Borage

When should I plant
Sow borage seeds directly into the garden 1-2 weeks after all danger of frost has passed. Plant seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep in rows set 12 inches apart in an area that receives full sun. If starting seeds indoors, plant three to four weeks before the last frost date. If starting seeds indoors, plant 3-4 weeks before the last frost date. However, direct sowing is recommended, as borage has a taproot and does not transplant well. To ensure a long harvest season, sow seeds every four weeks.

Site consideration
Choose a location with full sun for optimal growth. Borage thrives in full sun and well-drained, organic-rich soil. Borage prefers loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Water
Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. To prevent fungal diseases, avoid overhead watering, which can promote excessive moisture on leaves.

Sunlight
Borage seeds need full sun (6-8+ hours daily) for best growth and flower production, but they can also handle partial shade, especially in hot climates where some afternoon shade helps.

Seed Germination
Seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days. Maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil during this period.

Transplant
Transplanting borage is not recommended, as it develops a deep taproot that is sensitive to disturbance. Moving the plant can cause transplant shock, making it difficult for the plant to establish itself.

Pruning
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding.

Other Elements
Fertilization
Borage doesn’t require much fertilizer. Prior to plant, amending the soil with compost. The plant itself can be used as a green manure or cover crop to enrich the soil with nutrients as it grows.

Weed control
Using mulching, hand-pulling, and dense planting to prevent weed growth. Since borage can self-seed, regularly remove weed seed heads. For tougher weeds, use organic methods like vinegar or essential oils, and consider using mustard seed meal as a pre-emergent.

Harvest
It can harvest both the borage leaves and flowers. Borage leaves become hairy and more bitter as they mature. For the best flavor, harvest the leaves while they are still young and tender. Flowers can be harvested as soon as they open.
Dry borage leaves by placing them on a cookie sheet for several weeks away from moisture. Once dried, store in an airtight container, such as a glass jar. The longer the leaves have been stored, the lesser the medicinal properties. Replenish your borage supply annually.

Seed Storage
The seeds will maintain a high germination percentage if stored under proper conditions. How long your seeds remain viable will depend on the temperature and moisture levels the seeds are exposed to. Seeds which are improperly stored will quickly deteriorate if unprotected against high humidity and dramatic temperature fluctuations day after day.

For best results, keep the seed in our moisture-proof ziplock sealing bags, which provide a better moisture prevention effect. Glass jar or plastic containers with snap-on lids works well too, add a packet of desiccant before sealing into the seed, such as silica gel to remove any moisture remains in the storage container. Seed stored under these conditions will remain viable for as long as years.

Factors Which commonly Cause Poor Results
  1. Improper drainage soil
  2. Sowing depth more than one inch
  3. Covering the seed too deep beneath the soil surface
  4. Cover a large area with a small amount of seed.
  5. Plant at a wrong time of a year
  6. Lack of sunlight
  7. Inadequate rainfall after seed germination. The area should not be allowed to become completely dry. Supplemental watering may be required to sustain plant life.
  8. Extreme weather conditions: hail, drought, excessive rainfall, floods, unseasonably cold temperatures.

 

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