Tired of growing the same thing every year? Try these unique herbs for something different.
Embarking on an indoor herb garden adventure not only enhances your culinary palette but also brings the joy of gardening into your home. Here's a guide to some unique herbs you can start indoors, each with its distinctive flavor and charm, along with tips on how to plant and nurture them.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, known for its refreshing citrus scent, is perfect for teas and garnishing dishes. Start lemon balm from seed in early spring, placing it in a bright, sunny window. It germinates in about 1-2 weeks and can be transplanted outside after the last frost.
Thai Basil
This herb offers a spicy, anise-like flavor that's essential in many Asian dishes. Plant Thai basil seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Keep the soil moist and provide plenty of light to encourage strong growth. Thai basil prefers warm temperatures for germination.
Cilantro 'Delfino''
Delfino' cilantro has fern-like leaves and a milder taste. Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost in well-draining soil. Cilantro seeds need darkness to germinate, so cover them lightly with soil and keep them moist.
Shiso (Perilla)Shiso's unique cinnamon, mint, and anise flavors make it a standout in salads and sushi wraps. Sow shiso seeds indoors in light, well-draining soil, covering them thinly. They require light to germinate, so place them near a window and keep the soil slightly moist.
Chervil
Chervil, with its delicate flavor akin to tarragon and parsley, thrives in cool conditions. Start chervil indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost by sowing seeds in moist, well-draining soil. Keep it in a cool spot with partial shade, as it prefers lower light conditions.
Lavender
Culinary lavender adds a floral, sweet flavor to dishes. Start lavender from seeds 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Lavender seeds can be slow to germinate, so be patient and provide them with plenty of light and well-draining soil.
Sorrel
Sorrel offers a tangy, lemony taste ideal for vibrant dishes. Plant sorrel seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist until germination, which occurs in 1-2 weeks. Sorrel prefers cooler temperatures for growth.
By starting these unique herbs indoors, you'll not only get a jump on the growing season but also enjoy the rich, diverse flavors they bring to your summer meals. Each herb offers its own special touch to your garden and kitchen, making your culinary creations truly one-of-a-kind.
You can find most of these seeds at johnnyseeds.com.