When to Plant Borage in Brisbane — Subtropical Guide
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
A hardy annual herb with stunning blue star-shaped flowers and cucumber-flavoured leaves. Excellent companion plant and pollinator attractor. Self-sows prolifically once established. Both flowers and young leaves are edible. One of the easiest herbs to grow in Australia.
Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 23.6°C (optimal range: 10–25°C) ✓ Ready to plant
How to Grow Borage in Subtropical Australia
When to Plant
Sow Mar-Jun and Aug-Nov. Avoid midsummer heat.
- Soil
- Any well-drained soil, even poor soils. Tolerant of a wide range of conditions.
- pH Range
- 6.0-7.0
- Sunlight
- Full sun to part shade. Flowers best in full sun.
- Spacing
- 30cm apart, 45cm between rows
- Watering
- Moderate watering. Drought tolerant once established. Overwatering causes lanky, floppy growth.
Companion plants: Tomato, Strawberry, Squash, Brassicas
Subtropical Growing Tips for Borage
Recommended Varieties
- Standard Borago officinalis
Key Challenges
- Summer heat causes rapid bolting and decline
- Self-sows so prolifically it can become weedy
Pro Tips
- Autumn sowing produces strongest plants
- Pull self-sown seedlings you don't want early
- Excellent companion for strawberries
Harvesting Borage
When ready: Harvest young leaves before flowering for best flavour. Pick flowers when fully open - they should pop off easily.
How to harvest: Pick young tender leaves from top of plant. Pluck individual flowers by pinching stem behind flower. Older leaves become hairy and unpalatable.
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