When to plant Borage in Lake County, MI
Lake County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Plant Borage between April 30 (after last frost on May 14) and May 21. A second sowing from July 28 to August 11 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Lake 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.
Lake County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 733 feet, Lake County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Borage Planting Timeline — Lake County, MI
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Aug 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
145 days in Lake County
Growing Tips for Lake 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 Lake County, MI?
Lake County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, MI?
Lake County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Borage in Lake County, MI?
In Lake County, MI, plant Borage after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lake County, MI for Borage?
Lake County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Borage grow in Lake County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Lake County's temperate climate. Lake County averages a 145-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around October 6.
Your Lake County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lake County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.