Borage, the Bold and Uncommon Herb
While this season is winding down, it is never too early to begin to plan for next season. Herbs are always a good addition to any garden. If not used for culinary purposes, many are good for pollinators, not only for the pollen and nectar they provide, but also for reproductive habitat.
Borage (Borago officinalis) is a seldom-planted herb with significant potential. Not only are the plant parts edible, but it has decorative appeal and is beneficial to pollinators. A 2016-2018 project at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, Minnesota, a research station of the University of Minnesota, revealed that planting patches of borage near strawberry beds resulted in increased yield and berry weight due to increased insect pollinator activity. Insects collected in these patches specifically were hover flies (Syrphidae) as well as native bees such as the metallic green sweat bee (Agapostemon).
Borage is native to Europe, Asia Minor, and Africa. It has been widely cultivated for centuries and was thought to give people courage, make the heart glad, and drive away sorrow. Herbalists in the 15th century routinely recommended it as a treatment for depression. The plant contains small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, so when it is used as a major part of the diet, it can cause liver damage or cancer.
Borage is an annual, but it reseeds profusely, making it seem like a perennial. It does best in dry, sunny locations. It is easy to start from seed, spacing plants 12 inches apart, rows 18 inches apart and planting one-half inch deep. It will grow to 2-3 feet tall, with coarse hairy leaves and stems. These hairy leaves make it unpalatable to deer and rabbits. When planted among other specimens, they will act as protectors and keep marauders at bay. When planted near vegetable gardens, it will attract the pollinators necessary for a good harvest. The flowers are the most appealing visual part of this plant. The vivid sky-blue star shaped blooms droop slightly inviting bees and other pollinators to visit.
The flowers and leaves are both edible. They have a cucumber-like flavor. The greens are used in salads, stews, and soups. Most often they are cooked because the coarseness leaves an unpleasant feeling in the mouth. The flowers are used to flavor beverages and desserts or are frozen in ice cubes as a garnish.
Borage is ready to harvest about eight weeks after planting. To make it last through the season, deadhead the spent flowers regularly. This will encourage the plant to continue to bloom until frost. This plant will tolerate both ends of the temperature spectrum, but it will not tolerate frost. If pruned back by one-half mid-summer, it will generate nice tender leaves for a late summer harvest. Borage produces a number of black seeds that can be collected and planted the next season. Simply shake the seeds into a container once the flower degrades. Store them in an airtight container in a cool location until the next season when they can be planted.
If there is insufficient garden space to grow this beautiful, pollinator-friendly plant, consider growing it in a pot. Use a container at least twelve inches deep with good drain holes; a ten-inch diameter pot would be ideal. It can be grown indoors if given plenty of sun and water.
Carol Shirk
Certified Master Gardener
Photo: https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/borage.htm