This set features some of our tastiest, easy-to-grow favorites for making your own tea blends in the comfort of your own home. Each Tasty Tea Herb Seed Collection contains one packet each of:
Basil, Kivumbasi Lime (Ocimum africanum) Also known as African Tea Basil, this plant is native to the island of Unguja in Zanzibar. A fragrant plant with citrusy notes, it makes a lovely tea. Grows best in full sun and garden soil. Sow seeds directly in the garden or start in pots and transplant.
German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) The delicious and aromatic chamomile of tea fame, this annual is hardy to all zones. This plant prefers full sun and regular garden soil, with a cooler soil for germination. Sow on surface in early spring and press in hard.
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) This herbaceous perennial is native to Europe. The plant prefers moist garden soil in the full sun or part shade. Sow seed in the spring by strewing on the surface, barely covering with soil. Tamp securely, and keep evenly moist and warm until germination.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) This treasured herb will imbibe your brew with a classic lemon flavor. This herbaceous perennial is a light-dependent germinator. Sow outdoors in fall or very early spring or provide two weeks of cold conditioning. Germination will occur in 10-40 days. The plant prefers full sun or shade, normal garden soil, and minimal water.
Nettles (Urtica dioica) A heavy-hitter in the world of Western herbalism, this herb will and a deep and satisfying flavor to your brew. The plant prefers moist soil in sun or shade. Sow in fall or very early spring for germination in spring. Sow on the surface, barely cover with a little soil, tamp well and keep evenly moist until germination. Exercise caution when harvesting!
Tulsi Temperate (Ocimum sanctum) Also known as holy basil, this fruity aromatic helps to hone the higher spirit. Sow by sprinkling seed generously on the surface of potting soil in pots or by seeding directly in the garden. Once the seedlings attain their second set of true leaves, thin or transplant to one foot apart.
Greek Mountain Tea (Sideritis syriaca) This highly drought resistant woody perennial is native to the Mediterranean. Its flowering tops can add a sweet and pleasant note to tea blends. This plant prefers full sun and fast draining soil. Sow seeds in the spring once the soil has warmed and barely cover when planting outside. Germination should occur within 10 days and mature plants need to be spaced at least 18 inches apart.
