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When to Plant Borage in Dalton City, Illinois (61925)

Location

Dalton City, Illinois

ZIP Code

61925

USDA Zone

6a

Last Frost

Monday, April 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Monday, April 27, 2026

Based on last frost Monday, April 20, 2026 · Zone 6a

Pro tip: Sow Borage directly outdoors 1 week after your last frost date — it needs warm soil.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Borago officinalis
Days to Maturity 60 days
Mature Height 18-36"
Spread 24"
Type Annual

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

💧

Water

Moderate

↔️

Spacing

18" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.5" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Borage in Dalton City?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Monday, April 27, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

TomatoSquashStrawberryPepper

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

Fennel
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Borage

See which plants help Borage thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Seeds ripen quickly and drop — check daily once flowers fade, or collect from the ground below the plant.

Processing

Collect dark nutlets (seeds) directly — they're large and easy to handle. Dry a few days before storing.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Borage self-sows prolifically — expect volunteers every year once established in the garden.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Borage. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Borage in Dalton City, Illinois? +

In Dalton City (Zone 6a), direct sow Borage outdoors around Monday, April 27, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Dalton City, Illinois? +

The average last spring frost date for Dalton City, Illinois (ZIP 61925) is around Monday, April 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 6a.

How long does Borage take to grow? +

Borage typically matures in about 60 days from direct sowing. In Dalton City, that means you can expect harvest around Monday, April 27, 2026 plus 60 days.

Should I start Borage indoors or direct sow in Illinois? +

Borage does best when direct sown outdoors. In Dalton City, sow directly around Monday, April 27, 2026.

Other Plants for Dalton City

Growing Borage in Zone 6a

Borage (Borago officinalis) is a popular garden vegetable. In Dalton City, Illinois, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, you should direct sow seeds around Monday, April 27, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Monday, April 20, 2026. Borage grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.