Borage in Zone 2a & 2b

Borago officinalis

When to plant borage in zone 2b

Zones 2a and 2b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.

Method: Direct sow: Direct-sow outside. Borage doesn't transplant well, or doesn't need the extra time indoors.

Start indoorsNot typically started indoors
Direct sow / transplant outsideMay 20–May 27
Estimated harvestJul 14–Jul 21 (~55 days after direct-sowing)

Spacing: 1 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 1.5-3 ft.

Borage
Photo: AnRo0002 via Wikimedia Commons, CC0, cropped.

Borage is a fuzzy-leaved annual herb best known for its star-shaped blue flowers and mild, cucumber-like flavor. Both the young leaves and flowers are edible, and few plants pull in bees as reliably.

How borage fits zone 2's season

Zone 2b's frost-free window runs about 104 days, from May 20 to September 1. Borage needs about 55 days from sowing to first harvest.

Good companions

No standout companions recorded yet for Borage.

Where to buy borage seeds

See why we recommend these suppliers →

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See it growing

Search YouTube for "growing borage" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)

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Growing Borage in USDA zone 2b

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Growing Borage in USDA zone 2b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.

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