How to Grow Borage From Seed

Sow borage outdoors after your last spring frost, once the soil has warmed. It grows a long taproot and dislikes being transplanted, so sow it right where it will grow. In most regions a single spring sowing is plenty, and you can scatter a few more seeds every few weeks for a longer run of flowers.

Choose a sunny spot with average, well-drained soil. Sow the large seeds about half an inch deep and cover them, since borage germinates best in darkness. Water gently and keep the soil moist until seedlings appear, usually in one to two weeks. Thin young plants to about 18 to 24 inches apart, giving each room to grow into a big, bushy plant.

Borage practically grows itself. Water during dry spells, but otherwise leave it be, since it thrives in lean soil and needs no rich feeding. The stems can flop as the plant gets tall and heavy with flowers, so give it a little support or plant it among sturdier neighbors. Working a spoonful of soil life into the planting hole helps young roots settle in fast. One habit to plan for: borage self-seeds readily. From New England to the Pacific Northwest it drops seed in late summer and returns on its own the next spring, so once you plant it in a bed you tend to have it for good. Thin or pull the extra seedlings where you do not want them.

Borage is one of the best companions in the whole garden. Its nonstop blue flowers pull in bees and hoverflies, it is said to deter tomato hornworm, and it draws beneficial insects that protect nearby crops. Plant it near these and everyone benefits:

Pick young borage leaves anytime for their cool, cucumber-like flavor; older leaves turn bristly, so use them young. Snip the star-shaped flowers just as they open. Harvest in the morning after the dew dries, and gather flowers often to keep the plant blooming.

Borage leaves and flowers taste of fresh cucumber. Chop young leaves into salads, cream cheese, or yogurt dips, float the blue star flowers in lemonade and cocktails, or freeze them into ice cubes for a nice touch at a summer table. Older leaves get bristly, so use them young or steep them like tea. In the garden, borage pulls in bees and hoverflies and works well as a companion plant near tomatoes, squash, and strawberries.

• Flopping stems: tall, flower-heavy plants can sprawl. Stake them or grow borage among sturdier plants.
• Powdery mildew: in humid, crowded spots leaves may get a white coating. Space plants for airflow and water at the base.
• Aphids: borage often acts as a trap that keeps aphids off other crops; a strong spray of water knocks them back.