How many grams of borage seeds should I buy?
Our 1g seed packets contain approximately 35 borage seeds which are ideal for sowing in seedling trays or direct sowing into garden borders. For larger areas, we recommend sowing at a rate and quantity of 2g/sqm and increasing to 4g/sqm for densely populated growth.
Which wildflower mixtures contain native borage seeds?
You’ll find borage in our Wildflower Border Mix designed for naturalised planting schemes and also in our Kitchen Garden Wildflowers seed collection. Pair this tall-growing wildflower with other ornamental species suited to cottage gardens and traditional border planting, such as cornflower, common knapweed, viper’s bugloss, and corncockle, to create habitat and forage opportunities for pollinating insects.
Is borage good for pollinators?
The flowers of borage are beloved by bees and other pollinators because they take very little time to replenish their nectar-rich nectaries, making them a continuous food source for these vital garden visitors.
Can you eat borage?
An easy-to-grow herb, its leaves, flowers, and stalks are edible and taste a little like cucumber. Borage leaves are good in salads, yoghurt, or cream cheese mixtures, or served with shellfish. The blue flowers also make a striking garnish for sweet and savoury dishes.
Is borage suited to kitchen garden planting schemes?
Yes, borage is ideal for kitchen gardens as it is considered an excellent companion plant, attracting pollinators, repelling pests, and supporting the health of nearby plants. It also self-seeds readily, meaning it will return year after year with minimal effort.
When should I sow native borage seeds?
Sow seeds directly onto the ground in spring, or start under glass and plant out after the last frost. Borage is an annual, so re-sowing or allowing it to self-seed naturally will ensure continuous growth in future seasons.
How long does it take for borage seeds to germinate?
Read our recommendations for successful wildflower seed germination to maximise your success when growing borage.
Should I water borage seeds during germination and growth?
Water borage seeds lightly and consistently during germination to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once established, borage plants are drought-tolerant and require minimal watering.
How do I prune or deadhead borage to encourage more blooms?
To encourage more blooms on borage plants, you can regularly prune or deadhead spent flowers by cutting them off at their base using clean garden shears. This redirects the plant’s energy towards producing new blooms, maintaining its vitality and prolonging the flowering period.
Native Borage Seed Fast Facts:
- Flowers: Borage blooms with vibrant blue, star-shaped flowers.
- Height: Borage plants typically grow to a height of 1 to 3 feet.
- Sow: Borage seeds are sown directly into the ground in spring or autumn.
- Lifecycle: Borage is an annual herb with a lifecycle of one year.
- Best for: Borage is best for attracting pollinators and companion planting in vegetable gardens.
- Also known as: Borage is also known as starflower or bee bush.
- Latin name: Borago officinalis.
- Uses: Borage leaves and flowers can be used in salads, summer drinks, ice cubes, and herbal teas.
- Soil preference: Prefers moist soil but thrives in well-drained soil when established.
- Commonly paired with: Tomatoes, strawberries, shrubs, trees, and crops for improved growth and pollination.
- Additional benefits: Used in medicinal and oil production due to its health-supporting properties.
