Borage

July 7, 2021 by earthskytime 1 Comment

Borage Officinalis

There are many reasons to grow borage; here are five:

1. The flowers of this annual herb are an amazing shade of blue.

2. They are irresistible to bees and butterflies and other threatened pollinators.

3. Growing borage can make for a spectacular show. I like to grow it in a tall container (with a tomato cage for support), to allow plenty of room for the plant’s large tap root (borage doesn’t like to be moved). Since planting it in May, my borage has towered to almost five feet and is producing many clusters of heavenly blue flowers. Growing it this way also keeps it safely out of the reach of rabbits and other nibblers.

4. Borage is said to banish melancholy and promote strength and courage.

5. I grow borage to help pollinators, so I save the flowers for them and recommend that you do the same. However, they can be used as a garnish for salads, desserts and drinks and candied to decorate cakes and pastries.