Borage - Borago officinalis Bianca
25 Seeds
Sow March - September.
Hardy annual.
Height 60cm (24in).
Prefers a fairly rich, well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Sow the large black borage seeds directly where the plant is to flower, as it forms a deep root and doesn’t transplant well. 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 white 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 leaves are hairy and can cause contact dermatitis in people with sensitive skin. It’s advisable to wear gloves when handling borage plants.
Borage - White
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 flowers were once favourite subjects in needlework.