Borage - Borago officinalis
50 Seeds
Sow February - May
Hardy annual.
Height 60cm (24in).
Prefers a fairly rich, well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Sow direct into the final container from February onwards, or direct outdoors at the end of April. Germinate at 15-20o C. Germination should occur after approximately one week.
This self-seeding plant has many leaves on branched, hollow stems covered with stiff white hairs. The star-shaped flowers are sky blue with five petals and black stamens, which nod downward in clusters. The leaves are dark grey-green, oval-pointed, textured, covered with prickly white hairs and have a cucumber scented juice when crushed. Plant with strawberries to improve yield and deter pests. Borage attracts bees and butterflies.
Borage
Also known as Bugloss, Burrage, Starflower, Bee Bread and Common Bugloss. From the Family Boraginaceae.
Borage originated in Southern Europe and the Middle East and was associated with bravery. The Celtic warriors drank borage flavoured wine to give them courage. Herbalists believed that Borage imparted a sense of well being and the Roman scholar Pliny considersed it to be an antidepressant. The five-pointed brilliant blue flowers were once favourite subjects in needlework.