When to Plant Borage in Mathews County, VA
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.
Mathews County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is November 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 208 days.
At an elevation of 877 feet, Mathews County receives approximately 45.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Mathews County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Borage Planting Timeline — Mathews County, VA
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 16 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | May 28 | May 28 – Jul 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 25 | Aug 25 – Sep 8 |
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 | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
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 8a
📆 Growing Season
208 days in Mathews County
Growing Tips for Mathews 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 →
Borage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Borage in Mathews County, VA?
Mathews County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mathews County, VA?
Mathews County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is November 3.
Your Mathews County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Mathews County (Zone 8a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.