Borage (Borago officinalis)
Care, watering, light and tips for Borage on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Boraginaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Borage
Borage (Borago officinalis) is an annual herbaceous plant, recognized for its vibrant star-shaped blue flowers and fuzzy leaves. It's a delightful addition to vegetable gardens, borders, and containers, where its flowers attract pollinators and its young leaves are edible.
Native range
Mediterranean region
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, slightly fertile soil. Regular watering is needed, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging as it is susceptible to root rot. A common mistake is planting it in heavy or clay soils, which hinders its growth.
How to save a dying Borage
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or whitish leaves, soft and droopy stems, stunted growth.
- First aid
- Check drainage and soil moisture. If waterlogged, repot into dry soil. If dry, water moderately.
- What kills it
- Prolonged waterlogging is its worst enemy, quickly rotting roots. Also extreme heat and lack of water.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! Borage is quite resilient if the problem is corrected in time, especially watering issues.