Borage [Borago officinalis]

Annual borage is an insect magnet and a well-known tea, spice, and medicinal plant. The leaves have a distinct cucumber scent and flavor. In modern folk medicine, this species is a forgotten miracle that can soothe many ailments. Ideal for direct sowing, pot cultivation possible, sowing spring-autumn, good for mixed culture, harvest of flowers, seeds and leaves.

 Description 
Borage is a very ancient annual tea, spice, and medicinal plant native to the Mediterranean region and cultivated in Central Europe since the late Middle Ages. The robust plant has heavily hairy leaves, stems, and buds, clear, star-shaped, violet-blue flowers, and the leaves have a distinct cucumber scent and flavor. In folk medicine, the flowers are used for fever, congested airways, diarrhea, inflammation, rheumatic complaints, and to purify the blood. Borage seed oil can be used internally and externally for eczema and neurodermatitis. Compresses containing borage tincture are used for phlebitis. Due to its high mineral salt content, borage can be used in a salt-free diet. The flowers serve as an attractive edible decoration for salads and cold buffets and magically attract pollinating insects. The leaves can be used to pickle cucumbers, salads, and herb curds.

 General information 
Plant family: Boraginaceae
Life cycle: Perennial
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 100 cm
Root type: Deep rooter
Nutrient requirements: Low
Water requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to 0°C
Location: Sunny
Soil: Permeable, humus-rich loamy soil

pH value: 6.5 to 7.5

 Sowing and planting information 
Germination type: Dark germinator
Sowing depth: 1-2 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 20-25 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Plant and row spacing: 25x30 cm

Germination ability of seeds: 7-8 years

 Mixed culture 
Optimal mixed culture: Cucumber, Kohlrabi, Cabbage, Tomato, Zucchini
Unfavorable mixed culture: -

 Sowing by climate zone 
Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Direct sowing from February to October is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.
Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Direct sowing from April to July is recommended. The plants should ideally be planted in a sunny location.

 General recommendations 
Direct sowing is recommended. After germination, thin out the plants to the specified plant spacing.
Borage prefers a permeable, deep, moderately nutrient-rich, moist and humus-rich loamy soil. However, it also thrives in other soil types. Doesn't tolerate waterlogging.

 Additional tips 
Borage easily self-seeds and comes back every year if a few mother plants are left standing in the summer. Only the very young leaves are used as a spice. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil with good nutrient and water storage capacity, it is recommended to also incorporate biochar and primary rock flour.

 Type of propagation 
Propagation occurs via seeds.

 Plant care 
Loosened, nutrient-rich soil and mixed planting are sufficient. No fertilization necessary.

 Other names 
Botanical names: Borago officinalis
English names: Borage
German names: Borretsch
Portuguese names: Borragem
Spanish names: Borraja
French names: Bourrache

 Origin 
Country: Portugal