How to grow Borage in Australia
Sow borage direct in full sun in any free-draining soil, as it is tough and undemanding. Water while young, then it handles dry conditions well.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Full sun
- Water: 3 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 40 cm
- Time to harvest: 60 days
- Time to germinate: 10 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 7.5
- Frost tolerance: Half hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | March to September | |
| Northern Rivers NSW | March to September | |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | March to September | |
| Melbourne & Victoria | March to September | Frost-tolerant; sow Mar to Sep. Melbourne cool season ideal. Reseed autumn. |
| Adelaide & SA | March to September | |
| Perth & WA | March to September | |
| Tasmania | September to November | Sow Sep to Nov. Self-seeds freely. Bees love it. |
| Canberra & ACT | March to September | Borage is cold-tolerant annual; sow spring-autumn; edible flowers; reseeds readily; loses vigor in hot summer. |
| North Queensland | May to September | Dry season May to Sep. Borage annual; thrives in dry season. |
| Darwin & Top End | May to September | Dry season May to Sep. Borage annual; thrives in dry season. |
Companion planting
Good companions
Harvest and storage
Harvest tip
Pick the star flowers when fully open, and young leaves while soft and not yet bristly. Frequent picking keeps blooms coming.
Storage
Use flowers immediately after picking. Leaves within 2 days.