When to plant borage in zone 9a — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9A

Growing SeasonZone 9a

Last frost ~Feb 28First frost ~Nov 30Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

FEBMARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Sow Feb 28 · First harvest Apr 19 · Wrap by Jul 12

Last spring frostFeb 28

Direct sowFeb 28

First harvestApr 19

Last harvestJul 12

First fall frostNov 30

Why these dates work in zone 9a

Zone 9a's last spring frost averages Feb 28 and first fall frost Nov 30 — about 275 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 9a?

Borage matures in about 50–70 days from sowing. In zone 9a that means sowing around Feb 28 and first picking around Apr 19.

Will borage survive frost in zone 9a?

No — borage is frost-sensitive. In zone 9a, wait until after the last frost (around Feb 28) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Nov 30).

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