Borage

Borage (Borago officinalis) – 4–5 Inch Pot
Available in Jupiter, FL. at Urban Abundance.

Starry blue blooms and fuzzy green leaves make Borage a showstopper in any edible landscape. With a cucumber-like flavor and irresistible charm for bees and butterflies, this underappreciated herb deserves a spotlight in every garden. A member of the Boraginaceae family, Borage is a cool-season annual herb and edible flower, best planted in South Florida during the mild, dry months from fall to early spring.

Sold in a 4–5 inch pot, Borage is perfect for raised beds, cottage gardens, or as a companion in vegetable patches.

Sunlight Needs: Full sun to part shade. At least 5–6 hours of sunlight daily.
Watering Needs: Moderate. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during establishment.
Soil Requirements: Well-draining soil with compost. Borage thrives in slightly poor soils but benefits from organic matter. Ideal pH: 6.0–7.0.
Growth Habit: Upright and spreading. Grows 18–24 inches tall and wide.
Bloom Period: Late winter through spring in South Florida; blooms last several weeks.
Cold/Heat Tolerance: Prefers cooler temps—fall through spring is ideal. Struggles in South Florida’s summer heat.
Special Features:

• Edible star-shaped blue flowers and young leaves

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects

• Known as a dynamic accumulator—great for soil health

• Lovely companion plant for tomatoes, squash, and strawberries

South Florida Notes: Plant from October to February for best performance. Borage fades in extreme summer heat but may self-seed for a comeback next season. Leaves become coarse with age—harvest young for best flavor.

Next steps after purchase:

• Transplant into full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil

• Space plants 12–18 inches apart

• Water regularly until established

• Harvest flowers and young leaves as needed

• Remove spent plants in late spring or let them reseed naturally

This is a cool-season annual herb and edible flower—meaning it completes its life cycle in one season but may reseed and return in following years if conditions are right.