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When to plant Borage in Carter County, MO

Carter County's spring Borage window runs March 26 through April 16. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Borage in Carter County, MO

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.

Carter County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 200 days.

At an elevation of 1,335 feet, Carter County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.

Carter County, MO (Zone 7a) Long season
200 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
200 growing days
First Fall Frost October 26

Carter County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Borage Planting Timeline — Carter County, MO

Borage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 16
Direct Sow March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 16
Harvest May 28 May 28 – Jul 16
Fall Sowing August 17 Aug 17 – Aug 31

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

200 days in Carter County

Growing Tips for Carter 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 Carter County, MO?

Carter County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Carter County, MO?

Carter County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 26.

When should I plant Borage in Carter County, MO?

In Carter County, MO, plant Borage after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Carter County, MO for Borage?

Carter County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Borage grows reliably in zones 3a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Borage grow in Carter County's climate?

Yes — Borage grows well in Carter County's temperate climate. Carter County averages a 200-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 26.

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Your Carter County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Carter County (Zone 7a). 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 Carter County, MO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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