Borage Herb Seeds
Botanical Name: Borago officinalis
Borage is a hardy annual herb prized for its vibrant blue star-shaped flowers, edible leaves and excellent value as a bee-attracting plant. Fast-growing and easy to establish, it is a beautiful and useful addition to herb gardens, cottage gardens and pollinator-friendly plantings.
Key Attributes
Pollinator FriendlyHighly attractive to bees and beneficial insects. |
Edible FlowersBright blue flowers can be used fresh in salads, drinks and garnishes. |
Hardy Annual HerbEasy to grow in a wide range of garden conditions. |
Cottage Garden FavouriteAdds colour, texture and movement to herb and flower beds. |
Useful Companion PlantOften grown near vegetables to encourage pollinator activity. |
Self-SeedingMay readily self-sow in favourable garden conditions. |
Product Description
Borage is a traditional herb and flowering annual valued for its ornamental beauty, edible flowers and strong appeal to bees. The plants produce attractive grey-green, slightly hairy leaves followed by clusters of vivid blue, star-shaped flowers over a long flowering period.
The flowers have a mild cucumber-like flavour and are commonly used fresh as a garnish for salads, desserts, cold drinks and herbal teas. Young leaves can also be used sparingly in salads or cooked dishes, although the texture becomes coarse as plants mature.
In the garden, borage is especially useful for attracting pollinators. It is often included in herb gardens, vegetable gardens, bee gardens, cottage gardens and beneficial insect plantings. Once established, plants are hardy, fast-growing and low maintenance.
Why Grow Borage?
- Produces beautiful blue edible flowers.
- Excellent bee and pollinator-attracting herb.
- Useful companion plant for vegetable gardens.
- Fast-growing and easy to establish from seed.
- Suitable for herb gardens, cottage gardens and flower borders.
- May self-sow in favourable conditions.
Plant Details
| Plant Type | Hardy annual herb |
| Growth Habit | Upright, branching plant |
| Plant Height | 45–90 cm |
| Flower Colour | Blue, star-shaped flowers |
| Days to Flower | 60–80 days |
Sowing Information
| Sowing Method | Direct sow or raise seedlings |
| Sowing Depth | 5–10 mm |
| Germination | 7–14 days |
| Soil Temperature | 15–25°C |
| Plant Spacing | 30–45 cm |
| Row Spacing | 45–60 cm |
| Position | Full sun to part shade |
When to Sow Borage in Australia
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Growing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cool | September – December | Sow after frost danger has passed for spring and summer flowers. |
| Temperate | August – April | Sow successively for a longer flowering period. |
| Subtropical | March – October | Best grown through the cooler months with good airflow. |
| Tropical | April – August | Grow during the dry season and avoid humid, waterlogged conditions. |
| Arid | March – September | Provide regular moisture during establishment and protect from extreme heat. |
How to Grow Borage
Sow borage seeds directly into well-drained soil or raise seedlings for transplanting. Borage develops a taproot and generally performs best when direct sown, but young seedlings can be transplanted carefully before becoming root bound.
Choose a sunny to lightly shaded position with free-draining soil. Keep soil moist during germination and early establishment. Once established, borage is relatively hardy and can tolerate short dry periods, although regular watering will improve leaf and flower production.
Plants can become large and branching, so allow adequate spacing for airflow. Borage may self-seed readily, making it useful in informal herb gardens, pollinator gardens and cottage-style plantings.
Avoid over-fertilising, as rich soil can produce excessive leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Harvest
Harvest flowers once fully open and use fresh for the best colour and flavour. Pick young leaves before they become coarse. Flowers are delicate and should be used soon after harvesting.
Perfect For
- Herb gardens
- Bee and pollinator gardens
- Cottage gardens and flower borders
- Vegetable garden companion planting
- Edible flower production
- Salads, drinks, garnishes and herbal teas
- Beneficial insect plantings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is borage easy to grow from seed?
Yes. Borage is fast-growing and usually germinates readily when sown into moist, well-drained soil.
Are borage flowers edible?
Yes. Borage flowers are edible and are commonly used fresh in salads, drinks, desserts and garnishes.
Does borage attract bees?
Yes. Borage is highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, making it a valuable plant for bee-friendly gardens.
Does borage come back every year?
Borage is an annual herb, but it may self-seed readily in suitable conditions.
Can borage be grown in containers?
Yes. Borage can be grown in large containers with good drainage, although it performs best where roots have room to develop.
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