Borago officinalis - Herb,Herbaceous Plants,Web page Navigation - Borage, Common Borage Page

Discover the allure of Borago officinalis, commonly known as Borage, an ideal choice for both novice and seasoned gardeners. Indigenous to the Mediterranean, this captivating annual enchants with star-shaped, vivid blue blossoms from early summer until the first frost. Residing within the Boraginaceae family, Borage grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet, spreading up to 1.5 feet, and flaunts wrinkled, gray-green, cucumber-flavored leaves.

Perfect for diverse garden settings, from herb and vegetable gardens to cottage gardens, Borage rewards gardeners with its easy-care nature and self-sowing ability, while remaining non-invasive. An enduring favorite among pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, it also attracts beneficial insects, enhancing your garden's ecosystem.

Borage has culinary delights to offer: its flowers gracefully adorn salads or cocktails with their fresh, cucumber taste, and the tender leaves can be a refreshing addition to salads or drinks. This versatile herb is also reputed for its medicinal properties, containing vitamin C, and important minerals, with anti-inflammatory Borage oil adding to its health benefits.

To cultivate Borage, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil; yet, it tolerates poor, dry soils. Seeds can be sown directly outdoors in early spring or started indoors. Once established, Borage is drought-resistant and requires minimal maintenance. Enjoy your harvest throughout the growing season by pruning and deadheading to promote continuous blooms. Keep an eye out for common pests, but rest assured, Borage remains mostly disease-free. Elevate your garden with Borage and embrace a plant that's as functional as it is enchanting.