Use with caution
Use with caution. Borage leaves contain small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can affect the liver, so the leaves are not for regular or long-term internal use. Enjoy the flowers and the occasional young leaf in moderation, and avoid internal use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver problems.
Borage
Borago officinalis
herbA sprawling annual herb with bright blue star-shaped flowers and fuzzy cucumber-scented leaves. One of the top companion plants for deterring pests and attracting pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 3 days
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Harvest
~60 days
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Difficulty
easy
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Lifecycle
annual
One season, then done
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Spacing
12-18 in. apart
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Planting Depth
1/4 in.
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Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Growing Details
Soil Type
Average, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 – 10
Grown as an annual — this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
Generally not needed in average soil; excess nitrogen reduces flowering
Fertilizer
None or light balanced at planting
🌱 Growing Guide
Direct sow after last frost — borage does not transplant well due to its taproot. Self-seeds prolifically and will return year after year once established. Requires almost no care once growing. Cut back by half in midsummer to encourage fresh growth and continued flowering.
Planting Calendar
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Direct sow
Apr 1
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Projected first harvest
May 31
JJan
FFeb
MMar
AApr
MMay
JJun
JJul
AAug
SSep
OOct
NNov
DDec
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Tomatoes — Draws hornworm predators and pollinators; reputed to improve tomato flavor
- Squash — Attracts pollinators critical for fruit set
- Strawberries — Deters strawberry pests and draws in pollinators
- Cucumbers — Repels cucumber beetles when interplanted
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Interplant heavily around tomatoes to attract parasitic wasps that parasitize hornworm eggs
Plant near brassicas to draw in predatory insects
Borage flowers attract hoverflies and lacewings whose larvae consume aphids
🌾 Harvest & storage
Harvest young leaves and flowers continuously. Flowers can be candied, frozen in ice cubes, or used fresh as garnishes. Young leaves taste of cucumber and are good in salads or drinks. Older leaves become too bristly to eat raw but can be cooked like spinach.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in the seed oil, a beneficial omega-6 fatty acid. Leaves provide calcium, potassium, and vitamin C. Used traditionally as an adrenal tonic.
⚠️ Toxicity & safety
Use with caution. Borage leaves contain small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can affect the liver, so the leaves are not for regular or long-term internal use. Enjoy the flowers and the occasional young leaf in moderation, and avoid internal use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have liver problems.
For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.