We have two "mixes" for Featured Seeds this year. The first is a companion growing mix (a bit more complicated), and the second is an easy, flexible group of herb seeds that you can plant indoors, outdoors, in pots, or straight in the ground. Any or all will allow you to add some pizazz to your culinary exploits over the summer months. Choose your own adventure!
Dill (Bouquet)
How to grow: Direct sow in spring, 1/8- 1/4" deep, 1/4- 1/2" apart. Thinning is not necessary. Successive sowings can be done every three weeks to harvest fresh greens continuously.
Use for: Salads, pickling, soups, baking
How to Save Seeds: Harvest seed heads just as the seeds begin to turn a golden brown. Foliage and seeds can both be dried and stored for future use. Dry in the dark to preserve flavor and color.
Cilantro (Santo)
How to grow: Direct sow spring-late summer. Sow 1/4- 1/2" deep, 1/4- 1/2" apart. Cilantro grows well even when sown thickly. Sow every 2-3 weeks and you'll get a continual harvest! Some sources recommend soaking your seeds for 24 hours before planting.
When to pick: Best to pick when the leaves are full, but no flowers have bloomed. Picking the younger leaves on top is recommended.
Use for: Salsa, spring rolls, curry, tacos, sauces
How to Save Seeds:
Basil (Genovese)
How to grow: Plant in Spring, 1/4" deep, in a location that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
Do not cover with dirt, or use very very little (1/8"), since the seeds require light to germinate.
When to pick: Pick when the leaves are full and green. Picking basil helps it stay healthy--pick it often, and it grows better! Cutting it just as the flowers are beginning to open will provide maximum fragrance and flavor.
Use for: Pizza, sandwiches, pasta, pesto
How to Save Seeds:
Parsley (Italian)
How to grow: Direct sow after last frost in a place with partial to full sun. Avoid planting it in hot areas, and give your plants extra water in very hot and dry conditions.
Do not cover with dirt, or very very little (1/8"), as the seeds require light to germinate.
When to pick: Snip off the stalks just above the ground level. In order to preserve the plant, allow the younger inner stalks to remain during harvesting.
Use for: Soups, pasta
How to Save Seeds:
References:
Basil Seeds. Eden Brothers. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://grow.edenbrothers.com/planting-guide/basil-seeds/
Cilantro Seeds. Eden Brothers. Retrieved February 7, 2023 from https://grow.edenbrothers.com/planting-guide/cilantro-seeds/.
Dill Seed. Johnny’s Selected Seeds. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.johnnyseeds.com/herbs/dill/bouquet-dill-seed-920.html
Parsley Seeds. Eden Brothers. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.edenbrothers.com/products/italian_parsley_seeds
Santo - Organic Cilantro/Coriander Seed. Johnny's Selected Seeds. Retrieved February 6, 2023, from https://www.johnnyseeds.com/herbs/cilantro-coriander/santo-organic-cilantro-coriander-seed-919G.html
