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Herb Varieties

Arugula (Eruca vesicoria)

Easy to grow salad herb. Young leaves have a wonderful peppery flavor. Annual - 12" tall. The spicy young leaves and flowers are excellent with fresh sliced tomatoes and Italian dressing, or add to your favorite salad. Full sun. Regular water. Cut fresh young leaves as needed. Plant in a sunny location. Water regularly to keep soil moist. Harvest young leaves early.

Basils (Ocimum)

We have many varieties to choose from:

Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon')

Spicy, pungent leaves have a distinct cinnamon flavor. A very decorative herb with shiny leaves and lavender-white flowers. Annual 18" - 24" tall. The vivid green color and flavor complement juicy red tomatoes perfectly. Basil also pairs well with fruits and vegetables of the Mediterranean and the tropics. Cinnamon basil is delicious as an herb tea. Full sun. Regular water. Cut fresh leaves, as needed. Plant in well-drained, sunny spot in the garden or in a container. Water regularly to keep soil moist. Snip fresh leaves for cooking or entire stems as a fragrant bouquet.


Lemon Basil (Ocimum basilicum citriodora)

An attractive annual herb with a distinct lemon fragrance. Annual - 18" tall. A basil from northwestern India with a bushy habit and citrus-scented leaves. The fresh lemony scent is ideal for green salads. It is excellent with fish. Full sun. Regular water. Cut fresh leaves as needed. Plant in a sunny spot in the garden or in a container. Does well in windowsill gardens indoors. Protect from frost. Pinch tips for a bushier growth habits.

Lettuce Leaf Basil

Fast growing, large lettuce-like crinkled leaves. The warm spicy flavor will transform ordinary dishes into culinary delights. Annual - 18" tall. Easy to grow, indoors or out. This sweet basil has a particular affinity for tomatoes. Sprinkle a few leaves of fresh basil over salads. In cooking, basil should be added last to preserve its flavor. Full sun. Regular water. Cut fresh young leaves as needed. Plant in a sunny location or grow indoors with plenty of light. Protect from frost. Pinch tips for a bushier plant.

Mini Basil

Miniature leaves with excellent spicy flavor. The very attractive, bushy growth is ideal for growing in containers. Keeps its shape even without pinching. Annual - 18" tall. A very decorative form of basil especially when grown in pots. Use wherever a strong basil flavoring is needed such as in salads or tomato-based sauces. Full sun. Regular water. Cut fresh stems with young leaves. Plant in a sunny location can be grown indoors with good light. Protect from extreme heat or cold. Pinch tips for bushier plants.

Purple Basil (Ocimum purpurescens)

Beautiful purple-bronze leaves with a fine flavor and aroma. Adds contrast and color to the garden. Annual - 18" tall. This highly ornamental basil is a striking addition to any garden. Milder in flavor than green basil. The pinkish-purple flower spikes are also edible and make a distinctive garnish. Full sun. Regular water. Pick young leaves or flower spikes as needed. Does well both in the garden and in pots. Protect from extreme heat or cold. Pinch tips for bushier plants.

Sweet Basil

The intense flavor and scent will bring out the best in your cooking. Flowers are also edible and make a beautiful garnish. Annual - 18" tall. One of the most important culinary herbs. Basil's rich flavor compliments vegetables, pasta, eggs and seafood. Very useful in Italian sauces. Used in many Mediterranean dishes and to flavor blended vinegar for delicious salad dressings. Full sun. Regular water. Pick leaves when young. Plant in a sunny location. Can be grown indoors in good light. Protect from extreme heat or cold. Pinch tips for bushier plants.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

The favorite herb of cat lovers, for cats adore the intoxicating leaves. Also used as a medicinal remedy and for seasoning. Perennial - 2' to 3' tall. Leaves cats in a state of sheer bliss. As a medicinal aid, tea is a remedy for colds and fevers, induces sleep, and relieves headaches, upset stomachs and stress. Young shoots give a minty flavor to salads and sauces. Full sun. Regular water. Brew tea from dried leaves. An easy to grow perennial herb with many uses. Prune for bushiness. Allow soil to dry between watering. Statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Daisy-like, white and yellow chamomile flowers brew a relaxing and fragrant herbal tea with overtones of pineapple. Use for soothing bath. Also makes a natural hair rinse. Annual 18" - 24" tall. Harvest flowers on the stem and gently wash and dry. Hang to dry in a dark, airy location. Discard stems. Store in airtight jar. Brew tea! Full sun. Moderate water. Brew tea from dried flowers. Plant in well-drained soil in sunny spot in the garden or in a container. Allow soil to dry between waterings.

Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)

Also known as French parsley, the luscious green leaves have special, subtle flavor. Best in cool weather. Grows 12" - 18" tall. Gourmet relative of parsley with a delicate anise and parsley flavor. Use in salads, with avocado, vegetables, soups, eggs, fish and poultry and herb butter. Add near the end of cooking to retain flavor. Finely cut, fern-like leaves make a beautiful garnish. Light shade, especially in summer. Moist well-drained soil. Keep flower clusters cut to encourage more leafy growth. Flowers may also be eaten. Older leaves have little taste.

Chives

Attractive and easy to grow. Productive over a long season with rose-purple flowers in the spring. Clumping perennial 18" tall. The gentle oniony flavor is a great addition to salads,soups, sauces, potatoes and eggs. To retain best flavor, add near the end of cooking time. Good source of vitamin A, C, potassium and calcium. Flowers are also edible. Full sun, regular water. Cut fresh leaves as needed. Plant in rich, well-drained soil. Cut often for best production. May go dormant in colder areas.

Chives, Garlic (Allium tuberosum)

An irresistible flavor combination of garlic and chives. Also known as Chinese leeks. Perennial 1' - 1 1/2' tall. A beautiful border plant, which is used in stir-frys, salads and wherever regular chives are used. Leaves are long, and white flowers are excellent for fresh flower arrangements. Full sun. Regular water. Cut fresh leaves as needed. Plant in rich, well-drained soil. Cut often for best production. May go dormant in winter.

Cilantro (Coriander) (Coriandrum sativum)

Also known as Chinese parsley. Delicate fern-like foliage has a fresh, robust flavor. Annual 12" - 15" tall. Essential flavoring for authentic Asian and Mexican cuisine. Young leaves used in salsas, salads, soups, poultry, and even sandwiches. Use fresh, do not cook. Small white flowers yield edible seeds (coriander). Full sun. Regular water. Grows best in good,well-drained soil. Grows quickly, cut often for best production.

Dill (Anethum graveolens)

Delicate dill leaves are slightly tangy. Adds a soft feathery look to the garden. Fresh leaves, flowering heads and seeds are used. Annual 12" - 18" tall. Add finely chopped leaves to soups, pastas, potato salads, cream cheese, eggs, salmon and grilled meats. Also used as a garnish. Flowering heads and seed are used in pickling cucumbers. Full sun. Regular water. Easy to grow. Plant in well-drained soil. Can also be grown in pots and is a good companion plant with other herbs.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Known as the 'Purple Coneflower'. Perennial. Very cold hardy. Coarse stiff plants 2'-4' tall forming a large clump of erect stems. Leaves oblong, 3"-8" long. Flowers in dark pink or purple with drooping petals and dark purple centers. Full sun. Regular water. Good on outskirts of gardens or in wide borders with other robust perennials like Shasta Daisies or Sunflowers. Blooms summer. Parts of this plant have been used for medicinal purposes including common colds, wounds, toothaches. Echinacea has demonstrated immune-boosting properties, and current research is examining potential arthritis, cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome treatments. Many salves, extracts and tinctures are made from Echinacea. Statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Feverfew (Chrysanthemum [Tanacetum] parthenium)

Leaves are used to treat and and prevent migraine headaches. Related to the Chrysanthemum. Leaves have a strong odor. Perennial 1' - 3' tall. Eat one leaf three times a day with other food. Has been found to reduce frequency and intensity of migraines. Also, a half-cup of leaf tea can reduce headache pain. Full sun. Regular water. Keep blossoms trimmed off to encourage soft, leafy growth. Often grown in containers, in combination with other herbs. Statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus sativa)

True tarragon. Distinctive, aromatic, anise and pepper-like flavor. Essential ingredient in French cuisine. Perennial - up to 24" tall. Use fresh in salads, egg and cheese dishes. Make herb butter. Add to vegetables, steaks, poultry and fish at the end of cooking time to preserve flavor. Famous in bernaise, hollandaise and tartar sauces. Rich in iodine, vitamins A and C. Full sun. Reduced water. Spreading habit. Well-drained soil. Dormant in winter. Makes an attractive container plant.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Fresh, young garlic has a milder, more delicate taste and is one of the oldest cultivated plants. Rich in vitamins, detoxifies the body. Annual, 1 1/2' to 2' tall. Garlic goes well with most meals. Popular in Mediterranean and Asian cooking. Used to flavor salad dressings, salsa, vegetables, egg dishes, meats and sauces. Full sun. Regular water. Harvest when leafy tops fall over in late summer. Remove tops and roots before bulbs have a chance to re-sprout.

GERANIUMS, SCENTED (Pelargonium)

Apple (Pelargonium odoratissimum)

Fresh apple cider scent. Velvety green leaves, masses of tiny white flowers with red markings. One form grows in 1' mounds and is good for border plantings and container plantings, another form trails and is used in hanging baskets.

Coconut (Pelargonium parviflorum)

This Pelargonium has a mild coconut fragrance. It is compact, and low growing with glossy round deep green leaves and tiny magenta flowers. Good for hanging baskets.

Ginger (Pelargonium torento)

Larger, rose-lavender flowers with darker markings. Upright, bushy growth to 2'. Slightly serrated dark green leaves. Gingery citrus fragrance.

Lemon (Pelargonium crispum)

Pelargonium crispum has small, crinkled leaves. This is an upright grower to 2' tall and 2' wide. Small lavender flowers and a strong lemon fragrance make this a favorite.

Lemon Rose

Bushy growth to 3' tall by 2' wide. This plant has a good lemon-rose fragrance, and small lavender-pink flowers.

Lime (Pelargonium nervosum)

This scented Pelargonium has a tart citrus fragrance. The smooth green leaves have a serrated edge, and the growth pattern is upright to 2' tall by 2' wide. Blooms in masses of small, pale lavender flowers with deep purple feathering.

Nutmeg (Pelargonium fragrans)

Strong, spicy nutmeg fragrance. Small gray-green leaves, compact mounding habit with clusters of white flowers.

Old Fashioned Rose (Pelargonium graveolens)

True rose fragrance. Very fragrant. A bushy upright, 3' tall to 2' wide. Small lavender-pink flowers, soft, lobed leaves. Hardy, larger growing.

Orange

Sweet orange fragrance. Medium, bushy growth with glossy green leaves. Large lavender flowers with darker purple splotches on upper petals.

Peppermint (Pelargonium tomentosum)

Strong aromatic peppermint scent. Trailing habit, can be used in hanging basket. Has large hairy leaves, spreads 2' to 2½' wide, and has white flowers.

Strawberry (Pelargonium scarboravia)

Compact grower with small, crinkled leaves. Sweet strawberry fragrance. Blooms in the spring with pale rose-pink flowers. Needs full sun, frost-sensitive. Excellent for potpourri.

LAVENDERS (Lavandula)

English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Beautiful, fragrant flowers for sachets, bouquet, soaps, and perfumes . Plant with other aromatic herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme and mint. Perennial 18"- 20" tall. Cut flower clusters or strip flowers from stems just as color shows. Dry in a cool, shady place. Use for fragrant flower arrangements, wreaths, sachets, pillows and potpourri. Full sun. Needs little water once established. Plant in full sun in fast-draining soil. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Prune immediately after blooming to keep plants compact and neat.

French Lavender (Green) (Lavandula dentata)

French Lavender (Silver) (Lavendula dentata candicans)

French Lace Lavender (Lavandula multifida)

Spanish Lavender (Lavendula stoechas 'Otto Quast)

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Potent, refreshing lemony scented leaves. Dried leaves make a great lemon flavored tea. Perennial 24" tall. In addition to tea, and cold drinks, leaves are used to flavor soups, salads, sauces, custard and puddings. Tender young leaves have the best flavor. Full sun. Keep moist. Easy to grow in moist, fertile soil. Bushy plants should be cut back periodically to encourage young fresh growth.

Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla)

Lemon flavoring of leaves is delicious in drinks, salads and sauces. Pink flowers.

Marjoram, Sweet (Origanum majorana)

A favorite herb for seasoning hearty foods. The flavor is more delicate than oregano and is best used when fresh. Perennial 2' tall, 2' wide. Leaves add their spicy flavor to soups, sauces, stuffing and stews. Also, eggs, pastas, vegetables, sausages and other meats. Best added toward the end of cooking time to preserve flavor. Full sun. Regular water. Keep blossoms trimmed off to encourage soft leafy growth. Often grown in containers, in combination with other herbs.

MINTS (Mentha)

Apple (Mentha suaveolens)

Fruity aroma and flavoring, the apple menthol essence is delightful for tea. Hardy, spreading perennial - 1 1/2'-2'tall. Chop fresh leaves to flavor hot or cold drinks, delightful for tea. For a scented bouquet, place fresh cut stems in water, mixed with other mints or even cut flowers. A fragrant garden plant. Full sun. Regular water. Fast and easy to grow, spreads rapidly by underground runners. Best if contained in pots or planter boxes.

Chocolate (Mentha piperita 'Chocolate')

A wonderfully clean fragrance of chocolate and mint. Sweet, cool taste is used to flavor teas, ices and desserts. Hardy spreading perennial - 1 1/2' - 2' tall . Leaves smell and taste like candy. Adds a cool and refreshing taste to drinks, fruits and desserts. Makes a delightful addition to the garden. Full sun. Regular water . Fast and easy to grow, spreads rapidly by underground runners. Can be contained in pots or planter boxes. Cut fresh stems often to keep plants bushy.

Corsican (Mentha requienii)

Low carpet-forming mint with strongly scented leaves. This groundcover has a delightful minty fragrance when crushed underfoot. Perennial - 1/2" tall. Creeping mat forming peppermint scented foliage. Spreads laterally, growing only 1/2" high. Grows well between paving stones and at the edges of paths. Tiny light purple flowers in summer. Edible and pungent, used to flavor liquors. Sun or light shade. Regular water. This low growing mint is useful not only as a groundcover but is excellent in containers with other plants. Very decorative and delightfully fragrant.

Peppermint (Mentha X piperita)

Highly fragrant, refreshing flavoring for teas, cold drinks, desserts and other foods. Hardy, spreading perennial 1 1/2' - 2 1/2' tall. This strongly scented plant is used fresh or dried in teas and iced drinks or in flavoring foods, including green salads, fruit salads, sauces, syrups and desserts. Full sun. Reduced water. Spreading habit. Well-drained soil. Dormant in winter. Makes an attractive container plant.

Pineapple (Mentha suaveolens)

Brilliant green and white foliage with a fruity aroma. Hardy perennial - 1 1/2' - 2 1/2' tall. Pineapple mint makes a beautiful garnish and is a colorful, fragrant addition to the garden. Fresh stems can be used in mixed herb bouquets, adding a delightful aroma to your home. Full sun. Regular water. Easy, robust garden plant. Pinch out all green shoots to encourage more white-edged foliage. May be trimmed to maintain bushiness.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata)

Best cooking mint. Also, a fragrant garnish. Adds a refreshing taste to food and drinks. Hardy spreading perennial 1 1/2' - 2' tall. Chop fresh leaves to flavor cold drinks, salads and fruits. Excellent with carrots, peas and potatoes and for making mint sauces and syrups. Add to chocolate rich desserts. Great garnish for ice cream. Full sun. Regular water. Fast and easy to grow, spreads rapidly by underground runners. Can be contained in pots or planter boxes. Cut fresh stems often to keep plants in shape.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

A spicy, Mediterranean native. Indispensable in Italian and Mexican cooking. Perennial 12" - 18" tall. The pizza herb. Warm peppery flavor compliments almost all tomato dishes. At its best when fresh. Chop finely for salads. Add to meat dishes in the last few minutes of cooking to preserve flavor. Leaves are easily dried and will retain flavor for future use. Full sun. Regular water. Easy to grow in a rich, well- drained soil. Keep blossoms trimmed off to encourage soft leafy growth.

Parsley, Curled (Petroselinum crispum)

Attractive finely curled foliage. Popular garnish and seasoning. Excellent source of vitamins A, C, E, iron and calcium. Annual 6" - 12" tall. Very useful chopped and sprinkled over salads, egg dishes, vegetable soups, fish and potatoes. Chew raw leaves to freshen breath. Very attractive garden plant. Full sun or partial shade. Regular water. Easy to grow. Useful in the garden or in pots. This beautiful herb will produce fresh leaves over a long season.

Parsley, Italian (Petroselinum crispum neapolitanum)

This flat leafed variety of parsley has a more aromatic and full taste than curled parsley. An excellent source of vitamins. Perennial 10" - 12" tall. The extra rich flavor adds a true European character to foods. Use in salads, dressings, vegetables, pasta, rich, sauces, soups, stews, poultry and fish. Add near the end of cooking to preserve flavor. Sun, partial shade. Regular water. Easy to grow. Useful both in the garden and in containers. Produces dark glossy leaves over a long season.

Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)

Creeping plant with strong mint fragrance and flavor. Useful ground cover in moist areas. Tea is used to ease headaches, indigestion and fever. Natural pest repellent. Perennial - 6" tall. A beautiful, low growing mint. Spreads quickly to form a fragrant ground covering. Is used sparingly to flavor soups and stuffings, meat and fish dishes. Full sun. Keep moist. This low spreading mint is useful not only as a groundcover, but is excellent in containers with other plants. Spreads quickly in moist areas. Statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) 'Santa Barbara'

Pungent pine and mint taste goes well with numerous recipes. Leaves and stems can be harvested all year round. Also is used for hair and skin rinses. Hardy evergreen perennial 3' - 4' tall. This attractive landscape shrub and versatile herb is popular with all white meats and Mediterranean vegetables. Toss fresh flowers into salads. Full sun. Needs little water once established. Rugged, and easy to grow. Does well in poor soils, needs good drainage. Can be trimmed to any shape or size.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Intensely flavorful. Can be harvested throughout the whole year. Classic herb in Mediterranean cuisine. Perennial, 2 1/2' tall. Flavoring for rich meats, sauces and stuffings. Make sage vinegar and sage butter. Useful fresh or dried in Italian cooking. Sage is an excellent garden plant. Full sun. Needs little water once established. Strong, easy to grow, needs good drainage. Very good in containers. Leaves can be harvested all year.

Lemon Sage

Golden Sage (Salvia officinalis 'aurea')

A colorful plant, useful in the kitchen as well as the garden. Milder in flavor than common sage. Perennial 2 1/2' tall. Lovely chartreuse-yellow and dark green leaves. Flavoring appreciated in many foods especially meats and marinades. Decorative and durable in the garden. Full sun. Needs little water once established. Rugged, easy to grow landscape plant. Needs good drainage. Very good in containers and its bright foliage makes a colorful accent.

Variegated 'Tricolor' Sage (Salvia officinalis 'Tricolor'')

Colorful, aromatic foliage, useful both in the garden and kitchen. Harvest leaves all year long.Perennial 2 1/2' tall. Highly decorative landscape plant. Slightly bitter yet mild taste, can be used to season rich meats and sauces. Full sun. Needs little water once established. Strong, easy to grow, needs good drainage. Excellent in containers, especially when planted in combination with other herbs.

Sorrel, French ( Rumex Scutatus)

Zesty, lemony flavor is very popular for use in salads and soups. Highly concentrated flavor, a little goes a long way. Perennial 10" - 12" tall. East fresh young leaves in salads. Cook like spinach, changing the cooking water once to reduce acidity. Use to season soups, omelets, lamb, beef, sauces, fish and poultry. Full sun or light shade. Keep moist. Fast growing. Gather only fresh young leaves. Plant in rich, well-drained soil. Can be grown in containers.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Tiny leaves possess intense warm fragrance and flavor. A handsome plant for borders and rock gardens. Hardy perennial 12" tall. Leaves are used to flavor soups, stews, rich meats and fish. Can be used fresh or dried. Add to food early in the cooking process to develop flavor. Full sun. Needs little water once established. Easy to grown evergreen shrub. Needs well-drained soil. Plants can be trimmed to any size or shape. Good container plant. Harvest leaves all year.

Thyme, Creeping

Tiny leaves, creeping growth habit which makes this plant a good groundcover. Favors full sun. Pink flowers. Thyme, Lemon Perennial to 12". Semi-upright habit ( can be used as a groundcover), with variegated yelllow and green leaves. Lavender flowers. This thyme has a lemon fragrance and is used often in seasoning, and tea. Favors full sun.

Winter Savory (Satureja montana)

Attractive, low spreading plant with intensely flavored leaves. Beautiful small bush for the garden. Perennial 10" - 15" tall. Strong pungent flavor is used in omelets, cooked vegetables, especially beans, peas and corn. Also, for flavoring soups, meat and fish. Can also be dried for later use. Full sun. Moderate water. Use an an edging in herb or rock gardens. Needs well-drained soil. Does very well in containers.

REMEMBER! Never eat any plant or part of a plant, or use any plant or any part of a plant in food preparation or beverages without BEING SURE whether or not pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or other chemicals were applied to the plant. Never eat any plant or part of a plant, or use any plant or any part of a plant in food preparation or beverages without checking toxicity with authorized poison centers and without being POSITIVE about the plant's identity.

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