Borages in Garmond

Borago officinalis

Borage
Borage · Borago officinalis

A fast-growing annual herb with edible flowers and cucumber-flavoured leaves. It grows well in most UK gardens, self-seeds freely, and is best sown direct where it is to flower.

60 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Garmond · last frost ≈ 24 May

Sow May to July, harvest August. Frost risk September to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Borage

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    10 May to 5 Jul every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds thinly where the plants are to grow, from 10th May to 5th July. Cover with a light seed dressing of and keep the soil just moist until germination.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    21 Jun to 5 Jul

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 21st June to 5th July, thin them to one plant every . Keep the strongest plants and remove extras cleanly at soil level.

  3. 03

    Water New Plants

    21 Jun to 26 Jul

    Water plants in well after thinning, then keep the soil lightly moist through 21st June - 26th July while they establish. Once rooted, borage copes with moderate dryness, but flowers are better if the soil does not dry out completely.

  4. 04

    Pinch Growing Tips

    28 Jun to 16 Aug

    From 28th June to 16th August, pinch out the tips regularly while plants are young. That makes them bushier and delays flowering, which gives you more leafy growth for longer.

  5. 05

    Harvest Leaves And Flowers

    2 Aug to 28 Aug

    Pick young leaves and open flowers from 2nd August to 28th August. Harvest often, taking small amounts from several plants so they keep producing fresh growth.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Borage.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Borage to consider

Blaue Blume

A reliable blue-flowered borage with plenty of edible blooms and quick growth.

Bianca

A white-flowered form that gives the same edible leaves and flowers as the blue type.

Variegata

A decorative form with cream-edged leaves, grown as much for appearance as for use.

Borage guides by town

See how Borage timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.