Borago officinalis

Sowing and care guidance

Borago officinalis seeds prefer direct sowing where plants will grow, as roots dislike disturbance. Sow after last frost into well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun to light shade; it tolerates poorer soils. Cover lightly and keep evenly moist until established, then water during prolonged dry spells only. Space generously for airflow and a sturdy, medium-tall habit; staking can help in windy sites. Little feeding is required. Deadhead to reduce self-seeding, or allow a few blooms to set seed for naturalised patches. In mild climates, late-season or autumn sowings can establish and give earlier growth. Plants are bristly—wear gloves when thinning or cutting—and avoid allowing pets or livestock to browse.

• Direct sow after last frost; taproot dislikes transplanting.
• Self-seeds freely; deadhead if spread is unwanted.
• Edible flowers and young leaves when correctly identified; use sparingly.
• Ornamental, with sky-blue starry blooms above bold, bristly foliage.
• Nectar-rich flowers support bees and other pollinators.
• Suitable for large, deep containers; ensure sun and regular watering.

How do you grow borage (Borago officinalis) from seed?

Sow Borago officinalis seeds directly where they are to grow, as plants dislike root disturbance. Prepare a weed-free, well-drained bed, scatter or place seeds thinly, and cover lightly with soil; keep evenly moist until germination. Once seedlings are established, thin to give each plant space and airflow. Water regularly during early growth, then as needed; borage is fairly resilient once rooted. Remove competing weeds, and in windy sites consider light staking to prevent flopping. Regular flower picking or deadheading encourages a longer display.

When should I sow borage seeds after the last frost?

Direct sow after the last frost when the soil is workable and warming. In mild climates, late-season or autumn sowing can establish young plants that resume quickly in spring, giving earlier blooms. For an extended flowering window, repeat small sowings at intervals once conditions are suitable. Avoid sowing into cold, waterlogged soil. If starting indoors, do so only briefly and transplant very young seedlings with minimal root disturbance.

What sun and soil does borage need, and will it grow in light shade?

Borage prefers full sun but tolerates light shade, especially in hotter periods. It thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil and will cope with poorer ground as long as drainage is good. Overly rich soil can make plants lush and floppy, so avoid heavy feeding. Keep moisture consistent while seedlings root in; afterwards, water during extended dry spells. A light mulch can help conserve moisture without keeping the crown wet.

How tall does borage grow, and how should I space and care for it?

Borage is a medium-tall annual, often reaching about 60–100 cm in height with a broad, branching habit. Space plants generously—around 30–45 cm between plants—so leaves can dry quickly and stems have room to develop. In exposed sites, a discreet stake can prevent wind damage. Remove spent stems to keep plants tidy, and deadhead to reduce self-seeding and encourage continued flowering. Allow enough room around paths, as mature plants can sprawl.

Can you transplant borage seedlings or grow borage in containers?

Transplanting is possible but not ideal because borage forms a taproot. If you must, start seeds in individual biodegradable pots and transplant while very young, disturbing roots as little as possible and watering in well. For containers, choose a pot at least 25–30 cm deep with drainage; use a free-draining, moderately fertile mix. Grow one plant per medium pot, water consistently, and feed lightly if growth slows. Provide support if plants get top-heavy in bloom.

Do pollinators like borage, and how do you manage self-seeding?

Yes—borage’s starry flowers are highly attractive to many pollinating insects. Plants can bloom over a long period if flowers are picked or deadheaded regularly. Borage self-seeds readily; to keep it in bounds, remove spent blooms before seeds ripen, cut back or clear plants as they fade, mulch bare soil to block germination, and pull volunteer seedlings while small. If you want a few self-sown plants next season, allow only selected plants to set seed.

This guidance is general and intended for a wide range of conditions. Performance can vary with microclimate, soil type, drainage, and seasonal timing (for example, after last frost or when soil is workable; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible). Specific, variety-level instructions—covering sowing depth, spacing, and timing—and any compliance or sourcing details are provided on the relevant product pages.

Sowing and Care Overview

Borago officinalis seeds perform best when sown directly where they will grow, as the taproot dislikes disturbance. Sow when soil is workable and the risk of frost has passed; in mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible for early-season growth. Choose a sunny to lightly shaded spot with free-draining, moderately fertile soil. Broadcast or drill seeds 0.5–1 cm deep, spacing 30–40 cm apart; thin seedlings to 40–60 cm to allow the bushy habit to develop. Maintain even moisture until germination, which typically takes 7–14 days in moderate temperatures, then water as needed to prevent stress. Plants may become top-heavy; staking in breezy sites helps keep stems upright. Deadhead spent blooms to extend the flowering period and to limit self-seeding, or allow some seed to drop if naturalised drifts are desired. For earlier starts, sow under cover in biodegradable modules to minimise root disturbance when transplanting after last frost.