Borago officinalis

Borage (Borago officinalis) — a vigorous annual with vivid blue edible starflowers and a cool, cucumber-like flavour. Easy from seed and adored by bees.
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  • Borage seeds (Borago officinalis) – annual herb Borage (Borago officinalis) – annual herb seeds from SeedsChoice
    17%
    Borage Seeds Borago Officinalis Annual Herb
    $5.00$6.00

    Classic annual herb with vivid blue blooms borage seeds produce a classic annual herb valued for its bright, star-shaped blue flowers and fresh green foliage. This variety is also known as borago officinalis seeds, and...
  • Borage seeds (Borago officinalis) – organic annual herb Borage (Borago officinalis) – organic annual herb seeds from SeedsChoice
    17%
    Borage Seeds Borago Officinalis Organic Annual Herb
    $5.00$6.00

    Organic annual herb with vivid blue blooms borage seeds are an excellent choice for gardeners looking for an organic annual herb with striking, star-shaped blue flowers and a relaxed, cottage-garden look. This variety, Borago officinalis,...
  • Borage Microgreens seeds (Borago officinalis) – annual microgreens Borage Microgreens (Borago officinalis) – annual microgreens seeds from SeedsChoice
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    Borage Seeds Borago Officinalis Microgreens Annual Herb
    $5.00$6.00

    Fresh microgreens and annual herb for kitchens borage seeds are a versatile choice for growing tender micro leaves and baby leaf greens, while also developing into an attractive annual herb for the garden. This variety...
  • Borage Edible seeds (Borago officinalis) – annual herb Borage Edible (Borago officinalis) – annual herb seeds from SeedsChoice
    Borage Seeds Borago Officinalis Annual Herb Edible Flowers
    $6.00

    Blue flowering annual herb for kitchen gardens borage seeds produce a classic blue flowering herb plant valued for its decorative look and versatile culinary use. This annual herb forms upright, leafy growth and is known...

Borago officinalis — borage

Borago officinalis, commonly called borage or starflower, is a vigorous aromatic annual famed for its brilliant blue, star-shaped flowers and cool, cucumber-like flavour. A favourite with bees and cooks alike, it anchors our borage range within the culinary herb collection.

History & origin

Borage is native to the Mediterranean and has been grown since antiquity. The Romans added it to wine, and medieval herbalists believed it could lift the spirits — the old saying “borage for courage” captures its long reputation as a herb of comfort and good cheer. It has been a cottage-garden mainstay across Europe for centuries.

Its name is often traced to the Latin borra, meaning rough hair, a reference to the bristly texture that covers its stems and leaves.

Botanical characteristics

Borage is a robust annual reaching 60–100 cm, with hairy, grey-green leaves and nodding sprays of vivid blue (occasionally pink or white) five-petalled flowers. Both the young leaves and the edible flowers carry a fresh, cucumber-like taste, making the blooms a charming addition to summer drinks and salads. A generous self-seeder, it sits among our annual herbs and earns its place among our aromatic herbs.

Growing Borago officinalis from seed

Borage could hardly be easier: sow directly where it is to grow from spring, in full sun and well-drained soil, and thin to give the large plants room. It grows fast, flowers freely and self-seeds happily for next year. Few herbs do more for pollinators — bees visit the flowers constantly all summer long. Our herb growing guide and herb sowing calendar cover timing and care in full.

Ready to grow borage? Explore the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Borage · Culinary Herbs · Annual Herbs · Aromatic Herbs · All Herb Seeds

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What is Borago officinalis?
It is the botanical name for borage, also called starflower — an aromatic annual herb grown for its edible blue flowers and cucumber-flavoured leaves. Are borage flowers edible?
Yes. The vivid blue star-shaped flowers and young leaves both have a fresh, cucumber-like taste, lovely in summer drinks and salads. Is borage good for bees?
Exceptionally so. Bees visit the flowers constantly all summer, making borage one of the best herbs you can grow for pollinators. How do I grow borage from seed?
Sow directly where it is to grow from spring in full sun and well-drained soil, then thin the seedlings. It grows fast and self-seeds freely.