Borage
borago officinalis
Also known as: ["Bee Bush","Starflower","Cooling Plant"]
Overview
An annual herb with star-shaped blue flowers and hairy leaves, known for its cucumber-like flavor and medicinal properties.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","edible fruits","medicinal use","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","self-seeding"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Boraginales |
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Genus: | Borago |
| Botanical Name: | Borago officinalis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter; tolerates poor soil but benefits from compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed; lightly prune after flowering to promote a second bloom.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning as it may reduce flowering.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate airflow to prevent heat stress.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Full sun is best; rotate plants for even growth; provide shade during extreme heat.
Watering
every 3–5 days during active growth, less frequently in cooler periods
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.0–7.5).
Ensure good drainage; amend with compost if soil is poor; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); can tolerate cooler nights but is sensitive to frost.
Avoid frost; protect from extreme heat; maintain moderate temperatures for best growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers; stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Seeds; Borago officinalis is not typically propagated by cuttings due to its biennial nature.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep.
- Thin seedlings to 12–18 inches apart.
- Water gently until established.
Best Time: Spring, as soon as the soil can be worked; sow seeds directly outdoors or indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost.
Environment
Full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate moisture; no special humidity requirements.
Medium
Well-draining soil; can be sown directly into the garden or in pots.
Hormone
Not required for seeds.
Timeline
Germination in 7–14 days; plants reach maturity in 60–70 days.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, watering can, seed trays (if starting indoors).
Quick Tips
Direct sowing is preferred; thin seedlings early to prevent overcrowding; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off spent flowers and dead stems; pinch back tips to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged stems and encouraging bushier growth.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers; trim damaged stems; pinch back for bushier growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Not applicable; sow new plants each year.
Pot Size
Not applicable.
Method
Not applicable; direct sow or plant in the garden.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted; grows as an annual or biennial and is usually planted directly in the garden.
Checklist
Not applicable.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage; ensure soil is loose and not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat; blackened stems or leaves in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Stem and leaf damage, reduced growth, or death in temperatures below 50°F (10°C); frost can kill the plant.
Solution: Plant in a sheltered location; cover with frost cloth in cold weather; avoid planting in areas prone to frost.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in prolonged heat; may bolt prematurely.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; water deeply and mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good airflow.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season only.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are sensitive to pyrrolizidine alkaloids found in borage, which can lead to liver toxicity if consumed in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild toxicity from borage due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can affect liver function if ingested in significant amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Slightly ToxicBorago officinalis, commonly known as borage, contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) which can be hepatotoxic if consumed in large amounts over time. These compounds can cause liver damage and other physiological effects.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is borage safe for pets?
A: Yes, borage is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Can borage be eaten?
A: Yes, its leaves and flowers are edible and often used in salads and drinks.
Q: Does borage attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its bright blue flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Boraginaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 3–5 days during active |
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