When to Plant Borage in Danville City, VA
Top priorities for Danville City, Virginia gardeners in May
Welcome to May in Zone 7b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Time to start borage inside
You're about 24 weeks out from your last frost — the perfect window to get these germinating indoors.
Get ahead of June
- First harvests: borage
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.
Danville City, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 970 feet, Danville City receives approximately 52.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Borage root diseases.
Danville City Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-7.1
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 Danville City
How your county's soil matches Borage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.6–7.1) overlaps with Borage's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Danville City is excellent for Borage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.1%). 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 Aug 30 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 20.
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 | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Danville City). 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 — Danville City, VA
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 20 | Aug 20 – Sep 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Danville City
Growing Tips for Borage in Danville City
Direct sow Borage outdoors after April 13 in Danville City when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Danville City, VA?
Danville City is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Danville City, VA?
Danville City, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 29.
Your Danville City Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Danville City (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.