When to plant borage in Sacramento, California

January 12 – January 26

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Sacramento year

Climate basis: NOAA station Sacramento 5 Ese, CA (USW00023271), 5 mi (7 km) from downtown Sacramento (ZCTA 95814 centroid), elevation 38 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Direct-sow borage from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (January 12). One year in ten still freezes after February 8.

Last spring freezeJanuary 121-in-10 after Feb 8

First fall freezeDecember 161-in-10 before Nov 28

Frost-free season≈ 341 daysmedian at 32°F

USDA zone9b25 to 30°F winter low — not frost timing

The Sacramento year

Start seeds indoorsDec 1 – Dec 15

Direct-sow outdoorsJan 12 – Jan 26

indoors under lights
in the garden
frost-free season
1-in-10 years still freeze to Feb 8

Borage in Sacramento · freeze context from Sacramento 5 Ese, CA, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Dec 1 – Dec 15

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 (Jan 12). Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech

Direct-sow outdoors

Jan 12 – Jan 26

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 (Jan 12). 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)

University of Illinois Extension: Borage | Herbs (accessed 2026-07-25)
"Borage is easily grown from seed started indoors or directly sown in the garden after frost is past."
Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech: Herb Culture and Use (Publication 426-420) (accessed 2026-07-25)
"In addition, many culinary herbs, such as tarragon, can only be propagated asexually; seed-grown plants lack the oils that give them flavor."

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