Borage is the gardener's most generous companion—its star-shaped flowers cycle through brilliant blue, then purple, and finally pink, creating a living color show from early summer through frost. Every part earns its place in the garden: fully edible flowers brighten salads, soups, and summer drinks, while the plant itself serves as a powerful pollinator magnet and natural companion for tomatoes, squash, and strawberries. Plant it once and it will cheerfully return on its own for years. Growing Instructions: Direct sow after last frost, or in fall in mild climates—borage resents transplanting. Thin to 18 inches. Once established, it self-seeds freely and will naturalize in the garden, returning each year without any effort on your part. Botanical Name: Borago officinalis Plant Type: Annual (self-sowing) Planting Time: Spring (after last frost) or fall in mild climates Planting Depth: ¼–½ inch Spacing: 18 inches apart Days to Germination: 7–14 days Days to First Bloom: 50–70 days Mature Height: 18–24 inches Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade Water Needs: Low to moderate — drought tolerant once established Difficulty: Easy Seed Type: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated Bonus: Edible flowers; excellent companion plant; pollinator magnet
