Borage

Using Borage in the Garden

Plant borage in the herb garden where it will add height above parsley, thyme, oregano, and other ground-hugging herbs. Borage is also a valuable addition to the perennial garden where its clean, medium-green foliage is a verdant backdrop for lilies, roses, and a host of bold-flowering perennial plants. Borage can be grown in containers, too. As it ages, this annual develops a somewhat loose habit and may benefit from staking to remain upright in late summer.

Caring for Borage

Borage grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It tolerates a variety of soil conditions, including quick-draining sand and heavy clay, but produces its best lush, leafy growth and a bevy of flowers in well-drained loam. Easy to start from seed, borage can be sown indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last predicted spring frost or directly into the garden. Direct sowing in the garden is preferred as seedlings develop long taproots—which means they’re tough to transplant. Once seedlings are established, thin them to stand 12 to 18 inches apart. Borage doesn’t require fertilization and rarely needs watering once established. Water during extended periods of drought. Harvest borage flowers any time throughout the growing season.

More Varieties of Borage

White borage

Borago officinalis ‘Alba’ has intense white flowers on sturdy stalks. Normally blooms later in season than its cousin with sky-blue flowers. Annual

Garden Plans For Borage