Now is a good time to sow Borage. Follow the sowing guide below.
Growing Calendar
This month: May
Log to journalStart seeds indoors this week
- •Fill tray with compost
- •Sow seeds evenly
- •Cover lightly with soil
- •Water gently
- •Place in warm light spot
Watch Out For
Borage grows large quickly
up to 90cm tall and wide — give it room or it will crowd out smaller companion plants nearby
Prolific self-seeding can become a nuisance
deadhead spent flowers if you do not want it spreading across the bed
Aphids cluster on new growth tips in summer
these usually attract ladybirds within days; leave them unless the infestation is severe
Grown Organically
Every method in this guide works with natural systems — no synthetic chemicals, no shortcuts.
Read our approachCommon Questions
About growing Borage in the UK
When do I sow borage in the UK?
Sow borage directly outside from April to June. It germinates quickly in warm soil (within 1–2 weeks) and dislikes transplanting. Once established, it self-seeds freely and will appear in the garden year after year without resowing.
Are borage flowers edible?
Yes — the vivid blue star-shaped flowers are fully edible with a subtle cucumber flavour. They are excellent in salads, frozen in ice cubes, as cake decorations, or floated in summer drinks. Leaves are also edible but hairy — chop finely or use in cooked dishes.
Does borage attract bees?
Yes — borage is one of the most valuable pollinator plants available. A single plant in flower produces hundreds of nectar-rich blooms over several months. Planting borage near cucumbers, courgettes, strawberries, and squash significantly improves pollination and yield.
Does borage spread?
Borage self-seeds prolifically — once established in a garden, it will return every year from self-sown seeds. It is not aggressive but will pop up in unexpected places. Simply remove plants where they are not wanted; transplant when very young as they dislike root disturbance.
Member guides
There's more to growing Borage than this guide covers.
Seasonal reminders, deeper guides, and the small adjustments that change a harvest.
