Borage has been revered in traditional medicine for thousands of years, making it the perfect microgreen to grow at home. Borage microgreens are easy to grow. All you need are a few simple pieces of equipment and a couple of weeks to be enjoying borage microgreens.
Borage microgreens feature bright green leaves. Their stem and leaves can sometimes appear slightly furry. Borage microgreens have a distinct cucumber melon flavor with a slightly bitter aftertaste similar to cantaloupe. Borage microgreens are quite juicy and are often used in salads, smoothies, and sandwiches.
Borage microgreens are full of benefits loaded with nutrients and have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to regulate hormones, purify the blood, reduce inflammation, and improve urinary tract health. Borage microgreens are filled with vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system, and folic acid to support DNA and genetic material development. It also contains large amounts of vitamin K, which helps wounds heal faster. Borage microgreens contain fiber which helps improve your digestive health.
Borage Microgreen Profile
Our table will provide you with an overview of the growing specifics of borage microgreens.
Attribute
Profile
Flavor
Crisp cucumber melon flavor with a slight cantaloupe aftertaste.
Pre-Soak (Yes/No)
Borage microgreens do not require presoaking.
Color
Borage microgreens have light green leaves and stems that can be furry.
Germination Time
The germination time for borage microgreens is 2 to 4 days.
Harvest Time
Borage microgreens are ready to be harvested 10 to 21 days after planting.
Green Thumb Level (1-5)
Borage microgreens are quite easy to grow with an average green thumb level of 1 to 2.
Here are the answers to some of the most common FAQs about borage microgreens.
Do Borage Microgreens Regrow After Harvesting?
Like most microgreens, borage microgreens will not regrow once harvested. Once you harvest your borage microgreens, compost the roots and clippings. If you would like to have fresh borage microgreens each week, plant a second tray of borage microgreens one week after sowing your first tray of microgreens.
How Fast Do Borage Microgreens Grow?
Borage microgreens are fast growing. They will germinate within 2 to 4 days and can be harvested within 10 to 20 days from planting. The amount of light, moisture, and heat can affect their rate of growth. Warmer temperatures speed up their growth.
Equipment Needed to Grow Borage Microgreens
You can grow borage using a variety of methods. The method described below is the optimal method and will result in the largest crop. Our step-by-step instructions are easy to follow and will ensure you are successful when growing borage microgreens at home.
Starter Kits
A starter kit for borage microgreens can be found at most retailers. Our favorite starter kit for microgreens comes from True Leaf Market.
If you decide to purchase your equipment separately, you will need to purchase several items to ensure a bountiful harvest of borage microgreens, including:
Growing Medium – Borage microgreens are hearty and can successfully be grown in either a soilless medium like coconut coir or in an organic potting mix. When shopping for soil, you want fine-grained soil that drains well.
Mother Earth Coco + Perlite is a great alternative to potting soil as it enables gardeners to aggressively feed and not worry about over-watering
Use Mother Earth Coco + Perlite with indoor and outdoor container gardens
Achieve better aeration and drainage with a mix that incorporates 70% of the finest coconut coir and 30% perlite
Plant directly in Mother Earth Coco + Perlite
Coconut coir resists compaction and last longer in a container (vs traditional growing media)
Growing Trays – For an optimal harvest, you will need two growing trays without holes and one growing tray with holes. This will allow you to water from the bottom to reduce the risk of mold as well as ensure your borage microgreens properly root. Most home microgreen growers prefer growing trays measuring 10 inches by 20 inches; however, there are also 10 inch square growing trays on the market.
Borage microgreens should be sown in a shallow growing tray with drainage holes. These holes allow you to water from the bottom up to reduce the risk of mold and other diseases from damaging your microgreens. Here are the growing trays with drain holes that we use:
Approx: 21" by 11" (top measurement). 20" by 10" bottom of tray - See product description below for precise measurments
Accomodates 20" x 10" Sure to Grow Hydroponic Grow Pads and Micro-Mats Perfectly
Reusable - Great for Greenhouse, Seedlings, wheatgrass, microgreens and more.
Once you have sown your borage seeds, you will place your grow tray with holes inside a growing tray without holes. The second tray without holes will be used to cover the top of your growing tray to weigh down your seeds. Here are the trays we recommend:
Perfect for use as a drip tray, hydroponic growing and seed starting
Approx: 21" by 11" (top measurement). 20" by 10" bottom of tray - See product description below for precise measurments
Accomodates 20" x 10" Sure to Grow Hydroponic Grow Pads and Micro-Mats Perfectly
Reusable - Great for Greenhouse, Seedlings, wheatgrass, microgreens and more.
Misting Bottle/Spray Can – A misting spray can is used during the germination process. This misting bottle is a simple way to water your soil and seeds without disturbing them.
【Safe Pressure Valve】The garden spraying bottle equipped with a safety pressure release valve, which allows you to control the pressure of water and automatically releases the excess pressure. The pump holds a good amount of pressure while offers a place reducing fatigue while operating the equipment.
【Adjustable Nozzle】The premium adjustable nozzle of this garden sprayer can be easily adjusted the intensity of the water from direct injection to fine mist spray as desired. Greater even coverage for a better performance.
【Durable & Easy to Clean】The pump sprayer is manufactured from PP material for excellent durability. 2L Translucent water tank can clearly show the liquid level inside so you can add more in time. It is also convenient for cleaning.
【Wide Application】This universal pressure sprayer can accommodate your daily cleaning and watering needs both indoors and outdoors . Ideal for household cleaning, watering plants and flowers, misting veggies, pet bathing, and moisturizing flowers.
【Ergonomic Handle】The pump pressure sprayer comes with an ergonomic 4-finger handle that is non-slip for effortless use and convenient to be carried anywhere. A removable long wand is good to help spray more spaces or hard-to-reach places.
Light Source – Borage microgreens require at least four hours of bright sunlight. If they are not receiving enough light, they can become leggy and pale. A grow light will help ensure your microgreens are receiving an ample amount of light for photosynthesis and a large harvest. You will need a grow light if you will be growing your microgreens during the winter to ensure your borage gets an ample amount of light.
Full Spectrum - Barrina grow light is a great option for plants that in seedling, vegetative and flowering cycle. It provides light that plants need, especially blue and red light
Integrated Plant Light Chips- Compare with the lamp consisting of only "blue chips" + "red chips", integrated plant light chips have more efficiency and better color layout
Super Bright - Consume only 144W with 576 LEDS totally, replacing 800W general plant lights. These grow light provid a higher PPFD
Easy Installation - Plug and play. And could link up to 6 grow lights in a series by 48 inches connecting cords. Also, you could mount to ceiling or hang up for shelf. Saving your installation cost and time
Quality Assurance - 2-year unlimited warranty, easy and fast replacement is offered if any quality issue
(Optional) Heating Mat – The optimal soil temperature for borage germination is 75°F. Once your borage seeds have germinated, the soil temperature should be reduced to approximately 60°F. The optimal ambient temperature for borage is 65°F to 75°F. If ambient temperatures climb above 75°F, the risk of disease, mold, and poor germination increases.
Makes a differeance in germination time, leafy greens in about 2 days and tomatoes 3-4 days for sprouts.
Try to use the seedling heat mat and heat mat thermostat to heat water in the seed container to increase humidity in your grow tent.
Using to keep a batch of fermenting beer wort at 72F is also available
Great affordable heating solution to starting plants from seed.
If you’re doing home gardening for your seasonings, go find this seedling heat mat sets.
(Optional) Microgreen Planting Rack – A simple wire shelving unit like this one allows you to grow multiple trays of microgreens. Furthermore, you can easily attach grow lights to each shelf to ensure proper growth and development.
IMPRESSIVE STORAGE CAPACITY - With six tiers of shelving, this unit boasts an enormous amount of space and shelving. It’s able to provide a great deal of additional storage without taking up too much space itself.
STURDY AND DURABLE - Constructed from heavy-duty steel wire, this shelf is durable and resistant to dirt buildup and corrosion. Each shelf has a capacity of up to 220 lbs when properly assembled, with a maximum weight capacity of 500 lbs total.
ADJUSTABILITY - You can adjust the height of the storage shelves in one-inch increments, creating a customized unit best suited for your specific storage needs.
MULTIFUNCTIONALITY - This metal shelving unit can be used virtually anywhere, in the kitchen, the bathroom, the garage, outdoor shed, and more. It’s perfect for storing tools, clothes, books, and whatever else is taking up space in your home or office. Equipped with wheels, you can transport this unit smoothly and efficiently room to room.
FAST, EASY ASSEMBLY: The shelving unit comes packaged ready to assemble, and doesn’t require any tools for installation. In just 15 minutes, your unit can be installed and ready to save space.
(Optional) Circulation Fan for Microgreens – Because borage microgreens are sown thickly, the risk of powdery mildew and mold is increased. A fan helps circulate the air to reduce the risk of disease and mold.
LONG LASTING: Fan features a 5W brushless motor that lasts longer and can be hooked up to fan speed controllers; Features a smooth and quiet operation (2 Pack)
CLIP-ON DESIGN: Clip-on portable fan is convenient and effective for small spaces; Can be used to help grow healthy plants or for cooling, in your garden, flood tables for airflow under foliage, small spaces, or on your office desk with a spring-loaded plastic clip that won't mar surfaces
AIR-FLOW: With the 6-inch adjustable-angle head that rotates 360 degrees you can direct airflow where you need it and it can also be wall-mounted to free up space
DURABLE: The cooling fan features 3 durable plastic blades and the easily-removable safety grills make cleaning a breeze; The motor outlasts traditional fans that use oil to lubricate rotation
SPECIFICATIONS: The product has a 6-foot power cord and is powered by DC 5V/5W making it energy efficient; Weight: 1 pound; Dimensions of (L x W x H): 6 x 8 x 8 inches; Quantity: 2
Other Materials Needed to Grow Borage Microgreens
The quality of your seeds greatly impacts your harvest. Amateur gardeners want microgreen seeds that perform well and lead to a large harvest. True Leaf Market is an industry leader in non-GMO microgreen seeds.
Microgreen Borage Seeds at True Leaf Market provide you with a large crop within 20 days. These borage microgreen seeds can be grown hydroponically or in the soil.
Growing Borage Microgreens
Borage microgreens are easy to grow when you follow the step-by-step process defined below. Once you have read the tutorial and ordered your supplies, you will be enjoying borage microgreens within days.
Pre-Soaking and Planting Borage Microgreen Seeds
Borage microgreen seeds do not need to be presoaked. The seeds can simply be sown directly into the soil. To reduce the risk of mold, borage microgreens should be watered from the bottom tray.
Setting Up Your Growing Trays – You will need three growing trays for borage microgreens. Egin by placing a growing tray with drainage holes inside a tray with no holes. If you are only using one tray, you will want to put your soil in the solid tray and mist your soil using your misting bottle.
Fill Up Your Growing Trays – Next, you will want to fill your growing trays about three-fourths of the way full. Then, take one of your trays with no holes and gently pat the soil to level it and slightly compact it. Continue adding soil and patting down until the soil level is slightly below the top of the growing tray. Water the soil to help remove air pockets and ensure your soil is adequately moistened before planting your microgreen seeds.
Sow Seeds – When sowing borage seeds, you want to sow moderately heavy. Plan to use approximately 24 grams of seeds for each 10 inch by 20 inch tray. Spread the seeds evenly across your grow trays then sprinkle a layer of soil over your seeds.
Water – Once you have sown your seed, you will want to evenly water your seed and soil again. Spray the entire surface using your misting bottle, three times to ensure your soil and seeds are watered.
Growing and Caring for Borage Microgreens
The growing process begins with germination that takes place in the dark thanks to the third tray that is placed on top of the seeds. Then, as your seeds begin to sprout, the tray is removed, and photosynthesis occurs.
Install the Second Tray and Weigh It Down – After you have sown your seeds and watered them, place the second tray with no holes on top of your soil and seeds. Weigh the tray down with a brick to ensure your seeds are in total darkness. If you do not have a spare tray, you can over your growing tray with a couple of layers of newspapers.
Check for Sprouting at the End of Day 2 – After day two, remove the top tray and see how many seeds have sprouted. Check the moisture level of your soil. If the soil feels dry, you can gently spray; however, take care not to disturb the seeds that have not sprouted. Remember, overwatering is just as bad as underwatering when it comes to growing microgreens. Cover the seeds and sprouts back up and leave for one more day.
Germination – On day 3, most of your seeds should have sprouted. If more than three quarters of your seeds have sprouted, remove the cover and water from the bottom or use your misting bottle to gently water your microgreens. If less than three quarters have sprouted, place the lid back on and wait one more day.
Place under Light – Your borage microgreens require ample amounts of light to grow and flourish. You can place your microgreens in diffused sunlight or under a grow light. When microgreens receive enough light, they will transform from pale green to a beautiful vibrant green.
Turn on the Fan – Once you have removed the cover and placed your microgreens under your grow lights, you will want to turn your fan on to help circulate the air. Airflow helps to minimize the risk of mold and other diseases.
Continue Monitoring Your Borage Microgreens – You will need to continue monitoring your borage microgreens to ensure they are growing and getting the water they need. You may need to water several times as they grow. Remember to avoid overwatering as this can increase the risk of disease and mold.
Harvesting – Borage microgreens should be harvested when the cotyledons are fully developed, and they have reached approximately 1 to 2 inches in height. Depending on the amount of light the microgreens receive, the amount of water received, and the temperature of the soil, your microgreens will be ready to harvest between 10 and 20 days after planting.
Harvesting Borage Microgreens
Borage microgreens will be ready in approximately 2 to 3 weeks from when you first sowed your borage seeds. As your borage microgreens mature, tiny hairs can develop on the stem of the microgreens. If borage microgreens are allowed to fully mature, they will produce cornflower blue edible flowers.
Harvest Above Soil Level – Before you harvest your borage microgreens, make sure your scissors or knife is sharp and clean. Then cut your borage microgreens approximately one half of an inch above the soil level.
Clean Using Cool Water – Once you have harvested your borage microgreens, fill a clean bowl with cool, not cold water. Rinse your borage microgreens and place them on a clean paper towel to dry. You can use a fan to circulate the air to help them dry quicker.
Compost – Borage microgreens will not regrow once harvested. Place the roots, soil leftovers, and remaining bits in your compost.
Storing Borage Microgreens
Borage microgreens should be stored in an airtight container or zip lock bag in the refrigerator. When properly stored, borage microgreens should last between 5 and 10 days. If you will be eating them within 2 to 3 days, your microgreens can be placed between two paper towels and kept in the crisper.
If you will be shipping your borage microgreens, you will want to gently wrap the microgreens in paper towels before placing them in a sealed bag or container. The paper towel will absorb excess moisture and protect them from damage during transport. When properly packaged, your borage microgreens will last for several days.
Final Thoughts
Borage microgreens are unique microgreens that have tiny hairs on the stem of the microgreen. The flavor is similar to a cucumber. These microgreens are juicy and add flavor and texture to your salads and sandwiches.
They are packed with nutrients, making the perfect addition to your smoothies.
I have been growing microgreens for myself and others for quite some time now and I absolutely love the process.
Even more I love spreading awareness of an amazing crop that has so many nutritional benefits for our bodies which improve our overall health and wellbeing.
