Borage

"… quieteth the phrenticke or lunaticke person."

John Gerard, The Herball, 1597

Borage is what the Welsh called Llanwenlys or "herb of gladness". It has a faint taste of cucumber and as far back as the time of Ancient Greece it was put into wine. Pliny called it Euphrosium because it made men joyful. John Evelyn (Acetaria, 1699) noted that this plant was known “to revive the hypochondriac”. Modern researchers have found it stimulates the adrenal gland. Also Borage contains calcium, potassium and saline mucilage (which cools).

Borage is a native of the Mediterranean and has hairy, greyish-green leaves with vivid blue or purplish, star-shaped flowers. The stems are hollow and branching. The flowers attract bees to your garden.

Companion Planting:

Some herbals say that Borage will increase the size and yield of strawberries, this may have something to do with the number of bees that this plant attracts. Borage also like tomatoes and squash, and is said to deter tomato grub.

Growing:

Grow from seed (as it is not supposed to transplant well). Sow seed in early Spring about 5cm (2 inches) deep in a sunny spot. In 5 to 6 weeks it matures to 0.75 of a metre (2 foot). It is an annual that easily self-sows, although some areas may find it will rot in the ground if it is too wet.

Harvesting:

Pick young leaves and flowers as required.

Culinary Use:

Add leaves or flowers to white wine, punch, lemonade or cider for a refreshing drink. Add chopped leaves to soups (such as cabbage, pea and bean) or add to salads. Flowers can be candied. The leaves can be used to make a tea that soothes the throat. A syrup and jam can be made from the flowers.

© 2020 West Wollongong Garden Club Inc.