PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant borage in Colorado Springs, Colorado

May 3 – May 17

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Colorado Springs year

Climate basis: NOAA station Colorado Springs Muni AP, CO (USW00093037), 7 mi (11 km) from downtown Colorado Springs (ZCTA 80903 centroid), elevation 6181 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 3). One year in ten still freezes after May 15.

Last spring freezeMay 31-in-10 after May 15
First fall freezeOctober 81-in-10 before Sep 26
Frost-free season≈ 158 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 24 – Oct 16kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6a-10 to -5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Colorado Springs year

Start seeds indoorsMar 22 – Apr 5
Direct-sow outdoorsMay 3 – May 17
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 15
Borage in Colorado Springs · freeze context from Colorado Springs Muni AP, CO, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Mar 22 – Apr 5

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 3). Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech

Direct-sow outdoors

May 3 – May 17

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 3). 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)

Keep exploring

This crop, other cities
Related crops in Colorado Springs
Local overview