Örtskiktet - Fröer

SEEDS (50pcs/bag)

Common Names: Holy Basil, Tulsi, Tulasi, Kaprao, Hot Basil, Damole
Scientific name: Ocimum tenuiflorum / Ocimum sanctum
Family: Lamiaceae

Plant history & use:

Holy Basil is more spicy and peppery than the closely related "sweet" basil (Ocimum basilicum) we usually eat in Europe. It is also one of the few basil varieties which can grow into smaller trees.

Holy Basil is often confused with Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora) - which is a different species. Because of this confusion and the rarer occurrence of Holy Basil, Thai basil is sometimes mistakenly used in cooking where Holy Basil is actually the correct component. An example of such occurrence can be in the Thai dish Pad Kaprao, which is named after the Holy Basil's Thai name kaprao. The difference between these two basils is that Thai Basil is sweeter and more licorice-like while Holy Basil is spicier and more peppery, hence the name Hot Basil which is sometimes used.

In addition to cooking, the plant's leaves and flowers are also used to make a calming tea.

As one of the most well-used ancient medicinal plants, Holy Basil has been used to treat common colds, headaches, various stress disorders and more. Stem, leaves and seeds are used for these purposes.

In traditional societies, the herb is also used as a natural mosquito repellent, by applying the aroma from the plant on the skin.

Similarly, dried leaves have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects for hundreds of years.

Cultivation:

Use a well-drained, loamy soil and place in partial shade to full sun, it will grow well in both. Thrives best in moist soil, but not wet. If you let the soil dry out between waterings it will enhance the aroma production of the plant -  this is the result of a response to stress.

Place the Holy Basil in a pot with plenty of room for the roots to give the plant a chance to grow into a small tree. Move the pot indoors before winter as the plant does not thrive in temperatures below 15 ° C. If the plant is slowly led into a winter dormancy, it can manage to overwinter in temperatures down to -1 ° C, but this slows down growth.

In Southern Europe - Spain, Italy, Balkan, Greece and South/West Turkey - you can grow Holy Basil outdoors all year round.

If you want the plant to focus more on foliage growth, you can cut off inflorescences before they have time to fully develop.

Holy Basil is easy to take cuttings from, make a diagonal cut with a clean tool just below a leaf node. The cutting should be around 15 cm. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting and place in a glass of water that you change regularly. Plant in soil when roots have developed.

Sowing:

Place the seeds on a layer of moist soil. Lightly press the seeds into the soil for good contact. Keep the soil moist. One way to maintain good humidity is to cover the sown seeds with plastic provided with air holes.

Characteristics:

Lifespan: Perennial
Location: Partial shade/Sun
Height: 30-150 cm
Germination Time: 5-15 days
USDA Zone: 10-12

SEEDS (25pcs/bag)

Common name: Ashwagandha, Indian Ginseng, Winter Cherry, Asandh
Scientific name: Withania somnifera
Family: Solanaceae

Plant history & use:

Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal plant that has been used for its medicinal value for thousands of years, mainly for physical as well as mental fatigue. The adaptogenic properties of Ashwagandha are thought to balance any imbalances in the body - partly through lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

The root also has anti-inflammatory properties and is considered soothing for the nervous system.

Perceived effects when using Ashwagandha are improved cognitive performance in the form of memory enhancement and concentration capability as well as overall higher energy levels.

Ashwagandha is furthermore used in exercise supplements for increased muscle growth.

Cultivation:

Ashwagandha can be grown in a bright window or under artificial light.

This is a plant that thrives in dry climates and therefore has no problems growing inside as a houseplant. But the plant can advantageously be put outside in the summer to receive extra sunlight.

However, in the most favorable climates of Spain, Italy, Albania, Greece and Turkey (mainly adjacent to the coastal areas) Ashwagandha can be grown outdoors all year around as a perennial.

As the plant grows larger, it is beneficial to give good space for the roots, as it is mainly the root growth that you are interested in when growing and harvesting Ashwagandha.

When the plant has grown, you can let the soil dry out in between waterings as this prevents troubles such as lack of oxygen in the roots and further contributes to increased root growth. The Ashwagandha is very drought resistant once established.

Sowing:

Sow and let grow in well-drained soil. Cover the seeds with a 1 cm layer of soil or perlite. Keep the soil moist during the seed stage.

Characteristics:

Lifespan: Perennial
Location: Sun/Part shade
Height: 75 cm
Germination Time: 1-3 weeks
USDA Zone: 10-12

SEEDS (30pcs/bag)

Common names: Toothache Plant, Szechuan Buttons, Paracress, Jambu, Buzz Buttons, Tingflowers, Electric Daisy
Scientific name: Acmella oleracea
Family: Asteraceae

Plant history & use:

This unique plant has electrical & numbing properties. Gourmet chefs around the world sprinkle a few of the flower's stamens into the food to give the guest a unique sensation. It starts with a faint electric "touch" that turns into a pretty numbing feeling. The feeling can be compared to that which the Szechuan pepper evokes. That is why the flower buds are sometimes called "Szechuan buttons".

Fresh leaves are still used to this day to relieve toothache by chewing them. This is thanks to the numbing and antibacterial properties of the leaves. Chewing the leaves also gives a refreshing feeling and counteracts dry mouth.

Historically, the leaves have been chewed on to relieve throat & palate infections.

Thanks to the muscle-relaxing properties of A. oleracea, the plant is also used in natural anti-wrinkle agents and is sometimes referred to as "nature's botox".

The whole plant is edible.

The flower buds can be used as a topping in anything ranging from cocktails to pasta & fish dishes - only creativity sets the limits. The leaves are used in salads and stews.

Paracress is an effective attractor of pollinators.

Cultivation:

In the wild, paracress grows in somewhat warmer climates, often in moist soils. However, the plant can withstand periods of drought.

In temperate climates, it is best grown in a pot, either indoors or outdoors. Overwintering should be frost-free. 

In subtropical and tropical climates it can be grown directly in the ground year round, and provide you with its electric & numbing properties year after year.

Placement should be in sun or partial shade.

Thrives best in a well-drained, loamy soil. Potting soil works great.

Grows quickly into a winding shrub. If sown in March, the plant blooms already at the end of June.

Sowing:

Sow the seeds on top of moist soil. Do not cover the seeds. Keep the seed moist. Germination time is usually 5-15 days.

Characteristics:

Lifespan: Perennial
Location: Sun/Part shade
Height: 30 cm
Germination Time: 5-15 days
USDA Zone: 9-11

SEEDS (50pcs/bag)

Common names: Culantro, Ngò Gai, Recao, Chadon Beni, Mexican Coriander, Bandhaniya, Long Coriander, Sawtooth Coriander, Pak Chi Farang
Scientific name: Eryngium foetidum
Family: Apiaceae

Plant history & use:

Culantro, or Ngò Gai, is a perennial tropical herb that can be grown outdoors frost-free or in a pot and overwintered indoors for harvest all year round. It is related to "common" cilantro, Coriandrum sativum.

The taste of culantro is reminiscent of cilantro, but it is stronger and more solid. Culantro also retains its flavor and color significantly better when dried, making it popular in the dried spices industry.

Goes well with soups, rice and fish dishes. An example is the Thai soup Tom Yum, where it marries perfectly the other ingredients. It's also common in accompanying seafood sauces, often together with lime, chili and more.

The plant's leaves and roots are also to be used in tea to stimulate the appetite and relieve fever & stomach aches. There are additional areas of use. 

Cultivation:

Culantro is easy to grow and thrives best in well-drained soils in sun/part shade. The soil should be kept on the drier side, without drying out completely.

It takes about 60 days for the plant to be ready for the first harvest.

Sowing:

Sow directly on the plant site when the soil has warmed up or pre-cultivate indoors. 1 cm deep. Remember to keep the soil moist when growing indoors.

Characteristics:

Lifespan: Perennial
Location: Sun/Part shade
Height: 30-60 cm
Germination Time: 10-30 days
USDA Zone: 7-11

SEEDS (50pcs/bag)

Common Names : Tree Basil, Clove Basil, African Basil, Bai Yeera, Ram Tulsi
Scientific name : Ocimum gratissimum
Family : Lamiaceae

Plant history & use :

Basil is an herb with a long history of use in both cooking and medicinal purposes. The leaves have a unique, sweet, spicy and slightly licorice-like aroma. As the name suggests, this basil plant can branch out and grow into a perennial, meter-high tree. Like the Holy Basilica , which, however, can be even higher. A clear advantage is not having to re-sow basil year after year.

The tree basil is usually used in various woks, such as the Thai dish Pad Bai Yeera with an optional protein supplement. You can also use the leaves in salad or grind them into different types of sauces. Traditionally, tea is brewed from both fresh and dried leaves from the Tree Basil.

In areas where tree basil grows naturally, a cold drink is brewed from fresh leaves that is believed to cure sunstroke and headaches.

In traditional medicinal use, the leaves have been used to treat colds and flu by clearing the respiratory tract. Also as soothing for stomach problems such as bloating.

The tree basil also acts as a natural pest control thanks to the content of natural aromatic oils and keeps both mosquitoes, flies and thrips away.

For commercial purposes, Tree Basil is also grown for the extraction of its aromatic oil, which is used in both medicines and cosmetic products.

Cultivation :

Tree basil is believed to originate from Africa. Today it grows on all the continents of the world. It is an adaptive plant that today naturally grows in both dry and humid climates, along the coast and in inland climates. Copes in both more acidic and more basic as well as heavier to lighter soils.

For optimal growth, tree basil prefers bright locations with good water availability.

Preferably use a well-drained, humus-rich soil and place in full sun, it can also handle positions in semi-shade.

Top the branches regularly for a bushier growth pattern. Also cut off budding flowers in the summer to contribute to stronger growth of the tree.

Winter indoors/frost-free. If you have access to a plant lamp, the plant can continue its growth at a good pace even during the winter months. The tree basil tolerates temperatures from 7-36 °C.

Easy to take cuttings from. Cuttings take root after about 1 month.

Well cared for plants can have a lifespan of 5-10 years.

Sowing :

Pre-cultivate indoors, alternatively sow outdoors in the summer 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 seed moist. One way to maintain good humidity is to cover the seed with plastic provided with air holes.

Optimal germination temperature is 20-25 °C.

Tree basil seeds generally have a low germination rate, so it's a good idea to sow a larger amount of seeds. Suggest all 50 seeds in a larger pot, or in several smaller ones individual pots.

Properties :

Age: Perennial
Plant position: sun
Height: 30-100 cm
Germination time: 5-15 days

SEEDS (20pcs/bag)

Common names: Syrian Rue, Harmel, Wild Rue, African Rue, Esfand
Scientific name: Peganum harmala
Family: Zygophyllaceae

Plant history & use:

Syrian Rue is a historically well-known plant and is still used today in sedative medications - mainly in the Middle East, North Africa and South West Asia, but even in Finland it is used in prescription medicine.

It is the roots and seeds that you use, which you either make a decoction of, grind down or extract oil from.

The seeds are also used to dye fabrics, as they emit a red color.

The ripe seed contains 3.8 - 5.8% of the alkaloids harmine, harmaline, harmalol and peganine. Ineffective as a contact poison, they are active in vapour form where they are effective against algae, in higher concentrations to water animals and lethal to moulds, bacteria and intestinal parasites.

There is speculation that this plant was the sacred 'Soma' plant, which was used by the ancients of India and Persia as an hallucinogenic aid to understanding the deeper meaning of life.

The seed is used as an incense.

Cultivation:

Syrian Rue is a low-growing (0.5-1m), perennial shrub.

It can be grown outdoors in most of Central, Northern and Eastern Europe, and in all of Southern Europe. 

The key point for growing Syrian Rue is a well-drained soil. Not sensitive to sandy and nutrient-poor soils. Mediterranean soil works well. Please allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Preferably to be grown in an open position with full sun.

The shrub can handle temperatures down to -20°C and survives the winter despite its shedding of foliage, thanks to its strong root system. The rate of success for overwintering outdoors is higher if the shrub grows in a dry soil rather than in a moist soil.

Sowing:

Sown either indoors in a pot or outdoors May-Sep.

Characteristics:

Lifespan: Perennial
Location: Sun
Height: 50-100 cm
Germination Time: 1-8 weeks
USDA Zone: 7-10

SEEDS (20pcs/bag)

Common Names: Greek Mountain Tea, Mursalski Tea, Ironwort, Shepherd's Tea, Mursalski Trigradski Tea
Scientific name: Sideritis scardica
Family: Lamiaceae

Plant history & use:

Greek Mountain Tea, also known as Mursalski tea, has a fascinating history in traditional medicine and culture in the Balkan region. The plant comes from the area below the Mursalitsa mountain in the Rodopi Mountains, Bulgaria. For a long time, this aromatic herb has been used by the people of the Rhodope Mountains for its medicinal properties and to add flavor to various drinks. For centuries, shepherds have drunk the tea to keep warm and stimulated during their walks. The plant's popularity has spread beyond its countries of origin thanks to its unique properties and benefits.

Among the most valuable properties of Greek Mountain Tea we find its medicinal value. It has traditionally been used to relieve indigestion and has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and pain. Its aromatic leaves are used to make teas and drinks that provide a refreshing and spicy taste experience.

Most of the genus Wound mints ( Sideritis ) are called "Bergste", of which the majority of the varieties are specifically called Greek Bergste, although not all varieties originate from Greece. As described above, these seeds are from the unique variety that grows just below the Mursalitsa mountain in Bulgaria and has been drunk by the Rhodopian people for centuries.

The tea has a different taste and effect depending on where it has been grown - even if it is the same species. This is partly due to soil and altitude. Teas from Sideritis scardica can thus be distinguished and, for example, called "Olympus Mountain Tea" if it has been grown on Mt. Olympus in Greece, "Titan Mountain Tea" if grown on Mt. Othrys (Titan Mountain) and "Mursalski Mountain Tea" if grown on Mt. Mursalitsa.

Cultivation:

Grekiskt Bergste thrives best in sunny locations and well-drained soil. This perennial herb loves warmth and is very drought tolerant once established. For best results, the plant is overwintered frost-free. But it can survive the winter outdoors in favorable conditions zone 1-2.

To obtain the highest possible content of bioactive compounds in the leaves, harvesting early in the morning is recommended.

Sowing:

Sow the seeds in moist soil and cover only with a thin layer of soil. Cover the seed with plastic with small air holes. Keep the seed moist. Germination usually occurs within 10 days.

Characteristics:

Lifespan: Perennial
Location: Sun
Height: 40 cm
Germination Time: 5-14 days

SEEDS (20pcs/bag)

Common names: Stevia, Candyleaf, Sweetleaf, Sugarleaf
Scientific name: Stevia rebaudiana
Family: Asteraceae

Plant history & use:

Stevia has 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.

Cultivation:

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

SEEDS (50pcs/bag)

Common names: Thai basil, Oriental basil, Cinnamon basil
Scientific name: Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora
Family: Lamiaceae

Plant history & use:

Thai basil is a variant of basil that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. It has a strong flavor and aroma of licorice and cloves, and is often used in curries and soups. It is also excellent to use fresh in salads and spring rolls.

Leaves and flowers are excellent for brewing fresh herbal tea. All plant parts are edible.

Historically, Thai basil has been used in traditional medicine for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been used to relieve symptoms of nausea and digestive problems.

Thai basil is also known to attract butterflies and bees, which can make it an important feature in the garden.

Culture:

Thai basil is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in hot and humid climates. It is commonly found in Southeast Asia where it thrives in nutrient-rich soils and locations with full sun.

To imitate these conditions in Sweden, the Thai basil is best grown in a greenhouse, alternatively outside during the summer months and set up in the winter to protect from frost.

Thai basil is perennial and if you don't have a greenhouse with growing beds, it is best grown in a pot so it can be set aside for the winters, so that after a few years it can grow into a small tree.

Water the plants regularly and make sure they don't dry out. It is also important to remove the flowers when they appear to encourage the growth of foliage.

Sowing:

Sow the seeds in moist soil. Cover with plastic with air holes to keep the seed moist. Keep the seed evenly moist, not wet.

If you want to grow Thai basil as an annual, you can sow the seeds directly in the ground when the risk of frost is over.

Characteristics:

Age: Perennial
Plant position: Full sun
Height: Up to 160 cm
Germination time: 7-14 days

SEEDS (30pcs/bag)

Common names: Common Soapwort, Bouncing-Bet, Crow Soap, Wild Sweet William, Soapweed 
Scientific name: Saponaria officinalis
Family: Caryophyllaceae

Plant history & use:

Common Soapwort is, as the name suggests, used as soap, shampoo and detergent. S. officinalis is a useful plant of Eurasian origin that in traditional Europe was often used both for washing textiles and for personal hygiene. Today it is used in cures for acne.

The whole plant is useful, ie. flowers, leaves, roots and stem. All plant parts contain degreasing substances that lather together with water. The highest concentration of the fat-dissolving substances is found in the root. When mixed with water, the foaming liquid can then be used to wash fabrics, as a shampoo & soap or as an all purpose cleaning solution.

Saponaria officinalis, despite its toxicity, is utilized in culinary applications. It serves as an emulsifier in commercial tahini production and helps create a foamy head in brewing beer. In the Middle East, the root is added to halva to stabilize the oils and give it the unique texture that halvah is known for.

The flowers emit a sweet fragrance in the evenings and are effective when it comes to attracting pollinators.

Cultivation:

As the Common Soapwort is naturally adapted to the European climate, there are no difficulties in growing it outdoors here. It thrives in most soils, slightly clayey soils are most favorable. Areas with Sun/Part shade are good placements. It grows 30-100 cm high depending on the surrounding circumstances.

S. officinalis can spread well via underground shoots. So choose carefully where you plant it.

Sowing:

Sow seeds directly on the plant site or pre-cultivate indoors before planting out. Sow seeds 1 cm deep. Keep the soil moist when growing indoors. If germination has not occurred within a month, place the seeds in a pot in the refrigerator for about a month.

Alternatively, sow outdoors in pots or in open ground Sep-Nov. The seeds will germinate next spring.

Characteristics:

Lifespan: Perennial
Location: Sun/Part shade
Height: 30-100 cm
Germination Time: 1-3 months
USDA Zone: 4-8

SEEDS (10pcs/bag)

Common name: Common Comfrey, True Comfrey, Boneset, Knitbone, Consound, Slippery Root
Scientific name: Symphytum officinale
Family: Boraginaceae

Plant history & use:

True Comfrey is historically a well-used plant in the treatment of various ailments. But above all, it is a very effective accumulator of nutrients, i.e. a good soil improver. Comfrey grows quickly and the roots are deep, which gives the plant access to nutrients from deeper soil layers that are otherwise inaccessible to most plants. It is mostly minerals such as potassium and calcium that are stored in the leaves, but also magnesium, iron, phosphorus, manganese and more.

The leaves from the comfrey plant can be cut down during the year and used as cover material, or alternatively buried in the soil, to make the nutrients available to other plants. Comfrey leaves are well suited as a fertilizer for fruit trees and berry bushes thanks to their potassium and phosphorus content.

True Comfrey has a long growing season, early winter to late autumn.

If the leaves are not cut before winter, they wither and in the same way add nutrients to the soil they grow on. New leaves begin to emerge on the plant shortly after the snow melts.

You can make your own fertilizer tea from comfrey by filling a container with the leaves and then filling with water up to the edge. Leave for a couple of days and then mix the fertilizer tea with 10 parts water to irrigate the plants with.

Comfrey is effective as an edging plant near manure piles to prevent nutrient leakage, but also as an edging plant around plantations and other places where you don't want root weeds to spread. Comfrey's dense root system forms an underground wall, making it difficult for other roots to get through.

True Comfrey creates an overall attractive environment for other plants in your cultivation - through attracting pollinators, serving as a natural fertilizer, and more.

Cultivation:

Comfrey is a herbaceous perennial native to Europe. It continues to grow on the site the next year even after the leaves have withered during the winter.

It is an incredibly easy-to-grow plant and it is tolerant in the choice of plant location. It can grow in shade as well as wet soils and is therefore an effective component in flooded and waterlogged soils.

It also thrives in drier soils in sunny locations, although it does best in a slightly moist environment.

Sowing:

Sow indoors or outdoors.

If germination has not occurred after one month after sowing indoors, place the pot with the seeds in the fridge for a month and take it out to room temperature again, or put outdoors during spring and summer times.

Can also be sown outdoors in autumn to give the seeds a real winter. The seeds germinate the following spring.

Characteristics:

Lifespan: Perennial
Location: Shade/Semi-shade/Sun
Height: 50-100 cm
Germination Time: 1-12 months
USDA Zone: 3-10

SEEDS (30pcs/bag)

Common name: Kariyat,

Kalmegh, King of Bitters, Indian Echinacea,

nilavembu,

Bhuin, Chirota, Nemba
Scientific name: Andrographis paniculata
Family: Acanthaceae 

Plant history & use:

A well-known medicinal plant, also used in Scandinavia as an infection inhibitor for colds, etc. Compared to the healing properties of Echinacea. Kariyat is also known as the "King of Bitters" for its bitter taste.

It is mainly the roots and leaves that are used to relieve fever, skin problems, stomach problems and to improve appetite. Kariyat is full of antioxidants and is used as an immune system booster.

Commonly used to relieve colds through its ability to shorten the duration of colds.

Dry leaves and roots and add to boiled water or hot drink of your choice. You can also pulverize dried leaves and consume in any way you like. Alternatively, make a decoction directly on fresh leaves and roots. The leaves are sometimes also eaten fresh in a mixture with other vegetables.

Poultices of plant parts are used to relieve swelling and pigment deficiencies in the skin (e.g. vitiligo) . Also used as relief from snake and insect bites.

Attractive plant for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

Extract of Kariyat leaves can be used as an organic pesticide against plant pests. The extract is mixed with water and sprayed on the intended plant.

Culture:

Kariyat is a perennial low-growing shrub that is, however, often grown as an annual. But if you overwinter the plant frost-free, you can use the same plant for several years.

Kariyat is a hardy plant that grows naturally in many different types of environments: low-lying plains, upland slopes, coasts and roadsides.

In cultivation, it is an easy-care plant that thrives in many different types of soil. However, moist soils with good drainage are an advantage. Can grow both in full shade (e.g. under taller trees and bushes) and in partial shade, but it grows best in sunny, slightly shady locations.

Plant with a distance of approx. 60cm x 30cm.

Top branches for a bushier growth habit.

Roots should be harvested when foliage begins to lose color or wilt.

Sowing:

Pre-cultivated indoors early in the year, alternatively sown directly outdoors in May-June.

Soak the seeds 1 day in advance. Sow in moist soil and preferably cover with plastic with small air holes to retain moisture.

Characteristics:

Age: Perennial
Plant position: sun / shade / semi-shade
Height: 30 cm
Germination time: 3-10 days

SEEDS (50pcs/bag)

Common Names: African Cabbage, Spiderwisp, Shona Cabbage, African Cabbage, African Spider Flower
Scientific name: Cleome gynandra
Family: Cleomaceae 

SEEDS (50pcs/bag)
Common name: Spiderwisp, African cabbage, Shona cabbage, African Spider Flower, Cat's whiskers, Chinsaga, Maman, Stinkweed
Scientific name: Cleome gynandra
Family: Cleomaceae

Plant history & use:

Leaves and shoots are used for stuffing/pickling and eaten as a side dish. They can also be cooked and eaten like spinach or added to stews.

The whole plant is rich in vitamins and above-ground plant parts have a peppery, mustard-like taste.

Ground seeds can be used as a substitute for mustard.

Also grown in conjunction with other crops for its pest repelling properties.

Liquid from leaves and roots is used to relieve earaches etc.

Culture:

Thrives best in an airy, well-drained and nutrient-rich soil in warm and sunny locations.

African Cabbage is drought tolerant but thrives best in moist soils.

Sowing:

Sow directly outdoors when the risk of frost is over, alternatively pre-cultivate indoors early in the year. Cover the seeds with a very thin layer of soil.

Characteristics:

Duration: One year
Plant position: sun / partial shade
Height: 60 cm
Germination time: 5-14 days

SEEDS (5pcs/bag)

Common names: Korean Ginseng, Asian (Korean, Chinese, Japanese) Ginseng, Rénshēn, Insam, Ninjin
Scientific name: Panax ginseng
Family: Araliaceae

Plant history & use:

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.

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.

Cultivation:

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.

Sowing:

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.

Characteristics:

Lifespan: Perennial
Location: Shady & moist
Height: 30-60 cm
Germination Time: 3-18 months

SEEDS (50pcs/bag)

Common name: Lemon basil, A frican basil, Hairy Basil, Lemon Basil
Scientific name: Ocimum x africanum
Family: Lamiaceae

Plant history & use:

Lemon basil is a hybrid basil that arose by crossing Ocimum americanum and Ocimum basilicum. It has a special lemony taste and aroma that makes it excellent for cooking, especially in South American, African and Asian dishes. It is usually a bit milder than common basil (Ocimum basilicum) and can be used fresh or dried.

Lemon basil is often used in salsas, stews, marinades and as a flavoring in drinks. Its light taste and fresh aroma also make it excellent for making tea.

Lemon basil also has medicinal properties. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve symptoms from colds and headaches. The herb has also been used to treat stomach upset and high blood pressure.

Lemon basil is an excellent plant for growing in the garden or in pots on a sunny patio. It is easy to grow and produces a generous harvest of flavorful leaves. It is also a beautiful plant with bright green leaves and beautiful white flowers.

So if you're a foodie or a gardening enthusiast, lemon basil is definitely a plant you should try growing. It provides both good taste and health benefits and is easy to care for.

Culture:

Lemon basil thrives in full sun or partial shade with good drainage. It requires regular watering but the soil should not be too wet. Put in a pot with plenty of room for the roots and the Lemon Basil can grow into a perennial small tree , like the Holy Basilica . However, this requires that you move the plant inside before winter, as Lemon Basil is sensitive to frost. You can also plant directly in the ground in a greenhouse if you make sure that the winter temperature does not fall below 0 ºC. Alternatively, grow directly in the ground as an annual.

Cut off inflorescences to encourage growth of foliage. However, the inflorescences are edible and aromatic as well.

Lemon basil is also known to be resistant to pests and diseases, and thus works well as a natural protection for the plants you place it around. However, it is still important to keep an eye out for any signs of fungal or insect infestation.

To get a rich harvest of healthy leaves, it is important to keep the soil moist, but not wet. It is also important to give the plant enough nutrients and space to grow.

Sowing:

To sow lemon basil, fill a pot or seed container with moist, well-drained soil. Spread the seeds evenly over the soil and press them down gently. Then cover the seed with a thin layer of soil or sand to hold the seeds in place.

To conserve moisture, cover the seed with plastic wrap or a plastic bag with air holes. Then put the seed in a warm place with good drainage and leave it until the seeds have germinated. It usually takes between 5-15 days for the seeds to germinate.

Properties :

Age: Perennial
Plant position: partial shade/sun
Height: 30-150 cm
Germination time: 5-15 days

FRÖN (30st/påse) 

Trivialnamn: Grön Shiso, Bladmynta, Kinesisk Mynte, Veripeippi, Sesame Sauvage, Schwarznessel, Wilder Sesam, Beefsteak Plant, Shiso Zoku, Bai Su Zi
Vetenskapligt namn: Perilla frutescens
Familj: Lamiaceae 

Växthistoria & användning: 

Shiso, eller Bladmynta som örten kallas på svenska, härstammar ifrån Fjärran Östern: Korea, Japan, Kina m fl. Dess naturliga växtplats är från Himalaya till östra Asien där den ofta växer vild i fuktig, öppen skogsmark.

Både fröer, blad och unga skott/plantor används som krydda. Smaken kan anses obekant för västerländska smaksinnen till en början, vissa människor upptäcker kanel, andra koriander eller citrus. 

Skott eller små plantor läggs i sallader, medan äldre blad ofta används som garnering eller smaksättning. Användningsområdena för Shiso'n är dock vidspridda.

Större blad kan t ex användas för att slå in (wrap) bulgogi, en koreansk biffrätt. Blad från lilafärgade Shiso-sorter används i Japan för att färga och smaksätta inläggningar: t ex ingefära och plommon. Äldre blad kan även saltas och användas för smaksättning av tofu och som garnering till tempura. I och med att bladen har en "curryliknande" smak är dem en ingrediens i många soppor och grytor. Det är även vanligt att man gör rätter på ångade Shisoblad, t ex Perilla Leaf Kimchi. Bladen kan även torkas för senare användning. 

Outslagna blomknoppar används som garnering till soppor och andra maträtter, äts färska i sallader, läggs in (likt Kapris) eller wokas tillsammans med andra grönsaker.

Fröerna kan strös över sallader och maträtter. De är en av ingredienserna i de välkända kryddblandningarna 'Shichimi' och 'Seven Spice'. Man gör även energibars med just Shisofrön. Det är frön från de rödfärgade Shiso-sorterna som föredras vid kulinarisk användning.

Ur fröerna kan man även utvinna s k perillaolja, som används i industriella sammanhang - t ex parfymtillverkning och tandvårdsprodukter samt inom pappers- och färgindustrin. Oljan används dock även i kulinariska syften som smaksättning av godis och olika såser. Ur fröerna kan man också utvinna en olja som effektivt används för att behandla trä, likt linolja.

Fröerna innehåller cirka 21,5% protein, 43,4% fett, 11,3% kolhydrat, 4,4% mineraler av olika slag. Fröerna från Shison är även rika på linolensyra (ALA).

Shiso är en uppskattad medicinalväxt inom orientalisk medicin, där den benämns som en bitande, aromatisk och värmande ört. Både bladen, stjälkarna och fröna används. Bladen används vid behandling av förkylningar, luftvägsinfektion, kräkningar, buksmärtor m fl (Yeung. Him-Che.). Fröerna är antiastmatisk, hostdämpande, mjukgörande och slemlösande. Saften från bladen appliceras på skärsår och sår (Manandhar. N. P.). Extrakt från växten används internt vid behandling av astma, förkylningar och frossa, illamående, buksmärtor, matförgiftning och allergiska reaktioner (särskilt sådana från skaldjur), bronkit och förstoppning (Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S.). Stjälkarna är ett traditionellt kinesiskt botemedel mot illamående på morgonen (Bown. D.).

Extrakt av örten har på senare tid börjat användas även i västvärlden, mot vissa allergier och som alternativ till antibiotika och kortison. De senaste ca 20 åren har det funnits ett intresse för örtens verkan mot astma (Almark L. & Flising L. - Svenska Örtasällskapet).

Odling:

Trivs bäst i en lätt, fuktighetsbevarande jord i soligt läge. Shison är ej frosttålig så den behöver övervintras frostfritt ifall man vill odla den som flerårig. Annars är den passande att odla som ettårig tack vare dess höga tillväxttakt.

Lättodlad, likt de flesta andra växter i familjen Lamiaceae: Grekiskt Bergste, Helig Basilika, Trädbasilika, Thaibasilika, Citronbasilika.

USDA-zon anges vara 7-10. Den ungefärliga översättningen från USDA zon 7-8 till vårt svenska system är växtzon 1-2. Men i och med att systemen inte mäts på samma vis är de inte direkt översättningsbara. Experiment kan göras på egen risk, finns chans för att plantornas rötter kan övervintra i landets allra mildaste delar, även om delen ovan jord fryser bort under vintern. 

Sådd:

Förkultivera inomhus, alternativt så utomhus på senvåren när jorden är varm. Fröna är ljusgroende - täck därav fröerna med ett ytterst tunt jordlager eller täck inte alls. Håll sådden fuktig. Ett sätt att behålla god fuktighet är att täcka sådden med plast försedd med lufthål.

Optimal groningstemperatur är 18-25 °C.

Egenskaper:

Årighet: Flerårig i varmare klimat, annars ettårig
Växtläge: sol
Höjd: 60-100 cm
Grotid: 5-15 dagar
USDA-zon: 7-10

FRÖN (30st/påse) 

Trivialnamn: Röd Shiso, Bladmynta, Kinesisk Mynte, Veripeippi, Sesame Sauvage, Schwarznessel, Wilder Sesam, Beefsteak Plant, Shiso Zoku, Bai Su Zi
Vetenskapligt namn: Perilla frutescens var. crispa
Familj: Lamiaceae 

Växthistoria & användning: 

Shiso, eller Bladmynta som örten kallas på svenska, härstammar ifrån Fjärran Östern: Korea, Japan, Kina m fl. Dess naturliga växtplats är från Himalaya till östra Asien där den ofta växer vild i fuktig, öppen skogsmark.

Både fröer, blad och unga skott/plantor används som krydda. Smaken kan anses obekant för västerländska smaksinnen till en början, vissa människor upptäcker kanel, andra koriander eller citrus. 

Skott eller små plantor läggs i sallader, medan äldre blad ofta används som garnering eller smaksättning. Användningsområdena för Shiso'n är dock vidspridda.

Större blad kan t ex användas för att slå in (wrap) bulgogi, en koreansk biffrätt. Blad från lilafärgade Shiso-sorter används i Japan för att färga och smaksätta inläggningar: t ex ingefära och plommon. Äldre blad kan även saltas och användas för smaksättning av tofu och som garnering till tempura. I och med att bladen har en "curryliknande" smak är dem en ingrediens i många soppor och grytor. Det är även vanligt att man gör rätter på ångade Shisoblad, t ex Perilla Leaf Kimchi. Bladen kan även torkas för senare användning. 

Outslagna blomknoppar används som garnering till soppor och andra maträtter, äts färska i sallader, läggs in (likt Kapris) eller wokas tillsammans med andra grönsaker.

Fröerna kan strös över sallader och maträtter. De är en av ingredienserna i de välkända kryddblandningarna 'Shichimi' och 'Seven Spice'. Man gör även energibars med just Shisofrön. Det är frön från de lilafärgade Shiso-sorterna som föredras vid kulinarisk användning.

Ur fröerna kan man även utvinna s k perillaolja, som används i industriella sammanhang - t ex parfymtillverkning och tandvårdsprodukter samt inom pappers- och färgindustrin. Oljan används dock även i kulinariska syften som smaksättning av godis och olika såser. Ur fröerna kan man också utvinna en olja som effektivt används för att behandla trä, likt linolja.

Fröerna innehåller cirka 21,5% protein, 43,4% fett, 11,3% kolhydrat, 4,4% mineraler av olika slag. Fröerna från Shison är även rika på linolensyra (ALA).

Shiso är en uppskattad medicinalväxt inom orientalisk medicin, där den benämns som en bitande, aromatisk och värmande ört. Både bladen, stjälkarna och fröna används. Bladen används vid behandling av förkylningar, luftvägsinfektion, kräkningar, buksmärtor m fl (Yeung. Him-Che.). Fröerna är antiastmatisk, hostdämpande, mjukgörande och slemlösande. Saften från bladen appliceras på skärsår och sår (Manandhar. N. P.). Extrakt från växten används internt vid behandling av astma, förkylningar och frossa, illamående, buksmärtor, matförgiftning och allergiska reaktioner (särskilt sådana från skaldjur), bronkit och förstoppning (Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S.). Stjälkarna är ett traditionellt kinesiskt botemedel mot illamående på morgonen (Bown. D.).

Extrakt av örten har på senare tid börjat användas även i västvärlden, mot vissa allergier och som alternativ till antibiotika och kortison. De senaste ca 20 åren har det funnits ett intresse för örtens verkan mot astma (Almark L. & Flising L. - Svenska Örtasällskapet).

Odling:

Trivs bäst i en lätt, fuktighetsbevarande jord i soligt läge. Shison är ej frosttålig så den behöver övervintras frostfritt ifall man vill odla den som flerårig. Annars är den passande att odla som ettårig tack vare dess höga tillväxttakt.

Lättodlad, likt de flesta andra växter i familjen Lamiaceae: Grekiskt Bergste, Helig Basilika, Trädbasilika, Thaibasilika, Citronbasilika.

USDA-zon anges vara 7-10. Den ungefärliga översättningen från USDA zon 7-8 till vårt svenska system är växtzon 1-2. Men i och med att systemen inte mäts på samma vis är de inte direkt översättningsbara. Experiment kan göras på egen risk, finns chans för att plantornas rötter kan övervintra i landets allra mildaste delar, även om delen ovan jord fryser bort under vintern. 

Sådd:

Förkultivera inomhus, alternativt så utomhus på senvåren när jorden är varm. Fröna är ljusgroende - täck därav fröerna med ett ytterst tunt jordlager eller täck inte alls. Håll sådden fuktig. Ett sätt att behålla god fuktighet är att täcka sådden med plast försedd med lufthål.

Optimal groningstemperatur är 18-25 °C.

Egenskaper:

Årighet: Flerårig i varmare klimat, annars ettårig
Växtläge: sol
Höjd: 60-100 cm
Grotid: 5-15 dagar
USDA-zon: 7-10

A trio of 3 different seed varieties with purple-colored, edible fruits!

What gives the fruits their purple color are substances called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are so-called antioxidants that prevent and repair the body in case of oxidative stress that can occur during periods of stress or infections, for example.

Of course, the fruits also contain other nutrients that are important for good health. The goa bean has, among other things, a high protein content; The chili pepper, capsaicin, which helps reduce inflammation, and the Thai aubergine is a rich source of vitamins A, B and C, among other things.

Take part in a colorful trio and grow at the same time for good health - which of course all edible vegetables contribute to in one way or another.

A total of 35 seeds of 3 varieties:

5 seeds Purple Goa bean
10 seeds Purple Chili Pepper 'Purple Thai'
20 seeds Purple Thai Eggplant

Read more about each variety here:

• Purple Goa Bean / Purple Wing Bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus)
• Purple Chili Pepper 'Purple Thai' (Capsicum annuum)
• Purple Thai Eggplant (Solanum melongena)

FRÖN (50st/påse)

Trivialnamn: Mexikansk Basilika, Kanelbasilika, Mexican Spice Basil, Cinnamon Basil
Vetenskapligt namn: Ocimum basilicum
Familj: Lamiaceae

Växthistoria & användning:

Mexikansk Basilika, eller Kanelbasilika som den även kallas, är endast svagt påminnande om den italienska basilikan vi vanligen konsumerar i Europa. Dess söta, varma smakbouqet är komplex och påminner särskilt om kanel och anis. Anses vara en utav de mest väldoftande basilikaväxterna av somliga. 

Den Mexikanska Basilikan har glansiga, djupgröna blad som blir rödaktiga i spetsarna när de är mogna och får med tiden mörka kanelfärgade stjälkar. Dess varma, söta kanel-anismak är särskilt trevlig i skink- och fläskrätter; äppelpaj, pumpapaj och andra desserter; äppelsås/-mos och även kombucha.

Tillsätts ofta i varma drycker och paras gärna ihop med färsk frukt. 

Mexikansk Basilika passar bra till mexikanska, asiatiska och söta rätter. Exempelvis en rätt med ris och kryddig kyckling eller kryddiga grönsaker. Du kan också hacka basilikan och blanda med gurka. Använd gurk-basilikablandningen som topping till t.ex. kikärtsbiffar.

De violetta blomaxen blir en spännande garnering eller ett smakrikt tillägg i sallader. Tillsätt frysta basilikablad till soppor eller såser.

Den går bra att addera den Mexikanska Basilikan till de flesta recept som inkluderar någon typ av basilika, det är bara att experimentera sig fram!

Placeras även i samodlingar för att stöta bort skadeinsekter.

Odling:

Denna sort når upp till ca 80 cm i höjd. Föredrar humusrika och luftiga jordar på varma, soliga platser i lä. Ifall föregående krav är uppfyllda är det även viktigt att vattna mycket - då växer basilikan snabbt. Gillar inte blåsiga lägen.

Skörda bladen och stjälkarna från den övre delen av plantan och nyp av ätbara blomknoppar när de dyker upp, då det förhindrar att bladen blir bittra och signalerar till plantan att den ska förgrena sig och växa fler blad, vilket skapar en tät och buskig planta.

Frostkänslig. Flytta in under vinterhalvåret för odling som flerårig basilika. Ställer du den under en växtlampa klarar den sig fint under hela vinterhalvåret, för att sedan flyttas ut när värmen är tillbaka igen.

Den Mexikanska Basilikan är flerårig i USDA-zon 9-11, annars ettårig. Efter en ungefärlig översättning till vårt svenska växtzonssystem ser man att de absolut varmaste delarna i vårt land är USDA-zon 7-8, man kan därav ana att den knappast trivs utomhus året runt i vårt klimat. 

Sådd:

Sådd inomhus i kruka från mitten av mars eller direkt utomhus från mitten av maj. Basilika är en lättgrodd växt. Strö därför bara ut fröna på den fuktiga jorden och tryck försiktigt ned dem så att de får god kontakt med jordytan. Täck ej med jord.

För att bevara fuktigheten, täck sådden med plastfolie eller en plastpåse med lufthål. Sätt sedan sådden på en varm plats med god dränering och låt den stå tills fröerna har grott. Det brukar ta mellan 5-15 dagar för fröerna att gro.

Egenskaper:

Årighet: Flerårig i varmare klimat, annars ettårig
Växtläge: sol
Höjd: 30-80 cm
Grotid: 5-15 dagar

FRÖN (50st/påse)

Trivialnamn: Grekisk Basilika, Grekisk Buskbasilika, Klotbasilika, Greek Bush Basil
Vetenskapligt namn: Ocimum basilicum var. minutum
Familj: Lamiaceae

Växthistoria & användning:

Grekisk Basilika, eller Klotbasilika som den även kallas, är en lågväxande liten buske med små aromatiska blad. Mer kompakt och välförgrenad än de flesta andra basilikor.

Passar bra till tomat-, lamm-, aubergine-  och paprikarätter. Passar mycket bra till färska sallader.

Även lämplig att göra uppfriskande örtte på.

Fröer kan ätas som de är eller tillsättas i brödbak som smaksättare. Vid kontakt med vätska blir fröna mucilaginösa (likt chiafrön) - i medelhavet nyttjas detta för att göra en uppfriskande dryck kallad sherbet tokhum.

Lika väl som den smakar doftar den underbart i trädgården.

Odling:

Lättodlad och produktiv sort. Sätter snabbt nya blad efter hand som man skördar under säsongens gång.

Odla i vanlig planteringsjord, i kruka eller på friland. 

Frys hellre in skörden än att torka - smaken håller i sig bättre.

Sådd:

Förkultivera inomhus feb-maj. Så ute på friland fr o m maj.

Lättgrodd. Strö bara ut fröna på den fuktiga jorden och tryck försiktigt ned dem så att de får god kontakt med jordytan. Täck ej med jord.

För att bevara fuktigheten, täck sådden med plastfolie eller en plastpåse med lufthål. Sätt sedan sådden på en varm plats med god dränering och låt den stå tills fröerna har grott. Det brukar ta mellan 5-15 dagar för fröerna att gro.

Egenskaper:

Årighet: Ettårig
Växtläge: sol
Höjd: 30 cm
Grotid: 5-15 dagar