Borage Seeds
Your Vegetable Garden's Best Friend!
This lovely annual herb attracts bees and repels predatory insects
- Genus: Borago
- Species: officinalis
- Item Form: (P) Pkt of 100 seeds
- Bloom Start to End: Mid Summer
- Days to Maturity: 56
- Habit: Upright
- Seeds Per Pack: 100
- Plant Height: 24 in
- Plant Width: 6 in - 12 in
- Bloom Size: 1.5 in
- Additional Characteristics: Bloom First Year, Butterfly Lovers, Easy Care Plants, Pest Fighter, Direct Sow, Edible, Flower, Fragrance, Herbs
- Bloom Color: Blue
- Foliage Color: Medium Green
- Harvest Season: Early Summer, Mid Summer
- Light Requirements: Full Sun
- Moisture Requirements: Dry, Moist, well-drained
- Resistance: Deer Resistance, Disease Resistant, Heat Tolerant, Humidity Tolerant, Pest Resistant
- Soil Tolerance: Normal, loamy, Poor
- Uses: Beds, Wildflowers, Cuisine, Outdoor
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It makes strawberries fruit more heavily, keeps hornworms off the tomatoes, and increases yields of cucumbers, gourds, and other fruiting plants. Borage is more than just a pleasant edible herb. It's a garden guardian, and it belongs in your sunny annual bed as well as the vegetable patch and herb garden!
An annual (or biennial) with handsome small blue blooms as well as long, toothy leaves, borage grows quickly and self-sows readily. It needs to be direct-sown where it is to grow, because it forms a long taproot that does not transplant well. So after you've transplanted your tomatoes and set your strawberry runners, drop a few seeds in holes 1/4-1/2 inches deep and spaced about a foot apart in full sun. Cover with ½-inch of soil, and within 2 weeks you will see green shoots!
Borage flowers in early to midsummer, and the blue blooms make lovely garnishes for salads and cakes. The young leaves have a cucumber flavor, and are quite edible as well, though they can become tougher with maturity. Try them in tea and in potpourri.
But aside from its culinary use, borage is simply your fruit and vegetables' best friend. It is a bee magnet, and seems to repel several types of predatory pests while simultaneously welcoming "good bugs" into the garden. Strawberries are its boon companion, and it has been shown to increase the yields of this fruit. Tomatoes also benefit. There is simply no place in the sunny garden that borage shouldn't go!
This herb self-sows, so if you want to avoid unwanted seedlings in the spring, choose which plants you allow to go to seed. (Simply snip the bloomheads off the others and remove them from the garden, using the flowers as garnish or flavoring.) Let the others remain through fall, and nature will do the rest!
Borage reaches about 2 feet high, with 1½-inch star-shaped blooms of brilliant azure. We didn't even mention the reason many gardeners grow it: its beautiful ornamental appeal! An all-around must-have for any sunny garden spot. Pkt is 100 seeds.
How to Sow Borago: - Sow seeds outdoors, in situ, in fall or very early spring
- Completely cover the seeds as they need light to germinate
- Seeds will germinate in 7-10 days
- When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed
How to Grow Borago:
Spacing: Space 10-12 inches apart in full sun or light shade
Soil: Site in a dry, poor soil. Very tolerant of drought and low fertility soils, however it is susceptible to mildew
Additional Care: It is very difficult to transplant, so direct sowing is recommended. For larger plants with more flowers, fertilizer can be applied. Grow as a companion plant as it repels Japanese Beetles and tomato hornworms
Appearance and Use:
Used in herb and culinary gardens. It is an ornamental, upright herb that grows 2 feet tall by 6-12 inches wide. The gray-green, coarsely hairy leaves have a cucumber flavor when eaten. The leaves are harvested when they are young and tender. Use them in iced drinks and salads. Bees are attracted to the 11/2 inch, star-shaped, blue or purple, edible flowers that appear in drooping clusters in spring and summer. Harvest the flowers when they start to open. Candy them to use on cakes. The flowers can also be floated in drinks or used in salads
About Borago:
Botanical name: Borago officinalis
Pronunciation: bôr-ra’go o-fis-i-na’lis
Lifecycle: Annual
Origination: Boraginaceae; native to Europe and North Africa
Superior Germination Through Superior Science
Park Seed offers some of the highest-quality vegetable and flower seeds available in the industry, and there are a number of reasons for this.First of all, we have humidity- and temperature-controlled storage, and we never treat any of our seeds with chemicals or pesticides. Nor do we ever sell GMO's (genetically modified seeds), so you always know the products you're buying from us are natural as well as safe for you and the environment.
Superior Standards - University Inspected
To make sure we are providing the best seed product possible and that our customers will get the highest number of seedlings from every packet, we conduct our own germination testing and have quality-control measures in every stage of our seed-handling operation. We hold ourselves to standards that are at or above federal and state standards, including testing specific crops more frequently than recommended by federal guidelines. And in order to maintain our organic certification, we welcome Clemson University to inspect us annually to make sure our organic seeds, which are stored and processed separately, are being handled properly.
Hand Packed By Experienced Technicians
Park Seed has been handling and packing vegetable and flower seeds for 145 years, a history that has given us a great understanding of how each variety should be cared for and maintained throughout every step of theprocess, from collection to shipping.
When packing our seeds, the majority are actually done by hand (with extreme care!), and we often over-pack them, so you're receiving more than the stated quantity.
The Park Seed Gold Standard
And many of our seeds are packed in our exclusive Fresh-Pak gold foil packets, which are lined to keep moisture out, so the seeds stay fresher for longer. We carefully pack very tiny or fragile seeds in crush-proof vials to ensure safe delivery to your home. Some of the small seeds are also offered as "pellets" (have a clay coating) to make sowing and growing easier.
When it comes to the kinds of seeds we offer, we are constantly seeking something new and provide many unique and hard-to-find varieties from all around the world. Our on-staff horticulturists are ready and available to share their expertise to help you with the success of these seeds, so you can grow a beautiful and productive garden!
Does Park sell GMO's or treated seeds?
It is important for our customers to know that Park Seed does not sell GMO or treated seed. We do buy a small amount of traditional hybrid seed from Seminis, a division of Monsanto Co., but that is all we purchase from them.
What are the differences between organic, heirloom, and hybrid seed?
Basically, organic seeds are seeds that are produced without the use and exposure to artificial/chemical fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other chemicals. They have to be grown, harvested, stored, and handled under very strict organic rules and procedures. All of our organic seeds are USDA 100% certified organic through Clemson University and the certificate has to be renewed yearly.Heirloom Seeds are open-pollinated -- they are not hybrids. You can gather and save heirloom seed from year to year and they will grow true to type every year, so they can be passed down through generations. To be considered an heirloom, a variety would have to be at least from the 1940's and 3 generations old (many varieties are much older -- some 100 years or more!).
Hybrid seed are the product of cross-pollination between 2 different parent plants, resulting in a new plant/seed that is different from the parents. Unlike Heirloom seed, hybrid seed need to be re-purchased new every year (and not saved). They usually will not grow true to type if you save them, but will revert to one of the parents they were crossed with and most likely look/taste different in some way.
What are pelleted seeds? Why do you use them? How do I handle/sow them?
Extremely small seed such as Petunias and Pentas are shipped as pelleted seed to make them easier to handle and sow. Pelleted seed are coated, usually with clay, to make them larger in size. After sowing, the coating will dissolve when wet and the seed will germinate. Pelleted seeds are shipped in vials placed inside seed packets, which protects them from being crushed. When sowing, be certain to use thoroughly moistened soil, to be sure that the clay coating absorbs enough moisture to dissolve. For sowing pelleted Petunia seeds, place the seeds directly on the soil surface and do not cover with soil, as light aids in the germination.
What is ideal temperature to germinate most seeds?
The ideal temperature to germinate most seeds is approximately 70 degrees F; give or take 1-2 degrees either way. This would be a good germination temperature for most flower and vegetable seeds and would be the most practical and feasible temperatures achieved for gardeners starting seeds in the home. You will notice for some seeds that it is recommended to use alternating day (warmer), night (cooler), temperatures, which is fine if one can provide such conditions. But most people are unable to provide those temperatures in a home setting, so just use the overall 70 degree F recommendation and the seeds should germinate well.
How long should grow lights be kept on per day and how close to the plants should the light be kept?
For germination and seedling/plant growth, you want to simulate the natural day-night cycles, and as a general rule, grow lights should be on 8-12 hours per day and off at night. You can vary this timing, as some seeds such as tomato, pepper, petunia, impatiens, and others, benefit from 14-17 hours of light per day (and the remainder of the 24 hour period in darkness). The most common grow lights used are fluorescent; using cool white, warm white, and wide-spectrum fluorescent tubes. These lights work well for germination and for growing plants up to a transplantable size. Fluorescent lights should be kept close though, 3-6 inches above the soil or the growing plants, adjusting the height as the plants grow.
How long will seeds keep in storage?
Park Seed stores seed in a special temperature- and humidity-controlled storage facility, which keeps seeds in excellent condition. Our seeds should be good for at least 1-2 years on average. Seed viability and storage time will vary depending on the seed item; some will keep a shorter time and some will keep longer. Seeds should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. A basement will do (if not too humid), or a cool, dark room or closet. We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store them in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years.
What is the best way to store seeds over a longer time period?
We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store seeds in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years.
What depth should I sow various seeds?
When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed. When sowing seed indoors, the planting depth can be less, depending on the seed being sown, so it is always best to check specific directions. Here are some general guidelines concerning planting depth in relation to seed size: Tiny, dust-like seeds need to be sown on the surface of the growing medium or soil, uncovered, as they need light to germinate. The planting depth for small seed can be anywhere from barely covering, to 1/8-inch deep, to possibly 1/4-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Medium seed should be planted at 1/4- to 1/2-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Larger seeds can be planted 1-inch or deeper, depending on the recommendation.
It makes strawberries fruit more heavily, keeps hornworms off the tomatoes, and increases yields of cucumbers, gourds, and other fruiting plants. Borage is more than just a pleasant edible herb. It's a garden guardian, and it belongs in your sunny annual bed as well as the vegetable patch and herb garden!
An annual (or biennial) with handsome small blue blooms as well as long, toothy leaves, borage grows quickly and self-sows readily. It needs to be direct-sown where it is to grow, because it forms a long taproot that does not transplant well. So after you've transplanted your tomatoes and set your strawberry runners, drop a few seeds in holes 1/4-1/2 inches deep and spaced about a foot apart in full sun. Cover with ½-inch of soil, and within 2 weeks you will see green shoots!
Borage flowers in early to midsummer, and the blue blooms make lovely garnishes for salads and cakes. The young leaves have a cucumber flavor, and are quite edible as well, though they can become tougher with maturity. Try them in tea and in potpourri.
But aside from its culinary use, borage is simply your fruit and vegetables' best friend. It is a bee magnet, and seems to repel several types of predatory pests while simultaneously welcoming "good bugs" into the garden. Strawberries are its boon companion, and it has been shown to increase the yields of this fruit. Tomatoes also benefit. There is simply no place in the sunny garden that borage shouldn't go!
This herb self-sows, so if you want to avoid unwanted seedlings in the spring, choose which plants you allow to go to seed. (Simply snip the bloomheads off the others and remove them from the garden, using the flowers as garnish or flavoring.) Let the others remain through fall, and nature will do the rest!
Borage reaches about 2 feet high, with 1½-inch star-shaped blooms of brilliant azure. We didn't even mention the reason many gardeners grow it: its beautiful ornamental appeal! An all-around must-have for any sunny garden spot. Pkt is 100 seeds.
How to Sow Borago: - Sow seeds outdoors, in situ, in fall or very early spring
- Completely cover the seeds as they need light to germinate
- Seeds will germinate in 7-10 days
- When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed
How to Grow Borago:
Spacing: Space 10-12 inches apart in full sun or light shade
Soil: Site in a dry, poor soil. Very tolerant of drought and low fertility soils, however it is susceptible to mildew
Additional Care: It is very difficult to transplant, so direct sowing is recommended. For larger plants with more flowers, fertilizer can be applied. Grow as a companion plant as it repels Japanese Beetles and tomato hornworms
Appearance and Use:
Used in herb and culinary gardens. It is an ornamental, upright herb that grows 2 feet tall by 6-12 inches wide. The gray-green, coarsely hairy leaves have a cucumber flavor when eaten. The leaves are harvested when they are young and tender. Use them in iced drinks and salads. Bees are attracted to the 11/2 inch, star-shaped, blue or purple, edible flowers that appear in drooping clusters in spring and summer. Harvest the flowers when they start to open. Candy them to use on cakes. The flowers can also be floated in drinks or used in salads
About Borago:
Botanical name: Borago officinalis
Pronunciation: bôr-ra’go o-fis-i-na’lis
Lifecycle: Annual
Origination: Boraginaceae; native to Europe and North Africa
Superior Germination Through Superior Science
Park Seed offers some of the highest-quality vegetable and flower seeds available in the industry, and there are a number of reasons for this.First of all, we have humidity- and temperature-controlled storage, and we never treat any of our seeds with chemicals or pesticides. Nor do we ever sell GMO's (genetically modified seeds), so you always know the products you're buying from us are natural as well as safe for you and the environment.
Superior Standards - University Inspected
To make sure we are providing the best seed product possible and that our customers will get the highest number of seedlings from every packet, we conduct our own germination testing and have quality-control measures in every stage of our seed-handling operation. We hold ourselves to standards that are at or above federal and state standards, including testing specific crops more frequently than recommended by federal guidelines. And in order to maintain our organic certification, we welcome Clemson University to inspect us annually to make sure our organic seeds, which are stored and processed separately, are being handled properly.
Hand Packed By Experienced Technicians
Park Seed has been handling and packing vegetable and flower seeds for 145 years, a history that has given us a great understanding of how each variety should be cared for and maintained throughout every step of theprocess, from collection to shipping.
When packing our seeds, the majority are actually done by hand (with extreme care!), and we often over-pack them, so you're receiving more than the stated quantity.
The Park Seed Gold Standard
And many of our seeds are packed in our exclusive Fresh-Pak gold foil packets, which are lined to keep moisture out, so the seeds stay fresher for longer. We carefully pack very tiny or fragile seeds in crush-proof vials to ensure safe delivery to your home. Some of the small seeds are also offered as "pellets" (have a clay coating) to make sowing and growing easier.
When it comes to the kinds of seeds we offer, we are constantly seeking something new and provide many unique and hard-to-find varieties from all around the world. Our on-staff horticulturists are ready and available to share their expertise to help you with the success of these seeds, so you can grow a beautiful and productive garden!
Does Park sell GMO's or treated seeds?
It is important for our customers to know that Park Seed does not sell GMO or treated seed. We do buy a small amount of traditional hybrid seed from Seminis, a division of Monsanto Co., but that is all we purchase from them.
What are the differences between organic, heirloom, and hybrid seed?
Basically, organic seeds are seeds that are produced without the use and exposure to artificial/chemical fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and other chemicals. They have to be grown, harvested, stored, and handled under very strict organic rules and procedures. All of our organic seeds are USDA 100% certified organic through Clemson University and the certificate has to be renewed yearly.Heirloom Seeds are open-pollinated -- they are not hybrids. You can gather and save heirloom seed from year to year and they will grow true to type every year, so they can be passed down through generations. To be considered an heirloom, a variety would have to be at least from the 1940's and 3 generations old (many varieties are much older -- some 100 years or more!).
Hybrid seed are the product of cross-pollination between 2 different parent plants, resulting in a new plant/seed that is different from the parents. Unlike Heirloom seed, hybrid seed need to be re-purchased new every year (and not saved). They usually will not grow true to type if you save them, but will revert to one of the parents they were crossed with and most likely look/taste different in some way.
What are pelleted seeds? Why do you use them? How do I handle/sow them?
Extremely small seed such as Petunias and Pentas are shipped as pelleted seed to make them easier to handle and sow. Pelleted seed are coated, usually with clay, to make them larger in size. After sowing, the coating will dissolve when wet and the seed will germinate. Pelleted seeds are shipped in vials placed inside seed packets, which protects them from being crushed. When sowing, be certain to use thoroughly moistened soil, to be sure that the clay coating absorbs enough moisture to dissolve. For sowing pelleted Petunia seeds, place the seeds directly on the soil surface and do not cover with soil, as light aids in the germination.
What is ideal temperature to germinate most seeds?
The ideal temperature to germinate most seeds is approximately 70 degrees F; give or take 1-2 degrees either way. This would be a good germination temperature for most flower and vegetable seeds and would be the most practical and feasible temperatures achieved for gardeners starting seeds in the home. You will notice for some seeds that it is recommended to use alternating day (warmer), night (cooler), temperatures, which is fine if one can provide such conditions. But most people are unable to provide those temperatures in a home setting, so just use the overall 70 degree F recommendation and the seeds should germinate well.
How long should grow lights be kept on per day and how close to the plants should the light be kept?
For germination and seedling/plant growth, you want to simulate the natural day-night cycles, and as a general rule, grow lights should be on 8-12 hours per day and off at night. You can vary this timing, as some seeds such as tomato, pepper, petunia, impatiens, and others, benefit from 14-17 hours of light per day (and the remainder of the 24 hour period in darkness). The most common grow lights used are fluorescent; using cool white, warm white, and wide-spectrum fluorescent tubes. These lights work well for germination and for growing plants up to a transplantable size. Fluorescent lights should be kept close though, 3-6 inches above the soil or the growing plants, adjusting the height as the plants grow.
How long will seeds keep in storage?
Park Seed stores seed in a special temperature- and humidity-controlled storage facility, which keeps seeds in excellent condition. Our seeds should be good for at least 1-2 years on average. Seed viability and storage time will vary depending on the seed item; some will keep a shorter time and some will keep longer. Seeds should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place. A basement will do (if not too humid), or a cool, dark room or closet. We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store them in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years.
What is the best way to store seeds over a longer time period?
We recommend the best way to extend seed storage life is to store seeds in something air tight, such as a plastic zipper storage bag or canning jar, and place it in the refrigerator. This will extend the life of seeds for many years.
What depth should I sow various seeds?
When sowing seed outdoors, we recommend a maximum planting depth of 4X the width of the seed. When sowing seed indoors, the planting depth can be less, depending on the seed being sown, so it is always best to check specific directions. Here are some general guidelines concerning planting depth in relation to seed size: Tiny, dust-like seeds need to be sown on the surface of the growing medium or soil, uncovered, as they need light to germinate. The planting depth for small seed can be anywhere from barely covering, to 1/8-inch deep, to possibly 1/4-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Medium seed should be planted at 1/4- to 1/2-inch deep, depending on the recommendation. Larger seeds can be planted 1-inch or deeper, depending on the recommendation.
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