Borage

Borage is about 3 feet tall with a spreading habit. Continuous Noxema-blue blooms attract lots of bees. Tough and drought resistant, it reseeds itself easily. Borage grows as an ornamental as well as for the fuzzy, cucumber-tasting leaves in the spring. This is a great seed to sow during mid-summer for end-of-season blooms for you and the late-season native insects.

100 seeds

PLANTING

Borago officinalis

Annual

Germination: 5-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 65-70ºF

Seed Planting Depth:  1/4"-1/2" deep

Starting Indoors:  Start indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost. Provide 65-70ºF soil temperatures. Using peat, cow, or paper pots can help with the stress of transplanting; they grow delicate roots, and successful transplanting may be challenging. Transplant after the last frost, 12" apart. 

Sowing Outdoors: Around the last frost, when the soil temperature reaches 60-65ºF. Sow a few seeds every 6-12", thin to 12" apart 

Growth Habit: Upright, spreading

Height and Width: 24-36” x 24-36”  

Spacing: 12-18” apart

Light Needs: Full sun 

Soil Needs:  Borage needs average to fertile, moist soil

Uses: Culinary and medicinal, Flowers attract bees and beneficials.