How to Grow Borage

A cool-season flower for the home garden across the warmer US.

Borage is a rewarding cool-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Borage is a cool-season crop. In the South and Southwest, plant in fall through winter when the heat eases. See your region on the borage page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Borage, Edible blue star flowers (Botanical Interests)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 40 cm (16 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 1 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 3 L per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

In humid regions, Powdery mildew can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Borage is usually ready to harvest in about 2 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant borage where you garden.

See also: Borage in the plant library →

Related guides