Customer Service Hours
Mon-Fri 8-4 MST
Features
Family
Boraginaceae
Native
Africa, west Asia, and Europe
Life Cycle
Annual
Plant Height
Tall (Greater than 24")
Flower Color
Blue
Bloom Season
Spring to summer
Further Information
Plant Characteristics
- Attracts Beneficial Insects
- Attracts Pollinators
- Edible Flower
Growing Conditions
Drought Tolerant
Plant Resistance
Deer Resistant
About Borage Seeds
Borago officinalis
This 2'–3' tall, versatile herb is exquisite in the garden. In addition to attracting bees and other beneficial insects, it can be used as a cover crop. Edible, blue and sometimes pink flowers with a cucumber-like flavor can be used fresh to garnish dips, salads, and summer drinks, or candied with sugar for later use. The leaves and stems are also edible, delicious steamed like spinach or chard. Fairly drought tolerant once established.
Planting Borage
Plant Spacing
A group of 3 seeds every 12"
Light Required
Full sun to part shade
Plant Height
Tall (Greater than 24")
Planting Depth
¼"–½"
Planting Details
| Row Spacing | 24" |
|---|---|
| Seed Depth | ¼"–½" |
| Seed Spacing | A group of 3 seeds every 12" |
| Thinning | When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 12" |
| Germination | 5–20 days |
| Start Indoors | 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Not recommended; sensitive to taproot disturbance. Start in biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into ground. |
| Direct Sow | RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks before your average last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 40°F, ideally 70°–90°F, or any time in mild climates. |
| Growing & Harvesting | Leaves are best harvested when young; old leaves are tough and hairy. Flowers can be harvested any time. |
Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone
Average First Frost Date
October 19
Average Last Frost Date
May 19
Your Hardiness Zone is
5b
Send Your Recommendation
Total 5 star reviews: 58 Total 4 star reviews: 7 Total 3 star reviews: 2 Total 2 star reviews: 1 Total 1 star reviews: 1
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Rating
Which best describes you as a gardener?
69 reviews
- Michele F.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars7/4/26Lovely plant
Looking forward to it's continued growth. Here in Maine, there was late frost, therefore the reason for looking forward to it's full maturity and to see the butterflies flock around it.........:) !!
Which best describes you as a gardener? BeginnerBIBotanical Interests7/4/26Hey Michele,
We're so excited to hear you're loving your Borage plants! It sounds like you're being super patient with that late Maine frost - Mother Nature can definitely keep us on our toes! We absolutely love that you're looking forward to watching the butterflies discover your borage blooms. There's nothing quite like seeing those beautiful blue flowers attract all the pollinators to the garden! Thanks for sharing your borage growing journey with us! Keep on growing 🌻️
- Theresa R.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars7/1/26Excellent plant
Wonderful growth. Sturdy and plentiful flowers. Delicious. Great protection for my tomato plants.
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests7/3/26Hey Theresa,
We're so thrilled to hear about your fantastic success with the Borage Seeds! It's awesome that you're getting such wonderful growth with sturdy plants and plentiful flowers - and we love that you're enjoying the delicious taste too! The fact that they're also providing great protection for your tomato plants makes it even better. There's nothing like a multi-purpose plant that delivers on all fronts! Thanks for sharing your borage growing success with us! Keep on growing 🌻️
- Richard S.NE, United StatesVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars6/18/26Borage
Big hit! Nobody knew of them gave to all my neighbors
And friends. Most excepted with confusion but when they bloomed that changed to excitement. I’m worried about the bees though so far very few. I’ve been carful
With the bt spraying in late evening hope I didn’t harm them!
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateWho do you grow for? FamiliesHow do you prefer to grow? In GroundBIBotanical Interests6/25/26Hey Richard,
Thank you so much for the fantastic 5-star review! It's wonderful to hear that your Borage Seeds were such a big hit and that you shared them with neighbors and friends - what a great way to spread the joy of gardening! We love hearing how the initial confusion turned to excitement once those beautiful blooms appeared. Your thoughtfulness about the bees shows what a caring gardener you are, and timing your spraying for late evening is exactly the right approach to protect our pollinator friends. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with others. Keep on growing 🌻️
- Gregory M.MD, United StatesVerified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars6/5/2690% germination rate
I’m never disappointed with anything I get from here
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateWho do you grow for? YourselfHow do you prefer to grow? Raised Bed - Kaulini B.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars5/2/26Borage seeds
Great germination quality!
Which best describes you as a gardener? IntermediateBIBotanical Interests5/3/26Hey Kaulini,
We're so happy to hear our Borage Seeds gave you great germination quality! Borage is such a wonderful addition to any garden! Plus, those cucumber-flavored leaves and edible flowers are going to be such a treat. Your garden must look amazing! Thank you for choosing our seeds and for sharing your positive experience! Keep on growing 🌻️