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When to Plant Borage in Duval 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.

Duval County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 299 days.

At an elevation of 4,259 feet, Duval County receives approximately 55.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 102Β°F, so Borage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Borage root diseases.

Duval County, TX (Zone 9a) Year-round
299 days
Last Spring Frost February 13
299 growing days
First Fall Frost December 9

Duval County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.8-7.3

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 β€” 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Mar 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Apr 4.3" 5.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 8.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 8.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 5.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 1.9" 2.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Duval County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Borage Planting Timeline β€” Duval County, TX

Borage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 16 Jan 16 – Jan 30
Transplant Outdoors February 6 Feb 6 – Feb 20
Direct Sow January 23 Jan 23 – Feb 13
Harvest April 3 Apr 3 – May 22
Fall Sowing October 14 Oct 14 – Oct 28

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors Direct Sow
February Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March β€”
April Harvest
May Harvest
June β€”
July β€”
August β€”
September β€”
October Fall Sowing
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Low β€” drought tolerant

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

50–60 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

πŸ“† Growing Season

299 days in Duval County

Growing Tips for Duval 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 Duval County, TX?

Duval County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Duval County, TX?

Duval County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 9.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Duval County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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