If you love gardening or herbal remedies, you’ve probably heard about borage, a beautiful blue flower with a long history and many useful applications. The Mediterranean native borage (Borago officinalis) has made a pleasant home for itself in many Australian backyards. Borage is a multipurpose plant that is worthy of a place in your garden because of its tasty blossoms, ability to draw bees, and therapeutic qualities.
- What is borage used for?
- Can borage be eaten?
- What is another name for borage?
- What is borage oil used for?
What is Borage?
Borage is a hardy annual plant that has fuzzy stems and bright blue, star-shaped blooms. Because of its ability to keep pests away and promote the growth of nearby plants like tomatoes and strawberries, it is frequently referred to as a “companion plant” and thrives readily in a range of environments.
Borage flourishes with little fuss in Australia’s varied temperatures, which range from warmer regions in Queensland to temperate zones in Victoria and New South Wales. Given that it can grow to a height of 60 to 100 cm, it prefers full sun, soil that drains well, and some room to spread out.
Australian Borage: Why Grow It?
- Paradise for Pollinators
Pesticides and habitat loss are posing an increasing danger to bee populations in Australia. One of the best plants you can grow to help honeybees and native bees is borage. Once established, it produces nectar-rich blooms that draw a variety of helpful pollinators and flowers nearly continually. - Uses in Food and Medicine
Borage blossoms are frequently used in salads, drinks, and desserts because of their mild, cucumber-like flavor. The leaves are rich in calcium, potassium, and iron and can also be eaten (usually boiled because of their abrasive texture). Borage has long been used in herbal therapy to ease inflammation, promote adrenal function, and lower stress. Its historical use in natural treatments is extensively documented, but further research is required to scientifically substantiate some of these uses. - Self-Seeding & Low Maintenance
Borage is a long-term addition to your garden that doesn’t require yearly replanting because it prefers to self-seed once established. Once established, it can withstand drought, making it perfect for regions of Australia that frequently experience dry spells.
How to Plant Borage in an Australian Garden
When to plant:
Borage can be planted in early spring or autumn in the majority of Australia. It can even be grown all year round in warmer climates.
Tips for planting:
Directly plant seeds in the garden, about 5 mm deep.
Seedlings should be spaced 30–40 cm apart.
Water frequently until established, and thereafter less frequently.
In humid environments, keep an eye out for powdery mildew; proper spacing helps avoid it.
Expert advice: Don’t prune too soon after flowering starts. Allow borage to finish its life cycle so that it can organically return the next season after dropping seeds.
Australia’s Sustainable Gardening and Borage
Borage is a great addition to organic farming and permaculture systems. It is a multipurpose plant in any sustainable setting because of its capacity to improve soil health, repel pests, and draw pollinators. When trimmed and turned into mulch or compost, it also makes a great green manure.
Where in Australia Can I Purchase Borage?
Borage seeds can be obtained in large quantities via:
- Nearby garden centers and nurseries
- Internet merchants such as Eden Seeds, The Diggers Club, and Green Harvest
- Shops that specialize on organic and permaculture