Hibiscus Zinger Herbal Tea
$3.39
$3.69
Renee's Garden - This special herbal tea plant has attractive lobed leaves and creamy flowers. Once the pretty blossoms are spent, just pick and air dries the teardrop-shaped flower calyxes to make a delicious ruby-colored tea with a floral, berry aroma and well-balanced, cranberry-like flavor. Antioxidant-packed Hibiscus tea is delicious on its own either steaming hot or iced, or add a touch of lemon, a little honey, or your favorite fruit juice. Also called Jamaican tea or Roselle.
Characteristics:
Great in containers
Ruby-colored herbal tea packed
Packed with antioxidants
Summer/Fall harvest
Heat Loving/frost tender
Instructions - In early spring, start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before outdoor temperatures are reliably in the 50°F range. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in the seed starting mix. Keep very warm 75 to 80°F and moist but not soggy. Provide a strong light source. When 2 inches tall, transplant seedlings into individual 4-inch pots. Feed with a half-strength liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks until the weather is warm and nights stay above 55°F. Gradually acclimate seedlings to the outdoors. After flowers have finished blooming, harvest the deep-red, teardrop-shaped, calyxes at the base of each blossom. Snap off calyxes that are ready, removing spent flowers if still attached Use fresh, or air-dry for longer storage. Spread in a single layer on paper towels or cotton cloth for 7 to 10 days in a cool, dry place indoors out of heat and humidity. Store in an airtight container.
Growing Notes: Hibiscus thrives in a sunny, very warm spot in rich and well-drained soil, so add compost or aged manure to the planting bed. Transplant seedlings 8 to 12 inches apart. Pinch tops when 10 inches tall to encourage a bushy, branching form. For containers, choose pots 18" in diameter and 16-18" tall
Plant in April-May for cold winters; March for mild winters
Full Sun
Sow seeds 1" apart and 1/2" deep
7-10 days to germinate
Mature Height: 2-3 feet
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability.
Italian Aromatic Sage
$2.95
$3.25
Renee's Garden - Sun-loving sage’s soft gray-green leaves blend handsomely with all other plants, and its pretty light purple flower sprays attract constant attention from hummingbirds. In the kitchen, you’ll find fresh sage has a warm complex flavor that enhances vegetables like onions, beans, tomatoes, and potatoes, meats like pork, turkey, and sausage, and most cheese dishes. Bunches of leafy sage branches dry easily to enjoy year-round. This easy and ornamental Mediterranean herb belongs in every garden.
Characteristics:
Heirloom Herb
Sun-loving kitchen herb
Purple flowers
Attracts hummingbirds
Approx 140-145 seeds
Instructions - In early spring, sow seed 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover 1⁄4 inch deep. Keep evenly moist as seedlings emerge and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outdoors. Transplant 12 to 18 inches apart when seedlings are about 2 or 3 inches tall after gradually acclimating plants to outdoor conditions. Sage plants are resilient and drought tolerant once established. Cut leafy sprigs once plants are well leafed out.
Plant in: February - June
Full sun
Plant 1/4 inch
Plant 1 inch apart
14-21 days to germinate
Mature Height: 2 - 2.5 feet
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability.
Anise Herb
$3.25
$3.75
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 -
Sow 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
Munstead English Lavender
$2.89
Renee's Garden - Our easy-to-grow Munstead has the perfume of authentic English lavender – a clear, sweet fragrance without medicinal overtones. The semi-dwarf plants grow into 1 1/2 to 2 foot, silvery-green mounds with plump lavender-blue flower spikes. Use these plants in landscape borders for a wave of soft color in early summer. Their grey-green foliage and aromatic blooms will charm your senses and attract a flotilla of summer butterflies.
Characteristics:
Heirloom Herb
Sweetly perfumed
Plump flower spikes
Attracts butterflies
Approx 145 seeds
Instructions - In early spring, sow lavender seeds in a container of seed starting mix, cover very lightly and keep at 60-70°F (16-21°C). Keep the container moist but not soggy until seedlings slowly emerge over 14 to 28 days, providing a good light source. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, transplant into individual 4-inch pots. Plant outside in a well-drained sunny spot when plants are 2 to 3 inches tall after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.
Plant in: February - May
Full sun
Cover lightly
Plant 1/2 - 1 inch apart
14-28 days to germinate
Mature Height: 1.5 - 2 feet
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability.
French Perfume Lavender
$3.25
$3.39
Renee's Garden - Award-winning perennial French Perfume is a compact, deliciously fragrant, hardy Lavender, bred by our most respected Dutch seed producers. This new cultivar produces lovely, uniform, softly vase-shaped plants 12 to 18 inches tall that actually begin blooming the first year from seed. Their rich flushes of plump, deep purple, velvety flowers are intensely fragrant with an unusually sweet, clean lavender scent that’s truly memorable and hard to resist. A brand-new garden treasure to enjoy.
Characteristics:
Renee's Garden Exclusive
Award-winning Perennial
Deliciously fragrant
Compact plants
Approx 30-35 seeds
Instructions - In early spring, sow seeds about 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, cover very lightly and keep at 60-70°F (16-21°C) in a spot with good air circulation. Keep evenly moist but not soggy. Seedlings emerge slowly and unevenly over 18 to 28 days. Provide a good light source. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, transplant into 4-inch plastic pots. Provide consistent water, but let the soil dry out on top between waterings. Feed every few weeks. Plant outside when plants are 2 to 3 inches tall after gradually acclimating to outdoors.
Plant in: February - May
Full sun
Plant 1/2-1 inches apart
Cover Lightly
18-28 days to germinate
Mature Height: 12-18 inches
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability.
Green Leaf Tulsi Basil Herb, An Ancient Heirloom
$3.25
$3.75
The Seed Savers Exchange - There’s more than one reason that ‘Tulsi’ (or holy) basil—considered a sacred plant in the Hindu religion—has been widely cultivated for millennia. It boasts an enticing clove-like aroma, grows fast, tolerates frost well, and is reputed to combat stress and boost the immune system. This versatile herb can be eaten fresh, dried, or made into tea. The green-leafed plants have a bush growing habit. 70-90 days.
Characteristics:
New for 2022
Enticing clove-like aroma
Annual plants
Plants will grow to 18-24 inches
Can be used fresh, dried, or made into tea
50 seeds
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when soil is warm and the temperature does not drop below 65°F. Can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out. Make successive sowings for continuous summer supplies. Pinch back flower stalks as they appear to keep plants from bolting. Prefers rich well-drained soil.
Direct Seed: 1/8" Deep
Germination: 5-30 Days
Plant Outdoors Thin: 4-6" Apart
Light: Full Sun
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability
Organic Globe Basil, Greek Basil
$3.25
$3.75
The Seed Savers Exchange - Forms a perfect 12-18" globe bush with very small thin leaves. Intense sweet basil scent with spicy flavor, slow to go to seed. Ideal for containers or as borders in gardens. Very uniform strain. Annual.
Characteristics:
Organic
Annual plants
Plants grow to a 12-18 inch globe with thin leaves
Great for container and ornamental plantings
250 Seeds
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when soil is warm and the temperature does not drop below 65°F. Can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out. Make successive sowings for continuous summer supplies. Pinch back flower stalks as they appear to keep plants from bolting. Prefers rich well-drained soil.
Direct Seed 1/8" deep
Germination 5-30 days
Thin 4-6" apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability.
Organic or Conventional German Chamomile
$3.25
$3.75
Currently stocking conventional.
The Seed Savers Exchange - Native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, chamomile has foliage and flowers with such a pleasant fragrance that for centuries these plants have been allowed to self-sow along the edges of paths and walkways where their fragrance can be enjoyed. This herb’s graceful plants are 12-20" tall with endless masses of 1" attractive, daisy-like flowers that can be used to make tea. Annual.
Characteristics:
Organic or conventional
Annual plant
Plants grow to 12-20 inches tall
Fragrant, daisy-like flowers grow to 1 inch
250 Seeds
Instructions - Instructions - Sow seeds indoors on the surface of the soil. Transplant outdoors in early spring just before the last frost. Chamomile prefers well-drained sandy soil and self-sows freely.
Sow 8-10 weeks before the last frost
Germination 7-14 days
Plant 8" apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability
Touch of Red Buff Calendula Flower
$3.25
$3.75
The Seed Savers Exchange - This stunning and glamorous calendula has coffee-cream petal fronts and a crimson reverse. Its two distinct tones allow it to mix with almost any color in a border or vase. ‘Touch of Red Buff’ matures quickly and reaches 24" in height.
Characteristics:
Cream-colored petal fronts with crimson undersides
Plants grow to 24 inches tall
Blossoms are edible
Great for container growing
100 Seeds
Instructions: Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Plant out after the danger of frost has passed and when nighttime temperatures are above 50°F.
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
Organic Catnip
$3.25
$3.75
The Seed Savers Exchange - Native to Europe and Asia, catnip has been grown in North America since the colonial era. Known for its euphoric effect on cats, this herb also makes a tasty tea for humans. Its bushy plants spread to 2-3' when mature. Catnip is very drought-tolerant once plants are established. Perennial in zones 3-9.
Characteristics:
Organic
Perennial plant in zones 3-9
Plants grow to 2-3 feet when mature
Established plants are drought tolerant
250 Seeds
Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Transplant outdoors in early spring just before the last frost. For maximum flavor and aroma, plant in a dry, sandy, sunny area; however, catnip will tolerate most soils and partial shade.
Sow 4-6 weeks before the last frost
Germination 7-10 days
Plant 12-18" apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability
Organic Agostino Reghitto Basil, Heirloom
$3.25
$3.75
The Seed Savers Exchange - A classic Genovese-type basil, with dense foliage, this herb has a slightly milder anise profile. It comes from the family of Steve Foisie and is named for his grandfather, Agostino Reghitto. Agostino emigrated from Italy to Washington State in 1902 and founded Colonial Gardens Company, which raised vegetables for the Tacoma and Olympia markets. It’s unknown if the basil came from Italy, but Steve and his sister Sue recall that their mother, Della (Agostino's daughter), grew it each year. The upright plants measure approximately 1' tall, and the leaves measure about 3-4½" long and about 1-2" wide.
Characteristics:
Organic
Reintroduced for 2022
A more mild basil
Dense foliage
250 Seeds
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when soil is warm and temperature does not drop below 65°F. Can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out. Make successive sowings for continuous summer supplies. Pinch back flower stalks as they appear to keep plants from bolting. Prefers rich well-drained soil.
Sow 1/8" deep
Germination 5-30 days
Thin to 4-6" apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability
Organic Garlic Chives
$3.25
$3.75
The Seed Savers Exchange - Mild garlic-flavored flattened leaves. Beautiful white star-shaped flower clusters are a pleasant surprise in late August. Perennial in zones 4-8.
Characteristics:
Organic
Perennial in zones 4-8
Plants grow to 12-20 inches tall
Flattened leaves have a mild garlic flavor
Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. Transplant outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Chives are also easy to direct seed. Established plants can easily be divided in both spring and fall. Remove spent blossoms regularly to prolong blooming.
Sow 4-6 weeks before the last frost
Germination 7-14 days
Plant 4-8" apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability
Organic Lemon Basil, Heirloom
$2.95
$3.25
Narrow leaf basil from Southeast Asia with delightfully strong aroma and lemony flavor.
Hugh Mowing Organic Seeds - Delicious with fish and in salad dressings. Flowering stalks can be added to bouquets to lend a wonderful lemony fragrance. A smaller-leaf variety, reaching 15" tall.
Organic & Open-Pollinated
Specialty variety
Nice bouquet flower
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when soil is warm and temperature does not drop below 65°F. Can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out. Make successive sowings for continuous summer supplies. Pinch back flower stalks as they appear to keep plants from bolting. Prefers rich well-drained soil.
Sow 1/8" deep
Germination 5-30 days
Thin to 4-6" apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability
Organic Sweet Thai Basil, Heirloom
$3.25
$3.75
Exotic clove-licorice flavor perfect in Thai cuisine.
Seed Exchange - Lovely potted herb, edible bedding plant and cut flower for floral arrangements. Gorgeous narrow green leaves with vivid dark purple stems and blossoms; adored by bees. Leaves are 2" long and plants reach 12-18" tall
Organic
Annual plants
Compact habit
Edible and ornamental
Instructions - Spicy anise-clove licorice scent and flavor. Most commonly used in Thai or Vietnamese cooking. Attractive plants are 12-18" tall with medium green leaves and purple stems and blossoms. Good for container gardening. Annual.
Sow 1/8" deep
Germination 5-30 days
Thin to 4-6" apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability
Organic Bouquet Dill
$2.95
$3.25
The most widely-grown organic dill for fresh eating, flowers and seed heads.
High Mowing Seed Company - A versatile, early-maturing variety used for fresh leaves, seedhead production and cut flowers. Produces seed heads well ahead of others and right in time for summer pickles. Flowering umbels average 6" wide
Organic
Great for pickling
30" tall
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
Thin 8-12" apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability