How to grow borage in a raised bed

Borage is a rugged, cottage-garden herb with sky-blue, star-shaped edible flowers that bees adore — plant it once and it'll happily self-seed around your patch for years, drawing in pollinators and beneficial insects.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun to part shade
• Spacing: 40–50 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 23 cm+ depth
• Time to harvest: 8–10 weeks to flower

When should I plant borage?

Borage is easy from seed — sow directly in spring and autumn. It self-seeds prolifically, so you'll rarely need to sow it twice. Our free garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): March to September
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): February to March and September to November
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): October to December
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): April to July
• Arid inland: March to April and August to September

How do I grow borage in a raised bed?

Sow seed straight into any reasonable mix. It grows into a big, bristly plant, so give it room and a spot where its self-seeding is welcome.

How do I use it?

The blue flowers are edible with a light cucumber flavour — beautiful frozen into ice cubes or scattered on salads. Above all, it's one of the best bee and hoverfly plants you can grow.

What pests attack borage?

Keep an eye out for aphids, though flowers are seldom much bothered. See our safe pest guide.

What are the common problems with borage?

The main one to watch is powdery mildew, usually in damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow prevents most.

Where should I plant it?

One of the finest plants for drawing in bees and hoverflies; a classic companion to strawberries and tomatoes. See our companion planting guide.

More growing guides: calendula, nasturtiums and bee balm.

Plan your patch: our free garden calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Kolforn (Kolforn), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.