Growing Borage in Zone 5a
Zone 5a has cold winters and a moderate growing season. Timing is key for Borage in this zone. Last frost: Apr 28. First frost: Oct 8.
Planting Calendar
Season: Apr 28 – Oct 8 (163 days)
When to Plant Borage in Zone 5a
Start Seeds Indoors: Mar 31
Start Borage seeds indoors around Mar 31 (4 weeks before last frost). Optimal germination temperature: 70°F. Germinates in 5–14 days.
Transplant Outdoors: Apr 28
Transplant Borage seedlings outdoors after Apr 28. Wait until soil temperature reaches 50°F. Space plants at 18/sqft. Harden off plants for a week before moving outside.
Harvest: Jun 22
First harvest approximately Jun 22 (~55 days from planting). Continue harvesting until first frost (Oct 8).
Companion Planting
Borage in Other Zones
1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b 13a 13bFrequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Borage in Zone 5a?
Start Borage seeds indoors around Mar 31. Transplant outdoors after Apr 28. Expect first harvest around Jun 22.
What is the last frost date for Zone 5a?
The average last spring frost date for Zone 5a is Apr 28. The first fall frost averages Oct 8, giving a 163-day growing season.
Can I grow Borage in Zone 5a?
Yes. Borage needs 55 days to harvest. Zone 5a has a 163-day growing season, which is sufficient.
What is the best month to plant Borage in Zone 5a?
The best time to start Borage in Zone 5a is Mar. Begin seeds indoors around Mar 31, then transplant outdoors after the last frost date of Apr 28.
What companion plants grow well with Borage?
Good companion plants for Borage include Strawberries, Tomatoes, Squash, Cucumbers.
How long does Borage take to harvest?
Borage takes approximately 55 days from planting to harvest. In Zone 5a, expect your first harvest around Jun 22.
Plan Your Borage Garden
Track Borage from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
Start Free Borage Growing Guide