Borage is the gardener's most generous companion—its star-shaped flowers cycle through brilliant blue, then purple, and finally pink, creating a living color show from early summer through frost. Every part earns its place in the garden: fully edible flowers brighten salads, soups, and summer drinks, while the plant itself serves as a powerful pollinator magnet and natural companion for tomatoes, squash, and strawberries. Plant it once and it will cheerfully return on its own for years.

Growing Instructions: Direct sow after last frost, or in fall in mild climates—borage resents transplanting. Thin to 18 inches. Once established, it self-seeds freely and will naturalize in the garden, returning each year without any effort on your part.

• Botanical Name: Borago officinalis
• Plant Type: Annual (self-sowing)
• Planting Time: Spring (after last frost) or fall in mild climates
• Planting Depth: ¼–½ inch
• Spacing: 18 inches apart
• Days to Germination: 7–14 days
• Days to First Bloom: 50–70 days
• Mature Height: 18–24 inches
• Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Water Needs: Low to moderate — drought tolerant once established
• Difficulty: Easy
• Seed Type: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
• Bonus: Edible flowers; excellent companion plant; pollinator magnet