Borage Seeds

Useful gardening information

Borage is a freely seeding, easy growing annual plant with vivid blue flowers and leaves with the flavor of cucumbers. It is consider an herb, but is often grown as a flower in vegetable gardens where it attracts pollinating bees and is considered a good companion plant for tomatoes, squash and strawberries. It's even supposed to deter tomato hornworms and improve the flavor of tomatoes growing nearby.

Borage is actually a somewhat gangly plant, but you barely notice it because the star-shaped flowers are so vibrant. They're a true blue, hanging in downward facing clusters. Even the fuzzy white buds are attractive. Both the flowers and the leaves are edible, with a cucumber-like flavor. Use the leaves while they are young, because as the plant matures, the stalks and leaves become covered with a prickly fuzz.

Borage grows best if direct seeded. Barely cover the seeds with soil and keep well watered. They are tolerant of any type soil, even poor dry soil. However a sunny location with rich, well draining soil is optimal.
If you choose to start seedlings, transplant before they become pot bound. Plan to start seedlings about 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost and do not transplant outdoors until the soil has warmed.
Once seedling are about 2-3" tall, thin to approximately 12" apart.

HR370 Borage ( Borage officinalis )

Borage is one of the most useful and beautiful herbs a gardener can grow. Its striking star-shaped blue flowers, fuzzy silver-green foliage, and exceptional pollinator value have made it a favorite in cottage gardens, herb gardens, vegetable plots, and pollinator habitats for centuries.

The brilliant blue blossoms appear continuously throughout the growing season, creating a dazzling display that attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and countless beneficial insects. In fact, Borage is widely considered one of the very best plants for supporting honeybees and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to any garden focused on biodiversity and wildlife.

Borage is also highly regarded as a companion plant. Gardeners often grow it near tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, strawberries, and other vegetables to attract pollinators and beneficial insects that help create a healthy garden ecosystem. The large plants produce abundant nectar and flowers over a long season, drawing pollinators into the garden when they are needed most.

The edible flowers have a mild cucumber-like flavor and are often used to garnish salads, desserts, beverages, and summer drinks. The young leaves have also been used traditionally as a culinary herb. The vibrant blue flowers make stunning additions to fresh-cut arrangements and edible landscapes.

Uses and Benefits

Produces beautiful star-shaped blue flowers.
One of the best plants for attracting honeybees.
Excellent nectar source for bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.
Outstanding companion plant for vegetable gardens.
Attracts pollinators to tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and strawberries.
Edible flowers with a mild cucumber-like flavor.
Popular garnish for salads, desserts, and beverages.
Excellent addition to herb gardens and edible landscapes.
Makes attractive fresh-cut flowers.
Suitable for pollinator gardens and wildlife habitats.
Easy to grow and quick to flower from seed.
Often self-sows, providing years of garden enjoyment.

Hardiness Zones

Borage is grown as an annual in all USDA Zones, completing its life cycle in a single growing season.

Germination Instructions

Sow seeds directly outdoors after danger of frost has passed.
Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
Keep soil evenly moist during germination.
Maintain temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C).
Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days.
Thin seedlings to allow adequate spacing and airflow.
Borage develops a taproot and generally performs best when direct sown.

Growing Tips

Plant in full sun to partial shade.
Prefers average, well-drained soil.
Water during prolonged dry periods.
Flowers continuously throughout summer.
Excellent for containers, raised beds, and garden borders.
Allow some flowers to set seed if natural reseeding is desired.

Combining ornamental beauty, edible flowers, pollinator attraction, companion planting benefits, and ease of cultivation, Borage is truly one of the most versatile and rewarding plants in the garden. Whether grown for bees, butterflies, fresh flowers, culinary uses, or simply its unforgettable blue blossoms, Borage earns its place in every gardener's collection.

All seed packets listed on this page are in stock and ready to ship.