Culinary Herbs

Marsh Mallow – Seeds (Althaea officinalis)

Marsh Mallow is a hardy perennial herb known for its tall, elegant growth and soft, velvety leaves. Traditionally valued for its medicinal properties, its roots and leaves can be used in herbal remedies, teas, and natural skincare preparations. The plant also produces attractive pale pink flowers that add charm to herb and cottage gardens.

Ideal for garden beds, borders, and natural herbal plots, Marsh Mallow is easy to grow and low-maintenance once established.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: February – April

• Sow outdoors: April – May

• Depth: 0.5–1 cm

• Spacing: 40–50 cm between plants

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained, moist

• Watering: Regular watering until established

Key Features

• Hardy perennial herb with medicinal and culinary uses

• Soft, velvety leaves and pale pink flowers

• Ideal for teas, herbal remedies, and natural skincare

• Low-maintenance once established

• Suitable for herb gardens, borders, and cottage gardens

Harvest

• Harvesting period: Summer – Autumn

• Pick leaves and flowers as needed; roots can be harvested in autumn for medicinal use.

Short Tip

For a continuous supply, harvest leaves selectively and leave some to flower for seeds.

Lovage Seeds (Levisticum officinale)

Grow a robust, aromatic herb with Lovage (Levisticum officinale). This perennial produces tall, leafy stems with a strong celery-like flavor, perfect for soups, stews, stocks, and herbal infusions. Hardy and long-lived, it’s ideal for herb gardens, perennial beds, and pollinator-friendly plantings.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors in spring.

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

• Sow seeds 0.5–1 cm deep and thin seedlings to 40–50 cm apart.

• Keep soil consistently moist until germination (14–21 days).

• Transplant seedlings outdoors after frost risk has passed.

• Harvest leaves and stems as needed; roots can be harvested in autumn.

Key Features

• Tall, leafy perennial with strong celery-like flavor

• Hardy, long-lived, and easy to grow

• Ideal for soups, stews, stocks, and herbal infusions

• Attracts pollinators and enhances garden biodiversity

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

Ideal For

• Herb gardens and kitchen beds

• Culinary use in soups, stews, stocks, and teas

• Perennial borders and pollinator-friendly plantings

• Long-term herb cultivation with minimal maintenance

Sowing

• Best time: Spring indoors or outdoors after frost

• Depth: 0.5–1 cm

• Spacing: Thin to 40–50 cm apart

• Prefers full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil

Quick Tip

• Regularly trim leaves to encourage bushier growth and a continuous supply throughout the season.

Lemon Balm – Seeds (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon Balm is a hardy perennial herb valued for its refreshing lemon-scented leaves. Perfect for teas, desserts, and savory dishes, it also makes a soothing herbal remedy often used to promote relaxation. Its fragrant foliage attracts bees and pollinators, while its resilience makes it an easy-to-grow choice for gardens, pots, or borders.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: March – May in trays at 18–20°C.

• Sow outdoors: May – July in a sunny or lightly shaded spot.

• Thin or transplant seedlings to 30 cm apart.

• Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.

• Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.

Key Features

• Hardy perennial with refreshing lemon scent

• Aromatic leaves for teas, salads, and cooking

• Excellent for herbal remedies and relaxation

• Attracts bees and pollinators

• Easy to grow in borders or containers

Ideal For

• Herbal teas and drinks

• Culinary use in sweet and savory dishes

• Herb gardens, borders, and patio pots

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: March – July

• Harvest: May – October

Quick Tip

Pick leaves early in the morning for the best flavor and fragrance.

Lavender ‘Hidcote’ Blue – Seeds (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender ‘Hidcote’ Blue (Lavandula angustifolia) is a classic compact variety prized for its deep violet-blue flower spikes and aromatic foliage. Ideal for borders, herb gardens, and containers, it attracts bees and butterflies while providing fragrant blooms for cutting and drying. Hardy and low-maintenance, it’s perfect for sunny, well-drained locations.

Why Grow "Hidcote Blue"

• Deep violet-blue fragrant flower spikes

• Compact, tidy growth ideal for borders and containers

• Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies

• Excellent for cutting, drying, and culinary use

Key Features

• Type: Hardy perennial (Lavandula angustifolia)

• Height: 30–45 cm

• Flowering: June–August

• Position: Full sun, well-drained soil

• Uses: Borders, herb gardens, containers, pollinator-friendly planting

Ideal For

• Herb and cottage gardens

• Pollinator-friendly borders

• Container planting and edging

• Fragrant bouquets and dried arrangements

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays

• Germination: 14–28 days at 18–22°C

• Transplant seedlings into pots or borders after last frost

• Space 25–30 cm apart for compact growth

• Prefers sunny, well-drained soil; avoid overwatering

Hyssop Seeds (Hyssopus officinalis)

Grow a timeless herb with Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), a fragrant perennial prized for its aromatic leaves and striking blue-purple flowers. Traditionally used in herbal teas, remedies, and as a seasoning, hyssop also attracts pollinators and adds beauty to borders, herb gardens, and containers. Hardy and versatile, it’s an essential plant for both culinary and medicinal use.

How to Grow

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

• Use well-drained, light soil in a sunny location.

• Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep and thin seedlings to 30–40 cm apart.

• Keep soil lightly moist until germination (14–21 days).

• Harvest leaves and flowers throughout summer for fresh or dried use.

Key Features

• Aromatic herb with blue-purple blooms

• Culinary, medicinal, and herbal tea uses

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and pollinators

• Hardy perennial, easy to grow

• Adds beauty and fragrance to the garden

Ideal For

• Herb gardens, borders, and containers

• Herbal teas, remedies, and cooking

• Attracting pollinators and beneficial insects

• Gardeners seeking hardy, multipurpose plants

Sowing

• Best time: Spring indoors or after frost outdoors

• Depth: 0.5 cm

• Spacing: 30–40 cm apart

• Prefers full sun and well-drained soil

Quick Tip

• Trim plants after flowering to encourage bushier growth and a second flush of blooms.

Holy Basil Herb Seeds (Ocimum sanctum)

Sacred in Ayurvedic tradition, Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum), also known as Tulsi, is a fragrant and highly valued herb cherished for its medicinal and culinary uses. With its spicy, clove-like aroma and lush green foliage, it adds beauty to the garden and wellness to your kitchen. A must-have for herb lovers and holistic gardeners.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors in early spring or directly outdoors after the last frost.

• Use light, well-drained soil in a sunny location.

• Sow 0.5 cm deep and keep soil moist until germination.

• Thin seedlings to 25–30 cm apart.

• Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth.

Key Features

• Sacred Ayurvedic herb known as Tulsi

• Distinct clove-like aroma and flavor

• Rich in antioxidants and medicinal properties

• Attractive green foliage with purple flowers

• Easy to grow in pots, beds, or herb gardens

Ideal For

• Herbal teas and remedies

• Traditional and modern cooking

• Home apothecaries and wellness gardens

• Indoor pots or sunny outdoor spots

Sowing

• Best time: Spring after frost

• Depth: 0.5 cm

• Spacing: 25–30 cm apart

• Prefers sunny, warm conditions with well-drained soil

Quick Tip

• Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness and a longer harvest season.

Herb Sage – Seeds

(Salvia officinalis)

Herb Sage is a hardy perennial herb prized for its aromatic leaves and culinary versatility. Perfect for seasoning meats, soups, and sauces, its gray-green foliage also adds texture and fragrance to herb gardens. Easy to grow and drought-tolerant once established, it attracts pollinators and enhances both edible and ornamental plantings.

Why Grow Herb Sage?

• Aromatic leaves for culinary and medicinal use

• Hardy perennial, drought-tolerant once established

• Attracts bees and pollinators

• Adds texture and fragrance to gardens

Key Features

• Type: Perennial herb

• Height: 30–60 cm

• Flowers: Blue-purple, late spring to summer

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

Ideal For

• Herb and culinary gardens

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

• Containers, borders, and rockeries

• Perennial garden beds

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays

• Sow outdoors: April–May directly in prepared soil

• Germination: 14–21 days at 18–20°C

• Spacing: 25–30 cm apart

• Care: Moderate watering; prune after flowering to encourage fresh growth

Herb Licorice – Seeds (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Description:
Grow your own natural sweetener and medicinal herb with Herb Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). This hardy perennial produces long roots renowned for their sweet flavor and traditional herbal uses. With attractive feathery foliage and pale blue-lavender flowers, licorice is both decorative and useful in the garden. Ideal for herb gardens and natural remedy enthusiasts, it thrives in sunny, well-drained soil and rewards patience with valuable roots after two to three years of growth.

Key Features

• Perennial herb with sweet, aromatic roots

• Pale blue-lavender summer flowers

• Valued for culinary and medicinal purposes

• Attractive feathery foliage

• Long-lived and easy to maintain once established

Ideal For

• Herb and medicinal gardens

• Cottage and wildlife gardens

• Edible landscapes

• Homegrown natural remedies

Sowing & Growing

• Sow Indoors: February–April

• Transplant Outdoors: May–June

• Germination: 14–21 days at 18–22°C

• Spacing: 45–60 cm apart

• Height: 90–120 cm

• Light: Full sun

• Soil: Deep, fertile, well-drained

Care Tips

• Water regularly during dry periods

• Harvest roots after 2–3 years of growth

• Mulch to retain soil moisture

• Protect from frost in colder climates

Greek Oregano – Seeds (Origanum hirtum)

Greek Oregano (Origanum hirtum) is a robust perennial herb, prized for its intensely aromatic leaves that are essential in Mediterranean cooking. Known for its strong flavor, it is a must-have for seasoning pizzas, pasta, roasted meats, and vegetables. Easy to grow and drought-tolerant, it also produces clusters of small white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.

Why Grow Greek Oregano?

• Classic Mediterranean herb with strong, authentic flavor

• Hardy perennial, easy to maintain

• Drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soils

• Attracts bees and pollinators when in bloom

Key Features

• Type: Perennial herb

• Height: 30–60 cm

• Spread: 30–45 cm

• Flowering: June–August

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Light, well-drained

Ideal For

• Culinary herb gardens

• Mediterranean and rock gardens

• Container growing

• Pollinator-friendly borders

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in trays/pots

• Germination: 10–21 days at 18–22°C

• Transplant outdoors: After frost risk has passed

• Direct sow outdoors: May–June

• Spacing: 25–30 cm apart

• Harvest leaves regularly for best flavor

Tip: Trim plants after flowering to keep them compact and encourage fresh growth.