Pollinator 'Borage'

Borage (Borago officinalis)

Borage enchants with brilliant blue, star-shaped flowers that float gracefully above hairy, deep green foliage, creating a charming, rustic touch in garden borders, herb beds, or cottage-style landscapes. Its edible blooms, with a mild cucumber-like flavour, add both beauty and practicality to salads, drinks, or garnishes, while the occasional soft pink flower adds subtle variety and whimsy. Borage pairs beautifully with bright cosmos, creamy amaranths, or soft lavender flowers, bringing texture, colour, and a slightly wild, romantic charm to any planting.

Also known as Starflower or Bee Bush, borage is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, enriching the garden with gentle life and movement. Hardy, long-blooming, and self-sowing, this versatile annual requires minimal care, making it perfect for low-maintenance gardens, pollinator-friendly landscapes, or whimsical floral compositions. Its starry blooms bring vibrancy, charm, and timeless elegance to both garden beds and floral displays.

DETAILS:

QTY: 50

SITE: Sun

TYPE:  Hardy Annual

DEPTH: 1/4-1/2"

GERMINATION: 7-14 Days at 15-21°C

MATURITY: 50-60 Days

HEIGHT: 18-30"

SPACING: See below

PINCH: No

HOW TO GROW:

Direct Seed (recommended): Borage is best grown from seed sown directly into the garden. Sow outdoors once the soil has warmed in spring, after all danger of frost has passed. Plant seeds ¼–½" deep, spacing 3 seeds per foot in rows 24" apart. Once seedlings are established, thin them to a final spacing of 12" apart.

Transplanting (not recommended): Borage forms a deep taproot and does not transplant well. Starting indoors or moving established plants will likely result in transplant shock and poor growth.

Pinching: Pinching is not necessary for borage.

Soil Preference and Watering: Borage thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil. It is very adaptable and can grow in a variety of soil types, including poor soil. Water consistently during germination and establishment. Once mature, it is quite drought tolerant and prefers to be on the dry side.

Fertilizing: Fertilizing is not required for borage. It performs best in average to lean soil.

Harvesting: Harvest borage flowers and young leaves for culinary use. The flowers have a mild cucumber-like flavor and can be used to garnish salads or drinks.