Borago officinalis
Family: Boraginaceae

Originally from the Mediterranean, this decorative, annual herb is grown for the faint, cucumber-like flavor of its leaves which are used to flavor salads and cool drinks. Borage leaves can also be cooked lightly and eaten like spinach. The flowers, too, are used in salads and are sometimes crystallized using sugar and water solution for use in cake decoration. Borago officinalis has leaves shaped oblong to ovate and lovely, star-shaped, blue or white flowers. It grows to 60 cm (24 in). Borage has a tendency to self-seed in the garden.

Cultivation

This hardy herb grows well even in poor soil and is self-sowing. Alternatively, propagate from seed, cuttings or division of the rootstock in spring.

Climate

Borage is suitable for growing in zone 7 and above.