Borage
A fast growing hardy annual with dainty blue flowers in summer. Highly attractive to bees and pollinating insects.
Family: Boraginaceae
Botanical Name: Borago officinalis
Common Names: Borage, cool tankard, talewort, tailwort.
Foliage: Deciduous, large oval, mid-green leaves, covered in coarse grey hairs.
Flowers: Pendulous, star-shaped flowers. Pink in bud, opening brilliant blue, with prominent black anthers. Also available in white and pink.
Flowering Period: June-September.
Soil: Well-drained, poorish soil (chalk, clay, sand or loam). Acid, alkaline or neutral pH.
Conditions: Full sun or partial shade. Plant in an east, west or south facing aspect.
Habit: Bushy.
Type: Hardy annual.
Origin: Europe.
Hardiness: Hardy throughout the UK.
Planting and Growing Borage
Borage will grow easily on virtually any well-drained soil type. Self-seeds readily once established.
The leaves and flowering stems are useful in flower arrangements.
Taking Care of Borage
Pruning Borage
Deadhead regularly to prevent excessive self-seeding.
Pests and Diseases
Can be affected by slugs and leaf-mining flies. Susceptible to powdery mildews .
Propagating Borage
Direct sow seed where it is to flower from spring to early autumn. Thin seedlings to 1ft (30cm) apart. Dislikes transplanting. Succession sow every few weeks for a continuous supply of leaves and flowers.
Readily self seeds around the garden. Once you grow it you'll never be without it.
Culinary Uses
The flowers and foliage have a refreshing, cucumber-like, flavour and are often added to fruit drinks, hence is common name 'cool tankard'. The fresh young leaves and flowers can also be used in salads or used as a culinary decoration.
Harvesting Borage: Pick and use the leaves while young and fresh. Not suitable for drying but the leaves can be frozen for use later.
Varieties of Borage
Borago officinalis is a vigorous, hairy, blue-flowered annual herb, easily grown from seed. Height 1.5-3ft (45-90cm), spread to 1ft (30cm). For sale at Van Meuwen. Variety 'Alba' (white borage) is a white flowering form. For sale at Crocus.