When to Plant Borage in Bolivar County, MS
Your May gardening checklist
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Bolivar County, Mississippi.
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Bring in the borage
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Bolivar County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.
At an elevation of 299 feet, Bolivar County receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 97°F, so Borage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Borage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Borage root diseases.
Bolivar County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Bolivar County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.6) overlaps with Borage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Bolivar County is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.1%). 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 Sep 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 02.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bolivar 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 — Bolivar County, MS
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Direct Sow | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 19 |
| Harvest | April 30 | Apr 30 – Jun 18 |
| Fall Sowing | September 2 | Sep 2 – Sep 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.5"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
244 days in Bolivar County
Growing Tips for Borage in Bolivar County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after March 12 in Bolivar County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Bolivar County's clay soil (30% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Borage. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With summer highs reaching 97°F in Bolivar County, provide afternoon shade for Borage and water deeply in the morning.
With 56" of annual rainfall in Bolivar County, ensure good drainage for Borage — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
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 Bolivar County, MS?
Bolivar County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bolivar County, MS?
Bolivar County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 11.
Your Bolivar County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bolivar County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.