Plant and go
Botanical name: Borage officianlis
| Depth1/4-1/2" | Spacing: 10-12" | Row: 12-14" | Temp: 55-70F |
| Germ: 7-14 days | Sun: Full/ partial 6+ hrs | pH: 4.5-8.5 | Harvest: 8 wks |
| Soil: well drained | Container: 12x12" | Fertilizer: 10-10-10 | Freq: 3-4 wks |
Companion plant: Nasturtium
Details
Sow borage in spring after frost has passed. You can also start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost. Seeds prefer temperatures 65-70F to germinate, which can take 7-10 days. Borage thrives in dry, nutrient poor soils, but grows best moist well drained soil. Grow in well drained containers. Mix compost or preferred medium into the soil before sowing or transplanting. Plant seeds ¼-1/2 inches deep a few inches apart, rows 12-14 inches apart. Borage can grown in full or partial sun. Watering is very important during germination and establishing. Once the plant is established, let your plant dry out before water, 1-1.5 inches per week. Transplant seedlings once frost has passed. Borage has a taproot so be careful when transplanting. If you direct sowed, thin 10-12 days and about 1inch tall. Spacing goal is 10-12 inches apart. Once established watch and wait to harvest.
Harvest
Harvest time frame is about 8 weeks. To harvest cut or pull leaves and flowers from the plant. Borage is said to taste like cucumber. Something to remember. This is not a plant that should be eaten all in large quantities. It is a great herb almost better for fed, compost, pollinator, or mulch.
Tip
Because this plant is so good at attracting beneficial bugs, some folks will plant this near plants that need pollenating to increase yields.
Fun Fact
Used as a sedative and diuretic in traditional medicines, today borage is used as a garnish or eaten and seeds are used to make a oil supplement. Some folks may be allergic to borage, house pets definitely are.
Conclusion
Borage has a great history from myth to usage. It's easy to grow