Successfully Raising Plants from Seeds

By Carol

Carols Heirloom Garden

carolsheirloomgarden@gmail.com

Facebook @carolsheirloomgarden
This is a small ebook to provide tips to help you get the best results germinating your seeds.

If you need further help with growing your veggies, or are interested in growing Chia or Tobacco,
or want to venture into saving your own seeds, here are some more ebooks you might be
interested in. Email me at carolsheirloomgarden@gmail.com for the seed catalog and special
prices for purchasing 2 or more.

How to Start a Vegetable Garden and Master the Art of Year Round Harvest $19.95

Great information in 124 pages you will find

Where to put your vegetable garden
How to build your garden
How to grow vegetables in detail
A seasonal planting guide
How to grow the right amount of each type of veggie
The trick to having a year round supply of vegetables
How to control weeds the easy way, the secret to the 10-
minute gardener
How to prevent garden pests, and how to deal with them
Great recipes for using the bounty of your garden
Seed Saving at Home $14.95

Great information on saving seeds and keeping the

genetic line pure

Within this ebook, you will find detailed information

on...
How to save seeds to keep the genetic line pure
Details on the needs for individual varieties
How to get the best seed harvest
When to harvest the seeds
How to dry the seeds for the best quality
How to extract the seeds
How to store the seeds to keep them viable for 10 years
This ebook is a must if you want to save $$ and take control of your power to have seeds forever, not to
mention seeds that have not been genetically modified. You can pass on these skills to your children, so
they can save their own seeds, and on into the future!
Chia The Super Grain – How to grow and use this Superfood $12.95

Chia – The Super Grain, How to Grow and Use this Super Food.

In this ebook you will find great information on:

The Goodness in Chia
How to Grow Chia
How to Harvest and extract the seeds
How to use Chia medicinally
Great ways to use Chia and recipes

Growing Tobacco at Home

This ebook cover how to sow tobacco seeds,

transplanting for success.

How to look after your plants to ensure only the best

leaves are grown.

How to harvest and hang to cure your leaves

Treatment to reduce nicotine and toxin levels in

tobacco leaves.

Shredding tobacco

Flavouring and storing tobacco for best storage and

prevent formation of mould.

Really good information if you have never grown

tobacco before, or have had difficulty with mould
forming on your leaves. Growing your own tobacco
saves $$, and you can save $$ further by following
the steps in this ebook to prevent losses throughout
the whole process.

$14.95
Seed Raising Introduction

Some seeds are easy to germinate and just need sowing, wetting and hey presto, you have little
seedlings come up several days later. Vegetable seeds are easy to germinate given the optimum
conditions.

Others, particularly some herb seeds, require some attention to detail, and many need to undergo
some form of treatment before they are ready to germinate. Nature has natural cycles that cause
seeds to undergo various conditions before seeds germinate, e.g cooling over winter – called
vernalization. In nature, many seeds go through a bird, or a rabbits’ digestive tract where the outer
shells of seeds are softened by the gastric juices. Some seeds need human help for this process,
and we will go into the process known as Scarification.

Many seed retailers sell seeds without specific instructions for germination, and many people
experience disappointment because their seeds won’t germinate. Partly this is because it is
difficult to fit more than the basics on a label. We have that difficulty here at Carols Heirloom
Garden. Basic information is provided with respect to sowing depth, season, temperature and how
long it normally takes the seeds to germinate. However there is no room on the label to go into
specifics, and hence the reason for this ebook. Vegetable seeds usually do not require any
treatment so we won’t go into detail about veg seeds. Just follow the instructions on the label.

There is one fruit I will mention here, which is a variety I sell. That is Goji Berry Seeds.

Goji Berry seeds have a tough outer shell, surprising given their tiny size. To increase your
success with germination, soak the seeds in water for 2 days before sowing. No less and definitely
no more than 48 hours or they can begin to rot. Sow at approx. 3mm deep in a deep seed tray in
fine seed raising mix. I prefer to sow then into seed mix at least 6cm deep. Keep moist and put
them in a place where they will receive some sunlight which aids germination. Goji plants are best
kept in a pot for the first 12 months so they establish a good root ball and can be tended to ensure
there are not being eaten by pests.

Herb seeds are a bit trickier and details will be given with respect to the seeds sold by Carols
Heirloom Garden in the upcoming pages.

First – The Basics

The Growing Medium – Where do I sow my seeds?

Direct Sowing into Soil

Some seeds will germinate happily in the ground. These are the large seeds like Pumpkins, Peas,
Beans and Zucchini, and many of the root crops. Sow them as recommended on the labels, keep
them moist, protect them from slugs and snails, and wait patiently for them to come up through the
soil. Good soil is recommended for all vegetable seeds so they are able to make use of available
nutrients as soon as they germinate.

Seed Raising Mix in Seed Raising Trays

Seed trays are used for sowing seeds that require protection from pests and weed seeds that
germinate more quickly and take up valuable space.

Always use a good quality ‘seed raising mix’. This is because mixes made for seed germination
have small particles, and allow the seeds to be firmly snuggled in with the optimum amount of
moisture and air. If you sow tiny seeds in normal potting mix, they can be washed down into the
mix and be too deep to germinate, or there might be pockets of water or air that can cause
germination failure. Yates black magic, Tui and Daltons all make good quality seed raising mixes.

There are many types of seed raising tray options, and I recommend you use a tray that allows for
a good 5 to 8cm depth of seed raising mix, and that allows you to have a constant supply of
moisture for your seeds.

One option is to use a conventional seed raising tray (usually approx. 20 x 30 cm wide) and
available at garden centres. Place the seed raising tray in an old roasting pan, or tray large
enough to keep a centimetre of water in the base as a reservoir. This works well for most varieties
of vegetable seeds. This method only works well if you can control the amount of moisture in the
reservoir. If you are sowing outdoors and it rains, the reservoir can easily flood and your seeds
might rot due to too much water and lack of air, and this can happen very quickly.

I will share with you the method I use which always leads to success.

Seed Raising Tubs

I like to use either ‘sun safe’ plastic tubs, or polystyrene tubs to raise my seeds. Holes are poked
or drilled into the sides, approx. 1.5cm from the base of the inside of the tub, to allow for the
important reservoir of water.

Then I place approx. 6cm of seed raising mix in the tub and press it very firmly to provide a nice
dense medium for the seedlings to grow in.

Then I wet the seed raising mix thoroughly before sowing any seeds. This reduces any ‘washing
down’ that might happen to tiny seeds that can be carried down into the mix with water. If you use
the ‘funnel’ method for watering, there won’t be any ‘washing down’ because the seed mix won’t
be disturbed. More about using the funnel in the ‘Watering’ section.

The following images show the seed raising tubs in action.

You can get sun safe plastic tubs from hardware stores, and polystyrene tubs are usually freely
given away at the back entrance of supermarkets.

Temperature
Temperature is a very important factor in raising seeds. Too low temperatures result in
germination not being triggered. Too high temperatures can destroy your seeds.

What some people don’t realise, is that temperature needs to be considered from the moment the
seeds arrive at your home. If they are ordered online and are delivered to your letterbox, how hot
does it get inside on a sunny day? If you do have a letterbox in the full sun, and are not home to
receive your seeds, arrange for someone to collect your seeds so they don’t sit sweltering in the
heat. This can kill them and you would be sowing dead seeds.

Once you get your seeds inside, keep them in a cool place until they are sown. I prefer to keep my
seeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Another favourite is an airtight container in a low
dark cupboard.

Small note: All seeds have a lifespan during which they are viable, and this drops off over time.
This can be lengthened by storing seeds in vacuum sealed conditions in a cool dark place (as we
do here at Carols Heirloom Garden) or another option is an airtight container in the freezer.

Germination Temperature
Seeds germinate within an optimal temperature range. It is important to sow your seeds within that
range. E.g. pepper varieties will not germinate outdoors during early spring as it does not get
warm enough to trigger germination, and the nights are too cool. Most gardeners like to start their
sowing before the outdoor temperatures reach the optimum and sow their seeds indoors.

You can keep seeds warm in a greenhouse, or the mini greenhouses from garden centres,
however be aware that temperatures can get very hot if they are in the sun with the door shut, and
this can also kill off your seeds and developing seedlings. If you use a greenhouse, whatever the
size, be sure to open the door as soon as the day warms up and close it in the evening after the
sun has gone down.

All seeds have a window of optimum temperatures in which they will germinate. You can either
use a thermometer in your greenhouse, or go to metservice.com and see the daily readings of the
highs and lows.
One option for starting your seeds early is to start your seeds indoors, however they will need to
be placed outside during the warmth of the day to ensure there is adequate sunlight. One reason
is that some seeds, like lettuce seeds, need some sunlight to filter through the seed mix, and as a
rule, all plants need sunlight to produce good solid stems. Inadequate light can lead to straggly
weak seedlings.

Watering
When your seeds are sown directly into the ground, water them with the hose on a gentle misty
spray, and completely wet the area. Be careful not to apply the water too fast or it may wash your
seeds away. Keep the area moist, water twice in the heat.

If your seeds are sown in seed raising trays, ensure the seed raising mix is moist at all times.
Seeds that dry out during germination can die.

Before you sow your seeds, moisten the seed raising mix. I like to re-purpose a 1.5 litre soft drink
bottle, cut off the bottom and use the top portion upside down as a funnel. As you can see in the
image, the bottle top is pressed firmly into the seed raising mix, and water is poured into the
funnel, allowing the seeds to have water without being disturbed.

Another method is to use the gentle spray on a quality hose fitting that allows for a gentle shower
or mist.

Ensure your seed raising mix is thoroughly wet and that there is enough water in the base to keep
the seed raising mix wet for the first 24 hours. Seed will absorb a lot of water initially as they swell
up ready to release the first growth shoot. After the first 24 hours it is crucial to keep the mix moist,
but not too wet.

Transplant your seedlings to your garden when they have reach a size of approx. 3 to 4cm high,
depending on the variety. Do this in the evening when the sun is off the garden, and water well.
Protect seedlings from slugs and snails.

The next section is dedicated to specific herb seeds requirements, because herb seeds can be a
bit more tricky than veg.
Sowing Herb Seeds

Many herb seeds require treatment of some sort to help them germinate. As mentioned earlier in
the article there are several methods to mimic nature, which will help your seeds follow the natural
cycle of nature in order to break their dormancy and germinate

Vernalisation
This method is to mimic winter. Place your seeds in an airtight container (jars are good) in your
refrigerator for a period of 4 weeks before sowing.

Scarification
This method is to mimic seeds going through either composting or an animals digestive tract. It
helps to soften the tough outer shell which helps the emerging seedling to get through.
There are a few methods you can use
1. Sandpaper. Use a very fine grain sand paper, and gently rub your seeds between 2 pieces
of sand paper to scratch the outer shell. Stop and check frequently so you don’t remove the
entire outer shell
2. A sharp knife. If the seeds are large enough to hold safely, gently rub away at one edge of
the seed to make a cut in the outer layer.
3. Soak your seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing. The outer shell will soften in the
water.

Once your seeds have been treated, sow them at the recommended depth and temperature
and ensure the seed raisin mix doesn’t dry out, and that they are protected by slugs, snails,
tiny midges and birds.

Specific Sowing Guide for Herb Seeds Sold by Carols Heirloom Garden.

The following pages are dedicated to the sowing of seeds provided by Carols Heirloom Garden
carolsheirloomgarden@gmail.com
Anise – Pimpinella anisum
Anise seeds are very simple to germinate. They can be sown in either a seed raising mix or
directly into the ground. Sow spring & summer. 5mm depth, temperature 15-20 degrees,
germination 7-14 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun. Annual

Basils
Bush Basil - Ocimum basilicum
Bush Basil seeds do not require any special treatment. Sow spring in trays for transplanting,
Depth 0.5cm. Temp 20-25 degrees, Germination 5-10 days. Annual

Sacred Basil – Ocimum sanctum

Seeds do not require any treatment. Sow spring in trays for transplanting. Depth 0.5cm. Temp
20-25 degrees, germination 7-14 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun

Sweet Basil – Ocimum basilicum

Sweet Basil seeds do not require any special treatment. Sow spring in trays for transplanting,
Depth 0.5cm. Temp 20-25 degrees, Germination 5-10 days. Annual

Thai Basil – Ocimum basilicum

Thai Basil seeds do not require any special treatment. Sow spring in trays for transplanting,
Depth 0.5cm. Temp 20-25 degrees, Germination 5-10 days. Annual.

Bergamot Bee Balm – Monarda fistulosa

Bergamot bee balm does not require any treatment. Sow spring & summer, direct into soil or trays
for transplanting. 3mm depth, temp 20-25 degrees, germination 7-14 days. Likes free draining soil,
full sun. Perennial.

Bergamot Lemon – Monarda citridora

No treatment is required for the seeds/ Sow spring & summer, direct into soil or trays for
transplanting. 3mm depth, temp 20-25 degrees, germination 7-14 days. Likes free draining soil, full
sun. Perennial.

Borage – Borago officinalis

Borage seeds do not require any treatment, they happily self-sow everywhere! Sow directly into
soil or in trays if preferred, spring to summer. Depth 1cm. Temp 8-24 degrees, germination 7-14
days. Likes free draining soil. Annual.

Burdock – Arctium lappa

Burdock seeds don’t need any treatment. Sow spring, direct into soil or trays for transplanting.
1cm depth, temp 15-25 degrees, germination 14 to 21 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun.
Biennial.

Calendula – Calendula nova

Calendula seeds do not require treatment, however benefit from sunlight seeping through the seed
raising mix. Therefore, place the seed raising trays where they will get some sunlight to trigger
germination. Sow spring to autumn in trays and transplant when leaves approx 5cm long. Depth
1cm. Temp 18-25 degrees. Germination 7-10 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun or partial
shade. Perennial

Caraway – Carum carvi

No seed treatment required, however you can speed up germination by soaking them in water 24
hours before sowing in spring & autumn direct into soil that is rich in organic matter. Depth 0.5cm.
Temp 18-24 degrees C. Germination 7-10 days. Likes full sun, free draining soil. Annual
Catnip – Nepata cateria
Catnip doesn’t require any treatment, however can take anything from 7 days to 4 weeks to
germinate. The secret is to ensure the seed raising mix is warm enough. Sow spring to
summer in trays for transplanting. Best months are November to late December. Depth 0.5cm.
Temp 18-24 degrees C. Average germination 7-14 days. Likes full sun, free draining soil.

Chamomile Roman – Chamaemelum nobile

Chamomile needs a shallow depth for sowing, so it may be best to lightly sprinkle your seeds
on top of the seed raising mix, then lightly sprinkle some mix over the top until they are
covered. Sow all year, direct into soil or in trays. Temperature 18-25 degrees, germination 10-
14 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun. Perennial.

Chives – Allium Schoenoprasum

Chive seeds germinate happily in a good quality seed raising mix. Sow spring to summer in
trays. Sow 5mm depth, temp 18-24 degrees, germination 7 - 14 days. Sometimes up to 4
weeks, depending on the temperatures. Chives like free draining soil, full sun. Perennial.

Garlic Chives – Allium tuberosum

No treatment required. Sow spring to summer in trays. Sow 5mm depth, temp 18-24 degrees,
germination 7 - 14 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun. Perennial.

Clary Sage – Salvia sclarea

Seeds are easy to germinate. Sow spring in trays for transplanting. Depth 0.5cm. Temp 18-25
degrees C. Germination 7-21 days. Likes full sun, free draining soil. Biennial

Coriander – Coriandrum sativum

Coriander has round seeds, which contain two seeds. Each half of a round is a seed. They will
germinate happily being sown as one whole. Sow in trays or direct, all year. Depth 1cm. Temp
15-25 degrees C. Germination 7-10 days. Likes full sun, free draining soil.

Cowslip – Primula veris

Cowslip seeds need vernalising for four weeks before sowing to mimic winter. Therefore, place
them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and make a note on a your cell phone or
calendar when to bring them out again. Sow spring to autumn in trays for transplanting. Depth
0.2cm. Temp 15-18 degrees, Germination 21-28 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun.
Perennial

Cumin – Cuminum cyminum

No treatment required for these seeds. Sow spring and summer in trays for transplanting.
Press seeds into seed raising mix and barely cover so sunlight can filter down to them. Temp
20-25 degrees. Germination 7 - 14 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun. Annual

Dandelion Taraxecum officinalis

Dandelion benefit from a short period of vernalisation. Therefore put them in an airtight
container in the refrigerator for a week before sowing. They can get started without this,
however it speeds germination. Sow spring to autumn, direct or in trays for transplanting.
Depth 0.3cm. Temp 15-25 degrees, Germination 7-21 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun.
Perennial

Dill – Anethum graveolens

Seeds require no special treatment. Sow all year, direct into soil or trays for transplanting.
Press seeds into soil and barely cover so sunlight can reach them. Temp 10-25 degrees. Likes
free draining soil, full sun. Annual
Echinacea – Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea seeds benefit form a period of vernalising. Therefore put them in an airtight
container in the refrigerator for 2 weeks before sowing. Sow late spring and summer direct or in
trays. 1cm depth, temp 21-25 degrees, germination 7 - 14 days. Likes free draining soil, full
sun. Perennial.

Elecampane – Inula helenium

No treatment required. Sow spring, direct or in trays. Depth 1cm. Temp 18-25 degrees,
germination 7-21 days. Likes deep, free draining soil, full sun. Perennial.

Evening Primrose - Oenothera lamarkiana

Evening primrose seeds need no treatment at all. Once you have it in the garden, it will readily
self sow after flowering and come up year after year. Sow spring 5mm depth in trays for
transplanting. Temp 18-21 degrees, germination 14- 21 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun.
Biennial

Fennel – Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel seeds will germinate without treatment, however you can speed them up by soaking in
water for 12 hours, rinse and leave in a jar for a further 12 hours, rinsing at least once more in
this time. Sow spring & summer direct or in trays. Depth 0.5cm. Temp 15-25 degrees C.
Germination 7-14 days. Likes full sun, free draining soil. Perennial

Fenugreek - Trigonella foenum graecum

Fenugreek seeds germinate readily without treatment, however you can speed them up by
soaking in water for 12 hours, rinse and leave in a jar for a further 12 hours, rinsing at least
once more in this time. Sow direct in spring. Depth 1cm. Temp 15-20 degrees, germination 2-5
days. Likes free draining soil and full sun

Feverfew - Chrysanthemum parthenium

Feverfew seeds do not need any treatment. Sow spring, in trays for transplanting. Depth
0.3cm. Temp 15-25 degrees, germination 7-14 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun

Horehound – Marrubium vulgare

Generally, horehound seeds don’t need any special treatment for germination, however they
do need a bit of sunlight so ensure they have sun during germination. Never let them dry out
during germination. Sow spring to autumn, 3mm depth, in trays for transplanting. Temp 18-24
degrees, germination 10 to 21 days. Perennial

Hyssop – Hyssopus officinalis

Given the right termperatures, Hyssop seeds will germinate easily. If it is a bit cool, they take a
very long time, so it is worth waiting until late spring to sow them. Sow spring and summer in
trays. Sow 5mm depth, temp 18-25 degrees, germination 7-21 days. Likes free draining soil,
full sun. Perennial.

Ladys Mantle – Alchemilla mollis

Generally, Ladys mantle seeds don’t require treatment, however it can speed up germination
by popping them into an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 weeks before sowing. Sow
during spring and summer. Sow 5mm depth, temp 18-25 degrees, germination 14 - 28 days.
Likes free draining soil, full sun. Perennial.

Lavender, English – Lavendula augustifolia

Lavender seeds can take up to 4 weeks to germinate. To speed germination, put them into an
airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 weeks before sowing. Sunlight is needed to trigger
germination, so ensure the seed raising mix is only a light covering, and never let them dry out
during germination. Sow spring to autumn, direct into soil or trays for transplanting. 5mm depth,
temp 18-25 degrees, germination 14 - 21 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun. Perennial.

Lemon Balm – Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm seeds do not require treatment and will germinate quickly if the temperature is
warm enough. Mine have come up after 7 days. Sow late spring to autumn in trays for
transplanting. Depth 0.5cm. Temp 15-24 degrees, Germination 14-28 days. Keep seeds moist
but not wet as they germinate. Never let them dry out

Lemongrass – Cymbopogon citratus

Seeds will germinate readily when the temperatures are warm enough and like humidity. Sow
spring to summer in trays for transplanting. Depth 0.5cm. Temp 20-25 degrees, Germination 7-
14 days.

Liquorice - Glycyrrhiza glabra

Liquorice seeds require no treatment to germinate, however they can take a wide window of
time and you will have seedlings emerging at different times. Be patient and wait for the
stragglers! Sow late spring to mid summer, direct or in trays. Depth 1cm. Temp 18-24 degrees,
germination 14-21 days. Likes deep, free draining soil. Perennial.

Lobelia – Lobelia inflata

Lobelia seeds will germinate easily during the optimum temperature range. If you notice they
are slow to come up, just be patient, they will when they are ready. Sow spring to autumn in
trays for transplanting. Only lightly cover. Temp 15-25 degrees. Germination 10 - 25 days.
Keep moist. Likes free draining soil, full sun. Biennial.

Lovage - Levisticulum officinale

No treatment required. Sow late spring & summer, in trays. Depth 0.5cm. Temp 15-20 degrees,
germination 10-14 days. Likes deep, free draining soil, full sun. Perennial.

Marjoram – Origanum marjorana

No treatment required, these seeds germinate easily. Sow all year in trays, inside in the cooler
months. Depth 0.2cm. Temp 15-25 degrees, germination 7-14 days. Likes deep, free draining
soil, full sun. Perennial.

Marshmallow – Althea officinalis

Marshmallow seeds require no treatment and will germinate happily. Sow spring, in trays for
transplanting after frosts have passed. 1cm depth. Sow temp 15-20 degrees. Likes rich, moist
soil and full sun.

Meadowsweet - Filipendula ulmaria

Meadowsweet seeds will germinate more quickly if they are given a period of cold before
sowing. Therefore place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 weeks before
sowing. Sow spring and autumn in trays for transplanting. Depth 0.2cm. Temp 12-25 degrees,
Germination 14-24 days.

Mexican Mint – AKA Tarragon Texas – Tagates lucida

No treatment required. Sow spring to summer in trays for transplanting. Depth 0.5cm. Temp
18-25 degrees, Germination 7-14 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun. Perennial

Motherwort – Leonuris cardiac

Motherwort seeds need no treatment. They do need to be sown in the optimum temperature
range. Sow spring into trays for transplanting. Depth 5mm. Temp 19-25 degrees. Germination
14 to 28 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun.
Mullein – Verbascum Thapsus
No treatment required, however must be sown in the right season. Seeds can be kept in the
fridge until then. A little cooling before sowing can be helpful to speed germination. Sow mid-
summer to autumn direct into soil, minimal cover. Temp 15-18 degrees, germination 12-20
days. Likes deep, free draining soil.

Oregano – Origanum vulgare

These seeds require no treatment. Sow in trays, spring to summer. Depth 0.2cm, 18-25
degrees C. Germination 7-14 days. Likes full sun, free draining soil.

Parsley – Curled and Italian Flat – Petroselinum crispum

No treatment required for Parsley seeds. They are easy to germinate. Sow all year, direct or in
trays 0.5cm depth. Temp 15-25 degrees, germination 14 - 21 days. Likes free draining soil, full
sun. Biennial

Peppermint – Mentha piperita

These seeds are very tiny and need only a light covering of seed raising mix. Sow spring to
summer 0.3cm depth in trays. Easiest to sprinkle over the seed raising mix, then sprinkle a
layer of the mix over the seeds. Keep moist, do not let them dry out. Temperature 15-25
degrees. Germination 10-14 days. Likes medium, free draining soil, full sun or partial shade.

Plantain – Plantago major

These seeds require no treatment prior to sowing. Sow all year, direct into soil or in trays. in
trays. Sow 5mm depth, temp 12-20 degrees, Likes medium, free draining soil, full sun or
partial shade. Perennial.

Red Clover – Trifolium pratense

These seeds do not need any treatment. Sow spring and summer in trays. 0.5cm depth, temp
20-25 degrees, germination 10 to 14 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun. Perennial.

Rosemary – Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary seeds have a low germination rate, so be sure to sow 3 times as many as you are
wanting. This is natural for the herb seeds and not because there is anything wrong with the
seeds. They take a long time to germinate, and once up, need constant but not too much water
or the tiny seedlings can die. Make sure there is adequate drainage and have patience with
these. Sow spring and summer in trays. Sow 5mm depth, temp 15-20 degrees, germination 7-
28 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun. Perennial.

Rue – Ruta graveolens

Rue seeds do not require any treatment. Sow late spring to summer in trays for transplanting.
0.5cm depth. Temp 18-25 degrees. Germination 10 - 14 days. Full sun. Perennial.

Sage – Salvia officinalis

Sage seeds do not require any treatment. Sow spring in trays for transplanting. Depth 0.5cm.
Temp 18-25 degrees C. Germination 7-21 days. Likes full sun. Perennial

Skullcap – Scutellaria latiflora

Skullcap seeds require no treatment. Sow spring to summer 0.3cm depth in trays. 15-25
degrees. Germination 10-21 days. Likes medium, free draining soil, full sun or partial shade.

Spearmint – Mentha spicata

These seeds are very tiny and need only a light covering of seed raising mix. Sow spring to
summer 0.3cm depth in trays. Press gently into top of seed raising mix, then sprinkle a layer of
the mix over the seeds. Keep moist. Temperature 15-25 degrees. Germination 10-14 days.
Likes medium, free draining soil, full sun or partial shade.
St Johns Wort – Hypericum perforatum
St Johns Wort seeds need light to germinate, so press the seeds gently into the seed raising mix
and only lightly cover. Keep moist. Sow spring to summer in trays. Sow 1mm - ish depth, temp 18-
25 degrees, germination 7 to 14 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun. Perennial.

Summer Savory – Satureja hortensis

Summer Savoory seeds don’t require any treatment. Sow spring and summer in trays. 0.5cm
depth, temp 18-25 degrees, germination 7 to 14 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun. Annual

Tansy – Tanacetum vulgare

Tansy seeds benefit from a period of cold vernalisation to increase the rate of germination.
Therefore place them in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator for 2 weeks before
sowing. Sow spring to summer in trays for transplanting. Depth 0.3cm. Temp 20-25 degrees,
Germination 10-14 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun. Perennial

Thyme – Thymus vulgare

No treatment required for thyme seeds. Sow spring and summer in trays. Sow 3-5mm depth, temp
18-25 degrees, germination 14 - 28 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun.

Tobacco – Nicotania tabacum

Tobacco seeds need no treatment, however are particular about the temperatures for germination.
Sow no more than 2’3mm deep, temperature 18 to 25 degrees C. Ensure the mix is kept moist
throughout germination. Place in a position where they will receive some sunlight to trigger
germination.

Valerian – Valeriana officinalis

Valerian seeds light to trigger germination. Therefore start your seeds outdoors. Sow spring &
summer in trays for transplanting. Depth 0.5cm. Temp 18-25 degrees, Germination 7-21 days.
Likes free draining soil, full sun. Perennial.

Vervain – Verbena hastate

Vervain seeds benefit from a period of cooling before sowing. Therefore place them in an airtight
container and place in the refrigerator 2 weeks before sowing then in trays. Sow spring & summer
in trays. Depth 0.5cm. Temp 20-25 degrees C. Germination 7-14 days. Likes full sun, free draining
soil. Perennial

Wormwood – Artemisia absinthum

Wormwood seeds need light to germinate. Therefore press the seeds gently into the seed raising
mix and only lightly cover. Keep moist. Sow spring & summer in trays for transplanting. Depth
2mm. Temp 18-25 degrees, Germination 7-10 days. Likes free draining soil, full sun

Yarrow – Achillea millefolium

Yarrow seeds don’t require any treatment, they germinate happily in shallow seed raising mix.
Sow spring and summer direct in trays. 0.3cm depth, temp 15-20 degrees, germination 14-20
days. Likes free draining limey soil, full sun. Perennial.

Thank you for reading and I wish you all the very best for your seeds and your garden

Carol
carolsheirloomgarden@gmail.com
Supplier of Heirloom and Organic Vegetable and Herb seeds since 2009