Borage in Zone 7B — Mid-Atlantic

Borage is a fantastic addition to any Mid-Atlantic garden. The star-shaped blue flowers are not only beautiful but also attract pollinators to your veggie patch. Plus, the young leaves have a refreshing cucumber-like flavor, perfect for salads on those humid summer evenings.

While our region's variable spring weather and humid summers can present challenges, Borage is relatively easy to manage with proper timing. Our long growing season, stretching from early April to early November, gives you plenty of time to enjoy this versatile herb.

You can transplant Borage seedlings outdoors from mid March through mid April. Before planting, be sure to harden off your seedlings. Give them about a week of gradual exposure to outdoor conditions to acclimate them.

Space your Borage plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for adequate growth. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, as late frosts can still occur during this time in the Mid-Atlantic. If frost threatens, protect your young plants with row covers.

Direct sowing is the preferred method for Borage, and it’s quite easy. Sow Borage seeds directly into your garden from early April through late August. The soil should be at least 60°F for optimal germination.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and adding compost. Plant seeds about ½ inch deep, spacing them 12-18 inches apart. Borage self-seeds readily, so be prepared for volunteers in subsequent years!

Borage needs moderate watering, especially during our hot and humid Mid-Atlantic summers. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. While Borage is fairly easy-going, it's not very drought-tolerant, so don't let it dry out completely.

During the spring and fall, when temperatures are milder and rainfall is more frequent, you might only need to water once or twice a week. In the heat of summer, however, you may need to water every other day, especially if it hasn't rained. Stick your finger about two inches deep into the soil; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Generally, an inch of water per week is a good guideline.

Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases in our humid climate. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, while wilting leaves mean it's time to give your Borage a drink. Mulching around your plants with straw or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, which is always a win.

You can expect your first harvest of Borage flowers and leaves from late May through early November. The flowers are ready to harvest when they are fully open and display their vibrant blue color. The young leaves are best harvested when they are tender and before the plant flowers.

To harvest, simply snip off the flowers or leaves with scissors or pruners. Regular harvesting encourages continued production. As the first frost approaches in early November, harvest any remaining flowers and leaves. You can dry the flowers for later use in teas or culinary creations.

Here are the most common problems you might encounter with Borage in the Mid-Atlantic:

Self-Seeding Aggressively

• What it looks like: Numerous Borage seedlings popping up everywhere in your garden the following spring.
• What causes it: Borage readily drops its seeds, and they germinate easily.
• How to fix/prevent it: Deadhead flowers before they go to seed to prevent unwanted seedlings. Or, embrace it and move the seedlings to new locations!

Powdery Mildew

• What it looks like: White or grayish powdery coating on leaves, stems, and sometimes flower buds. Leaves may curl, yellow, and eventually die.
• What causes it: Various fungi thrive in warm days, cool nights, and moderate humidity. Dry leaf surfaces actually favor it. Our Mid-Atlantic humidity can make this a recurring issue.
• How to fix/prevent it: Improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately and pruning if needed. Remove affected leaves promptly. Neem oil or potassium bicarbonate sprays can help. A milk spray (1 part milk to 9 parts water) is surprisingly effective.

Can Become Leggy

• What it looks like: The plant becomes tall and spindly with fewer leaves, especially in the lower parts of the plant.
• What causes it: Insufficient sunlight or overcrowding can cause Borage to stretch towards the light.
• How to fix/prevent it: Ensure your Borage receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. If plants become overcrowded, thin them out to improve air circulation and light penetration.

Mid-Atlantic Specific Challenges: Our moderate-to-hot summers and humid conditions can exacerbate powdery mildew. Consistent rainfall, while generally beneficial, can also contribute to fungal issues if air circulation is poor. Keep a close eye on your plants and take preventative measures to ensure healthy growth.

Borage makes a wonderful companion plant in the Mid-Atlantic garden. It's known to attract beneficial insects that can help with pollination and pest control.

Good companions for Borage include tomatoes, squash, strawberries, and cucumbers. Borage attracts pollinators that improve fruit set for tomatoes, squash, strawberries, and cucumbers. I've found that planting it near my tomatoes seems to help them thrive in our humid summers. There aren't really any "bad" companions for Borage.