Tasty Tuesday Herb Spotlight: Borage

 

Common name: Borage 
Botanical name: Borago officinalis 
Family: Boraginaceae 
 

With its vivid blue (or white!), star-shaped flowers and fuzzy leaves, borage is as beautiful as it is useful. This easy-to-grow annual is beloved by gardeners, pollinators, and herbalists alike—offering edible blooms, beneficial garden support, and a long history of traditional use. 
 
Why Grow Borage? 
 
1. Pollinator Magnet - Borage is famous for attracting bees and beneficial insects, making it one of the best companion plants for vegetable and herb gardens. 
 
2. Edible Flowers & Leaves - The cucumber-flavored flowers are perfect for salads, drinks, and garnishes, while young leaves can be used fresh or cooked. 
 
3. Companion Planting Benefits - Borage is often planted near tomatoes, squash, and strawberries to help improve growth and attract pollinators. 
 
4. Easy & Fast Growing - This annual grows quickly from seed and often self-sows, returning year after year with little effort. 

 

Growing & Care 
 
Light 
• Prefers full sun to partial shade 
• Best flowering occurs in full sun 
 
Water 
• Moderate water needs 
• Drought tolerant once established, but blooms best with consistent moisture 

 

Soil 
• Adaptable to most soil types 
• Prefers well-draining soil but tolerates poorer soils 
 
Growth Habit 
• Upright, bushy annual 
• Grows 18–36 inches tall 
• Readily self-seeds if flowers are left on the plant 
 
Climate & Zones 
• Grown as an annual in all USDA Zones 
• Thrives in cool to warm weather 
 

Growing in Zone 5 
Zone 5 gardeners can grow borage easily from seed each year. 
• Direct sow seeds outdoors after last frost 
• Can also start indoors 3–4 weeks early, but prefers not to be transplanted 
• Expect blooms by early summer and continued flowering through the season 
•  Allow some plants to go to seed if you’d like it to return naturally next year. 
 
Harvesting Borage 
 
What to Harvest 
• Flowers: Pick fresh when fully open 
• Leaves: Harvest young leaves for best flavor and texture 
 
When to Harvest 
• Harvest throughout the growing season 
• Pick flowers regularly to encourage more blooms 

How to Use Borage 
• Add flowers to salads, desserts, or ice cubes 
• Use leaves in teas or cooked dishes (similar to spinach when young) 
• Steep leaves and flowers for a light, refreshing herbal tea 
 
A Quick Note on Use 
Borage is wonderful in small, occasional amounts, especially the flowers. Leaves are best used young and in moderation. 
 
Final Thoughts 
 
Growing Borago officinalis brings color, pollinators, and easy charm to any garden. Whether you’re enhancing your veggie beds, garnishing summer drinks, or simply enjoying their cheerful blooms, borage is a joyful and rewarding addition. 
 
Come visit The Flower Bin to find borage and other garden favorites to brighten your space!