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When to Plant Borage in North Dakota

Borage is a self-seeding annual herb with star-shaped blue flowers that attract pollinators. Its leaves have a cucumber-like flavor and the flowers are edible.

North Dakota spans USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Borage planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Borage Planting Calendar for North Dakota

Zone 3a ~123 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 15 · First frost: September 15 · 123 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 17
Transplant Outdoors May 8 May 8 – May 22
Direct Sow May 8 May 8 – May 29
Fall Sowing June 23 Jun 23 – Jul 7
Harvest July 3 Jul 3 – Aug 21
Zone 3b ~135 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 10 · First frost: September 22 · 135 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 29 Mar 29 – Apr 12
Transplant Outdoors May 3 May 3 – May 17
Direct Sow May 3 May 3 – May 24
Fall Sowing June 30 Jun 30 – Jul 14
Harvest June 28 Jun 28 – Aug 16
Zone 4a ~145 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: May 6 · First frost: September 28 · 145 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 8
Transplant Outdoors April 29 Apr 29 – May 13
Direct Sow April 29 Apr 29 – May 20
Fall Sowing July 6 Jul 6 – Jul 20
Harvest June 24 Jun 24 – Aug 12

Growing Tips for North Dakota

Direct sow in spring as borage does not transplant well. Allow some plants to go to seed for next year. Young leaves are best; older leaves become bristly.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Borage in North Dakota?

Planting dates for Borage in North Dakota depend on your USDA zone. North Dakota spans zones 3a, 3b, 4a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is North Dakota for planting?

North Dakota contains USDA hardiness zones 3a, 3b, 4a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.