Borage (Borago officinalis) is a fast-growing annual famous for its dazzling blue star-shaped blooms and fuzzy, gray-green foliage. A magnet for bees and beneficial insects, borage brings ecological value to pollinator gardens, borders, wildflower plantings, and cottage landscapes. Its continuous flowering habit ensures a long season of color and movement in sunny beds, thriving even in poor soil with very little maintenance.
Features
• Brilliant blue star-shaped flowers loved by bees
• Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects all season
• Fast-growing and blooms continuously once established
• Thrives in dry, poor, or rocky soils with minimal care
• Great for borders, pollinator gardens, and cottage plantings
• Non-GMO Borago officinalis heirloom variety
Specifications
• Common Name: Borage
• Scientific Name: Borago officinalis
• Plant Type: Annual flowering herb
• USDA Zones: 3–11 (grown as annual)
• Flower Color: Blue (occasionally pink or white)
• Bloom Season: Late spring through summer
• Height: 18–36 inches
• Spread: 12–24 inches
• Growth Habit: Upright, branching, fuzzy foliage
• Heirloom: Yes
• GMO Status: Non-GMO
• Organic: Not certified organic
• Light Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Preference: Well-drained average or poor soils
• Water Needs: Low to moderate
• Pollinator Value: High (bee-friendly)
• Maintenance Level: Low
• Plant Spacing: 12–18 inches
• Seed Viability: 3–4 years stored cool & dry
Planting Guide
• Direct sow outdoors in spring or fall; does not transplant well.
• Sow 1/4–1/2 inch deep in well-drained soil.
• Keep lightly moist until germination (7–14 days).
• Thin seedlings to 12–18 inches apart.
• Provide full sun for continuous flowering.
• Avoid heavy fertilizing; blooms best in poor soil.
• Allow a few spent flowers to form seeds if natural reseeding is desired.
