Annual , 64-72 days. Borage is one of the most unique additions to your herb garden with its wide applications as an herb, flower, and vegetable. Throughout the ages, borage has had many uses in traditional herbal medicine, one of them being the alleviation of menstrual pains. The young leaves and flowers are edible with a cucumber-like taste, the blue flowers make a summer treat frozen into ice cubes. Bees and other beneficial insects love it. Used both as an herb and vegetable, borage is high in GLA, an Omega 6 fatty acid. Having many used in traditional herbal medicine, the leaves and flowers are edible. With a cucumber liked taste, the blue flowers make a summer treat frozen into ice cubes. Bees and other beneficial insects love it.
- Days to Maturity: Annual, 64-72
- Hardiness Zone: ¼ - ½"
- Planting Depth: 15”- 18”
- Plant Spacing: Upright
- Growth Habit: Well-drained
- Soil Preference:
- Temp Preference: Warm
- Light Preference: Full sun
- Color: Green with blue flowers
- Flavor: A strong cucumber flavor.
Sowing and Growing
For best results, direct sow seed after the last frost for summer blossoms. Prefers well-drained soil and will often reseed itself. A great companion plant for strawberries, Borage brings pollinators and repels harmful insects. 5 to 10 days for germination.
Harvesting
Once the plant is fully established, pick young leaves anytime. Leaves are most flavorful just after harvest. The longer they are allowed to dry, the more they lose their flavor. Allow the plant to flower and pick blossoms for culinary and/or aromatic uses.
- 2 g - Approximately 100 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 1,500 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 6,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 24,000 Seeds
- 5 lb - Approximately 120,000 Seeds
- 25 lb - Approximately 600,000 Seeds