Borage Blue (Latin name: Borago officinalis) is a beautiful and useful herb that has been grown for centuries for both its medicinal qualities and its ornamental charm. Often called Starflower, this hardy annual is best known for its vivid blue, star-shaped flowers and soft, hairy leaves. It’s a favourite among bees and gardeners alike and is both edible and medicinal.

Origins and History

Borage is native to the Mediterranean region, particularly areas around Syria and southern Europe, where it has been grown since ancient times. It was spread through Europe by the Romans and was commonly found in medieval monastery gardens. From there, it made its way into England and beyond. Historically, borage was associated with courage and bravery. Roman soldiers reportedly drank wine infused with borage flowers before battle to steel their nerves. The Latin name Borago is believed to come from “cor ago”, meaning “I bring heart” or “I give courage”.

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Borage has been used in folk medicine for a wide variety of purposes. Its leaves and flowers were traditionally made into teas or tinctures to treat stress, inflammation, coughs, fevers, and mild depression. It was also used to support adrenal health and hormonal balance.

One of the key compounds in borage is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a type of fatty acid found in borage seed oil. GLA has been used in modern herbal and alternative medicine to manage skin conditions, arthritis, and premenstrual discomfort.

Despite its long medicinal history, fresh borage should be used in moderation, as it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which in large quantities may affect the liver. Commercially produced borage oil is often treated to reduce this risk.

Always consult a medical practitioner before embarking on any program. The information on this page is not diagnostic, therefore always consult a herbal practitioner or your GP in order to obtain a diagnosis. Never stop taking prescribed treatment without consulting your GP or a qualified herbal practitioner. Do not take without qualified medical advice.

Borage is an upright, bushy annual herb that can grow up to 60–90 cm tall. Its stems and leaves are covered in fine white hairs, giving the plant a slightly silvery, soft look.The real stars are the bright blue, five-petalled flowers, which appear continuously from late spring into autumn. Each flower is shaped like a little star and hangs gracefully downward. The plant is highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, making it a great addition to veggie gardens.The leaves and flowers are edible, with a mild cucumber flavour. The young leaves can be added to salads, while the flowers make a gorgeous garnish for drinks, desserts and ice cubes.

How to Grow Borage Blue From Seed

Borage is easy to grow from seed and does best when sown directly into the garden. It’s well suited to Australian conditions, especially in areas with warm springs and moderate rainfall.

Sow seeds in early spring to early summer, once the risk of frost has passed. In temperate and subtropical parts of Australia, this is usually from September to December.

Choose a sunny position with well-drained soil, though borage will tolerate poor soils and a bit of neglect. Scatter seeds over the prepared bed and cover lightly with 5–10 mm of soil. Water gently and keep moist until germination, which usually occurs within 7–14 days.

Once seedlings are about 10 cm tall, thin them out to allow 30–40 cm spacing, as the plants become quite large and leafy.

Borage is a self-seeding annual, meaning once you’ve grown it once, it will likely come back on its own year after year. Deadheading will extend blooming, but if you’d like it to naturalise, let a few flowers go to seed.

It doesn’t need much fertiliser, and overfeeding will just lead to floppy, leafy plants with fewer flowers. It’s best grown as a companion to vegetables, especially tomatoes, squash, and strawberries, as it helps deter pests and attract pollinators.