Borage - Care Sheet
Borago officinalis
Overview
Borage (*Borago officinalis*) is a charming annual herb native to the Mediterranean region, prized for its bright blue star-shaped flowers and edible, cucumber-flavored leaves. It grows to about 50–90 cm (1.5–3 ft) tall with rough, hairy foliage and is a favorite in cottage gardens, vegetable patches, and pollinator-friendly spaces. Borage is easy to grow, attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, and self-seeds readily, often returning year after year without replanting.Quick Facts
| Scientific name | Borago officinalis |
|---|---|
| Common name | Borage, Starflower |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Pet-safe? | Yes (generally safe; avoid large quantities due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids) |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water | Moderate; allow soil to dry between watering |
| Humidity | Average garden humidity |
| Temperature | 18–29°C (65–85°F); hardy in USDA zones 3–10 |
| Soil | Well-draining, average garden soil |
| Fertilizer | Light feeding with balanced fertilizer |
| Repotting | Not typically required; self-seeds outdoors |
| Propagation | By seed, sown in spring |
Light
Borage thrives best in **full sun** but tolerates partial shade, especially in hotter climates. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily will promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering. In shadier spots, expect leggier plants with fewer flowers.Water
Water borage moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It tolerates some drought once established but performs best with consistent moisture. Avoid waterlogging or soggy soil, which can cause root problems.Humidity
Borage does well in typical outdoor humidity levels and does not require special humidity conditions. It is hardy in a range of garden environments, from dry to moderately humid.Temperature
Ideal growing temperatures range from **18 to 29°C (65 to 85°F)**. Borage is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 10, tolerating mild frost but growing most vigorously in warm weather. It is an annual, so it completes its life cycle in one growing season.Soil & Potting
Borage prefers **well-draining, average garden soil** with moderate fertility. It tolerates poor soil but will grow best in soil with good organic matter content. While it can be grown in containers, borage usually thrives better when planted directly in the garden where it can self-seed freely.Feeding
Borage is not a heavy feeder. Apply a **balanced, all-purpose fertilizer sparingly** during the growing season to support healthy foliage and flowers. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.Repotting
Repotting is generally unnecessary for borage grown outdoors, as it is an annual herb that self-seeds readily. If grown in containers, repot young plants into larger pots as needed during early growth to avoid root crowding.Propagation
Borage is easily propagated by **seed**, which should be sown outdoors in spring after the last frost. Seeds germinate quickly in warm soil and seedlings establish rapidly. The plant self-seeds prolifically, often returning year after year without replanting.Common Problems
Powdery Mildew
This fungal disease can appear as white powder on leaves during humid conditions. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected leaves to control.Root Rot
Caused by waterlogged soil, root rot leads to wilting and yellowing leaves. Ensure well-draining soil and moderate watering to prevent.Leaf Spot
Dark spots on leaves may indicate fungal infection. Remove infected foliage and avoid wetting leaves during watering.Pests (Aphids, Slugs)
Aphids and slugs can damage young plants. Use organic insecticidal soap for aphids and handpick or use barriers for slugs.Toxicity & Pet Safety
Borage is **generally safe for pets** in small amounts. However, it contains small quantities of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be harmful in large doses. Avoid feeding large amounts to pets, and monitor for any adverse reactions.Seasonal Care
Sow borage seeds in spring once the soil warms. It grows actively through summer, flowering from early summer until the first frost. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent excessive self-seeding if desired. In cooler climates, borage will die back after frost; collect seeds for next season or allow natural reseeding.Quick Tips
- Sow seeds directly outdoors in spring for best results.
- Plant in full sun for optimal flowering and growth.
- Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid root issues.
- Use flowers fresh as edible garnishes; leaves can be cooked or eaten young.
- Encourage pollinators by growing borage near vegetable gardens.
- Control self-seeding by deadheading flowers before seed set, if desired.
- Watch for powdery mildew and improve air circulation if detected.
Buy this plant and discover more at our shop.
plugplants.store