PlantFiles: Borage
Borago officinalis

This plant winter sowed very well.

Borage (Borago officinalis), an intorduced native plant in many states, makes a beautiful showing in late winter and spring in my area. In warmer regions, plant the seeds in October so the plants bloom in the cool months. In areas with cold weather, the seeds can be planted in the spring. It is a great nectar plant for adult butterflies. The foliage and flowers do not emit a fragrance; however, they produce a fresh, cucumber like flavor. After seedlings are up and prospeing, keep the soil on the dry side because over-watering will kill the plants. This plant does not transplant ell because of its deep taproot. The plants might get very top-heavy and need support. It can crush smaller plants nearby or shade late-growing herbs causing them to not prosper.

Caution:
Borage is high in calcium and potassium . But, when consumed over a long period of time and in large quantities, liver damage and/or liver cancer can occur. So, use in moderation and persons that have liver problems woud be wise to avoid eating this plant.

I have borage in my vegetable garden to attract pollinators. Bees love it. Once the borage flowered, I had plenty of bees in my garden. I can see them milling around it from my window in the morning. The blossoms are indeed very pretty. I'm sure I will have lots of little borages popping up next year and that is fine with me.

Wanted to add. Looked out the window the other day and there was a hummingbird checking out my borage. He stayed a while going from flower to flower. The best look at a hummer I've ever had.

This plant does seem to trip along it's own path in my garden, it does almost as well in part shade as full sun. I've seen hummingbirds attracted to it. The compost pile chomps up it's mineral rich leaves.

I planted this is late fall '05 from a 4" pot. It is now 18" tall and at least 12" around and has beautiful blue blooms in winter. It still looks great after a light overnight freeze.

I found the Borage in several garden beds in Interior Alaska (Fairbanks). They were very hardy and blooming profusely. We are quickly heading into fall with cool early morning temperatures (50F) which warm to 70F in the afternoon.

This plant grows wild in Spain. From late winter to late spring.

I found this plant growing in my mom's un-cared for pile of dirt backyard in Novato. I think the area might of gotten a bit of water when the concrete was poured for a patio - but otherwise they are thriving (and spreading) completely without my help!

Very easy plant to grow and flowers are a nice blue.

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Be aware that Borage self seeds itself everywhere.

I greatly enjoy borage plants every year, though I don't utilize them for culinary purposes. The tall, course stems and leaves are an interesting contrast to the beautiful starlike blue flowers. It will always have a place in my garden... especially since it self-seeds so readily!

An erect, bristly annual which is native to Southern Europe but is widely naturalised.

Has large, ovate - lanceolate, mid green leaves covered in stiff hairs as they age (walk barefoot with caution). The further up the main stem the leaves become stalkless, clasping and much smaller and pointed. Bears small, star shaped, 5 petalled blue flowers which face downwards. Buds have a soft, downy white appearance. Anthers are purple/black and shaped into a cone.

Flowers anytime between April and September

It favours well drained, poorish soils in full sun.

Borage is the traditional flower of courage and imparts cheerfulness. Ladies would embroider silk hankerchiefs with borage flowers as 'favours' for jousters and soldiers who would collect them as they were dropped.

Borage for Courage is an old saying which appears to have some truth as a chemical present acts on the adrenal gland.

It was used to treat lung problems, chest disorders, cleanse blood, reduce fever, make a good gargle for sore throats and mouth ulcers as well as being good for sore eyes when made into a tea/lotion. Cosmetically it makes a good bath water. The plant must be young and fresh for any use and even now it is used for the above by herbalists.

The young leaves (non-prickly) have a slight cucumber taste and can be used as such in salads and sandwiches. The flowers are also edible but the black parts need to be removed, they make a great summer decoration in ice cubes for cold drinks. The flowers were also made into a drink and tart desserts.

Its a very useful companion plant as bees adore it and will spend much time fliting around a patch of borage. Borage and strawberries encourage each other in growth and it deters tomato worm too.