Description
Borage (Borage officinalis) or Starflower is an annual herb in the Boraginaceae family. Borage is a beautiful, sprawling plant that prefers full-sun and well-drained soil. Generally, Borage is most often grown for its seeds, the oil of which is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid. But, its blue flowers and fuzzy leaves are edible as an herb or added to salad and taste like salty cucumber (see caution). As a medicinal plant, Borage is harvested for its leaves which are diuretic, demulcent, emollient; as well as its seed oil for treating premenstrual complaints, rheumatic
problems, eczema and other skin conditions.
As a companion in the vegetable garden, Starflower should be planted near tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, beans, and squash. Additionally, Borage captures and stores potassium from the soil, so chop and drop it around other plants as mulch or add to compost. This self-seeding plant should grow back year after year.
Download our Borage Plant PDF Reference sheet.
Growing Notes:
Zones: 2-11
Exposure: Full Sun | Light Shade
Mature Height: 24-36″ | Spread 18”
Bloom: Blue | June-September
ORDER ONLINE FOR LOCAL PICKUP ONLY at our Talking Rock Greenhouse. Text 770-519-5173 or click here to set a pickup appointment.
At Herb & Vine we sow our plants using heirloom, organic seed in organic soil. We do not use chemicals. We water using freshly collected rain water.
IMPORTANT: Information on this website is based on research of the historical uses of this herb and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a medical professional before using any herb for therapeutic purposes. Do not take if pregnant or nursing. Caution: Borage contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which may cause liver damage if consumed in large quantities.
