Skip to the content
SELECT SEEDS
Borage 'Alba'
Seed Packet

Borage 'Alba'

Borago officinalis
The ancient companion to blue borage, this pristine white-flowered form is rare in gardens today. Grow it in a container to show off its nodding star-shaped blossoms. Welcome in herb and vegetable gardens too, where it attracts beneficial insects and repels hornworms on tomatoes while proving irresistible to pollinating bees.
SKU #S278
$3.25
Growing Companions
Calendula 'Oopsy Daisy'
Calendula 'Oopsy Daisy'
Borage Organic
Borage Organic
Snow on the Mountain
Snow on the Mountain
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
25
Lifecycle
Annual
Annual Hardiness
Half Hardy Annual
Mature Size
2.5' h x 1-1.5' w
Sun
Full sun
Soil
Regular to rich, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Pure white
Features
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
Attracts Beneficial Insects
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
1/8"
Sprout Time:
7-14 days
Seed To Bloom:
10-12 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Sow indoors in pots 3-4 weeks before planting out after frost; keep at 60-70°F.
Starting Outdoors:
Recommended. Direct sow after last frost.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
After all danger of frost has passed.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Borage is a vital plant for bees, as its starry blooms continuously refill with nectar. In vegetable gardens, it makes a fantastic companion plant for strawberries, tomatoes, squash, bush beans, and lettuce. To encourage bushiness, pinch back the plant early and deadhead to prolong blooming, but leave some flowers to self-sow. The edible blue blossoms look enchanting when frozen inside ice cubes that slowly melt in your summer drink.
Final Spacing:
1'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
About 1" per week
Soil pH:
Not particular about soil pH. Neutral and Alkaline
Fertilizer:
Mix a few inches of compost into the soil prior to planting. Supplement with an organic or liquid fertilizer according to package instructions, if desired or if soil is poor.
Diseases & Pests:
Avoid powdery mildew by spacing properly and in a location that has decent air circulation.