Borage

Botanical Interests Borage Seeds

This 2'–3' tall, versatile herb is exquisite in the garden. In addition to attracting bees and other beneficial insects, it can be used as a cover crop. Edible, blue and sometimes pink flowers with a cucumber-like flavor can be used fresh to garnish dips, salads, and summer drinks, or candied with sugar for later use. The leaves and stems are also edible, delicious steamed like spinach or chard. Fairly drought tolerant once established.

Sowing Information:

• Light: Full sun to part shade
• When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Not recommended; sensitive to taproot disturbance. Start in biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into ground.
• When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks before your average last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 40°F, ideally 70°–90°F, or any time in mild climates. 
• Days to Emerge: 5–20 days
• Seed Depth: ¼"–½"
• Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 12"
• Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 12"

Growing Notes: 

• Hardiness: Annual; re-seeds readily
• Plant Dimensions: 2'–3' tall, 12"–18" wide
• Bloom Period: Spring to summer
• Attributes: Attracts pollinators, attracts beneficial insects, deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, edible flower