When to Plant Borage in USDA Zone 4b
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.
In Zone 4b, the average last spring frost is around May 1 and the first fall frost is around October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 155 days.
Borage Planting Timeline — Zone 4b
Where Is USDA Zone 4b?
The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 4b. Click any state to see the Borage planting schedule for that location.
Borage Planting Calendar — Zone 4b
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 15 |
| Harvest | June 19 | Jun 19 – Aug 7 |
| Fall Sowing | July 11 | Jul 11 – Jul 25 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Free Zone 4b Planting Calendar PDF
Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 4b with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Low — drought tolerant
Days to Maturity
50–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
Zone Temperature Range
-25°F to -20°F average annual minimum
Growing Season
155 days (Zone 4b average)
Planting Specifications
| Planting Depth | 0.5 inches |
| Plant Spacing | 8 inches apart |
| Row Spacing | 12 inches between rows |
Succession Planting Borage in Zone 4b
Sow every 5.7 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.
Growing Tips for Borage in Zone 4b
Zone 4b has a short growing season (~155 days). Start Borage indoors early and use season-extension techniques like row covers and cold frames.
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.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Saving Borage Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Full-spectrum LED lights for starting seeds indoors when daylight is limited.
Warm soil for faster germination of heat-loving crops like tomatoes and peppers.
Protect plants from frost, wind, and pests while letting light and water through.
Related Plants
Borage in Other Zones
Borage by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Borage in Zone 4b?
In Zone 4b, plan your Borage planting around the average last frost date of May 1. Start seeds indoors around March 20. Direct sow outdoors around April 24. Transplant seedlings around April 24.
Can Borage grow in Zone 4b?
Yes, Borage can grow well in Zone 4b, hardy in USDA zones 3a through 11b. Zone 4b has a growing season of approximately 155 days, which is sufficient for Borage (50-60 days to maturity).
When can I harvest Borage in Zone 4b?
In Zone 4b, expect to harvest Borage from June 19 – August 7. Borage takes 50-60 days from planting to harvest.
What is the last frost date for Zone 4b?
The average last spring frost in Zone 4b is around May 1, and the first fall frost is around October 3. This gives a growing season of approximately 155 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.
What should I plant next to Borage?
Good companion plants for Borage include Tomatoes, Squash Summer, Strawberries. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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