PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant borage in Austin, Texas

March 10 – March 24

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Austin year

Climate basis: NOAA station Austin 6s, TX (USC00410431), 3 mi (5 km) from downtown Austin (ZCTA 78701 centroid), elevation 570 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow borage from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (March 10). One year in ten still freezes after March 31.

Last spring freezeMarch 101-in-10 after Mar 31
First fall freezeNovember 171-in-10 before Nov 1
Frost-free season≈ 252 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Feb 28 – Dec 1kills even hardy greens
USDA zone9a20 to 25°F winter low — not frost timing

The Austin year

Start seeds indoorsJan 27 – Feb 10
Direct-sow outdoorsMar 10 – Mar 24
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Mar 31
Borage in Austin · freeze context from Austin 6s, TX, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Jan 27 – Feb 10

Illinois Extension permits starting borage indoors but gives no lead time, so the offset comes from Virginia Cooperative Extension's herb publication — whose annual herb table lists borage — which sows small herb seed about six weeks before the last frost date. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Mar 10). Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 10 – Mar 24

Illinois Extension sows borage directly in the garden after frost is past, a point rule that opens a two-week sowing span at the last spring freeze. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (Mar 10). University of Illinois Extension · Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech

Variety assumption: Virginia Cooperative Extension lists borage as a self-sowing annual; it resents root disturbance, so direct sowing is the usual method.

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:
Crop rule sources (2)

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