Borage Seeds – Borago officinalis
Borago officinalis • Boraginaceae • Native to Mediterranean region
Borage Seeds grow into hardy, leafy herb plants with star-shaped blue flowers and edible foliage. Ideal for herb gardens, containers, pollinator-friendly landscapes, and cottage-style garden beds.
Seed Variety: White Borage Seeds
Quantity: 100 Seeds
Selected: White Borage Seeds / 100 Seeds
Germination depends on soil, temperature, moisture, and care. See our return policy for details.
At a glance
Borage has hollow, brittle stems that snap easily in wind or when handled roughly, so choose a sheltered planting spot and handle seedlings with care when thinning.
Botanical profile
Meet the Borage – Borago officinalis
Step-by-step planting
Growing borage from seed is straightforward and rewarding, but germination results will vary depending on your soil temperature, moisture levels, local climate, and how consistently you care for the seedbed.
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1
Choose Your Site
Select a spot with full sun and well-drained soil, as borage tolerates poor or sandy conditions far better than it tolerates waterlogged ground.
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2
Time Your Sowing
Direct sow borage seeds outdoors after your last frost date when soil has warmed to at least 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, as borage dislikes root disturbance and transplants poorly.
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3
Prepare the Soil
Loosen the top few inches of soil and remove debris, but avoid over-amending with rich compost since borage actually performs well in lean conditions.
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4
Sow the Seeds
Press seeds into the soil at a depth of about one quarter to one half inch, spacing them roughly 12 inches apart or sowing in clusters and thinning once seedlings establish.
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5
Water Gently
Keep the seedbed consistently moist but not soggy until germination occurs, then ease back on watering since established borage is quite drought tolerant.
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6
Thin and Support
Once seedlings reach a few inches tall, thin to one plant every 12 to 18 inches to give each plant enough airflow and light, and consider loose staking in exposed or windy gardens.
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7
Harvest Regularly
Begin your borage harvest by picking individual flowers as soon as they open fully, which also encourages the plant to keep blooming throughout the season.
Year-round care
Spring
- Sow after last frost
- prepare soil with compost
Summer
- Water regularly
- feed monthly
Fall
- Harvest before frost
- store well
Winter
- Rest
- store seeds cool and dry
Full specifications
Shipping
- Orders are delivered within 8 to 16 business days.
- All orders include tracking.
- Free shipping on all orders.
- Seeds are packed in moisture-resistant, resealable foil packets.
Germination
Germination rates vary depending on climate, soil conditions, and care. Seeds perform best when planted in the right season at the correct temperature, with consistent moisture and adequate light. We take quality seriously and each batch is tested before packaging. If you have concerns about your seeds, reach out and we will do our best to help.
Frequently asked
Questions about Borage Seeds – Borago officinalis
When should I plant borage seeds?
Borage seeds should be direct sown outdoors after your last frost date, once soil temperatures are reliably above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In mild climates you can also try a late summer sowing for autumn flowers. Succession sowing every few weeks through early summer will extend your harvest season nicely.
Can borage grow in poor soil?
Yes, borage is one of those plants that genuinely thrives in lean, even rocky or sandy soil where more delicate herbs would struggle. Rich soil tends to produce lush foliage at the expense of flowers, so resist the urge to heavily fertilize. Good drainage matters far more than soil fertility with this plant.
How deep should borage seeds be planted?
Borage seeds should be planted at a depth of roughly one quarter to one half inch, pressed into the soil and lightly covered. They need some darkness to germinate well, so do not leave them sitting on the surface. Firm the soil gently over the seeds to ensure good contact.
Does borage self-seed every year?
Borage is a prolific self-seeder, and in most gardens it will return year after year without any effort on your part once it has flowered and set seed. This can be a welcome feature or something to manage depending on your garden layout. If you prefer to control its spread, deadhead some flowers before they go to seed or pull volunteer seedlings early in spring.
Can I grow borage in a container?
Borage can be grown in a container, but it develops a deep taproot and grows quite tall, so you will need a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and wide to give it room. Use a well-draining mix and be prepared to water more frequently than you would in the ground. Container-grown plants may be shorter and flower for a slightly shorter period than those grown in open soil.
Is borage safe for pets?
Borage is generally considered to have low toxicity, but it does contain small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be harmful in very large quantities. Most pets avoid the prickly, hairy foliage on their own, but if you have a pet that tends to chew plants, it is worth keeping them away from it. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your animal.
What can I use borage flowers for?
The edible flowers of borage are a lovely addition to salads, cold drinks, and summer cocktails where their mild cucumber flavor and vivid blue color stand out. They can be frozen into ice cubes for a striking visual effect, or used fresh as a garnish on desserts and cheese boards. Young borage leaves are also edible, with the same cucumber flavor herb quality, though the texture is rougher and they are usually preferred cooked or finely chopped when raw.