When to plant borage in zone 8b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 8B

Growing SeasonZone 8b

Last frost ~Mar 15First frost ~Nov 15Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

MARAPRMAYJUNJULAUG

Sow Mar 15 · First harvest May 4 · Wrap by Jul 27

Last spring frostMar 15

Direct sowMar 15

First harvestMay 4

Last harvestJul 27

First fall frostNov 15

Why these dates work in zone 8b

Zone 8b's last spring frost averages Mar 15 and first fall frost Nov 15 — about 245 frost-free days. Borage is frost-sensitive, so the around last frost timing builds in a safety margin against a late cold snap — setting plants out too early risks losing them to frost.

Common questions

How long does borage take to grow in zone 8b?

Borage matures in about 50–70 days from sowing. In zone 8b that means sowing around Mar 15 and first picking around May 4.

Will borage survive frost in zone 8b?

No — borage is frost-sensitive. In zone 8b, wait until after the last frost (around Mar 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 15).

For soil, spacing, pests and companion planting, see the full borage growing guide →