Borage Seeds
Borago Officinalis
Grow borage from seed for vibrant blue edible flowers with a fresh cucumber flavour. A fast-growing, pollinator-friendly plant loved by bees, borage is ideal for teas, salads, and informal garden borders. Traditionally associated with courage, borage is easy to grow and brings both beauty and usefulness to the garden.
Approx 50 seeds
- Pollinator-Friendly
- Pot Fans
- Most Light Conditions
- Hardy Annual
Borage Seeds – Quick Growing Guide
Borage seeds are easy to sow from spring to early autumn, producing vibrant, edible blue flowers that attract pollinators. Grow in full sun with well-drained soil, watering regularly. Harvest flowers and young leaves for salads or garnishes from early summer onwards.
How to Sow, Grow and Harvest Borage Seeds
- Sow:March–September, direct outdoors or in pots
- Germination:7–14 days at 15–20°C
- Grow:Full sun, well-drained soil; space plants 30cm apart
- Water:Regular watering, keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Harvest:Pick edible flowers and young leaves from 8 weeks
- Best for:Beds, borders, pollinator-friendly gardens
Borage (Borago officinalis) is a charming, hardy annual known for its star-shaped blue flowers and edible leaves. Traditionally valued for courage, today it’s prized in gardens for salads, teas, and attracting pollinators. Sow your own borage seeds to enjoy its beauty and flavour.
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Grow in Your Garden
Calendar
How to Grow
Borage is best sown directly outdoors from March to June in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, such as window boxes, balconies, containers or garden beds. It looks after itself once established, growing quickly to about 0.6m tall with a spread of 0.45m.
Sowing
Sow borage seeds directly onto firm, damp soil and cover lightly. Keep the soil just moist to encourage germination within 7 to 14 days in warm conditions.
Growing
Thin seedlings to 30–40cm apart to allow room for the plant's 0.6m height and 0.45m spread. Growing from June to September, borage thrives in full sun and minimal attention is required.
Plant care
Water borage during prolonged dry spells to maintain steady growth. Regularly harvest the edible, pollinator-friendly flowers to promote continuous blooming and remove any unwanted self-seeded plants to manage spread.
About Borage
Easy to grow and generous in habit, borage thrives in pots or garden beds and quickly fills space with lush, starry blue flowers. Loved by bees and other beneficial insects, it’s a brilliant pollinator plant, while its edible flowers and young leaves add a fresh, cucumber-like flavour to drinks and dishes.
- Pollinator-Friendly
- Pot Fans
- Most Light Conditions
- Hardy Annual
Eventual height & spread
History of Borage
Historically, borage symbolised bravery and was used by ancient Greeks and Romans. Its vibrant flowers were woven into medieval tapestries and used by Crusaders. Today, it remains a favourite for gardeners wanting a splash of colour and flavour.
| Other Names | Burrage, common bugloss, bee-bread, bee fodder, star flower, ox's tongue, and cool tankard. |
|---|---|
| Pet/Baby Safe | Known to be toxic. |
FAQs
Sow seeds directly in well-drained soil after the last frost. Thin seedlings to 20-30cm apart.
Typically up to 60cm tall.
Yes, the blue flowers are edible and great in salads or as decoration.