PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant borage in Houston, Texas

February 2 – February 16

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Houston year

Climate basis: NOAA station Houston-port, TX (USC00414326), 5 mi (8 km) from downtown Houston (ZCTA 77002 centroid), elevation 19 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow borage from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (February 2). One year in ten still freezes after March 5.

Last spring freezeFebruary 21-in-10 after Mar 5
First fall freezeDecember 251-in-10 before Nov 27
Frost-free season≈ 327 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Jan 23 – Jan 5kills even hardy greens
USDA zone9b25 to 30°F winter low — not frost timing

The Houston year

Start seeds indoorsDec 22 – Jan 5
Direct-sow outdoorsFeb 2 – Feb 16
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Mar 5
Borage in Houston · freeze context from Houston-port, TX, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Dec 22 – Jan 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 (Feb 2). Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech

Direct-sow outdoors

Feb 2 – Feb 16

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 (Feb 2). 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 Houston
Local overview