I first started growing borage because I want it for my bees . I ’m beaming I did , because they make out it , and I ’ve spend many hours watch them go forth their beehive and fly directly to the borage patch . That ’s not the only reason I roll in the hay this pretty little herb .
Borage imparts a flowered theatrical role to my dear , but it ’s much more than that . It savour delicious , with a delicate Cucumis sativus savour . you may supply the lovely little blue blossom to salads , or frozen in deoxyephedrine cube for a colorful add-on to yield punch . Both the flowers and leaves take mellow floor of calcium , potassium , and mineral salts lively to a sizable trunk . It ’s also eminent in Z 6 .
Borage has aesculapian properties , and it ’s a natural manner to keep pestis like hornworms out of the garden . Then there ’s the fact that it adds an ornamental touch to your veggie garden .
Borage has a storied past . Allegedly , it was give to the Crusaders and Knights Templar to promote bravery as they take off to foreign land . In ancient Rome , Pliny the Elder used it as an anti - depressant .
In other word , borage is an all - purpose wonder plant .
Borage Varieties
There are several varieties of borage to choose some . They all have a similar feel .
How to Grow Borage
Zones
you may originate borage in most country as an annual . creep tailwort grows in zone 5 and above .
Sun and Soil Requirement
Plant borage in full sun with partial tad . To get the most blooms and sturdy husk , put up more sunshine than shade .
The ideal land pH is 6.5 , but borage will spring up in grease with a pH from 4.5 - 8.5 .
When to Plant Borage
flora in early leap after the last frost . In cold climates , plant in a greenhouse or indoors four weeks before the last hoarfrost and transplant when temps increase .
Borage is reasonably cold tolerant , preferring ground temperatures of at least 50 ° F . Any ice chest and you may need to provide a cloche or standardized protection .
Where to Plant Borage
A word of warning – borage is a voracious self - seeder , and you ’ll bump it growing in random place your garden . It ’s easy to root for out , and deadheading often ingest care of the trouble .
That said , if you want to keep it under control , consider turn borage in potful . Plants opt juiceless , clean terracotta pots with light soil . The lulu of suffer it in containers is you may move them around the garden to attract bees to where you want them to go .
Germinating Seeds
Dig in well - rotted constitutive subject into the territory before planting . Soil should be unbendable but not compacted . Plant seeds 1/4 inch into the basis and keep moist . By around ten days you ’ll see the plants press through . slenderize out to one plant every 15 inches once they are 2 inch improbable .
Spacing
single plants and rows should be 15 in apart . Borage can suffer from mould if too close .
Caring for Borage
Fertilizer
Plant borage in soil that has plenty of well - rotted organic matter . provender in spring with an all - purpose fluent fertilizer .
Pruning
Borage does n’t need pruning except in summertime to keep it tidy . Deadhead if you want to keep the blooms coming and prevent self - seeding .
Watering
Like many herb , borage needs a reasonable amount of water . Keep the soil moist and be aware that borage ca n’t make it drouth consideration . Avoid overwatering .
Common Problems and Solutions for Growing Borage
Borage is relatively problem - free , but there are a few things you might want to watch out for .
Wooly Bear Caterpillar
Wooly bear caterpillar are not fussy and feed most low lying foliage . If they ’re on your borage , they ’re believably on other plants as well . employ neem oil on a regular basis to make plants undesirable .
Painted Lady Butterfly
The larva of this pest causes more matter than the butterfly . That said , they do n’t generally do loads of hurt . I ’ve also found they mystify to specific areas of the flora rather than damage the whole thing . apply a rude insect powder or sticky trap to control them .
Flea Beetle
There are numerous types of flea beetles , but they all eat the leave of tailwort , forget little pits or pickle . This can be a serious trouble if there ’s an plague , but I do n’t worry unless the numbers grow . transfer all fallen debris in the fall to try on and interfere with over - wintering .
You could habituate a pesticide that contains sulphur or in the case of a bad infestation use Carbaryl . For me , that ’s the last resort resolution .
Mildew
Mildew can affect your borage . The best way to nullify it is to engraft with nice spacing between them to allow airflow . seek to irrigate towards the base of the flora rather than on top of the foliage .
Companion Plants for Borage
Borage grow well with :
Borage draw small wasps and bees , which are the natural vulture for tomato worms and cultivated cabbage insect . If you want to try a natural answer for pest control , plant borage with those crop or move the potted Borago officinalis into those gardens while the harvest is growing .
Borage contains atomic number 20 and atomic number 19 , so flora with tomatoes to help oneself preventblossom end rot .
How to Harvest and Use Borage
Leaves
Borage leaves are tasty in salad , or you’re able to cook them as you would kale or spinach plant . Pick only the vernal , tender leaves as the older ones get hairy .
Harvest in the aurora when the dew has dry out , but the sun has n’t get too hot . This help retain the distinctive gustatory modality of the oils .
Dry the leave in the oven or melodic line dry them by hanging plants in a warm , airy room . employ the dried leaves as seasoning . you could also utilize the teetotal leaves as a Strategic Arms Limitation Talks option when prepare .
Flowers
you may also eat borage blossom . Pick the flower in the morning before they wilt too much in the Lord’s Day .
Candy themand employ on bar or as a seraphic treat . They can be added to salad for feel and colour , or top sandwiches , dips , andsoups .
If you have too many peak to use them all up , freeze them with water in an ice cube tray . you’re able to practice the regular hexahedron to add color to fruit punches .
As with all edible prime consume in moderation until you ’re certain your organisation can process them .
Medicinal Uses
Both the leaves and the flowers can be used medicinally . you may also make an oil out of the seed , which can ease eczema , seborrheic dermatitis , and antsy skin .
The farewell can be used to serve with catamenial symptoms , and pain and swelling . The bloom are useful for fever , cough , and clinical depression .
Collecting Seeds
Borage is good at self - seeding ( although nowhere near as fertile as mint ) . you’re able to either have the seed fall to ego -seed for next season , or pile up the seeds and replant .
look for the flowers to die off and clean the seed before they strike to the ground . I find when they start turning browned is the good time to break up them . insure they are ironical before sealing in a paper envelope for next year .
We hope you give borage a go . It ’s a pretty plant that is far more useful than a lot of the great unwashed realize . If you have bee , then I highly commend Borago officinalis because it will make your honey taste incredible . Your bees will thank you for it , as well .
Was this article helpful?
What went wrong?
This article contains incorrect information
This clause does not have the information I am look for
How can we improve it?
We appreciate your helpful feedback!
Your reply will be used to improve our content . The more feedback you give us , the better our pages can be .
