Herb Seeds

Softly mounding plants of cascading gray-green thyme leaves are a handsome accent in every cook’s garden. Intensely aromatic thyme is indispensable in all kinds of savory dishes throughout the classic Mediterranean cuisines of France, Italy and Greece and enhances both Cajun and Creole food. Use the spicy little leaves every day to combine and blend beautifully with the flavors of lemon, garlic, basil and parsley for seasoning vegetables, seafood and poultry. Thyme is easy to freeze or dry.

PERENNIAL
Spring/summer/fall harvest
Frost hardy

BEST TO PLANT INDOORS
Sow thyme in early spring in a container of seed starting mix. Cover seeds very lightly and keep evenly moist but not soggy until seedlings emerge in 14 to 21 days. Provide a good light source. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions and transplant clusters of 3-4 seedlings 8-10 inches apart.

TO START IN THE GARDEN
Plant thyme after soil has warmed up in spring in a finely textured seed bed with good drainage in full sun. Sow very thinly, cover seed lightly and be careful to keep the seed bed evenly moist and well weeded. When seedlings are several inches tall, thin out, leaving clumps of 3-4 seedlings 8-10 inches apart so plants have room to grown and spread.

GROWING NOTES
Given a sunny location with good drainage, easy-growing thyme plants are reliable productive and long-lived garden perennials. Little lilac flowers bloom in midsummer; cut back foliage halfway when the blossoms fade to keep plants looking fresh. Cut leafy thyme sprigs as needed once plants are well established.

Growing these old-fashioned poppies offers triple rewards: glorious flowers, handsome pods and nutty-tasting seeds from the same ornamental plants. Gray-green Pepperbox plants send up nodding stems of large papery-textured purple, red and pale pink blossoms, all with dark center blotches. After the petals drop, their big pods swell as the blue-black seeds mature to harvest when dry for baking. Or keep the pods for beautiful decorations.

Approx: 8900 Seeds

Non GMO

ANNUAL

Spring/summer bloom, fall harvest
Frost hardy

EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS

Plant poppies in late fall or very early spring directly into the garden. In cold winter climates, seeds will overwinter and germinate when soil thaws. Blossoms and pods are largest when plants grow in cool weather; seedlings are very cold hardy.

In a well-worked, finely textured seed bed in full sun, sprinkle seeds thinly (mixing dry sand with the seeds will help space them). Rake in gently or lightly cover seeds 1/8 inch deep and keep seed-bed moist until seedlings emerge in 7 to 14 days. If seedlings come up too thickly, thin poppies early, but delay final thinning to 6 to 8 inches apart until weather has settled in spring.

HARVEST & USE

Wait until seedpods are dried and brown on plants and the tiny seeds inside pods are hard and black. Cut seedpods with long stems and bunch upside down in an open paper bag. Shake seeds out into bag and remove any debris. Store clean seed in a closed jar or freeze for long storage.

Toasted Poppy seeds’ nutty flavor enhances both sweet and savory breads, cakes and cookies and is delicious in salad dressing.

Our easy to grow Munstead has the perfume of authentic English lavender – a clear, sweet fragrance without medicinal overtones. The semi-dwarf plants grow into 1 1/2 to 2 foot, silvery-green mounds with plump lavender blue flower spikes. Use these plants in landscape borders for a wave of soft color in early summer. Their greygreen foliage and aromatic blooms will charm your senses and attract a flotilla of summer butterflies.

Approx: 145 Seeds.

Non GMO

BEST TO PLANT INDOORS

In early spring, sow lavender seeds in a container of seed starting mix, cover very lightly and keep at 60-70°F (16-21°C). Keep container moist but not soggy until seedlings slowly emerge over 14 to 28 days, providing a good light source. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, transplant into individual 4 inch pots. Plant outside in a well-drained sunny spot when plants are 2 to 3 inches tall after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.

TO START IN THE GARDEN

Sow directly into a well-worked, finely textured garden bed in full sun when weather is warm and settled. Cover very lightly. Lavender germinates slowly and unevenly; keep seed bed evenly moist and well weeded.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space seedlings 12 to 18 inches apart when large enough to handle.

GROWING NOTES

Given excellent drainage, this hardy lavender is perennial to zone 5. Plants flower lightly the first season and come into full bloom by their second summer. After blooming season, prune and shape the plants while cutting off spent flower stalks. Bonemeal is a good soil amendment for lavender.

Looking for a lovely, fragrant, easy care flowering herb that really attracts pollinators? Our Root Beer hyssop lights up the garden with candelabras of deep lilac-purple flower spikes all season long. All types of bees, butterflies and hummingbirds will flock to the pretty flowers with delight. Both the flowers and handsome toothed leaves have a sweet, warm fragrance and flavor reminiscent of root beer and can be used as edible garnishes and in baking. Seed Count: Approx. 2500

FROST TENDER PERENNIAL
Spring to fall bloom
Frost tender

TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of well-drained seed starting mix 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost date. Cover 1/4 inch deep, keep moist and provide a strong light source until ready to go outside. Transplant into individual containers once seedlings have 2 to 3 sets of true leaves. Transplant into garden once weather warms up after gradually acclimating seedlings to outdoor conditions.

TO PLANT OUTDOORS
Sow seeds directly into well-worked garden soil in full sun once all danger of frost is past. Space seeds 3 inches apart and cover about 1/4 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination in 10 to 14 days. See final spacing below.

PLANT SPACING
When well established, thin or transplant seedlings 9 to 12 inches apart so plants have room to mature. You can transplant extra seedlings when thinning.

GROWING NOTES
Throughout summer, multiple purple-blue flower spikes attract myriads of honeybees, butterflies and other important garden pollinators. Cut spent spikes to encourage reblooming all season. Use the sweet licorice scented leaves in Asian style stirfries and add to herbal teas. Plants will overwinter in mild climates.

Our wonderful Hidcote has the loveliest perfume of all the English lavenders. The long blooming plants with their soft narrow silvery foliage and vivid, deep purple velvety calyxes make beautiful landscape plants. Cut and hang the richly scented flower spikes upside down in a cool place for fragrant long-lasting bouquets and sachets, or leave the blooms to charm your senses and attract a flotilla of summer butterflies. 200 seeds, non GMO.

PERENNIAL
Summer/fall bloom
Frost hardy

BEST TO START INDOORS
In early spring, sow lavender seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, cover very lightly and keep at 65°F (18°C). Keep container moist but not soggy until seedlings slowly emerge over 14 to 25 days, providing a good light source. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, transplant 2 inches apart into deeper containers. Plant outside in a well-drained sunny spot when plants are 2 to 3 inches tall after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 18 inches apart when large enough to handle.

GROWING NOTES
Because perennial lavender’s small seeds germinate slowly and unevenly, we strongly recommend starting them indoors so you can tend them carefully. After seedlings are well established, plant them out in a sunny spot with excellent drainage and good air circulation or in big, well drained pots. If given excellent drainage and good air circulation, Hardy Hidcote lavender is perennial to Zone 5. Plants flower lightly the first season and come into full bloom by their second summer. After blooming season, prune and shape the plants while cutting off spent flower stalks.

This aromatic oregano comes from our best traditional Italian grower near Bologna. The leaves are slightly milder and sweeter than Greek oregano. They are perfect in marinara sauce, pizza, pasta, soups, casseroles and salads. An ornamental as well as a tasty kitchen garden essential, this hardy perennial forms cascading mounds of little leaves with purple flowers appearing the second season. Use it lavishly fresh or hang bunches of the leafy sprigs to dry for year-round enjoyment.

Approx: 1000 Seeds.

Non GMO

PERENNIAL

Spring/summer/fall harvest
Frost hardy

TO PLANT DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

When warm spring weather arrives, sow in full sun in a well worked, finely textured seed bed with good drainage. Sow thinly, then water very gently for good soil contact, but do not cover seeds. Tend carefully: keep soil evenly moist but not soggy and well weeded.

TO START INDOORS

Sow seed in early spring in a container of seed starting mix. Press gently into moistened soil mix, but do not cover. Provide a good light source. Keep evenly moist as seedlings slowly emerge in 10 to 21 days. Transplant when 1 to 2 inches tall after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Thin or space seedlings 10 inches apart when they are large enough to handle.

GROWING NOTES

Mix tiny seeds with dry sand to help space seedlings. Young plants grow slowly at first; a good hot spell encourages strong growth. Pick leaves lightly the first season; wait until the second summer to make bigger harvests. For best leafy growth, cut sprays of purple blossom to enjoy in the kitchen. Given good drainage, this carefree Mediterranean native is hardy and long-lived.

Tender and succulent Fine Leaf Chives keep their slender shape and don’t get coarse or tough with age. These softly shaped mounding plants with their pretty lilac-pink blossoms look lovely along the edge of flower borders and are indispensable in everyday cooking. Keep some chives planted close to the kitchen to use freshly chopped on salads, with cheese, egg, rice and potato dishes, or whenever you want a delicate onion flavor without the bite.

Seed Count: Approx. 750

Non GMO

PERENNIAL

Spring/summer/fall harvest
Frost hardy

TO PLANT OUTDOORS

In the cool weather of early spring, sow clusters of 7 to 10 seeds about 8 to 10 inches apart in well-worked, fertile soil in sun or part shade. Cover 1/4 inch deep and press soil firmly over seeds. Keep evenly moist as seeds germinate slowly over several weeks. Emerging seedlings have very slender grass-like leaves that mature into mounds.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

In early spring, sow 7 to 10 seeds in individual containers of starting mix and cover 1⁄4 inch deep. Keep evenly moist as seedlings slowly emerge and provide a good light source until ready to plant outdoors. Transplant clusters of seedlings when 2 to 3 in. tall after gradually acclimating plants to outdoor conditions.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space clusters of 7 to 10 seedlings 8 to 10 inches apart.

GROWING NOTES

Chives bear lilac-pink blossoms in late spring and summer. After bloom finishes, cut entire plant back to 2 inches to encourage regrowth of tender new leaves. Given plenty of moisture and a location out of fierce sun, chives are hardy, self-sufficient plants.

Lavendula angustifolia. This open plant is an early flowering selection with more blue in the flowers. Dwarf Munstead lavender seeds are the most aromatic of the English lavenders, giving off a sweet and delicate perfume. It is great for drying, hung by itself or with other tiny flowers. Dwarf Munstead works well in containers or raised beds, and will reward the grower with masses of aromatic cut flowers that can be easily dried. Lavender flowers are edible, and highly attractive to pollinators. Sow some Dwarf Munstead Lavender seeds in your organic herb or vegetable garden this year. Plant height: 38cm.

How To Grow, Timing:  Lavender germinates most evenly if seeds can be collected in the autumn and sown on the surface of a seed tray with bottom heat maintaining 4-10°C. The seedlings are then overwintered in a cool greenhouse or cold frame with good ventilation. Seedlings can then be potted on as needed.

Another method is to start the seeds indoors in winter, planting a few seeds in a few pots with sterilized seed starting mix. Dampen the mix, press the seeds into the surface, insert the pots into plastic bags, and put them in the freezer for about a week. Let them come to room temperature on their own, and then use bottom heat as indicated above.

How To Grow, Starting:  Avoid using a plastic lid or covering, as this will keep the soil more moist than needed. Barely cover the seed, as they germinates in 14-21 days in warm soil. Do not use a plastic lid or covering because this will make the surface of the soil too moist. If watering is necessary, water from below. If germination is low after 3-4 weeks, lower the temperature to 5-10°C for 2 weeks, then raise it again. Pot up the tiny seedlings and grow them on in a protected greenhouse or windowsill to set into the garden in the spring.

How To Grow, Growing:  Lavender prefers full sun and well drained, fertile soil. Trim plants back hard in spring, just as new growth starts – but never prune back into the woody part of the stems. This will give a rush of even growth for the first leaves and bloom. Cut back again in early autumn, but again – never into old wood.

How To Grow, Harvest:  Gather the flowers just as they open. Dry on open trays, or by hanging in small bunches. Pick the leaves anytime to use fresh, or if dehydrating lavender leaves, gather before flowering starts.

Approx: 100 Seeds.