Seeds - Herbs

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. 

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. 

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

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. 

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. 

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

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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