When to plant Borage in Harrison County, MO
Spring Borage in Harrison County goes in April 5–April 26, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 6 to August 20 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Borage in Harrison County, MO
Your July planting checklist for Harrison County, Missouri
Each item below is timed to Harrison County, Missouri's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Start harvesting borage
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Looking ahead to August
- Fall sowing: 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.
Harrison County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 179 days.
At an elevation of 1,349 feet, Harrison County receives approximately 37.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Borage to ensure they mature before fall.
Harrison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Borage 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 Harrison County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–6.9) overlaps with Borage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Harrison County is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 Aug 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 06.
Borage 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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 2.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Harrison 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 — Harrison County, MO
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 26 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jul 26 |
| Fall Sowing | August 6 | Aug 6 – Aug 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
179 days in Harrison County
Growing Tips for Borage in Harrison County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after April 19 in Harrison County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Harrison County, MO?
Harrison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 19. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Harrison County, MO?
Harrison County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 19 and first fall frost is October 15.
When should I plant Borage in Harrison County, MO?
In Harrison County, MO, plant Borage after the last frost (around April 19) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Harrison County, MO for Borage?
Harrison 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 Harrison County's climate?
Yes — Borage grows well in Harrison County's temperate climate. Harrison County averages a 179-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 19 and first frost around October 15.
Your Harrison County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Harrison 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.