How to Grow Borage Herb Plants

About Growing Borage Plants in Your Herb Garden

Borage plants have attractive fuzzy leaves and droopy, 5-petaled, star-shaped flowers in a bluish-purple color. The plant grows up to 3 feet tall, producing a continuous bloom, all the way to frost. Native to southern Europe and Asia Minor, Borage is a herb that is an excellent companion plant. And, it has many medicinal and culinary applications. So, if you’re not yet growing Borage plants, what are you waiting for!?

Most varieties are annuals. But, there are some perennials. The flower is edible, with a cucumber-like flavor. Try it in salads, soups, dips, and sandwiches. The flowers are also used in potpourri.

Borage is a great companion plant.

Plant height: grows up to three feet tall.

Hardiness Zones: 2 – 11

Other Names: Star Flower, Bugloss, Bee Bread

Annual, Perennial, Borage Officinalis

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Medicinal Benefits:

Borage herb has a wide variety of medicinal uses, including:

When used in teas:

Used to reduce fever
Fights depression
Relieves diarrhea
Relieves bronchitis

When made into a paste:

Eases sprains and swelling
Relieves skin irritations
Reduces inflammation

Main Cooking Uses:

Borage is popular in beverages, teas, desserts, and a variety of recipes.

Borage Plant Propagation

The plants are grown from seed. Plant this crop in early spring. Some people practice succession planting with this herb, as older plants can get a little unsightly. Learn about Succession Planting.

Directly Borage sow seeds into your garden. Sow seeds early in the season. It is important not to cover the seeds, as they need sunlight to sprout.

Seed Tip: Pre-chill seeds in the refrigerator for at least two weeks before planting.

Borage plants are good self-seeders.

It can also be propagated by rooting the cuttings of young shoots.

Final Plant Spacing: Space seedlings, or thin plants 15″ inches apart.

Days to Germination: 7 – 14 days.

How to Grow Borage Plants

Borage is easy to grow. They are cool weather plants, and prefer full sun, but tolerate partial shade. The plants grow well in average to moderately rich soils, Soil should be well-drained.

The plants need a constant supply of water. Keep the soil evenly moist over the growing season.

For optimum growth, fertilize once a month during the growing season.

The plants respond positively to a heavy pruning. If they begin to get unsightly, just give ’em a good trim.

Ideal pH: 4.5 – 8.5