Description
This 2'–3' tall, versatile herb is exquisite in the garden. In addition to attracting bees and other beneficial insects, it can be used as a cover crop. Edible, blue and sometimes pink flowers with a cucumber-like flavor can be used fresh to garnish dips, salads, and summer drinks, or candied with sugar for later use. The leaves and stems are also edible, delicious steamed like spinach or chard. Fairly drought tolerant once established.
Variety Info
- Family: Boraginaceae
- Native: Africa, west Asia, and Europe
- Hardiness: Drought Tolerant
- Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Plant Dimensions: Tall (Greater than 24")
- Variety Info: This 2'–3' tall, versatile herb is exquisite in the garden. In addition to attracting bees and other beneficial insects, it can be used as a cover crop. Edible, blue and sometimes pink flowers with a cucumber-like flavor can be used fresh to garnish dips, salads, and summer drinks, or candied with sugar for later use. The leaves and stems are also edible, delicious steamed like spinach or chard. Fairly drought tolerant once established.
- Attributes: Attracts Beneficial Insects, Attracts Pollinators, Edible Flower
Sowing Info
- When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks before your average last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 40°F, ideally 70°–90°F, or any time in mild climates.
- When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Not recommended; sensitive to taproot disturbance. Start in biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into ground.
- Days to Emerge: 5–20 days
- Seed Depth: ¼"–½"
- Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 12"
- Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 12"
Growing Info
- Harvesting: Leaves are best harvested when young; old leaves are tough and hairy. Flowers can be harvested any time.
Description
This 2'–3' tall, versatile herb is exquisite in the garden. In addition to attracting bees and other beneficial insects, it can be used as a cover crop. Edible, blue and sometimes pink flowers with a cucumber-like flavor can be used fresh to garnish dips, salads, and summer drinks, or candied with sugar for later use. The leaves and stems are also edible, delicious steamed like spinach or chard. Fairly drought tolerant once established.
Variety Info
- Family: Boraginaceae
- Native: Africa, west Asia, and Europe
- Hardiness: Drought Tolerant
- Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Plant Dimensions: Tall (Greater than 24")
- Variety Info: This 2'–3' tall, versatile herb is exquisite in the garden. In addition to attracting bees and other beneficial insects, it can be used as a cover crop. Edible, blue and sometimes pink flowers with a cucumber-like flavor can be used fresh to garnish dips, salads, and summer drinks, or candied with sugar for later use. The leaves and stems are also edible, delicious steamed like spinach or chard. Fairly drought tolerant once established.
- Attributes: Attracts Beneficial Insects, Attracts Pollinators, Edible Flower
Sowing Info
- When to Sow Outside: RECOMMENDED. 1 to 2 weeks before your average last frost date, when soil temperature is at least 40°F, ideally 70°–90°F, or any time in mild climates.
- When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Not recommended; sensitive to taproot disturbance. Start in biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into ground.
- Days to Emerge: 5–20 days
- Seed Depth: ¼"–½"
- Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 12"
- Thinning: When 2" tall, thin to 1 every 12"
Growing Info
- Harvesting: Leaves are best harvested when young; old leaves are tough and hairy. Flowers can be harvested any time.