Flowers Mix Growing Guides

How to Grow Borage

Direct Sowing Outdoors (Recommended)

Borage is a hardy annual that grows easily from seed. It is best direct-sown outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked, and it produces attractive flowers that are loved by pollinators.

• 1. Choose a Season
  Direct-sow outdoors 1 to 2 weeks before the last expected frost, as soon as the soil can be worked. For continuous blooms, succession-sow every 3 to 4 weeks through midsummer.
• 2. Choose the Right Spot
  Choose an area with full sun and at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Borage tolerates a wide range of soils but prefers well-drained ground. It can also grow well in poor or rocky soil.
• 3. Prepare the Soil
  Loosen the top layer of soil and remove weeds, rocks, and debris. Rake the area smooth before sowing. Well-drained soil is best, as borage does not like waterlogged conditions.
• 4. Broadcast the Seeds
  Spread borage seeds evenly over the planting area. Aim for about 12 inches between plants after thinning. 1 oz of seeds will cover up to 125 sq ft.
• 5. Create Good Seed-to-Soil Contact
  Cover seeds with 1/4 to 1/2 inch of soil and press gently to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Borage seeds need darkness to germinate, so make sure they are fully covered with soil.
• 6. Water the Area
  Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, for 7 to 14 days until germination. Borage germinates fastest when soil temperatures reach 60 to 70°F.
• 7. Grow On
  Once established, borage is drought-tolerant and needs only moderate watering. Plants can grow up to 24 inches tall.

Starting Indoors (Alternative Method)

Borage is usually easiest to direct-sow outdoors, but it can be started indoors for earlier growth in short-season areas.

• 1. Start Seeds Early
  Start seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last expected frost.
• 2. Sow the Seeds
  Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in a seed-starting mix. Keep seeds fully covered, as they need darkness to germinate.
• 3. Keep Moist and Warm
  Keep the growing medium evenly moist, but not soggy. Germination usually takes 7 to 14 days and is fastest at 60 to 70°F.
• 4. Provide Bright Light
  Once seedlings emerge, place them in bright light or under grow lights to keep plants strong and compact.
• 5. Transplant Outdoors
  Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors. Plant after frost danger has passed, spacing plants about 12 inches apart in a sunny, well-drained location.

Growing Tips

• Borage is a hardy annual and can be direct-sown 1 to 2 weeks before the last expected frost.
• Choose full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Borage prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate poor or rocky ground.
• Seeds need darkness to germinate - cover with 1/4 to 1/2 inch of soil.
• Keep soil consistently moist during germination, but do not flood the area.
• Germination usually takes 7 to 14 days.
• Soil temperatures of 60 to 70°F help seeds germinate fastest.
• Thin seedlings to about 12 inches apart for healthy growth.
• 1 oz covers up to 125 sq ft.
• Plants grow up to 24 inches tall.
• Once established, borage is drought-tolerant and needs only moderate watering.
• Succession-sow every 3 to 4 weeks through midsummer for continuous blooms.