PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant borage in San Antonio, Texas

February 25 – March 11

Direct-sow outdoors · typical San Antonio year

Climate basis: NOAA station San Antonio Incarnate Word, TX (USC00417947), 3 mi (5 km) from downtown San Antonio (ZCTA 78205 centroid), elevation 700 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 25). One year in ten still freezes after March 19.

Last spring freezeFebruary 251-in-10 after Mar 19
First fall freezeNovember 281-in-10 before Nov 7
Frost-free season≈ 277 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Feb 5 – Dec 15kills even hardy greens
USDA zone9a20 to 25°F winter low — not frost timing

The San Antonio year

Start seeds indoorsJan 14 – Jan 28
Direct-sow outdoorsFeb 25 – Mar 11
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Mar 19
Borage in San Antonio · freeze context from San Antonio Incarnate Word, TX, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Jan 14 – Jan 28

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 25). Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech

Direct-sow outdoors

Feb 25 – Mar 11

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 25). 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 San Antonio
Local overview