 and first fall frost is October 6.

When should I plant Borage in Gladwin County County, ?

In Gladwin County County, , plant Borage after the last frost (around May 9) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Gladwin County County, for Borage?

Gladwin County County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Borage grow in Gladwin County County's climate?

Yes — Borage grows well in Gladwin County County's temperate climate. Gladwin County County averages a 150-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 9 and first frost around October 6.

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Your Gladwin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Gladwin County (Zone 6a). 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 Gladwin County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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