What is borago, few farmers know. Unfortunately, in our culture this plant has not received a special distribution. But some lovers, aware of the useful properties of cucumber grass, as they call borago, grow it on their personal plots. Let's get acquainted with the properties of this interesting plant.
Properties of borago
Borago is often called borage medicinal or borage, because its leaves smell of fresh cucumber. This plant originates from Syria, and on our gardens grows like weed grass, as it is well sown by self-seeding. Borago refers to annuals, and blooms in July-August.
Properties of cucumber grass are unique. Its composition includes such substances as ascorbic acid, carotene, potassium, mineral salts, malic and citric acids. Due to their content, borago is a very useful plant. It is used:
- to reduce the activity of the Colorado potato beetle - for this, borago is planted next to the potato ;
- for painting natural wool in blue (only the aerial part of the plant);
- Like a honey plant, very beloved by bees;
- as a mild laxative, as well as a sedative that removes irritability;
- with swelling and inflammation of the kidneys, intestines, rheumatism;
- for vitaminization of the body;
- as a vegetable plant in cooking (excellent replacement of cucumbers in salads, cold soups);
- as a spicy-aromatic plant in the confectionery industry.
Borago - planting and care
Usually borago is sown in late autumn or early spring. If you do not want cucumber grass to grow on your plot of self-sowing, then collect it should be before flowering, using young shoots and leaves for culinary or medical purposes. If desired, the cultivation of cucumber borage grass from seeds can be practiced every few weeks.
Cucumber grass does not require special care. She prefers the soil to light, fertile, neutral acidity. Seeds are embedded shallowly, by 1.5 or 2 cm. After the emergence of sprouts, they are thinned, leaving an interval of 15-20 cm.
Borago can be weeded occasionally, and in the dry summer - watered. If the land of your site is not fertile, the plant can be fed with a universal fertilizer.