How to grow Borage?
- Latin Family: Boraginaceae
- Latin Genus: Borago
- Ease of Growing: Moderate
- Growing Type: Annual
Borage is an erect herbaceous annual that is grown for its flowers, leaves, and flowering tops. It will easily reseed it self in your garden if you let it go to seed, making it a very easy plant to grow. The young leaves and star-shaped blue flowers can be eaten in salads and the blooming tops can be made into a tea by steeping in boiling water.
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Borage History
Borage, native to the Eastern Mediterranean, was used by the Greeks who ate the flowers before battles to give them courage. It was later taken to Western Europe with the Crusaders. Borage tea was consumed by Jousters before tournaments in the Middle Ages. It was named "Llanwenlys" by the Welsh – the herb of courage.
Soil Preference
- PH (min/max): 4.5 - 8.5
- PH Ideal (min/max): 6.0 - 7.0
Borage is a very adaptable plant, thriving in nearly all soil types, especially in well-drained soils.
How to care for Borage?
Borage does not require very much attention, and will probably grow year after year with or without any help. Mulching can help the soil retain moisture for seedlings and during drought periods, as well as discourage weeds from competing with your plants. Mulching also helps to keep the leaves off the ground, where they could rot.
Water
Borage seedlings will require regular watering, but once established, the plant is fairly drought tolerant.
Fertilizer
Borage will grow fine in poor soil but will grow taller in soil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter. Soil too rich in nitrogen may cause the plant to bloom less.
Seeds
Seed Viability: 3 - 5 years
Germination Percentage: 70.0
Harvest seeds when they turn black, but before seeds drop from plant. Seed saving is not usually necessary as the plant easily reseeds itself all over the garden.
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily
Plant borage in a sunny part of the garden.
Conditions:Cool, Warm
Season:Short Season, Long Season
Storage
Leaves can be frozen but most gardeners only use them fresh. Place leaves in a plastic bag to freeze.
You can also put them in ice cube trays for a fun, colorful addition to drinks. Kids love it!
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 32°F
Storage Length: days
Leaves and stems can be refrigerated for 3 to 5 days if wrapped in a paper towel and sealed in a plastic bag.
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 1-5 days
Problems
Borage Types
- Borage
Borage is a fascinating herb native to Syria with wrinkled, hairy leaves and a cucumber-like taste. Edible, bright blue star-shaped flowers with prominent black anthers have a sweet flavor and are perfect garnishes for desserts. Flourishes in less than great soil and reseeds readily. Borage makes a great companion plant for squash, strawberries, and tomatoes. Many parts of the plant are also used medicinally. Borage is an annual that will readily self-seed throughout your garden. The leaves can also be eaten when young in salads.
Pests
- Birds
- Japanese Beetle
- Painted Lady Butterfly
- Crickets and Grasshoppers
Diseases
- White Mold
- Powdery Mildew
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