Borage

Borage produces gorgeous star-shaped blue flowers and fuzzy leaves that taste like cucumber—both are completely edible. The flowers are stunning candied or frozen in ice cubes, and bees absolutely love this easy-to-grow annual that self-seeds generously.

Borage: Borage (Borago officinalis) is the starflower sensation every garden needs. This exceptional annual herb is a powerful pollinator magnet, drawing bees in remarkable numbers with its delicate, electric-blue, star-shaped flowers. Both the edible flowers and the slightly fuzzy, cucumber-flavored leaves are perfect for gourmet culinary use, whether frozen in ice cubes for summer cocktails, used fresh in Pimm's cups, or added to salads and teas. A vigorous grower, borage blooms continuously from early summer to frost, thrives in lean conditions, and self-sows readily.

• Growing Tips: Transplant after the last frost, spacing 12-18 inches apart; handle carefully and transplant young as borage dislikes transplanting.

• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.

• Preferred Soil: Average, well-drained soil; tolerates poor soil and moderate drought once established.

• Harvest Details: Pick young leaves before they develop excessive hairiness for best flavor; harvest flowers continuously as they open to extend the blooming period.