When to Plant Borage Seeds
Direct sow borage seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
Where to Plant Borage Seeds
Borage seeds prefer fine, well-worked and moist soil in full sun conditions. However, it can tolerate partial shade. Borage prefers a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
How to Plant Borage Seeds
Add aged compost to the planting bed and turn it under to 12 inches before planting. Sow seed about 1/2 of an inch into the soil. The seed must be covered for germination to take place. Space your rows about 24 inches apart. Germination will occur after 7-14 days. Thin seedlings about 24 inches apart once they are 6-8 inches tall. Borage requires even, regular water until established. Once established, the soil can dry out between waterings. Fertilize with compost tea and pinch back plants when they reach 6 inches tall to encourage bushiness and blooming. Tall plants may require staking or support.
How to Harvest Borage
Borage is considered to be a liberal self-sower, dropping its own herb seeds, so you can enjoy more plants in the following year! To harvest, snip fresh, young leaves in spring and summer as needed. Harvest young leaves before they develop bristly hairs. Flowers can be snipped individually or in clusters as soon as they open.
