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- Blue Borage Seed Packet (20 seeds)
Blue Borage Seed Packet (20 seeds)
Axe & Root Homestead is finally sharing seeds from our own growing spaces (with free shipping)! I've been seed-saving for years and using my own stock in my gardens. In 2024, I grew more crops than ever and excess seeds were saved to share with other growers. These seeds were grown in my permaculture gardens, totally naturally, with zero additives, pesticides, or herbicides. Small batches are hand-harvested, dried and packaged here in central New Jersey.
About Borage
Let’s talk about another permaculture powerhouse plant that’s actually in the same family as comfrey. It’s borage and, hopefully, after reading below, you’ll add it to your growing space too. Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Can also be started indoors 3-4 weeks before last frost.
Typical Germination: 7-14 days
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Grows well in many different soils, so long as it's well-draining
Sowing Depth: 1/4"
Height: 2-3 feet tall, depending on soil nutrients
Permaculture Uses
- Similar to comfrey, BORAGE has a taproot. It mines and releases nutrients, especially potassium and calcium. This makes it an AWESOME companion for tomatoes and squash crops. A soil deficiency in these can be what causes blossom end rot.
- BORAGE is like chamomile in that if you sow it once, it’ll reseed itself every year. It’s an annual but comes back with vigor. While not technically invasive, it can be hard to eradicate if you change your mind later. So plant with permanence in mind. I view this as a perk—less work for me.
- BORAGE isn’t just a nutrient accumulator, it’s also a mulcher. Chop and drop the leaves as garden mulch. It’ll release the nutrients it contains back into the top layers of the soil as it decays. This helps other plants.
- It’s said cabbage worms and horn worms HATE BORAGE. Rabbits and deer also dislike it!
- This plant is a pollinator magnet. Honeybees, native bees, beneficial wasps, etc LOVE BORAGE. Plant next to cucumber to increase your veggie yields.
- Speaking of pollinators, BORAGE flowers are unique. They refill their nectar in just minutes, making this an incredible food source.
- You can actually grow this as a cover crop. Cut and let decay in place in areas where you’d like to improve soil.
- Fertilize your garden with BORAGE TEA. Chop the leaves and soak in 1 part BORAGE to 10 parts water. Steep 24 hours, with a bubbler if you have one, and water your garden.
- Thanks to all its nutrients, BORAGE is a compost activator. Toss in your heap to get the good microbes going!
- BORAGE flowers are edible for humans!
- There are said to be loads of medicinal benefits of BORAGE. If you’re into the home apothecary, this may help an excellent plant to research.
Be sure to understand your own growing zone and microclimate before planting seeds. Research is advised on plant varieties, requirements, and specifications. After seeds arrive, refer back to this product listing for suggested sowing instructions. Instructions will not be shipped with seeds in an effort to save paper.
IMPORTANT:
Refunds will not be provided for ungerminated seeds. These seeds are used in my own personal garden and have been found to be viable. Please research seed sowing processes before purchasing as faulty sowing, user error, extreme weather conditions, or other factors resulting in poor germination rates are outside of our control. No exceptions.