Seeds - Herbs

Nature's sweetner -  Every leaf has the sweetness of that Stevia is known for but since it is not an extract it is not as sweet. Many will dry this herb and crush into a powder to use to naturally sweeten drinks and dishes.  The FDA has approved its use as a dietary supplement. A sub-tropical plant that is cold sensitive at 50°F.  Characteristics:  Grown as an annual but is a tender perennial,  Plants grow to 3 feet tall Long, thin green leaves Leaves have a sweet flavor 20 seeds  Instructions -   Sow seeds indoors on the surface of the soil. Keep indoors until nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F. May then be transplanted outdoors or into pots. Prefers well-drained soil—do not overwater. Can be grown year-round in pots if given proper care.   Start Indoors: 8-12 weeks before the last frost   Germination: 7-21 Days   Plant Outdoors: 8-12” Apart   Light: Sun/Partial Shade Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Satureja hortensis) Peppery flavor used to season a wide array of dishes—beans, sausage, cabbage, wild game, and even vinegar. Both fresh and dried leaves can be used. Somewhat lanky plants grow up to 18" tall. Hardy annual.  Characteristics:  Annual plants Plants grow to 18 inches tall Long, thin green leaves Plants are somewhat lanky 250 seeds  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Shelter plants from strong winds. Prefers well-drained soil.  Direct Seed: 1/8" Deep Germination: 7-14 Days Thin: 8" Apart Light: Full Sun  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Renee's Garden - Handsome, ornamental plants with 4-5 foot feathery plumes of filigreed blue-green, copper-tipped leaves and lacy, golden flower umbels. A stunning addition to flower beds and a major nectar and pollen host for many butterflies (especially Swallowtails) and beneficial insect species. The aromatic, sweetly anise-scented leaves are delicious in salads and make a lovely, soothing tea. The pretty flowers are lovely in bouquets; their edible golden pollen is a gourmet seasoning that upscale chefs love to use.   Characteristics:  Heirloom Selective  Butterfly favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Perennial: USDA zone 5-9  Instructions - To plant directly in the garden, In spring when the danger of hard frost is past, sow seeds 1 inch apart in finely worked, well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Cover 1/2 inch deep, firm soil, and keep the seedbed moist. Germination takes 2 to 3 weeks. After seedlings are well established, carefully thin or transplant them 1 1/2 feet apart to allow plants room to mature.   To start early indoors, Sow thinly in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Keep warm and evenly moist, and provide a good light source. When seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions before carefully transplanting as above.  Plant in very well-drained soil. Seedlings grow slowly at first; watch out for them closely as their bronze color makes them easy to weed out by accident. The branching feathery fronds crowned by intricate yellow flowers provide valuable nectar and pollen to a wide range of butterflies, ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial insects. Colorful blue-green, and copper-bronze foliage is a beautiful contrast with the green foliage and bright colors of summer annuals.  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. 

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - The name Wormwood comes from the traditional use to treat parasites. This herb is still used today in eastern medicide. It is harder and harder to find but we awere pretty fortuante to have Souther Exposure Seed Exchange offer it regularly for us.  Annual, (Artesmia annua). Characteristics:  Annual plants grow to 8-12 inches tall Feathery foliage and bluish-white flowers Seed pods resemble inflated balloons ~1500 Seeds per packet, .05 grams Instructions - Plant seeds outdoors after the last frost. Will self seed profusely. Prefers average soil.  Direct Seed: 1/8" Deep (surface) Germination: 7-10 Days Thin: 8-12" Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Seed Savers Exchange -(Tagetes Lucida) (aka Spanish Tarragon, Mexican Mint Marigold) Beautiful glossy leaves with small anise-scented golden flowers. The darling of many renowned Southwestern chefs, some even make a pesto from it! Plants grow 12-24" tall. Perennial in zones 8-11. Characteristics:  Annual or perennial in zones 8-11 Plants grow to 12-24 inches tall Glossy green leaves Orange, anise-scented flowers 250 seeds  Instructions -   Sow seeds outdoors two weeks before the last frost. Can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Thrives in warm sunny areas with well-drained soil. May be used in place of tarragon.    Direct Seed: 1/8" Deep Germination: 4-10 Days  Thin: 8-12" Apart Light: Full Sun       Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Swest Majoram is a wonderful herb for cooking and other culinary purposes. We carry it throughout the year. We are trying to consistently source as organic. We carry it from Seedsavers and our other seed labels. The plant grows 12-24” and will have small white flowers. Sometimes it is called sweet oregano. Botanical Name: Origanum majorana Perennial in zones 6-8, grown as an annual in the North.  Characteristics:  Annual or perennial in zones 6-8 Plants grow to 12-24 inches Soft, green leaves similar to oregano At least 100 seeds  Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Plants prefer very well-drained soil. Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination: 10 Days Plant Outdoors: 6-8” Apart Light: Full Sun  

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

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Beautiful 3-5 ft. plants with red stems and leaf veins. The bright red calyxes can be used to make “zingy” tea, sauce, syrup, or jam, or candied whole for an unusual treat. For strongly flavored teas, simmer for 10-20 minutes. Roselle was called “Florida cranberry” in the 1890s. The flowers and young leaves are edible and have a citrus tang. The stir-fried greens are much used in Burmese cooking! Space plants 3-6 ft. apart – the wider the spacing, the more calyxes will ripen. The only variety in several trials to begin flowering by mid-summer here in Virginia. Small (0.6 g) packet has about 20 seeds. (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Characteristics:  3-5' tall and wide Zingy Flavor Easy to grow  Approx 20 seeds   Instructions - Frost-tender perennial. Germination: 75-85°F, 7-14 days. Transplant after last frost. Full sun. 36-60 in. tall. Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Thyme is a wonderful herb. It is versatile and grows quick. It is pungent and filled with flavor. The summer thyme is preferred for many dishes and is easy to grow as an annual or it is a perennial if you like in zones 5-8. When you see just thyme on seed labels, it is most likely Summer Thyme.  Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris Characteristics:  Organic Seed (Firefly Farm is organic but we are pending our handling certificate, if you need organic certafied we also carry Southern Exposure Seed Exchange) Perennial in zones 5-8, annual elsewhere 6-12 inches tall Tiny and flavored leaves on stems 250 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors on surface of soil. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed. After first year cut plants back each spring to renew them and keep them tidy. Plants prefer well-drained dry soil. Sow 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination 10-20 days Plant 6-12 apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of 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 - (Petroselinum hortensis) Closely curled dark green leaves. Fast-growing uniform strain. High in vitamins and minerals. Holds for a long time at the harvesting stage even in warm weather. Biennial in zones 6-9, grown as an annual. 68-75 days.  Characteristics:  Organic Grown as an annual or biennial Plants grow to 9-12 inches tall Curled, dark green leaves 68-75 days 250 seeds  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors just before the last frost. Can also be started indoors and set out as small plants. Seeds can be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained rich soil. Direct Seed: 1/4" Deep Germination: 14-21 Days Thin: 6-12" Apart Light: Sun/Partial Shade Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Tulsi has long been used as a drinking tea and culinary purposes. It goes by Holy Basil, Kapoor Basil, and many other variations. It is beloved by pollinators and readily self seeds in the garden. We planted in 2019 in our herb garden and haven’t had to plant it since. The seeds are easily saved and can be gifted to friends and family.  Tea can be served hot or it can be served cold. We like it chilled and we do sell it to restaurants to be used as tea throughout the Driftless region where we live.   Tulsi has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda, which views it as an elixir of life. Considered to be an adaption, Tulsi is believed to be helpful in adapting the body to stress and other processes. Annual plant, but self seeds readily Organic and Open-Pollinated  Plants grow to 12-20 inches tall A Medicinal Herb Plant in Full Sun 50 Seeds Instructions - Instructions - Sow seeds indoors on surface of soil. Transplant outdoors in early spring just before last frost. Sow indoors 6 weeks before the last frost (or feel free to sow outside if you have 100 days of frost free weather) Germination 7-14 days Plant 8" apart