Start growing
Easy from seed; self-sows prolifically. Prefers full sun to partial shade.
GROW SOMETHING WONDERFUL
Borage Seeds In A Cup® Grow Kit
Borago officinalis
From the first seed to the next new leaf. Explore your plant’s growing conditions, seasonal rhythm, and everyday care.
THE PLANT NOTEBOOK
Borage care, from seed onward.
- Botanical name
- Borago officinalis
- Common names
- Starflower, Bee Bread
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Genus
- Borago
- Species
- B. officinalis
Growing with your kit
The Seeds In A Cup® kit shows how the fuzzy seedlings of borage protect themselves from early-season cold.
Propagation
By seed.
Seasonal growth & harvest
Blooms continuously from summer to frost once established.
Growing conditions
Open sunny fields and edges of woodlands.
Weather & tolerances
Moderate drought tolerance; will wilt in intense noon heat but recover in evening.
Pests & plant health
Aphids and powdery mildew.
Plant safety
Safe for consumption; excessive use of leaves should be avoided due to trace alkaloids.
Botanical features
An annual with bristly stems and bright blue star-shaped flowers.
Varieties
‘Alba’ (White flowers).
Garden & everyday uses
Flowers are edible (cucumber flavor). leaves used in salads. Major nectar source for bees
Native range & distribution
Mediterranean region origins; now naturalized in many temperate zones.
Conservation
Secure; major agricultural crop for borage seed oil.
Name origins
Likely from the Arabic ‘abu rish’ meaning father of sweat, referring to its medicinal use as a sudorific.
History
Once called 'Father of Courage'; Roman soldiers would put borage in their wine before battle.
TURN KNOWING INTO GROWING
Your next beginning, in a cup.
Seeds In A Cup® grow kits matched to borage.
Seed Germination Kit
Borage Seed Starter Grow Kit
USD 10.99
100 in stock
Borago officinalis
7-14 daysView kit →
THE GROWING CONVERSATION
Questions grow here.
Have a question about borage? Ask Buddy below or contact our team.