Borago officinalis

Borage/starflower

Blue star-shaped borage flowers look lovely in all kinds of dishes – and in the garden, the entire plant is good for your soil.

How to grow Sow seeds directly in a bed or plant seedlings – preferably in spring – in compost-rich soil in full sun. Space the seedlings about 60cm to 1m apart. Borage self-seeds easily; once you have it in your garden, it will germinate year after year. Thin out any plants that come up too close together. Keep moist during dry months but don’t overwater. It is sometimes necessary to stake taller plants.

Uses in the kitchen The flower has a delicate, cucumber flavour. Use it in salads, fruit salads, in drinks or to garnish a dish. Finely-chopped young leaves are also edible and delicious in stir-fries and salads.

Other benefits It attracts bees to your garden and is an excellent compost activator. When borage has finished flowering, throw it on the compost heap or dig old plants into your flowerbeds. It releases nutrients slowly and improves the quality of soil. Or soak the leaves in water to make a natural liquid fertiliser. Here’s how: place leaves in a container and cover with water. Put a lid on the container and allow to stand for two weeks. Remove the leaves and dilute 1 part of the liquid to 10 parts water, then feed your plants with it. The mixture can be stored for quite a while.

Companion plants Most vegetables grow well with borage. Brinjals, strawberries, cucumbers, baby marrows, squash and tomatoes are good companions. This herb improves the taste of its companion plants, especially strawberries and tomatoes.

Plant guide

Full sun

Frost-sensitive

Average water needs

Annual

Grows 60cm – 1m tall