Good Seed Herbs

Open-Pollinated, Heirloom & Homestead Seeds

Especially adapted for Northern Gardens

All seeds are $2.50 per packet.

Packet sizes in parentheses. g = gram

Both the leaves and seeds of the anise plant are used. The greens are chopped fresh and added to soups, salads, and sauces. Seeds are used in baked goods. Used medicinally as a digestive and for coughs. Anise is difficult to get mature seeds from in cool areas: it requires even moisture, moderate temperature, and no frosts. It likes average soil and full sun. Requires a skilled gardener in Northern climes. 130 days Annual. (.5 grams)Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

This compact basil is very attractive and grows well in containers. It grows in a mound shape and is slow to bolt. This is a spicy basil as the name implies but is also sweet. It is lovely in or near the kitchen and can be used freshly-picked in salad. Annual. (.5 grams)Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

This is our basil of choice and has become a staple of our diet. Our pesto is famous and convenient to take from the freezer for pot lucks or a simple and healthy snack. Genovese basil is easy to grow, has large leaves and a great flavor. Annual. (.5 grams) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

This is a domestic version of Burdock that is used by the Japanese for food and called Gobo. The long root is the part eaten and is used in oriental and western herbalism as a blood purifier. I have been experimenting with Burdock in Soups and Asian cooking. I would like to see it developed more as a food. I would appreciate hearing about anyone's ideas or experiences. 120 days. Biennial. (2 grams) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

Caraway is an old European plant and grown for seeds which appear the second year. It is used in cabbage dishes and especially sauerkraut. It adds the distinctive flavor to rye bread and a tang to coleslaw. The seeds are traditionally used as a digestive aid and are good for indigestion and flatulence. Plant directly into the garden by early summer for seed production the next year. Plant in average garden soil in full sun. Biennial. (1 gram) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

Chives are a wonderful plant with lovely flowers and spicy leaves with almost no work. In our cold climate, chives are ready to eat very early in the Spring with lots of greens for an early tonic. They are good fresh, with a mild onion flavor, or can be dried . Lovely lilac flowers come out in summer to decorate your chive patch. Once established, no need to plant again. Chives can be started indoors in early Spring or directly seeded into the garden. Plants can spread although they are easy to control. Plant within easy reach of kitchen for it's great to go out with scissors in the Spring for a little fresh spice in a dish. Perennial. (1 gram) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

Garlic chive - the plant of many names. Chinese leeks is one, though they do not resemble the leek at all. They are smaller than garden chives, their leaves are flat and they have a charming white flower. They are a perennial and once established, provide years of spice to your life. They have a very light garlic flavor and are great on salads or as a fresh garnish on many dishes. Perennial. (1 gram) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

The delicate leaves of Chervil look a little like parsley but are even finer; sweet smelling and decorative. Grows to two feet with delicate white umbel flowers. The leaves are used in soups, salads, and for garnishes. Very delicate flavor in omelets and crepes. Plant directly in the garden in small amounts and plant often for continual supply. Likes full sun to light shade and moderately rich soil with good water retention. Easily self sows but not invasive. You should have a good volunteer supply if you let your chervil go to seed. Annual. (1 gram) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

This is a remarkably versatile plant providing spicy greens in countries all over the world. Used in Mexican, Chinese, Thai, and many other cuisines. The fresh leaves are an essential ingredient in tomato salsas and other hot and spicy dishes, and excellent in salad dressings. Later in the year this plant produces the seed, coriander, which adds spice to soups, stews, and breads. Direct seed into rich soil and full sun. It is easy to plant and to gather your own seed. Most likely you will get a crop of volunteers the next year. Annual. (2 grams) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

Dill grows a to an elegant 5' tall and the feathery foliage is ephemeral. I grow dill in my asparagus patch and they seem to work well together. The dill does not really take off till the Asparagus is done producing. Both the leaves and the seeds are edible and the seeds are a standard in pickles and some breads. Dill is easy to grow. Dill does self-seed and is one of those plants that need only be planted once. Annual. (2 grams) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

Feverfew has lots of daisy-like white flowers. It's one of those plants with multiple uses. It is lovely as a flower and an increasingly important medicinal herb. It is used in the treatment of migraine headaches. It grows about a foot tall. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Feverfew can be grown as a hardy annual in cold areas. The seed needs light to germinate. It grows 12-14" tall and needs well drained soil. Three months from seeding till bloom. Perennial. (.5 grams) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

Hyssop is a small colorful plant that is a useful herb, a flower and a culunary herb. It was used during the Revolutionary War when tea was difficult to get. It has also been used as a tea to cut the dust on haying crews or on dusty jobs. Plant outdoors after the last frost, 1/4" deep, 1/2" apart with rows 14" apart. Germinates in about two weeks. For an earlier crop, plant indoors in a sterile mix, 6 weeks before last expected frost. Plant in average garden soil in full sun. Perennial. (.5 grams) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

A very large plant with large tobacco like leaves, Elecampane bears a bright yellow flower. The root is used in various combinations for lung and digestive problems. Native to central Asia. Start indoors 5 weeks before putting out after the last frost. Elecampane likes full sun to partial shade and average, well drained garden soil. Flowers all Summer with daisy-like yellow flowers. Plant away from your delicate perennials. Perennial. (.5 grams) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

Florence fennel is from Italy and is grown for the bulbous base that is actually not a bulb but swollen base of the stem. The base has a slightly licorce taste and the leaves are feathery like dill. It is a very atractive plant. Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

This annual form of chamomile is used for tea and is the most prolific producer of flowers, which are gathered and dried.The tea is commonly used in combinations, or by itself as a calming tea. Chamomile was a favorite of Peter Rabbit's mother. Plant directly into garden in early Spring. Thrives in cool weather. Also can be planted again in late Summer for a Fall crop. Cover lightly and keep moist till germination. You may not need to plant again since they tend to reseed themselves. 44 days. Annual. (.1 gram) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

Sweet Marjoram is often grown as an annual. A spicy herb, it's used in salads and soups and is also said to improve the flavor of strong meats. We like it with tomato dishes. Grow in full sun in light soil. Like some herbs, too rich a soil seems to produce less spicy foliage. Can be started indoors or directly planted in garden. Perennial. (.25 grams) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

This herb from Siberia has many reported uses as an adaptogen and a tonic. It has been used by Russian athletes to improve conditioning. It is very hardy and I put it with the tougher perennials such as rhubarb and horseradish. Grows to 6' tall and is easy to grow. Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

This is one of those plants that fits into many categories. Best known as an herb, is noted as a liver tonic and builder. As a food plant, all parts are edible. The root can be used like parsnip, the stem is edible, and the young leaves are eaten as steamed greens and in salads (remove the prickles). Even the young thistle heads can be steamed like artichokes. As a decorative plant it is striking, with beautiful leaves that have white veins and 2 inch purple flowers. The seeds are also a favorite food for goldfinches. Grows well in dry soils. (.25 grams) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

Nasturtiums are trailing perennial flowers from tropical America, grown in the North as annuals, an escaped exotic in mild areas. Leaves and flowers are edible. This Jewel mix grows to 16" in red, orange, yellow and pink 2" blossoms. Used as a companion plant to deter many insect pests. Seed outdoors after danger of frost is past. Plant 1/8" deep and at 70 degrees will germinate in 10-14 days, thin to 8" apart. Nasturtium likes full sun and moist soil. They flower in mid to late Summer. 90 days. Annual. (4 grams) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

Oregano is another herb that once established in the garden grows for years, giving you lots of leaves to use fresh in salads and tomato dishes and to dry for Winter use. It is also used in pizza, soups and meat dishes and goes well in pasta and sauces. Perennial. (.3 grams) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

The standard curled parsley, packed with vitamins and iron. I believe that a handful of raw parsley each day will keep the doctor away and will do amazing things for your skin. Moss curled is a triple curled parsley and leaves are dark green and compact. Shallow rooted, heavy feeding, frost tolerant leafy vegetable, parsley is slow to germinate. It needs 3 weeks of moisture in a well drained soil. Some sort of covering is desirable. Some people put a board over the row for two weeks. I use a mulch and remove most of it after two weeks. Try planting a late summer crop and it will over winter and give you a very early Spring green. 85 days. (1 gram) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

Echinacea has become a mainstay of the homesteader medicine chest. It is also an attractive flower with purple blossoms to 4" across. I have seen pictures of the American midwest grasslands dotted with Echinacea. Start indoors 5 weeks before putting out after the last frost. Echinacea likes full sun to partial shade and average, well drained garden soil. Flowers all Summer with purple daisy-like flowers with and grows 2-3 feet tall. Perennial. (1 gram) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

A perennial culinary herb growing to two feet tall, garden sage has prominent blue flower spikes and thick grey-green leaves. It is often used with meats and is good with poultry, stuffings, and sauces, Sage likes full sun and average, well drained soil. Plant indoors 8 weeks before the last frost for an early start or direct seed outdoors in late spring. After the first season can thin out to a couple plants. This will be an adequate amount for most folks. Perennial (1 gram) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

St John's Wort is traditionally used for treating depression and insomnia.It is also is used to make a liniment to treat aching joints and muscles. It grows 12 to 16 inches tall and bears a colorful yellow flower. Perennial Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

A very fine herb that has been associated with beans but we find is good in all sorts of stews and vegetable dishes. It is very pretty growing in the garden and the whole plant turns a lovely purple late in the season. Seed 8 weeks before last anticipated frost indoors or plant seeds outdoors in late Spring. Savory likes full sun and light soil. (.5 grams) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page

Thyme is one of those versatile plants that is a blessing in the garden. It not only has culinary talents but is a medicinal herb and is an attractive creeping plant used in rock gardens and along borders. It has pretty little pink and purple flowers. Start in doors ten weeks before putting out or can be directly planted into garden in late Spring. Thyme is cold hardy and likes full sun and average well drained soil. Perennial. (.5 grams) Top of Page | Back to Herbs Page