When to plant Borage in Mackinac County, MI
In Mackinac County, plant Borage in spring between April 28 and May 19, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Mackinac County's last frost averages May 12, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 1 and August 15 — roughly 50–60 days before the first frost on October 10.
When to Plant Borage in Mackinac 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.
Mackinac County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 1,335 feet, Mackinac County receives approximately 35.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Borage to ensure they mature before fall.
Mackinac County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Borage Planting Timeline — Mackinac County, MI
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 19 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Aug 18 |
| Fall Sowing | August 1 | Aug 1 – Aug 15 |
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 | Harvest |
| July | 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Mackinac County
Growing Tips for Mackinac 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 Mackinac County, MI?
Mackinac County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 12. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mackinac County, MI?
Mackinac County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 12 and first fall frost is October 10.
When should I plant Borage in Mackinac County, MI?
In Mackinac County, MI, plant Borage after the last frost (around May 12) and before the first frost (around October 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Mackinac County, MI for Borage?
Mackinac County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Borage grow in Mackinac County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Mackinac County's temperate climate. Mackinac County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 12 and first frost around October 10.
Your Mackinac County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mackinac County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.