Borago officinalis (Borage) 9 cm Pot

Growth habit & appearance: Borago officinalis is a robust annual herb with bright blue star-shaped flowers and soft, bristled leaves. It self-seeds freely and fills a space quickly, making it a reliable summer presence in any herb garden. Its flowers are highly attractive to bees and beneficial insects.

Growing conditions: Borage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is fully hardy as an annual in Ireland and germinates easily when sown directly. Once established, it requires little more than occasional watering in very dry spells. It grows vigorously and often reseeds itself year after year.

Traditional & herbal uses: Traditionally, Borage has been used to support adrenal exhaustion, help the body cope with summer heat, and provide gentle cooling during times of stress. Its fresh young leaves and flowers are also used in salads and seasonal drinks. Historically it has been considered uplifting and restorative.

Maintenance & harvesting: Harvest young leaves as needed and pick flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming. Allow some plants to mature fully if you want to collect seed for the following season. Remove plants once they have died back naturally.