Indian Borage Care

The herb thrives on regular watering but despises waterlogged soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the soil's top inch (2.5 cm) feels dry. Use room temperature water and aim to water at the base of the plant to avoid splashing the leaves.

Regular pruning is not necessary for Indian Borage. However, trimming the plant to promote bushier growth is advisable. Pinch off the tips of the branches to encourage lateral branching, resulting in a fuller, more productive plant.

Feed every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer with an NPK index of 10-10-10. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent over-fertilization. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season, typically from spring through early fall.

Indian Borage enjoys bright, indirect light. Place it near a window that can receive dappled sunlight but protect it from harsh, direct sun exposure. Inadequate light can lead to leggy growth, so ensure it gets 4-6 hours of filtered sunlight daily.

For optimal growth, plant your Indian Borage in a well-draining potting mix with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It appreciates rich, organic soil that provides essential nutrients. Mixing potting soil and perlite or sand can help create the ideal growing medium.

You can easily propagate Indian Borage through cuttings. Simply take a 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) cutting from a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place it in a pot filled with a well-draining rooting medium. Keep the cutting moist until roots develop, then transplant it to a larger container.

Indian Borage thrives between 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C). Protect it from drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, as it's sensitive to cold. Grown as a houseplant or in containers, especially in regions with colder climates, as outdoor cultivation is generally suitable for USDA hardiness zones 10-11. In these zones, the climate is warm enough to support the growth of Indian Borage year-round and promotes pink flower development. In regions with colder climates, it can be grown as an annual or brought indoors during the winter months to protect it from frost and cold temperatures.

When growing indoors, choose a container with a minimum depth of 6 inches (15 cm). Opt for a well-draining pot to prevent waterlogging, ensuring excess moisture doesn't harm the plant.

Indian Borage adds zest to your dishes and has remarkable healing properties. It is renowned for its ability to soothe respiratory issues and digestive discomfort. Its pleasant fragrance makes it an excellent choice for herbal teas and potpourri.