Borage is a pollinator-friendly herb that brightens gardens with its star-shaped blue and pink flowers. Ideal for garnishes and salads, its edible blooms add a splash of color and a mild, cucumber-like flavor. Beyond its culinary uses, Borage seeds are valued for their health benefits, being a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). This robust plant thrives from late spring to fall, making it a standout in both vegetable and flower gardens.
Borage Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow borage seeds outdoors in early spring, after the last frost date, or in late summer for a fall crop. Borage prefers warm weather but tolerates light frost.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot or partial shade in hotter climates. Borage grows best in fertile, well-draining soil.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility. Borage prefers soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 12 inches apart in rows or clusters.
- Thin seedlings to maintain proper spacing once they are a few inches tall.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 5-10 days. Once established, borage is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start borage seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Containers: Use biodegradable pots or seed trays with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, placing 1-2 seeds per pot.
- Cover lightly with soil and mist gently to keep the soil evenly moist.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 5-10 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and plants have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 12 inches apart.
General Care Tips for Borage
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth. Borage tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Watering: Water sparingly once plants are established. Borage prefers moderately dry soil and can withstand short periods of drought.
- Fertilizing: Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Borage is a light feeder and rarely requires additional fertilization during the growing season.
- Pruning: Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms and prevent self-seeding if not desired.
- Pest and Disease Control: Borage is generally pest- and disease-resistant. It attracts beneficial insects like bees and can deter some harmful pests.
- Harvesting:
- For Leaves: Harvest young leaves as needed once the plant is 6-8 inches tall. Leaves have the best flavor before flowering.
- For Flowers: Pick edible flowers as they open for use in salads, drinks, or garnishes.
- Storage: Store fresh borage leaves and flowers in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator for up to three days. Leaves and flowers are best used fresh, as drying diminishes their flavor.
