Photo: "Borage" by Ruth Hartnup
· CC BY 2.0
Flower · Companion-annual
Borage
Boraginaceae
The ULTIMATE tomato companion and pollinator powerhouse. Produces nectar CONTINUOUSLY, even on cloudy days (200 lbs honey/acre). Attracts parasitic braconid wasps (natural enemy of tomato hornworm). Deep roots pull subsoil nutrients. 2-3 ft bushy. Does NOT transplant well (delicate taproot). Self-sows AGGRESSIVELY. Deer-proof.
At a Glance
Days to Maturity
55–75 days
Sun
6+ hours
Container
Yes
Height
2–3 ft
Zone Planting Guide
Growing Guide
Germination
Germination Time
5–15 days
Optimal Temp
70°F
Seed Depth
0.5"
Watering
Needs
Moderate
Soil
pH Range
6–7
Resilience
Heat: Medium
Cold: Low
Drought: Medium
Nutrition
Feeding Intensity
Light feeder
Harvest
Flowers/foliage at desired stage
Sources
peer-reviewed
Journal of Apicultural Science 2020
university
UMN strawberry study
university_extension
NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
More Flowers
Borage Planting Dates by Zone
Planting dates for Borage vary by USDA hardiness zone. Select your zone below for frost dates, start-indoors timing, and a full monthly planting calendar.
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