Borago officinalis BORAGE (15 seeds)

Borage, also known Borago officinalis in Latin, is a fast-growing annual herbaceous plant measuring 50 to 80 cm in height. It belongs to the Boraginaceae family.

Its leaves are broad, rough, and deep green. They have a hairy texture due to fine bristles covering their surface.

It blooms from June to September. The flowers are star-shaped and a brilliant blue, consisting of five petals. They are highly attractive to pollinators.

Borage seeds are black, elongated, and rough. They measure an average of 5 millimeters in length.

- Uses:

- Germination and Sowing:

• The ideal period to sow borage begins in May.
• Prepare small 5 cm pots and fill them with high-quality horticultural seed-starting compost.
• Bury the seeds horizontally at a depth of 5 millimeters.
• Lightly press down the substrate.
• Water the culture using a spray bottle.
• Place the pots in a greenhouse at a temperature of at least 20°C.
• Germination generally begins 7 to 10 days after sowing.

- Soil Type:

It prefers cool, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. A slightly alkaline soil is ideal, though it can adapt to neutral soils.

- Exposure and Light:

This edible-flowered plant loves bright light. It can tolerate light shade, but full sun exposure promotes better growth and flowering.

- Temperature and Hardiness:

It grows very well when temperatures are between 15°C and 25°C. It is cold-resistant and can tolerate temperatures down to -5°C. Its USDA hardiness zone is 4b.

- Watering and Irrigation:

Watering must be regular, especially during dry summer periods. Water thoroughly at the base of the plant.

- Propagation:

Cuttings: Stem cuttings can be taken during the summer.

- Pests and Diseases:

Diseases: It is sensitive to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that develops when there is too much humidity in the air; the main symptom is the whitening of the leaves.

Pests: The main pests are aphids, as well as slugs and snails that devour young seedlings and leaves.