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Alpine Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) - 200 seeds
£1.45
ALPINE STRAWBERRY (Fragaria vesca) - 200 seeds
Sow - March, April.
Harvest - June - November.
Hardy perennial. Height 25cm. Spread 35cm
A very hardy, strong flavoured variety, especially attractive as a garnish. Makes delicious jam and needs no pectin as a high level is naturally present in the fruit. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and iron and a tea from the leaves may be used for the treatment of the liver, fever, anaemia and as a general tonic.
SOW INSIDE in a seed tray of soilless compost. Barely cover the tiny seeds with finely sieved compost. Keep at 20c until germination. Prick out when large enough and grow on in small pots before planting out. Prefers rich moisture-retaining soil, ideally in some shade.
HARVEST fruit from June to November.
Greek Basil (Ocymum minimum) - 200 seeds
£1.45
GREEK BASIL (Ocymum minimum) - 200 seeds
Sow - April - June.
Harvest - July, August.
Half-hardy Annual. Height 15cm..
A miniature bush basil with a very neat and compact habit. Tiny dark green leaves and white flowers appear in July/August. A strongly aromatic plant which is ideal for pot culture. Use in salads and with all tomato dishes.
SOW INSIDE in April/May in a soilless seed compost. Cover very lightly with soil and keep moist. Initially maintain at 25c. Prick out when large enough and grow on in small pots and reduce temperature to 20c. Prefers sheltered site in full sun.
SOW OUTSIDE not before the beginning of June in the south of the British Isles. Outdoor cultivation is not recommended in the North.
HARVEST leaves in July and August.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) - 1,000 seeds
£1.45
FOXGLOVE (Digitalis purpurea) - 1,000 seeds
Sow - April, May.
Harvest - July, August the following year.
Hardy biennial. Height up to 2m.
A tall plant with mauve or purple dark spotted flowers at the paler throat, it is excellent for the back of the border. The plant has a stimulating effect when planted near other plants, encouraging their growth and protecting them from fungus.
SOW OUTSIDE in April or May where it will flower the following year. Prefers light well drained acid soil in partial shade or sun.
HARVEST flowers from July to August. To help keep cut flowers fresh, try adding a tea, made from foxglove leaves, to the water.
Lavender Vera (Lavandula vera) - 350 seeds
£1.45
LAVENDER VERA (Lavandula vera) - 350 seeds
Sow - March - May and August, September.
Harvest - July, August.
Hardy perennial Evergreen. Height 60cm. Spread 70cm.
Use for pot-pourri and lavender bags. The scent of lavender is said to have a calming effect on the nerves and tea made from the leaves and flowers may be used to treat headaches and insomnia.
SOW INSIDE in small pots or trays. Cover with glass until germination occurs. Keep at 20c. Prick out when large enough and gradually harden off.
SOW OUTSIDE in spring or late summer, barely covered with soil, kept watered. Transplant to final position in second year. Prefers sunny position and well drained soil with plenty of lime.
HARVEST the flowering stems when flowers are open and the sun not too hot.
Curled Parsley (Petroselinim crispum) - 450 seeds
£1.45
CURLED PARSLEY (Petroselinum crispum) - 450 seeds
Sow - February - August.
Harvest - June onwards.
Hardy Biennial. Height 30cm. Spread 20cm.
This variety is a deep, rich treen colour and very tightly curled. Used extensively in many dishes, in bouquet garni and as a decorative garnish. Rich in vitamins and minerals.
SOW INSIDE in a seed tray in soilless compost. Keep at 20c and prick out when large enough.
SOW OUTSIDE in spring when the ground has become really warmed or preferably in August for a crop through winter and the following year. Sow in a drill or scatter or in a clump, cover with fine soil and water well with near-boiling water. Germination is slow but keep watered while waiting. Prefers a rich water-retaining soil in sun or semi-shade.
HARVEST at any time.
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) - 750 seeds
£1.45
ST. JOHN'S WORT (Hypericum perforatum) - 750 seeds
Sow - March, April and September, October.
Harvest - June - August.
Hardy Perennial. Height 30-60cm. Creeping rootstock.
Erect plant with small glabrous leaves and small bright yellow flowers in August. One of the great healing herbs having soothing, antiseptic and antibiotic properties. It is claimed to help treat chest complaints, dysentry, cystitis, stomach cramps and chronic catarrh. Recently, however, experts have recommended checking with a doctor before using internally.
SOW OUTSIDE in autumn or spring in any good garden soil. Cover lightly. Prefers sun.
HARVEST flowers and leaves from July onwards.
Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) - 8 seeds
£1.45
SWEET CICELY (Myrrhis odorata) - 8 seeds
Sow - September, October.
Harvest - February - November.
Hardy perennial. Height 60-100cm.
A strong aromatic plant with hairy feathery leaves and attractive white umbelliferous flowers which turn into striking seed heads. Use fresh leaves for cooking with tart fruits as they will reduce the amount of sugar required. May also be used in soups, stews and in salads. The leaves are good for mild digestive troubles and coughs. Use the whole ripe seeds with apple dishes as an alternative to cloves.
SOW OUTSIDE in the autumn. The seed will not germinate without several months' exposure to low temperatures. May be grown in any good garden soil.
HARVEST fresh leaves between February and November.
