CarolineScott said:On the borage appearing pink: Do you think it does that when it is in a warmer, dryer area of the garden?
If I had to guess, it's more likely the pink flowers are in an area with more alkalai soil (higher pH).
As an experiment I might put some composted fireplace ashes in one corner of my borage and see what happens.
I do put borage blossoms in ice cubes sometimes as a decoration. I don't eat the leaves or flowers.
Borage contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to your liver. PA's in borage are at a very low level. It won't kill you if you eat a few leaves, but don't serve it to a pregnant woman or a woman who is breastfeeding. You also might want to avoid it if you take medications that stress the liver.
Myles said:First year growing this herb. I am starting seed of Borage this season and plan to grow it among tomatoes and strawberries.
I grow borage to keep hornworms away from my tomatoes. It does seem to work well for that purpose.
Myles said:I've read that Borage seed needs complete darkness to germinate. For anyone who grows this herb, does that mean I should cover the seedling pot with something dark to eliminate light or does it only mean the seed should be well covered with potting mix?
Myles
I planted my seeds directly with in the ground about a week before transplanting my tomatoes. Direct sowing seems to be the recommended practice for borage. I've read that it doesn't move well.
I planted my seeds about a half inch deep an covered them with soil. I didn't do anything to shade the seeds beyond covering them with soil.