How To Grow Borage in Australia

Quick Guide: Growing Borage in Australia

• Optimal Growing Temperatures: Between 10°C and 25°C.
• Ready to Harvest: 8-10 weeks after planting.
• Space Between Plants: Plant 20 cm apart.
• Companion Plants: Strawberry, Tomatoes, Zucchini... (See More)
• Plants to Avoid: None. (See More)
• Plant Type: Seed.

When to Plant Borage in Australia

Tropical

Best planting months for Borage in the Tropical regions are from May to August. This includes areas like Cairns, Darwin, and Broome.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Subtropical

For the Subtropical region, Borage can be planted from August to November. Cities in the Subtropical region include Brisbane, Central Coast, and Sydney.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Temperate

Borage can be planted from September to December in the Temperate regions of Australia. Cities in the Temperate region include Melbourne, Adelaide, Geelong, and Perth.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Cool

For the Cool region, Borage can be planted from October to November. Cities in the Cool region include alpine regions of Victoria and Tasmania.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Arid

Best planting months for Borage in the Arid region are January, August, September, October, November, and December.

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Getting Started with Borage

If you're interested in growing borage in Australia, here are the essential steps to get started:

Choosing the Right Location

When selecting a location for your borage plants, choose a spot that receives full sun. Borage thrives in sunny conditions and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Ensure that the area has well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, as borage prefers soil that is slightly moist but not waterlogged.

Preparing the Soil

Before sowing borage seeds, it's important to prepare the soil to create optimum growing conditions. Borage prefers fertile and well-draining soil. Start by removing any weeds or rocks from the area. Loosen the soil using a garden fork or tiller to a depth of about 6-8 inches. Incorporate organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil to improve its fertility and drainage. This will provide a nutrient-rich environment for your borage plants to thrive.

Sowing Borage Seeds

Once the soil is prepared, it's time to sow the borage seeds. Borage seeds can be directly sown into the ground, as they don't transplant well. Scatter the seeds evenly over the prepared soil and lightly cover them with a thin layer of soil or compost. Water the area gently to ensure the seeds are well-moistened.

Borage seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days, depending on the conditions. Keep the soil consistently moist during the germination period to encourage successful sprouting. As the seedlings grow, thin them out to provide adequate spacing between the plants. Aim for a spacing of about 12-18 inches between each borage plant.

By following these steps, you can start your borage journey and enjoy the beauty and benefits it brings to your garden. For more information on growing other vegetables and herbs in Australia, check out our A-Z Grow Guides for detailed instructions on various plants like lettuce, amaranth, corn, dill, rosella, mitzuna and mibuna, mint, and fennel.

Caring for Borage Plants

Once you have successfully planted borage in your garden, it's important to provide the proper care to ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms. Caring for borage plants involves attention to their watering needs, fertilisation, and protection against pests and diseases.

Watering and Moisture Requirements

Borage plants have moderate water requirements and prefer consistently moist soil. Watering borage deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture levels, is usually sufficient. It is essential to avoid overwatering, as borage plants are prone to root rot in waterlogged soil. Regularly check the soil moisture level by inserting your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If it feels dry, it's time to water.

Fertilising Borage

Borage is a relatively low-maintenance plant that doesn't require heavy fertilization. However, fertilising borage can help promote healthy growth and enhance flower production. Apply a balanced organic fertiliser, such as compost or well-rotted manure, during the initial planting stage to provide essential nutrients to the soil. It's generally recommended to fertilise borage plants once a month during the growing season to support their overall development. For more information on organic gardening and fertilisation, check out our article on how to grow lettuce in Australia.

Managing Pests and Diseases

Fortunately, borage is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, some common garden pests, such as aphids and caterpillars, may occasionally target the plants. Managing pests can be achieved through various organic methods, including handpicking pests, using insecticidal soaps, or attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control pest populations. Regularly inspect your borage plants for any signs of pest infestation and take appropriate measures to address the issue. For more information on organic pest control, refer to our article on how to grow amaranth in Australia.

In terms of diseases, borage is generally resistant. However, excessive moisture and poor air circulation can lead to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew. To prevent such issues, ensure proper spacing between plants to promote airflow and avoid overhead watering. If necessary, apply organic fungicides as a preventative measure. If you encounter any specific disease concerns, consult our article on how to grow corn in Australia for additional guidance.

Caring for your borage plants by providing appropriate watering, fertilisation, and pest and disease management will help ensure their vitality and longevity. With proper care, your borage plants will flourish, providing you with beautiful blooms and the opportunity to enjoy their culinary and medicinal benefits.

Harvesting and Using Borage

Once your borage plants have reached maturity, it's time to reap the rewards of your gardening efforts. In this section, we will explore when and how to harvest borage, as well as its culinary and medicinal uses.

When to Harvest Borage

Borage flowers and leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season. The optimal time to harvest borage flowers is when they are fully open and in full bloom. The vibrant blue flowers not only add beauty to your garden but can also be used in various culinary creations. For the best flavor and fragrance, it is recommended to harvest the flowers in the morning when their essential oils are at their peak.

When it comes to harvesting borage leaves, you can begin once the plant has developed a sufficient number of leaves. Select the larger, outer leaves for harvesting, leaving the smaller, inner leaves to continue growing. Regularly harvesting the leaves will encourage new growth and ensure a continuous supply throughout the season.

Harvesting Borage Flowers and Leaves

To harvest borage flowers, simply snip the stems just below the base of the flower using clean garden shears or scissors. It's important to handle the delicate flowers with care to avoid damaging them. Place the harvested flowers in a clean container or basket, being mindful not to overcrowd or crush them.

When harvesting borage leaves, choose the larger, outer leaves and cut them close to the base of the plant. It's best to harvest the leaves in the morning when they are at their freshest. To maintain the plant's health and productivity, avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant's leaves at a time.

Borage Companion Planting

When it comes to gardening, companion planting is a valuable technique that can benefit your plants in various ways. Borage, in particular, is known to be an excellent companion plant due to its beneficial properties. In this section, we will explore the plants that thrive with borage, the benefits of borage companion planting, and some tips for successful companion planting.

Plants That Thrive with Borage

Borage is a versatile companion plant that can enhance the growth and health of neighbouring plants. Some plants that thrive when planted alongside borage include:

• Lettuce: Borage provides shade to lettuce and helps to deter pests such as aphids.
• Amaranth: Borage attracts bees and other pollinators, benefiting the pollination process for amaranth.
• Corn: Borage attracts beneficial insects that prey on corn pests, helping to reduce pest populations.
• Dill: Borage attracts predatory wasps that feed on dill pests, providing natural pest control.
• Rosella: Borage attracts bees and other pollinators, which can enhance the pollination process and increase rosella yield.
• Mitzuna and Mibuna: Borage provides shade and acts as a living mulch, helping to conserve moisture for these leafy greens.
• Mint: Borage attracts beneficial insects that can help control mint pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
• Fennel: Borage helps deter pests that commonly affect fennel, such as aphids and whiteflies.

By incorporating borage into your garden, you can create a diverse and harmonious environment that promotes plant growth and natural pest control.

Benefits of Borage Companion Planting

Companion planting with borage offers several benefits to your garden. Some of these benefits include:

1. Pollination: Borage is a magnet for bees and other pollinators. By attracting these beneficial insects, borage helps to enhance the pollination process, resulting in improved fruit and seed production for neighboring plants.
2. Pest Control: Borage is known to repel or deter certain pests, such as aphids, tomato hornworms, and cabbage worms. By planting borage alongside susceptible plants, you can help protect them from these common garden pests.
3. Nutrient Accumulation: Borage has deep taproots that can reach nutrients present in lower soil layers. When borage plants die and decompose, these nutrients are released back into the soil, benefiting nearby plants.
4. Shade and Weed Suppression: Borage plants can provide shade for sun-sensitive plants, helping to regulate soil temperature and reduce weed growth. The large, bushy nature of borage also helps to suppress weeds by shading the soil surface.

Tips for Successful Companion Planting

To make the most of companion planting with borage, consider the following tips:

• Plant borage strategically: Place borage plants strategically throughout your garden to maximise their benefits. For example, consider planting borage near susceptible plants or in areas where you want to attract pollinators.
• Rotate companion plants: Rotate the placement of your companion plants each growing season to prevent the build-up of pests or diseases that may affect specific plants.
• Provide adequate spacing: Allow sufficient space between companion plants to ensure they have enough room to grow and receive adequate sunlight and airflow.
• Monitor and adapt: Regularly monitor your companion planting arrangements and make adjustments as needed. If you notice any issues or imbalances, such as overcrowding or excessive pest damage, consider repositioning or adding/removing companion plants.

By incorporating borage into your garden as a companion plant, you can create a thriving and balanced ecosystem that benefits both your plants and the environment.

If you want to know more about what to plant and how to perfectly grow them, you can visit out A-Z Growing Guides for more information!