Companion Plants
Borago officinalis
Blue Borage, or Starflower, is a hardy herb known for its bright blue flowers and leaves that offer a taste similar to cucumber, making it a versatile plant for both gardens and kitchens.
About Blue Borage: This plant grows to about 100 cm in height and features green, hairy leaves with clusters of blue, star-shaped flowers. Blue Borage is straightforward to grow from seeds and tends to spread through self-seeding, ensuring a regular presence in the garden year after year. Both the leaves and flowers are edible, adding a unique flavour and appearance to various dishes.
Growing In Australia: Blue Borage is suited to a wide range of climates across Australia. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers soil that drains well. Once established, the plant is relatively drought-resistant, though it benefits from regular watering during prolonged dry spells.
Benefits and Uses: Apart from its culinary use, where leaves can be added to salads, drinks, and other dishes for a refreshing cucumber flavour, Blue Borage's flowers serve as an attractive garnish. The plant has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat inflammation and some respiratory conditions. Its presence in the garden also attracts pollinators like bees, enhancing the health of the entire garden ecosystem.
Planting and Care Tips: For best results, sow Blue Borage seeds directly in the desired location in spring or autumn. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and water them well to encourage germination. Plants should be spaced approximately 30 cm apart to allow enough room for growth. Once established, Blue Borage is low maintenance, though it appreciates consistent moisture in the soil, especially in hot, dry conditions.
50+ heirloom seeds
Sowing Information
Plant Type: Annual
Sow When: Temperate: Spring, Summer
Subtropical: Spring, Summer
Tropical: Spring
Sow Where: Direct/Trays
Sow Depth: 5mm
Germination: 7-14 days
Position: Full Sun
Plant Spacing: 30cm
Row Spacing: 60cm
Plant Height: 100cm
Harvest: 50-75 days
The image below will help you determine which climate zone you are in, and allow you to choose the best varieties for your area.
Martyman, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons