Borage Seed
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Borage Seed

Borago officinalis

Sometimes known as the Starflower this really is a pretty plant that deserves a spot in every garden.

The leaves and stems have a delicate cucumber flavour making them perfect for chopping and adding to salads. Similarly the pretty purple-blue flowers are flavoured with a hint of cucumber making them perfect for using in salads as an edible garnish or floating on Summer drinks.

For that ultimate Summer drinks decadence freeze individual flowers into ice cubes – perfect in Pimms!

Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

Makes an excellent companion plant when grown with pumpkins, squash, strawberries and tomatoes.

Crushed fresh leaves can be used as a compress for tired and swollen legs – or used for insect bites, stings, bruising, swellings and sprains. Flowers and seeds are said to re-balance the hormonal system and lower blood pressure as well as alleviating anxiety and easing depression. Avoid if you suffer liver problems. (As with all plants with purported 'medicinal' benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them for this purpose; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care)

Supplied as a packet of approximately 40 seeds.

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How To Sow & Grow Borage

Borage thrives in a rich but well drained soil and a full sun position. The sunnier the position the greater the flavour.
Direct sow outside either thinly in rows or sparsely in clumps. Lightly cover seed and keep moist. Thin to 12" (30 cm) apart when large enough to handle.
Alternatively start earlier by thinly sowing in seed trays and just covering the seed. Keep moist and at a temperature of around 65°F (18°C). Transplant and grow on in small pots when large enough to handle and then plant out 12" (30 cm) apart after the fear of frost.

Top Tips
Can grow quite leggy and messy so prune back to contain.
Whilst annual in habit, it will self seed very easily so in following years ensure you remove unwanted seedlings before they take over!