Borragine - Borrana

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Boraginaceae

Order

Boraginales

Genus

Borage

Species

officinalis

Description

An annual herb with edible leaves that have a typically rough surface due to the presence of dense downy hairs. As a nectar-producing plant, during its spring and summer flowering period it attracts insects that are beneficial for pollination and the preservation of biodiversity, such as bees and bumblebees, making it a valuable addition when grown in combination with other species in your vegetable garden. Easy to grow, it requires well-drained soil and preferably a position in full sun.

Variety description

It is a herbaceous plant whose young leaves are used; it is best to harvest them before flowering, i.e. in late spring. It is also an excellent plant for medicinal purposes. It has low cultivation requirements, as it does not require heavy fertilisation or watering; however, it is essential for the success of the crop to keep the soil free of weeds that could hinder the plant’s growth. It is best grown in full sun or, at most, in partial shade.

Curiosities and special features

Cooked borage leaves are widely used in cooking to add a distinctive flavour to pasta dishes such as ravioli, as well as to side dishes, omelettes and savoury tarts. The flowers are also used to decorate and garnish dishes and desserts.

Origin and distribution

A species native to the temperate regions of the western and central Mediterranean.

Leaf

The leaves have an oval shape, are rough to the touch and have clearly defined veins.

Fruit

The leaf has a tender texture and an even colour. It ripens from late spring to early summer, developing an intense aroma and a fragrant flavour on the palate. The flavour is herbaceous with a fresh taste that characterises this variety. According to the technical assessment, the leaf is distinguished by good organoleptic characteristics and an overall high standard of quality.

Leaf colour

Uniform colour.

Plant height

The plant’s height ranges from 0.4 to 0.7 m.

Lifespan

An annual herbaceous plant.

Where to plant

Suitable for growing in flowerbeds or pots.

Stem

A herbaceous stem that is hollow inside; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape, small to medium in size, with a gamopetalous corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in medium-sized, scorpioid inflorescences. It flowers from spring to summer. It attracts bees and bumblebees.

Growth

A plant with determinate growth.

Plant habit

It develops an erect habit.

Branching

Moderately branched.

PH

The optimum pH of the growing medium or soil for borage ranges from 6.0 to 7.0. Care should also be taken with regard to the acidity of the water used for watering, as this must not affect the specified optimum pH level.

Soil preparation

Before spring planting, dig the soil to a depth of about 20–30 cm, removing any weeds and residues from previous crops, then work in organic or chemical fertiliser evenly. To ensure proper drainage of excess water, thereby preventing harmful waterlogging, create a raised bed by gently mounding the soil; finally, level the surface carefully using a rake.

Carry out several weeding sessions throughout the plant’s growth cycle to limit competition from any weeds present within the growing area; mulching the soil is also beneficial.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

It requires partial shade or full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 25 °C during the vegetative growth stage.

Use

Borage is widely used in the following sectors:
Agri-food Medicinal / herbal medicine

It is also of interest as an ornamental plant, adding elegance and originality to flowerbeds and borders with its blooms.

Hardiness

A plant of medium hardiness.

Good weed control, careful attention to watering and fertilisation with low nitrogen content are the three fundamental rules for achieving a good balance in terms of the plant’s growth.

Soil

It prefers a medium-textured, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; for growing in pots, choose a high-quality potting compost specifically designed for vegetable plants.

Difficulty

Provided the right growing conditions are in place, growing borage is fairly straightforward.

Growing tips

Some useful and specific cultivation guidelines for achieving optimal vegetative growth:
Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering

Intercropping/combination

When in flower, borage attracts insects that aid pollination, such as bees and bumblebees; for this reason, it can be beneficial to grow it alongside crops such as strawberries, tomatoes and courgettes.

Combinations with other plants

It is interesting to use borage as an ornamental plant in mixed plantings with other flowering herbaceous plants in flowerbeds or borders.

Planting

Plant at an average density of 7 plants per square metre, placing them in a raised bed with the root collar above ground level. It is advisable to transplant the plant shortly after purchasing the potted seedling, as its taproot system needs space in depth to grow.

Pruning

Borage has excellent regrowth properties, which is why it is possible to harvest it two or three times over the course of the entire growing season.

If you wish to harvest only the leaves, the ideal time is just before flowering; harvest in the morning as the aromatic content is highest then.

Propagation

Propagation is carried out by sowing seeds in the open field in spring.

Direct sowing is preferable as the plant has a taproot, the development of which could be adversely affected if transplanting is chosen.

Watering

Look after the seedling in the early stages after transplanting by watering it a little at a time and frequently, preferably in the morning.

Once the plant has fully settled into its new location, allow the growing medium or soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent both drying out and waterlogging.

Avoid waterlogging at all costs and water only when the top 5 cm of soil is dry, as the plant’s taproot means it does not require large amounts of water. Watering thoroughly but infrequently is a practice that promotes the plant’s root development.

Do not water the above-ground part of the seedling in the evening to prevent the spread of plant diseases.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

Apply granular organic fertiliser before sowing or before transplanting.

Subsequently, if necessary, apply a water-soluble fertiliser specifically designed for vegetable crops to the soil, diluting it in the irrigation water without exceeding the recommended dose or frequency.

Avoid over-fertilising with nitrogen during the early stages of development, as this would result in few flowers and many excessively tender leaves. Adequate potassium fertilisation promotes robust leaves and abundant flowering.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Edibility for humans

Edible

Toxicity for humans

Do not use excessively and take the specific circumstances into account.

Tip

The main pests and diseases that need to be controlled include: powdery mildew, white rust, aphids and slugs. You should therefore keep a close eye on the plant’s health at all times.