Seed Department

Purple Chili Pepper 'Purple Thai' (Capsicum annuum)

32 SEK

Thai basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora)

28 SEK

Stevia / Candyleaf (Stevia rebaudiana)

32 SEK

<h4 data-mce-fragment="1">SEEDS (20pcs/bag)</h4> Common names: Stevia, <meta charset="utf-8">Candyleaf, Sweetleaf, Sugarleaf Scientific name: Stevia rebaudiana Family: Asteraceae <h4 data-mce-fragment="1">Plant history & use:</h4> Stevia has <meta charset="utf-8">for centuries been used for its sweetening properties, i.a. in South America to sweeten teas. The plant's sweetness comes from the substances stevioside and rebaudioside and is approximately 200 times sweeter than regular sugar. The leaves are used either fresh or dried, powdered or in liquid form. Suitable for sweetening teas and pastries. Or as a snack. <h4 data-mce-fragment="1">Cultivation:</h4> Stevia is a perennial, heat-loving herb that grows to around 60 cm tall. Grows preferably in bright positions and in moist and well-drained soil. For year-round harvest, the plant is overwintered frost-free. It is said that you should harvest the leaves early in the morning to obtain the highest possible glycoside content in the leaves. Sowing: Sow the seeds on top of moist seed starting soil and lightly press the seeds down against the soil surface. Cover the pot with the seeds with plastic provided with small aerating holes. Keep the soil moist. Characteristics: Lifespan: Perennial Location: Sun Height: 60 cm Germination Time: 10-30 days USDA Zone: 8-11

Black Mulberry (Morus nigra)

24 SEK

SEEDS (50 pcs/bag) Common name: Black mulberry, Black mulberry tree Scientific name: Morus nigra Family: Moraceae Plant history & use: Mulberry trees are among our oldest cultivated plants. The black mulberry tree, like the white variety, <a href="https://tradgardsdags.nu/products/vitt-mullbar-morus-alba" title="White mulberry (Morus alba)" data-mce-href="https://tradgardsdags.nu/products/vitt-mullbar-morus-alba" target="_blank">Morus alba</a>, originates from West Asia – however, the black mulberry tree arrived in Europe a few hundred years before the white one. The earliest known finds of the black mulberry tree date back to around 300 BC. It is possible that Morus nigra originates somewhat further southwest (closer to Europe) in West Asia than its relative Morus alba, which may explain why Morus nigra has slightly less hardiness in cold climates than its relative. Traditionally, the black mulberry was used to make wine and cosmetics – thanks to its high concentration of anthocyanins which give the berry its deep dark color. But the berries were also grown for fresh consumption. Unlike the white mulberry tree’s fruits, which can vary in color, the black mulberry tree’s fruits are always black when ripe. The black mulberry is also more tart. The berries are rich in antioxidants and are believed, like tea made from mulberry leaves, to help balance blood sugar levels. This is thanks to the content of the substance MFE which stabilizes blood sugar levels and thus reduces the body's craving for sweets. Therefore, mulberries are a common substitute for those who want to overcome sugar cravings. Due to the berries’ unusually high nutritional content, mulberries, like <a href="https://tradgardsdags.nu/collections/froavdelning/products/gojibar-bocktorne-lycium-barbarum" title="Goji (Lycium barbarum)" data-mce-fragment="1" data-mce-href="https://tradgardsdags.nu/collections/froavdelning/products/gojibar-bocktorne-lycium-barbarum" target="_blank">goji berry</a>, are considered a so-called "superfood". Besides mulberry wine, you can also make juice and jam from the berries. <meta charset="utf-8">You can brew a healthy tea from the leaves, which has historically been drunk in China and has recently started to become popular again in Asia. Cultivation: Withstands temperatures down to -25°C. The tree can grow in most soils but thrives best in loose, nutrient-rich soils. Hardy in windy coastal climates but optimal growth occurs in warm, sheltered locations. Well suited as a trellis tree since the branches are easily bendable. Mulberry trees also do well in forest gardens as they are a popular host plant for many organisms and provide recurring harvests without much care, while also protecting plants in the lower layers. Mulberries are self-fertile, meaning only one tree is needed to bear fruit. Prune in winter when the tree is dormant to avoid excessive "bleeding," which is otherwise a common trait of mulberry plants. The berries ripen continuously from mid-summer to early autumn. The berries are harvested when their color changes from red to coal black. A tip is to pick the berries with a needle to avoid crushing them between your fingers. Sowing: Mulberry seeds germinate best if given a cold period of 2-3 months. To induce this, mix the seeds with a small amount of sand/peat/seed soil and place in a plastic bag in the fridge for the above period. Check regularly if any seeds have sprouted in the bag. When the cold period is over, gently spread the contents of the bag in a pot with soil. Alternatively, sow outdoors in February in a glass-covered seed bed or greenhouse. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for the seeds to germinate. However, some seeds may need up to 12 months before they sprout. Characteristics: Lifespan: Perennial Growing position: sun Height: 5-10 m Germination time: 1-12 months Growing zone: 1-4

Somborka pepper / Somborckina (Capsicum annuum)

32 SEK

Thai Chili Pepper 'Bird's Eye' (Capsicum annuum)

32 SEK

Thai Eggplant (Solanum melongena)

32 SEK

Green Shiso / Leaf mint (Perilla frutescens)

32 SEK

SEEDS (30pcs/bag) Common Names : Green Shiso, Leaf Mint, Chinese Mint, Veripeippi, Sesame Sauvage, Schwarznessel, Wilder Sesam, Beefsteak Plant, Shiso Zoku, Bai Su Zi Scientific name : Perilla frutescens Family : Lamiaceae Plant history & use : Shiso, or Spearmint as the herb is called in Swedish, originates from the Far East: Korea, Japan, China, etc. Its natural habitat is from the Himalayas to eastern Asia where it often grows wild in moist, open woodland. Both seeds, leaves and young shoots/plants are used as a spice. The taste may be considered unfamiliar to Western palates at first, some people detect cinnamon, others coriander or citrus. Shoots or young plants are added to salads, while older leaves are often used as a garnish or seasoning. However, the uses of Shiso are wide-ranging. Larger leaves can be used to wrap bulgogi , a Korean beef dish. Leaves from purple-colored Shiso varieties are used in Japan to color and flavor pickles: e.g. ginger and plum. Older leaves can also be salted and used to flavor tofu and as a garnish for tempura . Since the leaves have a "curry-like" flavor, they are an ingredient in many soups and stews. It is also common to make dishes with steamed Shiso leaves, e.g. Perilla Leaf Kimchi . The leaves can also be dried for later use. Unopened flower buds are used as a garnish for soups and other dishes, eaten fresh in salads, pickled (like <a href="https://tradgardsdags.nu/products/kapris-capparis-spinosa" title="Caper seeds (Capparis spinosa)" style="color: #4e991d;" rel="noopener" target="_blank">capers</a> ) or stir-fried with other vegetables . The seeds can be sprinkled over salads and dishes. They are one of the ingredients in the well-known spice mixtures 'Shichimi' and 'Seven Spice'. Energy bars are also made with Shiso seeds. It is the seeds from the <a rel="noopener" style="color: #4e991d;" title="Seeds for Red Shiso / Spearmint (Perilla frutescens var. crispa)" href="https://tradgardsdags.nu/products/rod-shiso-bladmynta-perilla-frutescens" target="_blank">red-colored Shiso varieties</a> that are preferred for culinary use. U From the seeds, you can also extract so-called perilla oil , which is used in industrial contexts - for example, in perfumery and dental care products, as well as in the paper and paint industries. However, the oil is also used for culinary purposes as a flavoring for sweets and various sauces. From the seeds, you can also extract an oil that is effectively used to treat wood, similar to linseed oil. The seeds contain approximately 21.5% protein, 43.4% fat, 11.3% carbohydrate, 4.4% minerals of various kinds. The seeds of Shison are also rich in linolenic acid (ALA). Shiso is a valued medicinal plant in oriental medicine, where it is described as a pungent, aromatic and warming herb. Both the leaves, stems and seeds are used . The leaves are used in the treatment of colds, respiratory infections, vomiting, abdominal pain, etc. (Yeung. Him-Che.). The seeds are antiasthmatic, cough suppressant, emollient and expectorant. The juice from the leaves is applied to cuts and wounds (Manandhar. NP). Extracts from the plant are used internally in the treatment of asthma, colds and chills, nausea, abdominal pain, food poisoning and allergic reactions (especially those from shellfish), bronchitis and constipation (Duke. JA and Ayensu. ES). The stems are a traditional Chinese remedy for morning sickness (Bown. D.). Extracts of the herb have recently begun to be used in the Western world, against certain allergies and as an alternative to antibiotics and cortisone. In the last 20 years or so, there has been interest in the herb's effect on asthma (Almark L. & Flising L. - Swedish Herbal Society). Cultivation : Does best in a light, moisture-retaining soil in a sunny location. Shison is not frost-resistant so it needs to be overwintered frost-free if you want to grow it as a perennial. Otherwise, it is suitable for growing as an annual due to its high growth rate. Easy to grow, like most other plants in the Lamiaceae family: <a style="color: #4e991d;" href="https://tradgardsdags.nu/search?q=Lamiaceae" title="Search results for Lamiaceae - Garden day" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Greek Mountain Tea, Holy Basil, Tree Basil, Thai Basil, Lemon Basil</a> . <a href="https://tradgardsdags.nu/pages/vaxtzoner-svenska-usda-europa" title="Growing zones - Swedish zones & USDA zones in Sweden and the rest of the world" rel="noopener" target="_blank">USDA zone</a> is stated to be 7-10. The approximate translation from USDA zone 7-8 to our Swedish system is growing zone 1-2. However, since the systems are not measured in the same way, they are not directly translatable. Experiments can be done at your own risk, there is a chance that the roots of the plants can overwinter in the mildest parts of the country, even if the above-ground part freezes during the winter. Sowing : Pre-cultivate indoors, or sow outdoors in late spring when the soil is warm. The seeds are light-germinating - therefore cover the seeds with an extremely thin layer of soil or do not cover at all. Keep the seeds moist.<meta charset="utf-8"> One way to maintain good humidity is to cover the seed with plastic with air holes. Optimal germination temperature is 18-25 °C. Features : Annuality: Perennial in warmer climates, otherwise annual Growing position: sun Height: 60-100 cm Germination time: 5-15 days <a data-mce-fragment="1" rel="noopener" title="Growing zones - Swedish zones & USDA zones in Sweden and the rest of the world" href="https://tradgardsdags.nu/pages/vaxtzoner-svenska-usda-europa" target="_blank">USDA zone</a> : 7-10

Noni (Morinda citrifolia)

32 SEK

SEEDS (10pcs/bag) <div title="Page 2" class="page"> <div class="section"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column"> Common names: Noni, Indian Mulberry, Indian Svovltræ Scientific name: Morinda citrifolia Family: Rubiaceae Plant history & use: The noni tree is mainly known as a medicinal plant. The plant originates from Southeast Asia but has spread across the Pacific region via ancient Polynesian sailors. Various parts of the plant, such as fruit, leaves, roots and rhizome have been used in traditional Polynesian medicine for over 2000 years. The fruit is also rich in antioxidants and is considered to strengthen the immune system. Noni juice is a popular product on the market thanks to its reputed health benefits. The fruit has a very mild taste before it reaches full maturity and is eaten in Asia & Polynesia either raw with salt, as an addition to salads or cooked in various curries. The leaves are also added to various curries prepared with coconut milk. Roasted seeds can be eaten as is. You can also press fresh seeds to extract oil. During times of famine, Nonin's various plant parts are often eaten as a staple food as it grows luxuriantly in its natural environment. For this reason, Noni is sometimes referred to as "starvation food". <div class="page" title="Page 2"> <div class="section"> <div class="layoutArea"> <div class="column"> Natural dyes are also extracted from the plant. The bark from the trunk is used in Java to make batik. In Hawaii, yellow dyes from the root are used to dye clothes. Culture: Use a well-drained and loamy soil. Fertilize with compost. </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="column"> Able to grow in both sun and partial shade. Drought resistant when the plant is well rooted. Cultivated as "edible hedge" in its natural environment. Harvest fruits when soft and white. Sowing: Soak the seeds 1 day in advance. Sow in moist soil and preferably cover the seed with plastic with small air holes in it to maintain even moisture. Characteristics: Age: Perennial Plant position: sun / partial shade Height: 3-6 meters Germination time: 4-6 weeks </div> </div> </div> </div>

Papaya 'HOLLAND' (Carica papaya)

32 SEK

SEEDS (15pcs/bag) <div data-mce-fragment="1" class="page" title="Page 2"> <div data-mce-fragment="1" class="section"> <div data-mce-fragment="1" class="layoutArea"> <div data-mce-fragment="1" class="column"> Common name: Papaya 'HOLLAND' Scientific name: Carica papaya Family: Caricaceae Plant history & use: The 'HOLLAND' papaya variety is known as one of the tastiest and sweetest varieties of papaya. It has a red, juicy flesh inside and a mild, balanced flavor. <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta charset="utf-8"> Papaya is a fruit that originates from Central America and the Caribbean. It has a sweet and fruity taste and a soft and juicy texture. Papaya usually grows in warm climates and is one of the most widely grown fruits in tropical countries. Papaya has a unique taste that is reminiscent of a mix of melon and passion fruit. <meta charset="utf-8"> Papaya is most often eaten as a fruit salad or as part of smoothies and fruit juices. You can also make a salad by grating the green, unripe fruit, like carrots. Papaya fruit also contains high levels of vitamin C, folate, and the antioxidant beta-carotene. The papaya tree has an almost cress-like aroma that is found in almost all parts of the plant - leaves, stem, fruit skin and seeds, as well as the unripe fruits. You could almost think that it is a large cress plant with fruit. However, the taste is not noticeable in the fully ripe fruits. Papaya and its plant parts have long been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes. Papaya seeds have been used for digestive problems, and the sap from the tree has been used to treat parasitic infections due to its antiparasitic properties. Papaya sap has also been used as an anesthetic . <div data-mce-fragment="1" title="Page 2" class="page"> <div data-mce-fragment="1" class="section"> <div data-mce-fragment="1" class="layoutArea"> <div data-mce-fragment="1" class="column"> Culture: The papaya tree is one of the fastest growing fruit trees in its natural tropical environment, where it bears fruit as early as 4-6 months after planting. The papaya tree thrives best in warm, humid environments. In Sweden, the climate is not as permissive, but when grown in greenhouses and thanks to papaya's fast-growing properties, it is probably the easiest tropical fruit to harvest within a short period of 1-2 years. <meta charset="utf-8"> Use a well-drained soil with a high level of organic matter. Provide plenty of water during fruit formation. Natural fertilizer is recommended as early as 4-6 weeks after seed germination. Sowing: The seeds are easy to sow and grow quickly. Place the seeds in the soil with the tip down and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water regularly and keep the soil moist but not wet. Features: </div> <div data-mce-fragment="1" class="column"> </div> <div data-mce-fragment="1" class="column"> Year: Perennial </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-mce-fragment="1" class="column"> Growing position: full sun Height: 2-10 meters Germination time: 2-6 weeks </div> </div> </div> </div>

Flowering dogwood (Cornus kousa var. chinensis)

32 SEK

SEEDS (10 pcs/bag) Common name: Flowering Dogwood, Chinese Flowering Dogwood Scientific name: Cornus kousa var. chinensis Family: Cornaceae Plant history & use: Flowering Dogwood is a dense, small bush tree originating from Northeast Asia. In spring, it produces numerous bright white flowers that brighten shaded areas in the garden. At the end of summer, the tree bears peculiar pink-red edible fruits about 2-3 cm in diameter. These fruits can be made into jam or baked into pies. In Asia, they are also used to make juice and fermented into wine. The bark on thicker trunks flakes off, creating a beautiful pattern of varied colors. The leaves of the tree also turn a beautiful bright red/orange color in autumn. Cultivation: <meta charset="utf-8">Flowering Dogwood is a deciduous tree that thrives well in most parts of Sweden. The tree is relatively long-lived (50-150 years) and hardy against cold climates. Unlike many plants, Flowering Dogwood does well in shady locations. It also prefers to be sheltered from wind. When grown in direct sun, the tree tends to produce more fruits, but smaller in size. An ideal growing place for Flowering Dogwood is under one or more taller deciduous trees – which provide shade and add organic material to the soil – surrounded by additional vegetation in various layers. This contributes to the moist, wind-sheltered, and partly shaded environment in which Flowering Dogwood grows best. The tree’s bright flowering can also brighten an otherwise shady "grove." Flowering Dogwood has low care needs and yields large recurring harvests every year. For the above reasons, Flowering Dogwood is an excellent tree to have in a food forest. If you do not have such a place in your growing area, a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade also works well. Sowing: These seeds germinate best if given a cold period of 3-4 months. But first, the seeds should be soaked in warm water for 1-2 days. Then mix the seeds with a small amount of sand/peat/seed soil and place in a plastic bag in the fridge for the above period. Check regularly if any seed has sprouted in the bag. When the cold period is over, gently spread the contents of the bag in a pot with soil. With this method, germination can take a couple of months. Alternatively, sow outdoors in autumn and protect the sowing from birds or other animals that might disturb it. With this method, the seeds germinate in spring. Characteristics: Lifespan: Perennial Growing position: shade/partial shade Height: 1-3 m Germination time: 1-12 months Hardiness zone: 1-3

Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

52 SEK

<h4 data-mce-fragment="1">SEEDS (5pcs/bag)</h4> Common names: Korean Ginseng, Asian (Korean, Chinese, Japanese) Ginseng, Rénshēn, Insam, Ninjin Scientific name: Panax ginseng Family: Araliaceae <h4 data-mce-fragment="1">Plant history & use:</h4> Panax ginseng , also known as Korean Ginseng, has a long and rich history as an important herb in traditional Asian medicine. Its medicinal properties and adaptogenic abilities have made it popular worldwide for its potential health benefits. This plant is considered an adaptogen, meaning it can help the body adapt to stress and promote balanced and healthy physical and mental health. Korean Ginseng is often used to improve stamina, reduce fatigue and boost cognitive functions. <meta charset="utf-8"> Korean Ginseng is often used in various dietary supplements. Its roots have long been sought after for their health-promoting abilities and are also used dried in the form of tea, extract and powder. Ginseng tea is considered calming and can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality. <h4>Cultivation:</h4> Korean Ginseng is a perennial plant that thrives best in shady and moist environments. To mimic its natural habitat, it should be grown in a well-drained, moist soil with a pH level of around 5.5 to 6.5. It also prefers to grow in a cooler environment and can therefore thrive in shady areas, e.g. under trees and bushes. To visualize its optimal environment, think: ground vegetation in a forest grove. Korean Ginseng is very cold-resistant and can survive the winter in our Nordic climate. Plants are generally slow growing, but they can live to be over 100 years old. Harvesting of roots is usually done after year 4, which is also the year that plants usually flower and set seed. Of course, you can also wait to harvest even longer. <h4 data-mce-fragment="1">Sowing:</h4> <h4><a> </a></h4> <a></a><meta charset="utf-8">Place seeds in sand/sowing soil. Start by keeping the seed warm and moist at around +18 to +22°C for 2-4 weeks. Then you give the seed to a cold period (the fridge works well) for another 4-6 weeks. You can also consider sowing outdoors in the open field, in cold benches or cold greenhouses. This has proven successful even as late as March, April and May. Germination can take anywhere from 3 to 18 months. It must be a long and irregular process, but also an exciting one. <h4 data-mce-fragment="1">Characteristics:</h4> Lifespan: Perennial Location: Shady & moist Height: 30-60 cm Germination Time: 3-18 months

Luffa / Sponge gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca)

28 SEK

SEEDS (15 pcs/bag) Common names: Luffa, Sponge gourd, Wash sponge gourd, Bath sponge vine Scientific name: Luffa aegyptiaca Family: Cucurbit family History & use: Grown and used since the 3rd century in the Roman Empire. Young fruits were eaten, mature fruits were used as bath sponges. The luffa sponge was until WWII the most used sponge in the USA. The young, green fruit is eaten as a vegetable similar to common cucumber. Quite early in the fruit’s life, it begins to form a distinct fibrous structure inside. On a fully ripe fruit, the skin easily peels off from the fibrous inside, resulting in a nearly perfect sponge that can be used just like our usual household sponges – for washing dishes, in the bathroom, or as a cleaning sponge. An advantage of using a luffa sponge is that it stays fresh significantly longer than a "regular" synthetic sponge. If you cut the luffa sponge lengthwise so you can turn it inside out, you can use the more textured inside as a stronger scrub and the smoother outside as a gentler scrub. Edible younger shoots, leaves, and flowers – a common way is to "stir-fry" leaves and shoots in a little soy sauce and other Asian sauces. Seeds left over after harvesting mature luffa can be roasted and eaten like pumpkin seeds. The fibers running along the edges of the fruit are durable and can be used as cords, for example, to tie up other plants. <meta charset="utf-8">The flowers are bright yellow and have a lovely scent. Cultivation: <meta charset="utf-8">The sponge gourd prefers a sunny spot with good water supply. It grows best in places with sunlight all day. If you have a greenhouse, it is a perfect place for the sponge gourd. Thrives best in humus-rich, well-drained, and nutrient-rich soil. Regular feeding is preferred. Give plenty of space for climbing for optimal growth. At first, the fruit is firm in shape and green in color. The fruit is edible when it is about 10 cm long. Shortly after that, a fibrous structure begins to form inside the skin, making the fruit unsuitable for eating purposes. When the fruit becomes lighter and the skin starts to feel looser against the inside, and the color turns yellow to brownish, the fruit is ready to be harvested. Preferably harvest the fruits before they turn completely brown and the skin becomes very dry, as it can be difficult to peel the fruits without damaging the inside otherwise. Pinch off the fruits from the vine and let them dry for another day before soaking them for a couple of hours to ease the removal of the skin. Do not soak longer than 1 day as bacterial growth may occur. Remove seeds by opening the bottom of the fruit and shaking them out. Peel. Rinse the luffa sponge with water to remove loose plant debris. Lay out to dry again – outdoors in the sun protected from rain works excellently. If you still let the fruits remain on the plant until they are completely brown and dry, it is easiest to remove the skin with a regular kitchen knife after soaking. If frost risk approaches and your fruits still do not look ready, an early harvest is recommended anyway, as repeated frost exposure damages foliage and fruits can suffer from rot. Pinch off the fruits and hang them indoors with the skin on to dry. When you see the skin go from firm to loose (slightly shriveled appearance) and the color shifts to brownish, it is time to open the skin. Fruits can reach 75 cm under favorable conditions. Sowing: The sponge gourd needs some time to develop mature (strongly) fibrous fruits. Therefore, sow preferably already in February/March and start indoors. When the frost risk is over, the plants can be planted out. Soak seeds 1 day in advance. Sow seeds in seed soil, cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the sowing moist. To more easily maintain good moisture, the sowing can be covered with plastic wrap with air holes. Characteristics: Annual: Annual Growing site: sun Height: 2 m Germination time: 5-20 days

Yardlong Bean 'Yard Long' / Asparagus bean (Vigna sesquipedalis)

32 SEK

Long bean 'Pomegranate' / Asparagus bean (Vigna sesquipedalis)

32 SEK

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

28 SEK

SEEDS (20 pcs/bag) Common name: Okra Scientific name: Abelmoschus esculentus Family: Malvaceae Plant history & use: Okra is a plant with many uses and its fruits are among the most popular tropical vegetables worldwide. The fruits are a well-used ingredient in cooking thanks to their crisp texture and thickening properties. The fruit contains binding substances which make it very suitable for stews and soups. It can also be eaten raw; for example, in Asian cuisine it is often served alongside the main dish with accompanying sauce. The leaves can, like spinach, be used raw in salads or tossed into a stir-fry. The leaves also have a mild binding effect. Roasted okra seeds can also be used as a caffeine-free alternative to coffee. In West Africa, where okra is widely cultivated, the flower buds and open flowers are also eaten. The average nutritional value of okra is higher than that of, among others, tomato, eggplant, and most cucurbits. Okra seeds contain about 20% protein and 20% oil which can be extracted from the seeds. Cultivation: Okra originates from South Asia/Africa and is naturally perennial. It thrives in warmth and is sensitive to frost. The optimal growth temperature is above 20 ºC, and temperatures below 10 ºC can be harmful to the plant. For these reasons, it grows best in Sweden in greenhouses or growing tunnels. It can be grown outdoors but the harvest may be somewhat smaller than under optimal conditions. To improve conditions for outdoor cultivation, in spring when the soil has warmed, the ground can be covered with plastic or other ground cover such as straw/bark to prevent heat loss and thereby extend the growing season into autumn. Okra is drought-tolerant but fruit formation benefits from continuous watering and nutrient supply. Prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil. Okra is self-pollinating, which means you only need one plant to get fruit. Yields harvest as early as 1-2 months after sowing. The fruits are picked at an early (immature) stage while they are green to avoid woody taste. A tip is to try breaking off the tip of the fruit – if it breaks, it is fresh; if it bends instead, it is too ripe and better suited for seed harvest. Sowing: Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing. Place the seeds in moist soil and cover with 1-2 cm of soil. Keep the sowing moist. Seeds usually germinate within 2-3 weeks. Germination occurs faster at temperatures above 25 ºC. Characteristics: Perennial: Perennial Light: sun Height: 1–2 m Germination time: 1-8 weeks Hardiness zone: Hardy down to 10 ºC

Common Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

32 SEK

SEEDS (10 pcs/bag) Common name: True Comfrey Scientific name: Symphytum officinale Family: Boraginaceae Plant history & use: True Comfrey has historically been a well-used plant in the treatment of various ailments. But above all, it is a very effective accumulator of nutrients, meaning a good soil improver. Comfrey grows quickly and its roots are deep-reaching, giving the plant access to nutrients from deeper soil layers that are otherwise inaccessible to most plants. It is mainly minerals such as potassium and calcium that are stored in the leaves, but also magnesium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, and others. The leaves of comfrey can be cut down during the year and used as mulch, or alternatively dug into the soil, to make the nutrients available to other plants. Comfrey leaves are well suited as fertilizer for fruit trees and berry bushes thanks to their content of potassium and phosphorus. Comfrey has a long growing season, from early winter to late autumn. If the leaves are not cut down before winter, they wither and similarly provide a nutrient boost to the soil they grow on. New leaves begin to grow on the plant immediately after the snow melts. You can also make your own liquid fertilizer from comfrey by filling a container with the leaves and then filling it with water to the brim. Let it stand for a couple of days and then mix the fertilizer water with 10 parts water to water the plants with. Effective as an edge plant by manure heaps to prevent nutrient leakage, but also as an edge plant around crops and other places where you do not want weeds to spread. Comfrey’s dense root system acts like an underground wall, making it difficult for other roots to penetrate. Comfrey creates an attractive environment for other plants in the cultivation – whether it is to attract pollinators or to serve as a natural fertilizer. Cultivation: Comfrey is a herbaceous perennial. It thus remains in place even after the leaves have withered during winter. It is an incredibly easy-care plant and tolerant in choice of growing place. It can grow in shade as well as wet ground and is therefore an effective component in flooded and waterlogged soils. It also thrives well in drier soils in sunny places, although it prefers a somewhat moist environment. Sowing: Sow indoors or outdoors. If germination has not occurred after one month when sown indoors, place the sowing in the fridge for a month and then bring it back to room temperature, or alternatively place it outside during spring and summer. Can also be sown outdoors in autumn to give the seeds a “real winter.” The seeds then germinate in spring. Characteristics: Lifespan: Perennial Growing position: shade/partial shade/sun Height: 50-100 cm Germination time: 1-12 months Hardiness zone: 1-6

Common Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis)

28 SEK

SEEDS (50 pcs/bag) Common names: Soapwort, Soaproot, Soap herb Scientific name: Saponaria officinalis Family: Caryophyllaceae Plant history & use: Soapwort is used, as the name suggests, as soap, shampoo, and detergent. Soapwort is a native useful plant that in traditional Sweden was often used both for washing textiles and personal hygiene. Today it is used in treatments against acne. The whole plant is useful, that is, flowers, leaves, roots, and stem. Soapwort contains fat-dissolving substances that foam together with water. The highest concentration of these fat-dissolving substances is found in the root. The foaming liquid can then be used for washing, as shampoo & soap, or as a general cleaning agent. <meta charset="utf-8">Despite its toxicity, Saponaria officinalis is used in cooking. It acts as an emulsifier in commercial tahini production and helps create a light foam in beer brewing. In the Middle East, the root is used as an additive in making halvah to stabilize the oils and give the unique texture that halvah is known for.<meta charset="utf-8"> The flowers smell sweet in the evenings and are diligent in attracting pollinators. Cultivation: Since Soapwort is adapted to the Swedish climate, it is not difficult to grow it outdoors here. It thrives in most soils, with slightly clayey soils being best. Sun/partial shade are good locations. It grows 30-100 cm tall depending on the growing site. Soapwort can spread extensively through underground runners. So choose carefully where you plant it. Preferably fenced and alone if you do not want it to take over the cultivation. Sowing: Sow directly at the growing site or start indoors. 1 cm deep. Keep the sowing moist when growing indoors. If germination does not occur within a month, place the sowing in the fridge for about a month. Alternatively, sow outdoors in pots or in the ground from September to November. The seeds will germinate the following spring. Characteristics: Lifespan: Perennial Growing site: sun/partial shade Height: 30-100 cm Germination time: 1-3 months Growing zone: 1-5