Annual & Biennial Herbs

Milk Thistle – Seeds

(Silybum marianum)

Milk Thistle is a striking biennial plant known for its spiny, variegated leaves and vibrant purple thistle flowers. Traditionally valued for its medicinal properties, especially for liver support, it also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Easy to grow and drought-tolerant, it adds both beauty and utility to gardens.

Why Grow Milk Thistle?

• Striking purple thistle flowers with spiny, variegated leaves

• Traditionally used for medicinal purposes

• Attracts bees and butterflies

• Drought-tolerant and easy to grow

Key Features

• Type: Biennial

• Height: 100–150 cm

• Flowers: Summer

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

Ideal For

• Medicinal and herbal gardens

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

• Ornamental borders and wildlife gardens

• Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant landscapes

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays

• Sow outdoors: April–May in prepared soil

• Germination: 10–20 days at 18–20°C

• Spacing: 50–60 cm apart

• Care: Minimal; water moderately and remove weeds

Great Burdock Seeds (Arctium lappa)

Grow a versatile and medicinally valued plant with Great Burdock (Arctium lappa). Known for its large, edible roots and striking purple flower heads, this hardy biennial is perfect for vegetable gardens, herbal use, and natural landscaping. Easy to cultivate, it also attracts pollinators and adds architectural interest with its tall stems and broad leaves.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds directly outdoors in spring after the last frost.

• Use fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.

• Sow seeds thinly and cover lightly with soil.

• Keep soil moist until germination (10–20 days).

• Thin seedlings to 30–50 cm apart to allow ample root development.

• Harvest roots in the first year for medicinal use or leave to mature in the second year for flowers and seeds.

Key Features

• Large edible roots valued for culinary and medicinal use

• Striking purple thistle-like flower heads

• Hardy biennial with rapid growth and tall stems

• Attracts bees and pollinators

• Architectural foliage adds interest to gardens

Ideal For

• Vegetable and herb gardens

• Natural or wildlife-friendly landscapes

• Pollinator-friendly planting

• Culinary and herbal uses

Sowing

• Best time: Spring after the last frost

• Germination: 10–20 days

• Sow thinly and cover lightly with soil

• Prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil

Quick Tip

• For the best edible roots, harvest before the plant flowers in its first year.

Caraway Seeds (Carum carvi)

Grow aromatic, versatile seeds with Caraway (Carum carvi). This hardy biennial herb produces feathery green foliage and crescent-shaped seeds with a warm, slightly sweet flavor, perfect for bread, cooking, and herbal remedies. Easy to grow, it’s ideal for herb gardens, kitchen beds, and pollinator-friendly plantings.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds directly outdoors from early spring to early summer.

• Use fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.

• Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep and thin seedlings to 20–25 cm apart.

• Keep soil consistently moist for germination (10–20 days).

• Harvest seeds in late summer when the seed heads turn brown; cut and dry them for storage.

Key Features

• Feathery green foliage and aromatic crescent-shaped seeds

• Biennial, hardy, and easy to grow

• Ideal for baking, cooking, and herbal remedies

• Attracts pollinators and enhances garden biodiversity

• Suitable for herb gardens, kitchen beds, and companion planting

Ideal For

• Herb gardens and kitchen beds

• Baking, cooking, and spice blends

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Homegrown culinary and medicinal use

Sowing

• Best time: Early spring to early summer outdoors

• Depth: 0.5–1 cm

• Spacing: Thin to 20–25 cm apart

• Prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil

Quick Tip

• Harvest seeds when seed heads are fully brown and dry them in a warm, airy place for long-term storage.

Toothache Plant – Seeds (Spilanthes oleracea)

The Toothache Plant (Spilanthes oleracea) is an unusual and fascinating herb, known for its small, bright red flowers and unique tingling effect when chewed. Traditionally used for its medicinal properties, it adds interest to herb gardens, containers, and edible landscaping. Easy to grow and fast-maturing, it’s a conversation-starting plant that also attracts pollinators.

Why Grow "Toothache Plant"

• Bright red, cone-shaped flowers

• Unique tingling sensation when chewed

• Traditional medicinal and culinary uses

• Attracts bees and other pollinators

Key Features

• Type: Annual herb (Spilanthes oleracea)

• Height: 30–60 cm

• Flowering: Summer

• Position: Full sun, well-drained soil

• Uses: Herb gardens, containers, edible landscaping, pollinator-friendly plantings

Ideal For

• Herb and medicinal gardens

• Container and patio planting

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Educational or conversation-starting gardens

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays

• Sow outdoors: April–May after frost

• Germination: 10–20 days at 18–22°C

• Transplant seedlings 25–30 cm apart

• Prefers full sun and moderately fertile soil

• Keep soil moist for best growth

Summer Savory 'Midget' – Seeds (Satureja hortensis)

Summer Savory ‘Midget’ is a compact, fast-growing annual herb, prized for its spicy, peppery flavour that resembles thyme and oregano. This dwarf variety is especially suited for container growing, raised beds, and small herb gardens.

Traditionally used to season bean dishes, meats, soups, and stews, it is also excellent fresh or dried as a versatile culinary herb. With its neat, bushy growth habit and aromatic leaves, ‘Midget’ is both decorative and useful in the kitchen.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: March – April in pots or trays

• Sow outdoors: April – June, directly into prepared soil

• Depth: Lightly cover seeds with soil (approx. 0.5 cm)

• Spacing: 20–25 cm between plants

• Position: Sunny, well-drained spot

• Soil: Light, sandy, moderately fertile

Key Features

• Compact dwarf variety – ideal for pots and small spaces

• Distinct peppery flavour – a classic bean seasoning

• Culinary herb for meats, stews, soups, and sauces

• Can be used fresh or dried

• Hardy, quick-growing, and easy to maintain

Harvesting

• Harvest from: June – September

• Pick fresh leaves regularly to encourage new growth.

• For winter use, cut and dry whole sprigs just before flowering.

Strawberry Stick – Seeds

(Chenopodium foliosum)

Strawberry Stick is a unique annual plant grown for its bright red, strawberry-like seeds. These edible seeds are not only nutritious but also add a decorative touch to gardens. Its upright, bushy habit makes it perfect for borders, vegetable gardens, and ornamental planting. Easy to grow and drought-tolerant, it’s both practical and attractive.

Why Grow Strawberry Stick?

• Bright red, edible seeds

• Attractive upright, bushy foliage

• Nutritious and ornamental

• Easy to grow and drought-tolerant

Key Features

• Type: Annual

• Height: 50–80 cm

• Flowers: Summer

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile

Ideal For

• Vegetable gardens and edible landscaping

• Borders and ornamental plantings

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Low-maintenance garden displays

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays

• Sow outdoors: April–May in prepared soil

• Germination: 10–14 days at 18–20°C

• Spacing: 25–30 cm apart

• Care: Moderate watering; remove weeds for best growth

Pot Marigold Dwarf ‘Sunset Buff’ – Apricot – 1,000 Seeds (Calendula officinalis)

The Dwarf Pot Marigold ‘Sunset Buff’ is a charming, compact variety producing apricot-peach blooms with soft golden undertones. Its warm pastel shades bring a unique elegance to beds, borders, and cottage gardens. Easy to grow and long-flowering, this hardy annual is also edible, with petals traditionally used to decorate salads or for natural dye.

Highlights

• Distinctive apricot–buff blooms with golden tones

• Compact, dwarf habit – perfect for pots and borders

• Long flowering season from early summer to autumn

• Attracts pollinators and beneficial insects

• Edible petals for salads and herbal uses

Key Features

• Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis

• Variety: Dwarf ‘Sunset Buff’ (Apricot)

• Seed Count: 1,000 seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 25–30 cm tall, compact growth

• Position: Full sun, well-drained soil

• Flowering Period: June – October

Perfect For

• Bedding, borders, and cottage gardens

• Patio pots and containers

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Edible flower displays and herbal uses

Sowing Instructions

• Sow outdoors March–May or August–September for overwintering

• Sow directly into soil, lightly cover seeds

• Germination: 7–14 days

• Thin seedlings to 20–25 cm apart

• Deadhead regularly for prolonged flowering

Pocketbook Plant Mix – Seeds (Calceolaria herbeohybrida)

Pocketbook Plant Mix (Calceolaria herbeohybrida) offers a delightful display of colorful, pouch-shaped flowers that brighten indoor and shaded garden spaces. This compact annual is ideal for pots, containers, and cool spots where vibrant, long-lasting blooms are desired. Perfect for adding whimsical color and charm to any collection.

Why Grow "Pocketbook Plant Mix"

• Bright, pouch-shaped flowers in mixed colors

• Compact, easy-to-grow annual

• Ideal for containers, pots, and indoor displays

• Long-lasting bloom period for summer and early autumn

Key Features

• Type: Half-hardy annual (Calceolaria herbeohybrida)

• Height: 20–30 cm

• Flowering: Late spring to early autumn

• Position: Partial shade, bright indirect light

• Uses: Containers, pots, indoor displays, shaded borders

Ideal For

• Patio and balcony containers

• Indoor pots and decorative displays

• Cool, partially shaded garden spots

• Adding whimsical, long-lasting color

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–March in seed trays

• Germination: 14–21 days at 18–20°C

• Transplant seedlings into pots when large enough

• Keep soil moist, avoid direct sun

• Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms

Nigella sativa ‘Black Cumin’ White – Seeds (Nigella sativa)

Nigella sativa ‘Black Cumin’ (Nigella sativa) is a graceful annual valued both as a culinary spice and an ornamental flower. It produces delicate white, star-shaped blooms that float above feathery foliage, followed by decorative seed pods. Known for its aromatic black seeds, often called black cumin, it has been used for centuries in cooking and traditional remedies. Easy to grow and low-maintenance, this dual-purpose plant brings both beauty and practicality to the garden.

Why Grow "Black Cumin" White

• Delicate white blooms with airy foliage

• Produces edible black cumin seeds with culinary uses

• Attractive seed pods for dried arrangements

• Easy to grow and self-seeding annual

Key Features

• Type: Annual (Nigella sativa)

• Height: 20–40 cm

• Flowering: Summer

• Position: Full sun

• Uses: Culinary seeds, borders, containers, dried flowers

Ideal For

• Herb and kitchen gardens

• Dual-purpose planting – ornamental and edible

• Borders and cottage-style displays

• Cutting and drying seed pods for decoration

Sowing & Growing

• Sow outdoors: March–May or September for earlier blooms

• Germination: 10–20 days

• Thin seedlings: 15–20 cm apart

• Prefers well-drained soil in full sun

• Self-seeds freely for naturalized planting