This winter I have been experimenting with growing various herbs and vegetables.
Borage is something I always loved in New Hampshire, but can borage grow in Florida? Well, yes and no. What I’ve found is that it will grow when the weather is nice and cool.
My borage seeds were planted in late October and by the end of November I had one flowering borage plant.
The borage seeds were planted all over my yard. Some were put into grow boxes and some went directly into the ground. I even put a few into a hanging basket.
We’ve had horrible weather, but on nice days you may see bees at the flowers. I’m always happy when anything flowers in my yard.
Two borage plants came up side by side in one of the grow boxes. This one has a bunch of flowers. It is growing among the Chijimisai spinach.
I didn’t have high hopes for the borage to grow, so I scattered some seeds beneath on of my pineapple plants (this pineapple ended up being a double) in a white barrel raised bed. The leaves are now huge, and at least one of the plants has flower buds. So of course, it would grow nicely when you don’t plan on it! Next year I will do better.
None of the borage seeds I planted into the ground are doing much. They are all still very small. The hanging basket plants are very tiny also.
All plants are getting about the same amount of sun. They are all outdoors and getting the same rainfall and water. All I can figure is that the soil is better in the boxes which is causing the borage to grow larger.
Borage For Tea
For me, having borage for a tea supply is worth trying to make it grow. Even if it never flowers, I will have leaves. Borage tea, made from fresh picked leaves, is mild and delicious. Borage has some health benefits also, which you can easily research. I’m interested in kidney health.
Some of my leaves are quite large, and it only takes one to brew a nice, hot cup. It can be made as ice tea for those who grow it in summer in the north. Float some flowers in your drink too!
Borage in my December Garden
The growth of borage from seeds is random in the yard. The cooler the weather becomes, the better it looks. Don’t waste your time trying to grow this plant in a Florida summer!
Yes, Borage Grows in Florida
I live in east, Central Florida and yes, I have grown borage. Choose cool months for planting and direct sow the seeds. Be patient because they may not grow quickly.
The seeds form up inside the hanging flower pod. If they ever dry in this weather, I will collect the seeds to plant next Fall. It will be something to look forward to – enjoying tea and the beautiful, blue flowers once again.
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