Borage, Starflower Seeds

Borage Starflower Seeds — Borago officinalis

Also known as: Starflower, Common borage, Bee bush, Bourrache, Borretsch, Borraja, Borragine, Borragem and Ogurechnaya trava.

This packet contains 15 seeds of borage, Borago officinalis, an annual herb with coarse, hairy foliage and blue star-shaped flowers. It is often called starflower and fits naturally into herb, cottage, and pollinator gardens. Flower colour and plant size can vary with soil and growing conditions.

Sow outdoors in spring once the soil can be worked, or start in individual pots to reduce root disturbance. Cover the seeds lightly, water gently, and keep the growing medium moist but not saturated until seedlings appear. Borage can develop a substantial root system, so transplant young plants before they become crowded or root-bound.

Choose full sun or light shade and ordinary soil with dependable drainage. Allow generous space: established plants branch broadly and their bristly leaves can shade smaller neighbours. Water during extended dry periods, particularly in containers. The flowers attract visiting insects, and plants may self-seed if mature seed is allowed to fall. Remove spent plants before seed ripens if volunteers are not wanted.

The blue flowers are traditionally used as decorative garnishes, but use only correctly identified, unsprayed plant material intended for culinary use. Store unused seed sealed and labelled in a cool, dry, dark place away from humidity.