Quantity 10 Seeds

Germination approx. 18 days at 18 °C

Lufa (loofah), Vegetable-sponge seeds (Luffa aegyptiaca)

The loofah is cultivated mainly as a sponge, but the green fruit are also edible and are reminiscent of zucchini. The plant is an annual and with climbing support can reach 15m in height. The male and female yellow flowers appear throughout the growing season and are often visited by bumblebees. The production of sponge is simple if the fruit is ripe the outer skin can be easily separated from the sponge and cleaned well and then dried in the sun. The sponges found in the market are often chemically bleached. Often our friends and neighbors were surprised commenting "we believed it was a sea sponge .."

Soil: rich in humus. Needs plenty of water which should be rich in nutrients.

Light: Full sun

Multiplication: by seed. The black seeds germinate in approx. 2 to 3 weeks. For best performance of the seeds soak for a day in warm water. In cold storage the germinable seeds keep for some years.

In winter: Annual plant.

Uses:

In the kitchen: The green fruits fried or in a wok. You can find many recipes online

In the home: As a bath sponge it gently removes dead skin. Many spas and massage places use loofahs. Also can be used in the kitchen and household for cleaning. (Particularly where steel wool can damage surfaces, quality parquet etc.) The loofah sponge lasts for a long time and can be washed in a dishwasher.

Medicinal: It is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Loofah seeds according to studies reduce the level of blood sugar. In homeopathy it is used in diseases of the respiratory tract and digestive organs.

Quantity  250 Seeds

Germination approx. 20 days at 18 °C

St. John's wort, Artemis seeds (Hypericum perforatum)

The herb St. John's Wort is found in nature on the edges of forests or in dry fields. The adult plant can reach one meter high. It blooms from June to August and is visited by bees and other insects pollen collectors. The leaves of the herb St. John perforatum owe their name to their oil glands. Because of its healing powers it is cultivated too.

Soil: Not suitable for all soils, if they are too acidic. It should be located in a sunny and dry spot in the garden. The roots reach a depth of approx. 50 cm.

Light: Sun

Multiplication: by seeds in spring and autumn.

Winter: Winter hardy in garden

Uses:

In the Home: The leaves contain some red and yellow pigments suitable for coloring.

Medicinal: Good against mild depression and many other effects. Soothing, antispasmodic, expectorant, also helps against migraine and hormonal variations. St. John is said to have aphrodisiac power and increase male potency. It can have dangerous interactions with other medicinal products. Apart from the side effects that occur rarely observed increased photosensitivity to use (increased sun sensitivity). For this reason, St. John's wort should not consumed about 15 days before holidays or a period of intense sun exposure. Do not use during pregnancy

Quantity 50 seeds

Germination 18 days at 20 °C

Common Sage seeds (Salvia officinalis)

Common sage also called garden sage, kitchen sage, true sage. Evergreen shrub in the Mediterranean area reaches heights of up to 80 cm. The purple or pink flowers appear in spring and are very attractive to bees and bumble bees. However, in some cultures the flowers are removed to achieve a higher quality of aromatic leaves. The generic name comes from the Latin "salvare" cure. Therefore it is not surprising that sage in antiquity was a highly regarded herb. "Cur moriatur homo cui Salvia crescit in horto?" Frequently quoted in many books on herbalism.

In addition to its healing properties sage it is especially used in the Mediterranean as a seasoning for beef and fish giving a very special flavor. It is said that sage always dominates and should not be mixed in the dishes with other spices. "Sage is a prima donna, and must appear alone on stage". The sage family is included among the most numerous of all with more than 500 different types.

Soil: For sage to grow well and for its gray matt leaves to emit the aroma it should be kept rather dry in summer. Over watering can destroy a plant that otherwise is very resistant. The soil must be permeable, calcareous, well-drained sandy and if possible.

Light: Sun and shadows: the aroma increases with solar radiation and also helps keep it.

Multiplication: by cuttings 3- 4 weeks directly in a culture substrate until it roots. A good time is early spring or fall. Reproduction by seeds is also possible especially if the seeds are fresh

In winter: In the garden sage tolerates temperatures up to -3 to -5 ° C. although it can also be protected against the harshness of winter by covering it with leaves and weeds. In pots in a cool place (5-10 ° C), with lots of light

Uses: Ornamental plant, also an important feeding ground for bees. Herb and spice

In the kitchen: as a herb for roast, game dishes and fish. A must is to try it with Saltimbocca Alla Romana

In the home: For sweaty feet (foot bath), as bath essence and mixed with rosemary shampoo

Medicinal: In ancient times the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect of sage was well known. In inflammations of the mouth and respiratory tract, colds and flus and toothache sage tea is very effective. It also has an antispasmodic effect, reducing sweating (night sweats), antimicrobial and antiviral. During pregnancy and children should avoid the use of sage.

Quantity  200 Seeds

Germination: aprox. 10 Days at 20ºC

Wild mountain basil, calaminta basil (Calamintha Nepeta)

Mountain calaminta reaches a height of 40 cm, and can live for several years. Found in Africa and southern Europe, wherever there are dry poor soils. It is also found growing against walls. The leaves have a strong minty flavor and are particularly popular in Italian cuisine. The leaves are much smaller than those of conventional mints in Italy it is called "mentuccia" (small mint) or "nepetella". The mountain mint with numerous small white flowers is an excellent feeding place for bees. It blooms from July to October. The wild variant is white but it can also be found with blue flower in the market.

Soil: It likes rock gardens, poor soils. In pots should be permeable, sandy and nutrient poor soil.

Light: Sun or penumbra

Multiplication: by seeds. Germinate after 7-14 days at 20ºC and should be covered with a thin layer of soil or simply pressed into the substrate. Best if pre-cultured in a large window.

In winter: cold-resistant in spring it sprouts from between the rocks. 

Uses:

In the kitchen: In Italy calaminta is often used in marinades for starters, but also goes well with grilled or stewed fish. In the kitchen the small fresh leaves are used. It can also consumed in an infusion which has a camphory aroma.

Medicinal: In the Middle Ages the plant was often used as a healing remedy, but now this is rare. Calaminta infusion appears to have sudoríficas properties, reinforcing the stomach, fever reducer and also against chronic inflammations, since it seems to have some similar antibiotic active substances like camphor. It is also suggested for use in depression. Avoid consumption during pregnancy.

Quantity  500 seeds

Germination: approx. 28 days at 22 °C with light

Common thyme seeds (Thymus vulgaris)

Common thyme, a strong and branched small shrub (of approximately 30cm high) was elected in 2006 as a medicinal plant of the year and comes originally from the south of Europe. The pale pink flowers attract bees. Thyme is a perennial plant that is perfectly suited to rock gardens. The thyme family includes 214 different types according to Wikipedia, and many different types with different leaves, flowers of different color and shape which don’t seem to fit into the same denomination. Common thyme is an excellent seasoning and should not be missing in any garden.

Soil: Fine, permeable soils without humus. In some cases substrate mixed with sand and gravel. In garden it does not need a fertilizer.

Light: direct sunlight.

Multiplication: Cuttings can be taken throughout the year (not flowering period). Large plants can be divided in autumn. Another way to multiply vegetatively is covering some branches with sand which roots after about 4 weeks. Thyme can also be multiplied by seeds, germination takes approx. 4 weeks temperatures of about 22°C

In winter: Sensitive to frost. In the garden you will have to protect it from the cold. In pots in a cool place with lots of light

Uses:

In the kitchen: Use cautiously, dried thyme has a strong flavor. Thyme is good for meat, game, but also in traditional stew it is very tasty. Often found in meats, sausages

Medicinal: The list of uses is long. Thyme is antibacterial, stimulant, disinfectant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antifungal, stimulating appetite, and soothing. An infusion of thyme can be used for colds, flu and gum inflammation, cystitis, flatulence, slight diarrhea, menstrual disorders and hormonal changes. Externally it can be used in eczema, blisters and inflamed wounds. So far no known side effects.

Quantity  30 Seeds

Germination approx. 14 days at 18 °C 

Common Comfrey, true comfrey seeds (Symphytum officinale)

Common comfrey also called comfrey can become a bush of a height of about 1 meter and last for several years. During the flowering period its purple flowers attract many bees. Flowering is from May to September. In the wild comfrey grows on moist banks of rivers or extensions. It is a useful medicinal plant and in the garden, it can be used as fertilizer for its rich content of nitrogen and potassium. In addition, comfrey helps in the rapid rooting of cuttings.

Soil: It likes soil rich in nutrients. For cultivation in pots, they must be very large because the main root is usually very long. In the garden the shrub grows very well and can live for up to 20 years. It grows best with applications of a nitrogen fertilizer.

Light: Sunny to semi-shade.

Multiplication: From root cuttings the plant can grow well vegetatively, although the multiplication by seed also works. Sow in March and April in the garden or on a windowsill in March and the seedlings can be transplanted into the garden in May.

Winter: Winter hardy.

Uses: in the garden as fertilizer and biological help in rooting of cuttings

In the kitchen: Comfrey leaves are high in protein and can be used to make cake mixture (Swiss recipe)

Medicine: Comfrey is recognized as a medicinal plant for healing poorly healed wounds (not open), skin problems, fractures, rheumatism, blister and cardinals also be used externally. Not to be used internally consoles because they are high in pyrrolizidina alkaloids which are toxic to the liver and can cause mutations, although in some writings low levels of these alkaloids are considered safe.

Quantity  50 Seeds

Germination approx. 24 days at 18 °C

Saponaria, soapwort, soapweed seeds (Saponaria officinalis)

In the wild we find the saponaria frequently on banks and in meadows. Because of its components it has often been used in the past as soap and museums still exist today that use the saponaria extract to clean delicate items. The plant reaches height of approx. 70 cm and blooms in July, August, September and October. Besides the flowers give off a pleasant scent in the evening and it in this period when they are visited by moths, bees and wasps.

Soil: nutrient-rich moist soil, in the wild it is found in sandy soils or limestone.

Light: direct sun or semi-shade

Multiplication: separating vegetative rhizome plant works well in the garden. Multiplication by seeds also works very well.

Winter: Winter hardy, it does not need special protection

Uses:

In the home: it can be used as detergent, crushed parts of the plant (leaves and roots) in water and mixed with a mixer or blender, creating a thick foam. Used as soap or skin care can reduce itching and soften the skin and hair

Medicinal: Even before the Middle Ages the plant (usually the roots and rhizome) was used by Arab physicians externally for fungal infections caused by eczema or even leprosy. Fungi "athlete's foot" substantially improves with daily foot baths and poultices for different body parts. In the Middle Ages it was also used against coughs, bronchitis and other diseases of the upper respiratory system. In addition, the internally it is effective as a diuretic and anti rheumatic.

However, this plant is somewhat toxic and overdose can occur diarrhea and vomiting. The maximum daily dose of dried roots should not exceed 1.5 grams.

Quantity  250 Seeds

Germination approx. 20 days at 18 °C with light
 

Oregano, wild marjoram seeds (Origanum vulgare)

Oregano comes originally from the Mediterranean area and is used in local cuisine, it is the special characteristic of the pizza but is also valued for its medicinal qualities. Oregano is an herb that lives several years and grows up to 20-70 cm. The stems and leaves often covered by a fine fuzz. The pollination of flowers (June to September) is carried out by bees and butterflies. Best harvested at the end of the period of flowering, when the Oregano has its best flavor. It is best to collect and hang it upside down in bunches to dry in an airy, dark place

Soil: rocky and hard soils. Avoid waterlogged soils.

Light: warm and sunny places.

Multiplication: By burying new side sprouts. By seeds it requires little care, in April better in open ground or in February in a window. Germination temperature between 16-20 degrees and with light for 2 to 3 weeks.

In winter: Best in open ground in very cold weather can be covered with weeds

Uses:

In the kitchen: Oregano is a classic herb in Mediterranean cuisine, softens any tomato sauce and is well known for its use in pizza. It also goes well with lamb, cooking on the grill for vegetables pies

In the home:

Medicinal: as a component of a mixture of herbs against convulsions and stomach and intestinal problems. Also stimulates the appetite, as a draining activator of bile and an expectorant.

Quantity  60 Seeds

Germination approx. 21 days at 20 °C 

Rue, herb of grace seeds (Ruta graveolens)

This plant can reach one meter comes from the south of Europe and has always been known as a medicinal plant and a condiment. It has a bluish green leaves. The plant flowers in July, August and September with many yellow flowers. It is especially in this period when the plant can cause serious skin allergies.

Soils: Poor soils and it does not grow well in pots if the soil is too acidic.

Light: Medium shade or direct sunlight.

Multiplication: by cuttings or seeds in open ground or pots. Planting in April, germinates slowly.

In winter: only withstands temperatures of zero degrees for a short period of time. Therefore it must be protected in winter and then it sprouts again in spring. In pots a light, cool place away from heat sources. 

Uses:

In the kitchen: Only use in small amounts because it has an intense musky taste. The ancient Roman prized it as a condiment. Two leaves in the Grappa give a special aroma. It is also used in a special vinegar herbs suitable for fish. It also goes well with game.

In the home: The essential oil is used in perfume industry. A twig hanging in the kitchen or pantry keeps ants away from the food.

Medicinal: Formerly rue was used as a universal cure for many diseases and poisoning. But it also has a number of side effects that make you finally have doubts about using it as a medicinal herb. Some negative effects include photosensitivity, affects the liver and kidneys, melancholy, sleep disruption, fatigue. Not under any circumstances to be used during pregnancy.

Quantity  60 Seeds

Germination approx. 21 days at 20°C 

Rosemary seeds (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary "dew of the sea" because of its many uses in cooking and easy to grow, should not be lacking in any herb garden. It has been used as seasoning and a medicinal herb since ancient times.

In Italy it is known as "memory herb", probably due to its positive effect on the spirit, but we must also stress its antiseptic effect. Besides a healthy evergreen with some what strange needle leaves makes it an attractive garden plant. It can reach up to two meters in height. In spring the plant has a beautiful blue flowers (there are also some species with purple flowers or roses) and is visited by bees. In soil it grows obviously much better than in a pot. According to my observations the crawling variants' have more essential oils and thus grow more slowly.

Soil: It is best in calcareous soil, therefore do not use pure peat substrate. Egg shells are a nice addition to improve the substrate in a normal soil. Fungi in the soil can easily destroy a plant in especially the greener parts. Recently, I also discovered a wild variant in Spain with long thin needles growing among granite rocks without lime.

Light: Adapts well in the less light.

Multiplication: The plants grow best in spring and can reach 30 cm high. Multiplication by cuttings work best in spring planted in pots or in the ground and avoiding direct sunlight for two to four weeks, until they root sufficiently. Seed reproduction is possible even slower, seeds need a temperature above 20 ° C for germination. 

Winter: In pots in cool, dry locations. Many species tolerate frosts, there are even species in the northern areas that stand the cold wintry temperatures up to 20º C below zero.

Uses: Can be used fresh or dry for its essential oils. These oils on contact with air and react chemically and will make any unpleasant taste taste nice. The plant does not mind if branches in small quantities are taken during the year. However, if you must use dried rosemary, take small twigs, dry them and chop just before use.

In the kitchen: Due to its qualities to improve the digestion of fat rosemary it is great for cooking all meats and roasts (especially lamb and pork) and stews. The edible flowers also can be used perfectly in salads. It is also delicious with bacon or fried potatoes with onions, spices and rosemary. In Italy in the Pizza bianca ( pizza baked in the oven with olive oil, coarse salt and rosemary).

Recommendation: The dried stems can be used as skewers on the grill.

In the home: it keep moths away from clothing, and you can hang laundry to dry on the bushes. During the Plague people hung bags of dried rosemary or inhaled the fumes. Even though this did not directly effect the plague, it resulted in the transmitters of the disease (rat fleas) staying away.

Medicinal: For indigestion, depression, muscle or nerve pain and hair loss.