Edible starflowers that welcome bees to the garden
Borage Seeds lead to a generous flowering display of shimmering, blue star-shaped blooms and soft, cucumber-flavoured leaves. Celebrated as Starflower (Borago officinalis), this annual herb is a classic cottage garden plant, prized as both an ornamental and a culinary herb. The nectar rich flowers act as a pollinator magnet, providing real value for pollinating insects throughout a long season. Often called Common borage, Bee borage, or Garden borage, plants from Borage Seeds are resilient, wildlife friendly, and known to self-sow lightly where happy, sustaining biodiversity with minimal fuss. Edible starflowers suit drinks, salads, and simple garnishes, while the fresh foliage offers a clean, herbaceous note; many growers also enjoy the blooms as herbal tea flowers.
This collection spans open-pollinated borage and heirloom herb seeds suited to borders, herb beds, and larger pots. As a bee friendly herb and companion plant for strawberries, plants from Borage Seeds support productive, mixed plantings while enhancing the overall flowering display. Sowing is straightforward: direct sow after last frost for quick establishment, or start a little earlier under cover for earlier blooms in cool springs. In bright conditions—preferably full sun, though light shade is tolerated—Blue borage responds with vigorous growth and a steady flush of nectar. A sturdy habit and naturally branching stems make it an easy, self-seeding herb for informal plantings.
Borage Seeds are equally at home in herb gardens and wildlife-friendly borders, with blue star-shaped flowers that pair well with cottage garden styles. Edible borage offers culinary flexibility without complexity, and the plants adapt well to deep containers where roots have room to develop. As the season warms, this drought tolerant once established, nectar-rich herb maintains interest and supports a wide range of beneficial insects. Whether labelled Bee borage, Borage herb, or Blue borage, selections in this range keep the focus on reliable growth, an extended flowering display, and the unmistakable charm of starry, edible flower seeds.
Borago officinalis
Explore related herb and vegetable seed categories to complement your Borage selections. Start with the broader Vegetables Seeds collection, then browse aromatic companions and kitchen staples, plus options suited to direct sowing or containers. These links help you compare traits, plan companion plantings, and refine choices for different garden spaces and growing approaches across diverse conditions.
Borago officinalis
Borage is an open-pollinated annual herb grown for cucumber-flavoured leaves and blue, star-shaped, nectar-rich flowers. Provide full sun and it tolerates light shade; plant in well-drained, moderately fertile soil and avoid excessive nitrogen to reduce flopping. Water regularly to establish, then allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings; it is drought tolerant once established. Direct sow after last frost; for earlier bloom, start indoors shortly before last frost, and in mild climates autumn sowing may be possible. Space plants 30–45 cm apart; mature height 60–90 cm. Self-seeding is common—deadhead if you wish to limit volunteers. A useful companion near strawberries and in wildlife-friendly plantings.
- Direct-sow where it will grow; if transplanting, use modules and set out after last frost to minimise taproot disturbance.
- Suitable for large, deep containers with free-draining mix; keep evenly moist and feed lightly.
- Nectar-rich blue flowers attract bees and other pollinators; avoid pesticide sprays while in bloom.
- Edible flowers and tender leaves have a mild cucumber flavour; use fresh as garnish or for simple herbal infusions.
- Ornamental in borders with a cottage-garden look; stake tall stems in exposed sites to reduce lodging.
When should I sow borage seeds after the last frost?
Borage Seeds can be direct sown once the danger of the last frost has passed and the soil is warming. Scatter or place seeds shallowly, keep the bed evenly moist, and thin seedlings once they establish. For an earlier start, sow indoors shortly before the final frost and transplant carefully to avoid disturbing roots. In areas with mild winters, autumn sowing may be possible for earlier flowers the following year. Full sun encourages sturdy growth, though light shade is tolerated, and consistent moisture aids germination.
What spacing and care do borage plants need from seedling to maturity?
Give borage 30–45 cm (12–18 in) between plants to allow the branching habit and to improve airflow. It prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil; very rich nitrogen can encourage lush growth that flops. Aim for full sun with some tolerance of light shade. Water regularly while establishing, then reduce as plants are fairly drought tolerant once established. Mature plants typically reach 60–90 cm (24–36 in); in windy spots or on rich soil, staking may help. Deadheading can extend flowering, while leaving some seed heads supports natural reseeding.
Can I grow borage in containers, and what size and care are best?
Growing borage in containers is feasible when using a deep, well-drained pot and a free-draining, moderately fertile mix. Plant one borage per medium-to-large container so it has space equivalent to the 30–45 cm garden spacing, and position in full sun. Keep the compost evenly moist but not waterlogged, and avoid heavy feeding to reduce flopping. Taller container-grown plants may benefit from a discreet stake. Self-seeding is reduced in pots, but spent flowers can still drop seeds into nearby soil.
Is borage edible and how can it be used in the kitchen?
Borage is a culinary herb with cucumber-flavoured young leaves and edible, blue star-shaped flowers. Tender leaves can be used sparingly in salads or chilled drinks, while blossoms make attractive garnishes, ice cubes, or herbal tea flowers. Pick flowers fresh as they open for the best flavour and colour. Older leaves develop more bristly hairs, so choose younger growth if eating. Always positively identify plants before consuming and check personal tolerance when trying any new edible flower seeds or herbs.
Does borage reseed itself, and how can I manage volunteers?
Borage is an open-pollinated, self-seeding herb that often drops seed and reappears the following season. To encourage a natural cottage garden look, allow a few flower heads to mature and release seeds where you want a patch to persist. If you prefer tidier beds, deadhead before seed set or mulch to limit germination. Seedlings are easy to recognize and can be thinned or transplanted while small to maintain the recommended 30–45 cm spacing.
Why are borage seeds valued for pollinators in the herb garden?
Borage is a bee friendly herb with nectar rich flowers that open over a long period, providing a reliable resource for pollinators. The vivid blue star-shaped blooms act as a pollinator magnet, attracting bees and other beneficial insects to nearby crops. Planting borage alongside vegetables such as tomatoes, squash, or near strawberries can support pollination activity in the wider garden. Regular deadheading promotes successive flushes, extending availability of nectar without compromising overall plant vigor.
Seeds are sourced from vetted growers and processors and handled under traceable, hygienic conditions. Lots are tested for purity and viability to industry norms, and supplied in compliance with applicable seed quality and phytosanitary requirements. Guidance provided is general; performance depends on microclimate, soil, hardiness zone, and hemisphere. Product pages carry specific sowing and handling instructions, including any variety-specific labelling or restrictions.
Edible starflowers that welcome bees to the garden
Borage Seeds yield hardy, fast-growing plants with sky-blue, star-shaped flowers and soft, cucumber-scented foliage. Direct sow where they will grow after the last frost, once soil warms and drains freely; the deep taproot dislikes disturbance, so transplant only when small. Space plants to allow airy growth and good airflow, and provide full sun to light shade. Moderate water supports continuous flowering, while well-drained soil helps prevent legginess. Pinching early encourages branching and a longer bloom window. The blooms are edible and best picked as they open; tender young leaves are also used sparingly. Expect abundant pollinator activity around borage, which can benefit nearby fruiting crops. Plants often self-seed; deadhead if you prefer to limit volunteers, or leave some spent flowers for natural reseeding. Suitable for borders and deep containers, borage brings texture and movement to mixed plantings. For related options within the wider edible garden range, see Vegetables Seeds.
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