Borage Seed White (Borage officinalis)

Starting Seeds Indoors

1. Select Suitable Containers: Use small pots or seed trays equipped with drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil.
2. Use a Good Seed-Starting Mix: Fill your containers with a light, sterile seed-starting mix to encourage healthy seedling development and reduce disease risks.
3. Planting Depth: Borage seeds should be sown about ¼ to ½ inch deep in the soil.
4. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not overly wet. A gentle misting can provide the necessary moisture without disturbing the seeds.
5. Lighting: Borage seedlings require plenty of light to grow strong. Place them near a sunny window or use grow lights for about 12-14 hours per day.
6. Temperature: Aim for a temperature range of 65-70°F (18-21°C) for optimal germination, which usually occurs within 5-15 days.
7. Transplanting: Once seedlings are several inches tall and have a few true leaves, they can be transplanted outdoors after the risk of frost has passed.

Planting Borage Outdoors

1. Timing: Borage can be transplanted outdoors after the last spring frost. It can also be directly sown outdoors after the frost danger has passed.
2. Site Selection: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Borage grows well in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
3. Soil Preparation: Borage isn’t particularly picky about soil but thrives in rich, well-drained soil. Adding compost can improve soil structure and nutrition.
4. Planting: Space borage plants or seeds about 12-18 inches apart to allow ample room for their bushy growth.
5. Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil moist, particularly during dry spells. Borage is relatively drought-tolerant once established but prefers consistent moisture.
6. Fertilizing: Generally, borage does not require a lot of fertilizer. If needed, a light application of a balanced organic fertilizer in the spring can promote healthier growth.
7. Care and Maintenance: Borage can become quite large and may need support if grown in very windy areas. It also self-seeds prolifically, so you may want to remove spent flowers if you want to control its spread in the garden.
8. Harvesting: Borage leaves and flowers can be harvested at any time during the growing season. The young leaves are tender and ideal for culinary uses, while the star-shaped blue flowers are both edible and attractive as garnishes.

Borage is not only valued for its edible leaves and beautiful flowers but also for its ability to attract bees and beneficial insects to the garden. It’s a wonderful addition to any vegetable or herb garden, bringing both utility and visual appeal.