Borage Growing Guide
Boraginaceae family
Days to Harvest55 days
SunlightFull Sun
Frost ToleranceLight
Spacing18/sqft
Germination5-14 days
HardinessSemi Hardy
Germ. Temp70°F
Start Indoors4 weeks before last frost
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Seedling
- Early Vegetative
- Late Vegetative / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Apr 27 | May 25 | May 11 | Jul 19 |
| Zone 1b | Apr 27 | May 25 | May 11 | Jul 19 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 17 | May 15 | May 1 | Jul 9 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 27 | May 25 | May 11 | Jul 19 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 24 | May 22 | May 8 | Jul 16 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 17 | May 15 | May 1 | Jul 9 |
| Zone 4a | Apr 7 | May 5 | Apr 21 | Jun 29 |
| Zone 4b | Apr 3 | May 1 | Apr 17 | Jun 25 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 31 | Apr 28 | Apr 14 | Jun 22 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 31 | Apr 28 | Apr 14 | Jun 22 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 31 | Apr 28 | Apr 14 | Jun 22 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 1 | Jun 9 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 18 | Apr 15 | Apr 1 | Jun 9 |
| Zone 7b | Mar 13 | Apr 10 | Mar 27 | Jun 4 |
| Zone 8a | Mar 8 | Apr 5 | Mar 22 | May 30 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 22 | Mar 22 | Mar 8 | May 16 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 20 | Mar 20 | Mar 6 | May 14 |
| Zone 9b | Feb 10 | Mar 10 | Feb 24 | May 4 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 23 | Feb 20 | Feb 6 | Apr 16 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 31 | Jan 28 | Jan 14 | Mar 24 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 31 | Jan 28 | Jan 14 | Mar 24 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 18 | Jan 15 | Jan 1 | Mar 11 |
| Zone 12a | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Dec 18 | Feb 25 |
| Zone 12b | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Dec 18 | Feb 25 |
| Zone 13a | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Dec 18 | Feb 25 |
| Zone 13b | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Dec 18 | Feb 25 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Borage?
Borage takes approximately 55 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Borage need?
Borage requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Borage?
Plant Borage at 18/sqft using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Borage survive frost?
Borage is tolerant of light frost.
What are good companion plants for Borage?
Good companion plants for Borage include Strawberries, Tomatoes, Squash, Cucumbers.
How long does Borage take to germinate?
Borage seeds germinate in 5-14 days at an optimal temperature of 70°F.
When should I start Borage seeds indoors?
Start Borage seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date.
Growing Tips
- Direct sow in spring; transplants poorly due to a taproot
- Self-seeds prolifically; deadhead to control spread
- Excellent bee plant; site near crops that need pollination
Common Pests & Diseases
- Generally pest-free
- Occasional aphids
- Powdery mildew
Harvest Notes
Pick young leaves for salads and flowers for garnish. Older leaves become prickly and tough.
Plan Your Borage Garden
Track Borage from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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