Borage

Common Names:

Borage, Starflower, Bee Bread

Quick Glance:

• Common Use: Edible herb with star-shaped flowers, used in culinary dishes, teas, and as an ornamental plant.

• Growth Habit: Annual herb with bushy, upright growth; grows 18–36 inches tall.

• Plant Size: Typically reaches 18–36 inches tall and 12–24 inches wide.

• Light Needs: Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade.

• Key Feature: Vibrant blue, star-shaped flowers and fuzzy leaves that are edible and attract pollinators.

ID:

Scientific Name: Borago officinalis

Family: Boraginaceae

Physical Description:

Borage is a fast-growing annual herb with coarse, hairy leaves and branching stems. It produces bright blue, star-shaped flowers with five petals, although pink and white variations are occasionally found. The plant has a sprawling habit and can reseed prolifically, establishing itself year after year in favorable conditions.

Plant Size:

• Height: 18–36 inches.

• Width: 12–24 inches.

Light Requirement:

Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.

How to Grow:

• Soil: Thrives in well-draining, moderately fertile soil with a neutral pH (6.0–7.0). It tolerates poor soils but benefits from compost or organic matter.

• Transplanting: Borage can be started indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost. Due to its taproot, it’s best transplanted carefully to minimize root disturbance. Use biodegradable pots to plant seedlings directly into the garden without removing them. Space transplants 12–18 inches apart in rows or clusters. Water thoroughly after transplanting to help plants establish.

• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering. Once established, borage is relatively drought-tolerant.

• Fertilizing: Borage requires little to no fertilization. A light application of compost during planting is sufficient.

• Reseeding: Borage readily self-seeds. To control its spread, remove flowers before they set seed or thin seedlings.

Container Growing:

• Container Size: Use a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide to accommodate the taproot.

• Soil: Fill with well-draining potting mix enriched with compost.

• Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

• Placement: Position the container in a sunny spot or partial shade in hot climates.

Pest Management:

• Common Pests: Aphids and caterpillars.

• Solutions: Use insecticidal soap for aphids or hand-pick caterpillars. Borage is generally pest-resistant and can even deter some pests like tomato hornworms.

• Diseases: Borage is not prone to significant diseases but may develop root rot in poorly drained soils.

Spreading Habit:

• Spreading: Borage self-seeds prolifically and can become invasive if not managed.

• How to Handle: Deadhead flowers before they set seed or allow controlled reseeding for a continuous crop.

Companion Planting:

Borage is a great companion plant for many vegetables and flowers:

• Tomatoes: Attracts pollinators and deters tomato hornworms.

• Cucumbers: Enhances pollination and overall plant health.

• Strawberries: Improves pollination and may deter pests.

• Pollinator Plants: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it valuable in pollinator-friendly gardens.

How to Use:

• Culinary: Borage leaves and flowers are edible. Young leaves have a mild cucumber flavor and can be added to salads, soups, and drinks. Flowers are often used as garnishes or frozen in ice cubes for beverages.

• Medicinal: Traditionally used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties and as a remedy for stress and respiratory conditions. The plant contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), beneficial for skin health.

• Ornamental: The vibrant blue flowers and sprawling habit make borage a lovely addition to cottage gardens, herb gardens, and pollinator habitats.

• Pollinator-Friendly: Borage is a magnet for bees, making it a valuable plant for boosting pollination in the garden.

Recipe Ideas:

1. Borage Lemonade:

   • Ingredients: Fresh borage leaves, lemon juice, sugar, water, and borage flowers for garnish.

   • Instructions: Infuse borage leaves in water overnight. Strain and mix with lemon juice and sugar to taste. Garnish with fresh borage flowers.

2. Borage Salad:

   • Ingredients: Young borage leaves, mixed greens, cucumbers, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

   • Instructions: Toss young borage leaves with mixed greens and cucumbers. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Borage-Infused Water:

   • Ingredients: Fresh borage flowers, sliced cucumber, lemon slices, and cold water.

   • Instructions: Combine borage flowers, cucumber slices, and lemon slices in a pitcher of cold water. Let it infuse for 2–4 hours in the refrigerator. Serve chilled for a refreshing drink.