PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant borage in Reno, Nevada

April 28 – May 12

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Reno year

Climate basis: NOAA station Reno Wfo, NV (USC00266791), 3 mi (5 km) from downtown Reno (ZCTA 89501 centroid), elevation 4987 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow borage from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (April 28). One year in ten still freezes after May 19.

Last spring freezeApril 281-in-10 after May 19
First fall freezeOctober 271-in-10 before Oct 10
Frost-free season≈ 182 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 10 – Nov 8kills even hardy greens
USDA zone7b5 to 10°F winter low — not frost timing

The Reno year

Start seeds indoorsMar 17 – Mar 31
Direct-sow outdoorsApr 28 – May 12
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 19
Borage in Reno · freeze context from Reno Wfo, NV, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Mar 17 – Mar 31

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 (Apr 28). Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 28 – May 12

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 (Apr 28). 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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