Herbs for Indoors / Windowsill Growing

Stinging Nettle – Seeds

(Urtica dioica)

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a versatile perennial herb valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Its vibrant green leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals, making it perfect for teas, soups, and natural remedies. Hardy and easy to grow, it also provides shelter and food for wildlife, supporting pollinators and beneficial insects.

Why Grow Stinging Nettle?

• Nutrient-rich leaves for culinary and medicinal use

• Hardy perennial, easy to grow

• Supports pollinators and wildlife

• Traditional herbal remedy with multiple uses

Key Features

• Type: Perennial herb

• Height: 60–150 cm

• Leaves: Harvest from spring to autumn

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained

Ideal For

• Herbal and edible gardens

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

• Natural remedies and teas

• Wildlife habitats

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays

• Sow outdoors: April–May directly in prepared soil

• Germination: 14–28 days at 15–20°C

• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 30 cm apart

• Care: Prefers consistent moisture; perennial, low maintenance

St. John’s Wort – Seeds (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a hardy perennial herb known for its bright yellow star-shaped flowers and long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. It grows easily in gardens, meadows, or wildflower plantings, attracting pollinators while adding natural beauty.

Often valued for its ornamental and herbal qualities, St. John’s Wort thrives in poor soils and sunny locations, making it a low-maintenance addition to cottage gardens and naturalized landscapes.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: February – April

• Sow outdoors: April – June, or autumn for natural stratification

• Depth: Surface sow – seeds need light to germinate

• Spacing: 30 cm between plants

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile, sandy or rocky soils

Key Features

• Perennial herb with golden yellow, star-shaped blooms

• Attracts bees and pollinators

• Grows well in poor, dry soils – low maintenance

• Suitable for borders, meadows, and herb gardens

• Traditional herb, long valued in folklore and medicine

Flowering & Harvest

• Flowering time: June – September

• Blooms can be collected at peak flowering if used for herbal purposes.

Sorrel 'Blonde de Lyon' Seeds (Rumex acetosa)

Brighten up your kitchen garden with Sorrel 'Blonde de Lyon', a traditional French variety producing tender, pale green leaves with a tangy, lemony flavor. Perfect for soups, sauces, salads, and omelets, this perennial herb grows quickly and provides harvests over a long season. Its sharp, refreshing taste makes it a gourmet favorite in classic French cuisine.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors in early spring or directly outdoors once soil warms.

• Prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.

• Sow 0.5–1 cm deep in rows 30–40 cm apart.

• Thin seedlings to 20–25 cm apart for strong growth.

• Harvest young leaves regularly to encourage new growth.

Key Features

• French heirloom sorrel with pale green, tender leaves

• Distinct lemony flavor, perfect for culinary use

• Perennial, reliable harvest year after year

• Early cropping and fast-growing

• Excellent for soups, sauces, salads, and garnishes

Ideal For

• Traditional French cooking

• Adding zest to salads and omelets

• Perennial herb gardens

• Home cooks and gourmet gardeners

Sowing

• Best time: Spring or early summer

• Depth: 0.5–1 cm

• Spacing: Thin to 20–25 cm, rows 30–40 cm apart

• Prefers moist, fertile soil in sun or partial shade

Quick Tip

• Cut back flowering stems to prolong leaf production and maintain flavor.

Russian Tarragon – Seeds (Artemisia dracunculus)

Russian Tarragon is a hardy perennial herb valued for its anise-like flavor and aromatic leaves. While milder than French tarragon, it grows easily from seed, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want a reliable and vigorous herb. Perfect for flavoring chicken, fish, salads, and sauces, it also makes a decorative addition to herb gardens with its fine, slender foliage.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: March – May in seed trays or pots.

• Transplant outdoors: After last frost into a sunny, sheltered position.

• Soil: Well-drained, light soil.

• Spacing: 30–45 cm apart.

• Water moderately, avoid waterlogging.

Key Features

• Hardy perennial, easy to grow from seed

• Aromatic leaves with mild anise flavor

• Reliable alternative to French tarragon

• Drought-tolerant once established

• Attractive foliage for herb borders

Ideal For

• Herb gardens and kitchen gardens

• Flavoring chicken, fish, soups, and sauces

• Growing in pots, raised beds, or borders

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: March – May

• Harvest: July – October

Quick Tip

Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushy growth. For best flavor, harvest young leaves before flowering.

Salad Burnet – Seeds (Sanguisorba minor)

Salad Burnet is a hardy perennial herb known for its fresh, cucumber-like flavor. Its delicate, serrated leaves are perfect for adding to salads, dips, sauces, and refreshing summer drinks. An attractive, low-maintenance plant, it also makes a lovely edging herb for the garden.

This herb is drought-tolerant once established and can be harvested repeatedly throughout the growing season. A traditional herb with both culinary and ornamental value.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: March – April

• Sow outdoors: April – June

• Depth: 0.5 cm, lightly cover

• Spacing: 25–30 cm between plants

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Well-drained, light to medium soil

• Watering: Moderate; drought tolerant once mature

Key Features

• Perennial herb with cucumber-like flavor

• Ideal for salads, sauces, and refreshing drinks

• Hardy, drought-tolerant, and low maintenance

• Attractive edging plant for herb gardens

• Repeated harvests throughout summer

Harvest

• Harvesting period: May – October

• Pick young, fresh leaves regularly for the best flavor.

Short Tip

Snip leaves just before use, as their delicate flavor is best enjoyed fresh.

Ramsons Wild Garlic – Seeds (Allium ursinum)

Ramsons Wild Garlic is a hardy perennial herb prized for its aromatic, garlicky leaves. Perfect for adding fresh, vibrant flavor to salads, pestos, soups, and sauces, it is a versatile addition to any herb or woodland garden. Its delicate white flowers also provide ornamental interest and attract pollinators.

This low-maintenance plant thrives in shaded, moist areas and can naturalize over time, creating a fragrant ground cover in suitable conditions.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: January – March

• Sow outdoors: March – May

• Depth: 0.5–1 cm

• Spacing: 20–25 cm between plants

• Position: Partial to full shade, woodland-type environment

• Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells

Key Features

• Hardy perennial with aromatic, garlicky leaves

• Ideal for salads, pestos, soups, and sauces

• Attractive white flowers that attract pollinators

• Low-maintenance, naturalizes well in shaded areas

• Thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soils

Harvest

• Harvesting period: March – May

• Pick young leaves before flowering for the best flavor.

Short Tip

Avoid harvesting all leaves at once; leave some for continued growth and flowering.

Rosemary – Seeds (Rosmarinus officinalis)

The classic Rosemary is a hardy, evergreen perennial herb valued for its aromatic needle-like leaves and unmistakable flavor. Loved in Mediterranean cooking, it adds depth to roasted meats, potatoes, bread, and sauces. Its strong fragrance also makes it a natural companion plant, helping deter pests in the garden.

Not only culinary, rosemary is also prized for its decorative qualities – perfect for herb gardens, containers, and borders. With its resilience and longevity, rosemary is a must-have for any kitchen garden.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: February – April in seed trays or pots

• Transplant outdoors: After last frost in a sunny spot

• Soil: Light, well-drained, sandy soil

• Position: Full sun

• Care: Water sparingly, avoid waterlogged soil, prune regularly for bushy growth

Key Features

• Aromatic, evergreen perennial herb

• Classic Mediterranean flavor for cooking

• Hardy and drought-tolerant once established

• Excellent for borders, pots, or herb gardens

• Natural companion plant with pest-repelling properties

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: February – April

• Harvest: All year once established

Roman Chamomile – Seeds

(Anthemis nobilis)

Roman Chamomile is a low-growing perennial herb with delicate, daisy-like white flowers and a sweet apple-like fragrance. Perfect for borders, rockeries, and herb gardens, it is valued for its calming and medicinal properties. Easy to grow and drought-tolerant, it also attracts pollinators, making it a versatile and attractive addition to any garden.

Why Grow Roman Chamomile?

• Delicate white daisy-like flowers with a sweet fragrance

• Calming and medicinal herb

• Low-growing, spreading perennial

• Attracts bees and butterflies

Key Features

• Type: Perennial

• Height: 15–20 cm

• Flowers: Summer

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

Ideal For

• Herb gardens and medicinal plantings

• Borders, rockeries, and groundcover

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Low-maintenance fragrant displays

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays

• Sow outdoors: March–May in prepared soil

• Germination: 14–21 days at 18–20°C

• Spacing: 20–25 cm apart

• Care: Moderate watering; trim after flowering to maintain shape

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