Borage

Description

Also known as a starflower or common borage, borago officinalis is an annual plant with edible green leaves and blue or purple flowers. The plant is grown in gardens for that purpose in some parts of Europe. However, traditionally borage was cultivated for culinary and medicinal uses. Borage is used as either a fresh vegetable or a dried herb with hairy stems. Borage plants, with a cucumber-like taste, are often used in salads or as a garnish. The edible borage flower has a sweet honey-like taste and is often used to decorate desserts, summer drinks, and cocktails.

The plant is also commercially cultivated for borage seed oil(borage oil) extracted from its seeds, which is a great hydrating ingredient that protects the skin barrier and rich in omega-6 fatty acids. An excellent companion plant in herb gardens, garden beds, or wildlife gardens. When planted near tomatoes, cabbage, strawberries, or squash, it helps to minimise hornworm or cabbage worm damage.

Preferring moist soils, Borage should be grown in full sun or with slight partial shade. Bloom time is June through to September, with a beautiful display of starry blue flowers.

How to Identify

Borago officinalis forms clumps of soft, bristly, dark green leaves topped with loose clusters of bright blue blooms. The flowers hang in delicate, star-like sprays on upright stems, reaching around 50–70cm tall. Although grown as an annual, borage self-seeds readily and often returns year after year.

How to Grow

Borage grows best in full sun and adapts well to most average garden soils, as long as they are well-drained. Sow seeds directly outdoors in spring where the plant is to grow. Borage is low maintenance and fast growing, flowering from June through to September. Good airflow around plants will help reduce the risk of powdery mildew.