Description: The 'Bill Archer' selection of borage was introduced into the seed trade many years ago and is named after the famous horticulturalist, William Archer. Now a rare variety and we produce the seeds right here at Sage Garden!
This exceptionally unique variety develops true-to-type variegation even when grown from seed. Our experience is that the plants come in and out of variegation depending on temperature, with cooler shoulder seasons bringing out full leaf white and green variegation while mid-summer plants are mostly green. The flowers are the classic borage-blue, and abundant from June through frost.
Naturally grown by Sage Garden/ Open Pollinated/ Non-GMO
Pack Size: 20 seeds
Latin Name: Borago officinalis 'Bill Archer'
Alternative Names: Variegated Borage
Main Uses: Culinary, Ornamental, Medicinal
Zone Hardiness: Reseeding annual
Exposure: Full sun
Height: 45 - 60 cm (18 - 24 inches)
Flower Color: Blue (start out pink)
Flowering Time: Late June - September
Organic Certification: Naturally grown at Sage Garden
Germination: 5 - 7 days at 21°C.
Sowing: Indoors 4 weeks before the last frost. Sow 2-4 seeds per 3" compostable starter pot. Apply Sea Magic from first watering. From the second set of true leaves to time of transplanting, alternate between Sea Magic and seed-starting fertilizer (such as Evolve) once per week.
Planting Depth: 1/4”.
Spacing (Seedlings): 1 plant every 8” - 12”.
Outdoors: Borage does very well direct seeded in early June (zone 3)
Seed Spacing: Sow every small clusters of seeds every 8” - 12”.
Growing in Containers: Well-suited to larger pots (12 inches and up).
Fertilizing (Containers): Fertilize containers regularly with an organic fertilizer. Jobes organic spikes for container plants are easy to use and effective!
Watering (Containers): Water containers deeply when top inch feels dry to the touch. Monitor every day or two during very hot weather.
Growing in Mixed Planters: Suited for large mixed planters such as half barrels.
Fertilizing (Garden): Plant into well-drained garden soil, amended yearly with compost. No additional fertilizer required.
Watering (Garden): Water deeply to establish. Water mature plants weekly during hot weather.
Beneficials Attracted to this Plant: Attracts pollinating bees, butterflies and hoverflies (these are good - they are excellent aphid eaters!).
Harvesting: Borage flowers taste like fresh cucumber! Harvest the fresh flowers and add them to salads, use them to decorate cakes or freeze them in ice cubes for dazzling effect in drinks! The fresh leaves also have a cucumber flavour, but must be harvested young, before they develop bristles.
Suitability for Indoors: Not suited for indoors.
