Perenner

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 (15pcs/bag)

Trivial Names: Sky-Earth, Sail-Earth, K litoria, Butterfly Pea
Scientific name: Clitoria ternatea
Family: Fabaceae 

Plant history & use:

Blue Himmelsärt with stuffed flowers.

Large climbing plant whose flowers have an intense blue color that is easily released when hot water is added.

Used to color food, sweets and drinks.

In Asia, tea made directly from the flowers is drunk. Sometimes it is mixed with lemongrass, honey and lime.

Himmelsärt is also used in traditional medicine as a relaxant and memory enhancer.

The normally blue colored drink changes to purple if you add something acidic, such as lemon. This is due to pH changes in the composition. Similarly, the flowers of the sky pea are sometimes used to make blue gin, which turns purple when tonic is added.

As a comparison, you can think that tea made in Himmelsart is used in Asia in the same way that we in Sweden use chamomile tea.

Like the Goa bean , the Himmelsärten is regenerative for the soil by fixing nitrogen from air pores in the soil and works well as a ground cover crop. On the other hand, Himmelsärten is generally not hardy in Sweden, unlike Goa bean.

Culture:

The sky pea is a sun-loving, fast-growing plant that quickly establishes itself if it has something to climb on.

Cultivation in a pot is recommended if you want to let it become perennial in Sweden. Overwinter frost-free.

Able to grow in both moist and dry soils. Thrives surprisingly well in heavy clay soils. For growing in pots, a loamy soil with good drainage should be used.

Top branches for a bushier growth habit.

Sowing:

Pre-cultivated indoors early in the year, alternatively sown outside in April-May.

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

Characteristics:

Age: Perennial
Plant position: sun
Height: 150-300 cm
Germination time: 10-20 days

SEEDS (20pcs/bag)

Common name: Caper, Caper Bush, Flinders Rose
Scientific name: Capparis spinosa
Family: Capparaceae

Plant history & use:

The Caper Bush is a Mediterranean plant that have a long history of being cultivated for its edible unopened flower buds. After picking, they are put in salt to release bitter compounds and to bring out the sourness. This is the kind of capers we often see canned in stores. You can also let the flowers remain on the plant until they eventually turn into fruits, the fruits can then similarly be put into salt to be made ready for consumption. 

Preserving capers is very easy. It can be broken down into 4 steps:

• Put the fresh flower buds/fruits in a bowl of salt
• Leave the buds/fruits in the bowl with salt for 3-7 days (or longer if desired).
• Drain the water that accumulates in the bowl and add some extra salt every day.
• When preservation is finished, rinse off the salt from the buds/fruits and soak them in water. Soaking time is up to your own taste, but recommended minimal time is 15 minutes. You can soak for several hours if desired. Grab a spoon and make a taste test every once in a while to find the flavor that suits you.

You can also pickle younger shoots and leaves from the Caper Bush. If you want to use slightly older leaves and shoots, a tip is to blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before pickling. Mix your caper shoots & leaves with salt and vinegar, leave in the fridge for about 1 month. Ready to eat.

Cultivation of capers has been traced back as far as 7,000 years ago in present-day Turkey, Jordan and Syria. There, it is believed to have been used for both culinary and medicinal applications. In medicinal use, all plant parts were used, most prominently as a digestive aid.

In tropical & sub-tropical food forests (agroforestry) it is effectively used in the lower layer as a ground cover plant.

Cultivation:

In its natural environment, capers often grow in high temperatures and soils with poor water and nutrient availability. A typical adaptation to a nutrient-poor environment is its very widespread root system, which makes it suitable as a soil binder in shorelines or eroding soils etc. In its natural environment, it is often growing on rocky cliffs and slopes. It grows on the walls of many ancient Mediterranean fortifications. The caper is an easily cultivated bush for home growers in the Mediterranean region (Spain, Italy, Greece, the coastal Balkan countries and south & west Turkey).

The Caper Bush develops an extensive root system, hence it grows best in deep, medium-textured, loamy soils.

In temperate climate, capers are best grown in pots in bright locations and overwintered frost-free. Capers are characterized by an initial upright growth to later grow long horizontal lateral shoots that spread along the ground - or hang down along the wall that the plant has mounted.

The bush is productive and in optimal conditions there can be good harvests of up to 3000 buds per bush and season. In temperate climate, you can't really expect the same results, but you can do your best to mimic the plant's natural environment by:

• put it in direct sunlight throughout the summer months,
• let it grow in well-drained Mediterranean soil 
• let the soil dry out between waterings.

It's recommended to transplant your Caper Bush into a larger pot as the plant grows bigger.

As mentioned earlier, you harvest either the unopened flower buds or the fully formed fruits. If the flower bud is allowed to bloom, the bush produces sweetly scented, spectacular flowers. The Caper Bush can flower already in the first year sown from seed.

Caper buds are usually picked in the morning since that is when they're believed to have their highest aromatic value.

The Caper plant an be propagated via cuttings.

Sowing:

Caper seeds germinate irregularly. To create better germination conditions:

• Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 1 day
• Place the seeds between two pieces of damp tissue paper/moist sand and leave in the fridge for 4-6 weeks
• Soak the seeds one final time in lukewarm water for 1 day
• Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in sowing soil

The roots of the young caper plants are usually easily disturbed and are sensitive to damage when transplanting. A good solution can be to sow the seeds in degradable growing trays that you can seamlessly transplant into a larger pot without disturbing the roots.

Characteristics:

Lifespan: Perennial
Location: Sun
Height: 50 cm
Germination Time: 1-12 weeks
USDA Zone: 8-10

SEEDS (10pcs/bag)

Trivial Names: Sky-Earth, Sail-Earth, K litoria, Butterfly Pea
Scientific name: Clitoria ternatea
Family: Fabaceae 

Plant history & use:

Large climbing plant whose flowers have an intense blue color that is easily released when hot water is added.

Used to color food, sweets and drinks.

In Asia, tea made directly from the flowers is drunk. Sometimes it is mixed with lemongrass, honey and lime.

Himmelsärt is also used in traditional medicine as a relaxant and memory enhancer.

The normally blue colored drink changes to purple if you add something acidic, such as lemon. This is due to pH changes in the composition. Similarly, the flowers of the sky pea are sometimes used to make blue gin, which turns purple when tonic is added.

As a comparison, you can think that tea made in Himmelsart is used in Asia in the same way that we in Sweden use chamomile tea.

Like The goa bean Himmelsärten is regenerative for the soil in that it fixes nitrogen from air pores in the soil and works well as a ground cover crop. On the other hand, Himmelsärten is generally not hardy in Sweden, unlike Goa bean.

Culture:

The sky pea is a sun-loving, fast-growing plant that quickly establishes itself if it has something to climb on.

Cultivation in a pot is recommended if you want to let it become perennial in Sweden. Overwinter frost-free.

Able to grow in both moist and dry soils. Thrives surprisingly well in heavy clay soils. For growing in pots, a loamy soil with good drainage should be used.

Top branches for a bushier growth habit.

Sowing:

Pre-cultivated indoors early in the year, alternatively sown outside in April-May.

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

Characteristics:

Age: Perennial
Plant position: sun
Height: 150-300 cm
Germination time: 10-20 days

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 (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 (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 (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 (10pcs/bag)

Common Names: Light-Purple Butterfly Pea, Asian Pigeonwings, Cordofan Pea, Darwin pea
Scientific name: Clitoria ternatea
Family: Fabaceae 

Plant history & use:

A light purple variant of the more common one Blue Sky Pea . This variety has stuffed flowers.

Large climbing plant with edible flowers. Can be grown as a cover crop against a fence or as a ground cover.

Used to color food, sweets and drinks.

In Asia, tea made directly from the flowers is drunk. Sometimes it is mixed with lemongrass, honey and lime.

Himmelsärt is also used in traditional medicine as a relaxant and memory enhancer.

As a comparison, you can think that tea made in Himmelsart is used in Asia in the same way that we in Sweden use chamomile tea.

Like The goa bean Himmelsärten is regenerative for the soil in that it fixes nitrogen from air pores in the soil and works well as a ground cover crop. On the other hand, Himmelsärten is generally not hardy in Sweden, unlike Goa bean.

Cultivation:

The sky pea is a sun-loving, fast-growing plant that quickly establishes itself if it has something to climb on.

Cultivation in a pot is recommended if you want to let it become perennial in Sweden. Overwinter frost-free.

Able to grow in both moist and dry soils. Thrives surprisingly well in heavy clay soils. For growing in pots, a loamy soil with good drainage should be used.

Top branches for a bushier growth habit.

Sowing:

Pre-cultivated indoors early in the year, alternatively sown outside in April-May.

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

Characteristics:

Age: Perennial
Plant position: sun
Height: 150-300 cm
Germination time: 10-20 days

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

SEEDS (10pcs/bag)

Common Names: Light Purple Sky Pea, Light Purple Sail Pea, Light Purple K litoria, Light Purple Butterfly Pea
Scientific name: Clitoria ternatea
Family: Fabaceae 

Plant history & use:

Magenta colored variant of the more common one Blue Sky Pea .

Large climbing plant with edible flowers. Can be grown as a cover crop against a fence or as a ground cover.

Used to color food, sweets and drinks.

In Asia, tea made directly from the flowers is drunk. Sometimes it is mixed with lemongrass, honey and lime.

Himmelsärt is also used in traditional medicine as a relaxant and memory enhancer.

As a comparison, you can think that tea made in Himmelsart is used in Asia in the same way that we in Sweden use chamomile tea.

Like The goa bean Himmelsärten is regenerative for the soil in that it fixes nitrogen from air pores in the soil and works well as a ground cover crop. On the other hand, Himmelsärten is generally not hardy in Sweden, unlike Goa bean.

Culture:

The sky pea is a sun-loving, fast-growing plant that quickly establishes itself if it has something to climb on.

Cultivation in a pot is recommended if you want to let it become perennial in Sweden. Overwinter frost-free.

Able to grow in both moist and dry soils. Thrives surprisingly well in heavy clay soils. For growing in pots, a loamy soil with good drainage should be used.

Top branches for a bushier growth habit.

Sowing:

Pre-cultivated indoors early in the year, alternatively sown outside in April-May.

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

Characteristics:

Age: Perennial
Plant position: sun
Height: 150-300 cm
Germination time: 10-20 days

SEEDS (10pcs/bag)

Common Names: Light Blue Sky Pea, Light Blue Sail Pea, Light Blue K litoria, Light-blue Butterfly Pea
Scientific name: Clitoria ternatea
Family: Fabaceae 

Plant history & use:

Light blue variant of the more common one Blue Sky Pea . This variety has double petals, there is also a Light Blue Himmelsärt with a filled inflorescence .

Large climbing plant with edible flowers. Can be grown as a cover crop against a fence or as a ground cover.

Used to color food, sweets and drinks.

In Asia, tea made directly from the flowers is drunk. Sometimes it is mixed with lemongrass, honey and lime.

Himmelsärt is also used in traditional medicine as a relaxant and memory enhancer.

As a comparison, you can think that tea made in Himmelsart is used in Asia in the same way that we in Sweden use chamomile tea.

Like The goa bean Himmelsärten is regenerative for the soil in that it fixes nitrogen from air pores in the soil and works well as a ground cover crop. On the other hand, Himmelsärten is generally not hardy in Sweden, unlike Goa bean.

Culture:

The sky pea is a sun-loving, fast-growing plant that quickly establishes itself if it has something to climb on.

Cultivation in a pot is recommended if you want to let it become perennial in Sweden. Overwinter frost-free.

Able to grow in both moist and dry soils. Thrives surprisingly well in heavy clay soils. For growing in pots, a loamy soil with good drainage should be used.

Top branches for a bushier growth habit.

Sowing:

Pre-cultivated indoors early in the year, alternatively sown outside in April-May.

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

Characteristics:

Age: Perennial
Plant position: sun
Height: 150-300 cm
Germination time: 10-20 days

SEEDS (10pcs/bag)

Common names: White Sky Pea, White Sail Pea, White K litoria, White Butterfly Pea
Scientific name: Clitoria ternatea
Family: Fabaceae 

Plant history & use:

White variant of the more common Blue Sky Pea . This variety has stuffed flowers.

Large climbing plant with edible flowers. Can be grown as a cover crop against a fence or as a ground cover.

In Asia, tea made directly from the flowers is drunk. Sometimes it is mixed with lemongrass, honey and lime.

Himmelsärt is also used in traditional medicine as a relaxant and memory enhancer.

As a comparison, you can think that tea made in Himmelsart is used in Asia in the same way that we in Sweden use chamomile tea.

Like The goa bean Himmelsärten is regenerative for the soil in that it fixes nitrogen from air pores in the soil and works well as a ground cover crop. On the other hand, Himmelsärten is generally not hardy in Sweden, unlike Goa bean.

Culture:

The sky pea is a sun-loving, fast-growing plant that quickly establishes itself if it has something to climb on.

Cultivation in a pot is recommended if you want to let it become perennial in Sweden. Overwinter frost-free.

Able to grow in both moist and dry soils. Thrives surprisingly well in heavy clay soils. For growing in pots, a loamy soil with good drainage should be used.

Top branches for a bushier growth habit.

Sowing:

Pre-cultivated indoors early in the year, alternatively sown outside in April-May.

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

Characteristics:

Age: Perennial
Plant position: sun
Height: 150-300 cm
Germination time: 10-20 days

SEEDS (10pcs/bag)

Common names: Butterfly Pea 'Blue Sky', Light Blue Butterfly Pea
Scientific name: Clitoria ternatea
Family: Fabaceae 

Plant history & use:

Light blue Butterfly Pea with filled flowers.

Large climbing plant whose flowers have an intense blue color that is easily released when hot water is added.

Used to color food, sweets and drinks.

In Asia, tea made directly from the flowers is drunk. Sometimes it is mixed with lemongrass, honey and lime.

Himmelsärt is also used in traditional medicine as a relaxant and memory enhancer.

The normally blue colored drink changes to purple if you add something acidic, such as lemon. This is due to pH changes in the composition. Similarly, the flowers of the sky pea are sometimes used to make blue gin, which turns purple when tonic is added.

As a comparison, you can think that tea made from Butterfly Pea is used in Asia in the same way that we in Europe use chamomile tea.

Like the Goa bean , the Himmelsärten is regenerative for the soil by fixing nitrogen from air pores in the soil and works well as a ground cover crop. On the other hand, Himmelsärten is generally not hardy in Sweden, unlike Goa bean.

Cultivation:

The sky pea is a sun-loving, fast-growing plant that quickly establishes itself if it has something to climb on.

Cultivation in a pot is recommended if you want to let it become perennial in Sweden. Overwinter frost-free.

Able to grow in both moist and dry soils. Thrives surprisingly well in heavy clay soils. For growing in pots, a loamy soil with good drainage should be used.

Top branches for a bushier growth habit.

Sowing:

Pre-cultivated indoors early in the year, alternatively sown outside in April-May.

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

Characteristics:

Age: Perennial
Plant position: sun
Height: 150-300 cm
Germination time: 10-20 days

SEEDS (10pcs/bag)

Common names: White Butterfly Pea
Scientific name: Clitoria ternatea
Family: Fabaceae 

Plant history & use:

White variant of the more common Blue Sky Pea . This variety has stuffed flowers.

Large climbing plant with edible flowers. Can be grown as a cover crop against a fence or as a ground cover.

In Asia, tea made directly from the flowers is drunk. Sometimes it is mixed with lemongrass, honey and lime.

Himmelsärt is also used in traditional medicine as a relaxant and memory enhancer.

As a comparison, you can think that tea made in Himmelsart is used in Asia in the same way that we in Sweden use chamomile tea.

Like The goa bean Himmelsärten is regenerative for the soil in that it fixes nitrogen from air pores in the soil and works well as a ground cover crop. On the other hand, Himmelsärten is generally not hardy in Sweden, unlike Goa bean.

Cultivation:

The sky pea is a sun-loving, fast-growing plant that quickly establishes itself if it has something to climb on.

Cultivation in a pot is recommended if you want to let it become perennial in Sweden. Overwinter frost-free.

Able to grow in both moist and dry soils. Thrives surprisingly well in heavy clay soils. For growing in pots, a loamy soil with good drainage should be used.

Top branches for a bushier growth habit.

Sowing:

Pre-cultivated indoors early in the year, alternatively sown outside in April-May.

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

Characteristics:

Lifespan: Perennial
Location: Sun
Height: 150-300 cm
Germination Time: 10-20 days