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Young borage flowers transition from soft lavender to an iridescent blue color.

Borage seeds

SKU: 2102546

We can't say enough about this herb/flower. What sugar is to ants...this plant is to bees. The borage herb is an absolute magnet to all types of bees and pollinators. We've grown a lot of different annuals, perennials, etc., but to date, this is our #1 bee attractor. If you plant this in the middle of your garden, or on the perimeter, you are guaranteed to have a swarm of beneficial insects.

 

With increased pollination comes increased production and yields from your garden fruits and veggies. An increased number of bees also deters harmful pests since bees create a high-traffic area around your plants which discourages various invaders (cucumber beetles, gnats, aphids, etc.)

 

Borage can get several feet tall but has a very very short root. More often than not, it will grow so tall, it collapses on itself. Borage is a fuzzy plant with broad deeply ridged leaves, and the flowers are star-shaped. As they bloom, they will transition from pink to purple, to a beautiful blue. If you catch a flower in the middle of its transition, it's often a combination of all of these colors. Borage is delicious and the entire plant is edible. It tastes like cucumbers and has numerous health benefits.

 

This plant is used for teas, garnish, salads, for tinctures, and in the Victorian days, the flowers were picked and put into ice cubes for the higher class folks...the fancy wigs. This plant is extremely easy to grow, and you will only need to plant it once. It will drop several seeds, and come early spring, this will be one of the first plants to start growing as it can survive cooler weather. When they start to emerge, we usually dig up the sprouts and transplant them strategically to attract the bees. 

 

This plant is an asset in the garden from its beauty to its benefits. You will need a partial sun to full sun area to grow it. This plant will thrive in any soil, we even have some growing out of rocks and topsoil.

 

Seed count: 20 

  • Botanic name:

    Borago officinalis

  • Plant spacing:

    1.5 - 2 feet apart for each plant.

     

  • Color:

    The star shaped flowers will transition from an iridesent pink to purple and finally a lavender-blue.

     

  • Sowing depth:

    1/4 inch

     

  • Sun requirements:

    Full sun / part shade

     

  • Utilization:

    The plant in it's entirety is edible. The leaves taste like cucumber but a little saltier. They can be dried and used for tea. The flowers can be used for tea as well but are ideal for garnishes, mixed into salads and sandwhiches, or frozen inside of ice cubes. 

    These are also one of the strongest plants for attracting bees. 

  • Frost Hardy:

    Yes

     

  • Maturity days:

    60 - 70 days

     

  • Life cycle:

    Annual

  • Can I start indoors:

    Yes, but not recommended. These grow very fast so direct sowing during the cold months will allow these to come up pretty fast. If you do start indoors, start no more than 1 - 2 weeks before you know you will be transplanting. 

     

  • Container friendly:

    Yes

  • Other names:

    Starflower, Tailwort, Burrage, Common Bugloss, Bee-Bread, Bee Fodder,  Ox's Tongue and Cool Tankard

  • Vine Habit:

     

$2.59Price

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