Boraginaceae; native to Europe and North Africa.

Germination: Sow seeds outdoors, in situ, in fall or very early spring. Completely cover the seeds as they need light to germinate. Seeds will germinate in 7-10 days.

Growth: It is very difficult to transplant, so direct sowing is recommended. Space 10-12 inches apart in full sun or light shade. Site in a dry, poor soil. Very tolerant of drought and low fertility soils, however it is susceptible to mildew. For larger plants with more flowers, fertilizer can be applied. Grow as a companion plant as it repels Japanese Beetles and tomato hornworms.

Appearance and Use: Used in herb and culinary gardens. It is an ornamental, upright herb that grows 2 feet tall by 6-12 inches wide. The gray-green, coarsely hairy leaves have a cucumber flavor when eaten. The leaves are harvested when they are young and tender. Use them in iced drinks and salads. Bees are attracted to the 1 1/2 inch, star-shaped, blue or purple, edible flowers that appear in drooping clusters in spring and summer. Harvest the flowers when they start to open. Candy them to use on cakes. The flowers can also be floated in drinks or used in salads.