When to Plant Borage in Colorado County, TX
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.
Colorado County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and the first fall frost is December 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 281 days.
At an elevation of 87 feet, Colorado County receives approximately 70.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Borage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Borage root diseases.
Colorado County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.3-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Colorado County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–7.8) is more alkaline than Borage prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Heavy clay soil (42% clay) in Colorado County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.
Drainage
Borage prefers dry conditions but your soil drains poorly. Use raised beds or mounded rows to prevent root rot.
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 Oct 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 25.
Plant 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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Mar | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 10.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 10.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 9.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | 2.2" | 1.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Colorado 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 — Colorado County, TX
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 22 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Direct Sow | February 12 | Feb 12 – Mar 5 |
| Harvest | April 16 | Apr 16 – Jun 4 |
| Fall Sowing | September 25 | Sep 25 – Oct 9 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
281 days in Colorado County
Growing Tips for Borage in Colorado County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after February 26 in Colorado County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Colorado County's clay soil (42% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Borage. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
With 70" of annual rainfall in Colorado County, ensure good drainage for Borage — excess moisture can promote root rot and fungal diseases.
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 Colorado County, TX?
Colorado County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 26. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Colorado County, TX?
Colorado County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 26 and first fall frost is December 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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