Borages in Perry Crofts

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 Perry Crofts · last frost ≈ 4 May

Sow April to June, harvest July to September. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Borage

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    20 Apr to 15 Jun every 3 weeks

    Sow seeds thinly where the plants are to grow, from 20th April to 15th June. Cover with a light seed dressing of and keep the soil just moist until germination.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    1 Jun to 15 Jun

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 1st June to 15th June, thin them to one plant every . Keep the strongest plants and remove extras cleanly at soil level.

  3. 03

    Water New Plants

    1 Jun to 6 Jul

    Water plants in well after thinning, then keep the soil lightly moist through 1st June - 6th 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

    8 Jun to 27 Jul

    From 8th June to 27th 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

    13 Jul to 22 Sept

    Pick young leaves and open flowers from 13th July to 22nd September. 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.