PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant borage in Cheyenne, Wyoming

May 14 – May 28

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Cheyenne year

Climate basis: NOAA station Cheyenne Wfo, WY (USC00481676), 7 mi (12 km) from downtown Cheyenne (ZCTA 82001 centroid), elevation 6119 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow borage from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (May 14). One year in ten still freezes after May 28.

Last spring freezeMay 141-in-10 after May 28
First fall freezeOctober 11-in-10 before Sep 17
Frost-free season≈ 139 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°May 3 – Oct 10kills even hardy greens
USDA zone5b-15 to -10°F winter low — not frost timing

The Cheyenne year

Start seeds indoorsApr 2 – Apr 16
Direct-sow outdoorsMay 14 – May 28
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 28
Borage in Cheyenne · freeze context from Cheyenne Wfo, WY, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Apr 2 – Apr 16

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 (May 14). Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech

Direct-sow outdoors

May 14 – May 28

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 (May 14). 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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