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Columbine, Wild (Aguilegia canadensis) seeds:
Wild Columbine Aguilegia canadensis
For years we carried Aguilegia vulgaris (the European species) but are now offering the new-world species (canadensis) as per picture--the colors of this one are more familiar to us, and we think much prettier without the frills. Columbine is one of the most beautiful wild flowers, and grow equally well in a wooded setting or in the window box. According to Culpepper, it was used as an astringent gargle for treating sore mouth or throat. Prefers part to full shade and does well in moist, forested situations--even under conifers. Scatter seed in disturbed soil in the fall or early spring--they are pretty reliable germinators in this manner and once established will tend to self-seed and persist.
Open Pollinated 50 seeds/pkt.
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$2.95
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Comfrey, True (Symphytum officinalis) seeds, organic:
(True Comfrey)
Hardiness: -15 degrees F, -26.2 degrees C
Herbaceous perennial native to Europe. True Comfrey is the original medicinal herb as detailed in all the ancient literature. Confusion as to identity of this plant occurred when modern herbalists knowingly or unknowingly began using the hybridized Russian Comfrey cultivar known as "Bocking 14,” labeling it incorrectly as "Symphytum officinalis" which it definitely is not. The distinction is not necessarily that important, as all members of the Symphytum genus are used pretty much interchangeably, and all serve. However, it is nice to have your plants correctly identified, especially when making and labeling a product.
Compared to the Bocking 14 cultivar (Symphytum x uplandicum), this "true comfrey" (Symphytum officinalis) has a balanced consitituent content, with good representation of healing alantoin as well as mucopolysaccharides and less concentration of potentially toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. This seed is from my own plants, and the identification is correct as "Symphytum officinalis." And, its really good stuff.
Comfrey prefers a full to part sun position with rich, moist, but well-drained soil. Sandy soil is fine as long as the plants are watered consistently during the growing season. Sow the seed just under the surface and tamp in securely. Keep warm and moist until germination, which takes approximately 10 days in standard greenhouse culture. Germination may take as long as 30 days if you do not have a greenhouse. 30 days of cold/moist conditioning followed by planting in warm soil may improve the germination response. Grow the seedlings out in pots for about 3 months, then transplant to the garden. You can also direct-seed into a fertile bed once the soil warms up a bit in the spring. If you don't want the plants to spread, then cut them back when they make flowers, and mulch the crowns with the leaves. This will keep the seed from maturing and dropping, and will quickly improve the soil and contribute to the formation of large, healthy and happy plants. 10 seeds/pkt., Certified Organically Grown
No replacements on comfrey seed, as it is extremely easy to grow and highly viable. If for some reason you cannot grow it from seed, please order plants.
We had a number of reports of low- or non-germination on comfrey seed and enlisted the assistance of a randomly chosen customer to help us elucidate what might be happening. We sent him the comfrey seed he ordered (lot number 4955, harvested in 2008) and a free sample of comfrey seed (lot number 5493, harvested in 2009). We asked him to plant both lots of seed in the normal manner that he plants seeds, and this is the e-mail he sent back to us:
Sir,
As requested I'm submitting a germination report for the comfrey seed that I purchased and the extra that you so generously gave me.
To begin with, I'm sixty years old and have been gardening seriously for about forty years now. While nowhere near an expert at least I'm nowhere near a beginner either.
Decided to start the seeds in pots rather than plant them in place in the garden which turned out to be a good thing what with the crazy weather this year. Probably my worst garden ever. I imagine I'll get
hungry this winter.
I still have not been able to build a greenhouse which I so desperately want but hope springs eternal and I hope to have one while I'm still agile enough to use it.
The report is a little flawed because, for some reason, I forgot to mark the quantity of seeds in batch 5493. It was either eight or nine seeds and for the life of me I can't remember which. The packages with batch number 4955 on the label each had ten seeds as stated.
I used a mix of clay and plastic pots with new potting soil purchased for the test. Pots were placed in trays on my porch as I had nowhere else to put them.
Both lot numbers performed similarly, no major difference between them. I must say that at one point I almost gave up and chucked the
pots as the quickest seed to germinate took twenty-one days and the slowest took thirty days.
I am puzzled by the lengthy germination time I encountered. I can see how someone that
was more of a novice than me might give up on the seeds if they hadn't seen any sign of germination after three or four weeks. I was beginning
to wonder myself, but had no other use for the pots or the space so left them alone.
As to the final germination results. I haven't been in school for many, many years and math was never my forte, so I hope you will forgive me for not giving you percentages of germination.
Lot number 4955. Twenty seeds planted. Seventeen seedlings obtained.
Lot number 5493 marked summer 09. Eight or nine? seeds planted.
Seven seedlings obtained.
So, to sum up. Seeds planted in pots outdoors in newly purchased potting soil. Kept moist by setting in trays of water. Germination in twenty-one to thirty days. No noticeable difference in germination
between the two lot numbers. Surprised at the number of weed and grass seeds in purchased potting soil. I usually have no need to purchase it
but wanted this germination test to be as fair as it could be.
It was an honor and a privilege to be asked to take part in this little study and I enjoyed myself greatly. Thank you, sir.
I do enjoy your catalog and your website, both are topnotch. I
have purchased from you in the past and will continue to do so in the future as I wade deeper into the waters of herbal medicine.
Thank you for your products, thank you for your consideration,
thank you for your excellent service, thank you for allowing an old man to take part in this test and be able to contribute something back to
the gardening world that he loves so much.
JC
Mid-North Indiana
Zone 5
Richo's comment on the above. It was interesting to see that dry-stored seed that was a year old gave 85% germ and the newer seed gave between 77.7 and 87.5% germ--really no loss of germinability in a year's time, by the looks of it. The main reason we requested the help of JC was to find out what people were doing that would cause them to report zero germ when our experience was consistently 90% germ in 10 days in normal greenhouse culture. What we found out was the obvious--people don't necessarily have the facilities to give normal greenhouse culture, and that lack of same causes a delay in the germination response. Clearly, germination times are environmentally and temporally determined, so where you plant the seed and how long you wait is going to make a difference! As an aside, we also have learned that a cold/moist stratification for 30 days followed by planting in warm conditions will improve germination speed adn will enhance germination. Many thanks to Mr. JC and I hope all of you have great results with the true comfrey!
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$3.95
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Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum) seeds, organic:
(Pilot Weed, Rosin Weed)
Family: Aster (Asteracea)
Hardy to - 40 degrees F (Mighty Cold)
Towering herbaceous perennial with gigantic, deep delving roots. Native to the American prairies. The large, handsomely and characteristically lobed leaves are very impressive. The stems are heavy, thick, hairy and green, glistening with fragrant and bitter gum which is a good expectorant and effective treatment for dry, chronic cough. Plant prefers open grasslands, as it is a prairie plant. A few wild ones may still survive in cemetaries or forgotten corners of prairie, but mainly the ones you see nowadays have been planted by prairie restoration folks. I find them indespensible in the herb garden, due to their majesticness. Give full sun, moist soil. During dormancy, burn off over the crown every few years (they won't mind, they are stimulated and cleaned by the fire and nourished by the ash). Sow in early spring or spring. Some cold conditioning is desirable to get complete germination, but the seeds usually respond sufficiently to standard greenhouse technique. They can be nicely direct-seeded in fertile soil in the early spring, as the seedlings are quite large and can compete to some extent out there in the big world. 20 seeds/pkt, Certified Organically Grown
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$2.95
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Coptis, Chinese (Coptis chinensis) seeds, organic:
(Chinese Coptis, Huang-lian)
Family: Crowfoot (Ranunculaceae)
Perennial forest dweller. Does well in pots. Rare to find this seed correctly identified, but in this case the correct identity and viablity has been confirmed (we grow the plant and collect the seed ourselves). Native to China. Slow-growing and sensitive plant provides a rich yellow rhizome and thread-like rootlets. Strong antimicrobial activity—loaded with berberine. Viewed in Chinese medicine as an herb that clears heat in treatment of high fevers, sore throat, abscesses, nosebleeds, etc. We find that a single drop in a small glass of water will effectively stop up bacterial diarrhea, so this is a tincture we tend to carry on international excursions. Cultivation: Sow seeds in fall or very early spring with germination in the spring as the ground warms up. Keep well-watered, protected and shaded until seedlings are established. Plant prefers rich, acid loam with moisture and shade.100 seeds/pkt, Certified Organically Grown
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$3.95
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Cordao (Leonotis nepetaefolia) seeds, organic:
Leonotis nepetaefolium
Fast-growing annual. Highly decorative, with tall whorled spikes that hold arrays of long-tubed and curving orange flowers. Smokeable euphoric, faster to flower than Wilde Dagga. We had a great year on these, and there's no better time to get into it as far as we're concerned. Species not new to us, but just to let you know new seed is very much in.
Organically grown 100 seeds/pkt.
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$3.95
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Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seeds, organic:
(Cilantro, Thai Parsley)
Annual. 30 days to cilantro, 60 days to coriander.
Family: Carrot (Apiaceae)
Harvest the shining, smooth leaves before the plant flowers for use as the culinary spice Cilantro in cooking and in salsa. Harvest the seeds and use them as Coriander, a curry ingredient and also a respected medicinal herb. Medicinally, the fresh or dried herb and seeds chelate heavy metals and help move them out of the body—this includes mercury and lead. The seeds are especially stimulant, aromatic and carminative. Combine fresh green coriander seeds with spilanthes buds and extract together in alcohol for a mouthwash experience that surpasses everything with the possible exception of a crisp ripe apple right off the tree. Interestingly, we invented this combination spontaneously and only later found out that coriander helps the body chelate mercury that might be seeping from old fillings. Plant prefers full sun and regular garden soil. Sow directly in the garden bed. Germination can be a bit cranky, so be patient. Sow starting in the early spring, in successions 3 weeks apart, in order to assure ongoing availability of the fresh herb. 100 Seeds/pkt., Certified Organically Grown
RECIPE FOR CHELATION SALSA
Here’s our recipe for “Chelation Salsa”
2 cups chopped fresh cilantro
2 cups chopped fresh tomato
1 cup chopped fresh basil
½ cup chopped pumpkin seeds
4 cloves garlic, chopped and pressed
Hot peppers to taste
1 TBS lemon juice
2 TBS olive oil
Salt to taste
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$2.95
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Corydalis, Yellow (Corydalis lutea) seeds:
Corydalis, Yellow (Corydalis lutea)
(Yellow Fumitory)
Family: Fumariaceae
Hardiness: -30 degrees F
Herbaceous perennial native to the European Alps, evergreen in warmer climates, growing to just over a foot tall. Yellow corydalis is widely grown throughout Europe, often found cascading over crumbling castle walls and stone fences, flowering abundantly throughout the summer. Source of the potent isoquinoline alkaloid bulbocapnine, which inhibits the reflex and motor activities of striated muscles. Small, measured doses of bulbocapnine have been used in the treatment of muscular tremors, and the drug was mentioned in the rather infamous book “Naked Lunch” by Burroughs. Plant prefers full sun to part shade and moist but fast-draining soils. Yellow corydalis self-seeds readily, but it does require oscillating temperatures to germinate. Sow seeds on surface and press in. Seeds require 6 weeks warm stratification, followed by 6 weeks cold stratification, with germination thereafter in cool soils. One good way to accomplish this is to sow the seed on surface of a gallon pot in the fall and allow the seasons to work on it until you get plants. That's what I did, with very good results, as per the photo. 100 seeds/pkt $2.95
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Costmary (Tanacetum balsamita) seeds, organic:
(Alecost)
Family: Aster (Asteraceae)
Hardy to -20 degrees F. Long, broad and resiny leaves support loose clusters of tiny, daisy-like flowers that emit a pleasant, balsamic fragrance. Old-world herb used as a spicy flavoring, ingredient for beermaking, and medicinally as a stomachic, emmenagogue, and for treating headaches. Strewing herb. Plant preffers full sun and dryish soils. Sow seed on surface of pot or flat or prepared garden bed and press in, then keep evenly moist and in the light until germ. Work up in pots and transplant out after the plants are 6 inches tall or so. Space plants 1 tio 2 feet apart.
100 seeds/pkt., Certified Organically Grown
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$2.95
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Costmary Set of 3 pkts (Costmary, Feverfew and Tansy) seeds, organic:
Family: Aster (Asteraceae)
Hardy to -20 degrees F. Short lived herbaceous perennials with balsamic odours. Classic strewing herbs, herbal medicine for headaches, and used to impart taste and longevity when making herbal beers. Set of 3 pkts (Costmary, Feverfew and Tansy) seeds (price shown is a discount)
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$4.90
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Costus (Saussurea costus) seeds:
Saussurea costus (Kuth, Kushta)
Rare plant native to the Himalayan foothills. Listed by CITES (Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species). Cultivating this plant is a positive act of plant conservation. Readily grown in the temperate United States, the plant prefers a sandy/loam soil, rich in organic compost. The leaves are large, soft and downy, with winged stems. We have had good success growing this in Southern Oregon, and it persists year after year, with a strong winter dormancy. This seed is highly viable, and is a unique and unusual offering from HORIZON HERBS. The tuberous root has numerous medicinal and spiritual applications. The herb imparts an oriental fragrance to essential oils, perfumes and medicines. Open Pollinated 50 seeds/pkt.
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$3.95
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Cowslip (Primula veris) seeds, organic:
Family: Evening Primrose (Onagraceae)
Hardy to -20 degrees F. This seed is a native land race from the moist meadows of Britain. In the early spring, the plant bursts forth like a discarded lemon lozenge discarded onto the grassy landscape--small, rounded, shining, and impossibly golden yellow. The flowers are sedative and pain relieving, used in homeopathy, tinctures, teas, face washes and in winemaking. Plant prefers part shade to sun and moist, well-drained soil. Sow seed in fall, midwinter or very early spring. Keep cool to cold, evenly moist, and in the shade. Once seedlings reach second set of true leaves, pot up and work up to sufficient size to transplant to the garden.
100 seeds/pkt., Certified Organically Grown
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$2.95
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Cucumber, Squirting (Ecballium elaterium) seeds:
Cucumber, Squirting (Ecballium elaterium) (Squirting Cucumber)
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Perennial vine. Rare and unusual. Native to the
Mediterranean . The dried juice, (Elatarin), is a strong laxative. Low-dose botanical. Plant prefers rich soil, full sun, and regular watering. Start in spring in pots or in hills. Easy.
15 seeds/pkt $3.95
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$3.95
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Culver's Root (Veronicastrum virginicum) seeds, organic:
Veronicastrum virginicum
Produces beautiful spikes of showy, white flowers in the second year. The aged root is gently laxative and tonifying to the liver.
Organically grown 300 seeds/pkt.
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$2.95
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Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) seeds:
Family: Carrot (Apiaceae)
Annual or overwintering annual. 115 days to maturity. Native to the Mediterranean and cultivated worldwide. The seeds are an aromatic spice that make a perfect companion for salad dressings or cheese. Cumin is an ingredient of curry powder, and has a distinctive taste associated with ethnic foods of the Mediterranean Basin and India. Medicinally, it is preservative, antiseptic, and carminative in its actions. Plant prefers full sun and fast-draining soils. Folks in very warm winter areas may have good results direct seeding this plant in the fall garden. Otherwise, sow directly in garden bed in spring. Germ in 1 to 3 weeks. White or reddish flowers give way to heavy seed heads in the late summer. 300 Seeds/pkt., Open Pollinated
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$2.95
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![Curry-leaf Tree seeds (to be delivered in season) [Sorry, NO International sales of this seed]](images/products/Curry_Leaf_tree_seeds.jpg)
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Curry-leaf Tree seeds (to be delivered in season) [Sorry, NO International sales of this seed]:
(“Black Neem”)
Family: Rue (Rutaceae)
Tropical to sub-tropical deciduous tree to 18 feet, native to
Southern India . The pinnate leaves are handsome, as are the small, white, fragrant flowers that give way to clusters of black berries. The curry tree leaves (which should be confused neither with the compound spice “curry” nor the curry plant (Helichrysum italicum)), are used as spiritual offerings and lend their unique taste and aroma to Indian cuisine. Medicinally, the leaves are employed as an antinauseant and stomachic. Plant prefers sun to part shade and rich, moist but well-drained soil. Sow seed about ¾ inch deep in warm soil. Give bright light and humid conditions. Water sparingly and do not water again until the soil surface becomes dry. Germ. in 10 to 20 days. The plant must be protected from frost, and is a reasonable choice for outdoor cultivation in Southern California, the Gulf Coast, Florida and of course
Hawaii and other tropical places. Otherwise, it does well as a container plant, kept indoors during the cold months.
10 seeds/pkt Open Pollinated (Fresh, undried seed prestratified and delivered moist. Sow immediately upon receipt.)
Note: Curry leaf tree seeds are available in the US only, not internationally.
Note: We are now out of stock on Curry Leaf Seeds until August to November 2010. If you order this seed, we will automatically backorder it and keep your information on file until we ship seed from the new crop. Your credit card will not be charged for this seed until we actually send it. We will notify you when we are sending it, so that you can get ready. If you are eager to get going with curry leaf tree, then please order the plants instead of the seed. We are well stocked on plants and will begin shipping in April of 2010. Richo
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$9.95
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Daisy, Oxeye (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum) seeds, organic (not available to MT):
Chrysanthemum leucanthemum
Nice plants to have in the diverse medicinal herb garden. These have a mound-shaped habit and are florific throughout the summer. Dried flowers and herb are a traditional remedy for treating upper respiratory infection and asthma. Excellent attractor of pollinators and good for kids (daisy chains). Plant prefers fast-draining and poor soils and full sun. I found one this week growing into a crack on top of one of the rocks surrounding a raised bed in the west garden. They are tough contendors but they are not "invasive." Only people are invasive.
Organically grown 200 seeds/pkt.
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$2.95
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Dandelion, Wild (Taraxacum officinale) seeds, organic:
Family: Aster (Asteraceae)
Herbaceous perennial. Native to and distributed throughout the temperate zones of planet Earth. This is a wild plant that prospers on our farm, largely because we don't dig the roots (even when we harvest the herb for spring greens or tincture) and we don't weed them out. Basically, they are one of our most respected plants on the land and we let them grow. So then, when they go to seed, we pick the seed, and then we clean it and package it. We do this yearly so that the seed stays really fresh, but there is something about dandelion--if you plant the newly harvested seeds in the spring then they come right up, and if you wait until fall, or try to plant last year's seed in the spring greenhouse, then dormancy is a real problem, and the seeds do not usually come right up, but can take multiple cycles to germinate. All this has survival advantage for a plant, but is frustrating for growers. Since the growing cycle for cultivating dandelion is to seed in the spring and harvest the (now 2 lb fresh wt or so) plants in the following spring (yes, 1 year of growth), then really, there is no reason to try to work with old seed in the early spring greenhouse. Our fresh harvest is available yearly starting on April 7, so orders in the first week of april through about may 15th will be filled with absolutely fresh dandelion seed that should come up immediately. Plant prefers part shade to full sun and richly composted soil, and much water. 200 seeds/pkt., Certified Organically Grown
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Datura, Beej (Datura candida) seeds, organic:
Datura, Beej (Datura candida)
(Beej Datura)
Family: Nightshade (Solanaceae)
Hardiness: 20 degrees F, or grow as an annual
Native to India, the plant makes a spreading bush to 2 or 3 feet tall. The blossoms are large, creamy white, and upright--they follow the moon. The leaves are velvety and soft, and the seed pods are perfectly round and very spiny. Decorative, if you like that sort of thing. Here in Southern Oregon, Beej is perennial. Plant prefers full sun and fast draining soils. Sow seed in spring, in cactus mix or other fast-draining soil. Organically grown 50 seeds/pkt.
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$3.95
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