Grow: borage

Borage is a wonderful dual-purpose annual that functions as both a companion flower and a herb. It grows into a small bush with attractive purple-blue flowers that are a magnet for pollinators and beneficial insects like hoverflies. I love borage for its generosity: it self-sows prolifically, attracts pollinators in droves and is edible, from leaf to flower. Also look out for the less-common, white-flowering variety.

Officially borage is a warm-season annual but if you sow right now there’s still enough time to get flowers before the winter chill arrives. It has a long taproot and resents being moved, so it’s best to sow seeds directly into the garden. While it prefers well-drained soil enriched with compost, it is forgiving of most conditions. Once established, plants are surprisingly drought tolerant. Avoid heavy feeding as too much fertiliser encourages leaf growth at the expense of flowers. If your garden is prone to wind, provide support with light staking as the hollow stems can be brittle.

The leaves and flowers have a refreshing, mild cucumber taste. Pick young, tender leaves sparingly for salads, as older foliage becomes unpleasantly prickly. The flowers are the real drawcard – pick them when fully open and vibrant blue. Freeze individual blooms in ice-cube trays for a stunning visual effect in drinks or use them to decorate cakes.

For more seasonal picks from Jian Liu’s garden, get a copy of our Autumn 2026 issue. She even gives a list of the pests to keep an eye out for! You’ll find it in newsagents and selected supermarkets. Or you can subscribe here to get an issue delivered to your door!