Herbs for Tea & Infusions

Teasel Seeds (Dipsacus fullonum)

A striking wildflower, Teasel is known for its tall spiky flower heads that attract bees, butterflies, and especially goldfinches. Its architectural shape adds height and structure to wildlife-friendly gardens, meadows, and borders. Hardy and easy to grow, Teasel provides year-round interest with summer blooms and seed heads that last into winter.

What Makes It Special

• Loved by pollinators and seed-eating birds, especially goldfinches

• Tall, architectural plant for borders and wild gardens

• Long-lasting seed heads provide winter garden interest

Key Features

• Botanical name: Dipsacus fullonum

• Hardy biennial/wildflower

• Height: 150–200 cm (5–6 ft)

• Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Ideal For

• Wildlife and pollinator-friendly gardens

• Wildflower meadows and natural planting schemes

• Adding height and structure to borders

Sowing

• Sow outdoors Mar–Jun or Sep–Oct directly into prepared soil

• Cover lightly and keep moist until germination

• Germination: 14–28 days depending on conditions

• Thin seedlings to 30–45 cm apart

• Flowers in the second year after sowing

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

Moldavian Dragonhead – Seeds (Dracocephalum moldavica)

The Moldavian Dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica) is a fragrant annual herb admired for its violet-blue flowers and aromatic lemon-scented foliage. Highly attractive to bees and butterflies, it makes a charming addition to herb gardens, borders, and pollinator-friendly spaces. Its leaves are sometimes used for teas with a refreshing citrus flavor.

Why Grow Moldavian Dragonhead?

• Violet-blue blooms with a pleasant lemon fragrance

• Excellent for pollinators, especially bees

• Easy to grow and low maintenance

• Useful as an ornamental and herbal plant

Ideal For

• Herb gardens

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

• Borders and cottage gardens

• Aromatic tea lovers

Key Features

• Type: Annual herb

• Height: 40–60 cm

• Spread: 20–30 cm

• Flowering: June–August

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Light, well-drained

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: March–April, lightly cover seeds

• Germination: 7–14 days at 18–22°C

• Transplant outdoors: After frost risk has passed

• Direct sow outdoors: April–May

• Spacing: 25–30 cm apart

Tip: Regular deadheading encourages longer flowering and stronger aroma.

Mexican Tarragon – Seeds

(Tagetes lucida) – Perennial Herb / Ornamental

Mexican Tarragon, also known as Sweet Mace or Spanish Tarragon, is a versatile plant prized both as a culinary herb and a decorative flower. It produces bright golden-yellow blossoms and aromatic leaves with a distinctive anise-like flavor, often used as a substitute for French tarragon in cooking. Highly valued in traditional medicine and rituals, it is also a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Key Features

• Type: Tender perennial (often grown as annual in cooler climates)

• Height: 45–75 cm

• Spread: 30–40 cm

• Flowers: Clusters of golden-yellow blooms

• Blooming period: Summer to autumn

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

• Other: Aromatic foliage; edible herb

Ideal For

• Herb and kitchen gardens

• Summer borders and cottage gardens

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Containers and pots

• Edible landscaping

Culinary & Herbal Uses

• Leaves used fresh or dried in soups, sauces, chicken, and fish dishes

• Herbal teas with calming properties

• Traditional medicinal and ceremonial uses

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays with light soil.

• Germination: 7–14 days at 18–22°C.

• Transplant: Harden off and plant outdoors after the last frost.

• Care: Prefers sunny, warm positions. Pinch young shoots to encourage bushiness. Harvest leaves before flowering for best flavor.

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.

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.

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.

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.