Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
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Soil
Any average, well drained soil.
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Position
A sunny spot where bumblebees and other large pollinators are desired.
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Frost tolerant
Seedlings will survive light frosts, but older plants are easily damaged.
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Feeding
Not generally needed.
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Companions
A good companion for any crop that needs strong defense from insects. Borage attracts large buzzing insects that dominate their air space.
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Spacing
Single Plants: 1' 1" (35cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11" (30cm) with 1' 11" (60cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Plant the large seeds in your garden in late spring. A fresh crop of plants can be planted in late summer for bloom in the fall.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Borage seedlings are only edible when very young. Large plants produce edible, starry blue flowers that attract bees in droves. The foliage can be gathered and composted.
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Harvesting
Cut back borage plants by half their size in midsummer to encourage reblooming. Blossom clusters make beautiful but short-lived cut flowers or edible garnishes.
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Troubleshooting
Beware of sleepy bees when pruning or otherwise working with mature borage plants.
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