Borage

Planting borage

Sow directly after the last frost, and again every few weeks for continuous bloom. Borage grows a taproot and dislikes transplanting.

Planting details

• Spacing: 12 to 18 inches; plants reach 2 to 3 feet
• Seed depth: about 1/2 inch
• Self-sows freely wherever seed drops

Growing requirements

Borage wants full sun and average, well-drained soil. Lean ground is fine; rich soil produces big floppy plants that need staking.

Harvesting and care

Pick flowers and young leaves for salads and drinks while they are fresh. Remove fallen seed pods if you do not want volunteers scattered through the bed.

Common mistakes

• Transplanting instead of direct sowing, which stunts the taproot
• Rich soil, which produces floppy growth that needs support
• Planting next to small crops, since borage sprawls wide by midsummer

Companion plants

Plant borage at the edge of strawberry beds and vegetable rows, where its blooms pull in pollinators. Keep it back from small crops it could shade.