Borages in Penrhos Garnedd

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 Penrhos Garnedd · last frost ≈ 25 Apr

Sow April to June, harvest July to October. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Borage

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    11 Apr to 6 Jun every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds thinly where the plants are to grow, from 11th April to 6th June. Cover with a light seed dressing of and keep the soil just moist until germination.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    23 May to 6 Jun

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 23rd May to 6th June, thin them to one plant every . Keep the strongest plants and remove extras cleanly at soil level.

  3. 03

    Water New Plants

    23 May to 27 Jun

    Water plants in well after thinning, then keep the soil lightly moist through 23rd May - 27th June 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

    30 May to 18 Jul

    From 30th May to 18th July, 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

    4 Jul to 14 Oct

    Pick young leaves and open flowers from 4th July to 14th October. 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.