PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant borage in Birmingham, Alabama

March 21 – April 4

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Birmingham year

Climate basis: NOAA station Birmingham AP, AL (USW00013876), 5 mi (8 km) from downtown Birmingham (ZCTA 35203 centroid), elevation 615 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 21). One year in ten still freezes after April 8.

Last spring freezeMarch 211-in-10 after Apr 8
First fall freezeNovember 111-in-10 before Oct 30
Frost-free season≈ 236 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 7 – Nov 24kills even hardy greens
USDA zone8a10 to 15°F winter low — not frost timing

The Birmingham year

Start seeds indoorsFeb 7 – Feb 21
Direct-sow outdoorsMar 21 – Apr 4
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 8
Borage in Birmingham · freeze context from Birmingham AP, AL, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Feb 7 – Feb 21

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 21). Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 21 – Apr 4

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 21). 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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