Borage in Zone 6B — Mid-Atlantic

Borage is a fantastic addition to any Mid-Atlantic garden. Its beautiful blue, star-shaped flowers are edible and add a unique cucumber-like flavor to salads and drinks. Plus, it attracts pollinators, which are essential for our productive summer gardens here in Zone 6B.

While we deal with our share of humidity and variable spring weather, Borage is adaptable. Our reliable rainfall and long 198-day growing season give you plenty of time to enjoy this easy-to-grow herb.

You can transplant Borage outdoors in late March through late April, but direct sowing is more common. If you do start them indoors, be sure to harden them off for about a week before transplanting. Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions to avoid shocking them.

Space your Borage plants 12-18 inches apart to give them room to grow. Keep an eye on the weather forecast during this period. We can still get some unexpected cold snaps, so be ready to cover your seedlings if a late frost is predicted.

Direct sowing is the preferred method for Borage, and it's incredibly easy. Sow seeds directly into your garden beds from early April through mid August. Borage germinates best when the soil temperature is consistently around 60-70°F, which typically happens by mid-April here.

Prepare your soil by loosening it and adding some compost. Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination. Borage is known to self-seed readily, so be prepared for new plants popping up in unexpected places!

Borage needs moderate watering, especially during our humid summers. While it's fairly easy-going, it's not very drought-tolerant. The key is to find a balance.

During the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder and rainfall is more frequent, check the soil moisture before watering. Stick your finger about 2 inches deep into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation. In the heat of summer, you might need to water more frequently, especially if we're experiencing a dry spell.

Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to minimize the risk of powdery mildew, which can be a problem in our humid climate. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, while wilting leaves signal underwatering. A layer of mulch around your Borage plants will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

You can expect your first Borage harvest starting in early June, about 55 days after sowing. Continue harvesting through early November, until our first frost threatens. The star-shaped blue flowers are ready to harvest when they are fully open.

Snip off the flowers or young leaves as needed, being careful not to damage the main plant. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As late October approaches, harvest as much as you can before the first frost. Even though the plant itself might not survive a hard freeze, you'll likely see new seedlings emerge next spring thanks to its prolific self-seeding habit.

Borage is generally easy to grow, but here are a few common problems we face in the Mid-Atlantic:

Self-Seeding Aggressively

• What it looks like: Numerous Borage seedlings sprouting up in unwanted areas of the garden.
• What causes it: Borage readily self-seeds, and our even rainfall helps those seeds germinate.
• How to fix/prevent it: Deadhead flowers before they go to seed. Or, transplant unwanted seedlings to new locations or give them away.

Powdery Mildew

• What it looks like: White or grayish powdery coating on leaves, stems, and sometimes fruit. Leaves curl, yellow, and die.
• What causes it: Various fungi that thrive in warm days, cool nights, and moderate humidity – a common pattern in the Mid-Atlantic. Dry leaf surfaces actually favor it.
• How to fix/prevent it: Improve air circulation through spacing and pruning. Remove affected leaves. Neem oil or potassium bicarbonate sprays help. Milk spray (1 part milk to 9 parts water) is surprisingly effective.

Can Become Leggy

• What it looks like: Long, weak stems with sparse foliage, often leaning or falling over.
• What causes it: Insufficient sunlight, especially when planted in too much shade.
• How to fix/prevent it: Ensure Borage receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Prune back leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.

Mid-Atlantic Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot summers and humid conditions can exacerbate powdery mildew issues. The even rainfall, while generally beneficial, can also contribute to Borage's aggressive self-seeding. Keep an eye on your plants and take preventative measures to ensure a healthy and productive harvest.

Borage is a great companion plant for several vegetables and herbs in the Mid-Atlantic garden. Plant it near tomatoes to deter tomato hornworms and attract pollinators that will improve fruit set. It also does well with squash and cucumbers, attracting beneficial insects that help control pests like squash bugs and cucumber beetles.

Strawberries also benefit from having Borage nearby, as it is thought to deter certain pests and improve pollination. There aren't any well-known bad companions for Borage, so feel free to experiment and see what works best in your garden!