Borage (Borago officinalis) is an ancient plant, grown as far back as the days of Dioscorides and Pliny (around 50 A.D.), and has seen many different uses over the centuries. In Mediterranean countries, where it grows in abundance, the name borage is spelled with a double 'r,' indicating that the name probably comes from the Italian borra, and French bourra, meaning hair or wool, both of which are derived from the Latin burra, meaning a flock of wool, referring to the furry hairs that cover the plant.
Borage is an excellent
companion plant for vegetable gardens, especially planted with tomatoes as it
is supposed to repel tomato hornworm, and with strawberries and squash. It reseeds quite freely, (which I think is
great, but those who like more formal garden beds may find annoying) and was a common
kitchen garden herb in the 1800's. The
flowers are edible and make lovely garnishes, plus they're just pretty! The little star-shaped blue flowers of borage bloom early in the season, and the plants continue on doggedly until frost, attracting bees and other pollinators to the garden, as well as predatory wasps that prey on harmful insects. And when the plants give up at the end of the season, toss them in the compost pile!
From antiquity to present, growing borage in your garden is a must!
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