{"product_id":"herb-borage-500-non-gmo-heirloom-seeds","title":"Herb Borage 500 Non-GMO, Heirloom Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(36, 107, 138);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHerb Borage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e is a captivating multipurpose herb prized for its refreshing cucumber-like flavor, stunning star-shaped blue flowers, and remarkable value as a pollinator powerhouse. This vigorous heirloom variety grows into tall, bristly-stemmed plants bearing an abundance of brilliant cobalt-blue, five-petaled star flowers that bloom continuously through the season. The defining characteristic of Borage is its authentic cucumber aroma and flavor in both leaves and flowers, establishing a unique foundation for beverage infusions, culinary garnishes, and specialty applications. The brilliant edible flowers deliver the same cucumber-forward profile as the foliage — making them prized garnishes for cocktails, gin-based drinks, salads, and desserts where stunning floral presentation enhances visual appeal. Known historically as the “courage herb,” Borage has been cultivated in herb gardens for over 2,000 years. Matures and begins blooming in approximately 55–70 days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(8, 79, 11);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination Rate: See packet.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose Herb Borage?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeirloom Seed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Passed down through generations for at least 75 years for reliable blooms and authentic flavor.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNon-GMO Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plants whose DNA structure has not been altered in ways that do not occur naturally through traditional breeding methods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUnique Cucumber Flavor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Both leaves and flowers carry a fresh, authentic cucumber taste and aroma — a rare and distinctive flavor profile with no close substitute in the herb garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStunning Edible Blue Flowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brilliant cobalt-blue star-shaped flowers are among the most visually striking edible flowers available — prized by chefs, mixologists, and home cooks alike.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExceptional Pollinator Magnet:\u003c\/strong\u003e One of the highest-rated pollinator herbs — the open flower structure allows bees and beneficial insects to access nectar easily. A single Borage plant can attract dozens of bees on a warm day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompanion Planting Superstar:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditionally planted near tomatoes, squash, and strawberries to repel tomato hornworm, cabbage worms, and other garden pests while attracting beneficial predatory insects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSelf-Sowing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Borage drops seeds prolifically and self-sows readily — plant once and enjoy a self-sustaining patch that returns year after year.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDrought-Tolerant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Remarkably resilient once established — thrives with minimal water in hot, sunny conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlanting Tips for Success\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to Plant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow outdoors after last frost — Borage has a taproot and does not transplant well. In Zones 8+, can also be fall-sown for early spring bloom.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun preferred — at least 6 hours per day. Tolerates partial shade but produces fewer flowers in low light.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Borage tolerates poor, sandy, and rocky soils remarkably well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Depth:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds ¼–½ inch deep.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Space plants 12–18 inches apart — thin to 18 inches for maximum flower production.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water moderately during establishment. Once established, allow soil to dry between waterings — overwatering reduces essential oil content and increases disease risk.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSupport:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tall plants (2–3 feet) may need staking in windy locations. Plant near a fence or wall for natural support.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFertilizing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimal fertilization needed — Borage thrives in lean soils. Excess nitrogen produces lush foliage at the expense of flower production.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvest young leaves before the plant flowers for the most tender texture. Pick individual flowers in the morning after dew has dried. Freeze flowers in ice cubes immediately after picking to preserve their vivid blue color.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose David's Garden Seeds®?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVeteran-Owned:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supplying premium seeds since 2009.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGO TEXAN Certified:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supporting local agriculture and communities.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIntegrity Pledge:\u003c\/strong\u003e David's Garden Seeds has taken the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(7, 13, 115);\"\u003e\u003ca style=\"color: rgb(7, 13, 115);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.safeseedpledge.org\/\" title=\"Seed Integrity Pledge\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSeed Integrity Pledge\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGreat Customer Service:\u003c\/strong\u003e David answers all customer service questions. Usually within a few minutes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVegetable Seed License:\u003c\/strong\u003e David's Garden Seeds has been granted a Vegetable Seed License for the State of Texas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCooking Methods \u0026amp; Uses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCocktail \u0026amp; Gin Garnish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The signature use — freeze individual flowers in ice cubes for stunning gin and tonics, lemonade, and summer cocktails. The flowers hold their brilliant blue color and cucumber flavor when frozen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEdible Flower Salads:\u003c\/strong\u003e Scatter fresh flowers over salads, cheese boards, and appetizer platters for striking visual impact and delicate cucumber flavor.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDessert Garnish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crystallize flowers in egg white and superfine sugar for elegant cake and dessert decorations that keep for weeks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHerb Infusions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Steep fresh leaves in water, lemonade, or white wine for a refreshing cucumber-forward beverage infusion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStuffed Flowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fill fresh Borage flowers with soft goat cheese or herb cream cheese for a striking one-bite canapé.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYoung Leaves in Salads:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use young, tender leaves in salads and as a cucumber substitute in cold soups — older leaves become bristly and are less palatable raw.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eOrder Borage Herb Seeds Today\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(238, 23, 58);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrder yours today and grow your own fresh Borage in your herb and pollinator garden.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNutritional Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePer 100g fresh Borage leaves (harvested leaves\/flowers, not planting seeds):\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalories:\u003c\/strong\u003e 21\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTotal Fat:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0.7g (1% Daily Value)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSodium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 80mg (3% Daily Value)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTotal Carbohydrates:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.1g (1% Daily Value)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDietary Fiber:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.0g (4% Daily Value)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtein:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.8g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVitamin C:\u003c\/strong\u003e 35mg (39% Daily Value)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium:\u003c\/strong\u003e 93mg (9% Daily Value)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIron:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.3mg (7% Daily Value)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid):\u003c\/strong\u003e Present in seed oil — an omega-6 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImportant Disclosures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVariety Disclaimer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Borage self-sows aggressively — deadhead spent flowers if you wish to control its spread in the garden. Older leaves develop stiff bristles that can irritate sensitive skin — wear gloves when handling large quantities. Results may vary by growing conditions and climate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeed Storage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store seeds in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Properly stored Borage seeds maintain viability for 3–5 years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting Zones:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grown as a warm-season annual in all USDA zones. Hardy self-sower in Zones 3–11; in Zones 8–11, can be fall-sown for early spring bloom. Particularly well-suited to hot, dry climates where other herbs struggle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 100, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrow something beautiful. Grow something delicious. Grow with David's Garden Seeds®.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"David's Garden Seeds®","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46937007653121,"sku":"BOFFASC k314","price":2.96,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/4659\/7796\/files\/herb-borage-plant.png?v=1763742751","url":"https:\/\/davidsgardenseeds.com\/products\/herb-borage-500-non-gmo-heirloom-seeds","provider":"David's Garden Seeds®","version":"1.0","type":"link"}