Herbs

4 to 6 days. Medicago sativa. Open Pollinated. Alfalfa Sprouting Seeds. The plant produces high-quality alfalfa sprouts. It is a popular, easy-to-grow microgreen used in salads, sandwiches, wraps, and smoothies for its mild, nutty flavor and nutritional boost. The sprouts have a mild alfalfa flavor. Alfalfa sprouts are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K, as well as antioxidants. Potential benefits include adding nutrients with few calories, supporting cholesterol management via saponins, providing antioxidant effects, and contributing to overall vegetable intake. They add mild crunch to salads, sandwiches, wraps, and other dishes. They are one of the most popular sprouting seeds found in nearly all Asian restaurants, delis, and grocery stores. Excellent in salads, sandwiches, and other Asian dishes. One tablespoon of seed yields approximately 2 to 3 cups of sprouts. A variety from the USA.

 

How to Grow Alfalfa Sprouting Seeds

Soak time: 4–12 hours (commonly 4–8 or overnight) in cool/room-temperature water.

Rinse frequency: 2–3 times daily with cool water; drain each time thoroughly to prevent rot.

Days to harvest: Typically 4–6 days (sometimes up to 7–8); ready when sprouts are 1–2+ inches long with small green leaves.

Seed quantity: About 1–2 tablespoons per quart jar (they expand dramatically—up to 7–12× volume). Overcrowding causes problems.

Method: Jar (with mesh lid or cheesecloth), tray, or commercial sprouter. Keep at room temperature (~60–70°F / 15–22°C), out of direct sun initially for longer white stems; move to indirect light near the end to green up the leaves (chlorophyll develops).

Yield: High—1 part seed yields roughly 7+ parts sprouts.

Angelica archangelica. Biennial. Open Pollinated. Angelica. The plant produces excellent yields of sweet-tasting leaves and stalks. It is valued as an ornamental, culinary, and medicinal herb. All parts are aromatic with a flavor often compared to licorice, juniper, or celery. The roots are used to fight infection, improve energy, and stimulate circulation. You can brew dried leaves as tea. Also attracts beneficial insects and pollinators, such as bees, parasitic wasps, lady beetles, minute pirate bugs, syrphid flies, and tachinid flies. Excellent for home gardens. A variety from the USA.

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 herb gardens, Farmer’s Markets, and market growers. A variety from the USA.

85 days. Valeriana hastata. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Blue Vervain Seeds. 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.

55 days. Borago officinalis. Annual. Open Pollinated. Borage Seeds. 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. The leaves can also be steamed or sauteed like spinach. Stems can be used like celery. It has a crisp cucumber flavor. Bees and butterflies love it. Also grown for its oilseed. Heat Tolerant. Drought Tolerant. An excellent choice for home gardens.

60 - 90 days. Plantago lanceolata. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Boston Plantain Seeds. The plant produces high yields of narrow-leaf foliage. This unique herb is useful in the home garden as a herbal medicine, a cover crop, or livestock forage. When used as an herb, it boasts benefits such as gut healing and immune system support. As a cover crop, it reduces soil compaction and suppresses weeds. As a forage crop, this plant is most popularly used for beef and lamb raising. Also known as English Plantain, Ribwort, Ribgrass, Black Jack, Hen Plant, and Buckhorn. Will grow in any soil type, including heavy clay. It grows very well on compacted soils and helps loosen them. Tolerant of poor soil nutrients. Drought Tolerant. Heat Tolerant. An excellent choice for home gardens. A variety from the USA.

85 days. Anethum graveolens. Annual. Open Pollinated. Bouquet Dill Seeds. The plant produces good yields of very flavorful leaves and seeds. It is a popular, widely grown dill variety prized for early flowering, large seed heads, abundant feathery foliage, and versatility in the kitchen and garden. Bouquet Dill is a popular, fast-growing herb known for its abundant foliage, large yellow flower heads, and flavorful seeds. Use seeds as a pickling spice, and leaves in omelets, fish dishes, soups, and salads. Also used as a garnish. It is widely considered the top choice for floral arrangements. You can dry the leaves for later use. These quality herb seeds are great for planting outdoors in your herb garden. A variety from the USA.

How to Grow Bouquet Dill Seeds. Follow the planting instructions below, and use Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Mix for successful germination.

Papaver somniferum. Annual. Open Pollinated. Breadseed Poppy. The plant produces excellent yields of poppy seeds. It is a popular herb variety grown primarily for its edible seeds (used in baking), ornamental flowers, and decorative seed pods. Breadseed poppies are rewarding for gardeners interested in dual-purpose plants, beautiful early-summer color plus a harvest of baking seeds or decorative pods. The seeds are used on bread, cakes, and bagels. In Middle Eastern delicacies, such as halva. The seeds also yield high-quality oil used in salads and for making soap, ointments, and paints. It contains opium, morphine, and codeine, a source of pain control, coughs, and diarrhea. These quality herb seeds are great for planting outdoors in your herb garden. A variety from the USA.

How to Grow Poppy Seeds. Follow the planting instructions below and use Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Mix for successful germination results.

Carum carvi. Biennial. Open Pollinated. Caraway Seeds. The plant produces excellent yields of flavorful seeds and leaves, which are used in bread, coleslaw, soups, meat dishes, and cheese. Also said to aid in indigestion. The seeds can be used as a flavoring in bread, cake, and apple pie. The young leaves are used in salads and soups. The mature leaves are eaten like spinach, and the roots are boiled and eaten like potatoes and added to soups. Seeds can be sown in spring and autumn. Very easy to grow. An excellent choice for home gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 649444. A variety from the USA.

Dactylis glomerata. Open Pollinated. Catgrass. The plant produces green blades of catgrass. Cats love nibbling on it to help their digestive system. Perfect for indoor cats or during the winter, when your outdoor cat may not be able to find grass. This snack can be grown not only for cats, but for rabbits, chickens, birds, and dogs! Easy to grow in pots. Note: Catgrass is for pet use only, not for human consumption.

Nepeta mussini. Perennial. This bush-type plant produces beautiful lavender flowers and gray-green leaves. The sweet aroma contains ingredients that attract cats. Used in making teas that relieve tension and sleeplessness. Also used as an insect repellent. The plant does well in partial shade, full sun, hot weather, and a wide range of soils. A small plant is suitable for containers.

85 days. Nepeta cataria. Perennial. Catnip. The plant produces flavorful leaves. The plant has a strong aromatic scent that attracts cats who love to roll in the foliage. It is a popular herb variety that produces the compound nepetalactone, which many cats find highly attractive. It is also used in salads, sauces, soups, and teas. Also said to have medicinal uses to relieve colds, flu, and fever. Follow planting instructions below. Excellent choice for herb gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 16816. A variety from the USA.

70 days. Petroselinum crispum. Biennial. Champion Moss Curled Parsley. The plant produces high yields of bright green curled parsley leaves. It is a popular variety of curly parsley known for its dense, deeply curled, dark green leaves that resemble moss. Excellent for drying, garnishes, soups, stews, sauces, and salads. Does well in hot weather. Heat Tolerant. A standard popular strain for home gardens and market growers. United States Department of Agriculture, NSL 6379. An heirloom variety from the USA.

60 days. Anthriscus cerefolium. Annual. Open Pollinated. Chervil Seeds produce abundant harvests of delicate parsley-like green leaves with a unique aromatic anise flavor. This classic culinary herb is widely used to enhance fish dishes, potatoes, soups, salads, and gourmet recipes. The edible flowers add a beautiful touch to salads and make an attractive garnish. Also known as French Parsley and Brussels Winter Chervil, this slow-bolting variety provides a longer harvesting period compared to many other herbs. An excellent choice for home gardens, herb gardens, containers, and kitchen gardeners. A premium open-pollinated variety from the USA.

85 days. Allium schoenoprasum. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Chives Seeds produce abundant harvests of fresh, flavorful chives with a delicate mild onion-like taste. This versatile culinary herb can be enjoyed fresh or frozen for year-round use and is perfect for salads, baked potatoes, soups, omelets, sauces, stuffed eggs, cream cheese, and garnishes. Chives can be harvested repeatedly throughout the growing season, making them a reliable addition to any herb garden. Suitable for indoor growing, outdoor gardens, containers, patio pots, borders, and hydroponic systems. The attractive lavender flowers add beauty while attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Chives are also valued as a companion plant and are traditionally grown alongside carrots. An excellent choice for home gardens and kitchen gardeners. Listed by the United States Department of Agriculture (PI 261639). A premium variety from the USA.

45 days. Coriandrum sativum. Annual. Open Pollinated. Cilantro Coriander Seeds. This early-maturing plant produces very aromatic leaves and seeds. It is a popular herb prized for its leaves and seeds. Cilantro leaves are known for their fresh, slightly citrusy flavor and are commonly used in Latin American, Chinese, Asian, and Caribbean dishes. The leaves are called Cilantro. They are ideal for garnishing salads, salsas, curries, and sauces. Coriander seeds, on the other hand, have a warm, spicy, and aromatic flavor and are often used ground in curries, pickles, breads, and spice blends. The seeds are called Coriander. A member of the Dill family. Excellent choice for an herb garden. A variety from the USA.

65 days. Salvia scarea. Biennial. Open Pollinated. clary seeds. The plant produces good yields of beautiful and distinctive scented flowers. It is also an excellent plant for potpourris or cut flowers. It is also used for making scented oils for perfumes. It is said to ease stomach ailments and stop aging. Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is the perfect addition to your herb and flower gardens. It does well in poor soil. Also known as Clary Sage. An excellent choice for herb gardens. A variety from the USA.

85 days. Apium graveolens. Annual. Open Pollinated. Cutting Celery. The plant produces good yields of very flavorful leaves used fresh in salads, pasta, soups, stews, and mixed vegetables. It is a popular herb variety prized for its flavorful leaves and thin, hollow stems rather than thick, blanched stalks. It is easier and more forgiving to grow than standard stalk celery and has a bold celery flavor. It has a stronger, more assertive celery flavor and is much easier to grow. Great for making tomato juice. Also known as Leaf Celery and Herb Celery. Suitable for containers. An excellent choice for home gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 181714. A variety from the USA.

80 days. Ocimum basilicum Seeds. Annual. Open Pollinated. Dark Opal Purple Basil Seeds. 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.

70 days. Petroselinum crispum. Biennial. Double Curled Parsley. The plant produces good yields of dense dark green finely crumpled closely curled parsley leaves. Excellent for drying, garnishes, soups, and salads. Frost Tolerant. Suitable for home gardens and market growers. A variety from the USA.

85 days. Anethum graveolens. Annual. Open Pollinated. Dukat Dill. The plant produces very flavorful leaves and seeds. It is a popular dill variety prized for its abundant, lush, blue-green, feathery foliage; sweet, mild, never-bitter, never-overly-pungent flavor; and high essential oil content. It is often called the sweetest dill. Seeds are used as a pickling spice, and leaves are used in omelets, fish dishes, and salads. Also used as a garnish. Leaves can be dried for later use. It produces more leaves than other varieties before bolting to seed, making it ideal for repeated foliage harvests. Excellent choice for herb gardens. A variety from the USA.

85 days. Ocimum basilicum. Annual. Open Pollinated. Dwarf Greek Basil. The plant produces good yields of fragrant green basil leaves with white flowers. It is a popular basil variety prized for its intense flavor, small leaves, and tidy, globe-like growth habit. Excellent as a garnish or seasoning for poultry, beef, stews, and soups. This variety is preferred by most chefs. It can be grown indoors in containers. Perfect for patio gardening. Excellent choice for herb gardens. A variety from the USA.

100 days. Lavandula angustifolia. Perennial. Open Pollinated. English Lavender Seeds. The plant produces good yields of silver-green leaves and beautiful lavender-blue flowers. Itis a popular perennial lavender variety prized for its fragrant purple flowers, gray-green foliage, and versatility in gardens, culinary uses, sachets, teas, and essential oils. It is the most fragrant of the lavenders. The flowers are fragrant and edible. The leaves can be used fresh or dried. Used to treat headaches, burns, and cuts. Also used to repel moths, mosquitoes, and gnats. Tolerates Frost. An excellent choice for herb gardens. A variety from the USA.

85 days. Thymus vulgaris. Perennial. Open Pollinated. English Thyme. The plant produces excellent yields of flavorful thyme leaves. Used in salads, stews, sauces, and pickles. Excellent for poultry and fish dishes. Suitable for containers, pots, small gardens, square foot gardens, patios, raised gardens, borders, rock gardens, herb gardens, and window boxes. A variety from the USA.

85 days. Oenothera biennis. Biennial. Evening Primrose Seeds. The plant produces good yields of yellow blossoms, which open and disperse a fragrant odor into the moonlit night air. It is a popular herb variety prized for the seeds and their oil, which is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid. Reported to be used in many medical uses, including women's health (PMS symptoms, menopause hot flashes/night sweats), skin health (e.g., eczema, dryness, acne), and diabetic neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, or other inflammatory conditions. Roots can be eaten as a vegetable, and the shoots as a salad. Suitable for landscaping too. Cold Tolerant. Drought Tolerant. An excellent choice for herb gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 443358, A variety from the USA.

70 days. Petroselinum crispum. Biennial. Open Pollinated. Evergreen Parsley. The plant produces heavy yields of dark green curled leaves. It is a popular parsley variety prized for its vigorous growth, dark green color, excellent flavor, and better frost tolerance compared to many other parsley varieties. Adds color to soups, salads, and gourmet dishes. It can also be used as a garnish. Cold Tolerant. United States Department of Agriculture, NSL 23000. Suitable for herb gardens and market growers. A variety from the USA.

1992 All-America Selections Winner! 85 days. Anethum graveolens. Annual. Open Pollinated. Fernleaf Dill. It is a popular dwarf dill variety prized for its compact size, abundant fern-like foliage, and slower bolting compared to standard dill. This small plant produces very flavorful dark blue-green leaves and seeds. Seeds are used as a pickling spice, and leaves are used in omelets, fish dishes, and salads. Also used as a garnish. Leaves can be dried for later use. Also known as Dwarf Fernleaf Dill. The small plant is suitable for containers and small gardens with limited space. An excellent choice for herb gardens and specialty markets. A variety from the USA.

95 days. Tanacetum parthenium. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Feverfew seeds. The plant produces excellent yields of yellow-green feathery leaves and white daisy flowers. It is said to ease migraine headaches, fevers, menstrual cramps, inflammation, joint pain, and minor aches. It may also help with skin irritation when used topically.Used to make teas. Also great for fresh-cut or dried flowers. It attracts beneficial insects. An excellent choice for home gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 40643. A variety from the USA.

75 days. Petroselinum crispum. Biennial. Forest Green Parsley. The plant produces good yields of bright green aromatic curled parsley leaves. It is a popular heirloom variety of curly parsley known for its compact, upright growth, long stems, and deeply curled, dark green leaves. It stays dark green all summer. Adds color to soups, salads, and gourmet dishes. It can also be used as a garnish. Heat Tolerant. Good regrowth after multiple harvests. An excellent choice for herb gardens, Farmer’s Markets, and market growers. An heirloom variety from the USA.

85 days. Thymus vulgaris. Perennial. Open Pollinated. The plant produces good yields of very aromatic blue-green leaves with pale lavender flowers. This variety is greyer and sweeter than English Thyme. Used in salads, stews, sauces, pickles, poultry, and fish dishes. Also known as Summer Thyme. Cold Tolerant. Suitable for containers. An excellent choice for home gardens.

90 days. Allium tuberosum. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Garlic Chives Seeds. The plant produces high yields of ¼" wide garlic chives. The flat leaves have a strong garlic-onion flavor. Excellent for gourmet cooking, salads, eggs, soups, dips, spaghetti sauces, potato salads, vinegar, Oriental dishes, stir fry, and garnishes. It can be used fresh or dried. Easy to grow and transplant. Suitable for containers and hydroponic gardening. The white flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects while discouraging other insects from chewing up other vegetable plants. They have been used in Chinese medicine since the 16th century to warm the kidneys and treat lower back and knee pain. Also known as Chinese Chives and Chinese Leek. An excellent choice for home gardens. A variety from the USA.

65 days. Matricaria recutita. Annual. Open Pollinated. German Chamomile. The plant produces high yields of daisy-like flowers with an apple flavor. A popular herb prized for its fragrant, daisy-like flowers, used in tea, herbal remedies, cosmetics, and as a pollinator-friendly garden plant. Use it fresh or dried to make great-tasting, relaxing tea, desserts, drinks, perfumes, and hair rinses. Aids in digestion and acts as a gentle sleep inducer. Because of the herb's antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile can help with conditions such as eczema, rashes, or insect bites. The dried flowers and leaves also make a great addition to potpourri. Also known as Common Chamomile. Drought Tolerant. Excellent choice for herb gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 148624. A variety from the USA.

 

How to Grow German Chamomile Seeds. Follow the planting instructions below and use Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Mix for successful germination.

95 days. Thymus vulgaris. Perennial. Open Pollinated. German Winter Thyme. The plant produces high yields of aromatic Thyme leaves. A popular herb variety prized for its strong, robust, heavily branched plants that produce high yields of aromatic leaves. Used in salads, beans, soups, stews, sauces, pickles, and French & Italian dishes. Excellent for poultry and fish dishes too. Medicinal herb used to treat sore throats and coughs. It is also used as tea and massage oil. This is a winter-hardy variety. It overwintering better in colder climates than many other thyme types. Cold Tolerant. Drought Tolerant. Excellent choice for herb gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, PI  12347. A variety from the USA.

 

How to Grow German Winter Thyme Seeds. Follow the planting instructions below and use Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Mix for successful germination.

50 days. Portulaca oleracea sativa. Annual. Open Pollinated. Golden Purslane. This low-growing plant produces good yields of golden colored leaves. It is a popular herb variety prized for its high nutritional value, rich in omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), vitamins A, C, and E, beta-carotene, calcium, iron, and antioxidants. It is an easy-to-grow, heat-loving annual succulent prized as an edible leafy green and sometimes for its small yellow flowers. Used in salads and can also be steamed or added to soups and stews; an excellent addition to a stir-fry. It also makes an attractive garnish, too. Purslane is also effective in treating oral lichen planus. Its leaves are used to treat insect or snake bites, boils, sores, pain from bee stings, bacillary dysentery, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, postpartum bleeding, and intestinal bleeding. The plant grows in poor soil and in hot weather. Heat Tolerant. Drought Tolerant. An excellent choice for herb gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 2123. A variety from the USA.

50 days. Portulaca oleracea sativa. Annual. Open Pollinated. Green Purslane. This low-growing plant produces good yields of green colored leaves. It is a popular herb variety prized for its nutritious, succulent leafy green, often grown from seeds as a heat-tolerant summer salad crop. Used in salads and can also be steamed or added to soups and stews; an excellent addition to a stir-fry. It is high in Vitamins A, B, and C. It also makes an attractive garnish, too. Purslane is also effective in treating oral lichen planus. Its leaves are used to treat insect or snake bites, boils, sores, pain from bee stings, bacillary dysentery, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, postpartum bleeding, and intestinal bleeding. The plant grows in poor soil and hot weather. Heat Tolerant. Drought Tolerant. An excellent choice for herb gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 2122. A variety from the USA.

85 days. Petroselinum crispum. Open Pollinated. Hamburg Rooted Parsley. The plant produces excellent yields of 8" long white roots. The large edible white roots are smooth and have a mild parsley flavor. Easy to grow. It is used by many European cooks for salads, soups, and stews. An excellent choice for home gardens. A variety from the USA.

120 days. Humulus lupulus. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Hops. The plant produces good yields of Hops. The flowering plant that is the main ingredient for beer around the world. They are vigorous growers that have golden to chartreuse leaf color. The fragrant flower cones add bitterness and flavor to beer. It is a tall growing vine. The dried flowering heads of female plants are used as a flavoring and preservative in beer and have medicinal properties for their calming effect. Drought Tolerant. An excellent choice for home gardens. A variety from the USA.

75 days. Ocimum basilicum. Annual. Open Pollinated. Licorice Basil. The plant produces high yields of basil leaves with purple flowers. It is a popular basil variety prized for its distinct sweet, licorice-like aroma and taste. Excellent with fish, salads, gourmet dishes, teas, desserts, garnish, and Asian dishes. Used to treat headaches, stress, digestive health, and inflammation. Also known as Persian Basil and Anise Basil. Suitable for containers. Excellent choice for herb gardens. A variety from the USA.

75 days. Anethum graveolens. Annual. Open Pollinated. Long Island Mammoth Dill. The plant produces high yields of very flavorful Dill leaves and seeds. It is a popular heirloom dill variety prized for its tall, vigorous growth, large feathery foliage, and abundant, sizable seed heads, making it excellent for pickling, fresh herbs, and culinary uses. Seeds are used as a pickling spice. Leaves are used in omelets, fish dishes, and salads. Also used as a garnish. Leaves can be dried for later use. This variety matures more quickly than others and also has higher yields. It is said that Dill can enhance the growth of cabbage, onions, lettuce, and tomatoes. Attracts beneficial insects and butterflies. Easy to grow. Excellent choice for herb gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 305462. A variety from the USA.

45 days. Coriandrum sativum. Annual. Open Pollinated. Long Standing Coriander. This early maturing plant produces good yields of very pungent leaves and seeds. It is a popular coriander variety prized for its slow-bolting trait, improved leafiness, excellent flavor, and extended harvest window. The leaves are sweet and spicy and are used to season pickles and meats. The seeds are used in bread, curry powder, and pastries. Excellent in Mexican, Chinese, and Latin American dishes. The leaves are called Cilantro, and the seeds are called Coriander. This variety bolts two weeks after other varieties. Suitable for spring and fall plantings. A member of the dill family. Also known as Chinese Parsley or Mexican Parsley. An excellent choice for herb gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 690550. A variety from the USA.

90 days. Levisticum officinale. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Lovage Seeds. The plant produces good yields of glossy dark green leaves. It has a celery like flavor. Used in salads, rice, soups, stews, potatoes, poultry dishes, and casseroles. Known for the treatment of digestive problems. Attracts beneficial insects. An excellent choice for home gardens. A variety from the USA.

85 days. Anethum graveolens. Annual. Mammoth Dill. The plant produces very flavorful leaves and seeds. It is prized for its large size, abundant seed production, and strong flavor. It is a popular, vigorous dill variety prized for its large size, abundant foliage, and substantial seed production. It has larger yellow flowers than other varieties. Seeds are used as a pickling spice, and leaves are used in omelets, fish dishes, soups, meat, and salads. Also used as a garnish. Leaves can be dried for later use. Great for attracting beneficial insects. Excellent choice for herb gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, AMES 24591. An heirloom variety from the USA.

90 days. Althaea offinalis. Perennial. Marshmallow. The plant produces velvety, gray-green leaves with beautiful, petaled, pale pink flowers. It is a popular herb variety prized for its roots, which contain mucilage historically used in herbal remedies and in the original marshmallow confection. The roots, leaves, and flowers are demulcent (soothing). Used to treat sore mouths, coughs, skin irritations, and wounds. Also said to aid women during childbirth. Young leaves and flowers are edible and used in salads and teas. Roots are used to make Candy Marshmallows, and leaves and shoots are used in salads. Excellent choice for herb gardens. A variety from the USA.

85 days. Tagetes lucida. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Mexican Tarragon Seeds. The plant produces good yields of glossy green leaves and orange flowers. Leaves are used in vinegar, sauces, and salads. The flowers are used to garnish desserts and drinks with the same sweet licorice flavor as the leaves. It has a stronger flavor than Russian tarragon. Used by Southwestern chefs. Also known as Mexican Mint, Spanish Tarragon, and Winter Tarragon. It serves as an excellent substitute for French Tarragon in warmer climates, where true tarragon often struggles. Cold Tolerant. Heat Tolerant. Drought Tolerant. High Humidity Tolerant. Easy to grow. Suitable for herb gardens, flower beds, or containers. An excellent choice for home gardens. A variety from the USA.

100 days. Silybum marianum. Annual/Biennial. Open Pollinated. Milk Thistle. The plant produces high yields of spiny green leaves, marbled in white, and crowned with brilliant purple flowers. The plant's species name, marianum, refers to the Virgin Mary because the white mottling on the leaf is said to be her tears. Used in salads, smoothies, or steamed. Use young leaves cooked or in spring salads, remove spines first. Flower stalks put out large purple thistle flowers that were eaten like artichokes. Milk thistle is a favorite in the wellness world for its natural healing properties. Silymarin, found in the flowers and seeds, has been used to strengthen and regenerate liver tissue. The Greek physician and botanist Dioscorides (40–90 AD) was the first to describe milk thistle's healing properties. Later, in 1597, John Gerard noted that milk thistle was the best remedy against melancholy diseases. Silymarin, derived from milk thistle, is the most commonly used liver protectant (hepatoprotectant) by patients in gastrointestinal clinics in the USA. In Germany, where the government regulates herbal medicine use, milk thistle has been listed in the Commission E monograph for the treatment of dyspepsia, cirrhosis, and liver damage due to toxins. Milk thistle requires little maintenance and thrives in poor, well-drained soil. Also known as Blessed Milk Thistle and Mary Thistle. Drought Tolerant. Heat Tolerant. An excellent choice for home gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, NA 47041. A variety from the Mediterranean region.

70 days. Petroselinum crispum. Biennial. Open Pollinated. Moss Curled Parsley Seeds. The plant produces high yields of very dark green curled parsley leaves. It is a popular heirloom curly-leaf parsley variety prized for its dense, dark green, tightly curled leaves on compact plants. It has a milder flavor than flat-leaf Italian parsley. It grows so thickly that the plant resembles a bunch of moss. Excellent for drying and use as a garnish. It can be used as an ornamental edging plant. Suitable for spring and fall planting. Cold Tolerant. An excellent choice for herb gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, NSl 3911. A 1904 heirloom from the USA.

Mother of Thyme

85 days. Pycnanthemum pilosum. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Mountain Mint. The plant produces good yields of fragrant Mountain Mint leaves. It may be used just like peppermint. It has a wonderful menthol fragrance for potpourri. Used to make teas for indigestion, fevers, and to regulate the menstrual cycle. White flowers attract bees and butterflies. An excellent choice for home gardens. A variety from the USA.

60 days. Ocimum basilicum. Annual. Open Pollinated. Mrs Burn's Lemon Basil. The plant produces good yields of 2 ½” long lemon-flavored basil leaves. It is a popular heirloom basil variety prized for its intense lemon-citrus fragrance and flavor, stronger than typical lemon basil, with larger, bright green leaves, white-to-pinkish flowers, and a robust, productive growth habit. The finest lemon basil around and the most lemony of all lemon basil. Excellent for making vinegar and seafood dishes. Suitable for containers. An excellent choice for home gardens. An heirloom variety from New Mexico, USA.

110 days. Lavandula angustifolia. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Munstead Lavender. The plant produces beautiful English Lavender. It has fragrant gray-green foliage and early-blooming spikes of lavender-blue flowers. The plants bloom in early summer and, if lightly pruned after flowering, may rebloom in late summer. Munstead Lavender is the most fragrant variety. The flowers and leaves are also edible and used in salads and baked goods. The flowers can be used to garnish desserts. Used in bouquets, sachets, and perfumes. Also used to treat headaches, burns, and cuts. Used to repel moths, mosquitoes, and gnats. Cold Tolerant. Perfect for borders, rock gardens, and containers. An excellent choice for home gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 88147. A 1916 heirloom variety from the USA.

75 days. Ocimum basilicum. Annual. Open Pollinated. Osmin Basil. The plant produces good yields of deep burgundy red basil leaves. It is a popular basil variety prized for its striking dark maroon to deep burgundy-purple leaves, making it both an ornamental and culinary herb. It has beautiful pink flowers, and the leaves are very flavorful. It is the darkest of the purple basil. The leaves are smaller than Rubin basil and less prone to leaning. Great for pesto, salads, vinaigrettes, garnishes, and flavored oils and vinegars. Also attracts pollinators. Suitable for containers. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 599363. Excellent choice for herb gardens. A variety from the USA. 

85 days. Chrysanthemum carinatum. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Painted Daisy Pyrethrum. It is a popular perennial flower prized for its vibrant, daisy-like blooms. The plant produces beautiful daisy flowers. This variety blooms with white, pink, and red flowers with yellow centers. Used to make the safest insecticide. It acts directly on the nervous system of aphids, mites, leafhoppers, cabbage worms, and other insects. It will not harm fish, mammals, or plants. To make the insecticide spray, mix 1 tablespoon of freshly ground dried flowers with 2 quarts of hot water. Add a little soap and let it sit for a while. This strain can also be used for cut-flower and border plants. An excellent choice for herb gardens. A variety from the USA.

85 days. Mentha piperita. Perennial. Open Pollinated. The plant produces excellent yields of very aromatic peppermint leaves. A popular herb variety prized for its aromatic mint and cool, menthol-forward flavor. Use the leaves to make tea, candies, and desserts. Also used for treating the common cold, asthma, congestion, and indigestion. Attracts beneficial insects. Suitable for containers. An excellent choice for home gardens. A variety from the USA.

68 days. Ocimum basilicum. Annual. (F1) Prospera Basil. The plant produces good yields of 3" glossy, medium-green basil leaves. This popular Genovese-type basil variety is bred for strong disease resistance, particularly to downy mildew and Fusarium wilt. This makes it especially valuable for gardeners and market growers in humid, rainy conditions where traditional basil varieties often struggle. Great for seasoning tomato dishes, garnishes, seasoned oils and vinegars, poultry, beef, stews, soups, and Italian dishes. Highly aromatic and attractive in the herb garden. High Humidity Tolerant. Suitable for containers. An excellent choice for herb gardens, Farmer’s Markets, market growers, greenhouses, open production, and commercial production. Disease Resistant: DM, F.

74 days. Ocimum basilicum. Annual. (F1) Prospera Red Basil. The plant produces good yields of dark purple basil leaves. It is a popular basil variety prized for its striking dark purple leaves, Genovese basil flavor and aroma, and strong disease resistance. Perfect for adding seasoning to Italian and tomato dishes. Excellent as a garnish, seasoned oil, seasoned vinegar, or seasoning for poultry, beef, stews, and soups. It is very aromatic and attractive in the herb garden. Suitable for containers. First purple basil with resistance to Downy Mildew and Fusarium. High Humidity Tolerant. Bolt Resistant. Suitable for containers. An excellent choice for herb gardens, Farmer’s Markets, market growers, greenhouses, open production, and commercial production. A variety from the USA. Disease Resistant: DM, F.

1987 All-America Selections Winner! 85 days. Ocimum basilicum. Annual. Open Pollinated. Purple Ruffles Basil. The plant produces good yields of purple basil leaves. It is a popular basil variety prized for its large, deep purple-to-violet, ruffled fringed leaves, and pale pink-to-purple flower spikes. Excellent as a garnish, seasoned oil, seasoned vinegar, or seasoning for poultry, beef, stews, and soups. A very beautiful plant. Suitable for containers. Excellent choice for herb gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 601365. A variety from the USA.

Papaver somniferum var. glabrum. Annual. Open Pollinated. Red Opium Poppy. A variety with bright red petals. Poppy seeds are used on bread, in cakes and bagels, and in Middle Eastern delicacies such as halva. The seeds also yield a high-quality oil used for salads and for making soap, ointments, and paints. The poppy plant is also used as a source of opium. It is used to control pain, cough, and diarrhea. As significant as the plant is for its medicinal uses, it is far more important for its culinary uses. This is a cool-season annual with a mixture of flowers in an array of colors from pink to purple, but most are blood red. Excellent choice for home gardens, market growers, open production, and commercial production. A variety from the USA.

90 days. Salvia officinalis. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Sage Seeds. The plant produces excellent yields of very flavorful silver green leaves. Used fresh or dried to season beans, cheese, poultry, pork, sausages, omelets, cheese and bean dishes, meats, sauces, and tomato dishes. Also used as a digestive and nerve tonic. Sage tea is used to gargle for sore throat. Perfect as a border plant in the herb garden. Suitable for containers. Sage naturally dies after about 5 years, so replant every 3 years. Also known as Broadleaf Sage, Common Sage, and Garden Sage. Excellent choice for home gardens. A variety from the USA.

70 days. Sanguisorba minor. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Salad Burnet. The plant produces excellent yields of salad burnet leaves. It is a popular herb variety prized for its edible leaves that taste like mild cucumber. It is very flavorful and tastes and smells like cucumbers! Used in salads, sandwiches, soups, and stews. Adds cucumber flavor to vinegar, cream cheese, and cold drinks. Also said to be used in facial treatments to improve skin. Also known as Small Burnet, Lesser Burnet, and Garden Burnet.  Keep flowers cut to promote leaf growth. Suitable for container gardening. An excellent choice for herb gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 12577. A variety from the USA.

55 days. Coriandrum sativum. Annual. Open Pollinated. Santo Coriander. This early maturing plant produces good yields of very pungent leaves and seeds. This high-quality coriander is a fast-growing strain grown by market growers. Used in seasoning pickles, bean dishes, chicken, meats, salsa, and spicy foods. Excellent in Mexican, Chinese, and Latin American dishes. The leaves are called Cilantro, and the seeds are called Coriander. A member of the dill family. Suitable for containers. A slow bolting variety. Attracts beneficial insects. Cold Tolerant. An excellent choice for home gardens and greenhouses.

45 days. Coriandrum sativum. Annual. Open Pollinated. Slow Bolt Coriander. This early-maturing plant produces very pungent leaves and seeds. It is a popular coriander variety prized for its slow bolting. Used in seasoning pickles and meats. Leaves are used in Mexican, Asian, Indian, and Middle Eastern dishes. Seeds are used for curries, pickles, sausages, and baking. It works well fresh and dried. Slow Bolting. The leaves are called Cilantro, and the seeds are called Coriander. Suitable for containers. Excellent choice for herb gardens. A variety from the USA.

60 days. Rumex acetosa. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Sorrel. The plant produces good yields of 8" long greens. It is a popular herb variety prized for its bright, lemony-tangy flavor. The leaves are excellent in salads, soups, and sauces for fish dishes. It has a lemon flavor and is high in Vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Medicinally used in diets for scurvy. A common native species in the grasslands of the USA. An excellent choice for herb gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 27761. A variety from the USA.

85 days. Mentha spicata. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Spearmint. The plant produces good yields of dark green spearmint leaves. It is a popular herb variety prized for its milder, sweeter, fruity-minty flavor, less intense than peppermint. This sweet-smelling spearmint is used in candy, teas, jellies, desserts, lamb dishes, and salads. It is also used as a garnish on ice cream, iced drinks, and melons. Adds fragrance to toothpaste, lotions, and tinctures. Spearmint tea is used for medical purposes to treat many ailments, including nausea, hiccups, and poor digestion. Suitable for containers. Excellent choice for herb gardens. A variety from the USA.

 

How to Grow Spearmint Seeds. Follow the planting instructions below and use Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Mix for successful germination.

70 days. Ocimum basilicum. Annual. Open Pollinated. Spicy Globe Bush Basil. This small compact bush plant produces very flavorful basil leaves. It is a popular compact, dwarf sweet basil variety that forms a tidy globe-shaped plant, making it excellent for containers, window boxes, edging, and small gardens. The plant has small, thin, light-green leaves with a strong, spicy-sweet basil aroma and flavor that is more intense than that of standard Genovese Basil. It is very slow to bolt. A great pollinator and friendly plant that attracts bees and butterflies. Used in sauces, salads, and Italian dishes. Very beautiful. Also known as Boxwood Basil. Suitable for containers and landscaping borders. An excellent choice for home gardens. A variety from the USA.

70 days. Petroselinum crispum. Biennial. Open Pollinated. Tripled Curled Parsley. The plant produces good yields of very flavorful dark green parsley leaves. This is the most popular variety used for garnishes and seasoning. Excellent in salads, sauces, soups, and stews. It can be dried or used fresh, dried and used as a garnish, or fresh and chopped finely over a nice fish dish. This is a fast growing variety. An excellent choice for home gardens and market growers. An heirloom variety from the USA.

85 days. Lavandula angustifolia. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Vera Lavender Seeds. The plant produces a beautifully aromatic herb that has dark purple flowers. It is a popular lavender variety prized for its strong fragrance, high essential oil content, and versatility. Makes an excellent ornamental hedge. Used in bouquets, sachets, and perfumes. Tender stalks are sometimes used in salads. The flowers and leaves are also edible. Used to repel moths, mosquitoes, and gnats. Suitable for containers. Excellent choice for herb gardens. A variety from the USA.

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.

70 days. Satureja hortensis. Annual. Open Pollinated. Summer Savory. The plant produces good yields of peppery-flavored leaves. A fast-growing herb in the mint family, known for its peppery, spicy, thyme-like flavor with hints of oregano and lavender. Excellent for flavoring sausage, egg dishes, cabbage, sauerkraut, beans, peas, and lentil dishes. A peppery flavor to add to dressings and sauces. It is often called the bean herb. Also used to make tea for sore throats, asthma, the common cold, and a persistent cough. It is often used as a remedy for stings, insect bites, and skin irritations. It has an added benefit as it repels insects. An excellent choice for home gardens. A variety from the USA.

85 days. Saponaria officinalis. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Soapwort. The plant produces abundant blooms and dark green leaves. A popular heirloom herb prized for its high saponin content, fragrant pink or white flowers (often clove-scented and stronger in the evening), and ornamental use in cottage gardens, borders, rock gardens, or as groundcover. Leaves, roots, and seeds produce a gentle lather when mixed with water, historically used as a mild soap or detergent for delicate fabrics, wool, and skin. Used to make homemade soaps and shampoo by soaking the roots and leaves in hot water. Also used to relieve skin itchiness and pain, and as a soap. Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is low-maintenance once established. Drought Tolerant. Excellent choice for herb gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 4758. An heirloom variety from Europe, Asia, and the USA.