Borago officinalis
Burrage
For Glad Minds and Comfortable Hearts
Annual
Herb
Self-Seeding
Full Sun to Partial Shade (Sturdier if grown in full sun)
Bloom from late spring through summer
Attractive to bees
Description:
Native
to the Mediterranean Region. Primarily Blue, it can also come in white
or pink. Grows to 2.0-3.3 ft tall. Five-pointed flowers. Leaves are deep
green and develop white, prickly hairs as they grow.
Planting:
Start
indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost. Transplant outdoors after soil has
warmed. Direct seed - barely cover with soil and keep well watered.
Keep 12" apart. Seeds sewn in Autumn will flower in May. Seed sewn in
Spring will flower in June.
Companion Planting:
Borage
can be used to protect legumes, spinach, brassicas, squash and
strawberries. Also good for Tomatoes because it confuses mother moths
looking to lay eggs.
Harvesting:
Leaves - Pick on a nice day once the dew has dried. Collect one at a time and leave out any that are stained or insect eaten.
Uses:
Edible
as fresh vegetable or dried herb. Cucumber-like taste. Flower has sweet
honey-like taste and can be candied. Seeds can be used to make Borage
Seed Oil. Leaves and oil contain small amounts of toxins. Said to have
mild laxative effect. Use leaves while they are young.
Borage Tea
Candied Borage Flowers
Borage Wine
Borage Flower Syrup
Borage Extract
Borage Poultice (for inflammatory swelling)
Medicinal:
Borage
as a tea is said to help alleviate symptoms of colds, flue, bronchitis,
rheumatoid arthritis and kidney inflammation. It promotes more oxygen
getting to the heart and should be used in moderation.
Edible Flowers:
Nasturtium
Calendula
Viola
Borage
Herb Flowers
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