Flower and Herb Seeds

About Southern Exposure Seed Exchange:

We encourage cooperative self-reliance in agriculture. We promote and participate in seed saving and exchange, ecological agriculture, reducing energy use, providing locally adapted varieties, and regional food production. To further these aims, Southern Exposure offers: heirloom varieties to conserve and distribute rare and endangered varieties; open-pollinated varieties to encourage seed saving and exchange among gardeners; disease- and insect-tolerant varieties to reduce pesticide use; and varieties for local and small-scale growers to encourage regional food production.

Southern Exposure Seeds works with a network of over 100 small farmers in various parts of the US who grow seeds. Preserving unusual heirloom varieties helps us to preserve and promote that other endangered breed - the American small farm.

Catnip

(Nepeta cataria) Use this mint for teas, or for amusing your cat. (Note that only about 2 out of 3 cats are amused! The remainder, who do not have the dominant gene for this response, are bored by this plant.) Medicinal: Traditionally used for colds and flu primarily as a diaphoretic for feverish conditions. Nepetalactone, the primary ingredient of the essential oil, is chemically similar to the sedative component of Valerian. Pkt (0.15 g, ~215 seeds)

Growing instructions:?Perennial in zones 4-10. Germination: 70?F, light required, 7-21 days. Transplant. Full sun. 24-30 in. tall.

Echinacea Purpurea (Purple Coneflower)

A very popular ornamental and the most common Echinacea species, widely used as a medicinal plant. The flowers are 3-4 in. across with pink-orange cone-shaped centers and purple-pink rays. Easy to germinate and widely adapted. Unlike other Echinacea's the seeds do not require cold treatment, the roots are fibrous rather than taprooted, and the plant is more highly branched at the top. Pkt (0.2 g, 45 seeds)

Growing instructions:?Perennial in zones 3-9. Transplant or direct seed. Full sun. 24-36 in. tall. All Echinaceas are drought resistant. Keep young plants well weeded. Germination is typically around 50%. 7 days of stratification at 40 ?F will enhance germination. Medicinal: All 9 species are medicinally important, and all parts of the plant have some activity. Several pharmacological studies have demonstrated immunostimulant, bacteriostatic, and anti-viral activity. It may be used as an anti-microbial anywhere in the body. It activates macrophages, increases white blood cell levels, and inhibits microbial hyaluronidase (an enzyme that causes host cells to break down.) Echinacea is often used as a short term immune stimulant (2 weeks maximum), but it is contraindicated in autoimmune system disorders and progressive diseases.

Evening Sun Sunflower Organic

53 days. Shades of autumn colors ranging from red, mahogany-red, burgundy, russet-bronze, vivid gold, all in bicolor blends. 3-5 in. flowers. Plants grow 6-8 ft. tall with a number of secondary blooms. Small (2 g) packet has about 50 seeds.

?

?

Helianthus annuus?unless otherwise noted.
How to grow:?Annual. Germination: 14 days, 70 degrees F. Full sun. Direct sow in May or June. Space 12-18? apart. Taller varieties may need staking. Early in the growth stage, place a pole at the base of the stalk. As the stem grows, use twine or soft ties to secure it to the stake every 6? or so.?History:?Some archaeologists believe that Native Americans may have cultivated sunflowers as early as 3000 B.C. Uses: You can leave any remaining seed-heads in the garden for fall and winter visitors. Or you can cut and dry the seed-heads indoors. Throughout the winter months, tie dried heads to trees or to your deck to create feeding stations. Uses:?You can leave any remaining seed-heads in the garden for fall and winter visitors. Or you can cut and dry the seed-heads indoors. Throughout the winter months, tie dried heads to fences or to your deck or suspend in trees to feed birds.

French Marigold, Frances's Choice

(Tagetes patula) [Alan Kapuler. Named for plant pioneer Frances Huffman.] 93 days. Tidy 3-4 ft. tall plants are covered with dark red-purple single flowers with a dramatic gold rim around each petal. 8 in. stems make lovely bouquets. Pkt (0.4 g, ~145 seeds)

How to Grow: Annual. Germination: 70?F, 4-8 days. Full sun. Direct sow or transplant after last frost. Space 8-16? apart.

French Marigold, Sparky

(Tagetes patula) 57 days. Early-blooming with perfectly pretty blossoms, this colorful mix of classic orange and yellow marigolds brings quick color to your garden. Pkt (0.4 g, ~100 seeds)

How to Grow:?Annual. Germination: 70?F, 4-8 days. Full sun. Direct sow or transplant after last frost. Space 8-16? apart.

Garden Sorrel

(Rumex acetosa) Cold-hardy to 12?F. Use sparingly as a salad green for its lemon-like flavor. Sorrel is best used in soups, where it excels. Pkt (0.4 g, 430 seeds)

Growing instructions:?Perennial in zones 4-10. Germination: 70?F, light required, 3-14 days. Transplant or direct seed. Full sun. 36 in. tall.

Garlic Chives

(Allium tuberosum) 80 days. Leaves are larger and flatter than chives. Garlic flavor for salads and seasoning. Pkt (0.7 g, 173 seeds)

How to Grow:?Perennial to zone 3. Germination: 60-70?F, needs darkness to germinate, Transplant or direct seed. Full sun or part shade. Height 12?

German Chamomile

(Matricaria recutita) The sweet-scented flowers of Chamomile are used to make Chamomile tea which has a distinctive apple-like flavor and fragrance. Medicinal: Chamomile has long been used as a carminative, and as an anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer remedy to protect gastric mucous membranes. It is also anti-spasmodic, and anti-microbial. Used as a nasal wash to treat sinusitis. Pkt (0.15 g, ~ 1440 seeds)

Growing instructions:?Annual. Germination: 55-60?F, light required. Transplant. Full sun. 24-30 in. tall.

German Winter?Thyme

(Thymus vulgaris) 85 days. Flavor-ing for sauces, soups, meats, dressings, and bean dishes. Shrubby, evergreen perennial. Medicinal: Used as an expectorant and bronchial anti-spasmodic and carminative. Pkt (0.2 g, 1015 seeds)

Growing instructions:?Perennial in zones 4-10. Germination: 55-60?F, 14-30 days. Transplant. 8 in. tall, space 12 in. apart.

Greek Oregano

(Origanum vulgare)?An essential spice of pizza as well as tomato, cheese, and meat dishes. This is the flavorful Greek Oregano, not the flavorless oregano commonly available. Medicinal: Mildly carminative and anti-spasmodic. Pkt (0.05 g, 500 seeds)

Growing instructions:?Perennial in zones 5-10. Germination: 60?F, light required, 14-21 days. Transplant. Full sun. 12 in. tall.

Hopi Dye Sunflower

62 days, 95 days for seed. Purple-black seeds are used by the Hopis as a natural dye source, especially for coloring baskets. Seeds may also be used for food or feed, and this is the best variety for dehulling. 7-11 ft. stalks with 5-13 in. heads, mostly poly-headed. Yellow rays surround attractive purple-green centers. Adapted to cool, high desert areas, but can be grown elsewhere. If grown for seed, plan to mature seed in driest part of the growing season. Mounding soil around the base of stalks helps keep plants upright. Small (3g) packet has about 45 seeds.

Helianthus annuus?unless otherwise noted.
How to grow:?Annual. Germination: 14 days, 70 degrees F. Full sun. Direct sow in May or June. Space 12-18? apart. Taller varieties may need staking. Early in the growth stage, place a pole at the base of the stalk. As the stem grows, use twine or soft ties to secure it to the stake every 6? or so.?History:?Some archaeologists believe that Native Americans may have cultivated sunflowers as early as 3000 B.C. Uses: You can leave any remaining seed-heads in the garden for fall and winter visitors. Or you can cut and dry the seed-heads indoors. Throughout the winter months, tie dried heads to trees or to your deck to create feeding stations. Uses:?You can leave any remaining seed-heads in the garden for fall and winter visitors. Or you can cut and dry the seed-heads indoors. Throughout the winter months, tie dried heads to fences or to your deck or suspend in trees to feed birds.

Dark Green Italian (Plain Leaf) Parsley

(Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum) 78 days.?[Introduced by 1807.]?Plain in appearance but fancy in taste, this celery-leaf variety is the best-flavored variety. Excellent for dried parsley. Good greenhouse variety, as aphid control is easier due to its wide straight leaves. Less cold-hardy than curly types.

How to Grow:?Parsley seed germinates very slowly, requiring 3-4 weeks. Sow seeds in early spring directly into garden, 1/4? deep, and thin to 6-12?. Keep well watered. Soaking seed in water for 24 hours will speed germination. Mark location with radish seed. (Fast germination procedure: Plant seed in a small flat of soil or planting medium. Place flat in a zip-lock bag, and freeze for 12-24 hours. Remove from freezer and keep moist until seed begins to germinate.) Requires full sun. Seed Savers: Isolate by a minimum of 1/4 mile for home use. For pure seed isolate by 1/2 to 1 mile.

Packet:?2 g (approx. 900-1350 seeds, depending on variety) sows 35-70?.

Nasturtium

Tropaeolum majus?Climbing vines with edible flowers in a mixture of colors: red, yellow, and orange. Use flowers in vinegar to make Indian Cress vinegar, or use flowers and leaves in salads. Pkt (4 g, 20 seeds)

Growing instructions:?Annual Germination: 65?F, 14 days. Transplant or direct sow after last frost. Space 6?12 in. apart. Vining habit ? provide support.

Kapoor Tulsi (Holy Basil)

All parts of the plant, including the stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds, are excellent for making tea, providing a refreshing and aromatic beverage that promotes overall well-being. Frequent harvests are recommended to encourage continuous growth and maintain the plant's vitality.

Kapoor Tulsi is easy to grow and self-sows readily, making it a welcome addition to any garden. A packet of Kapoor Tulsi typically contains approximately 0.12 g of seeds, totaling around 211 seeds, ensuring a plentiful supply for your herbal endeavors.

Growing instructions:

Annual Herb: Kapoor Tulsi is an annual herb, completing its life cycle within one year.

Germination: Seeds germinate best in warm soil temperatures, with daytime temperatures around 70?F and nighttime temperatures around 55?F. Darkness is required for germination, typically taking 14 days for seeds to sprout. Start seeds indoors or directly sow them after the last frost date in your area.

Transplant or Direct Seed: Choose your preferred method of planting. Kapoor Tulsi can be started indoors and transplanted into the garden after the last frost or sown directly into the soil.

Maturity and Harvesting: Kapoor Tulsi plants typically reach maturity in about 60-90 days after sowing. You can begin harvesting leaves and stems once the plant has reached a height of 6-8 inches. For continuous harvests, pick leaves regularly, avoiding the flowering stage when the leaves become bitter.

Height: Kapoor Tulsi plants typically reach a height of 18 inches at maturity, making them a compact and manageable addition to your garden.

Lemon Balm

(Melissa officinalis) Use for hot and refreshing cold teas as a lemon substitute. Essential oils are volatile resulting in more fragrance than flavor. Medicinal: Lemon balm has anti-viral action in lab tests against herpes simplex, mumps, and other viruses. Also a sedative, calmative, and carminative. Pkt (0.19 g, 345 seeds)

Growing instructions:?Perennial in zones 4-10. Germination: 70?F, light required, 10 days. Transplant. Full sun. 30 in. tall.

Long Island Mammoth Dill

With a growing period of 70 days, Long Island Mammoth Dill (Anethum graveolens) is the standard heirloom variety for flavoring pickles, soups, breads, stews, salads, and sauces. Its delicate fronds add a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor to a wide range of culinary dishes, making it a beloved herb in kitchens worldwide.

A small 0.75 g packet contains about 576 seeds, ensuring a plentiful supply of this versatile herb for your garden.

Growing instructions:

Annual: Dill is an annual herb, completing its life cycle within one year.

Germination: Seeds germinate best in well-drained soil with temperatures around 60-70?F, typically taking 7-14 days to sprout. Sow seeds directly into the garden bed after the danger of frost has passed.

Spacing: Plant dill seeds 18-24 inches apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart to allow ample room for growth.

Sunlight: Dill thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flavor development.

Height: Long Island Mammoth Dill can reach a height of 24-36 inches at maturity, providing a lush and flavorful addition to your garden.

Mammoth Sunflower

71 days. Stalks average 9 ft. tall and may reach a height of 10 ft. or more. Heads average 11 in. across, with some reaching 14 in. or more when plants are well grown. Gray and black seeds. Space 18 in. apart. Small (7 g) packet has about 70 seeds.

Helianthus annuus?unless otherwise noted.
How to grow:?Annual. Germination: 14 days, 70 degrees F. Full sun. Direct sow in May or June. Space 12-18? apart. Taller varieties may need staking. Early in the growth stage, place a pole at the base of the stalk. As the stem grows, use twine or soft ties to secure it to the stake every 6? or so.?History:?Some archaeologists believe that Native Americans may have cultivated sunflowers as early as 3000 B.C. Uses: You can leave any remaining seed-heads in the garden for fall and winter visitors. Or you can cut and dry the seed-heads indoors. Throughout the winter months, tie dried heads to trees or to your deck to create feeding stations. Uses:?You can leave any remaining seed-heads in the garden for fall and winter visitors. Or you can cut and dry the seed-heads indoors. Throughout the winter months, tie dried heads to fences or to your deck or suspend in trees to feed birds.

Pacific Beauty?Calendula

(Calendula officinalis) 85 days. Yellow-orange, 3" flowers. Flowers are used as a food color, natural dye, and substitute for saffron. Medicinal: Traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory herb for localized skin problems. Reported to activate cellular defense mechanisms. Pkt (0.5 g, 30 seeds)

Growing instructions: Annual. Germination: 55-65?F, darkness required, 14 days. Transplant or direct seed. Full sun. 18 in. tall. Plants fade in deep summer heat and humidity, but can be reseeded for late summer/early fall harvest. Flowers are used as a food color, natural dye, and substitute for saffron. For edible flowers, use the outer part of the petals (the whitish bit where the petals connect to the head is the most bitter). Medicinal: Traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory herb for localized skin problems. Reported to activate cellular defense mechanisms.

Resina Calendula

With an 85-day growing period, this vibrant variety showcases bright yellow, medium-sized flowers, occasionally adorned with striking orange blooms. Renowned for its versatility, Calendula flowers serve as natural food colorants, dyes, and saffron substitutes.

Medicinally, this strain of Calendula boasts the highest concentration of resins prized by herbalists. Within a small packet containing 0.5 grams of seeds, you'll find approximately 31 seeds, promising a bountiful harvest of this prized variety.

Growing Instructions:

Annual Plant: Requires a germination temperature of 55-65?F and darkness for 14 days.

Transplant or Direct Seed: Choose your preferred method of planting.

Full Sun: Thrives in full sunlight, reaching a height of 18 inches.

Summer Care: While plants may fade in deep summer heat, they can be reseeded for a late summer or early fall harvest.

Culinary Use: Utilize the outer part of the petals for culinary endeavors, avoiding the whitish section where bitterness is concentrated.

Medicinal Benefits: Traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory herb for localized skin issues, with reported benefits in activating cellular defense mechanisms.

Rosemary

(Rosemarinus officinalis) Rosemary is a versatile culinary seasoning for many vegetable or meat dishes. Medicinal: Rosemary has diverse medicinal properties, the most notable being its use as a circulatory and nervine stimulant. Extracts of rosemary have strong antioxidant and preservative properties. Pkt (0.07 g, 58 seeds)

Growing instructions:?Perennial in zones 7-10. Germination: 55?F night, 70?F day, light required. Transplant. Full sun. 14-48 in. tall. Requires a well-drained, alkaline soil. Sow seed in a sterile seed starting mix with limestone added. Germination is normally low and growth of seedlings is slow.

Short Stuff Dwarf Sunflower

Blooms in 54 days. Carefully chosen by Merlyn and Mary Ann Niedens from Illinois. Adorn your garden with the beauty of 5-7 inch golden yellow flowers gracefully hosted by 30-inch plants, making them an ideal choice for borders and a generous seed source for winter bird feeding. Maintain the elegance of your border by removing the occasional tall plant. This variety offers an excellent alternative to PVP varieties. Your small (2 g) packet generously contains about 40 seeds.

Helianthus annuus?unless otherwise noted.
How to grow:?Annual. Germination: 14 days, 70 degrees F. Full sun. Direct sow in May or June. Space 12-18? apart. Taller varieties may need staking. Early in the growth stage, place a pole at the base of the stalk. As the stem grows, use twine or soft ties to secure it to the stake every 6? or so.?History:?Some archaeologists believe that Native Americans may have cultivated sunflowers as early as 3000 B.C. Uses: You can leave any remaining seed-heads in the garden for fall and winter visitors. Or you can cut and dry the seed-heads indoors. Throughout the winter months, tie dried heads to trees or to your deck to create feeding stations. Uses:?You can leave any remaining seed-heads in the garden for fall and winter visitors. Or you can cut and dry the seed-heads indoors. Throughout the winter months, tie dried heads to fences or to your deck or suspend in trees to feed birds.

Summer Savory

(Satureja hortensis) 60 days. Cooking herb used for flavoring meats, dressings, soups, and salads. Especially good in bean and cabbage dishes, herb butters, and vinegars. A blending herb with a peppery thyme quality, summer savory draws together diverse flavors. Medicinal: Reportedly the fresh leaves may be rubbed on insect stings to relieve pain. Pkt (0.25 g)

Growing instructions:?Annual. Germination: 70?F min, light required, 7-21 days. Transplant or direct seed. Full sun. 12 in. tall.

Summer Thyme

(Thymus vulgaris) 90 days. Stronger flavor for cooking, smaller plants than German Winter Thyme. Pkt (0.2 g, 1015 seeds)

Growing instructions:?Perennial in zones 6-9. Germination: 55-60?F, 14-30 days. Transplant. 6-12 in. tall.

Sweet Genovese Basil

Sweet Genovese Basil (Ocimum basilicum), also known by its Latin name, is a beloved variety cherished for its sweet, aromatic leaves. This classic basil cultivar originates from Genoa, Italy, and is highly prized for its culinary uses.

With a growing period of 85 days, Sweet Genovese Basil is a select large-leaf strain, perfect for use fresh or dried for flavoring sauces, soups, dressings, and pesto. Its aromatic and flavorful leaves make it our most popular basil variety.

A small packet of Sweet Genovese Basil typically contains approximately 0.2g of seeds, totaling around 110 seeds, ensuring a plentiful supply for your culinary adventures.

Sweet Thai Basil

(Ocimum basilicum?'Sweet Thai') A delightful herb renowned for its spicy flavor profile reminiscent of anise and cloves, making it an essential ingredient in various cuisines. Its lush green leaves, measuring approximately 2 inches in length, are complemented by striking purple stems and flowers, adding visual appeal to any garden or culinary dish.

Each packet contains approximately 102 seeds (0.18 g)

Growing Instructions:

Germination: Optimal germination occurs at temperatures around 70?F, with seeds typically sprouting within 7-14 days.

Planting: Directly sow seeds into well-drained soil after the last frost has passed. Ensure seeds are planted approximately 1/4 inch deep and spaced 8-12 inches apart.

Sunlight: Sweet Thai Basil thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, particularly during the germination period. Once established, water deeply and evenly as needed to maintain soil moisture.

Harvesting: Typically growing to a height of 12-18 inches. Begin harvesting leaves as soon as the plant has developed a robust set of leaves, typically around 6-8 weeks after planting. Harvest leaves from the top of the plant downward, using sharp scissors or pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.

Maintenance: Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prolongs the harvest period. Pinch off flower buds to redirect the plant's energy toward leaf production.

Pests and Diseases: Monitor plants for signs of pests such as aphids or whiteflies, and treat as necessary using organic pest control methods. Sweet Thai Basil is relatively resistant to common basil diseases but may be susceptible to fungal issues in humid conditions. Ensure proper air circulation around plants to minimize disease risk.

Teddy Bear Dwarf Sunflower

59 days. An attractive double-flowered ornamental with 3-5 in. yellow to light orange blooms on compact 3 ft. plants. Excellent for cut flowers. (4 g, ~225 seeds)

Helianthus annuus?unless otherwise noted.
How to grow:?Annual. Germination: 14 days, 70 degrees F. Full sun. Direct sow in May or June. Space 12-18? apart. Taller varieties may need staking. Early in the growth stage, place a pole at the base of the stalk. As the stem grows, use twine or soft ties to secure it to the stake every 6? or so.?History:?Some archaeologists believe that Native Americans may have cultivated sunflowers as early as 3000 B.C. Uses: You can leave any remaining seed-heads in the garden for fall and winter visitors. Or you can cut and dry the seed-heads indoors. Throughout the winter months, tie dried heads to trees or to your deck to create feeding stations. Uses:?You can leave any remaining seed-heads in the garden for fall and winter visitors. Or you can cut and dry the seed-heads indoors. Throughout the winter months, tie dried heads to fences or to your deck or suspend in trees to feed birds.