Enjoy some of our most popular varieties of Basil Herbs.  This is a special blend of basil varieties we carry, sure to be a show stopper!  You'll enjoy a wide variety of Basil plants with incredible fragrance and great flavors!  Very easy to grow and extremely popular.

Best Seller! 

See Basil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board: 

Follow SeedsNow.com's board Basil on Pinterest.

Greek Basil is a small-leaf dwarf variety that grows into a tight dome, about 1’ tall and wide. A great one for containers, hanging baskets, and indoor gardens. The bright green, oval leaves and soft stems have hints of clove and anise, and keep their flavor when dried.  Use this variety to flavor herb butters and vinaigrettes, and the edible flowers as a garnish or salad green.

Harvest the leaves and stems from the top part of the plant, and pinch off edible flower buds as they appear, which prevents the leaves from turning bitter, and signals the plant to branch out and grow more leaves, making a bushier plant.

The more you harvest, the more it grows!

• Basil-clove-anise flavor
• Compact plant
• Good for indoor gardens
• Good for containers
• Tons of medicinal benefits!

As a medicinal herb, Basil has been used internally to treat anxiety, colds, colic, cough, depression, diarrhea, fever, flatulence, flu, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal parasites and worms, exhaustion, gastric pain, gonorrhea, lactation problems, migraine headache, nausea, stomach cramps, sore throat, and vomiting, and externally to treat acne, insect bites and stings, loss of smell, skin problems, snake bites.

⚠️ Do not use medicinally while pregnant.

⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally.

As a companion plant, it attracts hummingbirds, pollinators, and beneficial insects, and repels asparagus beetles, cabbage moths, cabbage white butterfly, cabbage worms, carrot rust fly, flies, maggots, mice, mosquitoes, spider mites, thrips, and tomato hornworms. 

See Basil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board

Genovese Basil, also called Sweet Basil, has large, tender, fragrant leaves and sweet, spicy anise flavor. The best basil for pesto. The flower spikes dotted with tiny white edible flowers make a delicate garnish or salad addition. This heat-loving herb is a reliable producer and all-around great Italian basil.

Genovese Basil is a classic! It's prized for being sweet with undertones of a spicy flavor. You can't beat its aroma. These plants grow anywhere from 18"-24" inches and is the variety of choice for making pesto and adding to pizzas.

Use it in pesto, pasta and pizza sauce, Caprese salad, antipasto, curries, cocktails, smoothies, dressing, herb butter, oil, vinegar, and herbal tea.

Harvest the leaves and stems from the top part of the plant, and pinch off edible flower buds as they appear, which prevents the leaves from turning bitter, and signals the plant to branch out and grow more leaves, making a bushier plant.

The more you harvest, the more it grows!

• Sweet and spicy
• Grows 2'-3' tall
• Besto for pesto
• Good for containers
• Tons of medicinal benefits!

As a medicinal herb, Basil has been used internally to treat anxiety, colds, colic, cough, depression, diarrhea, fever, flatulence, flu, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal parasites and worms, exhaustion, gastric pain, gonorrhea, lactation problems, migraine headache, nausea, stomach cramps, sore throat, and vomiting, and externally to treat acne, insect bites and stings, loss of smell, skin problems, snake bites.

⚠️ Do not use medicinally while pregnant.

⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally.

As a companion plant, it attracts hummingbirds, pollinators, and beneficial insects, and repels asparagus beetles, cabbage moths, cabbage white fly, cabbage worms, carrot rust fly, flies, maggots, mice, mosquitoes, spider mites, thrips, and tomato hornworms.

What is Genovese Basil?

The most commonly used basil variety for making pesto, you can harvest these leaves as soon as they are large enough to consume. Genovese basil is also known as "Sweet Basil" and a common ingredient to all Italian dishes. The leaves are spoon shaped, glossy and a dark green shade.   It grows best in organic-rich and well drained soil and is an easy to grow annual herb that thrives in areas that remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Health Benefits of Genovese Basil

Genovese basil is a known health tonic for expecting mothers and when mixed with tea it increases lactation in mothers.  It is also a nerve tonic and young children are sometimes encouraged to chew on the leaves of basil because it stimulates brain cells and can increase memory.  

Ways to Consume Genovese Basil

The most popular use is in italian dishes and sauces, especially in genovese sauce and pesto. Genovese Basil goes great in caprese salads and on raw tomatoes for a light, healthy "summery" treat.  Mix basil leaves with olive oil and freeze in ice-cube trays for flavored oils when cooking.  

See Basil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board

Dark Opal Purple Basil is a dark, fragrant beauty with its glossy, deep black-purple leaves that shimmer with iridescence in bright light, plum-colored stems, and edible violet flower spikes that make a spectacular garnish. A 1962 All-America Selections Winner! This annual basil plant produces extremely fragrant dark purple leaves. It can be used as a garnish or to make flavored vinegars. This basil drys excellently and is very easy to grow. Gardening in a small space or wanting to use a container? This variety grows great in them! 

Use it to add sweet, intense anise flavor and a dreamy purple color to pesto or bruschetta, or mix it into a moody Caprese salad with Black Krim Tomatoes.

Harvest the leaves and stems from the top part of the plant, and pinch off edible flower buds as they appear, which prevents the leaves from turning bitter, and signals the plant to branch out and grow more leaves, making a bushier plant. 

The more you harvest, the more it grows! 

• Sweet, intense anise flavor
• Slow to bolt (flower)
• 1962 All-America Selections (AAS) Winner
• Good for containers
• Tons of medicinal benefits!

As a medicinal herb, Basil has been used internally to treat anxiety, colds, colic, cough, depression, diarrhea, fever, flatulence, flu, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal parasites and worms, exhaustion, gastric pain, gonorrhea, lactation problems, migraine headache, nausea, stomach cramps, sore throat, and vomiting, and externally to treat acne, insect bites and stings, loss of smell, skin problems, snake bites.

⚠️ Do not use medicinally while pregnant.

⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally.

Plant Basil in your garden to attract hummingbirds, pollinators, and other beneficial insects.

Basil is also know to repel aphids, asparagus beetles, cabbage moths, cabbage white butterfly, cabbage worms, carrot rust fly, flies, maggots, mice, mosquitoes, spider mites, thrips, and tomato hornworms!

What is Dark Opal Purple Basil?

This sweet and very popular variety of basil has gorgeous purple-black glossy foliage and a delicious aroma. It's eye catching and a beautiful, colorful garden plant.  This basil produces small to medium sized, tender leaves.  It is slow to bolt and grows at a steady pace.  The dark purple has a green metallic undertone or sheen and in bright light it can appear flat and open.  

Health Benefits of Dark Opal Purple Basil

Dark Opal Purple Basil has a variety of medicinal benefits and has been known to improve digestive functions, treat acne and insect bites, improve nausea, and work as a sedative for muscle spasms and cramps.   

Ways to Consume Dark Opal Purple Basil

Like many basil varieties, Dark Opal Purple Basil has a degree of licorice flavor, and it is used in the culinary world as an attractive garnish with good flavor.  Use this herb fresh or dried and even frozen.  It works wonderfully in salads and on sandwiches.  The uses for this herb are endless and everyone should take advantage of this fresh and spicy leaf.

See Basil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board

Cinnamon Basil, also called Mexican Basil, has glossy, deep green leaves that turn reddish at the tips when mature, and dark cinnamon-colored stems. Its warm, sweet cinnamon-anise flavor is especially nice in ham and pork dishes, apple pie and other desserts, and kombucha.

By far the most popular variety and possibly one of the most fragrant, this basil grows easily. Its aroma will remind you of sweet cinnamon and it is popular for use in hot drinks and paired with fresh fruit.

This sweet basil is exotic and has dark green leaves with purplish-red stems and purple blooms. It's spicy and has a cinnamon-like taste and scent. If you like making homemade potpourris or dried flower arrangements try adding some cinnamon basil!

The violet flower spikes make an unusual garnish or addition to salads. Harvest the leaves and stems from the top part of the plant, and pinch off edible flower buds as they appear, which prevents the leaves from turning bitter, and signals the plant to branch out and grow more leaves, making a bushier plant.

The more you harvest, the more it grows!

• Cinnamon-anise flavor
• Tons of medicinal benefits!
• Good for indoor gardens
• Good for containers

As a medicinal herb, Basil has been used internally to treat anxiety, colds, colic, cough, depression, diarrhea, fever, flatulence, flu, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal parasites and worms, exhaustion, gastric pain, gonorrhea, lactation problems, migraine headache, nausea, stomach cramps, sore throat, and vomiting, and externally to treat acne, insect bites and stings, loss of smell, skin problems, snake bites.

⚠️ Do not use medicinally while pregnant.

⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally.

Plant Basil in your garden to attract hummingbirds, pollinators, and other beneficial insects.

Basil is also know to repel aphids, asparagus beetles, cabbage moths, cabbage white butterfly, cabbage worms, carrot rust fly, flies, maggots, mice, mosquitoes, spider mites, thrips, and tomato hornworms!

Health Benefits of Cinnamon Basil

Cinnamon basil is a must have, medicinal herb. It offers anti-inflammatory benefits and can relieve symptoms of arthritis!  If you suffer from allergies, diabetes, colds, the flu, or infertility, some would swear by the benefits of consuming cinnamon basil and how it's improved their health.  It is even used in the treatment of some cancers.  It naturally boosts your immune system and is a known anti-bacterial and anti-viral. Are you growing this yet?...because you should be! 

Ways to Consume Cinnamon Basil

Use this exotic and fragrant basil in any recipe that calls for basil. The sweet flavor is great when paired with other fruity herbs. Pick the leaves when small and tender and use them in your favorite recipes or put them in bottles of olive oil to make cinnamon flavored oil. Cinnamon basil pairs harmoniously with apple pie filling, apple sauce, pork or ham dishes.  Add frozen basil leaves to soups or sauces.  Cinnamon basil can also be used to make refreshing teas, hot or cold! 

See Basil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board

Baby's Breath, scientifically known as Gypsophila, is a perennial flowering plant that is widely appreciated for its delicate, airy appearance and versatility in garden settings. This plant is characterized by its small, white or pink flowers that bloom in clusters, creating a cloud-like effect that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any garden.

It is important to note that while Baby's Breath is generally pest-resistant, it can occasionally be affected by aphids or spider mites. Regular monitoring and appropriate cultural practices can help mitigate these issues. Furthermore, the plant is not considered invasive, making it a safe addition to most garden environments.

In summary, Baby's Breath is a valuable addition to any garden, offering both visual appeal and practical benefits. Its ease of care, drought tolerance, and compatibility with other plants make it a preferred choice for gardeners seeking to create a beautiful and sustainable landscape.

Baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii), is a flowering plant native to California and the Pacific Northwest. This annual plant is part of the Boraginaceae family and is recognized for its delicate, bright blue flowers that bloom in spring. The plant typically grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches and features lobed, green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for its striking blooms.

The Nemophila menziesii is valued not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ecological benefits. The flowers are known to have a high nectar content, which supports local bee populations. Additionally, the plant's low growth habit makes it an effective ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

The Smooth Blue Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) bursts out gorgeous star-like violet-blue blooms with long smooth petals around a yellow center. Grows on a 2'-3' sturdy stem that also takes on a blue hue. This frost-tolerant flower can bloom through Thanksgiving.

• Life cycle: Herbaceous perennial
• Bloom season: Summer, fall
• Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
• Flower meaning: Afterthought, daintiness, elegance, love of variety, patience

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Symphyotrichum laeve
• Hardiness zones: 4-8
• Planting season: Spring
• Days to maturity: 90-120
• Cold stratify: Yes
• Depth to plant seeds: Lightly cover - seeds need light to germinate
• Spacing between plants: 12"-24" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 14-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 70F-75F
• Soil types: Clay, sandy, loamy, rocky, dry, well-drained
• Soil pH: 5.8-6.5
• Water needs: Average
• Sun needs: Full sun, part shade
• Frost tolerant: Yes
• Drought tolerant: Yes
• Deer resistant: Yes

The Aster, particularly the Single Mix China variety, is a popular choice among gardeners due to its vibrant colors and adaptability to various growing conditions. This perennial plant belongs to the Asteraceae family, which is known for its diverse range of flowering species. Asters are native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and they thrive in temperate climates.

One of the notable characteristics of the Aster, Single Mix China, is its ability to produce an array of colors, including shades of pink, purple, blue, and white. These flowers typically bloom from late summer to early fall, providing a crucial source of nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies during a time when many other plants have finished flowering. In fact, studies have shown that Asters can attract up to 50% more pollinators compared to other flowering plants in the same environment.

The growth habit of the Aster, Single Mix China, is upright, reaching heights of approximately 1 to 3 feet, depending on the specific cultivar and growing conditions. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of pH levels, although it thrives best in slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0 to 7.0). Asters are also known for their drought resistance once established, requiring minimal watering, which makes them an excellent choice for sustainable gardening practices.

In terms of care, Asters benefit from regular deadheading, which encourages further blooming and prevents the plant from becoming leggy. Fertilization is generally not necessary; however, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring to promote healthy growth. Furthermore, Asters are relatively pest-resistant, although they may occasionally attract aphids or spider mites. Integrated pest management strategies, such as introducing beneficial insects, can effectively control these pests without the need for chemical interventions.

When planting Aster, Single Mix China, it is advisable to space the plants approximately 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and to minimize the risk of fungal diseases. This spacing also promotes healthy growth and ensures that each plant has sufficient access to sunlight. Asters thrive in full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day being ideal for optimal flowering.

In summary, the Aster, Single Mix China flowers are an excellent addition to any garden, providing not only aesthetic appeal but also ecological benefits. Their resilience, vibrant colors, and ability to attract pollinators make them a valuable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. By understanding the specific needs and characteristics of this plant, gardeners can successfully cultivate Asters and enjoy their beauty for many seasons to come.

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Callistephus chinensis
• Hardiness zones: 2-11
• Planting season: Spring
• Days to maturity: 90-120
• Cold stratify: No
• Depth to plant seeds: Lightly cover - seeds need light to germinate
• Spacing between plants: 8"-12" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 14-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 70F-75F
• Soil types: Loamy, well-drained
• Soil pH: 5.5-7.5
• Water needs: Average
• Sun needs: Full sun, part shade
• Frost tolerant: No
• Drought tolerant: No
• Deer resistant: Yes

The Powderpuff Aster (Callistephus chinensis) puts out a huge fully double flower that looks like a pom-pom in multiple pastel hues of white, pink, and purple. Also called China Aster, it resembles the Chrysanthemum and grows 2'-3' tall. A soft accent in the garden or tied with a ribbon into a long-lasting bouquet.

• Life cycle: Annual
• Bloom season: Summer, fall
• Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
• Flower meaning: Afterthought, daintiness, elegance, love of variety, patience

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Callistephus chinensis
• Hardiness zones: 2-11
• Planting season: Spring
• Days to maturity: 90-120
• Cold stratify: No
• Depth to plant seeds: Lightly cover - seeds need light to germinate
• Spacing between plants: 12"-24" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 14-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 70F-75F
• Soil types: Loamy, rich, moist, well-drained
• Soil pH: 5.8-6.5
• Water needs: Average
• Sun needs: Full sun, part shade
• Drought tolerant: No
• Deer resistant: Yes

The New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), also called Michaelmas daisy, offers gorgeous 1.5" blooms in vibrant shades of purple, pink, or white. Long daisy-like petals grow around a yellow center on a 3'-6' sturdy, hairy, leafy stem. A sweet show in the garden or in a vase.

• Life cycle: Herbaceous perennial
• Bloom season: Summer, fall
• Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
• Flower meaning: Afterthought, daintiness, elegance, love of variety, patience

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Symphyotrichum novae-angliae 
• Hardiness zones: 4-8
• Planting season: Spring
• Days to maturity: 90-120
• Cold stratify: Yes
• Depth to plant seeds: Lightly cover - seeds need light to germinate
• Spacing between plants: 12"-24" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 14-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 70F-75F
• Soil types: Loamy, rich, moist, well-drained
• Soil pH: 5.8-6.8
• Water needs: Average
• Sun needs: Full sun, part shade
• Frost tolerant: No
• Drought tolerant: No
• Deer resistant: Yes

The Crego Mix Aster (Callistephus chinensis) is a showy collection of full 4" flower heads with delicate curled petals in multiple pastel hues of red, white, pink, and purple. Also called China Aster, it resembles the Chrysanthemum and grows 2'-3' tall. A soft accent in the garden or as a cut flower.

• Life cycle: Annual
• Bloom season: Summer, fall
• Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
• Flower meaning: Afterthought, daintiness, elegance, love of variety, patience

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Callistephus chinensis
• Hardiness zones: 2-11
• Planting season: Spring
• Days to maturity: 90-120
• Cold stratify: No
• Depth to plant seeds: Lightly cover - seeds need light to germinate
• Spacing between plants: 8"-12" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 14-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 70F-75F
• Soil types: Loamy, well-drained
• Soil pH: 5.5-7.5
• Water needs: Average
• Sun needs: Full sun, part shade
• Frost tolerant: No
• Drought tolerant: No
• Deer resistant: Yes

The Mary Washington Asparagus is a popular old heirloom variety that produces vigorous, uniform spears with a sweet, nutty flavor. Asparagus plants are perennials that can easily produce for 20+ years, so give this vegetable a permanent and sunny spot in your garden. To ensure many years of future production, wait until the second year to cut and consume the spears. 

• Early producer
• Cold hardy, but protect from frost
• Easy to care for, once established
• Beautiful fern-like foliage lingers after harvest

Asparagus can be considered a power food among veggies. It is packed with vitamins and minerals, delivering a more complete balance than any other. Asparagus is a good source of vitamin A, B6 and C, as well as iron, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, and thiamine. It is high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, contains no fat, no cholesterol and has only 20 calories per 1/2 cup serving.

An established bed of 25 asparagus plants will produce about 10 pounds of asparagus per year.

Some say Purple Passion Asparagus is the best variety. This variety produces beautiful dark purple spears that are sweeter than standard green varieties. Asparagus plants are perennials that can easily produce for 20+ years, so give this vegetable a permanent and sunny spot in your garden. To ensure many years of future production, wait until the second year to cut and consume the spears.

⚠️ F1 Hybrid - These crowns are 2-year-old bare roots that are all male, which means possibly higher (3-4 times) yields. 

• Vigorous grower
• Sweet and tender
• Heat tolerant
• Cold hardy, but protect from frost

CROWN PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Asparagus officinalis
• Depth to plant crowns: 6"-8" deep
• Spacing between plants: 14"-18" apart
• Spacing between rows: 4'-5' apart
• Preferred temps: When daytime temps exceed 75F–85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun, partial shade
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, fall
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 730 days

ADDITIONAL PLANT INFORMATION

Health Benefits of Asparagus
Asparagus contains high levels of beta carotene and other vitamins and minerals, and is a great diuretic. Need more fiber? Chew on some asparagus. And if you're looking for help controlling diabetes or preventing kidney stones, plant and eat more asparagus.

Ways to Eat Asparagus
Asparagus is delicious raw or marinated in a little olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. You can also boil, steam, grill, roast, or sauté the spears. Add some asparagus to your other favorite foods such as soups, risottos, lasagnas, and quiches. To preserve your harvest, can up a few jars of pickled asparagus.

Asparagus plants are perennials that can easily produce for 20+ years, so give this vegetable a permanent and sunny spot in your garden. To ensure many years of future production, wait until the second year to cut and consume the spears.

⚠️ F1 Hybrid - These crowns are 2-year-old bare roots that are all male, which means possibly higher (3-4 times) yields. The Millennium Asparagus is an F1 hybrid variety developed in Canada.

• Cold hardy, but protect from frost
  
• Easy to care for, once established
• Beautiful fern-like foliage lingers after harvest
• Best adapted to heavier soils
  

CROWN PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Asparagus officinalis
  
• Depth to plant crowns: 6"-8" deep
• Spacing between plants: 14"-18" apart
• Spacing between rows: 4'-5' apart
• Preferred temps: When daytime temps exceed 75F–85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun, partial shade
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, fall
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 730 days

ADDITIONAL PLANT INFORMATION

Health Benefits of Asparagus
Asparagus contains high levels of beta carotene and other vitamins and minerals, and is a great diuretic. Need more fiber? Chew on some asparagus. And if you're looking for help controlling diabetes or preventing kidney stones, plant and eat more asparagus.

Ways to Eat Asparagus
Asparagus is delicious raw or marinated in a little olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. You can also boil, steam, grill, roast, or sauté the spears. Add some asparagus to your other favorite foods such as soups, risottos, lasagnas, and quiches. To preserve your harvest, can up a few jars of pickled asparagus.

Organic/F1 Hybrid

The top name in Jersey male asparagus. Phenomenal yields, excellent quality and disease resistant. Dark green spears with purple bracts. Shoot tips hold tighter than other varieties allowing for an extended harvest period.

⚠️ These crowns are 2-year-old bare roots that are all male, which means possibly higher (3-4 times) yields.

CROWN PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Asparagus officinalis
• Depth to plant crowns: 6"-8" deep
• Spacing between plants: 14"-18" apart
• Spacing between rows: 4'-5' apart
• Preferred temps: When daytime temps exceed 75F–85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun, partial shade
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, fall
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 730 days

ADDITIONAL PLANT INFORMATION

Health Benefits of Asparagus
Asparagus contains high levels of beta carotene and other vitamins and minerals, and is a great diuretic. Need more fiber? Chew on some asparagus. And if you're looking for help controlling diabetes or preventing kidney stones, plant and eat more asparagus.

Ways to Eat Asparagus
Asparagus is delicious raw or marinated in a little olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. You can also boil, steam, grill, roast, or sauté the spears. Add some asparagus to your other favorite foods such as soups, risottos, lasagnas, and quiches. To preserve your harvest, can up a few jars of pickled asparagus.

Roquette Arugula (also called Rocket) is one of the easiest leafy greens you can grow, and can be harvested as early as 20 days after planting. The young seed pods, flowers, leaves, and mature seeds are all edible. A member of the mustard family, the leaves of the Arugula plant add a deliciously tangy/peppery flavor to any meal.

• Easy to grow
• Entire plant is edible
• Frost tolerant
• Quick to mature — 20 days for baby greens!
  

The Violet Star Artichoke is a dramatic alternative to the traditional Green Globe Artichoke. It produces a vibrant purple flower bud with a nutty flavor and creamy texture. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with lots of room for this dark beauty to grow. Artichokes are perennial plants that keep coming back bigger and more productive every year.

• Heat tolerant
• Drought tolerant
• Usually produces in 2nd year
• Perennial

The Green Globe Artichoke produces a large, delicious green flower bud that opens into a purple thistle if left to flower. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with lots of room for this plant to grow. Artichokes are perennial plants that keep coming back bigger and more productive every year. For a dramatic difference in color, try growing the Violet Star Artichoke.

• Drought tolerant
• Heat tolerant
• Usually produces in 2nd year
• Perennial

Anise (Pimpinella anisum), also called Aniseed, is a sweet, aromatic annual in the parsley family.

The leaves and flowers are lacy, delicate, and delicious, and plants can grow 2'-3' tall.

With a fresh licorice flavor, use as you would Tarragon and Fennel in both savory meat and vegetable dishes, salads and dressings, and sweet baked goods, such as biscotti.

Chew the seeds for a natural breath freshener and digestif. Its aromatic seeds are also used for cooking and herbal medicine.

You may be familiar with the anise flavor if you've had absinthe, as anise seeds are the basis for this famous alcoholic beverage. 

As a companion plant, it attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, and repels aphids, cabbage moths, cabbage white fly, cabbage worms, slugs, and snails, but is strangely irresistible to bears, deer, dogs, and mice.

As a medicinal herb, Anise has been used internally to treat bad breath, bloating, constipation, cough, flatulence, hot flashes, indigestion, lack of appetite, migraine headaches, and upset stomach, and externally to treat bronchitis, eye pain, and swelling. 

⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally.

📚 Anise Grow Guide

Amaranthus tricolor, commonly known as Joseph's Coat, is a vibrant and visually striking flowering plant that is often utilized in ornamental gardening. This species is characterized by its broad, colorful leaves that can display a range of hues including red, yellow, and green. The plant typically reaches a height of 2 to 4 feet and can spread up to 3 feet wide, making it a prominent feature in garden landscapes.

One of the notable aspects of Amaranthus tricolor is its adaptability to various soil types. It thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate poor soil conditions, which makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to enhance their landscapes with minimal maintenance. The plant prefers full sun exposure, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to achieve optimal growth and color vibrancy.

In terms of cultivation, Amaranthus tricolor is relatively easy to grow from seeds. The seeds should be sown directly into the garden after the last frost date, as the plant is sensitive to cold temperatures. Germination typically occurs within 7 to 14 days under suitable conditions. Once established, the plant is drought-tolerant, requiring watering only during prolonged dry spells.

From a nutritional perspective, Amaranthus tricolor is not only ornamental but also edible. The young leaves can be harvested and consumed in salads or cooked as a green vegetable, providing a source of vitamins A and C, as well as essential minerals. This dual-purpose nature enhances its appeal for gardeners interested in both aesthetics and food production.

Furthermore, Amaranthus tricolor attracts beneficial insects, such as pollinators, which can enhance the overall health of the garden ecosystem. The flowers, which are small and clustered, bloom throughout the summer and into the fall, providing a continuous source of color and attracting various species of bees and butterflies.

In conclusion, Amaranthus tricolor is a versatile and attractive addition to any garden. Its vibrant foliage, ease of cultivation, and nutritional benefits make it a valuable choice for both ornamental and edible gardening. Gardeners should consider incorporating this plant into their landscapes to enjoy its beauty and contributions to biodiversity.

Health Benefits of Amaranth

Do you have grey hair? Amaranth helps to prevent premature graying, mainly due to the minerals it contains. It helps to lower bad cholesterol and also can reduce inflammation and ease pain.   Especially important for people suffering from diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.  Great for tackling high blood pressure and may even help prevent cancer.  Don't forget it is a wonderful source of protein.  

Ways to Consume Amaranth

Amaranth is a lot like quinoa as far as being a "protein packed" seed.  You can roast, pop, or boil these seeds.  Use as a breakfast cereal, or combine it with other grains.  Amaranth is a wonderful soup thickener because of it's gelatinous quality when cooked.  Cook the leaves of the Amaranth plant, similar to how you would cook/use spinach leaves. 

See Amaranth Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board

• Organic milled Canadian peat and lime added for pH adjustment.
  
  
• Just add water to let the soil expand - then add your seeds - and watch them grow.
  
  
  
  
• When you start plants inside, you raise them to a certain size and then transplant them out into your garden (see transplanting).
  
  
• Starting plants inside is very rewarding.  All you need to do is add water, add your seeds, and watch them grow.
  
  
• Makes seed starting so much easier!
  
  
• Provides shock-free transplantation into your garden, container, or pot.
  
  

By far, the easiest way to start your seeds - indoors! Just add water to let the soil expand - then add your seeds - and watch them grow. When you start plants inside, you raise them to a certain size and then transplant them out into your garden. These soil pods provide "shock-free" transplantation into your garden, container, or pot. THIS WEEK, enter to win 100 FREE Soil Pods & Plant Markers at www.SeedsNow.com/pages/win **Open to US/Canada residents only** Images via @letsmakeamess, @lillwook, @thelox714, @greenzebragardening, @linh_julian, @mikes_homegarden, & @laurajwbakerdesign

A post shared by SeedsNow! (@seeds_now) on Jan 17, 2018 at 6:23am PST