Borage
Borago officinalis
Borage is an herb with cucumber-flavored leaves. Its flowers attract butterflies and other beneficial insects. In fact, this plant is so loved by honeybees that some believe planting borage near a hive can boost the bees’ honey production!
How to Grow Borage
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Growing from Seed
Borage is usually direct-sown. While it is possible to transplant borage it is generally not recommended as it develops a taproot and can be difficult to transplant successfully.
Planting Considerations
Borage is not a picky plant. It should grow with ease in any well-drained soil. Borage often self-seeds. If you do not want this, be sure to remove all flowers from your existing borage plants before they go to seed.
Feeding
Fertilization is not usually necessary when growing borage.
Harvesting
Borage leaves can be picked at any time once the plant has reached maturity (about 8 weeks after planting). The leaves are best used fresh, as dried leaves rapidly lose their flavor.
Storage
Borage flowers can be dried for use in potpourris.
