Borage Seeds (Borago officinalis)

This hardy annual is easy to grow and thrives in sunny, well-drained soil. The young leaves of the borage plant have a mild cucumber flavour, and its vibrant blue flowers are edible - perfect for summer salads, drinks, or dessert garnishes. 

Key Features:

• Excellent companion plant that boosts pollination and deters pests in vegetable gardens
• Edible and ornamental: cucumber-flavoured leaves and decorative blue flowers
• Pollinator magnet: attracts bees and other beneficial insects
• Low-maintenance: fast-growing and self-seeding for continued blooms year after year
  
• Approx. 35 seeds per 1g of Borage seeds

Borage (Borago officinalis), also known as starflower, is a robust annual herb known for its star-shaped blue blooms that flower from early to mid-summer.

The plant grows up to 60 cm tall and has coarse, hairy leaves that carry a refreshing cucumber-like taste. It is commonly used in cottage and kitchen gardens, both for its culinary value and its ability to attract pollinators.

Borage flowers are edible and look stunning frozen in ice cubes or added to salads and cocktails. The plant is also known for its soil-enriching properties and makes a fantastic companion for tomatoes, squash, and strawberries.

It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil and can be sown directly outdoors once the threat of frost has passed. Once established, it self-seeds easily and returns each year with minimal intervention.

Sow borage directly into prepared soil in spring, once the risk of frost has passed. Alternatively, start indoors under glass and transplant once established. The seeds germinate quickly in warm, moist conditions, usually within 7 to 14 days.

Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Keep soil moist during germination, but once established, borage is relatively drought-tolerant.

This fast-growing annual will flower in its first season and readily self-seeds if allowed. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage prolonged blooming, though leaving some to go to seed will ensure natural regeneration. Borage grows up to 60–90 cm tall and is ideal for low-maintenance planting schemes.

For garden applications direct sow at 1g/m2. For overseeding existing meadow planting or for new sowings on larger areas sow at a maximum of 2g/m2.

Borage is ideal for cottage gardens, herb beds, kitchen gardens, and vegetable plots. It’s particularly valuable in wildlife-friendly gardens due to its exceptional ability to attract pollinators such as honeybees and bumblebees.

Its continuous nectar supply supports beneficial insects throughout the flowering season, and it can help improve the health and yield of nearby crops.

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Garden lawn seed, wildflower seeds, and wildflower seed mixtures are typically dispatched within 1 to 3 working days.

Products from our agricultural, landscaping, and equine ranges may be shipped separately as they are mixed to order.

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Q1: How long do Borage seeds take to germinate?
A: Borage seeds usually germinate within 7 to 14 days in warm, moist soil.

Q2: Is Borage edible?
A: Yes, both the young leaves and blue star-shaped flowers are edible. Leaves have a mild cucumber flavour, while flowers can be used as colourful garnishes.

Q3: Can I sow Borage directly into the ground?
A: Absolutely. Direct sowing after the last frost is ideal. It also transplants well if started indoors.

Q4: Do I need to deadhead Borage?
A: Deadheading encourages more blooms, but it’s not essential. Letting some flowers go to seed allows the plant to self-seed and return the following year.