Seeds - Herbs

Renee's Garden - A French delicacy. Our improved cultivar of heirloom Reine de Vallée produces dainty little pointed red berries with an ambrosial woodland flavor. Mignonette forms compact perennial plants that grow in pretty leafy mounds and produce fruits the first summer from seed to enjoy all season long. These special petite berries are lovely as a border edging or in containers or plant them in hanging pots so you can pluck their exquisite little fruits as you stroll past.  Characteristics:  Dainty little berries  Ambrosial flavor  Easy to grow  Approx 325 seeds   Instructions - In spring, sow seeds 1 inch apart and 1⁄8 inch deep in a container of fine seed starting mix. Maintain at 60-70°F (15-21°C). Provide a strong light source. Keep evenly moist but not soggy. Be patient: seeds take 14-28 days to germinate. Feed young seedlings every 2 weeks with half-strength fertilizer. When they have several sets of leaves, transplant them 3 inches apart into a deeper container or individual pots so root systems have room to develop. When 3 inches tall, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions and plant 12 inches apart in fertile soil in full sun or partial shade in very hot climates.  Plant in: February - April  Full sun or partial shade Plant 1/8 inch Plant 1 inch apart 14-28 days to germinate Mature Height: 6-8 inches  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Renee's Garden - These special Alpine Strawberries produce a multitude of plump, 1-inch pointed pastel yellow berries with the delectable flavor and aroma of pineapples and roses. The mounding little strawberry plants with their bright green leaves are rugged, easy to grow, and do not set runners. Alpine strawberries begin bearing their first season, offering gemlike little fruits all summer, and plants will grow larger and return every season. Indulge yourself by pairing “Pineapple” with our red fruiting “Mignonette” for a perfect summer duet.  Characteristics:  Pastel yellow berries  Perennial  Delectable flavor  The aroma of pineapples and roses  Approx 250 seeds   Instructions - In spring, sow seeds 1 inch apart and 1⁄8 inch deep in a container of fine seed starting mix. Maintain at 60–70°F (16-21°C) and provide a strong light source. Keep evenly moist but not soggy. Be patient, seeds can take 14 to 28 days to germinate. Feed young seedlings every 2 weeks with half-strength fertilizer. When they have several sets of leaves, transplant them 3 inches apart into a deeper container or individual pots so root systems have room to develop. When 3 inches tall, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions and plant 8-10 inches apart in fertile soil in full sun or partial shade in very hot climates.  Plant in: February - April  Full sun or partial shade Plant 1/8 inch Plant 1 inch apart 14-28 days to germinate Mature Height: 6-8 inches  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Pimpinella anisum) One of the oldest known spices in England, first appeared in the Grocers’ Company of London. Added to bread and sausage in Italy for centuries. Wonderful strong licorice flavor. Very easy to grow, similar to dill inhabit. Annual. Characteristics:  Annual plants grow to about 3 feet tall Green leaves and white flowers Wonderful strong licorice flavor 200 Seeds Instructions - seeds outdoors after the last frost. Anise needs 120-130 days to mature fully, so plant as early as possible. Prefers well-drained average soil. Harvest seeds when they turn gray and come away from seed heads easily. Direct Seed: 1/4" Deep Germination: 20-28 Days Thin: 6-8" Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Renee's Garden EXCLUSIVE - The flavor of fast-growing Bac Lieu Vietnamese Cilantro is mild and delicate with an extra citrus twist. The plants resemble regular cilantro but the foliage is topped with fine cut, frilly leaves. Enjoy at every growth stage, as Bac Lieu plants hold their delicious flavor even as they mature and begin to flower. Sprigs of leaves are traditionally harvested while young and tender and served on a platter so individual diners can add to taste for extra savor throughout the meal.  (Coriandrum sativum) Characteristics:  Kitchen Herbs  Annual Long-standing variety  Spicy leaves  Approx 350 seeds, 2.5 grams   Instructions - In early spring, sow Cilantro seed directly into well-drained fertile soil 1 to 2 inches apart in rows 8 inches apart in full sun. Cover 1/4 inch deep and firm soil over seeds. Keep seedbed evenly moist as seedlings emerge over 10 to 20 days. Make new sowings every few weeks until mid-summer for continuous harvests of fresh leaves. Cilantro plants flower, then set seed quickly as plants mature. Lushest, leafy growth takes place in cooler weather; plant early and throughout cool spring weather and sow again in fall, particularly in mild winter areas.  Plant in: February - September Full sun  Plant 1-2 inches apart  Plant 1/2 inch deep  10-20 days to germinate  Mature Height: 1 - 1.5 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - Also known as Roman coriander, this annual herb is grown for its aromatic black seeds that may be ground and used like pepper. Feathery-leaved plants have soft blue to white flowers with downward-turned petals that resemble a skirt. Like their relative, Love-in-a-Mist, the flowers of this species are followed by ornamental pods perfect for dried arrangements. Annual, (Nigella sativa). Characteristics:  Annual plants grow to 8-12 inches tall Feathery foliage and bluish-white flowers Seed pods resemble inflated balloons 250 Seeds per packet Instructions - Plant seeds outdoors just before the last frost. Will self seed profusely. Prefers average soil and tolerates dry conditions. Remove spent blossoms regularly to prolong blooming. Direct Seed: 1/8" Deep Germination: 8-15 Days Thin: 8-12" Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - This variety comes from Naples and is highly prized for its strong flavor. Giant rumpled 6 in. leaves are great for pesto, though the thick leaves are harder to dry than most. Vigorous 3 ft. plants are pest-resistant and slow to flower.  Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO Open-Pollinated  3' tall plants Pkt (0.15 g, ~185seeds) Instructions - Basil is a tender annual that prefers warm weather and rich soil. It is a popular culinary herb, cut flower, and can be used as a medicinal herb to calm the stomach. Basil needs well-drained but moist soil that is highly fertile. It is not drought tolerant, so even moisture levels are important for healthy growth. Start transplants indoors 6 weeks prior to planting out, or direct seed mid-spring through late summer. Basil is very sensitive to cold; use a row cover to extend the season. Pinch buds to encourage branching and leaf production.  Plant 1/4" deep. Transplanting is recommended; if direct seeding, sow 2-3 seeds per inch and thin to 4-8" apart.  Plant Spacing: Transplanting at 4-8" is recommended; if direct seeding, sow 2-3 seeds per inch and thin to 4-8" apart.  Row Spacing: 18"  Harvest & Storage - Harvest can begin once plants have become established, by pinching or cutting branches but leaving the plant to continue to produce leaves. A harvest of the full plant should be completed just before the plant starts to flower (flavor is significantly impacted once flowering occurs). Cut the entire plant 4-6" above the ground to promote a second growth. Store unwashed at room temperature to avoid browning. Do not store below 50°F.  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - Beautiful blue star-shaped flowers hang in clusters. The leaves are covered with stiff white hairs that give the plant a wooly appearance. Bees love the abundant bright flowers, which are great for floating in cool drinks at summer parties. Plants grow 2-3' tall and self-sow readily. Annual.  Characteristics:  Self-seeding, annual plants Plants grow to 2-3 feet tall Edible flowers are blue and star-shaped Great for attracting pollinators 100 seeds  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Can also be started indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost. Borage prefers ordinary well-drained soil.  Direct Seed: 1/8" Apart  Germination: 7-14 Days Thin: 12" Apart Light: Sun/Partial Shade Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

This beautiful herb, common in European cuisine, has cucumber flavored leaves and stunning delicate flowers.  Use young leaves salads, sauteed or made into a refreshing drink. We plant this at the end of rows in our vegetable garden to attract pollinators.  With edible flowers it is also used as a garnish borage and boasts many medicinal properties.  This beautiful annual grows to 2 - 3 ' tall and easily self seeds.  We plant it at the end of our rows in the vegetable garden to attract pollinators and provide cover for beneficial insects.  Organic Annual plants grow to 2' feet tall 30 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after last frost.  Direct Seed 1/2" Deep and 1" apart Germination 7-14 days Thin 12" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Anethum graveolens) This widely grown dill variety is a prolific producer of edible flowers, leaves, and seeds, all of which can be used for flavoring everything from pickles and salads to sauces and condiments. Early-maturing plants have dark-green leaves, 6" flowering umbels, and an intoxicating scent. 45-55 days to leaf harvest, 70-90 days to seed harvest.  Characteristics:  Organic Self-seeding annual plant Plants grow to 24 inches tall with yellow flowers Early maturing plants with a strong aroma 45-55 days leaf, 70-90 days seed 250 seeds  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors early in the spring when the ground has warmed. Prefers rich, well-drained soil and a sheltered location out of the wind. Will readily volunteer each year from dropped seeds.  Direct Seed: 1/8" Deep Germination: 6-21 Days Plant Outdoors Thin: 8-12" Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - This decorative fennel has beautiful lacy bronze leaves. Useful as an ornamental as well as a culinary sweet fennel.  (Foeniculum vulgare dulce var. Rubrum)  Characteristics:  Heirloom  Butterfly Favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Coppery-bronze fennel  Aromatic anise scent and flavor  Each Packet is .2g (~75 Seeds)   Growing instructions: Biennial in zones 2-5, perennial in zones 6-10. Germination: 70°F, darkness required, 7-14 days. Direct seed. Full sun. 36-60 in. tall. Medicinal: Fennel is used as a carminative to relieve flatulence and colic while stimulating digestion. It is also anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and is similar to anise in calming bronchial coughs. It has estrogenic activity and stimulates milk flow in nursing mothers. Plant in March-June  Full Sun  Plant 1/2" deep  Space 1" apart  14-21 days to germinate  Mature Height: 4-5 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Calendula officinalis) The spectacular colors and the array of petal formations in this flower mix make it a great choice for borders and mass plantings. This annual’s edible flowers—the petals are tangy and sweet—are also good for cutting and arranging. This European native has been used for thousands of years in creams to soothe irritated skin and resolve other inflammatory problems. Self-sowing hardy annual, 20-24" tall. Spectacular mix of colors and petal formations Self-sowing, hardy annual Plants grow to 20-24 inches tall Blossoms are edible Great for container gardens 250 Seeds  Instructions: Sow seeds indoors 1/4" deep. Transplant outdoors after the last frost. Can also be directly sown outdoors after the last frost. Prefers light well-drained soil and will tolerate dry conditions. Good cut flower. Calendula petals are edible and have a tangy slightly sweet flavor. Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination: 5-15 Days Plant Outdoors: 6-18” Apart Light: Sun/Partial Shade   Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability