Borago officinalis |
Native Region: Europe
Zone Range: 06-09
Preferred Climate: Temperate
Harvest Date: Tuesday 23 September, 2008
Seed count: 12-15
Description:
Annual herb with a bushy and freely growing habit to 60-80cm. Has hairy leaves on hollow stems with pendant sprays of azure blue star-shaped flowers with five petals. It flowers freely all summer and early fall. Can be cut back to encourage more flowers and to control sprawl.
Notes:
Seeds are a source of GLA (Gamma Lineolinic Acid). Flowers are very attractive to bees and can be used candied as decoration. Leaves are said to taste like cucumber.
Cultivation:
Sow seeds 5mm deep two weeks after last frost where it is to grow in the garden. Best in full sun but will tolerate part shade. Plant in average to light dryish soil. Good for rock gardens. Self sows easily. Can also be propagated by root cuttings of side shoots. For maximum freshness, please keep seed refrigerated in its original packaging until it is time to plant.
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