Borage (Borago officinalis) is a versatile, edible, and medicinal herb that every gardener should grow. It’s an annual herb that can grow up to 3 feet tall, producing star-shaped blue flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its leaves and flowers are used in culinary dishes, teas, and as a natural remedy for various health issues. Here are 11 reasons why every gardener should grow borage:
Easy To Grow
Borage is an easy-to-grow plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It can grow in almost any type of soil, as long as it’s not waterlogged. Borage is also drought-tolerant and can grow in hot and dry conditions.
Attracts Pollinators
Borage is a favorite of bees and other pollinators. Its star-shaped blue flowers are rich in nectar, making it an excellent choice for honey production. Planting borage in your garden can help attract and support pollinators, which are essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Medicinal Properties
Borage has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Its leaves and flowers are rich in essential fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Borage oil is often used as a natural remedy for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Borage tea is also used to soothe sore throats, ease respiratory issues, and calm nerves.
Edible Leaves And Flowers
Borage leaves and flowers are edible and have a refreshing cucumber-like flavor. The leaves can be used in salads, soups, and stews, while the flowers can be used as a garnish or added to drinks. Borage is also used to flavor various liqueurs like gin and vermouth.
Companion Plant
Borage is an excellent companion plant for vegetables like tomatoes, squash, and strawberries. It attracts pollinators, repels pests like tomato hornworms, and adds nutrients to the soil. Borage’s deep taproot also helps improve soil structure and water retention.
Decorative Plant
Borage’s bright blue flowers make it a beautiful and decorative addition to any garden. It can be planted in flower beds, borders, and containers. Borage also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control pests like aphids.
Self-Seeding
Borage is a self-seeding plant, which means that it will drop its seeds and come back year after year. This makes it an easy and low-maintenance plant to grow. Once you have borage in your garden, you can expect it to come back every year without any additional effort.
Nitrogen Fixation
Borage is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means that it can take nitrogen from the air and convert it into a form that plants can use. This makes it an excellent plant to grow alongside nitrogen-hungry vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.
Tolerates Poor Soil
Borage can grow in poor soil conditions and can help improve the soil structure. Its deep taproot can break up compacted soil, and its leaves can add nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
Natural Pest Repellent
Borage is a natural pest repellent and can help keep pests like tomato hornworms and cabbage moths away from your vegetables. It contains compounds like pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to some pests.
Folklore And Tradition
Borage has a rich history of folklore and tradition. It was used in ancient times to ward off evil spirits and promote courage and bravery. In medieval times, borage was used as a natural remedy for melancholy and sadness. In some cultures, borage is used to celebrate important life events like weddings and baptisms.
Borage is also known as “starflower,” “bee bush,” and “cool tankard” due to its star-shaped flowers, popularity among pollinators, and refreshing taste.
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