Borage in Zone 3B — Midwest

Borage is a fantastic addition to any Midwest garden. The cucumber-like flavor of the leaves and the beautiful star-shaped blue flowers are great in salads, drinks, or as a garnish. Plus, they're a favorite of pollinators, which is always a win for our gardens.

Our Midwest weather can be unpredictable, but don't let that scare you. With a growing season of around 118 days, Borage is quick to mature, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it. Just keep an eye on the weather and time your planting right.

If you're starting Borage indoors, aim to transplant outdoors sometime from early May through early June. This gives the soil a chance to warm up after our variable spring.

Before transplanting, be sure to harden off your seedlings. Give them about a week of gradual exposure to the outdoors, increasing the time each day. Space the plants 12-18 inches apart to give them room to grow.

Keep an eye on the forecast, as we can still get a late frost in early May. If a cold snap is coming, cover your transplants to protect them.

Direct sowing is the preferred method for Borage, and it's super easy. Wait until mid May through early July to sow your seeds directly into the garden. The soil should be at least 60°F for best germination.

Prepare your soil by loosening it and removing any weeds. Sow seeds about ½ inch deep and 12-18 inches apart. You can always thin them later if needed. Borage self-seeds readily, so be prepared to have new plants popping up in unexpected places!

Borage is easy to direct sow, so it's a great option if you're looking for something low-maintenance. It also self-seeds like crazy, so you'll have plenty of plants for years to come.

Borage needs moderate watering, especially during our summer heat spells. While it's fairly easy-going, it's not drought-tolerant, and our rainfall, though plentiful, can be inconsistent.

During the hotter parts of summer, check the soil moisture regularly. Stick your finger about 2 inches deep – if it feels dry, it's time to water. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. With our moderate-to-humid summers, it's best to water at the base of the plant to avoid creating a humid environment that encourages disease.

If the leaves start to wilt or turn yellow, you're likely underwatering. Overwatering can cause root rot, so watch for signs of soggy soil and yellowing leaves as well. A layer of mulch can help retain moisture and keep the soil cool during those hot summer days.

You can expect your first harvest of Borage around mid July through late September, about 55 days after planting. The easiest way to know when to harvest the flowers is when they are fully open and have that beautiful star shape. Young leaves can be harvested anytime and have a mild, cucumber-like flavor.

To harvest, simply snip off the flowers or leaves with scissors or your fingers. Be gentle to avoid damaging the plant. Regular harvesting will encourage continued production.

As our first frost approaches in mid- September, you can still harvest any remaining flowers and leaves. Or, let the plant go to seed and enjoy a new crop next year, just be aware that it self-seeds readily.

Here are a few common problems you might encounter growing Borage in the Midwest:

Self-Seeding Aggressively

• What it looks like: Borage seedlings popping up everywhere in your garden, even in places you didn't plant them.
• What causes it: Borage is a prolific self-seeder, and our fertile soil and adequate rainfall make it even happier!
• How to fix/prevent it: Deadhead flowers before they go to seed, or pull up unwanted seedlings as they appear. You can also try growing Borage in a container to limit its spread.

Powdery Mildew

• What it looks like: A white or grayish powdery coating on the leaves and stems. Leaves may curl, yellow, and eventually die.
• What causes it: Powdery mildew thrives in warm days, cool nights, and moderate humidity, which is pretty typical of our Midwest summers.
• How to fix/prevent it: Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly and pruning if necessary. Remove affected leaves. You can also try spraying with neem oil, potassium bicarbonate, or even a milk spray (1 part milk to 9 parts water).

Leggy Growth

• What it looks like: Tall, spindly plants with few leaves.
• What causes it: Insufficient sunlight or overcrowding.
• How to fix/prevent it: Ensure your Borage is getting at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Thin out plants if they are too close together.

Midwest Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot heat and moderate-to-humid humidity during the summer can create ideal conditions for powdery mildew. The wet-summer rainfall can also contribute to the spread of fungal diseases. Regular monitoring and good air circulation are key to keeping your Borage healthy.

Borage is a great companion plant for many vegetables and herbs in the Midwest garden. It's particularly helpful for:

• Tomatoes: Borage attracts beneficial insects that help pollinate tomato plants and deter pests.
• Squash: Borage can help repel squash bugs and vine borers.
• Strawberries: It is believed to improve the flavor and growth of strawberries.
• Cucumbers: Borage is said to improve cucumber growth and flavor (fitting, given its own cucumber-like taste).

There aren't really any bad companions for Borage, though its aggressive self-seeding can make it a bit of a bully in the garden. Just keep an eye on it and pull up any unwanted seedlings.