The flowers of the borage are a real feast for the eyes in the garden. Depending on the variety, the flower stars shine from light blue to pink to white. But to be able to enjoy this splendor, the borage should be planted properly. How it works!

Is direct sowing recommended?

Borage does not require a preculture and should therefore be sown directly outdoors. It is an annual and yet it does not have to be sown every year. He likes to sow himself.

Sowing is best done between mid-April and early May (early June at the latest). The small black seeds of the borage are covered with soil about 1 cm thick. They germinate in the dark and germinate after 5 days under favorable conditions.

When sowing borage, the following should be observed:

  • Row spacing: 40 to 50 cm
  • Plant spacing: 15 to 25 cm
  • Keep soil and seed moist
  • separate after four weeks (remove weaker specimens)

Which location does borage want?

Borage needs a sunny to partially shaded location to thrive. The substrate should have the following properties:

  • medium to deep
  • permeable
  • nutritious
  • humid environment
  • likes calcareous
  • pH between 6.5 and 7.5

Which plant neighbors are suitable?

Anyone who would like to plant borage between other plants can do so. It goes well with strawberries, cucumbers, zucchinis and cabbage, among others. It is less well looked after in the herb bed between herbs such as parsley, chives and the like. Since it can reach a growth height of up to 80 cm and other plants like to overgrow, other weakly competing herbs would quickly die.

How can borage be propagated?

The cultivation of borage is worthwhile. As a rule, this herb only needs to be sown once. In the years that follow, it sows itself. If you prefer to take the propagation into your own hands, you should use the seeds. The first mature in July. They can be dried after harvest and stored for the next gardening season.

tips and tricks

Due to its rapid growth, the first leaves can be harvested as early as June. Both fresh and older leaves taste good and are suitable for enriching dishes such as cucumber salad and dips.

KKF

Category:

Vegetable garden