{"title":"Borago officinalis","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eBorago officinalis\u003c\/em\u003e — borage\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBorago officinalis\u003c\/em\u003e, commonly called borage or starflower, is a vigorous aromatic annual famed for its brilliant blue, star-shaped flowers and cool, cucumber-like flavour. A favourite with bees and cooks alike, it anchors our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/borage\"\u003eborage\u003c\/a\u003e range within the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/culinary-herbs\"\u003eculinary herb\u003c\/a\u003e collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHistory \u0026amp; origin\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBorage is native to the Mediterranean and has been grown since antiquity. The Romans added it to wine, and medieval herbalists believed it could lift the spirits — the old saying “borage for courage” captures its long reputation as a herb of comfort and good cheer. It has been a cottage-garden mainstay across Europe for centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts name is often traced to the Latin \u003cem\u003eborra\u003c\/em\u003e, meaning rough hair, a reference to the bristly texture that covers its stems and leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBotanical characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBorage is a robust annual reaching 60–100 cm, with hairy, grey-green leaves and nodding sprays of vivid blue (occasionally pink or white) five-petalled flowers. Both the young leaves and the edible flowers carry a fresh, cucumber-like taste, making the blooms a charming addition to summer drinks and salads. A generous self-seeder, it sits among our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/annual-herbs\"\u003eannual herbs\u003c\/a\u003e and earns its place among our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/aromatic-herbs\"\u003earomatic herbs\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Borago officinalis from seed\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBorage could hardly be easier: sow directly where it is to grow from spring, in full sun and well-drained soil, and thin to give the large plants room. It grows fast, flowers freely and self-seeds happily for next year. Few herbs do more for pollinators — bees visit the flowers constantly all summer long. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/growing-herbs-from-seed\"\u003eherb growing guide\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/herb-sowing-calendar\"\u003eherb sowing calendar\u003c\/a\u003e cover timing and care in full.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eReady to grow borage? Explore the varieties or learn the basics first.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;margin:20px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/borage\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#66971d;color:#ffffff;padding:12px 22px;border-radius:8px;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;\"\u003eBrowse borage varieties\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/growing-herbs-from-seed\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#ffffff;color:#3f6312;border:1.5px solid #9cc35f;padding:10.5px 21px;border-radius:8px;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;\"\u003eRead the herb guide\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRelated categories:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/borage\"\u003eBorage\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/culinary-herbs\"\u003eCulinary Herbs\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/annual-herbs\"\u003eAnnual Herbs\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/aromatic-herbs\"\u003eAromatic Herbs\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/herbs\"\u003eAll Herb Seeds\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt \u003ca href=\"\/\"\u003eSeedsChoice\u003c\/a\u003e, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"borage-seeds-borago-officinalis-microgreens","title":"Borage Seeds Borago Officinalis Microgreens Annual Herb","description":"\u003ch2\u003eFresh microgreens and annual herb for kitchens\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eborage seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e are a versatile choice for growing tender micro leaves and baby leaf greens, while also developing into an attractive annual herb for the garden. This variety is valued for its distinctive, fresh cucumber-like aroma and its decorative presence in pots, trays, or beds. As \u003cem\u003eBorago officinalis\u003c\/em\u003e matures, it forms a leafy plant that can reach around 50 cm in height and produces striking blue flowers that are often used as an edible flower garnish plant for finishing plates and drinks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFlavor, appearance, and culinary garnish potential\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese borage microgreens seeds suit growers looking for microgreens herb seeds with character: young shoots and micro leaves bring a crisp, green look and a clean, refreshing flavor that pairs well with salads, sandwiches, and fish dishes. For broader variety, they also blend nicely into a baby leaf microgreens mix, adding texture and visual interest. When grown on, the plant’s bright blooms add ornamental value and can be used as a simple, eye-catching garnish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere this microgreens herb fits best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for windowsills, greenhouses, or sheltered outdoor spaces, this selection works well for indoor sowing herb seeds when you want a compact, easy-to-manage crop of fast harvest micro leaves. It is also suitable for an annual herb garden seeds assortment, offering both quick microgreen use and a longer-season herb plant with showy flowers. Use it as a specialty addition to your microgreens collection for fresh color, fragrance, and culinary presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51741357637969,"sku":"SHA-GRO-031114-8","price":3.96,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHA-GRO-031114-8_1_fa9c45ea-1b81-4590-8e7b-1d46f3d227c0.png?v=1778185027"},{"product_id":"borage-seeds-borago-officinalis-organic","title":"Borage Seeds Borago Officinalis Organic Annual Herb","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOrganic annual herb with vivid blue blooms\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eborage seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e are an excellent choice for gardeners looking for an organic annual herb with striking, star-shaped blue flowers and a relaxed, cottage-garden look. This variety, \u003cem\u003eBorago officinalis\u003c\/em\u003e, develops into a leafy, branching plant that can reach around 50 cm in height, making it easy to place among vegetables, herbs, and ornamental borders. The flowers are well known for attracting plenty of garden visitors, adding movement and interest through the flowering season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eEdible flowers and versatile garden placement\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften searched as borago officinalis seeds, this blue flowering herb plant is valued for its decorative blooms and fresh green leaves. The blossoms are commonly used as an edible flower garnish for salads and desserts, bringing color to the plate without overpowering other flavors. As edible flower herb seeds, borage suits mixed beds and kitchen gardens, and it also fits well into companion planting for pollinators where flowering herbs are welcome alongside crops and cut-flower areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant habit, spacing, and site preference notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorage forms a sturdy annual clump with a bold texture and a naturally informal shape. For planning your layout, a 30 cm plant spacing guide is a practical reference to help each plant develop fully without crowding. Choose an open, sunny to lightly sheltered spot where the plant can flower freely and become a standout feature among other herbs and seasonal blooms.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51743762022737,"sku":"SHA-AUR-011054-2","price":3.96,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHA-AUR-011054-2_1_0babacaf-a6e6-493d-98cd-35387aebff40.png?v=1778193941"},{"product_id":"borage-seeds-borago-officinalis-edible-flowers","title":"Borage Seeds Borago Officinalis Annual Herb Edible Flowers","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBlue flowering annual herb for kitchen gardens\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eborage seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e produce a classic blue flowering herb plant valued for its decorative look and versatile culinary use. This annual herb forms upright, leafy growth and is known for its star-shaped blue blooms that stand out in beds, borders, and mixed herb plantings. The plant typically reaches around 50–80 cm in height, making it a noticeable yet manageable addition to many garden spaces.\u003cbr\u003e\nAlso offered as borago officinalis seeds, this variety is grown for both foliage and flowers, bringing color and texture to an ornamental herb patch while staying practical for everyday kitchen-garden harvesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEdible leaves and flowers for fresh dishes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh leaves can be used as a flavorful addition to cucumber and potato salads, and they also pair well with fish dishes. The bright blooms are popular as an edible flower garnish plant, adding a vivid blue accent to salads and cold plates. If you like herb seeds for salads, borage is a traditional choice that combines visual appeal with a distinctive, garden-fresh character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant character, lifecycle, and placement notes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an annual herb seed variety of \u003cem\u003eBorago officinalis\u003c\/em\u003e. It is often described as easy to grow herb seeds, and it suits many typical garden situations where you want a straightforward seasonal herb with showy flowers. For best results, allow adequate space so plants can develop their natural branching form and display plenty of blooms through the season.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52575040602449,"sku":"SHA-LUN-051348-4","price":4.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHA-LUN-051348-4_1_044594c8-99da-481c-b6d9-124eff8b52bb.png?v=1778175659"},{"product_id":"borage-seeds-borago-officinalis","title":"Borage Seeds Borago Officinalis Annual Herb","description":"\u003ch2\u003eClassic annual herb with vivid blue blooms\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eborage seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e produce a classic annual herb valued for its bright, star-shaped blue flowers and fresh green foliage. This variety is also known as borago officinalis seeds, and it’s a popular choice for gardeners who want a blue flowering herb plant that looks at home in mixed borders, herb beds, and cottage-style plantings.\u003cbr\u003e\nGrowing to around 50 cm in height, borage forms a sturdy, upright clump that brings height and color without overwhelming nearby plants. The flowers are widely appreciated for decorative use, making it a well-known edible flower garnish plant for finishing plates and adding visual interest to summer dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGarden performance and culinary use in season\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs annual herb seeds, borage is typically grown for seasonal color and kitchen-friendly harvests. The fresh leaves are commonly used as a culinary herb for salads, especially alongside cucumber and potato dishes, and they can also complement fish recipes with a mild, green flavor.\u003cbr\u003e\nFor garden placement, borage suits open ground beds and traditional row sowing layouts, and it’s often chosen for outdoor spring planting where it can develop into a full, flowering clump. If you are looking for annual borage herb seeds or blue flower borage seeds for a practical herb patch with ornamental appeal, \u003cem\u003eBorago officinalis\u003c\/em\u003e is a reliable, easygoing option for many home gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52575314346321,"sku":"SHA-BLO-021286-1","price":3.96,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHA-BLO-021286-1_1_b3a1a0e0-9531-40da-89dc-b5191557f039.png?v=1778191382"},{"product_id":"edible-flower-seeds-kit-borago-officinalis","title":"Edible Flower Seeds Kit Borago Officinalis Starter Set","description":"\u003ch2\u003eEdible flower starter set for home gardeners\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eedible flower seeds kit\u003c\/strong\u003e for creating a colorful mix of blooms that can be used as decorative garnishes in the kitchen. This starter set is designed as a convenient culinary flower seed starter kit, bringing together several classic garden flowers often chosen for their appearance and versatility. The selection includes borage \u003cem\u003eBorago officinalis\u003c\/em\u003e along with other popular edible blooms commonly grown for salads, cakes, and plate decoration. Ideal for anyone looking for a mini greenhouse edible flower kit concept, it offers an easy way to begin a small windowsill project and enjoy a varied flowering display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIncluded flower varieties for decorative edible blooms\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis edible blooms growing kit features a curated assortment that typically includes borage, garden nasturtium, pot marigold, cornflower, viola, and lavender. Expect a mix of flower forms and colors, from bright warm tones to cool blues, suited to ornamental beds, containers, and kitchen-garden spaces. These varieties are widely appreciated for adding visual interest to dishes and for creating a lively, pollinator-friendly look in the garden. As a culinary flower seed growing set, it fits well for gifting occasions or for gardeners who want multiple flower types in one coordinated starter set.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompact kit format with simple indoor setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreated in a compact, beginner-friendly format, this mini greenhouse seed kit is intended for indoor starting and neat placement on a bright windowsill or countertop. The set is presented as a seed kit with soil pellets and a clear cover to help keep the setup tidy while seedlings establish. Use it as an edible flower seed starter kit for small-space gardening, or as a fun way to add more color and variety to your garden planning without needing separate components.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shaphira","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53720589435217,"sku":"SHP-FLO-251025-0","price":9.45,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0860\/2458\/5553\/files\/SHP-FLO-251025-0_1.png?v=1778232945"}],"url":"https:\/\/seedschoice.de\/collections\/borago-officinalis.oembed","provider":"SeedsChoice","version":"1.0","type":"link"}