Borago officinalis Seeds | Borage
LATIN NAME: Borago officinalis
COMMON NAME: Borage
Plant Profile
Borago officinalis, commonly known as Borage, is a species with a long record in gardens. Through the flowering season it keeps visiting bees well supplied. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the Borago group, Borago officinalis is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Borage leaves also contain trace amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, compounds that have prompted some food-safety guidance recommending moderate consumption rather than large regular quantities, particularly during pregnancy. Species like this one find a second career as research material, especially in propagation and breeding work.
Uses & Benefits
Borage brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Borage’s star-shaped blue flowers are a beautiful and genuinely popular edible garnish, classically floated in Pimm’s cocktails and used to decorate salads and desserts, while cucumber-flavoured young leaves can be added fresh to salads in moderation. Given the plant’s trace pyrrolizidine alkaloid content, culinary use in typical garnish quantities is considered fine for most people, though very large regular consumption, particularly during pregnancy, is generally advised against. In later seasons it demands little more than an appreciative eye.
Borage seed oil is one of the richest natural sources of gamma-linolenic acid, GLA, sold widely for skin and hormonal health. The cucumber-flavored flowers and leaves grace summer drinks, though regular heavy leaf consumption is discouraged due to trace alkaloids.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Borage, and the process is uncomplicated. Sow seed directly into a loose, well-drained mix at a shallow depth, keeping it lightly moist until germination. Full sun suits this fast-growing annual well, and it typically self-seeds readily once established, often reappearing reliably in following seasons from its own dropped seed. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in full sun. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Few garden plants carry such a documented history of use as this one does. Part of this plant’s appeal is the long practical history summarized above. Even moisture while the seed is chitting is the main thing; afterwards it largely looks after itself.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Borage often pair it with these related subjects: