When to Plant Borage in McMullen County, TX
May in the garden — McMullen County, Texas
Your McMullen County, Texas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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It's harvest week for borage
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
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.
McMullen County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 20 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 284 days.
At an elevation of 3,741 feet, McMullen County receives approximately 58 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 103°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.
McMullen County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.2
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 McMullen County
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.2) overlaps with Borage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in McMullen County is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.3%). Annual compost additions will help Borage.
How to Plant Borage
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Borage
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 06.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 2.2" | 2" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 9.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 9.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 1.7" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 2.2" | 1.3" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in McMullen 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 — McMullen County, TX
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Direct Sow | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 20 |
| Harvest | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 29 |
| Fall Sowing | October 6 | Oct 6 – Oct 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
284 days in McMullen County
Growing Tips for Borage in McMullen County
Direct sow Borage outdoors after February 20 in McMullen County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With summer highs reaching 103°F in McMullen County, provide afternoon shade for Borage and water deeply in the morning.
With 58" of annual rainfall in McMullen 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 McMullen County, TX?
McMullen County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 20. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is McMullen County, TX?
McMullen County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 20 and first fall frost is December 1.
Your McMullen County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for McMullen County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.