Fabaceae; native to southern Europe and Asia.

Germination: Best sown outdoors after all danger of frost is past and in a warm soil. Seeds can also be sown indoors at a temperature of 68-70°. Indoors and out, sow at a depth of 4 times the size of the seeds and expect germination in 10-15 days. Seeds for sprouting are found in health food stores. They should germinate in 2 days.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Site in full sun in a rich, moist, well-drained soil. Grow in cool-sum mered climates as it needs 70-75° to grow its best. Avoid cold, wet soils as this will cause root rot. Keep well weeded and protect them from rabbits and deer.

Appearance and Use: Grown as an herbal flavoring and a medicinal plant in folk cures, it reaches 2 feet tall. The small leaves almost hide the pale pink flowers that are followed by long, narrow, pods. The pods contain kidney-shaped seeds that are the source of flavoring. Grind them to add to curry powders or as a substitute for maple flavoring. This maple-like flavoring is used to bake cookies and in Idaho it is made into thick syrup to dress pancakes. The pseudo-maple taste is hard to tell from that of the original Sugar Maple, Acer saccharum. The crushed leaves have some of the
aroma of the seeds, but are not used in cooking. The leaves and seeds are both used for medicinal purposes.

Asteraceae; native to Paraguay.

Germination: Best sown indoors at a temperature of 68-70° with no cover as light aids in germination. Seeds can also be sown outdoors after all chance of frost is past in the spring. Sow when the soil is warm and with barely any cover. Indoors and out, germination will occur in 10-15 days. It is best to start the seeds early indoors, rather than sowing outdoors, as the plants grow their best under a long, hot growing season.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Plant out after all danger of frost is past. Space plants 18 inches apart and in rows 20-24 inches apart. Site in full sun in a rich, loamy, high organic matter, well-drained soil. It likes to be kept evenly moist: it will not tolerate wet feet, neither will it tolerate drought. Feed with a low nitrogen fertilizer and mulch to keep the shallow root system moist.

Appearance and Use: The bright green leaves of this 30 inch tall by 18-24 inch wide plant are used as a sugar substitute. Harvest the leaves in the fall when the temperatures cool and the days shorten as these changes increase their sweetness. Use them fresh or dried. Keeping in mind that they are very sweet and a little goes a long way, grind them or crush them to release their sweetnessand use them in any way that you would sugar.

*Grown as an annual, but it will overwinter in a frost-free climate.

Various species

Germination: Sow indoors at a temperature of 68-72° and with no cover as light aids in germination. Sow in a mason jar with a shallow bed of water and cover the mouth with cheese cloth. Several times a day, drain off the water and provide fresh water. Seeds germinate quickly: in 2-5 days. It is not recommended to sow them outdoors. Because part of what are eaten as the sprouts are the actual purchased seeds, make sure your seed source does not coat them with a fungicide.

Growth: If the seeds are sprouted in a lighted environment, the seedlings are shorter and contain more chlorophyll. If they are sprouted in the dark, the seedlings are taller and contain less chlorophyll.

Appearance and Use: The following seeds are commonly used in sprouting: mung bean, alfalfa, cress, broccoli (pictured to the left), buckwheat, and sunflower. Harvest the sprouts as soon as they are ready: when the tail is 2-3 times the size of the seed (some will be longer) as they have the best nutrition at this point. Add them to salads of any sort and to sandwiches as a lettuce substitute.

Pedaliaceae; native to the Tropics.

Germination: Best sown outdoors in situ after all danger of frost is past and in a warm soil. Seeds can also be sown indoors, 6-8 weeks before last frost, at a temperature of 68-70°. Sow in individual pots as it resents being transplanted. Indoors and out, sow at a depth of 4 times the size of the seeds andexpect germination in 7-10 days.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves, being very careful when doing so as it does not transplant well. Space 16-20 inches apart in full sun and an average, sandy, welldrained soil. Very tolerant of heat and drought and it grows best when summers are long and hot.

Appearance and Use: Grown for its edible seeds, this plant grows to 3 feet tall. It has attractive, long-pointed, dark green, slightly hairy leaves and 1 inch, pale rose or white, bell-shaped flowers that appear in the summer. The capsules of creamy white seeds follow and should be gathered when they are ripe. Eat them fresh or dried.

*Grown as an annual, but it will overwinter as a short-lived perennial in tropical climates.

Lamiaceae; native to Europe.

Germination: Best sown indoors at a temperature of 68-70° with no cover as light aids in germination. Expect germination in 10-15 days. Make successive sowings every 3-4 weeks. Seeds can also be sown outdoors in situ after all danger of frost is past in the spring and in a warm soil. Outdoors, sow with barely any cover. The seeds are very small.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Space 8-12 inches apart in full sun. Site in a light, rich, well-drained soil. Pinch new growth to promote branching and to keep plants compact. Deadhead to prevent plants from reseeding.

Appearance and Use: This bushy annual grows 12-18 inches tall by 12-20 inches wide. Its white or lilac flowers are in borne in whorls during the summer. The gray-green leaves are long and narrow. Use them fresh or dried in soups, stews, meat dishes, sausage stuffing, and green beans. Harvest them at any time for fresh use; harvest them before flowering if they are to be dried and stored.

Apiaceae; native to Greece and Egypt.

Germination: Best sown outdoors after all danger of frost is past and when the soil is warm. When sowing outdoors, barely cover the seeds. Seeds can also be sown indoors at a temperature of 68-70° and with no cover. Sow in individual pots as it resents being transplanted. Indoors and out, expect germination in 20-28 days. The seeds will not keep long, so sow them immediately.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Be careful with the roots when doing so, as transplanting may delay flowering and reduce seed yield. Thin or space seedlings 6-8 inches apart in full sun. Site in a slightly acid (pH 6-7.5) dry, light, sandy, rich soil. Grow a large quantity of plants as many are needed to produce an adequate volume of seeds. Stake the plants as necessary.

Appearance and Use: This culinary herb grows 18-24 inches tall by 10-18 inches wide. Its small, oval leaves have a mild licorice flavor. They are used in salads and sauces. Harvest the leaves at any time for fresh use. Clusters of tiny white flowers appear in summer and are followed by small, licorice-flavored seeds. The seeds are used in candy, desserts, and breads. To harvest the seeds: cut entire plants and hang them upside down to dry the seeds. An oil redolent with licorice tones is extracted for use in perfumes and drinks.

Lamiaceae; native to Africa, southeast Asia, and the Mediterranean.

Germination: Best sown indoors, 6-8 weeks before last frost, at a temperature of 68-70°. Sow at a depth of 4 times the size of the seeds and expect germination in 7-10 days. Seeds can also be sown outdoors after all danger of frost is past and when the ground is warm.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Space 10-12 inches apart in full sun. Site in a dry, light, medium to rich, well-drained soil. Pinch out the growing tips to promote compactness and to delay flowering; pinch off the flower spikes when they appear. Basil can also be grown indoors on a sunny windowsill, however, do not let the soil temperature fall below 50°.

Appearance and Use: This culinary herb is grown in ground in the garden, but also transitions well to container culture. The purple-leaved types are highly ornamental. Plants grow 15-24 inches tall and wide and produce ornamentally unimportant, white or purplish flowers in the summer. It is grown for the broad, dark green or dark purple, aromatic foliage. Depending on the variety, the foliage will be redolent of clove, anise, cinnamon, lemon, rose, or orange. Harvest the leaves at any time for fresh use. To dry them for storage, harvest the leaves as the flowers begin to open.

Asteraceae; native to Europe and west Asia.

Germination: Best sown indoors at 55-72° with no cover as light aids in germination. Expect germination in 10-15 days. Seeds can also be sown outdoors in a cool soil, but after all danger of frost is past in the spring. The seeds are very small.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Space 6-12 inches apart in full sun or partial shade (with reduced flowering). Site in a dry, light, sandy, well-drained soil.

Appearance and Use: M. recutita is also referred to as English, Sweet False, or “the annual” Chamomile to distinguish it from the perennial Roman Chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile. The plants grow 2- 21/2 feet tall and are covered in daisy-like flowers with white rays and yellow disks. The leaves are finely cut and colored spring green. Both the leaves and flowers are highly aromatic of apples and are brewed into a tea that is calming to both the stomach and the nerves. Harvest them at any time and use fresh, however, the flowers can be used dried.

Fabaceae; native to southeastern Asia.

Germination: Sow indoors at alternating temperatures of 68 and 86°. Seeds can also be sown outdoors in situ after all danger of frost is past in the spring and when the soil is warm. Indoors and out, sow at a depth of 4 times the size of the seeds and expect germination in over 32 days. Soaking the seeds or nicking seed coats may hasten germination.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Space 3-4 feet apart in full sun. Site in a sandy, loamy, moist, well-drained soil. Avoid clay soils. It grows best in alkaline soils, but will tolerate acidic soils. It is also tolerant of poor soils as it fixes nitrogen. It grows best in climates with long growing seasons.

Appearance and Use: This perennial plant is frost tender. Habit is shrubby from 3-6 feet tall where perennial; growing shorter as an annual. It has green, pinnate leaves and red or purple flowers that appear from July to September. The herbaceous parts of the plants are used to make the blue dye called Indigo. Harvest them at any time.

*Grown as an annual, but it is a perennial that will overwinter in frost-free climates.

_{Brassicaceae; native to the Mediterranean.}

_{Germination: Sow outdoors in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, or sow indoors at a temperature of 60-70°. Expect germination in 5-8 days.}

_{Growth: Plant 12 inches apart in full sun in a light, sandy, rich, moist, well-drained soil. Rocket does best in cool weather.}

_{Appearance and Use: This herb is grown as a salad plant for its strong, peppery tasting foliage. It grows quickly to 21/2 feet and has flowers of white with purple veins. Cut leaves frequently to keep them from becoming bitter.}

Asteraceae; native to the Mediterranean.

Germination: Sow indoors at a temperature of 68-72° and at a depth of 4 times the size of the seeds. Expect germination in 10-15 days. Alternatively, sow outdoors after the last frost of spring, but while the soil is still cool. In warm climates, fall sow 3 months before first frost. Outdoors, sow at the same depth as above and expect a similar germination time.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Space 5 feet apart in full sun. Site in a deep, rich, moist, well-drained soil. Deadhead the flowers and remove old leaves. It is a perennial that is grown as such in warm climates, but as an annual in cold climates. However, it can withstand the light frosts of Zone 8 (and into Zone 7).

Appearance and Use: This large, striking, architectural herb is grown in culinary settings and in showy border and bedding displays. It grows as an arching, vase-shaped perennial that reaches 6-8 feet tall by 4-6 feet wide. The thistle-like flowers are purple and the downy, gray-green leaves are deeply cut and leathery. The edible portion is the leaf stems or stalks (like celery). They are eaten fresh by steaming or sautéing them. Harvest the stalks in late summer and remove all vestiges of the leaves as they are bitter.

Apiaceae; native to the Mediterranean.

Germination: Sow indoors, 6-8 weeks before last frost, at a temperature of 70-72°. Alternatively, sow seeds outdoors when the soil is warm and all danger of frost is past. Indoors and out, sow at a depth of 4 times the size of the seed and expect germination in 10-14 days.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Space 2 feet apart in full sun. Site in an average, well-drained soil. It grows best in mild climates with long growing seasons.

Appearance and Use: Grown in herb gardens for its flavorful seeds. Plants grow 1-2 feet tall and wide with thread-like leaves and umbels of tiny, white or rose flowers. Harvest the seeds when they begin to dry. To collect the seeds, cut the stem and shake it upside down in a bag. The seeds have a spicy and mildly hot flavor. They are used in Indian curries and Latin American dishes.

Germination: Best sown outdoors in the early spring when the soil is still cool. Sow at a depth of 4 times the size of the seeds and expect germination in 10-15 days. Seeds can also be sown indoors at a temperature of 68-70°. Sow at the same depth as outdoors and expect germination in the same time period.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Space 8-10 inches apart in full sun. Site in any average garden soil with good drainage.

Appearance and Use: These 12-30 inch tall plants are grown for their aromatic foliage termed “Cilantro” and their seeds termed “Coriander.” The juvenile, broad, toothed, soft green, aromatic leaves can be harvested at any time for fresh use in salsa, salads, soups, and as a seasoning in many ethnic dishes. Avoid using the adult, thinly divided, lacy leaves. Umbels of tiny, white or pale pink flowers appear in the summer. They are followed in late summer by the sweetly aromatic seeds. Harvest the seeds when they turn brown. To collect the seeds, cut the stem and shake it upside down in a bag. The seeds are used in curries and other ethnic dishes.

Asteraceae; native to the Mediterranean.

Germination: Sow seeds outdoors in early to mid-spring in 1/4 inch deep rows 18 inches apart. Seeds may also be started indoors, at a temperature of 70°. Expect germination in 7-14 days.

Growth: Space 6 inches apart in full sun and a rich, well-drained soil. Fertilize prior to planting and again every 3-4 weeks. Keep well watered.

Appearance and Use: This lettuce-like plant has oblong basal leaves and 31/2- 5 inch stems which bear blue daisy-like flowers from June to frost. It is best grown as an annual as it can become weedy. The roots are often used as a coffee substitute. Chicory can be used as a salad plant as-is, but is usually grown to produce Witloof. Witloof is a whitish head of young chicory leaves produced by depriving the plant of light. Dig roots after first frost, cut the tops off 2 inches above the crown, and the roots to 6-9 inches in length. Store in a cool place, and force at 60-70°, setting roots upright in a box and covered with moist sand. In about 1 month the tops will be produced and ready for harvesting.

Asteraceae; native to India.

Germination: Endive is best grown as a fall crop. Sow seeds outdoors 3- 31/2 months before first frost in 1/4 inch deep rows 18-24 inches apart. Seeds may also be started indoors, at a temperature of 70-75°. Expect germination in 7-14 days. In Zone 8 and warmer start seeds in fall for winter harvest.

Growth: Space 8-12 inches apart in full sun in a rich, well drained soil. Fertilize prior to panting and again every 3-4 weeks. Mulch plants to conserve moisture, keep the soil cool, and reduce the need for weeding. Keep well watered.

Appearance and Use: This lettuce-like annual or biennial forms a flat rosette of slender, curled, cut or lobed leaves up to 18 inches across. When plants are well formed and 15 inches across, blanch to reduce bitterness by gathering the outer leaves together over the crown and tying them securely. To prevent decay, uncover the plants and let them dry out after any rainfall. Blanch for 2 weeks and pick anytime after that.

Boraginaceae; native to Europe and North Africa.

Germination: Sow seeds outdoors, in situ, in fall or very early spring. Completely cover the seeds as they need light to germinate. Seeds will germinate in 7-10 days.

Growth: It is very difficult to transplant, so direct sowing is recommended. Space 10-12 inches apart in full sun or light shade. Site in a dry, poor soil. Very tolerant of drought and low fertility soils, however it is susceptible to mildew. For larger plants with more flowers, fertilizer can be applied. Grow as a companion plant as it repels Japanese Beetles and tomato hornworms.

Appearance and Use: Used in herb and culinary gardens. It is an ornamental, upright herb that grows 2 feet tall by 6-12 inches wide. The gray-green, coarsely hairy leaves have a cucumber flavor when eaten. The leaves are harvested when they are young and tender. Use them in iced drinks and salads. Bees are attracted to the 1 1/2 inch, star-shaped, blue or purple, edible flowers that appear in drooping clusters in spring and summer. Harvest the flowers when they start to open. Candy them to use on cakes. The flowers can also be floated in drinks or used in salads.

Asteraceae; native to southeastern Europe and Iran.

Germination: Best sown indoors at a temperature of 68-72° with no cover as light aids in germination. Expect germination in 10-15 days. Seeds can also be sown outdoors after all danger of frost is past and when the soil is warm in the spring. Outdoors, sow with barely any cover. The seeds are very small.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. Space 4 feet apart in full sun. Site in a neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained soil. Very tolerant of low fertility soils, heat, and drought, in fact, plants should be kept on the dry side.

Appearance and Use: Situate this vigorous plant in borders, rock gardens, and herb gardens for dried arrangements and medicinal concoctions. Habit is upright from 5-10 feet tall by 3-5 feet wide. The leaves are bright green, 1 1/2 - 2 inches long, pinnately divided, saw-toothed, and the stems are often red. The panicles of small, yellow flowers appear from summer through fall. They are very fragrant.

Apiaceae; native to southwest Asia.

Germination: Sow indoors at a temperature of 60-70°. Sow in individual pots to facilitate transplanting of the tap root. Alternatively, sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost is past, but when the soil is still cool. Indoors and out, sow at a depth of 4 times the size of the seed and expect germination in 21-25 days.

Growth: Transplant when there are at least two sets of true leaves. It is difficult to transplant because of the long tap root. Space 8-12 inches apart in full sun. Site in a slightly acid, average, well-drained garden soil. Keep plants well watered and deadhead the flowers to prolong the harvest life of the leaves. If grown for the seeds, do not deadhead. Plants will self-sow if allowed to go to seed.

Appearance and Use: This 2-3 foot tall plant is grown in herb gardens for its aromatic foliage and seeds. The leaves are bright green, finely divided, and a highly aromatic addition to poultry and fish dishes. Harvest the leaves at any time for fresh use and drying. Umbels of summer-appearing, tiny, yellow flowers are followed by the seeds that are used in pickling and flavoring. Harvest the seeds when they turn brown. Cut the stem and place it upside down in a bag to collect the seeds as they ripen.

Apiaceae; native to southeastern Europe and western Asia.

Germination: Sow outdoors in early spring or sow indoors at a temperature of 60-70°. Expect germination in 7-14 days. Sow indoors in individual pots or move carefully as Chervil resents transplanting.

Growth: Plant in part shade or shade, 8 inches apart, in a rich, well drained, sandy soil. Chervil may be grown indoors in full sun, 55 nights and with a medium kept evenly moist. Outdoors Chervil prefers cool climates.

Appearance and Use: This dainty 12-18 inch plant has finely cut and richly aromatic soft, light green leaves. The flower stalks bear tiny white flowers in flat umbels in May. Leaves have a slight licorice flavor and are often used in place of Parsley. Cut leaves at any time for fresh use and just before flowers open for drying or freezing.