Borage [Borago officinalis]

Borage is a very old annual spice and medicinal plant that is native to the Mediterranean region and has been cultivated in Central Europe since the late Middle Ages. The robust plant has heavily hairy leaves, stems and buds, clear star-shaped purple-blue flowers and the leaves have a distinct cucumber scent and taste. 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, cold buffets and magically attract pollinating insects. The leaves can be used to pickle cucumbers, salads and herb quark.

General information
Plant family: Boraginaceae
Life Cycle: Annual
Days to harvest: 100 days
Plant height approx.: 100 cm
Root Type: Deep Root
Nutrient requirements: Weak Eaters
Water Requirements: Low
Winter hardiness: Up to 0 °C
Location: Sunny
Floor: Permeable, moist, loamy, humic

PH: 6,5 to 7.5

Sowing and planting information
Germ Type: Dark germ
Seed Depth: 1-2 cm
Optimal germination temperature: 20-25 °C
Germination time: 7-14 days
Planting, row spacing: 25x30 cm

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

Subtropic climate (Mediterranean) (e. g. B. Portugal, Spain, Italy)
Sow directly outdoors from February to October.

Moderate climate (e. g. B. Germany, Switzerland, Poland)
Sow directly into frost-free open ground from April.

General
Sow outdoors in rows or spread out.
Borage prefers a sunny location with moist, well-drained humus and loamy soil. Prepare the soil for the herb with seasoned animal manure. Avoid waterlogging.

Additional tips
Borage self-seeds easily and will come back every year if some mother plants are left standing over the summer. Only the very young leaves are used as a spice. In order to quickly obtain a fine, crumbly and permeable soil, we recommend additional incorporation of biochar and primary rock powder.

Type of propagation
Spread occurs via seeds.

Care Plants
Beds prepared with animal manure and planting in mixed culture replace additional fertilizer.

Germination ability of seeds: 7-8 years

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