Borage is an easy to grow hardy annual herb that produces delicate, star-shaped blue flowers that are great for attracting bees.

Borage has a delicate cucumber-like flavour, and both the leaves and flowers are edible. They are often used fresh as an attractive garnish or in salads and summer drinks.

Borage seeds can be sown directly in well-worked, moist soil in a sunny position from March-May. It can also be grown in containers.

Space the seeds approximately 8-10 inches apart. Borage does best if it is grown in clumps so that it offers support to each other as the hollow stems grow tall and are vulnerable to strong winds. Therefore, no need to thin out seedlings.

Borage has shallow roots and can be pulled easily if you want to keep it in control and confine it. Keep Borage watered well in dry spells, not allowing it to dry out.

Borage self-seeds and flowers for most of the season. You can pick flowers and young leaves as and when you require them. They are best used fresh, although you can saute the leaves like spinach.

Borage makes a good growing companion for strawberries and attracts butterflies and bees.