start planting indoors or out prior to the last frost. (outside sow is recommended on several websites). inside peat pots take around 7 weeks to germinate and grow big enough to transplant. sow seeds in a container of moistened soilless mix, such as perlite or vermiculite. barely cover the seeds with the mix. cover the container with plastic wrap, and store at 65-70°F. when you begin to see growth, move the container to a sunny window, pot plants up as they grow, gradually getting them accustomed to being outside, and then transplant them in the garden.
nigella plants do not thrive well when transplanted, so the seeds are best sewn directly into a garden plot. the location should be in full sun. seeds should be planted in a block formation rather than in a row, as the plants will then support one another during their flowering period.
work the soil in the plot with your trowel, loosening up large clumps and removing any rocks or debris from the location. add in non-enriched potting soil to the area and mix it in well. seeds perform best when sewn in late spring or early summer, when the soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed. sprinkle the nigella seeds liberally over the garden plot. nigella plants prefer dense plantings, so seed the area accordingly. cover the seeds with approximately 1/4" of potting soil, and water in well. germination occurs within 2 weeks, so watch your plot carefully.
- Season: annual, herbaceous
- USDA Zones: 2-10
- Height: 6-12" (outside pride says 12-15")
- Diameter:
- Bloom Season: july (seeds ripen in september)
- Bloom Color: pale blue, white
- Environment: full sun (can not tolerate shade)
- Soil Type: well drained any soil
- Growth Habit:
- Potential Pests:
- Companion Plants:
- Other: inhibits growth of nearby plants, especially legumes. some gardeners sow seeds in several successive weeks in order to keep a longer season. leave some flowers/pods cause it self sows freely.
planting directions
- Start: 7-8 weeks
- Temperature: 60-70°F
- Average Germ Time: 14 days (outside)
- Light Required: no
- Depth: 1/8" (lightly covered 1/4" after direct sow)
- Sowing Rate: 3-4 seeds per cell
- Moisture: moist to dry (ground completely saturated if direct sow)
- Plant Spacing: 9"
- Row Spacing: 10-12"
- Maturity:
taxonomy
- Class: magnoliopsida
- Subclass:
- Superorder:
- Order: Ranunculales
- Family: Ranunculaceae
- Genus: Nigella
- Species: Sativa
- Group:
- Flower Type:
- Leaf:
- Roots:
black seed have a slightly bitter and peppery quality with a mild oregano-like flavor. the seeds should be lightly toasted before using whole, crushed or ground.
black seed oil was discovered in tutankhamen's tomb (dated about 1325 BC ). in the ancient egyptian culture only the highest quality items were placed in the tomb to protect the spirit in the afterlife. thus, nigella sativa probably played an important role in ancient egyptian practices. it is mentioned in the bible (Isaiah 28:27), and by the prophet mohammed who said: "use the black seed, for indeed, it is a cure for every disease except death". nigella sativa is famous for its healing powers and is widely used as a medicinal herb. greeks and romans used it as a condiment and it is still commonly used today as a culinary herb.
medicinal uses: because of its complex chemical structure -it has over one hundred active ingredients- black seed has positive effects on the respiratory, immune, circulatory, digestive, and urinary systems. it is enormously effective against asthma, stomach ailments, and numerous skin conditions, ranging from acne to psoriasis. it also has been the subject of intensive scientific research indicating that it strengthens and stabilizes the immune system and is greatly beneficial in the treatment of allergies. it has even been found to be beneficial in the treatment of impotence when the causes are primarily physiological.
the ripe seed is also: anthelmintic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, galactogogue, laxative and stimulant. an infusion is used in the treatment of digestive and menstrual disorders, insufficient lactation and bronchial complaints. the seed is ground into a powder, mixed with sesame oil and used to treat abscesses, haemorrhoids and orchitis. the powdered seed has been used to remove lice from the hair.
more info on medicinal uses of nigella sativa
a good article on nigella sativa regarding contemporary research
general information on all aspects of nigella sativa
seeds are very tiny—almost dust like—so when sowing directly in the garden, the seed bed should be well-prepared. seed can be mixed with sand or flour so you can see where you have sewn the surface. scattered them on the surface, then gently tamp down. plant early in the spring. young seedlings can withstand mild frost. the seeds generally germinate in a week to ten days. germination begins at temperatures of about 65°F. slow growth at first, that needs to be kept well weeded. after 4-5 weeks, a growth spurt occurs, resulting in a rosette of leaves. young seedlings, about 1-2 " are easily transplanted, but older ones do not survive this process.
- Season: aromatic annual
- USDA Zones: 2-12 (hardy to 6)
- Height: 18"-24"
- Diameter: 12-15"
- Bloom Season: summer
- Bloom Color: white, yellow center
- Environment: Full Sun / tolerate partial shade
- Soil Type: most soils, well drained, acidic, neutral, alkaline, dry to moist
- Growth Habit: bushy shrub, forb/herb
- Potential Pests: aphids and thrips
- Companion Plants: cucumber
- Other: readily re-seed, repels cucumber beetle. to tell the difference between roman or german chamomile flowers, german center discs are hallow and roman ones are solid. once flowering commences, heads can be gathered every 10-14 days.
planting directions
- Start: 6 weeks
- Temperature: 65-80°F
- Average Germ Time: 10-14 days
- Light Required: yes
- Depth: surface, pressed in
- Sowing Rate: 1-2 per inch (transplant to garden no later than 2" after first true leaves)
- Moisture: moist
- Plant Spacing: 6"
- Row Spacing: 10-12"
- Maturity: 60-90 days
taxonomy
- Class: Magniolopsida
- Subclass:
- Superorder:
- Order: Asterales
- Family: Asteraceae
- Genus: Chamaemelum
- Species: matricaria recutita
- Group: Dicot
- Flower Type:
- Leaf:
- Roots:
sow seed under cover in early spring (February or early March), providing bottom heat of 65°F with a heated propagating mat, and using good quality seed compost with added perlite for drainage. Plant out in the lawn area in late spring (usually May).
once roman chamomile establishes itself, it should become thick enough to inhibit weeds. it is very hardy and comes back year after year. it can be planted in lawns, and makes a beautiful ground-cover. it can even be mowed (with blade at 4") and has been used in place of grass.
the best time to divide is early spring before plants have begun their growth spurts. use a sharp spade to dig up a clump of the plant. separate the plants by jiggling them apart. be careful to preserve as much of the roots as possible. replant in loose, rich soil. plant so that all of the roots and about 1/2" of the stem are under ground. keep the ground moist until plant has re-established.
to propagate by cuttings, snip a healthy segment, usually 3-4" inches from the tip. remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. using a root starter is not necessary, but will increase the success rate of cuttings. place in pot containing fresh potting soil. keep soil moist. the cuttings may be kept covered with clear plastic to help retain moisture. takes about 3 weeks to develop roots. when cuttings become established, plant in ground, including the potting soil and root ball.
- Season: perennial (temperate climates), fully hardy
- USDA Zones: 4-9
- Height: 4-8" (2-4" on Royal Horticulture Society)
- Diameter: 18"
- Bloom Season: spring & summer
- Bloom Color: white
- Environment: full sun, dappled shade
- Soil Type: light, well drained slightly acidic to neutral soil, sandy loam, somewhat drought tolerant
- Growth Habit: ground cover, herbaceous
- Potential Pests:
- Companion Plants: helps revive sickly plants
- Other: when using as ground cover, flowering cultivars will need to have the flowers trimmed off or dead patches might result. new chamomile lawns should not be walked on for at least 12 weeks, and traffic should be kept to an absolute minimum for the first year. can be propagated through cuttings or root division. propagate from cuttings or dividing.
planting directions
- Start:
- Temperature: 68°F
- Average Germ Time: 7-10 days
- Light Required: yes
- Depth: surface
- Sowing Rate: surface sow, broadcast
- Moisture: slightly moist but not wet
- Plant Spacing: 6-12"
- Row Spacing:
- Maturity: 120 days
taxonomy:
- Class: Magniolopsida
- Subclass:
- Superorder:
- Order: Asterales
- Family: Asteraceae
- Genus: Chamaemelum
- Species: Nobile
- Group:
- Flower Type:
- Leaf:
- Roots:
flax must be seeded into moist, firm soil. spring tillage before seeding, whether on summer fallow or stubble land, should be shallow in order to maintain a firm seedbed. sow the flax soon after the land is worked, before the soil dries out and before weed seeds have a chance to germinate.
early seeding of flax generally produces the best results, for flax is seldom damaged by light spring frosts. plants just emerging are the most tender, but can withstand temperatures down to approximately 27°. after the seedlings have passed the two-leaf stage and are hardened by exposure, they can withstand temperatures as low as 18° for a short time without damage.
moderate temperatures and ample soil moisture during flowering and seed development favor high yield, high oil content and high oil quality. Such conditions are more likely to occur with early seeding.
- Season: perennial
- USDA Zones: 4-9
- Height: 8-12"
- Diameter:
- Bloom Season: early spring to mid summer
- Bloom Color: yellow
- Environment: full sun
- Soil Type: well drained soils, pH 5.5 - 8.0 (prefers alkaline, but adapts well to most soil types)
- Growth Habit: clumping
- Potential Pests: aphids, slugs
- Companion Plants:
- Other: self seeding, should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter.
Planting Directions
- Start: 6 weeks
- Temperature: 65-70°F
- Average Germ Time: 20-30 days
- Light Required: Yes
- Depth: 1/8"
- Sowing Rate: 2-3 seeds per plant
- Moisture: keep seeds moist until germination
- Plant Spacing: 6-8"
- Row Spacing: 12-16"
- Maturity:
taxonomy
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Subclass:
- Superorder:
- Order: Malpighiales
- Family: Linaceae
- Genus: Linum
- Species:
- Group:
- Flower Type:
- Leaf:
- Roots:
to reap both seeds and fiber, harvest the flax about four months after planting. the leaves on the lower half or two-thirds of the stem will be turning yellow and dropping off. most of the seedpods will have turned gold or tan; if you shake them, the seeds will rattle inside. grasp the stems, a handful at a time, right at ground level and pull them up, roots and all. shake the soil off the roots, lay a few handfuls of stems together side by side, and use rubber bands or string to secure them into a bundle. crush pods in pillow case by beating. sift for seed. winnow chafe.
information on harvesting flax
flax as a medicinal
sow march/april in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. diurnal temperature fluctuations aid germination. the seed usually germinates in 10-21 days at 77°. prick out seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for the first summer. plant them out in the late spring or early summer of the following year and give them some protection from slugs at least until they are established. division in spring or autumn. larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are well rooted. plant them out in the spring. take root cuttings, in october keep in a cold frame until well rooted.
- Season: herbaceous perennial
- USDA Zones: 3-8
- Height: 18"-5'
- Diameter:
- Bloom Season: june to august
- Bloom Color: lavender
- Environment: full sun to light shade, moist soil
- Soil Type: drought, clay soil, dry soil, shallow-rocky soil
- Growth Habit: upright clump, forb, herb
- Potential Pests: slugs also: leaf miners, japanese beetles, vine weevils (on roots). powdery mildew, gray mold, powdery leaf spots
- Companion Plants:
- Other: cut back dead stubble from the previous season's growth during late autumn, late winter, or early spring. divide clumps in spring every 3-4 years. take root cuttings from autumn to early winter.
planting directions
- Start: 10-12 weeks (my estimate)
- Temperature: 77°F
- Average Germ Time: 3 wks (pre soak seed)
- Light Required: yes
- Depth: surface barely covered
- Sowing Rate: 3 to cell
- Moisture: keep moist
- Plant Spacing: 18" to 24"
- Row Spacing:
- Maturity:
taxonomy
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Subclass:
- Superorder:
- Order: Asterales
- Family: Asteraceae
- Genus: Echinacea
- Species: Purpurea
- Group: Dicot
- Flower Type:
- Leaf:
- Roots:
for general immune system stimulation, during colds, flu, upper respiratory tract infections, or bladder infections, choose from the following forms and take 3 times a day until you feel better, but not for more than 7 – 10 days:
- 1–2 grams dried root or herb (upper leaves and young flowers), as tea
- 2–3 mL of standardized tincture extract
- 6–9 mL of expressed juice (succus)
- 300 mg of standardized, powdered extract containing 4% phenolics
- tincture (1:5): 1 – 3 mL (20–90 drops)
- apply creams or ointments for slow-healing wounds as needed.
making an echinacea tincture: the best time to harvest echinacea flowerheads is when they are coming into flower and about 1 in 12 flowers are open. gather a large amount of the aerial parts including flowerheads and buds. this is when the active constituents in the aerial parts are in their prime. (if you do this early enough in the season you’ll probably be able to get a second go over).
to make the tincture you take the fresh clippings (or root) and add to 100 proof alcohol, to the ratio of one part plant to two parts alcohol. mix in a blender before placing in a tightly sealed glass jar in window sill for 2 wks, moving to cool dark cabinet after this time for at least 4 more weeks. shake every day before straining out plant material. store remaining liquid in a cool, dark place, preferably in a dark bottle. the roots of this plant have the strongest medicinal effect, but the leaves and flowers are medicinal too and are mild enough for little ones.
information on echinacea as a medicinal
information on growing echinacea usda information on growing echinacea
start seedlings indoors in rich compost soil mix 6-8 weeks before last frost. move seedlings to garden when the chance for frost has passed.
does well in containers and is traditionally grown for good luck near the front door of the house.
sacred basil is an annual in cool areas, and a short-lived perennial in frost-free areas. it is attractive to bees and beneficial insects.
planting directions
taxonomy
- Class: Equisetopsida
- Subclass: Magnoliidae
- Superorder: Asteranae
- Order: Lamiales
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Genus: Ocimum
- Species: Tenuiflorum
- Group:
- Flower Type:
- Leaf:
- Roots:
while holy basil has some culinary value, it is generally recognized for its diverse medicinal properties. one of its chemical constituents is eugenol. its leaves are used for herbal tea and all parts of the plant are well suited to tinctures and oil extractions, except for the woody stems, which are used to make tulsi beads. it is also classified as an adaptogenic herb, and provides normalizing benefits to a body in stress, lowering blood pressure and normalizing blood sugar. the juice of the leaves cures bronchitis and stomach upsets. the leaves’ paste cure all skin diseases and the decoction of the leaves cures common cold.
according to popular indian belief, wherever tulsi is planted, the place becomes, sanctified as a place of pilgrimage and the soldiers of yama dare not enter there. in india, the tulsi is regarded as the most sacred plant.
according to scientists the place containing tulsi plant becomes pollution free. the oil of the leaves is capable of destroying bacteria and insects.
information on tulsi as a medicinal
lavender can be sown at anytime of year, but prefers the ground temperature to be around 55-65° if sowed direct. sow seed on the surface of a well drained seed compost, in pots or trays. cover seed with a light sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. keep at a temperature of between 59-68°. germination in 21-30 days.
when large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 3" pots. acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out, after all risk of frost, 18-36" apart. for best results, provide any ordinary, well-drained soil. choose a location that is in full sun and slightly higher than most of the landscape. this will help with drainage, as lavender does not like soggy soil. if your soil tends toward acid clay then one-quarter of the total planting soil should be compost, along with a small amount of gravel to assist drainage.
planting out: create a hole for the plant twice as wide as the container it's in and a couple inches deeper. mix the dugout soil with compost to a ratio of 1:1. compost helps with both, nutrients and drainage. gently knock soil off plants and spread out the roots as you remove them from containers. plant in the hole at the same depth as it was in the container with the amended soil. water in well to compact soil around plants roots. this will cause the soil to settle and you will need to add some more soil to bring it to the level of the surrounding ground.
water when the top of the soil starts to dry out. lavender will tolerate being slightly dry better than being overly wet, so don't over water. mulch around the plant with pine needle mulch. this helps keep weeds down and supply plants with nitrogen which will promote nice green, thick foliage. be sure to keep mulch a couple of inches away from the crown of the plant. without proper air circulation, the crown will rot and the plant will die.
- Season: perennial (10 years)
- USDA Zones: zones 5-11
- Height: 12-36" (grows to 3' if not pruned)
- Diameter: equidistant
- Bloom Season: mid-late spring
- Bloom Color: purple, violet
- Environment: full sun, sheltered
- Soil Type: well-drained/light, chalky/alkaline, dry, sandy, rocky
- Growth Habit: shrub, forb
- Potential Pests: leaf spot and root rot
- Companion Plants: keeps insects at bay. good for fruit trees and garden in general
- Other: cut lavender stems when the lowest blossom opens. make the cut slightly above the first set of leaves, leaving a stem length suitable for a vase or whatever flower arrangement you choose. prune late summer as soon as blooms fade
planting directions
- Start:
- Temperature: 60-70°F
- Average Germ Time: 3-4 wks (harden off for 10 days)
- Light Required: yes
- Depth: .23" barley covered in moist potting soil
- Sowing Rate: 2"
- Moisture: medium to dry "moist" (does not like to be overly wet)
- Plant Spacing: 18-36"
- Row Spacing:
- Maturity:
taxonomy
- Class: Angiospermae (Angiosperms)
- Subclass: Dicotyledonae (Dicotyledons)
- Superorder: Asteridae (Daisy Superorder)
- Order: Lamiales (Nettle Order)
- Family: Lamiaceae (Nettle Family)
- Genus: Lavandula (Lavender)
- Species: Angustifolia (with narrow leaves)
- Group:
- Flower Type:
- Leaf:
- Roots:
information on growing lavender and more info from cornell
check the seed site for more botanical info
also: anise hyssop, blue giant hyssop, Fragrant giant hyssop, or the lavender giant hyssop,
seeds require light to germinate, so barely cover at room temperature to germinate 5-30 days. keep soil moist but not sopping. use bottom watering for better control. others recommend that this seed be cold stratified for two months before planting - sow them in a paper towel that has been wet and wrung out. fold towel up and put in a baggie. put baggie in fridge for two months, then put in indirect light (or try "Outdoor Treatment"). when germination starts, unfold the towel and cut it into small squares. gently press each square against wet potting soil to "plant."
keep pots in an open baggie until seedlings grow through the paper towel and are established. don't put in direct sun. transplant to 12-18" apart in rich soil and full sun or partial shade - stalks will be stronger in full sun.
generally blooms the second year from seeds but might bloom the first year if it is happy. cut it back by 1/3 after blooming, and it will get bushier and rebloom. self-seeds readily.
- Season: hardy herbaceous, perennial, wildflower
- USDA Zones: 4-9 (hardy 5-9)
- Height: 24-48"
- Diameter:
- Bloom Season: late summer
- Bloom Color: purple
- Environment: full sun, light to partial shade
- Soil Type: loamy, clay or sandy soil
- Growth Habit: upright, clump forming
- Potential Pests: rabbits
- Companion Plants: assorted thymes, oregano, garlic, and chives (in herb garden) with like "determined" plants (like bee balm and other mints) in wild gardens. grows well with rose and brussel sprouts.
- Other: plants grown from seed take 2 years to bloom. deer tend to avoid eating this plant, so a back border of anise hyssop can be effective in keeping them away (rabbits love it, though). attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. goldfinch like to eat its seeds.
planting directions
- Start: stratify 2 months
- Temperature: 60-64°F
- Average Germ Time: 12-14 days (others say 5-30)
- Light Required: yes
- Depth: 1/16"
- Sowing Rate:
- Moisture: water regularly, do not overwater
- Plant Spacing: 12-18"
- Row Spacing:
- Maturity:
taxonomy
- Class: Magnoliophyta
- Subclass:
- Superorder:
- Order: Magnoliopsida
- Family: Lamiales
- Genus: Lamiaceae
- Species: Agastache foeniculum
- Group:
- Flower Type:
- Leaf:
- Roots:
The Cheyenne drank a tea of this herb to relieve a "dispirited heart." The Cree included the flowers of this magick herb in medicine bundles, and the Chippewa made a protective charm of it. Plant it around your back door for protection or add it to a back border. The dried plant has been burned as an incense. The flower essence is said to bring back sweetness after one has indulged in unwarranted guilt, to encourage honest communication, and to allay anxiety before exams or performances.
Steep 2 teaspoons of fresh or 1 teaspoon of dried herb (young leaves, flower tops) in a mug of hot water for 7-10 minutes for a slightly sedating and tranquilizing tea. Many Native American tribes made medicinal and culinary use of this herb. The Cheyenne drank a tepid tea of anise hyssop to relieve the pain from coughing with chest colds. This herb produces sweating, and the Cheyenne also used it for sweatlodges. The Cree added it to regular tea to improve the taste, the Dakota and Omaha people flavored cooked foods with it, and the Iroquois made it into a wash against the itching of poison ivy. It's also a traditional poultice for burns.
pennyroyal is a great ground cover (like roman chamomile) it is fragrant and minty. it's a creeper in its growth pattern and can easily become invasive, given the right conditions. it can be helpful in warding off pests from the garden, but might be best for this purpose if kept in pots.
while pennyroyal is a medicinal, it can be toxic. its active ingredient, pulegone can shut a liver down if taken in quantity. best to use dried herb form for pest control. there's safer medicinals for ingesting out there!
- Season: herbaceous, perennial
- USDA Zones: 6-9
- Height: 6-12"
- Diameter:
- Bloom Season: late summer, early fall
- Bloom Color: violet, lavender
- Environment: full sun can grow in partial or heavy shade
- Soil Type: normal, loamy, heavy clay, sandy plenty of moisture
- Growth Habit: upright, creeping perennial
- Potential Pests: verticillium wilt, rust (if fertilized with manure), anthracnose spider mites, some aphids
- Companion Plants: successfully keep flea beetles off eggplant by underplanting with pennyroyal, cabbages, tomatoes. best to have in a pot in vegetable garden to prevent it overtaking the plot.
- Other: great for water edge growth, can survive in water up to 6" has been used to bind sandy soils. also good for between paving stones. handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction. active ingredient: pulegone is good flea and tick repellent... use crushed leaves in dog bedding. keep away from cats. harvest as it comes into flower. keep in check can be invasive. deer, insect and rodent resistant. it is not recommended that stems be harvested until the second year when growing from seed. divide every 3 years for best growth and form.
planting directions
- Start: 10 weeks
- Temperature: 68°F
- Average Germ Time: 14-21 days
- Light Required: yes
- Depth: 1/16"
- Sowing Rate: 6-7 seeds per plant
- Moisture: keep moist while germinating. average, water regularly; do not overwater
- Plant Spacing: 18-24"
- Row Spacing: 24" (avoid planting near other mint, as they will interpollinate)
- Maturity: 85 days
taxonomy
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Subclass:
- Superorder:
- Order: Lamiales
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Genus: Mentha
- Species: Pulegium
- Group:
- Flower Type:
- Leaf:
- Roots:
american pennyroyal is hedeoma pulegoides. it has square stems and only two stamen european mentha pulegium has 4.
more general and medicinal info on pennyroyal
the Latin name for sage, salvia means "to heal".
the one thing you should do to grow garden sage is propagate at least one branch each year, using the layering method. the plants are productive for about 4 years, so be sure to plan a year ahead to replace them.
- Season: perennial (about 4-5 years)
- USDA Zones: 5-9
- Height: 18-36" (avg.24" without bloom)
- Diameter: equivalent to height
- Bloom Season: mid-summer
- Bloom Color: mauve
- Environment: full sun, some shade
- Soil Type: well-drained, sandy, loamy, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun
- Growth Habit: hardy, shrub, sub shrub, forb/herb
- Potential Pests: rot, slugs, white flies, aphids, spider mites
- Companion Plants:
- Other: tolerant of deer, drought, dry soil, shallow-rocky soil. sage may bloom in its first year, but you should allow the plant to grow unharvested for the first year. to help the plant to harden off for the winter, stop harvesting early in the fall. leave some stalks for plant to rejuvenate. if fully established, one plant can be harvested up to three times in one season. cut back old woodiest stems and spent flower stalks in spring to encourage strong new growth to emerge. divide every couple of years to rejuvenate plants. propagates also through dividing or cuttings. take a 3-4" cutting at a node (where the leaves attach) on a stem. remove the lower leaves and insert the cut end into moist soil mix that includes peat or perlite. cover the container with plastic, being careful not to touch the leaves, and place in a warm location. check in 2 weeks to see if the cutting has rooted. excellent ground cover for edging sidewalks or garden pathways.
planting directions
- Start: 6-8 weeks (direct sow: up to 2 weeks before last frost)
- Temperature: 70°F
- Average Germ Time: 14-21 days
- Light Required: yes
- Depth: Press seed onto surface of soil, cover lightly with peat moss
- Sowing Rate: 1 seed every 2" (thin plants to 12" apart when they are 2" tall)
- Moisture: moist until germination (once est. in garden allow soil to dry before watering)
- Plant Spacing: 18-24" (20" ideal)
- Row Spacing: 18"
- Maturity: 80-90 days
taxonomy
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Subclass:
- Superorder:
- Order: Lamiales
- Family: Lamiaceae (or Labiatae)
- Genus: Salvia
- Species: Salvia Officinalis
- Group: dicot
- Flower Type:
- Leaf:
- Roots: woody roots
the most deliciously decadent way to eat sage blossoms is to dip them in a batter and fry until crispy, in which case leaving the bracts intact gives the little morsels much-needed structure. but the bracts taste pretty strong raw, so pinching them off when preparing sage blossoms for salads, cheese, butter spreads, or general garnishing might be a good idea. to do so: hold the upper hood and lower lip of a blossom closed with one hand, and pinch off the bract and base with the other.
if you are not in the southwest, i would recommend container growth for this.
requires well-drained, fairly dry soils and full sun. excessive watering, especially during summer months, is likely to kill the plant. white sage is particularly good for stabilizing or restoring disturbed or degraded areas.
propagates more easily from seed than from cuttings. plant seeds in flats in an appropriate planting soil. seeds may respond to light, so plant seeds at the soil surface or plant 1/8" to 1/4" in a well-drained soil mix. immediately after planting, soak flats thoroughly, and then water sparingly as needed. seeds germinate in 2-3 weeks at 68 -86°F. plant the seedlings into 2" or 4" pots after they grow 2-4 true leaves. water as needed, but do not overwater. salvia apiana plants grow rapidly; they are usually ready to outplant in 6 months to a year. it is best to outplant in the fall; don't plant in the summer.
gather soft wood cuttings of young vegetative shoots before the plant has flowered. the rooting ability of these cuttings is enhanced by collection and preparation in the spring. collect cuttings 3-4" long, and remove the lowest pair of leaves. dipping the basal 1/2" portion in rooting hormone enhances rooting. bury the cuttings so that the lowest node is 1/2" under ground. plants will root quickly if they are going to survive. if the cutting material is too hard, rooting may take a long time, or cuttings won't ever root. if the cutting material is too soft, it will rot. it takes some experience to collect the cuttings at the right time. cuttings establish more readily if kept warm under the flats for weeks at 68-86°F. once roots are established on cuttings, plant them in 2" or 4" pots. pot them in bigger containers as the plants grow. salvia apiana grows rapidly, so it is usually ready to out-plant in 6 months to a year warmer climates. in colder climes, out-plant when the plants are 1 year old, because the winters are sometimes too severe for them. it is best to outplant in the fall; don't plant in the summer.
aphids can be a problem for younger plants, particularly in the spring. as the plants grow older, they are fairly resistant to herbivores.
prune leaves and branches to stimulate new growth.
since this is a valued medicine plant, prayer, thanksgiving, and ceremony are important components of harvest and renewal.
- Season: perennial
- USDA Zones: 6-9 (sf gate says 8-11-annual in other zones)
- Height: 30-36" (up to 5')
- Diameter: 36"
- Bloom Season: after 3 years annualy
- Bloom Color: lavendar-white
- Environment: full sun • dry benches and slopes below, xeriscape
- Soil Type: well drained, light loamy sandy, acid neutral, basic alkaline
- Growth Habit: subshrub, herb
- Potential Pests: aphids like young plants. deer, rabbit, small mammals, sparrows, grouse and quail eat the seed.
- Companion Plants:
- Other: attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other insects. harvest after first frost and before too many frosts.
- Start: 12 weeks
- Temperature: 68-86°F
- Average Germ Time: 7-14 days
- Light Required: yes
- Depth: surface sow, press in
- Sowing Rate: thin (soak seeds before germination) transplant after true leaves develop
- Moisture: barely moist/occasionally dry
- Plant Spacing: 18"
- Row Spacing: 36"
- Maturity: 80-90 days (3 years to produce flowers)
taxonomy
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Subclass:
- Superorder:
- Order: Lamiales
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Genus: Salvia
- Species: Apiana
- Group: dicot
- Flower Type:
- Leaf:
- Roots:
a pdf from the usda on salvia apiana for detailed information
a north west u.s. canadian border grower's story.
start indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost. mix the seed with sand and sprinkle on moist seed starting mix. it needs light to germinate so do not cover. seed won't germinate if it is too hot. some gardeners recommend if starting indoors, freeze the seeds for several weeks before sowing. cover the starter trays with a plastic dome or wrap to help keep the moisture high. when seedlings are 3-4" high, transplant them to their plot. you can also sow them in a pot and leave it outside in the fall, and the seed will emerge in the spring.
stinging nettle is a powerhouse plant helpful to build humus in soil and more nourishing than spinach, it is rich in iron and vitamins (esp. A & C). plant in it's own patch. direct sow, thinly, in fall or very early spring. likes moist ground or stream edges. surface sow, cover lightly with rotten wood chips or pea gravel. keep moist or let the winter rains do what they do.
nettles contain nitrogen, are a compost activator stimulating humus creation, and can be used as a liquid fertilizer or a manure tea plant, supplying magnesium, sulfur and iron, potassium and calcium copper and sodium. simply steep the leaves in water for 2-3 weeks to make a nutritious foliar plant feed. nettle builds humus in soil, and is a component of huglekulture. it's a great addition to your compost pile without needing any animal manures. it's also an excellent starter feed for poultry. feed to baby chicks as soon as they hatch.
- Season: herbaceous perennial
- USDA Zones: 3-10 (hardy 4-8)
- Height: 3-5' (unchecked)
- Bloom Season: summer (harvest top 4-5" of leaves and shoots in spring when less than 12")
- Bloom Color: white tiny blooms
- Environment: full to part sun, tolerates medium shade
- Soil Type: average well drained; suitable for all. found in waste ground, hedgerows, woods etc, preferring a rich soil and avoiding acid soils
- Growth Habit: spreading
- Potential Pests: lacewing eggs, ladybugs a worm that also stings (?)
- Companion Plants: orchards and soft fruits, black walnut (tolerates juglone black walnuts' growth inhibitor)
- Other: plants do well along streams and forest edges. plants grown in shade have fewer stinging hairs. harvest top 4-5" of leaves and shoots in spring when less than 12". harvest for medicinal purposes when coming into flower. harvest as plant begins to die down for fiber and bio mass.
planting directions
- Start: 10-12
- Temperature: 65°F
- Average Germ Time: 7-14 days (if does not germinate in 3-4 weeks, cold stratify for 2-4 weeks and bring back indoors)
- Light Required: yes
- Depth: surface sow
- Sowing Rate: 7-10 seeds per plant
- Moisture: drought tolerant, likes moisture
- Plant Spacing: 8-12"
- Row Spacing: 36-48"
- Maturity: 90-110 days
taxonomy
- Class:
- Subclass:
- Superorder:
- Order:
- Family: Urticaceae
- Genus:
- Group:
- Flower Type: Dioecious 1:8 m/f ratio for fertile seed
- Leaf: Deciduous
- Roots: fibrous stolons and rhizomes
stinging nettle has many nutritive medicinal qualities and is served as a medicinal tea. possible interference with allopathic drugs for diabetes mellitus, hypertension. central nervous system depression drugs (e.g. morphine, alcohol) may also interact with nettle. avoid during pregnancy. the tender young leaves are good as nutritious greens. beer and wine can be made from the young shoots. the stems are harvested as the plant dies back and is retted before extracting fibers to make a flax like string, which can then be made into a linen type fabric. they can also be used to make paper as well.
juice from the leaves boiled in a strong decoction of salt can be used as a rennet substitute to curdle milk for cheese-making. the seeds can be pressed to produce an oil that can be used in lamps. a hair wash made from infused leaves can be used as a hair tonic and anti-dandruff treatment. the root has been shown to have a beneficial effect upon enlarged prostate glands.
the stinging hairs of the nettle are neutralized through heat (30 sec.) and through drying the leaves. consuming too much nettle, especially from older leaves can cause a laxative effect (which is one of the medicinal uses). older leaves contain a gritty substance called cystoliths which acts as a kidney irritant - another reason to use just the tender young leaves, which taste better anyway!
a video on farming stinging nettle for liquid fertilizer
medicinal uses of stinging nettle
6-8 wks before last frost. sew lightly on moist planting soil, gently press in with fingertips. use bottom watering or misting, so as not to dislodge the seeds. put them in indirect light and germinate at room temperature for one month. if they are balky, give them one month of cold stratification at freezing temperatures.
- Season: herbaceous forb, hardy perennial, avg life span 4.5 years (dryer plants up to 10 years)
- USDA Zones: 4-10 (perennial in 3-9) (hardy 4-8)
- Height: 24-48" (generally 36") -another site says up to 5'
- Diameter: equivalent to height
- Bloom Season: mid to late summer
- Bloom Color: bright yellow buttons
- Environment: full sun to partial shade (good morning sun and some afternoon shade)
- Soil Type: not particular (ph 5-7) common tansy most likely needs moist, disturbed soil for seedling establishment
- Growth Habit: blooming clusters, clumps, upright. spread through rhizome growth
- Potential Pests: aphids and nematoads. a natural repellent (camphor in leaves) mice, deer and flies
- Companion Plants: repels colorado potato beetle if planted with potato and japanese beetles.
- Other: seeds ripen through winter. spreads though seed and underground runners, has large woody rhizomes, doesn't like sandy soils. high nitrogen content and potassium in the leaves, good for compost.
planting directions
- Start: 6-8
- Temperature: 65°F
- Average Germ Time: 14-21 days
- Light Required: yes
- Depth: 1/4" surface sow press in lightly
- Sowing Rate:
- Moisture: moist to slightly dry
- Plant Spacing: 6"
- Row Spacing:
- Maturity:
taxonomy
- Class:
- Subclass:
- Superorder:Magnoliopsida
- Order: Asterales
- Family: Asteraceae
- Genus: Tanacetum
- Species:
- Group:
- Flower Type: button,
- Leaf: feathery aromatic foliage
- Roots:
can cause contact dermatitis. camphor scented foliage, especially when mixed with elder leaves, makes a great strewing herb for keeping flies away. since the middle ages it has been scattered across floors to keep pests away. it can be used as a natural moth repellent. hang bunches in closets, pack in boxes with stored clothing or hang up dried bunches to repel moths. scatter dried power in carpets to get rid of fleas. in olden days it was also used in mattresses and between sheets to discourage lice, and maybe bedbugs? the main volatile oil is thujone, a potent and bitter chemical often used medicinally as a wash to treat roundworm, or internally to expel worms and cause abortions. tansy is TOXIC.
could be a good annual garden border plant but must be kept in check. consider container planting.
check the seed site for botanical info on seeds
set out seedlings 2-4 weeks before last frost
propagated via seed or root division of mature plants taken in spring or fall. failure to divide valerian plants every 3 years. if they get overcrowded, it not only affects other plants, but results in poor plant growth for the crowded valerian plants.
apparently you can increase the medicinal strength of the valerian root as well as its size, by removing the flower stalks. so if growing as a medicinal herb, cut flower stalks as soon as they appear, to direct more energy to the root.
- Season: perennial, aromtic (stinky-blooms supposedly smell cherry like, however)
- USDA Zones:
- Height: 36" (up to 5' in flower)
- Diameter: 18-24"
- Bloom Season:
- Bloom Color: white (does not bloom first year from seed)
- Environment: full sun, to partial shade (afternoon)
- Soil Type: any. average, well drained. moderate to heavy watering (ditch growers, so they can stand more wet than most plants)
- Growth Habit: forb/herb clump forming
- Potential Pests:
- Companion Plants:
- Other: require high phosphorous for best growth. heavy nitrogen feeder. roots contain isovaleric acid. extremely cold hardy, even in harsh winter climates. plants die back in winter, re-emerge in spring. dig roots in fall or early spring and dry outdoors, because they release an unpleasant smell as they dry. store in airtight container, where they will keep indefinitely. they are also much loved by rats, cats and dogs.
planting directions
- Start:
- Temperature: 68°F
- Average Germ Time: 7-14 (germination rate is considered low)
- Light Required: yes (but not direct)
- Depth: surface sew
- Sowing Rate:
- Moisture: keep moist
- Plant Spacing: 12-24"
- Row Spacing:
- Maturity:
taxonomy
- Class: magnoliopsida
- Subclass:
- Superorder: asteranae
- Order: dipsacales
- Family: valerianaceae
- Genus: valeriana
- Species: valeriana officinalis
- group: dicot
- Flower Type: compound cyme
- Leaf:
- Roots:
harvest in fall before the first frost. only harvest roots of plants at least two years old. apparently you can increase the medicinal strength of the root by removing the flower stalks as soon as they appear. after harvesting root, wash well. dry quickly- an oven set on its lowest setting is good, or store in cool dark place to dry. they should be brittle when dry; rubbery roots are not dry enough and will mold. powder the root for tea or gel caps. a decoction of valerian root is a reliable sedative and sleep aid.
planting divisions: cut the soil around the plant with a shovel a few inches away from the plant, then use the shovel as a lever to break the roots from the soil and lift it out of the ground, leaving as much of the root ball intact as possible. shake the plant gently to remove excess soil from the root ball. break the root ball into about four sections with the blade of the shovel. Inspect the plant crown and root ball visually for natural separations among the plants in the clump so the root ball is easier to divide. pull the sections apart into smaller sections to create as many new plants as desired. Look at the roots to find areas where division is most natural. cut the tuberous roots apart with a knife or garden shears if they don't come apart easily with your hands. plant divisions 12-24" apart in the garden bed to the same planting depth as the original plant. return a division to the original planting area. water the plants deeply and frequently to keep the soil moist. apply a high-phosphorous fertilizer.
check the seed site for botanical info on seeds
read here for more info on valerian as a medicinal