White Borage Seed

Borago officinalis 'Alba'

Beautiful white star flowers.
Hairly green stems.
Bees love it.

Supplied as a packet of approximately 40 seeds.

This Product is Available Now.

1 or more £2.25GBP each. Group & quantity discounts

Description

Most of us well know borage to be blue (which we also offer), however this looks just as pretty with it's star like flower and hairy stem but has a white flower. Bees and pollinating insects seem to love it just as much.

The leaves have a cucumber flavour to them and the flowers are edible so great for adding colour to desserts or freezing in ice cubes and adding to a Pimms.

Recommended by the RHS to be an excellent attractant and nectar source for bees and other beneficial insects.

Hardy annual in habit, will self seed very easily.
Prefers in a rich but well drained soil.
Likes a full sun position, the more sun the greater the flavour!
Grows up to 31"(80 cm).
Roughly hairy stems and leaves with pretty blue flowers.
Flowers May - September.
Direct sow outside either thinly in rows or sparsely in clumps.
Lightly cover seed and keep moist.
Thin to 12" (30 cm) apart when large enough to handle.
Alternatively start earlier by thinly sowing in seed trays and just covering the seed.
Keep moist and at a temperature of around 65F (18C).
Transplant and grow on in small pots when large enough to handle and then plant out 12" (30 cm) apart after the fear of frost.

Top Tips.
Can grow quite leggy and messy so prune back to keep contained.
Any unwanted seeds should be removed as Borage likes to self-seed and the new seedlings may take over!

Culinary Uses.
Used in salads.
Decorate soup.
Leaves can flavour drinks.
Flowers can be added to drinks (particularly Pimms!)
Flowers can be candied.

Medicinal Uses.
Used in homeopathy for depression and nervous heat weakness.
Can be used to treat seizures.
The flowers help 'cheer you up'.
Can reduce fever and stimulate blood circulation and lower blood pressure.
The leaves can help to improve the functionality of your kidneys.
Crushed fresh leaves can be used as a compress for tired and swollen legs
Helps dry coughs and sore or infected throats and mouths (including ulcers).
The leaves have anti-inflammatory properties (particularly irritated or inflamed eyes).
Can be used to treat insect bites, stings, bruises, sprains and swelling.
The flowers are high in essential fatty acids which can help regulate hormonal systems, reduce PMS (i.e. re-balance the hormonal system)and increase milk flow for breast feeding mothers.
The seed oil can be used for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Eczema, Arthritis and hangovers!
Leaves can be used in a face pack to help dry skin.

Other Uses.
Great for helping with pollination as bees love Borage.
Flowers can be strung together to make a necklace!
Plant it between tomatoes to prevent hornworm.

Disclaimer
As with all alternative medicines and plants with purported medicinal benefits it is important to inform your health care providers that you are using them; this helps to ensure safe and coordinated care. We can accept no liability for any side effect or contingency from any allergy or any other cause or harm that may arise. If in doubt please do consult a medical practitioner before using.Avoid if you suffer from liver problems.