Sow in February

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.

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.

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

Sweet Marjoram – Seeds (Tender Perennial Aromatic)

Sweet Marjoram is a fragrant, tender perennial herb prized for its delicate, sweet flavor. Perfect for seasoning soups, sauces, salads, and roasted dishes, it adds a subtle aromatic touch to your culinary creations. Compact and easy to grow, Sweet Marjoram is ideal for garden beds, containers, and herb gardens.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds indoors from February to April, lightly covering with soil.

• Maintain 18–22°C until germination.

• Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost in a sunny, sheltered spot.

• Prefers well-drained soil and regular watering.

• Trim regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering.

Key Features

• Tender perennial aromatic herb

• Sweet, delicate flavor for culinary use

• Compact, bushy growth habit

• Ideal for garden beds, containers, and herb gardens

• Perfect for fresh use or drying

Ideal For

• Flavoring soups, sauces, and roasted dishes

• Gardeners seeking aromatic, easy-to-grow herbs

• Kitchen herb collections and container gardening

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: February to April

• Depth: Lightly covered

• Harvest: May to October

Quick Tip

• Regularly snip leaves to encourage fresh growth and prevent the plant from flowering too early.