Borage

Borage likes to grow in full sun in the ground, but will tolerate light shade. They will grow on any soil that is not 



Describes soil or potting compost that is saturated with water. The water displaces air from the spaces between soil particles and plant roots can literally drown, unless they are adapted to growing in waterlogged conditions. Waterlogging is common on poorly drained soil or when heavy soil is compacted. 

waterlogged and like moist soil in summer to produce the biggest, best plants.

You can grow boarage easily in containers too. They are quite large plants, so use a pot at least 30cm (1ft) wide to ensure it's big enough to support it's size and weight.

When to plant

Plant young plants and sow seed of borage directly in the ground in spring (April/May).

It's best to plant Borago pygmaea in spring, although you can planted at any time as long as the soil is not frozen or waterlogged.

How to plant

In the ground

Young borage plants are easy to plant in the garden, as you simply need to dig a hole large enough to take the roots, firm back the surround soil and water. The soil doesn't have to be improved with organic matter but, if you do, it will certainly help your plants to grow bigger. Plants should be spaced about 50cm (20in) apart.

To sow the seeds in spring, see Propagation below.

In containers

Pot up borage using a multi-purpose peat-free compost. You can also sow seed directly into the surface of the 



Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own.

compost in spring, see Propagation below. You'll only have room for one borage plant per 30cm (1ft) pot.