When to Plant Borage in Spokane County, WA
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.
Spokane County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is September 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 139 days.
At an elevation of 1,645 feet, Spokane County receives approximately 20.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Borage during the growing season.
Spokane County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.2
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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.7" | 3.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Spokane County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Borage Planting Timeline — Spokane County, WA
Borage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 4 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Direct Sow | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 18 |
| Harvest | June 29 | Jun 29 – Aug 17 |
| Fall Sowing | July 19 | Jul 19 – Aug 2 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 6b
📆 Growing Season
139 days in Spokane County
Growing Tips for Spokane 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 Spokane County, WA?
Spokane County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Borage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Spokane County, WA?
Spokane County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is September 27.
Your Spokane County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Spokane County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.