When to Plant Borage in Mapleton, OR
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.
Mapleton, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 48 feet, Lane County receives approximately 50.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Borage to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Borage root diseases.
Mapleton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.4
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 | — | 7.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 2.5" | 1.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.6" | 2.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 8.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lane County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Borage Planting Timeline — Mapleton, OR
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jul 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
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
Low — drought tolerant
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
187 days in Lane County
Growing Tips for Mapleton
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
Your Lane County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lane 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.