Borage in Zone 5A — Mountain West

Borage is a fantastic addition to any high altitude garden, offering beautiful blue, star-shaped flowers that are edible and attract pollinators. The leaves have a refreshing cucumber-like flavor, perfect for summer salads, and the plant itself is relatively easy to grow, making it a rewarding experience for Mountain West gardeners.

Our short growing season and intense sun can be a challenge, but Borage is quick to mature, fitting nicely into our 138-day window. By timing your planting right, you'll be enjoying fresh borage from mid-summer well into fall.

If you choose to start your Borage indoors, transplant seedlings outdoors from late April through late May. Before transplanting, harden them off for about a week by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.

Space your Borage plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate growth. Keep an eye on the weather; late frosts can still occur during this period, so be prepared to cover your seedlings if temperatures dip.

Direct sowing is the preferred method for Borage, as it readily germinates and establishes quickly. Sow seeds directly into your garden from early May through mid July. Borage is very forgiving and can be sown in succession for extended harvest.

Prepare your soil by loosening it and ensuring it's around 60-70°F. Plant seeds about ½ inch deep and space them 12-18 inches apart. Borage is known for self-seeding, so be mindful of where you plant it, as it can pop up in unexpected places the following year.

Borage requires moderate watering, especially during our dry Mountain West summers. While it's an easy-going plant, consistent moisture is key for optimal growth and flavor.

During the peak of summer, when temperatures are around 85°F and rainfall is scarce, water deeply about once a week, providing around 1 inch of water. Use the finger test: stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil, and if it feels dry, it's time to water. Because of our low humidity, watering at the base of the plant is ideal to avoid any potential fungal issues.

Signs of underwatering include wilting leaves and stunted growth. Overwatering can lead to yellowing leaves and potential root rot, so ensure good drainage. Applying a layer of mulch around your Borage plants can help retain moisture in our dry climate and keep the soil cooler.

You can expect your first Borage harvest from early July through early October, about 55 days after planting. Look for the star-shaped blue flowers to be fully open; these are the most commonly harvested part of the plant.

To harvest, gently snip the flowers or leaves with scissors, being careful not to damage the plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production, so don't be shy about picking the flowers and leaves as needed.

As our first frost approaches in late September, you can still harvest any remaining flowers and leaves. Consider letting a few plants go to seed if you want them to self-sow for the following year.

Here are a few common problems you might encounter with Borage in the Mountain West:

Self-Seeding Aggressively

• What it looks like: Numerous Borage seedlings popping up in unwanted areas of your garden the following spring.
• What causes it: Borage is a prolific self-seeder, and the dry conditions of the Mountain West can actually help the seeds spread easily.
• How to fix/prevent it: Deadhead the flowers before they go to seed, or remove unwanted seedlings as they appear. Consider growing Borage in containers to limit its spread.

Powdery Mildew

• What it looks like: White or grayish powdery coating on leaves, stems.
• What causes it: This fungus thrives in warm days and cool nights, a common pattern in our Mountain climate. Dry leaf surfaces, combined with moderate humidity, create ideal conditions.
• How to fix/prevent it: Improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately and pruning if necessary. Remove affected leaves promptly. Neem oil or potassium bicarbonate sprays can help control the spread.

Can Become Leggy

• What it looks like: Tall, spindly plants with fewer leaves and flowers, often leaning or falling over.
• What causes it: Insufficient sunlight or overly rich soil can cause Borage to become leggy.
• How to fix/prevent it: Ensure your Borage plants receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Avoid over-fertilizing, as Borage prefers moderately fertile soil. Pruning can also help encourage bushier growth.

Mountain West Specific Challenges: Our intense sun can sometimes stress Borage, making it more susceptible to powdery mildew. However, our low humidity generally helps to keep fungal diseases at bay. Be sure to monitor your plants regularly and adjust your watering and care as needed to keep them healthy and productive.

Borage makes excellent companion plant in a Mountain West garden!

Good companions:

• Tomatoes: Borage is said to deter tomato hornworms and other pests that bother tomatoes.
• Squash: Borage attracts pollinators, which are essential for squash production.
• Strawberries: Borage is believed to improve the flavor and growth of strawberries.
• Cucumbers: Borage is thought to enhance the growth and flavor of cucumbers, and it also attracts beneficial insects.

Avoid planting Borage near: (none) Borage is a very friendly plant that gets along with almost anything!