Herb Seeds
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Wild Bergamot – West Coast Seeds
$3.49Add to cartMonarda fistulosa. Commonly known as Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot is a wildflower that produces blooms that vary in shades from pink to lavender. These flowers appear in July and August above stout, strong stems bearing scented leaves. Wild Bergamont is unrelated to the bergamot citrus fruit that lend Earl Grey tea its distinct flavour, but the leaves are excellent in tea, with peppery/lemony/minty notes. Plants grow to a height of 60-90cm, and those that don’t survive as perennials in Coastal gardens will likely self-sow. All bergamots are highly attractive to beneficial pollinators like butterflies and wild bees. Hummingbirds will stage territorial fights to stake their claims over a wild bergamot plant in full bloom.
How To Grow, Timing: Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow in early spring when a light frost is still possible. Seeds can also be direct sown in the fall, as the first frost approaches. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 15-21°C. Seeds should sprout in 10-40 days. Bottom heat will speed germination.
How To Grow, Starting: Barely cover the tiny seeds with soil. Thin or space transplants 45-60cm apart. These vigorous perennials will grow in, closer together over time.
How To Grow, Growing: Any ordinary garden soil will work. Plant in full sun to partial shade. Where summers are long, plants are prone to mildew, so avoid overhead watering. Deadhead regularly to prolong the blooming period. These perennial plants spread by rhizome growth, and should be dug and divided every three years.
How To Grow, Harvest: Pick the leaves as desired for fresh use in the kitchen. For drying, harvest leaves before the flowers open. Cut flowers for drying as soon as they’re fully open. Masses of tiered pink-purple blossoms grow from August until frost.
Approx 490 Seeds
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Basil – Sweet Basil – West Coast Seeds
$3.99Add to cartSweet Basil seeds produce vigorous plants that grow big, mid-green leaves all summer long. Keep picking the growing tips and the 2 pairs of leaves below them for the kitchen. More branches sprout more leaves. Sweet basil is a large-leaved Italian type that is glorious for pesto. Plant Sweet Basil seeds several times for a continuous supply until frost. Grow one on a warm and sunny windowsill through the winter, or try it as microgreens for a tasty and aromatic garnish. This basil makes excellent pesto, and it’s extremely easy to grow. Just supply good drainage and lots of sunshine.
How To Grow, Timing: Basil grows well in containers indoors at any time of year provided you can supply enough light. For outdoor growing, sow basil seeds throughout late spring for transplanting to the garden after the summer solstice. Or direct sow in early summer, once the soil has warmed up. Basil requires warm soil and full sun. Optimal temperature for germination: 21°C . Seeds should sprout in 5-10 days.
How To Grow, Starting: Sow seeds 1cm deep in sterilized seed starting mix. Basil is prone to damping off, so once seeds sprout, make sure they are adequately ventilated, and kept under very bright light. Thin to 20-25cm apart. Using bottom heat speeds germination.
How To Grow, Growing: Use any rich, loose, well drained soil. Once plants are 15cm tall, pinch out the growing tips to encourage really bushy growth prior to harvest. Watch for signs of flower buds forming in mid-summer, and pinch these off to promote more foliage.
How To Grow, Harvest: Frequent harvesting will prolong the life of the plant. Basil leaves have the best flavour just before the plant flowers, and if you plan to preserve some of your basil or make a big batch of pesto, this is the best time to harvest. Flowering can be delayed by pinching or clipping off new flower buds.
Tear basil rather than chop with a knife because chopping tends to bruise the leaves. Add basil to food just before serving so as to get the full aroma and effect. Cooking for any length tends to make the minty side of basil come to the forefront.
Basil is best fresh, but can be preserved by drying or by freezing. To freeze, tear the leaves into small pieces and freeze small batches of them, with water, in ice cube trays. Once frozen, the cubes can be saved in zip-lock type bags and labeled for later use. This will preserve the fresh flavour of basil for up to four months.
Approx: 300 Seeds.
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Spearmint Heirloom – Mentha Spicata – Renee’s Garden
$5.59Add to cart(Mentha spicata)
Sweetest of all the mints, true spearmint produces scented bright green, serrated leaves all season. Freshly harvested spearmint has a delicious aromatic perfume that accents, but doesn’t overpower, many kinds of salads and cooked dishes. Enjoy the leaves whole, chopped, dried, frozen, preserved in salt, sugar, alcohol, or sweet oil. Fresh spearmint tea is a delight and making your own Mint Juleps is a gardener’s treat! Grow only in containers, because mint spreads very quickly in the ground.Seed Count: Approx. 1200
Non GMO
PERENNIAL
Spring/Summer/Fall harvest
Frost hardy to zone 4TO START EARLY INDOORS
In early spring, 4 to 6 weeks before last frost, start seeds in a container of moistened soil mix. Sow thinly, but do not cover. Provide a good light source until ready to transplant when seedlings are large enough to handle.
BEST GROWN IN CONTAINERS
Grow only in containers because mint spreads rampantly by underground runners, quickly becoming a nuisance in the garden. When warm spring weather arrives, sow seeds thinly (but do not cover) in containers of pre-moistened new soil mix in full sun. Keep evenly moist but not soggy.
When several inches tall, thin or transplant seedlings 6 to 8 inches apart in pots at least 16 inches across and 12 inches deep.
GROWING NOTES
Mint is long-lived and gets overcrowded easily. Divide plants into 4 quarters every spring, replanting 1 quarter of the original clump into a pot of fresh soil mix. Replant extra clumps in new pots or give away. See “How To Divide Spearmint Plants” video on our website.
HARVEST AND USE
Harvest frequently to encourage new growth. Snip sprigs of leaves in the morning when the aromatic oils are strongest. Use in drinks and sprinkle chopped mint over green and fresh fruit salads. Air dry by hanging branches in a warm, well-ventilated area, then package airtight.
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Marjoram Sweet – Origanum Majorana – Renee’s Garden
$4.19This perfumed Mediterranean herb is at its best when harvested fresh from the garden, with a complex, sweeter pungency than its more assertive cousin, oregano. Marjoram is easy to grow from seed and forms an attractive mound of small-leaved green sprigs. This versatile kitchen companion combines well with garlic, onions, thyme, basil, and bay leaves. It is the herb of choice for flavoring cheese and egg dishes, herb breads and stuffings, mushrooms, poultry or beans and adds bright flavor to a wide range of everyday cooking.
Approx: 1650 Seeds.
Non GMO
PERENNIAL
Spring/summer/fall harvest
Frost hardyTO START INDOORS
Sow seed in early spring in a container of seed starting mix. Press gently into mix, but do not cover. Provide a good light source. Keep evenly moist as seedlings slowly emerge in 12 to 21 days. When seedlings are large enough to handle, acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions. Transplant clusters of 3 to 5 seedlings 8 inches apart in full sun.
TO PLANT DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
When warm spring weather arrives, sow in full sun in a well-worked, finely textured soil with good drainage. Sow seed as thinly as possible, but do not cover as seeds need light to germinate. Tend carefully, keeping seedbed evenly moist and well weeded. ThIn to leave clusters of 3-5 seedling 8 inches apart.
GROWING NOTES
Mix tiny seed 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. Cut blossom sprays off for best leafy growth. Given good drainage, this carefree Mediterranean native is hardy and long-lived.
Add to cart1650 Seeds
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Arugula Wasabi – Diplotaxis Erucoides – Renee’s Garden
$5.19Add to cartA unique wild arugula, Wasabi’s leaves taste just like the complex, spicy flavor of freshly made wasabi paste. These delicious little plants grow quickly and easily, forming pretty leafy rosettes. More weather tolerant than other varieties, you can harvest whole plants or pick individual piquant leaves for zesty accents to everyday meals. When plants send up flower stalks, the little white blossoms are edible; use both leaves and flowers in salads, sandwiches, sushi, pasta and barbecue.
Approx: 1000 Seeds.
ANNUAL
Spring/summer/fall harvest
Frost hardyEASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
Plant in spring (or late summer for a fall crop) directly into the garden in well-worked soil in full sun, or a spot that receives partial afternoon shade. Sow 1 inch apart and barely cover.
Keep the seed bed evenly moist until seedlings emerge in 10 to 12 days. Begin harvesting individual young leaves in 4 to 5 weeks. In hot summer areas, wait to sow again in late summer for fall use, as extreme heat makes leaves extra pungent.
GROWING NOTES
Harvest early by thinning seedlings to use in salads when they are several inches tall, leaving remaining seedlings to grow to maturity 4 to 5 inches apart. Pick individual leaves when they are 3 to 4 inches long, or snip each whole leafy rosette about 1 inch above the crown and let plants regrow for extended harvests. This long-lasting arugula stays leafy so you can use it all season. Pick the little edible flower stalks of dainty white blossoms off the plants to keep seed heads from forming as this diminishes leaf quality.
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Cilantro – Calypso – West Coast Seeds
$4.49Read moreCoriandrum sativum. While other types of cilantro have sent up their tall flower stalks and set seed, Calypso cilantro remains bushy and productive. This compact, low-growing variety comes from a British breeding program, and it’s the slowest to bolt in side by side trials — resisting the urge to bolt by as many as three weeks. Its fragrance adds a distinctive flavour to broths, tacos, and countless other meals. Its low growing point allows it to regrow after multiple cuts for an extended harvest.
How To Grow, Timing: Direct sow from just after the last frost date to late spring. Direct sow in the fall under cover for a winter crop. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 15°C. Seeds should sprout in 5-10 days.
How To Grow, Starting: Sow 2cm deep in short rows. Thin seedlings to stand 5-10cm apart if harvesting leaves. If growing for seed, allow 23cm between plants.
How To Grow, Growing: Cilantro is tricky because several factors can cause it to bolt. Avoid transplanting for this reason, and avoid hot conditions as well as too much moisture. It does best in light, well-drained soil in partial shade, in relatively dry conditions. This is easy to achieve beneath a cloche in winter, where cilantro will thrive. Once it blooms, the seeds ripen suddenly, in only a couple of days, so care should be taken to prevent self sowing or simply losing those useful seeds.
How To Grow, Harvest: Pick young leaves once they have reached about 10cm in height. The flavour, though intense when fresh, diminishes quickly when dried or cooked, so always add cilantro just before serving. Try freezing it in ice cube trays with water. The stems and roots are also full of flavour. Harvest the seeds by sticking 6 or 8 seed heads in a paper bag and hanging it up somewhere airy, away from direct sunlight. The bag will catch the seeds as they ripen and fall out.
50 Days.
Approx:100 Seeds.
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Parsley – Dark Green Italian – West Coast Seeds
$3.49Add to cartFlat, dark green leaves are deeply cut, with a rich parsley flavour ideal for cooking or salads. Dark Green Italian Parsley Seeds are easy to grow, sturdy plants with stiff upright stems. Holds flavour better than the curly kind when dried. Use parsley in companion planting: Parsley likes asparagus, carrots, chives, corn, onions, and tomatoes. The leaves can be sprinkled on asparagus to repel asparagus beetles, and around roses, to improve their scent. Let some of your parsley go to bloom to attract hover-flies and predatory wasps. Parsley is a biennial plant that forms a long (edible) tap root. Choose deep pots for container growing.
How To Grow, Starting: If starting indoors, sow seeds 1cm deep, in sterilized seed starting mix, in peat pots or plug trays. Like its cousins dill and cilantro, parsley develops a taproot that does better if left undisturbed. Sow outdoors in drills 3cm deep, spaced 8cm apart. Thin final plants to 15cm apart.
How To Grow, Growing: Grow parsley in a deeply dug bed. Add a generous amount of rotted manure or finished compost to the bed several weeks in advance, or the previous fall. For summer crops, aim to grow plants in a place where they will receive some shade during the day – either on the east or west side of a structure or fence works well. For winter crops, start new seeds in late summer and transplant out to a warm, sunny location by September. Parsley will grow all winter (in mild areas) if cloche protection is provided.
How To Grow, Harvest: Cut individual sprigs from the outside of the plant or the whole plant as needed. Sprigs can be dried in the food dehydrator. Chop sprigs into the portions that your favourite recipes call for, place into an ice cube tray and add water to cover. When frozen, bag and store until needed. This keeps the parsley fresh for months.
80 days.
Approx: 1180 Seeds.
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Mint – Peppermint – West Coast Seeds
$3.49Add to cartMentha x piperata. Hot, rich mint aroma issues from the crushed or dried leaves of this spreading perennial plant. Consider growing Peppermint seeds in containers, as it will become hard to control over the years. Both the leaves and flowers can be dried for teas or use in stews and sauces. Peppermint grows well in moist soil in full sun to heavy shade. Mint flowers are edible, and highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. Mint plants spread by an ever-expanding rhizome that grows parallel with the soil. Along its length, new stems emerge with new leaves and flowers. This is why many gardeners prefer to grow mint in containers than in the open soil.
How To Grow, Timing: Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in late spring. Seeds should sprout in 10-16 days. Bottom heat will speed germination.
How To Grow, Starting: Sow seeds no more than 5mm (¼”) deep in moist soil. Space plants 45-60cm (18-24″) apart.
How To Grow, Growing: Mint spreads in the garden with gusto via a vigorous root system, so it may be preferable to confine it to planters on the balcony or in a raised bed. Prune plants back hard in early summer to promote good top growth. Bring some inside to grow in a small container over winter to grow on a brightly lit windowsill.
How To Grow, Harvest: Clip leaves or branches as needed throughout the year. Mint is so hardy and tough that it will grow right back. Dry the leaves and flowers for peppermint tea, or use them fresh. The flowers are edible and bring distinctive character to salads and sweets.
Approx: 990 Seeds.
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Fennel – Preludio Organic – West Coast Seeds
$4.99Add to cartLike many crops, when fennel bulbs are ready they need to be harvested — if they’re not picked right away, they tend to bolt. When fennel plants bolt, the growth is very fast, almost sudden. The quest for bolt-resistant bulbing fennel has led to the new hybrid, Preludio Organic. Its bulbs are heavy and substantial, shiny smooth on the outside, and packed with flavour. They are dense and uniform, with firm, crisp texture, and the tops are verdant and upright, so they look fabulous on the market table. This is the best variety for late summer and early fall harvests in most areas.
How To Grow, Timing: Start indoors 4 weeks before the last frost date in individual peat or coir pots. Fennel dislikes root disturbance. Transplant (or direct sow rows) 4 weeks after last frost in succession to mid-summer. Ideal temperature for germination: 15-21°C (60-70°F). Seeds should sprout in 10-14 days.
How To Grow, Starting: Sow seeds 1cm deep, a few seeds where each plant is to grow. Thin or space to 20-30cm in rows 45cm apart.
How To Grow, Growing: Ideal pH: 5.5-7.0. Rich, well-drained soil produces the best bulbs. Transplant when seedlings are 5cm tall. If raising transplants, do not disturb the roots, as this may cause plants to bolt. Keep well watered to ensure succulent bulbs and prevent bolting.
How To Grow, Harvest: Use a knife to slice the bulb from the root when it has thickened to 5cm or more across. If this is done carefully, smaller bulbs will sprout from the root later.
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Mint Dotted – Monarda Punctata – Northern Wildflowers
$4.00Add to cartPerennial
1-3 feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms August to October
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 200+ seeds per pack
Zones 3-9Dotted Mint (Monarda punctata) is beautiful, undemanding and edible. Native to the Eastern portion of Canada and the United States, the plant’s leaves and flowers can be used to make an aromatic tea or as a savoury herb. Dotted mint is drought tolerant and although it prefers sand and loam, it will tolerate clay. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the plant has a row of flowers, and below what appear to be flower petals are actually colourful leaves, which may be purple, pink, green, white or yellow. Dotted mint is a favourite food source of the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly.
Growing Instructions
No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
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Arugula – Dragon’s Fire – West Coast Seeds
$3.49Add to cartA wild variety, this unique arugula has purple/red veins dramatically etched onto shapely green leaves. Plants are vigorous and has uniform growth. Flavour is zesty and spicy–add some fire to a salad or sandwich by tossing in a few leaves. If it wasn’t so delicious, it’d be almost too beautiful to eat.
How To Grow, Timing: Direct sow every 3 weeks from mid-March to April and again in September for a fall/winter crop. Arugula is a productive, cool season, annual salad green that works best in spring and fall, and can be managed all winter under cloche protection where winters are mild. In hot weather, arugula tends to bolt and go to seed. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 4-12°C.
How To Grow, Seeding: Sow no more than 5mm deep in well drained soil in full sun. Thin seedlings to 10-15cm apart in rows 45-60cm apart. Overcrowded plants will bolt earlier.
Seeds germinate in 4-8 days.How To Grow, Growing: Ideal pH: 6.5-7.0. In optimum conditions at least 75% of seeds will germinate. Keep moist until germinated and then just keep the area weeded.
45-55 days
Approx: 1880 seeds.
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Dill – Bouquet – West Coast Seeds
$3.29Read moreBouquet dill seeds grow into compact plants around 75-90cm (30-36″) tall. Bouquet Dill is a particularly good variety to grow for nice looking bunching at the market table, and works well in containers or smaller herb gardens. This dill has fragrant, lacy foliage, large yellow flower heads, and large seeds, but the plants only grow about waist high.
The structure of dill’s flowers is known as an umbel. Thus dill is considered an umbelliferous plant. Other umbellifers include carrots, cilantro, fennel, parsnips, and Ammi. All of these plants are attractive to predatory insects such as lady beetles, Syrphid flies (hover-flies), lacewings, and tiny parasitoid wasps. Organic gardeners like to grow dill precisely to attract these beneficial insects, for they will control pest insects like aphids, thrips, whitefly, and the caterpillar of the Small White Butterfly (cabbage moth).
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Catnip – West Coast Seeds
$3.49Add to cartNepeta cataria. Not just for cats! Tall pink and white flower spikes are great in fresh and dried arrangements. Use the leaves in salads, sauces, teas, and soups – and of course fresh or dried for the cats! Catnip seeds are a good choice for a bee attractor that works well in containers on cat-free balconies. Protect seedlings from cats.
Catnip (and a few of its close relatives) contain the compound nepetalactone, which is extremely attractive to domestic and wild cats. It has the same effect on leopards, lynxes, and tigers as it does on house cats. Roughly 33% of all cats do not respond to catnip, and the response is believed to be hereditary.
How To Grow, Timing: Sow seeds indoors in late winter, and transplant or direct sow in 2-6 weeks after the last frost date. Catnip can also be direct sown in the fall where it is to grow. Bottom heat will speed germination. Ideal temperature for germination: 21-27°C (70-80°F). Seeds should sprout in 10-20 days.
How To Grow, Starting: Sow on the soil surface or barely covered with perlite. Thin plants or transplant to 30cm (12″) apart. Keep seedlings well protected from cats.
How To Grow, Growing: Catnip does very well in containers, raised beds, or borders in full sun to partial shade. The main challenge to growing it is protecting it from cats. After the main bloom, plants should be cut back hard to encourage a second bloom and tidy shape.
How To Grow, Harvest: To save the summer catmint bounty, harvest when fully grown, and keep the plant picked regularly.
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Borage – West Coast Seeds
$3.99Add to cartLarge, fuzzy, cucumber-scented leaves and vivid blue flowers attract bees all summer long. Usually grown for the bees and flowers, young leaves can be cooked like spinach or used in salads. Also known as the star flower because of the arrangement of its petals, the flowers have a light cucumber flavour and will stun with their vivid blue petals. A dramatic use is to make ice cubes with the petals frozen into them and drop into cold drinks. Borage seeds contain oils with the highest concentration (20% to 30%) of the fatty acid GLA, even higher than Evening Primrose. Altogether a versatile, attractive and useful herb, add starry blue flowers to salads, drinks, berry desserts for visual appeal. Borage may self sow. It is attractive to bumblebees that must buzz at a certain resonance to release a jet of pollen.
How To Grow, Timing: Direct sow in mid- to late spring. Borage develops a delicate taproot, so it’s best direct sown where it is to grow. Borage does not transplant well. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 21°C. Seeds should sprout in 5-15 days.
How To Grow, Starting: Sow seeds 1cm deep, and thin to 60cm apart. Borage will get large and fill in spaces between plants.
How To Grow, Growing: Borage is an un-fussy, self-sowing annual. To avoid self-sowing, the flower heads need to be picked regularly. Borage does best in full sun in well drained soil.
How To Grow, Harvest: Pick fresh flowers for freezing or drying for bouquets. Cut the fresh leaves during the summer to add to salads or spreads.
Approx: 90 Seeds
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Basil – Genovese – West Coast Seeds
$3.99Add to cartGenovese basil seeds are the very best Italian pesto variety of basil. This is the traditional Italian heirloom variety of basil. It has shiny, large, almond-shaped leaves have a more pronounced flavour, and stores well if chopped and frozen in ice cube trays. Pinch growing tips for bushier plants that grow to 60cm (24″) tall. Basil is a heat loving tender annual plant that requires good drainage and ample moisture during hot weather. If flowers develop, either save save the resulting seeds or separate them from the plants and sprinkle over pasta or salads. Basil flowers are highly attractive to honeybees and other wild pollinators.
Basil can be planted as a companion to tomato plants. It is said that basil improves the flavour of tomatoes.
How To Grow, Timing: Basil grows well in containers indoors at any time of year provided you can supply enough light. For outdoor growing, sow basil seeds throughout late spring for transplanting to the garden after the summer solstice. Or direct sow in early summer, once the soil has warmed up. Basil requires warm soil and full sun. Optimal temperature for germination: 21°C . Seeds should sprout in 5-10 days.
How To Grow, Starting: Sow seeds 1cm deep in sterilized seed starting mix. Basil is prone to damping off, so once seeds sprout, make sure they are adequately ventilated, and kept under very bright light. Thin to 20-25cm apart. Using bottom heat speeds germination.
How To Grow, Growing: Use any rich, loose, well drained soil. Once plants are 15cm tall, pinch out the growing tips to encourage really bushy growth prior to harvest. Watch for signs of flower buds forming in mid-summer, and pinch these off to promote more foliage.
How To Grow, Harvest: Frequent harvesting will prolong the life of the plant. Basil leaves have the best flavour just before the plant flowers, and if you plan to preserve some of your basil or make a big batch of pesto, this is the best time to harvest. Flowering can be delayed by pinching or clipping off new flower buds.
Tear basil rather than chop with a knife because chopping tends to bruise the leaves. Add basil to food just before serving so as to get the full aroma and effect. Cooking for any length tends to make the minty side of basil come to the forefront.
Basil is best fresh, but can be preserved by drying or by freezing. To freeze, tear the leaves into small pieces and freeze small batches of them, with water, in ice cube trays. Once frozen, the cubes can be saved in zip-lock type bags and labeled for later use. This will preserve the fresh flavour of basil for up to four months.
Approx:610 Seeds.
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Lavender Spanish Purple Ribbons – Lavandula Stoechas – Renee’s Garden
$6.19Add to cartPurple Ribbon’s silvery-gray, drought tolerant foliage is crowned with plump oblong purple flower bracts with a bright top knot of lavender petals. Both the foliage and flowers of these tough plants from the Mediterranean have a spicy pine fragrance. Purple Ribbons takes unrelenting sun and heat. It performs well in both dry, hot landscapes and milder-climate cottage gardens. In cold winter areas, use Purple Ribbons as a handsome, aromatic container plant.
40 seeds
Non GMOAnnual
Summer/fall bloom
BEST TO PLANT INDOORS
In early spring, sow lavender seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, cover very lightly and keep at 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, Spanish lavender is perennial in areas where winter temperatures stay above 10°. Plants flower lightly the first season and come into full bloom in their second summer. After blooming season, prune and shape the plants while cutting off spent flower stalks.
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Poppy Hungarian Breadseed – Papaver Somniferum – Renee’s Garden
$4.79Baking with poppy seeds is a centuries old tradition, and easy to grow, cold-tolerant poppies are a joy in the spring garden. This large podded Eastern European heirloom strain has luminous, ethereal white or pale lavender-pink petals with contrasting dark center blotches and blue-green toothed leaves. The eye-catching flowers are followed by urn-shaped decorative pods full of tasty seeds delicious for cooking and baking. Homegrown poppy seed is wonderfully fresh, sweet and nutty tasting — you’ll love it!
Approx: 1560 Seeds.
Non GMO
ANNUAL
Spring/summer bloom
Fall harvest
Frost hardyEASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
Plant poppies in late fall or very early spring directly into the garden. In cold 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 as thinly as possible or sow in rows 8 to 10 inches apart. (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.
GROWING NOTES
Flowers will bloom in spring and early summer, then drop their petals and form fat seed capsule pods. When pods get brown and hard, cut and store them in open paper bags. When completely dry, crack pods open to remove seeds. Store harvested poppy seed in the freezer to keep it fresh and pest free.
Read more1400 Seeds
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Arugula – Runway Serrated – Renee’s Seeds
$4.19This outstanding arugula selection if distinguished by very attractive, deeply lobbed, oakleaf-shaped leaves. In our garden trials, Runway tastes deliciously tangy byt is slightly less pungent than regular arugula. Peppery, sharp-flavored arugula (a.k.a. rocket or roquette), provides a wonderful punch of piquant flavor to any green salad or a scrumptious contrast tossed with fresh sliced fruit or served under meat, chicken or fish just hot off the barbecue.
Approx: 1400 Seeds.
ANNUAL
Spring/summer/fall harvest
Frost hardyEASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
In early spring, sow arugula seeds directly into well-worked garden soil, cover ¼ inch deep and firm soil over seeds. Keep seed bed evenly moist until seedlings emerge. Make new sowings every 2 weeks until early summer to have a constant supply of fresh leaves. Begin harvesting young leaves in 3 to 4 weeks.
In hot summer areas, wait to sow again in late summer for fall use, as extreme heat makes leaves very pungent.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Arugula grows so quickly we recommend sowing in place rather than transplanting. Thin seedlings 2 to 3 inches apart when plants are large enough to handle.
GROWING NOTES
Begin harvesting by thinning little seedlings to use in salads when they are several inches tall. Then, either pick individual leaves when 3-4 inches long, or snip leaves about 1 inch above the crown and let plants regrow for more harvests.
Add to cart1400 Seeds
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Mint – Peruvian Black Huacatay – West Coast Seeds
$4.99Add to cartTagetes minuta. Also known as Huacatay, this Andean native is more closely related to the marigold than to mint. But its complex herbal aroma immediately reminds one of mint. Notes of cilantro, licorice, and citrus can also be detected. It is said to make an excellent alternative for those who dislike the flavour of cilantro. The leaves will be familiar to anyone who has grown marigolds, but the Latin species name refers to its sparse and diminutive flowers. Yet the plants can reach 2m (6′) tall, so they are a striking addition to the herb garden. The roots of Peruvian Black Mint are known to kill many perennial weeds, including Ground Elder, Couch Grass, and Field Bind Weed. This herb is a staple ingredient in a number of Peruvian dishes. Annual.
Timing: Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost, or direct sow in late spring. Seeds should sprout in 10-16 days. Bottom heat will speed germination.
Starting: Sow seeds no more than 5mm (¼”) deep in moist soil. Space plants 45-60cm (18-24″) apart.
Growing: Mint spreads in the garden with gusto via a vigorous root system, so it may be preferable to confine it to planters on the balcony or in a raised bed. Prune plants back hard in early summer to promote good top growth. Bring some inside to grow in a small container over winter to grow on a brightly lit windowsill.
Harvest: Clip leaves or branches as needed throughout the year. Mint is so hardy and tough that it will grow right back. Dry the leaves and flowers for peppermint tea, or use them fresh. The flowers are edible and bring distinctive character to salads and sweets.
Companion Planting: Mint attracts earthworms, hoverflies and predatory wasps, and repels cabbage moths, aphids, and flea beetles. Mint can spread aggressively, so it may be better to use cut mint as a mulch around Brassicas, or to restrain it in containers around the vegetable garden. Avoid planting near parsley.
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Basil – Italian Pesto – Renee’s Garden
$4.19Add to cartOur imported Italian basil with its glossy dark green leaves and full-bodied zesty flavor is the classic strain for making pesto. Combine the delicious leaves with garlic, olive oil, grated cheese and toasted nuts to make homemade pesto sauce for pasta, baked potatoes or to accent fish or poultry, season soups and stews, or enhance salad dressings. You’ll have luscious leafy harvests all summer with plenty to freeze for winter feasting too!
ANNUAL
Summer/fall harvest
Heat-loving, frost tenderTO PLANT DIRECTLY INTO THE GARDEN
When late spring weather has thoroughly warmed up, sow seeds 1 inch apart in well worked fertile soil in full sun. Cover 1/4 inch deep, firm soil and keep seedbed moist. Germination takes 1 to 2 weeks. After seedlings are well established, thin or transplant 8 inches apart to allow plants room to mature.TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost. Keep warm and evenly moist, and provide a good light source. When seedlings are large enough to handle and weather is warm, acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions before planting in the garden 8 inches apart.GROWING NOTES
Remember—it is critical to plant basil in the garden only after late spring day and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Pinch off growing tips when plants are 6 to 8 inches tall to encourage branching. Harvest sprays of leaves by cutting stems just above two new sprouting lateral branches to get lush regrowth. Keep flower buds pinched off to extend harvesting and feed regularly to promote new growth. -
Basil – Queenette True Thai – Renee’s Garden
$4.19Add to cartThis tropical-looking ornamental basil has dense 1/2 inch leaves that grow in clusters around distinctive purple stems. Imported directly from our best Thai seed producer, Queenette’s exotic flavor combines aromatic mild sweet spices with clove/mint basil flavor. It is a critical ingredient in Southeast Asian dishes and marvelous in stirfries, chutneys and marinades. An eye-catching herb to interplant with flowers for “edible landscaping.” Plant Queenette basil to enjoy growing and cooking with authentic Thai ingredients.
ANNUAL
Summer/fall harvest
Heat-loving, frost tenderTO PLANT DIRECTLY INTO THE GARDEN
When late spring weather has reached the 50°F (10°C) range day and night, sow seeds 1 inch apart in well worked fertile soil in full sun. Cover 1/2 inch deep, firm soil and keep seed bed moist. Germination takes 1 to 2 weeks. After seedlings are established, thin or transplant 8 inches apart so plants have room to grow.TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow seeds 1 inch apart in containers of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost. Keep warm and evenly moist, and provide a good light source. When seedlings are large enough to handle and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C), acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions before planting in garden beds or into large pots.GROWING NOTES
Remember, for success with this easy to grow but cold-sensitive herb, it is essential to sow and/or transplant basil only when weather is warm and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Harvest sprays of leaves by snipping stems just above two new sprouting lateral branches to encourage lush foliage. Keep flower buds pinched off if you want to extend harvesting. Feed regularly to promote new growth. -
Cilantro Vietnamese – Bac Lieu Heirloom – Renee’s Garden
$5.19Add to cartThe flavor of fast-growing Bac Lieu Vietnamese Cilantro is mild and delicate with an extra citrus twist. The plants resemble regular cilantro but the foliage is topped with fine cut, frilly leaves. Enjoy at every growth stage, as Bac Lieu plants hold their delicious flavor even as they mature and begin to flower. Sprigs of leaves are traditionally harvested while young and tender and served on a platter so individual diners can add to taste for extra savor throughout the meal.
ANNUAL
Spring/summer/fall harvest
Can handle light frostsEASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
Vietnamese Cilantro doesn’t transplant well; plant seeds directly in the garden. For continuous harvests, start in early spring and make successive sowings every few weeks until summer heat comes on strong. Sow again in cooler fall weather, especially in mild winter areas. Sow seeds in well-drained fertile soil 1 to 2 in. apart in rows 8 in. apart in full sun. Cover 1/4 inch deep and firm soil over seeds. Keep evenly moist as seedlings emerge. Thin seedlings 3 to 4 in. apart before plants get crowded.GROWING NOTES
Vietnamese cilantro leafs out and flowers quickly as plants mature; lushest, leafy growth is in cooler temperatures of spring and fall. Plants thrive when well watered and thinned early so they have room to grow. If hot weather arrives early, plant in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. The lacy flowers of these plants attract beneficial insects and pollinating bees.HARVEST AND USE
Vietnamese cilantro produces rosettes of leaves low on plants with more finely cut, serrated leaves towards the top. Harvest & use entire plant, including stems, leaves & even young flowers. Traditionally, Vietnamese cilantro is offered on a plate in the center of the table, so diners can help themselves. This delicious edible garnish & flavoring tastes similar to a delicate regular cilantro, but with an additional delicious hint of citrus spice. -
Sage – Heirloom Italian Aromatic – Renee’s Garden
$4.19Add to cartSalvia officinalis. Sun-loving sage’s soft gray-green leaves blend handsomely with all other plants, and its pretty light purple flower sprays attract constant attention from hummingbirds. In the kitchen, you’ll find fresh sage has a warm complex flavor that enhances vegetables like onions, beans, tomatoes and potatoes, meats like pork, turkey and sausage and most cheese dishes. Bunches of leafy sage branches dry easily to enjoy year-round. This easy and ornamental Mediterranean herb belongs in every garden. Approx. 55 seeds.
PERENNIAL
Spring/summer/fall harvest
Frost hardyBEST TO START EARLY INDOORS
In early spring, sow seed 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover 1⁄4 inch deep. Keep evenly moist as seedlings emerge and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outdoors. Transplant 12 to 18 inches apart when seedlings are about 2 or 3 inches tall after gradually acclimating plants to outdoor conditions.TO PLANT OUTDOORS
Sow seeds 1 inch apart in well-drained fertile soil in full sun in spring once weather is warm and settled. Cover 1/4 inch deep, firm soil over seeds and keep seedbed evenly moist. Germination takes 2 to 3 weeks. After seedlings are well established, thin or transplant 12 to 18 inches apart.GROWING NOTES
Sage plants are resilient and drought tolerant once established. Cut leafy sprigs once plants are well leafed out. After flowers stop blooming, cut them well down the branch to encourage more leaf growth. Add a small pinch of crushed fresh sage to vegetables, casseroles, pork, poultry stuffing and cheese dishes. Combine fresh sage with chopped parsley to mellow its pungency. To dry, hang leafy branches upside down in a cool airy place. -
Basil – Thai Tower – West Coast Seeds
$5.49Add to cartLike its sister basil Emerald Tower, Thai Tower basil grows to an astonishing 60-90cm (24-36″) tall in a compact column. The plants are densely branched with short internodes, forming tall purple stems and branches, with tightly packed foliage. The Thai basil flavour is profound, with strong hints of cinnamon and liquorice. This variety has very high production potential for growers, and it’s late-flowering. So while many other basil types have succumbed to the heat of summer and gone to seed, Thai Tower is still growing skyward. This was a big hit from our 2020 seed trials.
Timing: Basil grows well in containers indoors at any time of year provided you can supply enough light. For outdoor growing, sow basil seeds throughout late spring for transplanting to the garden after the summer solstice. Or direct sow in early summer, once the soil has warmed up. Basil requires warm soil and full sun. Optimal temperature for germination: 21°C (70°F). Seeds should sprout in 5-10 days.
Starting: Sow seeds 1cm (½”) deep in sterilized seed starting mix. Basil is prone to damping off, so once seeds sprout, make sure they are adequately ventilated, and kept under very bright light. Thin to 20-25cm (8-10″) apart. Using bottom heat speeds germination.
Growing: Use any rich, loose, well drained soil. Once plants are 15cm (6″) tall, pinch out the growing tips to encourage really bushy growth prior to harvest. Watch for signs of flower buds forming in mid-summer, and pinch these off to promote more foliage.
Harvest: Frequent harvesting will prolong the life of the plant. Basil leaves have the best flavour just before the plant flowers, and if you plan to preserve some of your basil or make a big batch of pesto, this is the best time to harvest. Flowering can be delayed by pinching or clipping off new flower buds. Tear basil rather than chop with a knife because chopping tends to bruise the leaves. Add basil to food just before serving so as to get the full aroma and effect. Cooking for any length tends to make the minty side of basil come to the forefront.
Basil is best fresh, but can be preserved by drying or by freezing. To freeze, tear the leaves into small pieces and freeze small batches of them, with water, in ice cube trays. Once frozen, the cubes can be saved in zip-lock type bags and labeled for later use. This will preserve the fresh flavour of basil for up to four months.
Approx. 25 seeds
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Basil – Emerald Tower – West Coast Seeds
$5.49Add to cartThe aptly named Emerald Tower basil towers above all other varieties, growing 60-90cm (24-36″) tall in a compact column. This Genovese type works well in the ground, in containers, and hydroponics, with lush, dark green, flavourful leaves. Emerald Tower blooms up to eight weeks later than other basil, providing multiple cuts throughout the summer. It has been a show piece in our herb trials for several years. This basil is resistant to downy mildew and Fusarium.
Timing: Basil grows well in containers indoors at any time of year provided you can supply enough light. For outdoor growing, sow basil seeds throughout late spring for transplanting to the garden after the summer solstice. Or direct sow in early summer, once the soil has warmed up. Basil requires warm soil and full sun. Optimal temperature for germination: 21°C (70°F). Seeds should sprout in 5-10 days.
Starting: Sow seeds 1cm (½”) deep in sterilized seed starting mix. Basil is prone to damping off, so once seeds sprout, make sure they are adequately ventilated, and kept under very bright light. Thin to 20-25cm (8-10″) apart. Using bottom heat speeds germination.
Growing: Use any rich, loose, well drained soil. Once plants are 15cm (6″) tall, pinch out the growing tips to encourage really bushy growth prior to harvest. Watch for signs of flower buds forming in mid-summer, and pinch these off to promote more foliage.
Harvest: Frequent harvesting will prolong the life of the plant. Basil leaves have the best flavour just before the plant flowers, and if you plan to preserve some of your basil or make a big batch of pesto, this is the best time to harvest. Flowering can be delayed by pinching or clipping off new flower buds. Tear basil rather than chop with a knife because chopping tends to bruise the leaves. Add basil to food just before serving so as to get the full aroma and effect. Cooking for any length tends to make the minty side of basil come to the forefront.
Basil is best fresh, but can be preserved by drying or by freezing. To freeze, tear the leaves into small pieces and freeze small batches of them, with water, in ice cube trays. Once frozen, the cubes can be saved in zip-lock type bags and labeled for later use. This will preserve the fresh flavour of basil for up to four months.
Approx. 25 seeds
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Dill – Long Island Mammoth – West Coast Seeds
$3.99Add to cartFeathery foliage on tall and vigorous dill plants that mature and form seed quickly from large umbels of yellow flowers. Sow Long Island Mammoth dill seeds at the back of the herb or vegetable bed, as plants can reach 2m (6′) tall or more. In fact, it gets so tall, it makes a nice specimen plant, central in the garden. Harvest the leaves as needed. The leaves and seeds dry well.
The structure of dill’s flowers is known as an umbel. Thus dill is considered an umbelliferous plant. Other umbellifers include carrots, cilantro, fennel, parsnips, and Ammi. All of these plants are attractive to predatory insects such as lady beetles, Syrphid flies (hover-flies), lacewings, and tiny parasitoid wasps. WCS recommends that organic gardeners should grow some dill precisely to attract these beneficial insects, for they will control pest insects like aphids, thrips, whitefly, and the caterpillar of the Small White Butterfly (cabbage moth).
Timing: Direct sow late spring through summer, or sow when cucumbers are transplanted, to coincide maturity for pickling. Dill tends to bolt if transplanted, so it is best direct sown. Stagger the harvest by sowing every 2-3 weeks for a constant supply of fresh leaves. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 15-21°C (60-70°F). Seeds should germinate in 10-21 days.
Starting: Dill seeds need some light to germinate. Sow seeds no more than 5mm (¼”) deep in rows 45cm (18″) apart. Thin the plants to stand at least 15cm (6″) apart.
Growing: Ideal pH: 5.0-7.0. Grow in moderately rich soil in full sun. Water and feed regularly, and stop any overhead watering once plants are 60cm (24″) tall to prevent issues with mildew forming on the leaves.
Harvest: Begin harvesting the tasty leaves once plants reach 15cm (6″) tall. About 12 weeks after sprouting the seed heads begin to form. When the first seeds have turned brown, cut the whole head and hang it upside down for the drying seeds to fall out into trays or paper bags. Dill leaf loses most of its flavour when dried, so freeze it in ice cube trays filled with water for use all winter.
Companion Planting: Dill improves the health of cabbages and other Brassicas, and is a very good companion for corn, cucumbers, lettuce, and onions. Dill attracts ladybugs, lacewings, and the parasitoid wasps that feed on garden caterpillars. At the same time it repels aphids and spider mites. Avoid planting near carrots and tomatoes.
Approx. 1490 seeds
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Lemon Balm – Mandarina Orange – West Coast Seeds
$4.69Add to cartMelissa officinalis. This special cultivar of conventional lemon balm has been selected for its distinctive and pronounced orange scent. Mandarina Orange Balm grows with a trailing habit, so it makes a beautiful “spiller” in hanging baskets and raised garden beds. It can even be used as a ground cover, and used to cover slopes and other difficult areas. Small white flowers appear in summer that are very attractive to bees. Use the leaves as a relaxing tea. This plant grows 30-35cm (12-14″), and a little shorter in containers. It is perennial to Zone 4 and even deer resistant.
Timing: Start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last frost, and transplant out or direct sow once day time temperatures are steadily above 10°C (50°F).
Starting: Barely cover the tiny seeds. Use a sterilized potting soil, and keep watering to an absolute minimum – just enough to keep the medium from drying out. Germination takes 10-14 days. Transplant at a spacing of 45cm (18″) into the garden.
Growing: Choose a shady spot or a location where plants can be protected from midday sun. Lemon balm prefers a fertile, moist soil in a cooler part of the garden. Plants grown in partial shade will be larger and more succulent than those exposed to full sun.
Harvest: Pick leaves throughout the summer for fresh use. The aroma is rapidly lost when dried or stored.
Approx. 25 seeds
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Thyme – Orangelo – West Coast Seeds
$4.69Add to cartThymus fragrantissimus. Grow this distinctly orange-scented thyme in hanging baskets or rock gardens and it will cascade over the edge. Its trailing nature makes it a prime candidate for ground cover, and established plants can even stand up to light foot traffic. Orangelo Thyme is hardy to Zone 5 and evergreen. It will grow between paving stones and over slopes and other hard-to-cover areas. And of course it is edible — its citrus overtones blend perfectly in savoury dishes. It reaches a maximum height of 25-30cm (10-12″). Perennial.
Timing: Sow indoors late winter to mid-spring. Transplant out once soil begins to warm, or direct sow late May through June. Ideal soil temperature for germination: 15-21°C (60-70°F).
Starting: Sow the dust-like seeds on the surface of dampened, sterilized seed starting mix under bright light with bottom heat. Keep watering to a minimum, as thyme seedlings are prone to damping off. When seedlings are large enough, harden them off and transplant to the garden or to containers, spacing them at 23-38cm (9-15″) apart.
Growing: Trim plants back after flowering to encourage bushy growth. Protect container-grown plants from cold as winter approaches, and water only as necessary. Damp, cold soil will kill thyme.
Harvest: Fresh thyme leaves can be harvested at any time of the year as long as the plants are established. Prune back any dead branches. Whole stems/branches can be clipped and dried whole, or individual leaves can be left to dry in a dark, airy spot for long term storage.
Companion Planting: An all around beneficial plant for the garden, thyme is particularly worth planting near Brassicas, as it repels cabbage moths, and strawberries, as it enhances flavour.
Approx. 25 seeds
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Basil Mini – Ocimum Basilicum – Renee’s Garden
$4.19Add to cartNeat, compact and richly aromatic, our miniature basil is imported from Italy where you’ll see it often in window boxes and containers or edging herb beds. The charming 8 to 10 inch plants grow into rounded, umbrella shapes with tiny bright green leaves just 1/2 inch long. Snip small clusters of the deliciously scented leaves to enjoy in everyday cooking. These sweetly fragrant little basil plants hold longer than their bigger cousins and are beautifully ornamental in the garden.
Approx: 600 Seeds
ANNUAL
Summer/fall harvest
Heat-loving, frost tenderTO PLANT DIRECTLY INTO THE GARDEN
When late spring weather has thoroughly warmed up, sow seeds 1 inch apart in well worked fertile soil in full sun. Cover 1/4 inch deep, firm soil and keep seedbed moist. Germination takes 1 to 2 weeks. After seedlings are well established, thin or transplant 8 inches apart to allow plants room to mature.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost. Keep warm and evenly moist, and provide a good light source. When seedlings are large enough to handle and weather is warm, acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions before planting in the garden 6 to 8 inches apart.
GROWING NOTES
Remember — it is critical to plant basil in the garden only after late spring day and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Harvest sprays of little leaves after plants have filled out to form neat umbrella shapes. Plants make a richly scented edging for flower or herb beds, or plant in pots at least 6 inches in diameter per plant. Keep flower buds pinched off to extend harvesting and feed regularly to promote new growth.
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Basil Salad Leaf – Ocimum Basilicum – Renee’s Garden
$4.19Add to cartWe call our selected lettuce leaf strain Salad Leaf Basil because its broad 4 inch leaves are perfect to shred into green salads or add aromatic flavor to sandwiches in place of lettuce. The big tender green leaves are mild and sweetly fragrant, and their crinkled texture holds dressings or sauces well. Try them as wrappers around slivers of ham or cheese for delicious fresh appetizers, or anywhere you crave a buttery, mild basil accent.
Approx: 500 Seeds.
Non GMO
ANNUAL
Summer/fall harvest
Heat-loving, frost tenderTO PLANT DIRECTLY INTO THE GARDEN
When late spring weather has thoroughly warmed up, sow seeds 1 inch apart in well worked fertile soil in full sun. Cover 1/4 inch deep, firm soil and keep seedbed moist. Germination takes 1 to 2 weeks. After seedlings are well established, thin or transplant 8 inches apart to allow plants room to mature.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost. Keep warm and evenly moist, and provide a good light source. When seedlings are large enough to handle and weather is warm, acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions before planting in the garden 8 inches apart.
GROWING NOTES
Remember — it is critical to plant basil in the garden only after late spring day and nighttime temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Pinch off growing tips when plants are 6 to 8 inches tall to encourage branching. Harvest sprays of leaves by cutting stems just above two new sprouting lateral branches to get lush regrowth. Keep flower buds pinched off to extend harvesting and feed regularly to promote new growth.
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Basil Spicy Globe Organic – Ocimum Basilicum – West Coast Seeds
$6.89Add to cartHeirloom variety with deliciously aromatic little leaves, perfect for containers & window boxes, or edging a flower border. Plants form neat 6-9 inch umbrella-shaped leafy canopies.
Approx: 400 Seeds.
Non GMO
TO PLANT DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
Spicy Globe seeds are coated with a natural clay material to make them easy to sow. When late spring weather has warmed up to the 10°C range both day and night, sow seeds 1 inch apart in well worked, fertile soil or containers of fresh potting mix in full sun. Cover 1/4 inch deep, firm soil and keep the seed bed evenly moist. After seedlings are large enough to handle, thin or transplant 6 inches apart. For containers, transplant one seedling per 6 inch pot or 3 seedlings into a 12 inch pot.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow 1 inch apart and 1/4 inch deep in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost. Keep warm and evenly moist and provide a good light source. When seedlings are large enough to handle and weather is above 10°C both day and night, transplant outdoors. For containers, transplant one seedling per 6 inch pot or 3 seedlings into a 12 inch pot. Or plant along a garden border for a fragrant edging.
GROWING NOTES
Remember to plant basil outdoors only after nighttime temperatures stay above 10°C. In hot, dry weather, check and water plants in containers daily. Feed every 2 weeks to promote growth.
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Chervil French – Anthriscus Cerefolium – Renee’s Garden
$4.79Add to cartChervil’s lacy leaves are finely cut and light green, as delicate and dainty as their flavor is subtle. This classic herb is essential in French “fines herbes” mixtures and used as a tarragon substitute. Chervil has a refined taste reminiscent of anise and parsley, delicious in salads or to highlight sauces, sautés and soups. Hard to find in U.S. markets, chervil is an important herb for kitchen gardeners to grow – its special flavor rewards your efforts many times over. Our imported seed is the best French variety.
Approx: 900 Seeds.
Non GMO
ANNUAL
Spring/summer/fall harvest
Takes light frostEASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
Start chervil in early spring when weather is settled but still cool. Plant in filtered sun or light shade if climate is very hot. Sow seeds 1 to 2 inches apart in a well-worked fertile seed bed. Cover very lightly and keep evenly moist while awaiting germination. Sow again for a fall crop when weather cools in late summer or early fall.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Thin seedlings to stand 4 inches apart when they are large enough to handle.
GROWING NOTES
Chervil needs rich moist soil and ample moisture for lush growth. Thin early and keep well weeded and watered. Begin to harvest leaves sparingly once plants have 8 to 10 leaves. Fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks with a high nitrogen source or liquid fish emulsion solution. Because chervil goes to seed quickly in hot weather, the best way to have a good supply is to make successive sowings until the weather gets too hot, then plant again as summer begins to cool for fall harvest. Enjoy fresh as chervil does not hold its flavor when dried. Use the leafy sprigs in salads or add to hot dishes at the end of cooking to preserve chervil’s delicate flavor.
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Chamomile – German Chamomile Organic – West Coast Seeds
$3.99Add to cartMatricaria recutita. Organic German Chamomile Seeds are CERTIFIED ORGANIC petite daisy-like flowers that nod on a low plant. To better harvest the flowers, it is best grown in a bed by itself. German Chamomile prefers cool weather so sow in early spring and again in late summer. Gather flowers before they fully open. Fresh or dried, use them for a soothing tea or in many medicinal preparations. German Chamomile has a tendency to self sow but is easy to control and does not grow aggressively. It is highly attractive to bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects. The flowers are edible whole or simply with the petals sprinkled over salads. Our organic German Chamomile seeds can be used in xeriscaping as the plants are quite drought tolerant.
How To Grow, Timing: Sow from the last frost date through early summer, either indoors or direct where it is to grow. If starting indoors, be sure to harden seedlings off before they are transplanted. Optimal temperature for germination: 19°C. Bottom heat speeds germination.
How To Grow, Starting: Sow seeds 1cm deep. Keep moist, and thin or transplant to 10-15cm apart. Seeds should sprout in 10-14 days.
How To Grow, Growing: Chamomile is a fairly adaptable plant, but does best in full sun in well-drained soil. Water well in dry weather, and deadhead thoroughly to prevent self-sowing. Otherwise, leave half the flowers unharvested and self-sowing is likely.
How To Grow, Harvest: Harvest the small, fragrant flowers when they are fully open. Use the petals fresh or dry. The leaves can be gathered in spring to early summer and used fresh or dry.
Approx: 1310 Seeds.
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Lemon Balm – Melissa Officinalis – West Coast Seeds
$3.99Add to cartMelissa officinalis. Plant lemon balm seeds and rub the light green leaves for a sudden hit of lemon scent. Use in bouquets to lemon scent a room or brew an invigorating medicinal tea. Lemon Balm seeds produce a herbaceous perennial self-sows and bees love it. Plants grow vigorously so keep self-sown seedlings thinned out. The plants are deer resistant, so a useful filler plant for coastal areas. Chop back the plants by two thirds once the flowers have faded to prevent self sowing and to encourage the growth of new leaves. This plant belongs in every organic herb garden and has been cultivated for centuries as a medicinal plant.
How To Grow, Timing: Start indoors 6 to 8 weeks before last frost, and transplant out or direct sow once day time temperatures are steadily above 10°C.
How To Grow, Starting: Barely cover the tiny seeds. Use a sterilized potting soil, and keep watering to an absolute minimum – just enough to keep the medium from drying out. Germination takes 10-14 days. Transplant at a spacing of 45cm into the garden.
How To Grow, Growing: Choose a shady spot or a location where plants can be protected from midday sun. Lemon balm prefers a fertile, moist soil in a cooler part of the garden. Plants grown in partial shade will be larger and more succulent than those exposed to full sun.
How To Grow, Harvest: Pick leaves throughout the summer for fresh use. The aroma is rapidly lost when dried or stored.
Approx: 410 Seeds.
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Oregano – Greek – West Coast Seeds
$3.99Add to cartOriganum vulgare ssp. hirtum. Greek oregano seeds offer the best, most pungently flavoured oregano leaves for cooking. Plants are very hardy when established and impart a wonderful wild mountain aroma in the garden with their tiny white or pink flowers. Bees adore oregano when it is in bloom. Germination may be slow, so be patient. Oregano is one of the best herbs for drying because it maintains a strong flavour for months after harvest. Pick and dry whole stalks or whole plants – hang them upside down in an airy place out of direct sunlight. Once the plants are completely dry, they can be stored in open plastic bags. Otherwise, pull off the leaves and store them in sealed jars.
Greek oregano pairs brilliantly with meats, eggs, and roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant.
How To Grow, Timing: Start indoors in plug trays from late winter to mid-spring. Starting indoors is more reliable than direct sowing. Use bottom heat to achieve a constant soil temperature of 15°C for best results. Germination occurs in 7 to 14 days.
How To Grow, Starting: Oregano seeds are dust-like, so handle them with care. Prepare containers or plug trays using sterilized seed starting mix, and water the soil. Then try to evenly distribute the tiny seeds on the surface of the soil. Do not bury them. Using bottom heat will improve the overall success rate. As seedlings grow, keep soil on the dry side. Pot on as necessary or transplant to the garden in late spring to early summer.
How To Grow, Growing: Grow in a sunny and warm spot. Aim for 25cm between plants. Cut plants back after flowering to prevent them from getting straggly. As autumn approaches, divide some to bring inside over winter. Cut back the year’s growth to about 6cm from the soil.
How To Grow, Harvest: Pick the leaves throughout the season as needed. Oregano leaves can be dried or frozen. Store dried leaves or whole stalks in air tight containers away from bright light.
Approx: 228 Seeds.
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Parsley – Forest Green – West Coast Seeds
$3.99Add to cartPlant Forest Green parsley seeds in your organic herb garden. The plants have short, strong stems that support big clusters of highly curled, dark-green leaves. The flavour is distinctly savoury without being bitter. Parsley adds a subtle, but key flavour to a host of Mediterranean dishes. It is widely used in companion planting because its strong scent repels insects like the Asparagus Beetle. Parsley likes asparagus, carrots, chives, corn, onions, and tomatoes. The leaves can be sprinkled on asparagus to repel asparagus beetles, and around roses, to improve their scent. Let some of your parsley go to bloom to attract hover-flies and predatory wasps.
Parsley is a biennial plant that forms a long (edible) tap root. Choose deep pots for container growing.
How To Grow, Starting: If starting indoors, sow seeds 1cm deep, in sterilized seed starting mix, in peat pots or plug trays. Like its cousins dill and cilantro, parsley develops a taproot that does better if left undisturbed. Sow outdoors in drills 3cm deep, spaced 8cm apart. Thin final plants to 15cm apart.
How To Grow, Growing: Grow parsley in a deeply dug bed. Add a generous amount of rotted manure or finished compost to the bed several weeks in advance, or the previous fall. For summer crops, aim to grow plants in a place where they will receive some shade during the day – either on the east or west side of a structure or fence works well. For winter crops, start new seeds in late summer and transplant out to a warm, sunny location by September. Parsley will grow all winter (in mild areas) if cloche protection is provided.
How To Grow, Harvest: Cut individual sprigs from the outside of the plant or the whole plant as needed. Sprigs can be dried in the food dehydrator. Chop sprigs into the portions that your favourite recipes call for, place into an ice cube tray and add water to cover. When frozen, bag and store until needed. This keeps the parsley fresh for months.
Approx: 1030 Seeds.