Growing Borage (Borago officinalis)
A delightful annual herb known for its bushy growth and vibrant, edible bright blue flowers. This versatile plant serves as a magnet for bumble bee pollinators in garden plots. Borage offers a range of culinary and medicinal uses. The leaves, which impart a refreshing cucumber-like flavor, can be sparingly added to salads or used to flavor cool drinks. Borage is considered to be a liberal self-sower, dropping its own herb seeds, so you can enjoy more plants next year.
Medicinal Properties: Borage flowers and leaves, as well as the oil from its seeds are used as medicine. Borage seed oil is used for skin disorders. It is also used for rheumatoid arthritis, swelling of the gums, stress, premenstrual syndrome, diabetes, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, acute respiratory distress syndrome, alcoholism, pain and swelling (inflammation), asthma, and for preventing heart disease and stroke. Borage flower and leaves are used for fever, cough, and depression. The herb flower contains essential fatty acid γ -linolenic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid that plays a vital role in the restoration of joint health, immunity, and healthy skin and mucosa. Fresh borage herb has high levels of vitamin C. . The herb is one of the rich sources of vitamin A and carotenes. Full of minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, manganese, copper, zinc, and magnesium
Growing Instructions: Hardiness: Borage is an annual herb. Germination: Seeds require a temperature of 70°F and light for germination, which typically takes around 10 days. Planting: Choose between transplanting or direct seeding in well-drained soil. Sunlight: Thrives in full sun conditions. Height: Borage plants typically reach a height of 24-36 inches. While Borage plants may fade in deep summer heat and humidity, they can be easily reseeded for a late summer or early fall harvest. Scientific Name: Borago officinalis Hardiness Zone: Annual to Zones 2-10 Days to Harvest: 50-60 days Plant Height: 12-36″ Preference: Temperate, 55-70°F light Preference: Full sun – partial shade