Borage or Starflower ( Borago officinalis ) is an annual herb that is native to the Mediterranean, however will grow almost anywhere. This species has plenty of history and many uses, it has been used traditionally and still is today for culinary purposes; herbal medicine; to attract bees; and as an essential oil that is made from its seeds. This plant is a must have for every garden.
As an edible plant, the leaves and flowers are both edible and the stems are useful too. It is added to salads, used to make several beverages and the flower is used as a garnish. Borago officinalis is eaten as a vegetable in Germany, Greece and Italy and is also used to make a green sauce in Germany, to pickle gherkins in Poland and most famously, as a filling in traditional ravioli in Italy!
Other common names for Borago officinalis, besides Borage and Starflower are Bugloss; Tailwort; Bee Bush; Bee Bread and Cool Tankard.
Growth
Borage is an annual that will grow between ½-1 metre, with a spread of 15-45 cm’s. Its leaves, stems and unopened flower buds are covered in tiny hairs and are green. The spring time flowers are really pretty star shape (hence the common name ‘Starflower’) and have five pointed petals that are a deep blue; and sometimes an almost pinky-blue. Some say, ‘the poorer the soil – the deeper the blue’. There is a white flowered cultivar also.
This species as mentioned above will grow in almost any climate, it will flower happily in poor soils as long as they are well draining and is drought tolerant. Borage can be grown in pots.
We always recommend growing your food organically, so when fertilising or trying to keep pests under control, keep in mind that there are always organic options. Your body and family will thank you!
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Boraginaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
0 to 40°C / 32 to 104°F as an annual will die off during winter but will self-seed if allowed and grow back each year.
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, not fussy
LOCATION:
Full sun will tolerate some shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 50 cm’s (1.5 inches)
pH:
5.0-8.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual, although can grow all year in warmer climates.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Bee pollinated, bisexual flowers.
MATURITY:
8-10 weeks
GERMINATION RATES:
93%
GERMINATION TIME:
7-14 days
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 52
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT BORAGO OFFICINALIS
The Borage flower is useful in the garden for attracting bees and other beneficial insects as well as making a great companion plant for many other species (see germination instructions). It is a great companion plant for strawberries due to its attractiveness to bees, that will in turn pollinate the strawberries and encourage more fruit.
Medicinally this plant has been used since ancient times and is said to treat depression, bruising and fever as well as cardiac, respiratory, endocrine, urinary, and gastrointestinal issues. The use is contradictory in people with liver issues.
Borago officinalis is commercially cultivated for its use as an essential oil.
