Borage (Borago officinalis) is a fast-growing annual herb known for its star-shaped blue flowers, fuzzy leaves, and ability to attract bees and other pollinators. Native to the Mediterranean region, it is now widely grown in herb gardens, vegetable gardens, pollinator plantings, and containers.

Borage is relatively easy to grow from seed and often self-sows once established. Its flowers and young leaves have traditionally been used in cooking, while its long flowering period makes it particularly valuable for pollinator-friendly gardens.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to grow and care for borage, including when to sow seeds, sunlight, soil, watering, fertilizing, container growing, harvesting, and seed saving. You’ll also discover how to use borage as a companion plant, common problems to watch for, and important considerations before using it in the kitchen.

Flower Lovers Want to Know

Is borage an annual or perennial, and does it come back every year?

Common borage (Borago officinalis) is an annual that completes its life cycle in one growing season. However, it readily self-seeds, so new plants may emerge the following spring, making it appear to return year after year. If you want to limit its spread, remove spent flowers before they produce seed. Creeping borage (Borago pygmaea) is a separate perennial species.

How long does borage take to grow from seed?
Borage seeds typically germinate within 7–14 days. Sow them 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and keep the soil lightly moist. Direct sowing is preferred because borage develops a taproot and can be difficult to transplant.

Can borage grow in containers?
Yes. Grow borage in a deep container with good drainage and place it in full sun to partial shade. Water when the upper layer of soil begins to dry, avoiding soggy conditions.

Does borage need full sun?
Borage flowers best in full sun, ideally with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates, but too much shade can reduce flowering.

Why is borage good for pollinators?
Borage produces nectar-rich flowers that attract bees and other pollinating insects. Its long flowering period makes it particularly useful in pollinator and vegetable gardens.

Is borage safe to eat?
Borage flowers and young leaves have traditionally been eaten, but the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which can harm the liver in sufficient amounts or with prolonged exposure. Borage should not be consumed frequently or in large quantities.

What are the best companion plants for borage?
Borage is commonly grown near strawberries, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and other flowering crops because it attracts pollinators. Claims that borage improves plant growth or repels specific pests have limited scientific support.

Quick Facts About Borage Flowers

Feature	Borage
Botanical name	Borago officinalis
Plant type	Annual herb
Mature size	About 2–3 ft tall and wide
Light	Full sun to partial shade
Soil	Well-drained
Bloom season	Late spring through summer
Flower color	Usually blue; white cultivars available
Propagation	Seed
Pollinators	Bees and other pollinating insects
Self-seeding	Readily self-seeds

Growing Borage Flowers

Borage is an adaptable annual that requires relatively little maintenance once established. The following growing guidelines cover the conditions it needs for healthy growth, abundant flowers, and successful self-seeding.

What Is Borage?

Borage (Borago officinalis) is an annual herb in the Boraginaceae family, native to the Mediterranean region. It typically grows about 2–3 feet tall, producing coarse, hairy leaves and distinctive star-shaped flowers that are usually bright blue.

Most garden borage has blue flowers, although white-flowered forms such as ‘Alba’ are also available. The plant grows quickly in suitable conditions and readily produces seed, which accounts for its tendency to reappear in gardens from year to year.

Historical Uses

Borage has a long history of culinary and traditional medicinal use. Its young leaves and flowers have been used in foods and drinks, while historical herbal traditions associated the plant with courage and good spirits. These traditional uses should not be interpreted as evidence that borage can prevent or treat medical conditions.

Planting Borage Flowers

Borage is easy to grow from seed and is generally best sown directly in the garden. Because the plant develops a long taproot, established seedlings can be difficult to transplant without disturbing the roots.

Direct Sowing Borage Seeds

Sow borage seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm. Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

• Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
• Space seeds several inches apart, then thin seedlings to 12–18 inches apart as they grow.
• Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.
• Seeds typically germinate within 7–14 days.
• Avoid overwatering or allowing the soil to remain soggy.

Borage grows quickly once established and may self-seed readily if some flowers are allowed to mature and produce seed.

Starting Borage Seeds Indoors

Borage can be started indoors, although direct sowing is usually easier because of its taproot. If you want an earlier start, sow seeds about 3–4 weeks before your expected last frost date.

Use individual deep or biodegradable pots to reduce root disturbance. Plant the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and keep the growing medium lightly moist. Place the seedlings in a bright location.

After the danger of frost has passed, gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions and transplant them while they are still young. Space plants about 12–18 inches apart and handle the root systems as little as possible.

Sunlight Requirements

Borage grows best in full sun, ideally receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Plenty of sunlight encourages sturdy growth and abundant flowering, which can also make the plant more attractive to bees and other pollinators.

Borage can also tolerate partial shade, particularly in hot climates where some afternoon shade may help protect the plant from intense heat. However, plants grown in too much shade may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.

When choosing a planting location, aim for:

• Cool or moderate climates: Full sun is generally best.
• Hot climates: Morning sun with some afternoon shade can be beneficial.
• Containers: Place pots where they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight whenever possible.
• Indoors: Position borage near a bright, sunny window or use a grow light if natural light is insufficient.

Soil Requirements

Borage is adaptable to a range of soil conditions but performs best in well-drained soil with a pH of about 6.0–7.0. It can tolerate relatively poor soil, although moderate fertility can support stronger growth and flowering. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can contribute to root problems.

Watering Guidelines

Keep the soil lightly moist while borage seeds are germinating and seedlings are becoming established. Once mature, borage is reasonably tolerant of short dry periods, although regular watering during prolonged hot or dry weather supports healthy growth and flowering.

Water deeply when the upper layer of soil begins to dry rather than keeping the ground constantly wet. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can contribute to root problems. Container-grown borage generally requires more frequent watering than plants growing in the ground.

Fertilizing Borage

Borage is not a heavy feeder and usually requires little supplemental fertilizer. Mixing compost into the soil before planting is generally sufficient in reasonably fertile garden soil.

If growth is poor in nutrient-deficient soil, apply a balanced fertilizer according to label directions. Avoid excessive fertilization, particularly high-nitrogen products, which can encourage lush leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

Temperature and Frost

Borage is an annual that grows well in cool to moderate conditions but is not reliably frost-hardy. Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of hard frost has passed, or start them indoors several weeks earlier for transplanting. Established plants tolerate a range of temperatures, although growth may slow during periods of extreme heat.

Because common borage completes its life cycle in one growing season, USDA Hardiness Zones are less important than local frost dates when determining when to plant.

Growing Borage in Containers

Borage grows well in containers, provided there is enough room for its long taproot and mature growth. Choose a deep container at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep, with drainage holes to prevent water from collecting around the roots. A larger pot will provide more stable moisture and better support for the plant as it grows.

Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix and place it where the plant receives full sun, ideally at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. In very hot climates, some afternoon shade can help reduce heat stress.

When growing borage in containers:

• Water when the top inch of potting mix begins to feel dry. Containers can dry out more quickly than garden soil, particularly during hot weather.
• Avoid waterlogged soil. Allow excess water to drain freely and never leave the pot standing in water.
• Fertilize lightly. Borage is not a heavy feeder, and excessive fertilizer can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
• Provide enough space. One borage plant can become fairly large, so avoid overcrowding the container.
• Stake if necessary. Tall plants may become top-heavy, especially in windy locations.
• Remove unwanted seedlings. If flowers are allowed to set seed, borage may self-seed into the container or nearby pots.

Because borage is an annual, the original plant will die at the end of its growing season. However, seeds that fall into the container may germinate the following year.

Pests and Diseases

Borage is generally a low-maintenance plant with relatively few serious pest or disease problems. Most issues can be prevented by providing good air circulation, well-drained soil, and appropriate watering.

• Aphids: These small, sap-feeding insects may cluster on tender new growth. A strong spray of water can often dislodge them. For persistent infestations, insecticidal soap can be used according to label directions.
• Caterpillars: Occasionally feed on borage leaves. Inspect plants regularly and remove caterpillars by hand when practical.
• Powdery mildew: Appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves and is more likely when plants are crowded or air circulation is poor. Space plants properly and avoid prolonged moisture on the foliage.
• Root problems: Poorly drained or consistently waterlogged soil can damage the roots. Plant borage in well-drained soil and avoid overwatering.

Harvesting Borage

Borage flowers and leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season. For the best quality, collect them in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day.

How to Harvest Borage

• Flowers: Pick flowers when they are fully open and brightly colored. Gently pinch them from the plant or use clean scissors. Harvest only what you plan to use soon, as the delicate flowers are best when fresh.
• Leaves: Harvest young, tender leaves as needed. Older leaves become larger, coarser, and increasingly hairy, making them less suitable for culinary use.
• Stems: Use clean scissors or garden shears when cutting larger stems to avoid damaging the plant.
• Continued flowering: Regularly harvesting flowers can help keep plants tidy, but leave some flowers in place if you want borage to produce seeds and self-sow for the following season.

Wear gardening gloves when harvesting if you find the plant’s coarse, bristly leaves and stems irritating to your skin.

If you plan to use harvested borage in food, see the safety considerations below before consuming the leaves or flowers.

Is Borage Safe to Eat?

Borage flowers and young leaves have traditionally been used in cooking and have a mild, cucumber-like flavor. However, borage contains naturally occurring pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), compounds that can be harmful to the liver when consumed in sufficient amounts or over extended periods.

For this reason, borage should not be treated as an everyday edible herb or consumed in large quantities. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, children, and those with liver conditions should be especially cautious and seek professional guidance before consuming borage.

If using borage as a garnish or culinary ingredient, use it sparingly and avoid relying on it for medicinal purposes. Products marketed as “borage oil” are different from eating the leaves and flowers; commercially produced borage seed oil may be processed to remove pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Culinary Applications

Borage has traditionally been used in small quantities for its mild, cucumber-like flavor. Young leaves and flowers are the parts most commonly used in culinary preparations.

• Salads: Young borage leaves add a fresh, cucumber-like taste.
• Garnishes: The vivid blue flowers have traditionally been used in small quantities as colorful garnishes.

Seed Saving and Self-Seeding

Borage readily produces seed and often self-seeds without any help from the gardener. If some flowers are left on the plant at the end of the season, mature seeds may fall to the ground and germinate the following spring.

How to Save Borage Seeds

To collect seeds for future planting:

1. Leave some flowers on the plant rather than harvesting or deadheading them.
2. Wait for the flowers to fade and the seed heads to begin turning brown and dry.
3. Collect the seed heads before the seeds drop, as mature borage seeds can fall from the plant quickly.
4. Allow them to finish drying indoors in a well-ventilated location.
5. Separate the seeds from the dried plant material and store them in a labeled paper envelope or other dry container.
6. Keep the seeds in a cool, dark, dry location until you are ready to sow them.

Managing Self-Seeding

Borage can produce plenty of volunteer seedlings where it has been allowed to set seed. If you want borage to return naturally, leave several mature flower heads on the plants and allow some seeds to fall.

If you don’t want borage spreading around the garden, remove spent flowers before the seeds mature. Unwanted seedlings are easiest to pull while they are still small.

Borage as a Companion Plant

Borage is a popular addition to vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens because its nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects. This can be particularly useful around crops that depend on insect pollination to produce fruit.

Borage is commonly grown near:

• Tomatoes – Borage flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects to the vegetable garden.
• Strawberries – A traditional companion for borage and a good pairing for pollinator-friendly plantings.
• Squash and zucchini – These crops depend heavily on pollinators, making nearby flowering borage particularly useful.
• Cucumbers – Another pollinator-dependent crop that can benefit from having nectar-rich flowers nearby.
• Melons – Bees are important for fruit set, and borage can provide an additional source of nectar nearby.
• Beans and peas – Borage can add floral diversity and attract insects to mixed vegetable plantings.
• Herbs and flowering plants – Borage can be combined with basil, marigolds, and other garden plants to create a diverse planting that supports pollinators.

Best Plants to Grow With Borage

Rather than looking for plants that borage supposedly makes grow faster or protects from pests, choose companions that share similar growing conditions or benefit from increased pollinator activity. Strawberries, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, melons, and tomatoes are particularly practical choices.

Many traditional companion-planting guides claim that borage can improve the growth or flavor of neighboring plants or repel certain pests. However, scientific evidence supporting many of these claims is limited. Borage’s most dependable garden benefit is its ability to provide nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects.

Borage and Pollinators

Borage is a valuable plant for bees and other beneficial insects because its star-shaped flowers provide nectar and pollen over a long flowering period. Honeybees and bumblebees are frequent visitors, and the flowers can help provide forage when planted alongside vegetables, herbs, and other flowering plants.

To make borage especially useful in a pollinator-friendly garden:

• Grow several plants together to create an easily visible source of flowers.
• Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides while plants are blooming.
• Allow borage to flower for as long as possible rather than removing all blooms for culinary use.
• Combine it with other plants that bloom at different times to provide a more continuous food source throughout the growing season.

Because borage can self-seed readily, allowing a few plants to produce mature seeds can help maintain a recurring patch of flowers for pollinators from year to year.

Borage Flower Meaning and Symbolism

Borage has traditionally been associated with courage, bravery, and strength. Its connection with courage stretches back centuries and is reflected in historical herbal traditions and folklore.

The plant’s botanical name, Borago officinalis, also reflects its long history as a cultivated herb. Although stories about borage being given to warriors before battle are frequently repeated, many of these accounts are difficult to verify and are better understood as part of the plant’s traditional folklore rather than documented historical fact.

Today, borage flowers can symbolically represent courage, resilience, and encouragement, making their meaning as distinctive as their vivid blue, star-shaped appearance.

Final Thoughts on Growing Borage

Borage is an easy-to-grow annual that combines ornamental appeal with practical value in the garden. Its star-shaped blue flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while its ability to self-seed means it can return year after year with little effort.

For the best results, grow borage in full sun to partial shade, provide well-drained soil, and avoid overwatering or excessive fertilizer. Whether planted among vegetables, in a pollinator garden, or in a large container, borage can provide months of flowers while adding color and diversity to the landscape.

Allow a few flowers to mature if you want plants to self-seed for the following season, or remove spent blooms before seeds develop if you prefer to keep its spread under control.

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