Can You Grow Borage in Containers?

Yes, you definitely can grow borage in containers! Borage (Borago officinalis) might look like it belongs in a wild corner of your garden, but it grows equally well in containers. I’ve done it, and while it’s not the neatest plant to grow in a pot, it’s completely doable and worth it for the flowers alone. It’s fast-growing, bee-friendly, and every part of it looks like it belongs in an apothecary garden.

Let’s break down what works (and what doesn’t).

Why Grow Borage in a Container?

• Limited space: Maybe you’re on a balcony or you just don’t want it taking over your raised garden bed.
• Controlled growth: Borage self-seeds like mad. Keeping it in a container stops it from popping up in every corner of your garden.
• Portable pollinator: The flowers attract bees like nothing else. Having it in a pot means you can move it around near veg that need pollination – great next to tomatoes, cucumbers, or strawberries.
• It’s edible: The flowers taste a bit like cucumber. You can toss them in drinks, freeze them in ice cubes, or scatter them over salads. Borage is one of our 9 easiest edible flowers for containers! The young leaves are edible too, but hairy, so they’re best cooked or chopped fine.

What Size Container Do You Need?

Borage gets big. Even in a container, it can grow 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall and wide. Don’t put it in a tiny pot and expect it to stay tidy.

Go for at least:

• 12 inches (30 cm) wide
• Deep enough for its long taproot. 12-16 inches (30–40 cm) is ideal

If you’re growing more than one plant, use a deep tub, half-barrel, or a large grow bag to give them space.

Potting Mix and Drainage

Borage isn’t picky, but it doesn’t like soggy feet. Use:

• A well-draining potting mix
• Add some sand or perlite to help with drainage if your mix holds too much water
• Mix in compost or aged manure before planting for a nutrient boost

Once it’s growing, borage mostly takes care of itself. You don’t need to feed it constantly but if the leaves go pale, a diluted seaweed feed can help.

Watering Borage in Containers

Like most herbs and leafy annuals, borage needs regular water in a container. It’s not drought-hardy when root-bound.

Water when:

• The top inch (2–3) of soil is dry (use your finger to check)
• It’s flowering heavily (which takes energy)
• The weather’s hot or windy (containers dry out fast). If your container is big enough, add a deep layer of mulch to protect it.

Do not water from overhead once the plant is flowering, as this can cause the flowers to rot. Water low and slow at the base of the plant.

Sunlight and Positioning

Borage likes full sun. Give it at least 6 hours of direct sun per day if you want strong growth and lots of flowers.

In hot climates, morning sun and afternoon shade work better. It’ll keep the plant looking happier and stops it bolting too soon.

Common Issues (and How to Fix Them)

• Flopping stems: Borage has hollow stems and gets top-heavy fast. In pots, it flops even more. Stake it early or grow it up against a railing or trellis. Prune off early flowers to encourage stronger branching.
• Grows fast, then collapses: Borage grows quickly, flowers hard, then looks like it’s had enough. Treat it like a short-lived annual. Let one or two flowers go to seed, collect seeds, and replant.
• Leaves look rough or hairy: They are! It’s just how borage is. Young leaves are more tender, so harvest those if you want to eat them.

Can You Grow Borage Indoors?

Technically yes, but it’s not ideal. It needs lots of light, gets leggy fast, and drops flowers everywhere. If you’re growing it indoors, stick it under a grow light in a deep pot and expect to replant often.

So, Can you grow borage in a container?

Heck yes! Borage is messy, tall, and unruly, but it is also beautiful, edible, and great in containers. Growing it in a container won’t make it behave, but it does help keep it contained, stops it from spreading, and lets you move it where you need it most.

So yes – you can grow borage in a container. Just give it space, plenty of sun, and don’t be afraid to cut it back when it starts getting wild.