{"title":"Herbs \u0026 Medicinals","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"holy-basil-seeds-tulsi-seeds-ocinum-37643","title":"Holy Basil Seeds - Tulsi Seeds - Ocinum tenuiflorum - Rama Tulsi","description":"\u003cp\u003eHoly basil, also called tulsi, is a delightful aromatic and medicinal bush tulsi from India. It is traditionally used in Ayurveda for many ailments. It is one of the few adaptogenic herbs that are easy to grow as annuals in the north! It makes a very tasty tea. It can be used in place of Italian basil in any recipe. The flavour is a bit sweeter and floral than Italian basil. I like to use the leaves and a few young flower tops in pesto, sauces, and cocktails.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most often used parts are the flower spikes and leaves. I like to cut off the flowers and upper leaves when they've just started to bloom, and dry for tea or tincture. When frost nears, I cut off the entire plant at the base and dry it all. If you let the flowers mature, the seeds will create a gel around themselves similar to chia when added to drinks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBees love the flowers, and collect a bright red pollen from them.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44445251731710,"sku":"HOLY-BASIL-SJLB","price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/products\/il_fullxfull.4821839573_5v42.jpg?v=1700862897"},{"product_id":"dyers-chamomile-seeds-cota-tinctoria-24264","title":"Dyer's Chamomile Seeds - Cota tinctoria","description":"\u003cp\u003eDyer's chamomile is an easy to grow perennial dye plant that produces crisp yellow colours. The flowers can be used fresh or dried for dye. The dye is also quite lightfast compared to other natural yellow dyes. The flowers attract pollinators and other beneficial insects to the garden.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are described as a week perennial because the plants reportedly die in late summer of their second year, but my plants are still going several years later!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDyers chamomile is not picky about soil, thriving in even poor compacted soils. Plants are drought tolerant too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis plant is not commonly used in modern herbal medicine, but it can be drunk as a tea for its antispasmodic and emmenagogue effects.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44507582529790,"sku":"DYERS-CHAMO-J1K8","price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/products\/il_fullxfull.4445318015_jgws.jpg?v=1702967703"},{"product_id":"pepicha-seeds-porophyllum-linaria-97459","title":"Pepicha Seeds - Porophyllum linaria \/ Porophyllum tagetoides - Chepiche","description":"\u003cp\u003ePepicha is a Mexican herb that is similar to cilantro, but even better! The flavour is complex with notes of cilantro and citrus. Unlike cilantro, pepicha thrives in hot weather: no need to worry about bolting as the flowers are edible too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love to use pepicha in place of cilantro in Mexican dishes such as salsas and tacos. It is also delicious in salads and eggs. I actually prefer the flavour to cilantro, and it's so much easier to grow in the heat. It's a short-lived perennial in warmer zones, otherwise it's easily grown as an annual. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePepicha can be dried for winter use. It holds its flavour well when dried.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePepicha is native to Mexico, specifically the Oaxaca region, which is known for its incredible food. It is used in the Oaxacan dish, Sopa de Guias, zucchini soup made with squash blossoms and vines. It is used to add flavour and colour to rice and poached fish. Pepicha falls in the category of quelites, or wild greens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt also has medicinal uses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach packet will contain a pinch of seeds, which will contain both black mature seeds, and immature brown seeds. Seed will have their fluffy pappus attached, and must remain intact for germination. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44507588559102,"sku":"PEPIC-SEEDS-OAOJ","price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/products\/il_fullxfull.3568886852_1gx0.jpg?v=1702968077"},{"product_id":"fame-flower-seeds-jewels-of-opar-19640","title":"Fame Flower Seeds - Talinum paniculatum - Jewels of Opar - Java Ginseng - Tu ren shen","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExpected to restock in December 2026.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFame Flower or Jewels of Opar is a heat and drought tolerant leafy green and cut flower. It has sprays of dainty pink flowers, and later, red spherical seed pods that are great for dried or everlasting bouquets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLesser known is the fact that the leaves are incredibly tasty and nutritious! They are crunchy and succulent and not at all bitter even during the heat of the summer. The flavour is really mild, like lettuce. It fills the gap for leafy greens in mid summer when spinach and lettuce are bitter and bolting. The leaves are great in salads, smoothies, sandwiches, and cooked like spinach. It is a \"must-grow\" in my opinion!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFame Flower is related to purslane, a nutrient powerhouse, and is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, iron \u0026amp; potassium. It also contains mucilage which is hydrating. This plant is also called Java Ginseng, and is used medicinally in South America, Africa and Asia. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBees and other pollinators love the flowers. Pests such as aphids do not seem to bother this plant at all. The flower stalks can reach about 3 feet tall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerennial in USDA Zones 8-10, but easily grown as an annual in other zones. May self seed- cut off flowers after blooming to prevent this.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44507588657406,"sku":"FAME-FLOWE-3KQO","price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/products\/il_fullxfull.5622517335_2llp_37402d66-530e-49f2-ba7f-e6b51c47062d.jpg?v=1702972401"},{"product_id":"moldavian-dragonhead-seeds-34376","title":"Moldavian Balm Seeds - Dracocephalum moldavica - Moldavian Dragonhead","description":"\u003cp\u003eMoldavian Balm, also called \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eMoldavian Dragonhead, is an annual herb in the mint family. The blue\/purple flowers are shaped like a toothed dragon! This plant is an excellent tea herb, including iced tea. It has a lemony and minty flavour similar to lemon balm, and it has similar mood-boosting effects. Its traditional medicinal use is for colds. Unlike lemon balm, Moldavian Dragonhead keeps its lemony flavour well when dried. It can also be used as a culinary spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePollinators love these flowers. I originally sourced these seeds after reading that they are one of the top honey plants for bees you can grow. The honey potential is a whopping 180-445 lbs\/acre! The sugar content of the nectar is very high at 20-30%. A perfect gift for the beekeeper or pollinator lover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrow Moldavian Balm to bring more bees to your garden to increase the yield of your vegetables. The plants look great in an herb garden, pollinator garden, cottage garden, medieval garden, or border.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvest the flowering tops when the blooms are just starting to open. Strip leaves from the stalk after drying. Keep cutting off the flowers to encourage more blooms.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44507589247230,"sku":"MOLDA-DRAGO-SGF8","price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/files\/6C97DE31-B90B-4727-8DBC-682757E725FC.jpg?v=1765146211"},{"product_id":"astragalus-seeds-astragalus-membranaceus-16138","title":"Astragalus Seeds- Astragalus membranaceus - Huang qi","description":"\u003cp\u003eAstragalus is a perennial herb native to China. The roots are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for boosting the immune system and restoring vital energy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plants grow several feet tall and flower profusely. Bumblebees like the flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAstragalus is a legume, so will provide nitrogen for plants around them. Plants like lots of sun, average soil, and good drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44507589279998,"sku":"ASTRA-SEEDS-RULA","price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/products\/il_fullxfull.4427512539_7yb6.jpg?v=1702968421"},{"product_id":"hyssop-seeds-hyssopus-officinalis-27117","title":"Hyssop Seeds - Hyssopus officinalis","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpected to restock in December 2026. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHyssop is an aromatic and medicinal perennial herb. Its flowers are irresistible to bees and other pollinators. The flowers and leaves can be made into an immune-boosting tea or tincture. Great for soothing colds and coughs. Excellent for singer's throats. Can also be used in cooking, baking, and flavouring meats and fruit dishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flavour and scent is like a combination of mint, eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePollinators love these flowers. Grow hyssop to bring more bees to your garden to increase the yield of your vegetables. The plants look great in an herb garden, pollinator garden, or perennial border.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease note that this is NOT Anise Hyssop, which has a very different liquorice flavour.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44507589869822,"sku":"HYSSO-SEEDS-M62D","price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/products\/il_fullxfull.3623503537_j1hb.jpg?v=1702968591"},{"product_id":"tango-cosmos-seeds-cosmos-sulphureus-94259","title":"Sulphur Cosmos Seeds - Cosmos sulphureus","description":"\u003cp\u003eSulphur cosmos flowers are a vivid shades of yellow to fiery orange and make an excellent natural dye for cotton and wool. They look beautiful dancing in the breeze on their almost invisible stems. Pollinators love the pollen and nectar. Keep picking the flowers or deadheading to keep the plant blooming all summer long.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTango cosmos flowers and leaves are edible and medicinal. Studies show the plant has \u003cspan\u003eantioxidant, antimalarial, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and liver-protecting properties.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis year's seeds were grown by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ntamtqencommunity.garden\/\"\u003eNtamtqen Community Garden \u0026amp; Food Hub\u003c\/a\u003e on the traditional unceded territory of the Smelqmix (Similkameen) People, home of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band of the Syilx Nation. 100% of proceeds will go back to their organization.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44507589935358,"sku":"TANGO-COSMO-5TMJ","price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/files\/IMG_9675.jpg?v=1731468460"},{"product_id":"gotu-kola-seeds-centella-asiatica-24183","title":"Gotu Kola Seeds - Centella asiatica - Brahmi, Thai Pennywort Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eGotu kola, also called brahmi, is a medicinal and edible herb that has been used in Asia for over 2000 years. It has many traditional uses such as memory and brain function, stress and anxiety, skin health, scars, etc. I infuse the dried herb in oil and add it to my popular \"belly balm\" for pregnant people. The fresh leaves taste like strong parsley. The leaves and stems can be made into a tea or tincture, or used fresh in salads and smoothies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*THESE SEEDS TAKE AT LEAST 4 WEEKS TO SPROUT. PLEASE SEE GROWING INSTRUCTIONS BELOW*\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGotu kola can be tricky to start from seed. It is very slow to sprout! But keep the soil consistently moist and warm and they will start popping up after about 4 weeks, and new seeds will continue sprouting for about another 4 weeks. You can do it! See detailed growing instructions below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGotu kola likes consistent moisture. Include lots of compost and some material for drainage (eg perlite) and water it regularly. If it's wilting it needs more water. Harvest leaves by cutting the stems close to the soil line. Gotu kola forms a low ground cover by sending out runners that root at the nodes where they touch the soil (like strawberries). Does well in pots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardy to USDA plant hardiness zones 9b or above, but can be grown as an annual in colder climates, or brought inside over winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe test our seeds regularly to ensure good germination rates. Because of the tricky germination requirements, we cannot offer refunds or replacements on this seed. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44507590099198,"sku":"GOTU-KOLA-9SIN","price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/products\/il_fullxfull.3567039724_g9ty.jpg?v=1702968689"},{"product_id":"seombadi-korean-celery-seeds-dystaenia-34638","title":"Seombadi Korean Celery Seeds - Dystaenia takesimana - Ulleung Giant Celery","description":"\u003cp\u003eSeombadi is an exciting and very cold hardy perennial vegetable from Ulleongdo Island, South Korea. The leaves and stems taste like aromatic celery and lovage, but much milder than lovage (and tastier in my opinion). The leaves are the most prolific part as the stems are much thinner than celery. The leaves are fantastic in place of celery in soups and stock throughout the winter. The chopped leaves and stems make great additions to salads, in particular potato salad.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeombadi stays green throughout even harsh winters when few other vegetables are available to harvest, making it a valuable addition to any edible garden. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's a quote from Eric Toensmeier: “Absolutely our best winter perennial vegetable. When Hablitzia is still 1\" high, this one is 10\" and growing fast. Comes up under snow and really our best or even only winter vegetable from early December through March. Flavor more or less like celery. Grows something like lovage but much better flavor and winter tolerance. It sailed through -15F (-26C) this winter” (Eric is located in Holyoke, Massachusetts).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese plants can grow about 6 feet tall when in flower, and the umbelliferous flowers support all sorts of beneficial insects. Other names for this plant include Ulleung Giant Celery, Korean Pig Plant, sobadi, or dwaejipul.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt seems in its native Ulleongdo Island, it is only occasionally eaten parboiled, or fermented in soy sauce or soybean paste. Its main use seems to be livestock fodder for pigs and cattle. In fact, it is said to be the favourite herb of the local cattle (yakso), which gives the meat a special \"herbal fragrance.\" I imagine chickens, rabbits, or other livestock would enjoy it as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStephen Barstow has an \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.edimentals.com\/blog\/?p=24998\"\u003eexcellent article\u003c\/a\u003e on his website with more information.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese seeds are grown by my friend Kim Watt of \u003ca title=\"Thimble Hill Nursery\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thimblehillnursery.com\/\"\u003eThimble Hill Nursery\u003c\/a\u003e in Nelson, BC. Thank you for stewarding seeds of this special plant!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44564421902590,"sku":"SEOMB-KOREA-43FE","price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/files\/B9EF27D3-A164-49F3-92BA-93D44DEFF2DB.jpg?v=1765157146"},{"product_id":"flashback-calendula-seeds-calendula-officinalis","title":"Flashback Calendula Seeds - Calendula officinalis","description":"\u003cp\u003eA psychedelic colourful version of the classic orange calendula that's just as edible, medicinal, and bee-friendly. Flashback calendula is a diverse mix of deep oranges, butter yellows, and more striped with reds in all different patterns and combinations. Some ruffled double flowers. Bred by Frank Morton of Wild Garden Seeds  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalendula is a cold-tolerant flower with medicinal and edible blooms. Dry the whole flowers to infuse in oil for use in soothing skin treatments. The fresh petals make a great addition to salads, soups, and tea blends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePollinators of all kinds love calendula. When I'm out in my garden, it's actually difficult to get a photo of the blooms without a bee on it. It's an important early season food source for bees. I have also seen male solitary bees sleep in the flowers overnight. They climb into the bloom in the evening, allowing the flower to close over them at night. In the morning they fly away once it warms up and the flower opens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e--\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis seed has been released under the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOpen Source Seed Initiative (OSSI) license to keep it out of the hands of multinational seed corporations, and keep it in the hands of the people. The pledge states: “You have the freedom to use these OSSI-Pledged seeds in any way you choose. In return, you pledge not to restrict other's use of these seeds or their derivatives by patents or other means, and to include this pledge with any transfer of these seeds or their derivatives.”\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eMore information on OSSI can be found at\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.osseeds.org\"\u003e osseeds.org\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46023776665854,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/files\/IMG_8745.jpg?v=1732332318"},{"product_id":"stinging-nettle-seeds-urtica-dioica-common-nettle","title":"Stinging Nettle Seeds - Urtica dioica - Common Nettle, tth’uxtth’ux","description":"\u003cp\u003eStinging Nettle is a nutritious and delicious perennial vegetable with medicinal properties. It can be used cooked as a spinach alternative, and also made into a nourishing tea that is high in iron and vitamin C. Nettle is used in herbalism to support skin, energy levels, allergies, and as a general health tonic. It is one of the earliest spring greens to harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI am so glad I finally started a nettle patch on my property. I was worried about being stung, but I planted them in a corner where no one frequents, and now I can more easily harvest nettles without driving anywhere, and we’re eating a lot more nettles than I otherwise would as a result. I highly recommend starting your own patch!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNettles have stinging hairs, so should be harvested with gloves. (Some people enjoy the stinging sensation, as it can bring beneficial blood flow to arthritic areas and sore muscles.) The sting goes away when the leaves are cooked or dried.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvest the top few inches of the plant before the stems start getting tough. Keep harvesting regularly and the plants will keep producing tender new growth into the summer. Try chopping the plant to the ground in late summer to stimulate a flush of tender new leaves to harvest. Steam, cook with eggs, make into soup or pesto... the sky's the limit! My all-time favourite way to eat nettles are steamed and drenched in a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.justonecookbook.com\/how-to-make-sesame-sauce-goma-dare\/\"\u003eJapanese sesame sauce (goma dare)\u003c\/a\u003e (see last picture). Leaves can be dried for later use as food or nutritious and tasty tea. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seeds themselves can be eaten as an energy tonic, but avoid eating the leaves after the plant has gone to flower as some people say they can be irritating to the urinary tract. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe old woody stalks can also be used to make strong string or rope.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNettle prefers to grow in moist, semi-shaded areas with rich soil. They will spread by runners, so choose your planting spot wisely, or plan to mow around the nettle patch to keep it contained. I welcome nettle to spread as it's such a delicious and nourishing low-maintenance perennial vegetable! They are easily propagated by root cuttings or division once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNettle supports all kinds of insects such as native butterflies, so be sure to leave some when harvesting. Nettle can also be used alone or alongside plants such as comfrey to make compost tea or fermented plant juice to fertilize the garden. Plants can grow to about 6 feet tall with graceful arching stems.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46025753755902,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/files\/F0F62AE7-A8C8-49CA-A2BB-4378C3B1DAAB.jpg?v=1766540867"},{"product_id":"silverweed-seeds-potentilla-anserina-argentina-anserina-silver-cinquefoil","title":"Common Silverweed Seeds - Potentilla anserina - Argentina anserina, Silver Cinquefoil","description":"\u003cp\u003eCommon Silverweed is an edible and medicinal native plant in the rose family. It has attractive fern-like leaves and yellow flowers. The roots can be eaten raw or cooked, or dried for later, and are said to taste like parsnips, chestnuts and sweet potatoes. The roots and leaves have been used medicinally as an astringent for oral lesions and ulcers, to speed healing and alleviate pain. The whole bruised plant can be used topically as an analgesic (painkiller). It's also used as a trailside remedy for diarrhea. This plant is a bio-accumulator, similar to comfrey, and can be used to make a mineral-rich compost tea garden fertilizer or living mulch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an important plant for Indigenous Peoples, and it has been and continues to be cultivated in Indigenous food forests and estuaries. I believe the plants I harvested seeds from were originally planted and stewarded by the Indigenous peoples of the area (K'ómoks, Kwalikum, and\/or Snaw-naw-as Peoples). There are many other Indigenous food plants in the area, such as crabapple, rose, and black hawthorn. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSilverweed prefers moist or wet soils, and will spread via stolons and rhizomes to form an attractive ground cover. It is tolerant of salt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/substack.com\/@urbanfoodforest\"\u003eUrban Food Forest on Substack\u003c\/a\u003e has been doing some interesting breeding work on this plant family to breed for larger roots. I'd recommend this blog to anyone interested in growing silverweed for food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e50% of sales from this variety go to Indigenous Food Sovereignty projects. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46025934930174,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/files\/IMG_8356.jpg?v=1732401816"},{"product_id":"common-camas-seeds-camassia-quamash-speenhw-copy","title":"Sochan Seeds - Rudbeckia laciniata - Cutleaf Coneflower, Green headed Coneflower, Wild Goldenglow, Sochani, 삼잎국화","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExpected to restock in December 2026.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSochan as it's known to the Cherokee People, is also known as Cutleaf Coneflower, Green-headed Coneflower and Wild Goldenglow. It's a mainstay of Cherokee cuisine, and produces delicious leafy greens almost year round. The photo of the leaves was taken in early March- they start growing early! The cheerful yellow flowers bloom in fall atop towering stalks, and are a welcome food source for bees, and later birds enjoy the seeds. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves have a delightfully aromatic and herbal flavour akin to daisy leaves. They can be harvested in spring and late summer\/fall. They are best cooked as they have a slightly rough texture, but they can also be eaten raw in salads. Summer harvests of leaves may also be possible in shady sites, or if the flower stalks are cut off to help the plant focus on producing tender new leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSochan has a wide native range including the southeast of Canada and the central and eastern US. It's at home in moist or wet sites with rich soils, often woodland edges or beside ponds and other bodies of water. Because it grows over six feet tall, it makes a great plant for the back of a border or a cottage garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt appreciates watering during dry summers. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSochan will spread via rhizomes, which I encourage since it's such a tasty and pretty perennial vegetable. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterestingly, sochan has been embraced by Koreans and is now being cultivated commercally. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100% of sales from this variety go to Indigenous Food Sovereignty projects.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46035442041086,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/files\/IMG_4791.jpg?v=1732673926"},{"product_id":"corrales-azafran-safflower-seeds-carthamus-tinctorius","title":"Corrales Azafran Safflower Seeds - Carthamus tinctorius - False Saffron","description":"\u003cp\u003eNew Mexico heirloom annual multi-purpose crop adapted to drought and heat. Yellow-orange flowers attract pollinators. Flowers are an inexpensive saffron substitute and used for natural dyeing. They also dry well for everlasting bouquets. Attractive white seeds are pressed for cooking oil. Leave plants for fall bird food - seeds are enjoyed by chickadees, cardinals, Steller's Jays, and others. Requires minimal watering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e----\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeeds are grown by our friend Skye at Tardigrade Seeds on Salt Spring Island, BC. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTardigrade Seeds: Solutions for Dry Conditions.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClimate change makes farming and gardening a struggle. \u003cem\u003eTardigrade Seeds \u003c\/em\u003especializes in heat and drought-adapted varieties of favorite vegetables and unique international crops. We offer artisanal, natural seeds for changing times. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrown with hope on our Salt Spring Island farm. Start using less water and having more success - Grow Tardigrade Seeds!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e----\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowing: Best direct seeded, but can be transplanted with care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTransplanting: start 3-4 weeks before average last frost date. Sow seeds 1\/2\" deep and keep at 15-20° C. Transplant once plants have put on some growth and before taproot is too long to handle. Space 2-3' apart in rows or blocks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDirect seeding: Sow 2-3 seeds 1\/2\" deep, 2-3' apart in rows or block, around the average last frost date. Thin to strongest plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowing tips: Plant in full sun, in well-drained soil. Safflower does not tolerate wet, saturated conditions. Small plants tolerate light frost. Early growth is slow, so be patient. Keep area weeded and watch for slugs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDry growing (growing without watering or minimal watering): Safflower is native to hot, dry areas and its roots can penetrate up to 10' deep, ideal for dry growing. Started in mid-spring, when weather has warmed a bit and the soil still has lots of moisture allows safflower's roots to get well-established before the soil starts to dry out in summer. Watch for signs of wilting in the hottest part of the day. On our sandy soils, I have only seen safflower display water stress once: I had it growing in a greenhouse and forgot to open the doors during the height of the summer. When I realized what had happened and went inside, the temperature was 57° C. I opened the door, and the safflower recovered in half an hour.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47584406372606,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/files\/Safflower1.jpg?v=1764799810"},{"product_id":"delfino-cilantro-seeds-coriandrum-sativum","title":"Delfino Cilantro Seeds - Coriandrum sativum","description":"\u003cp\u003eDelfino Cilantro combines unique beauty and flavour for an exceptional cilantro.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEndangered. Resurrected from extinction by grower Zach Pickens, Delfino was once a common market garden variety in New York. Feather-like foliage, similar to carrot leaves, makes for faster preparation in the kitchen and highly ornamental garnish. Classic cilantro flavour. Once it bolts, leave the flowers\u003cbr\u003efor bees and use the immature green seed fresh in any dish where you'd like a cilantro pop. Harvest dry seed for spice — you'll be amazed at the flavour of home grown coriander. Tired of bolting cilantro? Start in late summer for a winter harvest crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e----\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eSeeds are grown by our friend Skye at Tardigrade Seeds on Salt Spring Island, BC. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTardigrade Seeds: Solutions for Dry Conditions.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClimate change makes farming and gardening a struggle. \u003cem\u003eTardigrade Seeds \u003c\/em\u003especializes in heat and drought-adapted varieties of favorite vegetables and unique international crops. We offer artisanal, natural seeds for changing times. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrown with hope on our Salt Spring Island farm. Start using less water and having more success - Grow Tardigrade Seeds!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e----\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowing: Transplant or direct seed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTransplanting: for an early crop, sow 1\/2\" deep early spring with germination temperatures between 15 and 20° C. Transplant mid-spring, spacing 4-6\" between plants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDirect seeding: direct seed mid- through late-spring 1\/2\" deep approximately 1\" apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGrowing tips: Cilantro will bolt with summer heat. Use shade cloth and mulch soil to lower temperatures and delay bolting. Once stem starts to elongate, the plant is putting its energy into seed production and won't produce more leaves. Either harvest whole plant at first sign of bolting, or allow green seed seeds to form, which can be eaten and are delicious. May also be started late summer to early fall and kept covered once cold weather sets in for a winter crop. Requires consistent moisture and moderate fertility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDry growing (growing without watering or minimal watering): While cilantro generally wouldn't be considered a good candidate for dry growing, there's plenty you can do to have the best success growing it with reduced irrigation. First, start from transplants as early as possible in the spring, and transplant while there is still regular rain. Use your most fertile area. Space plants more widely than usual: use 8-12\" apart. Keep soil heavily mulched and weeded. Another option is to plant late summer, relying on fall rains to keep it watered. This allows for a winter harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47584424296702,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/files\/Delfino1.jpg?v=1764800926"},{"product_id":"cow-parsnip-seeds-heracleum-maximum-pushki","title":"Cow Parsnip Seeds - Heracleum maximum - Pushki","description":"\u003cp\u003eCow Parsnip is a delicious and stately moisture-loving biennial or sometimes perennial vegetable, native to Turtle Island, and eaten by people all over the world. It also has medicinal uses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves, flower buds, immature seeds, and dried seeds can all be eaten. They have a strong flavour and you'll likely want to start with eating only small amounts, cooked. Interestingly, fermented cow parsnip was the key ingredient in the original Borcht, before it was made with beets!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe young leaves can be used similarly to parsley. The older leaves can be used to wrap food during cooking. The young flower buds can be battered and deep fried like broccoli. They are called Zavirne in Italy. The green seeds are very aromatic and are used to infuse vodka (I think this would be great in a caesar!). And the mature dried seeds are called golpar, an ancient Persian seasoning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis plant can grow over 6 feet tall and prefers wet feet- it can often be found growing on roadsides, ditches, and near streams. The flowers are beloved by pollinators. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCAUTION: As with any plant in the carrot family, you should not allow the sap to touch your skin, as the sap can react with sunlight and can cause nasty burns. Use gloves when working with these plants and wash skin thoroughly afterwards. I recommend only eating cooked plant parts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForager Chef has a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/foragerchef.com\/cow-parsnip\/\"\u003egreat article about identifying and eating Cow Parsnip, \u003c\/a\u003eand a very delicious-looking \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/foragerchef.com\/cow-parsnip-blossom-fritters\/\"\u003ecow parsnip bud tempura recipe\u003c\/a\u003e!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI collected these seeds in summer 2025 near Princeton, BC.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47593393258750,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/files\/Heracleum_lanatum_from_High_Trail.jpg?v=1765141305"},{"product_id":"musk-mallow-seeds-malva-moschata","title":"Musk Mallow Seeds - Malva moschata - Cheeseweed, Cheeseflower","description":"\u003cp\u003eMusk Mallow is an easy to grow, cold hardy cottage garden flower with culinary and medicinal uses. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePlants will grow happily in both dry or wet areas in sun or partial shade, and will self seed freely if allowed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe young leaves and pink or white flowers can be added to salads, and the green seeds (sometimes called \"cheeses\" or \"fairy cheese\" because their round shape resembles a wheel of cheese), can be eaten raw or pickled like capers. The plant contains mucilage which can thicken soups and stews. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMedicinally, musk mallow is mostly used for its mucilage to soothe digestion and respiratory issues like coughs and sore throats. Both the leaves and flowers can be used in teas, cough syrups, etc. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePollinators love the flowers!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47593412329726,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/files\/IMG_8732.heic?v=1765143894"},{"product_id":"chwinamul-seeds-doellingeria-scabra-aster-scaber-korean-aster-취나물","title":"Chwinamul Seeds - Doellingeria scabra - Aster scaber, Korean Aster, Chamchwi, 취나물","description":"\u003cp\u003eChwinamul is a delicious aromatic perennial leafy green from Korea. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and have a wonderful aromatic flavour that's a bit bitter. The plants are covered with sprays of small, daisy-like flowers in summer. Plants grow about 4 feet tall when blooming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eChwinamul leaves are often used in Korean cuisine as herbal side dishes, called namul. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eYoung leaves can be eaten fresh, and the larger, older leaves can be dried for future use. To eat the dried leaves, soak in water, then saute with some oil and add seasonings of your choice, and eat as a side dish or add to rice bowls, etc. The leaves can also be used for wraps (ssam), deep fried, or fermented in kimchi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTraditionally it is wild harvested from the mountains, but is so popular that nowadays it's farmed widely. Plants seem to enjoy full sun or part shade, and seem to need watering in dry summer to get established, although I've heard other say it's drought tolerant once established. Plants die back to the ground in winter, and emerge around April in our garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe seeds can be tricky to start and I'm not sure of the best method. Please see the \"Growing Instructions\" tab below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe have limited seed stock this year but hope to have lots more in winter 2026!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47593479700734,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/files\/4A6F4851-3D8A-4D07-ABB4-68CA6648B308.jpg?v=1765156113"},{"product_id":"wilson-creek-rhubarb-seeds-rheum-rhabarbarum-copy","title":"Showy Milkweed Seeds - Asclepias speciosa","description":"\u003cp\u003eMilkweed is an incredible perennial vegetable and pollinator support plant, native to the Western half of Turtle Island (North America). It's drought tolerant, easy to grow, and supplies many different vegetables spring through summer. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe shoots, flower buds, flowers, and young seed pods are edible and tasty. Milkweed must be cooked before eating, although a few flowers raw are likely ok. As with any new vegetable, eat a small amount to start with, as some people seem sensitive to milkweed. Fresh plants exude a sticky milky sap, so wear gloves when harvesting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVia Alan Bergo, the Forager Chef, here are ideas on how to eat many parts of milkweed: The young leaf shoots, and the plant tops with developing flowers buds can be blanched like asparagus, the flower buds can be steamed like broccoli, or made into capers. The opened flowers are sweet and can be infused into drinks or vinegars. The young seed pods can be blanched and\/or fried. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/foragerchef.com\/guide-to-milkweed\/\"\u003eSee all Alan's recommendations and recipes here.\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMilkweed can be a vigorous grower and spread by rhizomes, although this species is supposed to spread less aggressively than \u003cem\u003eAsclepias syriaca \u003c\/em\u003e(common milkweed).  I've heard people recommend avoiding planting it in the middle of your veggie garden. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe story of these seeds: These seeds were collected by my dear friend Jakub Amler, who I met at Ntamtqen Community Garden \u0026amp; Food Hub. He collected these seeds while on a hunting trip on land of the Smelqmix (Similkameen) People. Many thanks Jakub!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhoto by Justin Meissen via \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Showy_milkweed_%2822212985642%29.jpg\"\u003eWikimedia Commons\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47699359695102,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/files\/Showy_milkweed__22212985642.jpg?v=1768521040"},{"product_id":"lemon-balm-seeds-melissa-officinalis","title":"Lemon Balm Seeds - Melissa officinalis","description":"\u003cp\u003eLemon balm is an easy to grow medicinal and culinary herb with a gentle lemony flavour, with qualities that calm nerves, fight viruses, and support digestion. It likes moist soil with a bit of shade in hot summers. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvest as needed throughout the season for medicine, hot or iced teas, green and fruit salads, ice cream, etc. I especially love using it in Southeast Asian dishes such as Laab where cilantro and mint are called for. Lemon balm can be dried but doesn't hold its scent and properties that well when stored, so it's a great herb to have in your garden for fresh use! Plus it's a deer-resistant plant!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLemon balm will self sow vigorously, so chop plants back after flowering to prevent this if desired.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe latin name \u003cem\u003eMelissa\u003c\/em\u003e comes from the Greek word for honey bee, because the flowers attract so many bees! The \u003cem\u003eofficinalis\u003c\/em\u003e part refers to its historical use as medicine. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe story of these seeds: These seeds were grown by my mom, Maria Hunter of Dragonfly Seeds, on the Sunshine Coast, BC, and I harvested them while I was visiting last fall. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLemon balm is native to South-central Europe, the Mediterranean, Central Asia, and middle East.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cicada Seeds Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47699558203646,"sku":null,"price":5.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0671\/4281\/1902\/files\/IMG_4712.jpg?v=1768523248"}],"url":"https:\/\/cicadaseeds.ca\/collections\/herbs-medicinals.oembed?page=2","provider":"Cicada Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}