I haven't grown borage before. As with a few other plants I'm growing this year (ground cherries, for one), I've never even seen it. I decided that I would give it a try after doing research on ways to expand my companion planting from last year. Although my tomatoes and peppers had no problems, the beans were wiped out. I sought out plants that would attract some of nature's predators into my garden. Borage appears to be an option. Since it also is colorful and has a number of benefits, I decided it was worth a try. After doing a bit of research, here's what I've found.
As a Companion Plant
Planting near tomatoes improves growth and disease resistance. Also good for squash, strawberries, and most plants. Supposedly enhances strawberry fruit flavor and yield. Deters tomato hornworms and cabbage worms.
Possessing pretty blue star-shaped flowers, it is one of the best bee (honey bees and other varieties) and wasp-attracting plants. Butterflies love it, too.
As a Companion Plant
Planting near tomatoes improves growth and disease resistance. Also good for squash, strawberries, and most plants. Supposedly enhances strawberry fruit flavor and yield. Deters tomato hornworms and cabbage worms.
Possessing pretty blue star-shaped flowers, it is one of the best bee (honey bees and other varieties) and wasp-attracting plants. Butterflies love it, too.
Growing Borage
Barely cover seeds with soil (approx 1/4") and keep moist. Plants grow to 18+" tall and spread approx 12"-24"
diameter. High phosphorous soil keeps them flowering.
Generally a gangly plant, the richer the soil, the bushier the plant will be. It prefers protection from wind and is easily blown over so place plants together.
Consumption of Borage
Borage flowers and leaves are edible. Eat leaves young because stalks and leaves develop a fuzz that is prickly.
Generally a gangly plant, the richer the soil, the bushier the plant will be. It prefers protection from wind and is easily blown over so place plants together.
Consumption of Borage
Borage flowers and leaves are edible. Eat leaves young because stalks and leaves develop a fuzz that is prickly.
Nutritional Information on Raw Borage
Borage is an "excellent source" (20%+ RDA) of Vitamin A. Amazingly, it's listed as providing 75% of the RDA of Vitamin A. It is also a "good source" (10-19% RDA) of Iron, Manganese, and Magnesium. There are also notable quantities of Calcium (8%), and Copper (6%), Phosphorous (5%), Potassium (9%), Riboflavin (8%). All assume 1 cup is consumed.Other Info
As it breaks down, it adds trace minerals to the soil and is a good addition the compost pile. Borage also makes a nice mulch for most plants. After it has been planted once, this annual will self seed.
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