Image: AI generated
Borage Plant Care
Borago officinalis L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Borage, also known as starflower, is an annual herb in the flowering plant family Boraginaceae native to the Mediterranean region. Although the plant contains small amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, some parts are edible and its seeds provide oil.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Borage?
Water Borage every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Borage Native To?
What Is the Borage?
Borage (Borago officinalis) belongs to the Boraginaceae family within the Borago genus. Borage is native to the Mediterranean region. Borage is also known as Starflower, Talewort, Bee Bread.
Borage displays an upright, branching herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Borage produces bright blue star-shaped flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Borage?
Borago officinalis requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Borage Need?
Borage thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Borage Prefer?
Borago officinalis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Borage prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Borage?
Well-draining sandy loam with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Borage to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Borage?
Feed Borage every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Borage?
Repot annually in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Borage?
Borage can be propagated through seeds.
Is the Borage Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Borage?
Borage is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Borage Need?
Borage grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Borage is native to the Mediterranean region. In cooler regions, grow Borage as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Borage is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Borago genus — compare its care with other Borago species on PlantoScan.
Borago is part of the Boraginaceae plant family — browse all Boraginaceae genera and species.
Borage thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Borago officinalis L., family Boraginaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 137 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Borage as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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