How to Grow Flowering Herbs for Pollinators
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Flowering Herbs for Pollinators
Borago officinalis & Matricaria chamomilla
herbA combination of two beneficial flowering herbs that attract pollinators while providing culinary and medicinal uses. Borage produces vibrant blue star-shaped flowers and edible leaves, while chamomile offers delicate daisy-like blooms prized for tea and relaxation.
When should you plant Flowering Herbs for Pollinators in your zone?
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Example Flowering Herbs for Pollinators timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Flowering Herbs for Pollinators
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Flowering Herbs for Pollinators
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Flowering Herbs for Pollinators dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Borage thrives in zones 3-9; Chamomile thrives in zones 3-9
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout within 7-14 days. Seedlings develop true leaves and establish shallow root systems.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlants develop bushy foliage with multiple stems. Borage leaves become hairy and larger; chamomile forms feathery, fine-textured foliage.
Water regularly, fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Begin harvesting outer leaves for borage.
Bud Formation
1-2 weeksFlower buds appear at stem tips. Borage shows green nodular buds that will open into blue flowers; chamomile develops button-like buds.
Ensure adequate sunlight and airflow. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering. Continue regular watering but avoid overwatering.
Flowering
4-8 weeks (multiple flushes)Full blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Borage displays bright blue 5-petaled star flowers; chamomile shows white petals with yellow centers.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Allow some flowers to remain for seed production and pollinator feeding. Water at soil level to keep flowers dry.
Seed Production & Decline
2-4 weeksPlants may set seed and begin to decline as temperatures cool or heat intensifies. Flowers fade and develop seeds.
Allow select flowers to fully mature for seed collection. Cut back plants by one-third to encourage fall rebloom if weather permits. Collect seeds for next season or allow self-seeding.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators like ladybugs; blast off with water spray
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Improve air circulation; apply sulfur dust or potassium bicarbonate fungicide; avoid overhead watering
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Increase humidity; spray with neem oil; use miticide if severe
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and
Hand-pick in early morning; use copper tape barriers; create beer traps; encourage ground beetles
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Hand-pick beetles into soapy water; use pheromone traps away from garden; apply neem oil
Uses
Beverages & Teas
CulinaryBorage flowers and leaves add a mild cucumber flavor to drinks and salads; chamomile flowers brew into a calming herbal tea enjoyed worldwide. Both flowers are edible and add visual appeal to cold beverages and desserts. [source]
Relaxation & Sleep Support
MedicinalChamomile is traditionally used as a gentle sleep aid and to reduce anxiety, containing compounds that promote relaxation. Borage seed oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and has been studied for anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Digestive & Anti-inflammatory Support
MedicinalBoth herbs have historical use in digestive tonics. Borage has been used to support adrenal function and reduce inflammation, while chamomile soothes digestive upset and supports gut health. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThese flowering herbs are exceptional for bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects. Their abundant nectar and pollen provide crucial food sources throughout the growing season, supporting ecosystem health. [source]
Dried Flowers & Arrangements
CraftBorage and chamomile dry beautifully for use in floral arrangements, potpourri, and craft projects. Dried chamomile maintains its daisy-like appearance; borage flowers fade but retain decorative form. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Borage: Harvest leaves anytime for fresh use; pinch flowers just before they fully open for best flavor and appearance (use within hours). Chamomile: Cut flowers in early morning after dew dries but before full heat of day; harvest when petals are just beginning to unfold. Dry flowers by spreading on screens in a warm, dark, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks. Both plants benefit from regular harvesting, which encourages more flowering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Borage flowers are one of the few naturally blue flowers and contain starflower oil, which has been used in cosmetics and supplements for centuries.
- 🌱 Chamomile is one of the most widely consumed herbal teas globally, with 'chamomile' referring to plants that smell like apples (from Greek 'chamae' meaning 'ground' and 'melon' meaning 'apple').
- 🌱 Both herbs have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine—borage was celebrated by Pliny the Elder as a courage-boosting herb, while chamomile was revered in ancient Egypt for embalming and healing practices.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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