Blog

When to Plant Borage in Wheeler County, 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.

Wheeler County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and the first fall frost is September 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 123 days.

At an elevation of 2,175 feet, Wheeler County receives approximately 22.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Borage to ensure they mature before fall.

Wheeler County, OR (Zone 7a) Short season
123 days
Last Spring Frost May 23
123 growing days
First Fall Frost September 23
Share this guide:

Wheeler County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.2-6.3

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 3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0.4" 3.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0.4" 3.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.8" 3.5" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 2.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Wheeler County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Borage Planting Timeline — Wheeler County, OR

Borage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 18 Apr 18 – May 2
Transplant Outdoors May 16 May 16 – May 30
Direct Sow May 9 May 9 – May 30
Harvest July 11 Jul 11 – Aug 29
Fall Sowing July 15 Jul 15 – Jul 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December
Share this guide:

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

123 days in Wheeler County

Growing Tips for Wheeler 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 Wheeler County, OR?

Wheeler County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of May 23. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Wheeler County, OR?

Wheeler County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and first fall frost is September 23.

🌱

Your Wheeler County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Wheeler 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Wheeler County, OR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.