PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant borage in Grand Rapids, Michigan

May 6 – May 20

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Grand Rapids year

Climate basis: NOAA station E Grand Rapids, MI (USC00202375), 3 mi (5 km) from downtown Grand Rapids (ZCTA 49503 centroid), elevation 746 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 6). One year in ten still freezes after May 23.

Last spring freezeMay 61-in-10 after May 23
First fall freezeOctober 101-in-10 before Sep 29
Frost-free season≈ 157 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 27 – Oct 23kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6a-10 to -5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Grand Rapids year

Start seeds indoorsMar 25 – Apr 8
Direct-sow outdoorsMay 6 – May 20
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 23
Borage in Grand Rapids · freeze context from E Grand Rapids, MI, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Mar 25 – Apr 8

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 6). Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech

Direct-sow outdoors

May 6 – May 20

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 6). 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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