Borage is often referred to as cornflower, is an easily recognizable, rough-haired, annual plant with blue flowers. The Roman Pliny wrote about this plant: “ego borago gaudia semper ago” (“I, borage, always bring joy”).
A number of characteristics and care tips for the Borage plant are;
Leaves: The leaves of the Borage plant are large, rough, and hairy. They have a light green color and are oval to elongated in shape.
Flowers: Borage produces bright blue, star-shaped flowers. The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making it a good plant for promoting biodiversity in the garden.
Growth habits: Borage is a fast-growing annual plant that grows to a height of about 60-90 cm. It has a bushy growth habit and branches well.
Sunlight: Plant Borage in a location with full sun to light shade. The plant thrives best in an environment with plenty of sunlight.
Soil: Ensure well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Borage can grow in various soil types but prefers well-draining soil.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods and throughout the growing season. Regular watering is particularly important during flowering and fruiting.
Harvesting: The leaves and flowers of Borage can be harvested for culinary use. The young leaves have the best flavor and can be added to salads, soups, sauces, and other dishes. The flowers can be used as decoration in salads, drinks, and desserts.
Sowing: Borage can be grown from seeds that are sown directly in the ground, preferably in the spring after the last frost. Sow the seeds at a depth of about 1 cm and thin the seedlings to about 30 cm apart.
