When to Plant Borage in Honolulu, Hawaii (96821)

Location

Honolulu, Hawaii

ZIP Code

96821

USDA Zone

12b

Last Frost

Thursday, January 1, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Based on last frost Thursday, January 1, 2026 · Zone 12b

Pro tip: Sow Borage directly outdoors 1 week after your last frost date — it needs warm soil.

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🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Borago officinalis

Days to Maturity 60 days

Mature Height 18-36"

Spread 24"

Type Annual

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

💧

Water

Moderate

↔️

Spacing

18" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.5" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days

Ready to Plant Borage in Honolulu?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Thursday, January 8, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

TomatoSquashStrawberryPepper

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

Fennel

🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Borage

See which plants help Borage thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

🪵 Raised Garden Bed 🌍 Vegetable Garden Soil 🛠️ Hand Trowel Set 🚿 Watering Can

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy

✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Seeds ripen quickly and drop — check daily once flowers fade, or collect from the ground below the plant.

Processing

Collect dark nutlets (seeds) directly — they're large and easy to handle. Dry a few days before storing.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Borage self-sows prolifically — expect volunteers every year once established in the garden.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Borage. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Borage in Honolulu, Hawaii? +

In Honolulu (Zone 12b), direct sow Borage outdoors around Thursday, January 8, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Honolulu, Hawaii? +

The average last spring frost date for Honolulu, Hawaii (ZIP 96821) is around Thursday, January 1, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 12b.

How long does Borage take to grow? +

Borage typically matures in about 60 days from direct sowing. In Honolulu, that means you can expect harvest around Thursday, January 8, 2026 plus 60 days.

Should I start Borage indoors or direct sow in Hawaii? +

Borage does best when direct sown outdoors. In Honolulu, sow directly around Thursday, January 8, 2026.

📚 More Borage Planting Guides

🗺️

Borage in Hawaii

Zone-by-zone breakdown · Full state guide

→ 🌡️

Zone 12b Borage Guide

All cities in your zone · Avg dates

→

Other Plants for Honolulu

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Growing Borage in Zone 12b

Borage (Borago officinalis) is a popular garden vegetable. In Honolulu, Hawaii, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 12b, you should direct sow seeds around Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Thursday, January 1, 2026. Borage grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.