Borage (Borago officinalis) Datasheet
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Common Name: Borage (Starflower)
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Scientific Name: Borago officinalis
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Family: Boraginaceae
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Origin: Native to the Mediterranean region; naturalized across Europe and North America
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Zone Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–11; grows as an annual, sometimes self-seeding as an occasional perennial
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Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; thrives best with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily
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Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established, watering during dry periods
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Soil Preferences: Tolerant of many soils; prefers well-drained loamy soil
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"Ponics" Compatibility:
• Aquaponics: Compatible
• Aeroponics: Compatible
• Hydroponics: Compatible – easily grown in pots or media-based systems
• Preferred Method: Container/media-bed systems for good drainage -
Growth Habit: Fast-growing, sprawling annual with coarse, hairy stems and leaves; forms bushy habit
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Height & Spread: 1–3 ft tall, spreading to ~18 in
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Time from Germination to Harvest: First flowers appear ~8 weeks after sowing; seed oil maturity ~100 days
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Flowering Time: Summer to early autumn (June–September)
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Edible Parts: Young leaves (cucumber-flavored), edible blue or white starflowers, seeds (oil)
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Medicinal Uses: Leaves and flowers used as demulcent, diuretic, calming; seed oil rich in GLA with anti-inflammatory properties, but contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids—use caution
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Companion Plants: Attracts pollinators, deters tomato hornworms, supports spinach, brassicas, strawberries, tomatoes
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Pest & Disease Resistance: Generally pest-resistant; may get powdery mildew if airflow is poor
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Harvest Time: Harvest young leaves early; flowers throughout season; remove spent blooms to prevent excessive self-seeding
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Propagation Methods: Direct sow seed after frost; germinates in 5–10 days; self-seeds prolifically; can use stem cuttings
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Sustainability Features: Excellent pollinator plant; self-seeds; enriches compost; suitable for companion planting; oilseed crop for GLA
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Culinary Uses: Leaves for teas, salads, soups; flowers decorate drinks and desserts; seeds yield borage oil; edible stalks in Mediterranean cuisines
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Fun Fact: Ancient Romans and Greeks believed borage "brings joy"; its name means “I bring courage” in Latin
Common Borage (Borago officinalis)
Flavor Profile: Mild cucumber-like flavor with a hint of herbal nuttiness.
Culinary Uses: Leaves in salads, soups, and teas; blue flowers for drinks and desserts.
Notes: Classic annual with violet-blue starflowers and black stamens; excellent pollinator magnet and companion plant
Planting Tip: Self-seeds abondantly—deadhead earlier blooms to control spread.
Days to Maturity: ~60 days to first flowers; seeds in ~100 days.
White Borage (‘Alba’, Borago officinalis ‘Alba’)
Flavor Profile: Same gentle cucumber taste; visually striking pure white blooms.
Culinary Uses: Garnish salads and cocktails with elegant white stars.
Notes: Slightly sturdier stems; blooms a bit later than blue variety .
Planting Tip: Space 18–24″ apart to highlight bloom contrast.
Days to Maturity: ~60–70 days.
Variegated Borage (‘Variegata’, Borago officinalis ‘Variegata’)
Flavor Profile: Identical to common borage.
Culinary Uses: Edible leaves and flowers; ornamental accent.
Notes: Green leaves splashed with white; blooms blue; adds visual interest in mixed beds .
Planting Tip: Better performance in partial shade to preserve variegation.
Days to Maturity: ~60–75 days.
Golden-Trim Borage (‘Bill Archer’)
Flavor Profile: Mild, cucumber-like foliage flavor.
Culinary Uses: Decorative leaves and flowers, edible same as blue variety.
Notes: Striking gold-edged leaves, blue flowers; great for shady borders .
Planting Tip: Use as edging plant to brighten borders.
Days to Maturity: ~60 days.
Creeping / Pygmy Borage (Borago pygmaea)
Flavor Profile: Mild cucumber flavor in smaller form.
Culinary Uses: Small edible flowers and leaves for containers or garnishes.
Notes: Short-lived perennial; mat-forming; pale blue blooms; suitable for containers and rock gardens .
Planting Tip: Container friendly; trim after blooming to maintain shape.
Days to Maturity: ~50 days to flowers; perennial regrowth.
🌸 Borage Variety Comparison Table
| Variety | Flower Color | Habit | Height/Spread | Key Feature | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Borage | Blue | Erect annual | 2–3 ft tall | Classic pollinator-friendly blue blooms | ~60–100 (seed stage) |
| White Borage (‘Alba’) | White | Erect annual | 2–3 ft tall | Elegant white flowers, sturdy stems | ~60–70 |
| Variegated Borage (‘Variegata’) | Blue | Erect annual | 2–3 ft tall | Decorative variegated foliage | ~60–75 |
| Golden-Trim (‘Bill Archer’) | Blue | Erect annual | 2–3 ft tall | Ornamental gold-edged leaves | ~60 |
| Pygmy Borage (Borago pygmaea) | Pale blue | Sprawling perennial | ~6–12″ high, mat-forming | Compact & container-friendly | ~50 |
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