Herbs

Photos and Data Courtesy of Ball Seed

Cymbopogon flexuosus. Lemongrass is a tropical plant from the grass family (Poaceae) that will grow well in temperate regions if given the right conditions. At the end of summer move container plants into a frost free environment with good air circulation. Reduce watering to almost none, making the soil barely moist once a week.

When using Lemongrass in the kitchen, remove any loose, outer layers. Either use whole pieces, crushed slightly with a pestle or under the back of your cleaver, or slice sections very thinly in cross section. This will help break up the strong fibres of the grass stalks.

Parlsey is best used for cooking as it withstands heat and retains its flavor.

Curled parsley lightly easier to grow in a garden, has similar taste to Italian however it is more difficult to cook with due to the compact leaves. Most commonly found as a garnish.

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 15 - 18"

• Width: 12 - 18"

Photos and Data Courtesy of Ball Seed & McKenzie Seeds

Bay Laurel is used in many savory dishes.

Leaves are traditionally dried before use, but offer a stronger flavour when used fresh.

Chives make an attractive edging for any flower or vegetable garden and are a versatile herb in the kitchen. Chives grow well in gardens or patio containers with tall, green, grass-like leaves ending in purple pom-pom flowers.

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 12 - 18"
• Width: 8 - 12"

Photos and Data Courtesy of Ball Seed

Curled Parsley produces fine foliage. The dense, closely curled, parsley grows to a very dark green. It makes for an excellent choice for flavoring soups, salads, and stews. This biennial herb is also a great option for a garnish, and is very good for freezing.

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 15 - 18"

• Width: 12 - 18"

Photos and Data Courtesy of Ball Seed

Catnip is a type of mint that grows into an attractive plant. You can begin harvesting catnip when it’s about 12 in. (30 cm) tall and continue all Summer. Try drying catnip to fill your cat’s toys as a special treat.

Photos and Data Courtesy of Ball Seed

Produces much higher yields of foliage than other dill varieties. The dark green, ferny leaves also have a distinct, strong aroma that adds depth to any fish, vegetable or pasta dish. Vigorous plants are topped with very large umbels.

Height: 30 - 40"

Photos and Data Courtesy of Ball Seed

Chocolate mint plants (Mentha x piperita 'Chocolate') are attractive, fragrant and easy to grow. As with most square-stemmed members of the mint family, growing chocolate mint can take over the area in which it is planted in the ground, readily and quickly making it ideal for ground cover or for containers.

Suggestions: Mint has a tendency to overpower the garden if not kept in check. Cut the bottom from a container, place the container in a hole in the garden, fill with soil and plant the mint inside the container.

Light Requirement: Full Sun or Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 24"

• Width: 12 - 24"

Photos and Data Courtesy of Ball Seed

Sorrel is a leafy green vegetable grown for its pleasantly tart, lemony flavor. The plants have smooth to crinkled, arrow-shaped leaves that grow from a center. The plant will send up a tall flower stalk as the temperature warms, but it's best to remove this to promote leaf growth for a better harvest. Sorrel has multiple uses in the kitchen  from soups to stews.

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 12 - 24"

• Width: 12 - 18"

Lots of flowers in spring and summer attract butterflies and honeybees. Sturdy, bushy variety grows low to the ground. Plant near the front of a border or in patio planters to enjoy their mild lavender fragrance.

Lavender MUST have good drainage in order to avoid root rot problems, consider growing in a raised bed or rock garden.

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 6 - 10"

• Width: 10 - 12"

Photos and Data Courtesy of Ball Seed

Harvest leaves regularly for fresh and flavorful tarragon all season long. Excellent spiller in mixed herb containers. Leaves have a distinctive anise flavor and scent. Use fresh or dried to flavor fish, meats, vegetables, eggs, salads and sauces.

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 16 - 24"

• Width: 14 - 18"

Photos and Data Courtesy of Ball Seed

Smells like pineapple, tastes like mint! Perfect for garnishing desserts and drinks.

Light Requirement: Full Sun or Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 24"

• Width: 12 - 24"

Photos and Data Courtesy of Ball Seed

Water plants regularly, especially those in pots, in periods of drought over summer. Chamomile can become leggy unless it is clipped regularly during the growing season to ensure growth remains compact, dense and bushy.

Photos and Data Courtesy of Stokes Seeds

Photos and Data Courtesy of Ball Seed

Apple-scented leaves and pinkish-white flowers in Summer.
Perfect for fruit salads and garnishing drinks. Slightly fruity scent and taste are perfect for fruit salads and garnishing drinks.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 36"

• Width: 12 - 24"

Photos and Data Courtesy of Ball Seed