The Borage, 'Borage officinalis', is like a handful of little stars plucked from a deep blue sky and sprinkled on a summer salad that may drive away all melancholy and it is nutricious, tastefully useful herb! Borage is a large plant. The flowers are usually blue, but may be pink or lavender. The Borage is an excellent bee plant and the leaves contain copious amounts of vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, potassium, and vitamin C.
Borage leaves can be steamed as you would spinach or chard or used raw in salads, iced beverages, or in salad dressings. The stems can also be peeled and chopped and used like celery. The edible flowers can be used as garnish on green or fruit salads or candied for winter use. This is a very easy to grow ornamental plant for beginning gardeners. Plant in the spring after all danger of frost has past and in mild climates, plant anytime. Borage prefers well drained rich soil.