How to Grow Starflower
Starflower
Borago officinalis
herbStarflower, also known as borage, is an annual herb with distinctive star-shaped blue flowers and fuzzy stems and leaves. It is valued for its edible flowers, leaves with a cucumber-like flavor, and numerous culinary and medicinal applications. The plant is easy to grow and attracts pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden.
When should you plant Starflower in your zone?
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Example Starflower timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Starflower
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 Starflower
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Starflower dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-9; grows as annual in most regions, perennial in warmer zones
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Germination
1-2 weeksSeeds sprout and cotyledons emerge; fuzzy texture begins to develop
Keep soil lightly moist; germination occurs in 7-10 days at 60-70°F. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early.
Seedling & Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksTrue leaves develop with distinctive hairy texture; plant grows bushy with multiple stems
Gradually reduce watering frequency. Avoid high nitrogen to prevent excessive leaf growth. Support stems if needed in windy locations.
Flowering
6-8 weeks, extends with deadheadingStar-shaped blue (occasionally pink or white) flowers appear in terminal clusters; flowers are attractive to pollinators
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Harvest flowers regularly for culinary use. Provide consistent watering during peak flowering.
Seed Development
3-4 weeksFlowers fade and seed pods develop; plants may self-seed if flowers are left unharvested
Allow some flowers to mature if self-seeding is desired. Remove bolting plants if you want to focus on leaf and flower harvest.
Maturity & Decline
Variable based on climatePlant begins to decline as temperatures rise in summer or as annual life cycle completes
In cool climates, succession plant every 3-4 weeks for continuous harvest. In hot climates, plant in spring for early season or fall for late season production.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick beetles; spray with neem oil; encourage natural predators like birds
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust if severe; resistant varieties available
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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and
(beneficial, not pests)
Avoid pesticides; encourage visitation by providing water and shelter
Uses
Edible Flowers & Garnish
CulinaryThe distinctive star-shaped blue flowers are widely used as a garnish for salads, cocktails, desserts, and special dishes, adding both visual appeal and a subtle cucumber-like flavor. Flowers can be candied, frozen in ice cubes, or used fresh to decorate cakes and other culinary creations. [source]
Herbal Tea & Beverages
CulinaryFresh or dried leaves and flowers brew into a refreshing herbal tea with a delicate cucumber-like flavor and mild sweetness. The tea has traditionally been used to cool and refresh, and is popular in lemonade, punch, and other summer beverages. [source]
Anti-inflammatory & Skin Health
MedicinalBorage seed oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and has been traditionally used to support skin health, reduce inflammation, and support immune function. The plant contains compounds that may help with conditions like eczema and general dermatological health. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
HouseholdStarflower is an excellent pollinator plant that attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden. This makes it valuable for improving fruit and vegetable production in companion plantings. [source]
Salad Greens & Fresh Cooking
CulinaryYoung tender leaves add a fresh, cooling cucumber-like flavor to salads, soups, and cooked dishes. The leaves are most tender and flavorful when young; older leaves become tougher and hairier. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest leaves continuously once plant is 6-8 inches tall by pinching off top growth; this encourages bushier plants and more flowers. Flowers are ready to harvest as soon as they open and can be picked throughout the day. For culinary use, harvest leaves in morning after dew dries. Both leaves and flowers are edible and taste mildly of cucumber. Freeze flowers in ice cubes or dry leaves for tea.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Starflower has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and was brought to Britain by the Romans, where it became a traditional cottage garden plant known as the 'herb of courage' for its supposed ability to bolster confidence in warriors.
- 🌱 The plant is a prolific self-seeder and can naturalize in gardens; many gardeners appreciate its ability to volunteer year after year without replanting.
- 🌱 Bees are highly attracted to starflower, and it is considered one of the best honey plants; the flowers can bloom for months and continuously attract pollinator activity.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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