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The borage plant is an annual herb that is best grown using borage seeds because borage seedlings do not transplant well. The borage plant is one of the easiest plants to cultivate, requiring no special treatment - it does not have a star complex. In fact, some gardeners, call the borage plant as the 'herb of gladness' - a tea made from the plant is said to remove melancholy feelings.
Uses of the Borage Plant
The borage plant can grow to about 3 feet. It has large leaves with a stinging hairy surface with flowers that are normally blue. Some plants, however, give off white flowers.
The borage plant is edible and has numerous medicinal values. Consider the following:
o The leaves have a refreshing cucumber-like taste and aroma. It can be used for salads, tea, or as one of the ingredients of an omelet.
o The edible flowers can be used as a garnishment for cakes and pastries, salads, or drinks. The flowers can also be candied.
o The plant makes good potpourri.
o The borage plant attracts bees for pollinations and is therefore ideal for planting near tomatoes, squash, strawberries, and others.
The oil from borage seeds is used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory agent and to treat arthritis and certain skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Borage seeds are also a good source of gamma lineolinic acid (GLA), used to relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
Growing Borage from Borage Seeds
To grow borage, you will need the following: borage seeds, organic fertilizers, garden spades, garden trowels, and bypass pruners. Borage needs full sunlight for best results but partial shade will also do. Apply organic fertilizer on the soil. It is ideal if your soil is well-drained and retains moisture. If your soil is extra heavy, you can plant the borage seeds in raised beds.
Step 1 Sow seeds ¼ inch deep directly in the garden in early spring after the last frost has fallen and the soil has warmed. Borage seeds can be made to germinate indoors, but it forms a taproot and will not transplant well. The borage plant self sows easily and the seeds can be stored for up to three years in an airtight container in a cool and dark place.
Step 2 Leave the seeds uncovered as they need sunlight to germinate. Thin the seedlings from 12 to 18 inches apart when the plants have reached a height of 6 to 8 inches tall. The rows should be ideally spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. Tall borage plants may need staking or support. It is also preferable to mulch around the plant to keep foliage that may rot off the ground. Plant borage in bunches so they can support each other as strong winds can make them fall down.
Step 3 Weed regularly. Water regularly until the borage plant has matured. The borage herb will be ready for use in about 8 weeks or so. Prune the plant in late summer if they start to look too leggy or gangling.
Do not plant borage near children play areas as the plant draws bees even from miles around.
Indeed, the borage plant is extraordinary - easy to grow and maintain with plentiful uses as food, medicine, and a garden landscape enhancer Plant borage and buy borage seeds now. There are borage seeds for sale in numerous seed stores or online.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about seeds and gardening articles at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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