Medicinal Herbs Garden Pack

Chamomile, German
Planting Depth: 1/8 inch Spacing after Thinning: 6 inches The seeds are tiny and do well started indoors. When the fragile plants are large enough to handle, transplant into light, dry soil that receives partial to full sun. This low growing, four to eight inch tall plant produces white flowers and makes a lovely ground cover or flowerbed border. Although it is a hardy annual, it will easily re-seed itself. The plant is very hardy. Used in teas, hair products and in potpourri. Historically, its flowers were dried and used as a medicinal tea to aid in digestion and also to strengthen the immune system.

Valerian
Valerian is a robust perennial herb steeped in centuries of medicinal tradition. Thriving under the embrace of full sun and in well-drained, moist soils, this resilient plant has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Native to the temperate regions of Europe and Asia, Valerian, also affectionately known as All Heal and Garden Heliotrope, also grows well in cooler climates. Sow valerian seed in cell packs or flats in the late winter to early spring. Press the seeds into soil and barely cover. Kept at 70° F. germination is in 21-28 days. Transplant seedlings 1-1.5 ft. apart. The Victory Seed Company does not advocate medical self-diagnosis or self-medication. Reference to the medicinal properties of plants are described here for educational and historical purposes only and are not to be construed as a prescription, prognosis or diagnosis for any disease or illness. As with any remedies or medicines, you should consult your personal health care provider before using.

Echinacea - Purple Coneflower
Germination Time: 10 to 20 days Plant Height: 24 to 30 inches Planting Depth: 2X seed diameter Spacing after Thinning: 12 inches Sow the seed in early spring through summer, up until two months before first fall frost. Choose an area that receives full sun and has rich soil. If the seeds are cold conditioned moist for about 2 weeks, germination will improve. The flowers can be enjoyed cut, dried with the petals removed, and has also gained popularity for its medicinal properties.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
Plant Height: 24 inches Planting Depth: 2X seed diameter Spacing after Thinning: 24 inches Sow the seeds indoors in the early spring. It is an easy to grow herb and germinates well. It has been historically used since ancient times for its medicinal properties to treat common colds. It reportedly has anti-viral and expectorant properties and was used as a gargle or in lozenge form to relieve sore throats and coughing. Mentioned in the Bible in Exodus 12:22, John 19:29 and Hebrews 9:19 It has a flavor similar to mint and a small amount can be used in salads and other dishes.

Lavender, English
Plant Height: 24 inches Planting Depth: 2 times seed diameter Spacing after Thinning: 36 inches The seeds can be directly sown into the garden from late fall to late winter and allowed to weather through a cold period. You can also start indoors at 68F keeping them moist until germination occurs. If nothing appears, in 3 to 4 weeks, cold condition them at 24-39F for 2 to 4 weeks and then return to 68F. Enjoyed freshly cut or dried. Dried lavender flowers are used as a moth repellent. When in bloom, the sweet smelling blossoms attract butterflies and repel deer. It can be used in a moon garden to add texture and fragrance.

Horehound
Choose a location that has a good southern exposure, can tolerate dry and poor soil. Horehound is best sown 3 weeks before your last frost. Plant 2-3 seeds per plant, 1/4" deep with 10" spacing between plants and do not over-water the Horehound plant. It likes to dry out in-between watering. Like many other seeds, Horehound seeds are dormant which will need to be broken through cold stratification. Horehound is native to Europe and Britain where is is commonly found along roadsides and in waste places. The perennial plants are bushy and grow one to two feet in height. The leaves are gray, wrinkled, woolly and exhibit an interesting, musky, wormwood scent with a bitter taste. Dried leaves are teas, desserts, and baking whereas the fresh plant is best for making candies and lozenges. Horehound is hardy and easily grown. Choose a location that receives full sun with well-drained soil. It thrives in dry, poor ground.

Marshmallow
For direct sowing in the fall: plant in late fall sowing 5-6 seeds per plant just below the surface soil spaced 18-24" apart. For spring starting: mix the seeds with moist sand and store it in the refrigerator for 60 days before direct sowing, or planting indoors. To start indoors, sow seeds in flats or individual peat pots keeping the soil lightly moist and at a temperature of 80-85° until germination. Keep the seedlings evenly moist and transplant outdoors when the weather warms.

Olympic Mullein
Mullein seeds are dormant and need a cold period to wake up. Direct sow seeds outdoors in fall for spring germination or start indoors after a 4-6 week cold stratification. Mullein seeds require light to germinate. Sow seeds 8-12" apart on the soil surface and press lightly to settle. Transplant seedlings outdoors after frost danger. Thin seedlings to 20-24" apart Olympic Mullein is big, reaching heights of 6-10 feet and 2-4 feet wide. Short-lived with generous seed production, attracts a host of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. Biennial, that produces a rosette of basal leaves, and the following year a huge 3-6' spike ending in a candelabra of yellow blossoms. USDA Hardiness zones 3-8.