Borage Seed, Borago officinalis

Borage is a hardy, prolific self-seeding annual, well known for its striking blue star shaped flowers during the warmer months. The large green-grey leaves are oval shaped and may be quite bristly. Loved by bees, it’s a great pollinator.

GROW: Sow the large black borage seeds directly where the plant is to flower, as it forms a deep root and doesn’t do well if transplanted. Choose a well-drained site that gets sun for at least half the day. If your ground is heavy and slow to drain, add fine gravel and mound up the soil, so water drains away more easily. Borage does best in soil low in fertility so there’s no need to add fertiliser or organic matter. Sow borage seed from mid spring, after the last frosts. A second sowing can be made in late spring. It’s best to sow borage seed where you want it to grow, as it doesn’t do well when transplanted.

HARVEST: Harvest Flowers and young leaves.

USE: Borage flowers make an attractive garnish and add a refreshing flavour to cold drinks and salads. They can also be crystallised to use as cake decorations. Pick the flowers when they have just fully opened. The cucumber-flavoured leaves should be harvested when young and used fresh, in salads, soups and other savoury dishes, or to add flavour to salad dressings.