• Graines de bourrache fraîches pour le jardinage domestique au Canada
  • Healthy Borage seeds for herbal remedies Graines de bourrache saines pour remèdes à base de plantes
  • packaging dimensions of Borage seed pack dimensions d'emballage du paquet de graines de bourrache
  • happy man and girl holding borage in the garden homme heureux et fille tenant de la bourrache dans le jardin
  • Close-up view of Borage ideal for backyard gardening Vue rapprochée de la bourrache idéale pour le jardinage dans la cour
  • happy couple holding borage outside couple heureux tenant de la bourrache à l'extérieur
  • Borage for pollinator-friendly gardens La bourrache pour des jardins respectueux des pollinisateurs
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JNB Seed

Borage Seeds

Borage Seeds

$4.50 CAD
$4.50 CAD
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Seed Count

Various parts of this plant hold culinary value, with young leaves lending themselves well to salads and the charming blue flowers finding their way into candied treats, garnishes, and beverages, particularly teas. Borage proves to be a magnet for butterflies and bees, making it a valuable addition to any herb garden.

Originating from the Mediterranean region, borage boasts a summer-long display of star-shaped blue flowers that entice bees and other beneficial insects. Its refreshing cucumber-like taste has historically made it a popular choice for flavoring drinks, while its blossoms have been preserved or candied for various culinary applications. The herb's exquisite form and hue have also earned it a place in medieval tapestries and embroidery. Early accounts by historians such as Gerard laud borage for its purported ability to soothe the heart, dispel sorrow, and uplift the spirits. Today, commercial cultivation primarily focuses on extracting oil from its seeds, prized for its high content of gamma-linolenic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid crucial for skin cell growth.

Borage emerges as a standout in survival gardens, boasting easy cultivation and versatile use in herbal remedies. Its edible leaves offer a refreshing cucumber flavor, while the star-shaped flowers add a sweet honey-like taste that complements desserts beautifully. Additionally, borage seed oil stands out as a valuable source of gamma-linolenic acid. With its delicate light blue blossoms, characterized by a distinct five-pointed star shape, borage boasts an extended blooming period and emits a fragrance that beckons pollinators, particularly bumblebees, to the garden.

    How To Grow

    Sowing: Borage flourishes in partial shade or full sun and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil; it also thrives in poor soil or dry conditions. Due to its poor transplanting tolerance, direct seeding is the preferred method. Once the soil has warmed after the last spring frost, sow seeds 1 cm deep and 30-38 cm apart in rows spaced 46 cm apart. Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days. When planted alongside strawberries or tomatoes, borage enhances pollination, deters pests, and attracts bees.

    Growing: Maintain relatively moist soil and manage weed growth. To prevent the drooping leaves from rotting due to excessive soil contact, applying a layer of mulch can be beneficial. If the plant grows tall and begins to lean, staking or a trellis may be necessary. Regularly remove faded blossoms to promote the emergence of new flowers.

    Harvesting

    Approximately 6-8 weeks after planting, once the plant is well established, harvesting of the leaves can commence. For culinary purposes, opt for small, tender leaves as older leaves tend to be covered with prickly hairs. Harvest leaves or flowers in the morning after dew has evaporated, selecting flowers that are just beginning to open. While leaves and flowers can be refrigerated for several days, their flavor diminishes when frozen.

    Seed Saving

    Borage readily self-seeds if left undisturbed, but seeds can also be easily collected. Harvest the seed heads when fully matured and starting to dry; then, spread them out in a sheltered area away from direct sunlight to complete drying. Thresh the seeds to remove debris and store them in a cool, dry place.

    Extra Facts

    Latin Name: Borago officials

    Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Cool Season|Warm Season

    Life Cycle: Annual

    USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

    Planting Method: Direct Sow

    Sunlight: Full Sun

    Height: 61 Centimeters

    Color: Green, Blue

    Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall

    Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Honeybees, Aromatic

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