General
In mild climates, borage will bloom continuously nearly all year, so it's a wonderful choice for attracting native pollinators - particularly bumblebees. The leaves and flowers are edible with a flavour reminiscent of cucumbers.
Latin
Borago officinalis
Family: Boraginaceae
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Season: Cool season
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Zone: 2-12
Timing
Direct sow in April and May. Borage develops a delicate taproot, so it's best direct sown where it is to grow. Borage does not transplant well. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 21°C (70°F). Seeds should sprout in 5-15 days.
Starting
Sow seeds 1cm (½") deep, and thin to 60cm (24") apart. Borage will get large and fill in spaces between plants.
Growing
Borage is an un-fussy self sowing annual. To avoid self-sowing, the flower heads need to be picked regularly. Borage does best in full sun in well drained soil.
Harvest
Pick fresh flowers for freezing or drying for bouquets. Cut the fresh leaves during the summer to add to salads or spreads.
Seed Info
Usual seed life: 3 years.
