Medicinal Herbs Garden Pack

Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a somewhat tender perennial herb that prefers moist, partially shaded, rich soil. The base of a wall or near a downspout is a good location for them. It reaches 18 to 24 inches tall. It is easily propagated from seed or from cuttings. The seed coats can be hard so germinates best if done in pots where you can control moisture. The optimal germination temperature is 68F. Sprinkle the seeds on the surface and using a misting bottle, wet them into the soil. Keep moist until established. Germination can take 21 days. Keep plants mulched and moist, especially during the hottest times of summer. Harvest the leaves before the plant flowers for the best fragrance. Dry quickly and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place.

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.

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.

Yarrow, White
Plant Height – 24 inches Yarrow is a hardy perennial plant that is grown from seed or division. Press the small seed firmly into growing medium. Soil temperatures of 78 to 80ºF are best. Light promotes germination. Space plants twelve to eighteen inches apart so that they are not crowded. Best grown in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. This plant derives its botanical name from the ancient story of how Achilles, during the Trojan War, used the leaves of the plant to stop the bleeding of his fellow soldiers.

Rue
For optimal results, start by sowing Rue seeds 1/4 to 3/8 inches deep in cells or flats approximately 7 weeks before the last frost. Keep the soil moist and warm, ideally within the range of 60-70°F. When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin or transplant them to larger cells. Grow Rue indoors until they reach several inches in height, and then transplant them outdoors. Space seedlings 12" apart in the North and 24" apart in the South, with rows set 18" apart. To directly sow them outdoors, wait until all threat of frost is past, and directly sow 6-12 seeds per foot, 1/4 to 3/8" deep. Space rows 18" apart. Thin to 12-24" apart once they've reached 3" tall. 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.

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.

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.