When to Plant Borage in Colfax County, NM
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.
Colfax County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 134 days.
At an elevation of 5,131 feet, Colfax County receives approximately 15.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Borage to ensure they mature before fall. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Borage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Borage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Colfax County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.1-8.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Borage
Borage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Borage Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.5" | 3.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Colfax County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Borage Planting Timeline — Colfax County, NM
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 8 | May 8 – May 22 |
| Direct Sow | May 1 | May 1 – May 22 |
| Harvest | July 3 | Jul 3 – Aug 21 |
| Fall Sowing | July 18 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
134 days in Colfax County
Growing Tips for Colfax 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 Colfax County, NM?
Colfax County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Colfax County, NM?
Colfax County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 26.
Your Colfax County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Colfax County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.