How to Grow Borage
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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need
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Find Your Borage Planting Dates
🌿 Plant Overview
☀️ Growing Requirements
☀️
Sun
Full Sun to Partial Shade
💧
Water
Moderate
↔️
Spacing
18" apart
🌱
Depth
0.5" deep
📏
Height
18-36"
🌱
Germination
7-14 days
Ready to Grow Borage?
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🤝 Good Companions
⚠️ Avoid Planting Near
Full Companion Planting Guide for Borage
See which plants help Borage thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →
🌾 Seed Saving Guide
🟢 EasyWhen to Harvest Seed
Seeds ripen quickly and drop — check daily once flowers fade, or collect from the ground below the plant.
Processing
Collect dark nutlets (seeds) directly — they're large and easy to handle. Dry a few days before storing.
Seed Viability
Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Borage self-sows prolifically — expect volunteers every year once established in the garden.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 14 plants of Borage. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Borage Planting Calendar by Zone
Borage Planting Calendar by State
Other Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Borage? +
Sow Borage seeds directly in the garden 1 weeks after your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.
How long does Borage take to grow? +
Borage typically matures in about 60 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Borage indoors or direct sow? +
Borage does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.
How much sun does Borage need? +
Borage requires full sun to partial shade to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Borage? +
Space Borage plants 18 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Borage need? +
Borage has moderate water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Borage? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Borage is rated easy. Seeds ripen quickly and drop — check daily once flowers fade, or collect from the ground below the plant. Collect dark nutlets (seeds) directly — they're large and easy to handle. Dry a few days before storing.
How long do Borage seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Borage seeds remain viable for up to 3 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Borage seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Borage is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Borage
Edible star-shaped blue flowers and cucumber-flavored leaves. One of the best companion plants — repels tomato hornworms, attracts pollinators. Self-seeds prolifically.
Expect your Borage to be ready for harvest in approximately 60 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.