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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
$3.55
Growing Companions
Calendula 'Oopsy Daisy'
Borage Organic
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.