PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant borage in Memphis, Tennessee

March 19 – April 2

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Memphis year

Climate basis: NOAA station W Memphis, AR (USC00037712), 7 mi (12 km) from downtown Memphis (ZCTA 38103 centroid), elevation 215 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 19). One year in ten still freezes after April 7.

Last spring freezeMarch 191-in-10 after Apr 7
First fall freezeNovember 101-in-10 before Oct 28
Frost-free season≈ 235 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 7 – Nov 22kills even hardy greens
USDA zone8a10 to 15°F winter low — not frost timing

The Memphis year

Start seeds indoorsFeb 5 – Feb 19
Direct-sow outdoorsMar 19 – Apr 2
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 7
Borage in Memphis · freeze context from W Memphis, AR, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Feb 5 – Feb 19

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 19). Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 19 – Apr 2

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 19). 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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