Borage · 'Ascot Vale Station'

Boraginaceae · Borago officinalis

Native to: The Mediterranean

Also known as: Starflower

Characteristics

Hardy Annual

Bright blue star-shaped edible flowers in which leaves can be used in salads and cooking. Adds a delicate cucumber flavour to foods, Pimms Cups and used in traditional medicine. Leaves and flowers are edible and make a beautiful garnish for a range of dishes.

Oil from the seed, leaves and flowers are widely used for medicinal purposes.

Bushy plant with hairy ovate leaves and bright blue, star-shaped flowers.

Height: 90 cm

The basics

Position: Full sun, part shade
Soil: Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage

Position

Sowing Seeds

Sow in Spring, Summer, Autumn
Technique: Direct, Raise seedlings

Depth: 10 mm Width: 30 cm

Germination

5 to 10 days at 20 to 22°C
Maturity 80 to 90 days

Care

Borage plants can be difficult to eradicate once they are established in the garden. Choose a permanent position in a garden bed or grow them in containers to prevent them spreading into unwanted areas.

Common Problems: Powdery mildew, Slugs and snails, Whitefly

Journal

2

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