PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant borage in Washington, District of Columbia

March 24 – April 7

Direct-sow outdoors · typical Washington year

Climate basis: NOAA station Washington Reagan AP, VA (USW00013743), 3 mi (5 km) from downtown Washington (ZCTA 20004 centroid), elevation 10 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 24). One year in ten still freezes after April 6.

Last spring freezeMarch 241-in-10 after Apr 6
First fall freezeNovember 181-in-10 before Nov 5
Frost-free season≈ 241 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 12 – Dec 3kills even hardy greens

The Washington year

Start seeds indoorsFeb 10 – Feb 24
Direct-sow outdoorsMar 24 – Apr 7
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 6
Borage in Washington · freeze context from Washington Reagan AP, VA, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Feb 10 – Feb 24

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 24). Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 24 – Apr 7

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 24). 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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