Seeds - Herbs

Renee's Garden - Purple Ribbon's silvery-gray, drought-tolerant foliage is crowned with plump oblong purple flower bracts with a bright top knot of lavender petals. Both the foliage and flowers of these tough plants from the Mediterranean have a spicy pine fragrance. Purple Ribbons take unrelenting sun and heat. It performs well in both dry, hot landscapes and milder-climate cottage gardens. In cold winter areas, use Purple Ribbons as a handsome, aromatic container plant.  Characteristics:  Heirloom Herb  Perennial  Weather tolerant  Silvery foliage  Purple flower  Spicy scent  Approx 40 seeds   Instructions - In early spring, sow lavender seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, cover very lightly and keep at 65°F (18°C). Keep the container moist but not soggy until seedlings slowly emerge over 14 to 25 days, providing a good light source. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, transplant 2 inches apart into deeper containers. 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  14-25 days to germinate  Mature Height: 1.5 - 2 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - The dark-green, toothed leaves of this mint species are used for making tea and cocktails and for flavoring candies and desserts, as well as for adding fragrance to lotions and tinctures. Perennial in zones 4-10. Characteristics:  Perennial in zones 4-10 Plants grow to 1-3 feet tall Dark green leaves with toothed edges The fresh, minty flavor Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed in late spring. Can also be directly sown outdoors just before last spring frost. Spearmint will spread vigorously; to control its runners plant in a container sunk into ground. Prefers average well-drained soil and will tolerate dry conditions. Sow 1/8" deep Germination 7-10 days Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Renee's Garden -  Sweetest of all the mints, true spearmint produces scented bright green, serrated leaves all season. This Italian selection will be a crowd pleaser. Freshly harvested spearmint has a delicious aromatic perfume that accents, but doesn't overpower, many kinds of salads and cooked dishes. Enjoy the leaves whole, chopped, dried, frozen, or preserved in salt, sugar, alcohol, or sweet oil. Fresh spearmint tea is a delight and making your own Mint Juleps is a gardener’s treat! Grow only in containers, because mint spreads very quickly in the ground. (Mentha spicata)  Characteristics:  Heirloom  Butterfly & Hummingbird favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Great in containers  Summer/Spring/Fall harvest  Frost hardy to zone 4  1200 Seeds   Instructions - In early spring, 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost, start seeds in a container of moistened soil mix. Sow thinly, but do not cover. Provide a good light source until ready to transplant when seedlings are large enough to handle. Grow only in containers because mint spreads rampantly by underground runners, quickly becoming a nuisance in the garden. When warm spring weather arrives, sow seeds thinly (but do not cover) in containers of pre-moistened new soil mix in full sun. Keep evenly moist but not soggy. When several inches tall, thin or transplant seedlings 6 to 8 inches apart in pots at least 16 inches across and 12 inches deep. Mint is long-lived and gets overcrowded easily. Divide plants into 4 quarters every spring, replanting 1 quarter of the original clump into a pot of fresh soil mix. Replant extra clumps in new pots or give them away. Harvest frequently to encourage new growth. Snip sprigs of leaves in the morning when the aromatic oils are strongest.  Plant in March-June  Full Sun  Do not cover  Space seeds very thinly  10-14 days to germinate  Mature height: 1 foot, mounding  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - Highly esteemed medicinal herb since ancient times. Widely used as an herbal treatment for depression. Shrubby plant with yellow flowers. Grows 12-16" tall and flowers early. Perennial in zones 4-8. (Hypericum perforatum) Characteristics:  A perennial plant in zones 4-8 Plants grow to 12-16 inches tall Shrub-like plants Yellow flowers bloom early Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Seeds can also be directly sown outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Does best in well-drained soil. Transplant 2-3 weeks before the last frost. Sow seed indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost Germination 30-90  days Plant 12" apart Full Sun to Partial Shade Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Living Seed Company - (Urtica Dioica) - The fierce stinging nettle is appeased by the density in her medicinal, nutrient-rich with vitamins, minerals and iron. the sting of this herbacious perennial is removed once steamed or steeped. One of the foudnations for Biodynamic preparations. Usally of the first perennials in spring. Enjoy fresh or dray as a tea (hot or cold), sauteed and eaten as a green vegetable. Excellent as a substitue for any receipe calling for kale or spinach.  Characteristics:  Organic Hardy Perennial Plants grow to 60 inches tall Start harvesting in 2nd year or wait 100 days 50 Seeds Instructions -Sow at a depth of 1/8" in early spring or late fall.  Space seeds every 3" Thin plants to 12-24" Germination 10-14 days Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of 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. 

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

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Origanum majorana) is Highly esteemed for a variety of seasoning needs. Similar to oregano, but noticeably sweeter. Attractive 12-24" plants with small white flowers. 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 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 Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Origanum majorana) A mild, sweet relative of oregano excellent fresh or dried; essential for pizza sauce! Can be overwintered outdoors successfully or potted up in fall for fresh herbs all winter. Easy to dry, just harvest stems and hang in bundles. Leaves can be easily stripped off when dry. Approx. 120,000 seeds/oz. Good container plant Tender perennial Open-Pollinated 1/10th of a gram (~400 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 Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the 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