Borage Seed

Also 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 great for floating in summer drinks!

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

It is also an excellent companion plant, especially when grown with pumpkins, squash, strawberries and tomatoes to encourage pollination.

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

• Hardy annual in habit, will self seed very easily
• Prefers in a rich but well drained soil.
• Likes a full sun position, the more sun the greater the flavour!
• Grows up to 31"(80 cm).
• Roughly hairy stems and leaves with pretty blue flowers.
• Flowers May - September.
• 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 keep contained.
• Any unwanted seeds should be removed as Borage likes to self-seed and the new seedlings may take over!

Culinary Uses

• Used in salads.
• Leaves can flavour drinks.
• Flowers can be added to drinks (particularly Pimms!)
• Flowers can be candied.
• Can be cooked like spinach and even used as a stuffing for ravioli.

Medicinal Uses

• Used in homeopathy for depression and nervous heat weakness.
• The flowers help 'cheer you up'.
• Can reduce fever and stimulate blood circulation and lower blood pressure.
• The leaves can help to improve the functionality of your kidneys.
• Crushed fresh leaves can be used as a compress for tired and swollen legs
• Helps dry coughs and sore or infected throats and mouths (including ulcers).
• The leaves have anti-inflammatory properties (particularly irritated or inflamed eyes).
• Can be used to treat insect bites, stings, bruises, sprains and swelling.
• The flowers are high in essential fatty acids which can help regulate hormonal systems, reduce PMS (i.e. re-balance the hormonal system)and increase milk flow for breast feeding mothers.
• The seed oil can be used for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Eczema, Arthritis and hangovers!
• Leaves can be used in a face pack to help dry skin.

Other Uses

• Great for helping with pollination as bees love Borage.
• Flowers can be strung together to make a necklace!

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using.Avoid if you suffer from liver problems.