How to Grow Borages: The Complete Guide

Borage (Borago officinalis) is a easy-to-grow cool to warm-season flower that thrives in USDA zones 2-11. With the right soil, sunlight, and care, you can harvest fresh borage in as little as 55-75 days. This guide covers everything you need to know about growing borage at home—from planting to harvest.

Overview

Borage produces stunning star-shaped blue flowers with a mild cucumber flavor, perfect for garnishing drinks, salads, and desserts. This vigorous self-seeder is a pollinator magnet and one of the best companion plants in the garden.

When and How to Plant Borages

Start indoors: 3-4 weeks before last frost. Borage needs full to partial sun and average, well-drained, ph 6.0-7.0 to thrive. Plant seeds at ½ in depth with 12-18 in between plants.

• Sowing depth: ½ in
• Plant spacing: 12-18 in
• Germination time: 5-10 days
• Days to harvest: 55-75 days
• Best soil: Average, well-drained, pH 6.0-7.0
• Season: Cool to Warm season — zones 2-11

Care and Maintenance

Borage requires moderate watering and full to partial sun. Consistent moisture is especially important during the growing season when roots are establishing.

• Watering: Moderate — water deeply at the base, not overhead, to prevent leaf disease
• Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of straw or shredded leaves to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
• Feeding: Apply balanced organic fertilizer or compost tea every 3-4 weeks during active growth
• Watch for deficiencies: Yellow leaves = nitrogen, purple stems = phosphorus, brown leaf edges = potassium

Pro Tips

Borage is a superb companion plant—it attracts pollinators, repels hornworms, and is said to improve the flavor of nearby tomatoes and strawberries.

Companion Planting for Borages

Companion planting improves borage health and yield by attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests, and improving soil. Plant borage alongside these proven companions:

Avoid planting near: These plants compete for nutrients, attract the same pests, or inhibit borage growth:

Common Pests and Diseases

Watch for these common problems when growing borage. Early identification and organic prevention methods are key to keeping your plants healthy:

Learn more in our Organic Pest Control Guide.

Harvesting and Storage

Knowing when to harvest borage is crucial for the best flavor and texture. Borage is typically ready to harvest in 55-75 days from planting.

• Harvest timing: Most home gardeners find that harvesting slightly early produces better flavor than letting crops over-mature
• Best time of day: Harvest in the morning when plants are cool and turgid for longest shelf life
• Storage: See our Harvesting and Preserving Guide for freezing, canning, and drying methods

Recommended Varieties

These are the best borage varieties for home gardeners, selected for flavor, disease resistance, and ease of growing:

Frequently Asked Questions About Borages

How long does it take to grow borage?

Borage takes 55-75 days from planting to harvest. Germination takes 5-10 days. Start indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost for earlier harvests.

What zones can you grow borage in?

Borage grows well in USDA hardiness zones 2-11. It is a cool to warm-season crop that needs full to partial sun.

What should I plant next to borage?

Good companions for borage include Tomatoes, Strawberries, Squash, Beans. Avoid planting near None.

How much sun does borage need?

Borage requires full to partial sun. Plant in average, well-drained, ph 6.0-7.0 with 12-18 in spacing between plants.

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