How to Grow Borage in New Zealand
One of the best bee plants you can grow, so it lifts pollination of nearby tomatoes and beans. Self-seeds readily once it gets going.
When to plant borage in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Waikato & BoP | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Wellington | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Canterbury | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Otago & Southland | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Central Otago | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
Best borage varieties for NZ
- Borage (blue) — The classic sky-blue star flowers loved by bees. Young leaves and flowers have a cucumber flavour. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- White Borage — Same easy honey-plant habit with pure white flowers. A pretty alternative for cottage borders. (Egmont Seeds)
How to grow borage
- Space plants about 40cm apart.
- Sow seed around 1cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 60 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 10 days.
Companion planting
Grow borage near: Strawberry, Tomato, Cucumber, Zucchini.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Borage plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant borage in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy borage seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds.