Gotu Kola Seeds

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date (or earlier if you have the space) on a heat mat or warm place (room temp is fine). I use a basic seed starting mix, such as promix HP, in flats or small pots. THE SEEDS TAKE 4-8 WEEKS TO GERMINATE, and must be kept moist the whole time. If the soil dries out the seeds may perish. Plastic wrap on top of the cell tray/pot can help keep moisture in. I find the earliest seeds start sprouting around 3-4 weeks, and then the rest pop op erratically over the newer several weeks. Be patient and keep them moist, and they will come up!

Prick out seedlings and transplant to larger pots when they have their first true leaves. Move outdoors gradually after danger of frost. I grow my gotu kola in large pots so I can bring them inside for the winter to harvest leaves for a longer season, but they can also be transplanted directly in the ground. Gotu kola likes a lot of heat and moisture. If growing in a pot, use a saucer to catch water- the plants seem to like it when the pot is sitting in a bit of water. Plant in a sunny spot. I've heard that it can do very well cascading down a sunny rock wall.

Plants appreciate compost and/or a liquid organic fertilizer such as fish or seaweed emulsion throughout the growing season, especially if grown in pots.

Please reach out if you have questions about your seed starting setup.

We ship seeds via Canada Post within Canada for $6 to $8 depending on weight, United States for $20, and Internationally for $20*. Live plants, bulbs, and bulbils can only be shipped within Canada. Shipping fees listed here are in Canadian dollars, and may change without notice.

Shipping in Canada 

We ship seeds in Canada via regular letter mail, which is an untracked service, and usually takes 1-3 weeks to arrive once we fulfill your order, but occasionally orders take longer, especially to Ontario and East.

Customers can now opt for tracked, express shipping options at checkout if you require faster delivery.

Larger bulbs and plants are sent via tracked flat rate box.

Shipping to the US

We now require all US shoppers to obtain a Small Lot Seed Permit before we can mail your seeds. It's free to apply and you will likely be granted the permit instantly. We appreciate if you can email us your permit as soon as you can after your purchase.

How to apply for your Small Seed Lot Import Permit:

1. Go to https://efile.aphis.usda.gov/s/
2. Select PPQ-587 in the dropdown menu and click "Get Started".
3. Login and follow the instructions to obtain a permit.
4. Under the Commodity Type drop down, make sure you select the "Small Lots of Seed". See screenshot below.
5. It's best to list "Eligible Taxa" instead of listing all the species you'd like to import so you don't need to worry about missing any species you ordered.
6. Once you receive your permit, promptly email us 2 documents: a copy of your permit and a copy of the yellow/green shipping labels. Tell us if which USDA station you want us to send the seeds to. If not mentioned we will choose one. Our email is grow@cicadaseeds.ca
7. We are not able to send any pepper or tomato seeds, or any live plant materials to the US due to restrictions.

What happens next?

After receiving your documentation, we will mail your seeds to an inspection facility in the US.  We will ship via tracked parcel, and you will receive the tracking number when your order has shipped. Orders will be mailed first to a plant inspection facility in the US, then they forward the package on to your address after inspection. Tracking is only available to the inspection facility, not to your address.

The mail and inspection process can take several weeks, depending on how long the inspection takes. Unfortunately we are not able to replace packages that are confiscated or destroyed by customs, or for any duties or tariffs placed on your order. 

Shipping Internationally

International customers can select tracked or untracked shipping at checkout. The package will list the contents as "Garden Seeds". It is your responsibility to ensure you have the required import permit. We are not able to send any live plant materials internationally. Cicada Seeds will not be responsible for any orders held or confiscated by customs, or for any additional duties or tariffs placed on your order.

International shipping countries include: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom.

This list may change without notice. Sometimes Canada Post will not allow us to ship to certain countries due to wars or natural disasters, see this page for delivery service alerts: https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/our-company/news-and-media/service-alerts.page

Please reach out if your country is not on this list, email us and we will try to arrange an alternate shipping option. 

Return Policy

If you have any issues with your order, please contact us within 60 days and we will do our best to make it right.

Seeds are grown ecologically without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers.