Culinary Herbs

85 days. Cymbopogon flexuosus. Perennial. Open Pollinated. West Indian Lemongrass. West Indian Lemongrass is the edible, tender alternative to the more fibrous, rarer East Indian Lemongrass. While both look nearly identical, West Indian lemongrass is grown exclusively for its edible, minty, citrusy leaves. The plant produces good yields of grass-like herbs. It is used for flavoring soups, curries, and teas. Lemongrass oil is used to flavor ice cream, candy, pastries, desserts, and chewing gum. It is also used to treat digestive problems and fever. It is an important ingredient in cosmetics and perfumes. It is also a good insect repellent. Easy to grow. Excellent choice for home gardens. A variety from India. Note: Lemongrass seeds have a naturally low germination rate due to imperfect pollination. The outer husk must be removed prior to planting seeds.

65 days. Monarda fistulosa. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Wild Bergamot Seeds. The plant produces excellent yields of pinkish lavender flowers. It has a complex flavor of a combination of oregano, thyme, and mint. The edible flowers can be used in salads, sprinkled over mild fish and fruit salads, and to garnish desserts and drinks. It can be used for making bergamot tea, bergamot perfume, bergamot oil, and bergamot extract. Also used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes, to soothe bronchial complaints and ease colds. Used as beautiful cut flowers. The flowers bloom all summer and attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Easy to grow. It does well in poor soil. Drought Tolerant. Deer Resistant. Excellent choice for home herb gardens. A variety from Missouri, USA. Disease Resistant: PM.

78 days. Satureja montana. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Winter Savory. The plant produces good yields of small, shiny leaves on a spreading woody plant. This popular herb is excellent for low-maintenance gardening and is used for culinary and ornamental purposes, especially if you want a strong flavor. Winter savory is a perennial herb with a strong flavor and is evergreen, lasting through cooler weather better than summer savory. It has pink, lavender, or white flowers. Use the leaves with beans, gravies, stews, soups, dressings, butter, vinegar, sausages, and salami. It makes a good salt substitute. The essential oil in the leaves is also used for digestion and as a mild antiseptic. Suitable for borders, rock gardens, containers, or xeriscape plantings, as it grows 6–15 inches tall and spreads 8–24 inches. Drought Tolerant. Deer Resistant. Excellent choice for herb gardens. A variety from the Mediterranean region and southern Europe.