Borages in Old Town

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 Old Town · last frost ≈ 16 Feb

Sow February to March, harvest April to November. Frost risk December to February.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Borage

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    2 Feb to 30 Mar every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds thinly where the plants are to grow, from 2nd February to 30th March. Cover with a light seed dressing of and keep the soil just moist until germination.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    16 Mar to 30 Mar

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 16th March to 30th March, thin them to one plant every . Keep the strongest plants and remove extras cleanly at soil level.

  3. 03

    Water New Plants

    16 Mar to 20 Apr

    Water plants in well after thinning, then keep the soil lightly moist through 16th March - 20th April 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

    23 Mar to 11 May

    From 23rd March to 11th May, 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

    27 Apr to 10 Nov

    Pick young leaves and open flowers from 27th April to 10th November. 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.