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Can You Grow Borage in Illinois?

US · USDA Zone 5b · zones 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a

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

Illinois last frost

early April

Illinois first frost

late October

Days to harvest

50–60 days

When to plant Borages in Illinois

Direct sow

Apr 7

Harvest

May 27 – Jun 6

Dates are approximate, based on Illinois'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 Illinois

Illinois has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Chicago is Zone 5b-6a; southern Illinois is warmer at Zone 6-7. Classic Midwest growing region.