Herbs - B

90 days. Petroselinum crispum. Biennial. Banquet Parsley. Open Pollinated. This semi-compact plant produces high yields of very favorable curled dark green parsley leaves. This is one of the finest varieties on the market. It is a popular curly leaf parsley variety known for its tightly curled, dark green leaves, rich flavor, and excellent performance in cooler weather. Excellent in salads, sauces, soups, and stews. It can be dried or used fresh. It shows good tolerance to cooler temperatures in late fall and overwintered plantings. Cold Tolerant. It is an excellent choice for home gardens, Farmer’s Markets, and market growers. A variety from the USA.

Laurus nobilis. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Bay Laurel. This evergreen tree or shrub produces high yields of glossy green bay leaves. The aromatic leaves are the foundation of fine cooking and are used with soups, stews, meats, fish, poultry dishes, and spaghetti sauce. It can be used fresh or dried for robust spice. The essential oil from leaves is used to alleviate arthritis and rheumatism and to treat earaches and high blood pressure. Also known as Sweet Bay, Bay Leaves, and Grecian Laurel. The small shrub plant is frost-sensitive. Heat Tolerant. Suitable for containers that can be moved indoors during winter. An excellent choice for home gardens, Farmer’s Markets, and market growers. A variety from Italy.

65 days. Nigella sativa. Annual. Open Pollinated. Black Cumin. The plant produces good yields of black aromatic seeds. It is used extensively in the Middle East and India. They have been used for thousands of years in Middle Eastern, Indian, and North African cuisines and traditional medicine. Used for making Russian rye bread and rolls. Seeds can be ground and used like Black Pepper, too. The seeds have been used to make medicine for thousands of years. It helps boost the immune system, fight cancer, prevent pregnancy, reduce swelling, and lessen allergic reactions. Drought Tolerant. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 691854. A variety from western Asia and the Mediterranean region.

Brassica sinapelis nigra. Annual. Open Pollinated. Black Mustard. The plant produces good yields of black mustard seeds. It is a popular herb variety prized for its small, dark brown to black seeds, which are used as a spice, especially in Indian, South Asian, and some European cuisines. The seeds are known for their intense, pungent, and spicy flavor. It is one of the three main types of mustard seeds used as a spice, alongside brown and yellow/white varieties. The seeds are ground and mixed with vinegar to make peppery brown mustard. It is used to flavor meats and as a spice for pickling. Rich in glucosinolates, compounds linked to potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Contain vitamins A, C, K, and folate. Also a good source of selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Black Mustard is mentioned in the Bible. Excellent choice for herb gardens. A variety from the Mediterranean region.

85 days. Valeriana hastata. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Blue Vervain. The plant produces good yields of green leaves with purple blossoms. Flowers will bloom from summer until fall. A medicinal herb is used as a sedative, relaxant, nerve tonic, antispasmodic, and analgesic for nervous and respiratory problems. It is also used in combination to combat hot flashes and other symptoms related to menopause. An excellent choice for home gardens. A variety from the USA.

65 days. Matricaria recutita. Annual. Open Pollinated. Bodegold Chamomile. The plant produces high yields of chamomile flowers. This improved German variety has higher oil, higher yields, and larger flowers. The plant has white daisy flowers with yellow centers. Chamomile is used as a calming herbal tea and stimulates the immune system. Also known to treat inflammation, stomach disorders, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. It can be used fresh or dried. Grows well in poor soil. Attracts beneficial insects and is suitable for borders and landscaping. An excellent choice for home gardens. A variety from the USA.

55 days. Borago officinalis. Annual. Open Pollinated. Borage. The plant produces good yields of flavorful leaves. The flower stalks and blooms are used as garnishes and to make summer lemonade drinks and desserts. The leaves and flowers are used in salads

85 days. Anethum graveolens. Annual. Open Pollinated. Bouquet Dill. The plant produces good yields of very flavorful leaves and seeds. It is a popular and most widely grown dill variety prized for its early flowering, large seed heads, abundant feathery foliage, and versatility in the kitchen and garden. Seeds are used as a pickling spice, and leaves are used in omelets, fish dishes, soups, and salads. Also used as a garnish. Leaves can be dried for later use. An excellent choice for herb gardens. A variety from the USA.

Papaver somniferum. Annual. Open Pollinated. Breadseed Poppy. The plant produces excellent yields of poppy seeds. The seeds are used on bread, cakes, and bagels. In Middle Eastern delicacies, such as halva. The seeds also yield good quality oil used in salads and to make soap, ointments, and paints. It has opium, morphine, and codeine, a source of to control pain, coughs, and diarrhea. An excellent choice for home gardens. A variety from the USA.

1962 All-America Selections Winner! 80 days. Ocimum basilicum. Annual. Open Pollinated. Dark Opal Purple Basil. It is a popular herb variety prized for its striking deep purple to nearly black leaves, fragrant aroma, and culinary uses. The plant produces good yields of beautiful, shiny, deep purple basil leaves with pink flowers. Very fragrant and tasty, with a strong, peppery basil flavor. Used as a garnish, in salads, and to make flavored vinegar. Good type for drying. Suitable for containers. An excellent choice for home gardens and gourmet chefs. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 852071. A variety from the USA.

Boston Plantain is a premium garden variety offering strong growth, dependable performance, and quality harvests for home gardeners.