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The life cycle of an annual is 1 year.


BASIL


Chosen 2003 "Herb of the Year." America's most popular herb, finally got its due and to celebrate, we continue to add new basils annually. We encourage those of you who are as enthralled with basils as we are, to check out "BASIL: AN HERB LOVER'S GUIDE," by Tom DeBaggio & Susan Belsinger. (Interweave Press. ISBN 1-883010-19-5).

Overall, basils love full sun, normal moisture (preferably applied below leaf canopy- their leaves respond poorly to direct, weekly, showers from above) and warmth. Planting right next to your house, under an overhang is ideal. Trim flowers and harvest foliage regularly for optimum flavor and growth.

MOST IMPORTANTLY, do not plant directly in the ground until the soil warms, which is usually at least 3 weeks after your frost free date. In Ohio that means no earlier than Memorial Day.

Fresh is best, frozen (by pureeing with oil, pouring into a dedicated-to-herbs ice cube tray and popping them into a freezer container after freezing into blocks) is second best. If you must dry basil, do it with warmth (100 degree max.), ventilation (ceiling fan?) and away from direct light to get it crisp dry quickly.



Basil, Cinnamon

Ocimum basilicum `Cinnamon'
Cold Tolerance: Zone 9a 9b-11
Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Height: 1 x 1 ½ Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Bees, Borders, Culinary, Edible Flowers, Fragrant, Ornamental


Green leaves with red veins and purple stems plus flowers from pink to purple, create such beauty, we'd grow it even if we couldn't flavor fruit, pancakes, and chili with its cinnamon touch. $ 3.29

Basil, Lime

Basil, Lime
Ocimum basilicum `Lime'
Cold Tolerance: Zone 9a 9b-11
Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Height: 1 x 2 Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Bees, Culinary, Edible Flowers
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I've never encountered a more durable lime flavor than that of Lime Basil! It grows better than most lemon basils but has a sharp lime taste that withstands up to an hour of cooking, used fresh! Strew over white sauce for fish, stir-fry, and fruit salad. Flavor gets stronger in the freezer! $ 3.29

Basil, Mammoth

Basil, Mammoth
Ocimum basilicum
Cold Tolerance: Zone 10a 11
Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Height: 2 x 2 to 2-1/2 Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Flowers: Middle Summer
Common Uses:Bees, Borders, Culinary, Edible Flowers


Make room for this larger, pesto-type basil with higher yields. 4"" long leaves can be used to wrap fillings, like grape leaves, imparting a scent and taste sweeter than Genovese and less clove-like. Height can reach 24-30 $ 3.29

Basil, Mrs. Burns Lemon

Ocimum 'Mrs Burns'
Cold Tolerance: Zone 9a 9b-11
Light: Full Sun
Height: 1 x 1 feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Bees, Borders, Culinary, Edible Flowers, Fragrant


Other lemon basils may produce more, but this is the sweetest lemon flavor that we've tasted. Likes to go to seed if not provided with enough nitrogen which is easily solved with blood meal. Absolutely the best with fish and salads. $ 3.29

Basil, Purple Ruffles

Basil, Purple Ruffles
Ocimum basilicum `Purple Ruffles'
Cold Tolerance: Zone 9a 9b-11
Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Height: 1-2 Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Bees, Borders, Container, Culinary, Ornamental


Large purple leaves with ruffled edges and pink flowers create this striking, pleasantly mild, addition (so add generously) to veggies and salads. "Golden Oregano, Tri-Color Sage, Purple Ruffles" and any rosemary will make a magnificent display. We mulch with grass clipping to create a nice contrast. $ 3.29

Basil, Red Rubin

Basil, Red Rubin
Ocimum basilicum `Red Rubin'
Cold Tolerance: Zone 9a 9b-11
Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Height: 1-2 Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Culinary, Ornamental


This was bred to be less variable in color and it succeeded, with fewer plants reverting to green. Protect this one from heavy, frequent rains. It's a purple version of large leaf basil, albeit pink buds, and literally luminates a fruit salad, stir-fry, salsa, or even eggs. $ 3.29

Basil, Spicy Globe/Bush

Ocimum basilicum 'Spicy Globe'
Cold Tolerance: Zone 9a 9b-11
Light: Full Sun to Sun-P.Sun
Height: 6-9in.
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Bees, Garden Railroads, Container, Culinary, Hedges/Shrubs, Miniature/Faery Garden, Ornamental


Miniature green leaves adorn this truly bonsai basil, and it's slow to flower. Pick young buds & leaves for a mild basil taste in salads, grilled steak, fish, and pork. Long ago, in Italy, basil on windowsills advertised availability. Hey bachelors,- it's a perfect container basil or a cute, front row hedge. $ 3.29

Basil, Sweet Genovese

Basil, Sweet Genovese
Ocimum basilicum 'Sweet Genovese'
Cold Tolerance: Zone 9a 9b-11
Light: Full Sun to Sun-P.Sun
Height: 2-2 1/2 Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Bees, Borders, Culinary, Edible Flowers


Expect 1 pound of leaves per plant on this, the most "basilly" of sweet basils, in our opinion. We refer to as it as "The Pesto Basil." As usual, you need to keep white flowers pinched off, but use them. The flowers are even sweeter than the great tasting leaves. $ 3.29

Basil, Sweet Thai


Ocimum sp. 'Thai'
Cold Tolerance: Zone 9a 9b-11
Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Height: 1 x 2 Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Common Uses:Bees, , Culinary
$ 3.29

Borage

Borage
Borago officinalis

Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Height: 1-2 Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Loamy
Flowers: Early Summer
Common Uses:Bees, Borders, Culinary, Ornamental

Need a quick cucumber substitute? Make space (about a 3' spread) for an endless summer display of baby blue, star-shaped flowers. Harvest just opened blooms and small, non-prickly leaves, for a cucumber flavor in cool salads or V-8 drinks. $ 3.29

Butterflyweed, 'Gay Butterflies'


Asclepias tuberosa 'Gay Butterflies'
Cold Tolerance: Zone 10a10b9a9b
Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Height: 2-4 Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Common Uses:Butterfly, , Ornamental


Irrepressible orange and red star flowers in 4" clusters caught customers' attention all summer. This easy to grow, South American species, is also a favorite of Monarchs in the garden or any large mixed container. We combined this with Sweet Potato `Blackie' - WOW! $ 3.79

Chamomile, German Improved

Chamomile, German Improved
Matricaria recutita (chamomila) 'Bodegold'
Cold Tolerance: Zone 7a 7b 8a 8b
Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Height: 1 1/2-2 Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Loamy
Flowers: Early Summer
Common Uses:Medicinal, Tea


Harvest is easier with larger flowers and, more effective for occasional insomnia, with its higher oil content. Pick whole flowers and dry on horizontal window screens. After 2-3 days, place a tray, under the screen and rub flowers. Only white petals and yellow centers should fall through to the tray. Avoid bitter stem & green caps (although they tend to be a good ""digestive""). We make a tea using 2 tsp. dried herb per cup of hot water. $ 3.29

Chervil, Brussel Winter

Anthriscus cerefolium `Brussels Winter'
Cold Tolerance: Zone 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b
Light: Sun-P.Sun to Sun
Height: 10-24in.
Water: Normal
Soil: Loamy
Flowers: Early Summer
Common Uses:Butterfly, Culinary, Edible Flowers


This is an improved, vigorous European variety that is larger and slower to bolt than ordinary ""Chervil."" Use fresh or frozen leaves in salads, soups, fish white sauce, and quiche, ideally fresh or cooked less than 5 minutes. Start in early spring with lettuce since it will bolt into flower with summer heat. Collect seed & plant in August for a fall crop. $ 3.29

Cilantro \ Coriander

Coriandrum sativum 'Santo'
Cold Tolerance: Zone 9b-11
Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Height: 1 Foot
Water: Normal
Soil: Loamy
Flowers: Early Summer
Common Uses:Butterfly, Culinary, Edible Flowers


This improved variety promises more fresh leaves and extra time to enjoy them in the spring. Grow with lettuce as it will fade with summer's heat. Small white flowers become large, brown, rounded seeds (Coriander). Use or reseed right away for a fall crop of Cilantro. One January we were still picking it during the mild winter! For salsas, salads, corn, chicken, beans, SW cooking and salmon. $ 3.29

Epazote /Bean-o Herb

Chenopodium ambrosioides
Cold Tolerance: Zone 9a 9b-11
Light: Full Sun to Sun-P.Sun
Height: 2-3 Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Sandy-Loamy
Common Uses:Culinary, Medicinal


Insist on this Mexican herb with any bean dish to "for-go the fireworks." Use 1/4 cup chopped fresh leaves per kettle of stews, soups, & bean dishes during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking. Don't worry about the unusual odor. I believe it quickly dissipates and imparts little flavor, if any, although others say they even like the taste. Absolutely necessary for black bean soup or chili. $ 3.29

Fennel, Florence Bulbing

Foeniculum dulce
Cold Tolerance: Zone 9b-11
Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Height: 2 Feet
Water: Normal
Soil: Loamy
Flowers: Middle Summer
Common Uses:Butterfly, Culinary, Edible Flowers, Tea


This ""eat-everything-but-the-squeal herb"" is grown as a vegetable until full bulb forms, but harvest green foliage along the way. Dig up entire plant before bulb splits. Often mislabeled as anise in grocery store. Use in stews or cut into large chunks for steaming. Grate steamed bulb or add snipped leaves to lightly season pasta, white sauce or eggs. I make an apple, fennel bulb, bleu cheese and greens salad with balsamic vineagrette. Fennel is the preeminent anti-wrinkle herb, often used in facial steams, mouthwash and hair rinses. $ 3.29

Marigold, Lemon Gem

Marigold, Lemon Gem
Tagetes signata `Gem Series'
Cold Tolerance: Zone 9b-11
Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Height: 6in.
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Flowers: Late Summer to Middle Summer
Common Uses:Baskets, Borders, Container, Culinary, Edible Flowers, Ornamental


Petite yellow marigold blossoms with lemony, citrus flavor decorate finely dissected green foliage. Create outrageously colorful green salads with marigold, pineapple sage and borage blooms. Very cooperative in baskets or patio containers, but trim to keep compact and feed regularly. $ 3.29

Marigold, Tangerine Gem

Tagetes signata `Gem Series'
Cold Tolerance: Zone 9b-11
Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Height: 6in.
Water: Normal
Soil: Organic-Loamy
Flowers: Late Summer to Middle Spring
Common Uses:Container, Culinary, Edible Flowers, Ornamental


Miniature orange blossoms reveal a mild, orange-citrus flavor scattered in fruit and green salads. Dry for ""confetti"" flowers over baked potatoes. In containers, plant with Ginger Mint, Cardamon and True Ginger for a tropical feel. To our delight, it'll self-sow during growing season. $ 3.29

NASTURTIUM


All parts are edible. Tear up leaves and flowers to add to your next salad. Plus, seed pods are fine caper substitutes. If you are ever in the mood for garden "grazing," head to Nasturiums first!



Nasturtium, Empress Of India

Tropaelum majus`Empress of India'
Cold Tolerance: Zone 9b-11
Light: Sun-P.Shade to P. Shade
Height: Vine
Water: Wet
Soil: Organic
Flowers: Late Summer to Middle Summer
Common Uses:Baskets, Container, Culinary, Edible Flowers, Ornamental


Exotic, deep red flowers on dark green foliage form a semi trailing habit. This best selling annual compliments yellow gem marigolds, lantana, pineapple mint, or hot colored flowering plants. Tasty! $ 3.79

Nasturtium, Peach Melba Wina

Tropaeolum majus
Cold Tolerance: Zone 9b-11
Light: Sun-P.Shade to P. Shade
Height: Vine
Water: Wet
Soil: Organic
Common Uses:Culinary, , Ornamental


Rich creamy petals splashed in the center with maroon dots contrast with dark green foliage. Enjoy the flower's peppery tang in salads, split pea soup & pizza! Be adventurous and nibble on the foliage as well. In memory of my mom, Melba Hemminger $ 3.79

Nasturtium, Variegated Alaska

Tropaelum majus`Alaska Variegata'
Cold Tolerance: Zone 9b-11
Light: Sun-P.Shade to P. Shade
Height: Vine
Water: Wet
Soil: Organic
Flowers: Late Summer to Middle Summer
Common Uses:Baskets, Container, Culinary, Edible Flowers, Ornamental


This flamboyant specimen is not for the weak of heart. Mixed colors of red, yellow or orange compliment round, green leaves, swirled in random yellow streaks. Everybody's favorite for mixed containers. Highly ornamental, even when it isn't in bloom. Flowers are prized for their sweet peppery flavor. Green seed pods are ""radish"" hot! $ 3.79

Oregano, Sweet Marjoram

Oregano, Sweet Marjoram
Origanum majorana
Cold Tolerance: Zone 8a 9a 9b-11
Light: Full Sun to Full Sun
Height: 1-2 Feet
Water: Dry-Normal
Soil: Loamy
Common Uses:Bath, Bees, Culinary, Edible Flowers


I confess that I love marjoram above other oreganos, no matter the annual planting, since it's a sweeter, milder version. Add during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to any vegetable, seafood, rice, eggs, poultry, pork, or most any vegetable. Marjoram is a good muscle ache reliever in herbal bath bags. $ 3.29

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