Herb – Borage

Description

Borage (A.K.A. Burrage, Beebread, Beeplant, Talewort)

50 Seeds per pack

Annual Herb

Days to Maturity: 50–60 Days

Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Botanical Name: (Borago officinalis)      

Native to the Mediterranean region, Borage has been cultivated for centuries for its culinary and medicinal uses. This hardy annual has gained popularity across Europe and North America, thriving in mild climates. Its star-shaped flowers, often featured in medieval tapestries, have long been prized for their beauty and usefulness. In addition to its historical role in herbal medicine, it is also popular among beekeepers.

This fast-growing plant reaches 1–3 feet tall and spreads 9–24 inches wide. Its slightly nodding blossoms rise above wrinkled, gray-green leaves covered in fine bristles. Borage thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade, and it is well-suited for a variety of soil types, including nutritionally poor ground. Once established, it self-seeds readily, ensuring its presence in the garden year after year.

The flavor of the leaves is reminiscent of cucumber, making them a refreshing addition to salads. The young leaves are tender and best eaten fresh, while the larger, older leaves develop a coarse texture. The brilliant blue flowers, sometimes tinged with pink, are edible and can be used as garnishes, candied for desserts, or infused into teas. In European cuisine, Borage is commonly found in soups, sauces, and pasta fillings, including German green sauce and Ligurian ravioli.

A favorite in pollinator gardens, borage attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the growing season. Its flowers are an outstanding nectar source, earning it a place among beekeepers and making it a valuable companion plant for many vegetable crops.

Though commonly appreciated for its culinary uses, borage has been used in traditional remedies to help reduce fevers and soothe respiratory discomfort. It offers a natural source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. The seeds are especially valued for their concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid. Easy to grow Borage brings beauty, utility, and nourishment to the garden with very little effort!

Warning: Borage seed oil and all parts of the plant—including leaves, flowers, and seeds—can contain harmful chemicals that may damage the liver or raise the risk of cancer, especially when eaten in large amounts or over a long period of time. Do not consume during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Always check with a doctor before using borage as a medicine.

Planting Instructions for Borage Seeds

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny location with loose, well-drained soil. Borage thrives in moderately moist, nutrient-rich conditions and prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. If your soil is compacted or heavy, loosen it and consider adding compost or sand to improve drainage. Borage will also grow in large containers—select pots at least 12″ deep and wide to accommodate the plant’s taproot and mature size.

When to Plant:
Direct sow borage seeds outdoors from mid-April to early May, once the soil has warmed to at least 50°F (10°C). You can continue sowing until early July for successive blooms. In colder climates, seeds may also be started indoors 3–4 weeks before the last expected frost and hardened off gradually before transplanting outdoors once all danger of frost has passed.

How to Plant:
Sow borage seeds ½″ (12 mm) deep, spacing them about 16–20″ (40–50 cm) apart. Cover with about ½″ of soil—borage seeds need darkness to germinate, so cover thoroughly enough to block light, but not so deep that seedlings struggle to emerge. Water thoroughly after sowing. Germination typically occurs within 7–10 days. Thin out any crowded seedlings after four weeks to encourage healthy growth.

Growing Tips:
Water borage regularly to maintain moderate soil moisture, especially during the seedling stage. As plants mature, they tolerate short dry spells but still benefit from weekly watering in dry weather. Stake tall or top-heavy plants if needed, and deadhead spent flowers to reduce self-seeding. For container-grown borage, water more frequently and ensure pots have good drainage.

Harvesting:
Harvest tender young leaves before they become coarse and hairy. Snip flowers as they open for use in salads or drinks—they have a refreshing cucumber-like flavor. The whole plant is edible, but older leaves are best reserved for drying or compost. Expect plants to reach maturity around 60 days after sowing.

Storage and Drying:
Borage leaves and flowers are best used fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days after harvest. For longer-term preservation, dry the leaves by placing them on a tray in a preheated oven at 180°F with the door slightly open to allow air circulation. Depending on moisture content, drying may take up to three hours. Once fully dried, store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Seed Saving:
Borage is an excellent self-seeder, but seeds can also be collected manually. Allow some flowers to mature fully and fade. As the flowers fade, seeds begin to form at their base. Once the seed heads dry, the seeds will darken and harden. Gently shake or pluck the seed heads into a paper bag. Store harvested seeds in a cool, dry location, clearly labeled with the year and variety. Borage seeds remain viable for several years when stored properly. If you’d like a neat way to organize them, we also offer seed-saving envelopes for sale.

Additional Notes:
Borage is a hardy, self-seeding annual with perennial tendencies in mild climates. It attracts pollinators and deters common pests, making it an excellent companion for tomatoes, cucumbers, and brassicas. Avoid planting near parsley, chives, or arugula. While frost will kill mature plants, seeds often overwinter in the soil and sprout again in spring.

Warning: Borage seed oil and all parts of the plant—including leaves, flowers, and seeds—can contain harmful chemicals that may damage the liver or raise the risk of cancer, especially when eaten in large amounts or over a long period of time. Do not consume during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Always check with a doctor before using borage as a medicine.

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