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Can You Grow Borage in Michigan?

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

Michigan last frost

early April

Michigan first frost

late October

Days to harvest

50–60 days

When to plant Borages in Michigan

Direct sow

Apr 7

Harvest

May 27 – Jun 6

Dates are approximate, based on Michigan'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 Michigan

Michigan has a humid continental climate moderated by the Great Lakes. Southern Michigan is Zone 5b-6a; the Upper Peninsula is Zone 4a-5a. Known for fruit crops along Lake Michigan.