Borage Growing Guide

Borago officinalis

Borage

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Any average, well drained soil.

Position

A sunny spot where bumblebees and other large pollinators are desired.

Frost tolerant

Seedlings will survive light frosts, but older plants are easily damaged.

Feeding

Not generally needed.

Companions

A good companion for any crop that needs strong defense from insects. Borage attracts large buzzing insects that dominate their air space.

Spacing

Single Plants: 35cm (1' 1") each way (minimum)
Rows: 30cm (11") with 60cm (1' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Plant the large seeds in your garden in late spring. A fresh crop of plants can be planted in late summer for bloom in autumn.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Borage seedlings are only edible when very young. Large plants produce edible, starry blue flowers that attract bees in droves. The foliage can be gathered and composted.

Harvesting

Cut back borage plants by half their size in midsummer to encourage reblooming. Blossom clusters make beautiful but short-lived cut flowers or edible garnishes.

Troubleshooting

Beware of sleepy bees when pruning or otherwise working with mature borage plants.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Borage