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Quick Answer: ⚠️ Maybe β€” Direct sow in spring and let it self-seed for next year.
⚠️ Maybe

Borage is marginal in Zone 1b β€” possible with effort

Direct sow in spring and let it self-seed for next year.

How to make it work

  • Use a 3+ gallon container that can be moved indoors before frost
  • Bring inside before early August

🌱 Growing Borage in Zone 1b

Direct sow after last frost β€” 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.

πŸͺ΄ Container: 3+ gal pot❄️ Frost Tolerant

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Plant Hardiness Zones

Zone 1 is shown in this colour on the map below
2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map β€” zones 1 to 13

2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map β€” public domain. USDA Agricultural Research Service

USDA zones run 1a–13b (26 half-zones). Each full zone above covers both the a and b half-zones. Browse all US zones β†’

Technical climate details for Zone 1b
USDA Zone
1b
Last Frost
mid-June
First Frost
early August
Frost-Free Days
47
Borage Zone Range
2a – 11b
Days to Harvest
50–60 days

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct sow in spring and let it self-seed for next year.
Zone 1b is in USDA Hardiness Zone 1b with approximately 47 frost-free days per year.
Borage grows in USDA Zones 2a–11b.
Borage is beginner-friendly and one of the easier crops to grow.