Sow in May

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

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.

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.

🌿 Ocimum basilicum Basil ‘Gecofure’ – Compact Genovese-Type Basil Ideal for Pots and Containers

‘Gecofure’ is a compact Genovese basil variety specially selected for pot and container production. It forms dense, well-branched plants with medium-sized, glossy green leaves and a classic sweet basil aroma and flavour. Compared to standard Genovese basil, ‘Gecofure’ grows shorter and more uniform, making it perfect for windowsills, balconies, patio containers and supermarket-style pot basil. Excellent regrowth after cutting ensures a continuous harvest throughout the season.

Key Features

● Compact Genovese-type basil with classic sweet flavour

● Dense, uniform plants ideal for pot production

● Excellent regrowth after cutting

● Perfect for containers, windowsills and balconies

● Suitable for fresh use, pesto and Mediterranean dishes

How to Sow & Grow Basil ‘Gecofure’ (UK)

Sow indoors: III–V (March–May)

Transplant outdoors: V–VI (May–June) once frost risk has passed

Direct outdoors: V–VI (May–June) in warm conditions

Harvest: VI–IX (June–September)

Life cycle: Annual

Germination temperature: 20–25 °C (68–77 °F)

Average germ time: 7–14 days

Depth: 0.5 cm (¼ in)

Light required: Yes

Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist

Environment: Full sun (warm, sheltered position)

Soil type: Fertile, well-drained compost or soil

Plant spacing: 15–20 cm (6–8 in)

Height: 20–30 cm (8–12 in)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Sow several seeds per pot for a full, bushy plant.

● Pinch regularly to prevent flowering and promote leaf growth.

● Grow indoors or under cover for best results in cooler climates.

● Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F).

● Harvest little and often for continuous production.

Special Features

● Specifically bred for compact pot production

● Classic Genovese basil flavour in a smaller plant

● Ideal for home kitchens and retail pot basil