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Can You Grow Borage in California?

US · USDA Zone 9b · zones 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Grows well here

Borage grows easily anywhere in your zone — direct sow and let it self-seed for years of free plants.

Plant zones

2a–11b

California last frost

mid-January

California first frost

late December

Days to harvest

50–60 days

When to plant Borages in California

Direct sow

Jan 10

Harvest

Mar 1 – Mar 11

Dates are approximate, based on California's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Borage

Borage is an effortless annual with striking blue star-shaped flowers. The cucumber-flavored leaves and flowers are edible, and it is a powerful pollinator magnet that self-seeds freely year after year.

Direct sow after last frost — hates transplanting. Self-seeds so aggressively you plant it once and it returns every year. Great companion plant for tomatoes and strawberries. Harvest flowers daily to encourage more blooms.

Full borage growing guide →

Gardening in California

California spans more climate zones than any other state. Coastal regions are mild year-round; the Central Valley is hot and productive; mountains are cold; deserts are extreme.