Borago officinalis

One of the prettiest herbs to grow, with its abundant sky blue or pink star-shaped flowers with distinctive black centers. It is an annual herb and grows quickly from seed to become a large, sprawling plant, reaching a height of 18-30 in, so make sure you grow it where there is plenty of space. It is not suitable for container growing due to its long tap root. Either leave the plant to seed itself or sow seeds in spring and fall.

Although it does not transplant very well, borage will thrive in a poor chalky or sandy soil with plenty of sun. It is quite a hardy plant and will continue to bloom for many months, whatever the weather. The borage plant has tough, prickly green leaves which, when young, are a good source of vitamin C and can be cooked like spinach.

Uses: Both the leaves and flowers of the borage plant smell and taste remarkably like cucumber, which is why they are often added to iced drinks. Add flowers and finely chopped leaves to pitchers of Pimms, fruit punches or wine cups.

Medicinal: In herbal medicine infusions of borage are used to treat colds, bronchitis and rheumatic conditions and in compresses to treat skin rashes.

Legends: In medieval times borage was thought to provide courage. The Crusaders were said to drink infusions of borage leaves mixed with wine before heading into battle.

"Sprigs of borage are of known virtue to revive the hypochondriac and cheer the hard student."
John Evelyn, late seventeenth century