An annual flowering herb with bristly leaves (that deter snails and slugs) and deep lilac star-shaped flowers that attract every bee for miles around.
Its flowers have a subtle and sweet cucumber-like flavour that are best used frozen in ice cubes…in your cocktail of choice.
Borage plants are prolific self seeders meaning they are likely to sprout up in your garden next season, even if you don’t really want them to. But that’s just what good friends do.
PLANTING
Sow directly into your patch when daytime temperatures regularly surpass 18-20 degrees. If still too cold, propagate in seed trays and then transplant when conditions have improved.
WATERING
In ground: Water daily for the first 4 weeks and 3-4 times a week in the absence of rainfall thereafter. Watering frequency may need to be elevated during hot weather.
In Pots: Water daily, in the absence of rainfall, for the entirety of its lifecycle. The best practice is to water in the morning, however on extremely warm days a late afternoon water may also be necessary.
MAINTENANCE
Snails and slugs do love feasting on young plants so it’s best to protect them with some copper tape or snail and slug traps. Keep the seedlings moist while it is being established.
Mulch with an organic mulch such as lucerne, pea straw or sugar cane at a depth of 3-5cm.
HARVESTING
Time until first harvest: 75-90 days after planting
How to harvest: you have two choices here; either cut off at the stem using pointy nosed scissors, or use your thumb and forefinger to pinch off individual flowers (taking care not to tear them)
TIP
This is one of the best plants for attracting bees, and having them within proximity to fruiting plants – such as zucchini and cucumber – will increase production.
