{"product_id":"borage","title":"Borage","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a delightful annual herb known for its vibrant blue star-shaped flowers and mild cucumber-flavoured leaves. Both flowers and leaves are edible, making borage a perfect addition to salads, summer drinks, or as a decorative garnish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeloved by pollinators, borage is a favourite of bees, enhancing the health and productivity of your garden. This low-maintenance plant self-seeds readily, allowing you to plant it once and enjoy its benefits for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere Can You Grow Borage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorage thrives in Zones 3-9, preferring full sun and well-drained soil. It grows well in garden beds, borders, and containers, making it a versatile choice for any garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Mediterranean, borage has been cultivated for centuries for its culinary, medicinal, and ornamental qualities. Historically, it was valued for its ability to promote relaxation and courage, with leaves and flowers often used in teas and remedies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or late autumn.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start seeds indoors in late winter and transplant after the last frost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZones 3-4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds outdoors in spring after the last frost or start indoors for an earlier bloom.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Borage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 1-2cm (0.5-1in) deep and space plants 30-45cm (12-18in) apart.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water moderately during establishment; the plant is drought-tolerant once mature.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pick leaves while young for the best texture and flavour. Harvest flowers as they bloom for fresh use or drying.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow plants to self-seed for a continuous presence in your garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAllow to Flower and Seed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Let flowers mature into seed pods and dry on the plant.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest Seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Collect seed heads when they are dry and brown.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDry and Clean:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spread seed heads in a ventilated area to dry completely. Gently crush them to release seeds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStore:\u003c\/strong\u003e Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Properly stored seeds remain viable for up to 5 years.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48811183833330,"sku":"MF-HERB-001","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/Borage_Plant_Primary.jpg?v=1772481893","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/products\/borage","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}