HOW TO GROW BORAGE

by | Feb 23, 2026

How to Plant Borage (Borago officinalis)

Borago officinalis is a fast-growing annual herb with bright blue edible flowers that bees absolutely love. It’s easy to grow and thrives in Middle Tennessee gardens.

When to Plant

  • In Nashville (Zone 7a): late March–early April

  • You can also sow again in late summer for fall blooms

Where to Plant

  • Full sun (6–8 hours daily)

  • Well-drained soil (tolerates poor soil)

  • Space about 18–24 inches apart

  • Grows 2–3 feet tall and wide

Great near:

  • Tomatoes

  • Squash

  • Strawberries

It attracts pollinators and beneficial insects.

Water & Care

  • Keep soil moist during germination.

  • Once established, it’s drought tolerant.

  • No heavy fertilizing needed.

  • Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

Maintenance Tips

  • Pinch tips to encourage bushier growth.

  • Deadhead if you don’t want self-seeding.

  • It will reseed easily if allowed to flower and drop seed.

Harvesting

  • Leaves: Harvest young for salads or tea (older leaves get prickly).

  • Flowers: Edible, mild cucumber flavor — great in lemonade or as garnish.

Good to Know

  • Leaves are fuzzy/prickly.

  • Annual, but often returns from self-seeding.

  • Deep taproot helps break up soil.

Here’s a Pollinator-Focused Companion Planting Chart designed to boost bee activity and improve yields in vegetable gardens (great for Middle Tennessee growing conditions 🌞).

Pollinator-Focused Companion Chart

Using Borage as a Pollinator Magnet

Main Crop How Borage Helps Best Pollinators Attracted Planting Tip
🍅 Tomatoes Increases fruit set; attracts bees for better pollination Honeybees, native bees Plant 1 borage every 2–3 tomato plants
🥒 Cucumbers Improves pollination of female flowers Bumblebees, squash bees Plant at row ends or corners
🎃 Squash & Zucchini Boosts pollinator visits; draws beneficial insects Squash bees, honeybees Plant 1 per 3–4 squash plants
🍓 Strawberries Increases berry size & pollinator activity Small native bees Plant along border edges
🫑 Peppers Encourages consistent fruit development Honeybees, bumblebees Interplant between rows
🌿 Herbs (Basil, Dill) Attracts predatory insects + pollinators Hoverflies, parasitic wasps Plant nearby but not crowded

Why Borage Works So Well

  • Blooms continuously through summer

  • Bright blue flowers refill nectar quickly

  • Attracts native bees, honeybees, and beneficial predatory insects

  • Deep roots mine nutrients and improve soil

Pollinator Layering Strategy (Best Results)

For maximum pollinator traffic, combine:

  • Early bloomers (cilantro, arugula bolting)

  • Mid-season bloomers (borage, basil flowers)

  • Late bloomers (sunflowers, zinnias)

This creates a season-long nectar buffet.

Spacing Layout Idea

Vegetable row → every 4–6 feet plant 1 borage
OR
Plant borage at garden corners to act as “pollinator beacons.”

Bonus: Beneficial Insects Attracted

  • Lacewings (aphid control)

  • Lady beetles

  • Parasitic wasps