GARDEN IDEAS
Growing Borage
(from 20 Occasional Herbs - see below)
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Borage was always believed to be the herb of courage and was given to soldiers before going into battle. As well as courage, the herb bestows a general good feeling and is often added to alcoholic drinks and summer punches.
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It has been used for centuries as a herb to make you feel good, and therefore said to alleviate depression.
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In Roman times much was recorded about borage and right through to the Middle Ages the flowers were added to salads. The leaves and flowers were used in cordials. In recent years, borage hasn’t been so widely used but it is a wonderful plant to have available.
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It is an annual herb, although can sometimes be biennial, growing to about 3 or 4 feet (1m+) tall. It produces beautiful star shaped bright blue flowers that attract bees and other wildlife. The stem and larger leaves can be cooked as a vegetable. The leaves have a slight cucumber taste making it a refreshing herb to have in the herb garden.
Borage
Borago officinalis
Seeds available from Thompson and Morgan (UK)
Being an annual plant, borage is usually grown from seed although the roots can be divided or cuttings can be taken. It is a hardy plant and will re-seed itself and take over the garden if not checked.
Borage likes full sun but will grow happily in part shade.
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If the weather is warm enough borage will tolerate very poor soil and fairly dry conditions but ideally the soil should be fairly rich and damp to produce bigger healthier plants. Borage can grow up to 3 or 4 feet (1m+) in height so should be positioned at the back of a bed to avoid over shadowing lower growing plants.
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Borage seed can be sown in late spring directly outside or later on in the year. Check on your seed packet for growing recommendations for your area. Annual plants can be sown as early in the spring as possible after all danger of frost has passed or the seeds are protected with a cloche. Warm up the soil a little with a cloche for a few days before sowing.
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Keep the area weed-free and thin out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle. Allow about 15 inches (40cm) between plants. Pull out the weaker plants when the soil is damp to avoid damage to the remaining plants.
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Borage doesn’t transplant well so should always be sown in situ.
20 Occasional Herbs takes you by the hand and leads you through the herb garden.... download from your preferred store here: