Borage
identification
description
Starry blue flowers, attractive to bees, edible and beautiful in the garden
Borage ( Borago officinalis ), offered by OSC Seeds
Borage is an ornamental and edible annual that is often underestimated. It produces a profusion of star-shaped blue flowers , very attractive to bees and other pollinators. The plants reach about 50 cm in height and bring a natural, wild touch to the vegetable garden. The flowers can be used fresh as a garnish or candied , while the aromatic leaves are traditionally used to flavor punches and other drinks. It self-seeds readily , sometimes thanks to animals, but is not invasive .
Propagation: Direct sowing or indoor sowing
Plant height: 40–50 cm
Package size: Approximately 50 seeds
Days to harvest: 60–70 days (flowers)
Frost tolerance: Low (annual)
Companion plants: Strawberries, tomatoes, squash (attract pollinators)
Incompatible plants: None major
Type: Annual, nectar-producing and edible
Planting and maintenance:
Sow in full sun in ordinary, well-drained soil. Sow 1 cm deep, then thin to 25–30 cm apart. Water moderately: borage is drought-tolerant once established. Harvest fresh flowers as needed and remove faded blooms if you wish to limit self-seeding. Allow a few plants to go to seed so that it will return naturally the following year.
