Growing Borage, also Burrage, Bugloss
Borago officinalis : Boraginaceae / the borage family
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | P |
(Best months for growing Borage in South Africa - Semi-arid regions)
- P = Sow seed
- Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 10°C and 25°C.
- Space plants: 20 cm apart
- Harvest in 8-10 weeks. Use leaves before flowers appear, otherwise they will be 'hairy'. .
- Compatible with (can grow beside): Strawberry, tomatoes, zucchini/squash. Deters pests from many plants.
A tall, attractive plant, often grown in flowerbeds. Bright blue star-shaped edible flowers. Grow in a sunny spot with well drained fertile soil. Borage dies down in the winter, but probably you will not need to buy any more seeds as it self seeds quite vigorously and spreads around the garden. Luckily, it is so attractive that it adds to the general design.
Will grow almost anywhere but prefers well-drained soil. Can be transplanted when young but older plants do not move well.
Culinary hints - cooking and eating Borage
Has a slight cucumber taste which goes well in salads and when cooked with silverbeet or cabbage.
The flowers make a pretty drink decoration when frozen in an iceblock.
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