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• How to grow borage herb 

 
Borage is a very bright and colourful herb that grows annually, one of it's distinctive characteristics it that both the leaves and stems are covered in hair. It is known as the "starflower" because the flowers contain 5 petal arranged in an attractive star formation. The colour of these petals after generally a vivid blue, however, its not uncommon to see pink petals.

Borage is a favourite amoung beekeepers as it contains lots of nectar and hence bee's are attracted to it. However, this element is also attractive to gardeners as bees help to pollenate between plants. For this reason it is common to see borage is vegetable patches.

It can grow up to 3 feet tall and blossoms during the mid-Summer months, borage is quite a tough plant and is considered by some to be a wildflower, hence it is quite easy growing. However, it prefers easily draining soil and heavy exposure to the sun, also it will need protection from the wind as it is easily blown over.

How to grow borage

Borage is best planted directly into the soil, it's advisable to sow it just below the soil surface, water generously. Borage prefers high amounts of sunlight and protection from the wind, so choose an appropriate place in your garden. It's a fairly hardy plant, so it will grow it almost any type of soil, however it prefers well draining soil. Of course the richer the soil, the bigger and higher the quality the bush will be.

Maintenence

Borage requires little maintenece as it's so hardy, however it will definitely benefit from an addition of fertilizer.

Borages Uses

Companion

For many years borage has been used as a companion to others plants, particularly strawberries, spinahc, legumes and tomatoes. Its most effective when combined with tomatoe plants as it confuses the tomato hornworms into planting their eggs in the wrong place.

Medical

Many claim that borage can benefit health and happiness which has won it another nickname; Eurphrosinum, due to it's effects. And recently, medical research has shown that an active substance in borage is GLA (Gamma Linoleic Acid) which has proven to be effective against breast cancer and brain cancer. It works by restricting blood vessels and hence slowing down the spread of cancer.

In fact, it has been so successful that borage was adopted as the symbol for National Cancer Day.

Culinary

The flowers of borage are often used to decorate the glasses of cocktails, a favourite being Pimms, as well as the sides of salad plates.  It can also be used in teas, stews or soups.

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Borage Seeds

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