Herbs for Tea & Infusions

German Chamomile – Seeds (Matricaria recutita)

Bring calm and fragrance to your garden with German Chamomile, a charming annual herb prized for its daisy-like white flowers and soothing aroma. Traditionally used for herbal teas and natural remedies, this variety is easy to grow, highly productive, and also attracts pollinators to your garden. A perfect choice for herb beds, borders, and pots.

How to Grow

. Sow indoors from February to April, lightly pressing seeds onto the surface of moist compost – do not cover as they need light to germinate
. Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost, spacing 20–25 cm apart
. Alternatively, sow outdoors directly in April to May in well-drained soil
. Prefers a sunny position with average to light soil
. Water sparingly, as chamomile thrives in slightly dry conditions

Key Features

. Delicate white blooms with yellow centers
. Traditional herb for calming teas and remedies
. Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects
. Easy to grow, tolerant of poor soils
. Ideal for borders, herb gardens, and containers

Ideal For

. Herbal tea lovers and home remedies
. Pollinator-friendly gardens
. Cottage gardens and borders
. Container growing

Sowing & Harvest

. Sow: February – May
. Harvest: June – September

Quick Tip

Harvest flowers on warm, dry days and dry them for homemade chamomile tea with the best flavor and aroma.

Borage – Seeds

(Borago officinalis) – Edible Flowers & Pollinator Magnet

Borage, also known as the starflower, is a fast-growing annual herb admired for its vivid blue, star-shaped flowers and fuzzy, cucumber-flavored leaves. A favorite of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, it makes an excellent addition to herb gardens, vegetable patches, or pollinator-friendly borders. Both flowers and young leaves are edible – perfect for garnishing salads, desserts, drinks, or freezing into ice cubes.

Key Features

• Plant type: Annual herb

• Height: 50–70 cm

• Spread: 30–40 cm

• Flowers: Bright blue, star-shaped

• Foliage: Grey-green, hairy leaves with cucumber flavor

• Position: Full sun to light shade

• Soil: Moderately fertile, well-drained

Ideal For

• Herb & cottage gardens

• Attracting pollinators (especially bees)

• Edible flowers & herbal teas

• Companion planting with tomatoes, strawberries, and courgettes

Sowing & Growing

• Sow outdoors: April–June, direct in soil, 1 cm deep.

• Germination: 7–14 days.

• Spacing: Thin to 30 cm apart.

• Flowering: June–September.

Care Tips

• Easy to grow and self-seeding – will naturalize readily.

• Pinch back growing tips for bushier plants.

• Collect flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.

• Water in dry spells but avoid overwatering.

Lemongrass – Seeds (Cymbopogon flexuosus)

Lemongrass is a wonderfully fragrant herb, widely used in Asian cuisine for its fresh citrus flavor. This versatile plant can be grown in containers, kitchen gardens, or even indoors on a sunny windowsill. Both the leaves and stems are edible, perfect for curries, teas, marinades, and stir-fries. An attractive, clump-forming grass, it also adds a decorative touch to herb borders.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: February – April in trays or pots of seed compost with gentle heat.

• Transplant: When seedlings are large enough, pot on or plant outdoors after the last frost.

• Soil: Fertile, free-draining soil in full sun.

• Spacing: 30–40 cm apart.

• Keep soil moist and protect from cold.

Key Features

• Fragrant herb with citrus aroma

• Essential for Asian cooking

• Edible stems and leaves

• Can be grown in pots, containers, or beds

• Attractive clump-forming grass

Ideal For

• Asian-inspired dishes, teas, and marinades

• Herb gardens, borders, and container growing

• Indoor growing on sunny windowsills

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: February – April

• Harvest: July – October (leaves and stems when mature)

Quick Tip

For a continuous harvest, cut stalks at the base while leaving the plant to regrow. In cooler climates, grow in pots and overwinter indoors.

Cup and Saucer White – 15 Seeds (Cobaea scandens)

The Cup and Saucer Vine (White) is a fast-growing climber with elegant, bell-shaped blooms resembling little teacups. Its trailing vines quickly cover fences, arches, and trellises, creating a stunning vertical display. A perfect choice for adding a touch of elegance and charm to summer gardens.

What Makes It Special

• Unique cup-and-saucer shaped blooms

• Rapid-growing climbing vine

• Long-lasting flowers from summer to frost

• Adds instant charm to vertical garden spaces

Key Features

• Half-hardy perennial, often grown as an annual

• Height: up to 3–6 m

• Large white, bell-shaped flowers

• Prefers full sun to partial shade

• Attracts bees and pollinators

Ideal For

• Fences, walls, arches, pergolas, and trellises

• Cottage gardens and romantic garden themes

• Vertical displays and privacy screens

• Cut flowers for unique arrangements

Sowing

• Sow indoors 8–10 weeks before the last frost

• Pre-soak seeds for 12–24 hours before sowing

• Place seeds on their side, just under the surface of soil

• Germination: 20–30 days at 18–20°C

• Harden off and transplant outdoors after frost, spacing 30–45 cm apart

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.

Dwarf Spearmint – Seeds (Mentha spicata)

The Dwarf Spearmint is a compact and aromatic herb, prized for its refreshing flavor and versatility. With its smaller, bushy growth habit, it’s perfect for container gardening, herb borders, and kitchen windowsills. Its bright green leaves bring a cool, sweet taste to teas, salads, desserts, and savory dishes, while also offering natural health benefits.

How to Grow

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

• Scatter seeds thinly on the surface of moist soil and lightly press down.

• Keep in a sunny to partly shaded spot with regular watering.

• Harvest young leaves as needed to encourage fresh growth.

Key Features

• Compact, bushy spearmint variety

• Refreshing sweet-mint flavor

• Excellent for containers, windowsills, and small spaces

• Perennial herb with continuous harvests

• Culinary and medicinal uses

Ideal For

• Fresh teas, cocktails, and infused water

• Salads, sauces, and desserts

• Small gardens, pots, and indoor growing

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: March to June

• Harvest: May onwards, throughout the season

Quick Tip

• Regular trimming keeps plants compact and prevents them from spreading too aggressively.

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.

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.

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.