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Can You Grow Borage in Iowa?

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

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

Iowa last frost

mid-April

Iowa first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

50–60 days

When to plant Borages in Iowa

Direct sow

Apr 15

Harvest

Jun 4 – Jun 14

Dates are approximate, based on Iowa'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 Iowa

Iowa has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Most of the state is Zone 5a-5b. Excellent for cool-season crops and hardy fruits.