Borago Officinalis - Borage


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Characteristics: Long, fuzzy leaves and flopping stems up to about 2 feet high. It produces many star-shaped blue or purple flowers.

Growing Information: Grow in light, dry soil and full sun, although it will tolerate light shade. Unless you pinch the plant back frequently, you may need to stake it to keep it upright. Borage is short-lived; sow successive crops.

Propagation: Sow the seed in spring and summer.

Possible Problems: Mulch to prevent rotting of lower leaves. Pick off and destroy Japanese beetles.

Harvesting and Using: If you don't mind the prickly texture, you can eat the tender young leaves. The cucumber-flavored flowers are excellent for garnishes or vinegars; you can also dry them.