Borago officinalis aka Borage
Taxonomy
Borago officinalis, commonly known as borage or starflower, is an annual herb in the Boraginaceae family. Native to the Mediterranean region, it has naturalized in many other areas and is commonly grown in gardens throughout Europe. The plant's leaves are edible and have a cucumber-like flavor, making it a popular choice for culinary and decorative purposes. The vibrant blue star-shaped flowers attract pollinating bees and are considered a good companion plant for tomatoes, squash, and strawberries. Borage is also commercially cultivated for its seed oil. However, it's important to note that the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, some of which are hepatotoxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic, which may cause liver damage and cancer if consumed regularly. Despite this, borage remains a popular and easy-to-grow herb that adds vibrancy and flavor to any garden.
Common names
Borage, Beebread, Beeplant, Common BorageHow to care for Borage
Difficulty
Borage requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Borage should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Borage loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Borage prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Borage to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Borage is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Fertilizer
The Borage should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Borage’s native range is C. Europe. A garden escape in Britain[17].
More info:
Wikipedia
