When to plant borage in zone 9b — planting calendar

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Showing USDA Zone 9B

Growing SeasonZone 9b

Last frost ~Feb 15First frost ~Dec 10Today

Start indoorsTransplant / sowHarvestFrost risk

FEBMARAPRMAYJUNJUL

Sow Feb 15 · First harvest Apr 6 · Wrap by Jun 29

Last spring frostFeb 15

Direct sowFeb 15

First harvestApr 6

Last harvestJun 29

First fall frostDec 10

Why these dates work in zone 9b

Zone 9b's last spring frost averages Feb 15 and first fall frost Dec 10 — about 298 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 9b?

Borage matures in about 50–70 days from sowing. In zone 9b that means sowing around Feb 15 and first picking around Apr 6.

Will borage survive frost in zone 9b?

No — borage is frost-sensitive. In zone 9b, wait until after the last frost (around Feb 15) to plant, and harvest before the first fall frost (around Dec 10).

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