Appendix 1 - Some Common Culinary Herbs
| Name | Propagation | Culture | Use | Growth Habit | Harvest |
| Anise Pimpinella anisum |
Seed; use fresh seed. |
Likes sun, space 15-20 cm apart. |
Green leaves and seeds in salads, meats, bakery goods: tastes somewhat like licorice. |
Annual, slow growing, flowers in flat clusters; finely-cut lobed leaves. |
Use leaves fresh; harvest seeds when ripe, remove from stems and store. |
| Borage Borago officinalis |
Seed; sow direct in spring. |
Likes dry, sunny site; will self-sow. |
Leaves have mild cucumber flavour; used in salads, pickles, in eggs, and with fresh flower sprays in fruit drinks. Flowers also are edible. |
Annual, bushy plant, growing to one metre in height; blue flowers are ornamental. |
Pick blossoms as they open; leaves are used fresh. Seeds are a source of gamma linolenic acid. |
| Caraway Carum carvi |
Seed; sow in spring or fall. |
Full sun; light soil; seeds produced second year. Prone to blossom blight. |
Seeds used to flavour bread, pastry, meat, soups, sauces, confections, cheese. |
Biennial, but annual strains exist. Feathery foliage; creamy flowers resemble carrot. |
Dry seed heads; harvest seeds in autumn (second year if biennial). |
| Catnip Nepeta cataria |
Seed; sow shallowly; root division, cuttings. |
Easy, not fussy as to soil, best in full sun. More aromatic in sandy soil. |
Not really culinary, used in toys for cats or medicinally as tea. Lemon catnip is of more culinary value. |
Perennial, height 30-160 cm. Erect, large-toothed leaves and small whitish or pinkish flower spikes, attracts bees. |
Fresh or dried leaves; or flowering tops, from midsummer onwards. |
| Chamomile, German Matricaria recutita |
See Appendix 2 |
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| Chervil Anthriscus cerefolium |
Seed; sow in fall and spring for succession of greens. |
Partial shade; rich organic soil, moist. |
Leaves usually used fresh in salads, soups, omelets or as garnish. |
Annual. Leaves are parsley-like, ferny. Goes to seed quickly. |
Leaves are harvested and best used fresh; can be frozen for later use. |
| Chives Allium schoenoprasum |
Seed or division of clumps. |
Rich, moist soil, full sun, culture similar to onions. |
Leaves mainly used fresh or freeze-dried, in salads and seasonings. |
Perennial, from bulbs. Long narrow leaves, edible flowers. |
Leaves and/or flowers used fresh or dried. |
| Cilantro/Coriander Coriandrum sativum |
Seed; sometimes transplanted. |
Full sun, light soil, needs lots of space. |
Leaves in salads, meat dishes; seeds for spices in baking, dressings. |
Annual; upright, pinkish-white flowers, aromatic foliage. |
Cilantro leaves are picked fresh before flowering; coriander seed harvested in fall before shattering. |
| Cress Lepidium sativum |
Seed; sow shallowly and repeatedly. |
Easy, likes moist, rich soil and cool weather. |
Leaves used fresh in salads, soups, sandwiches, eggs or as sprouts or garnish. |
Annual, fast growing to 30 cm, with dissected or curly foliage; flowers are small, white. |
Leaves or entire top harvested before bloom. Becomes very peppery in hot weather. |
| Dill Anethum graveolens |
Seed; repeat sowings for summer-long supply. Select leaf varieties if seed production is not desired. |
Sow early; needs rich soil and plenty of space, full sun. |
Leaves used for salads; fresh leaves and seed heads for pickles; after drying use to season meats, fish, vegetables, pizza. |
Annual, to one m in height; feathery foliage; rampant grower. |
Leaves best just as flowers open; harvest seeds as soon as ripe, cut off whole plant and hang to dry. |
| Fennel Foeniculum vulgare |
Seed; directly in soil. |
Sow early; likes hot, sandy, rich soil, needs lots of space. |
All parts of leaves, stems and seeds aromatic; used for fish seasonings and sauces. |
Annual, resembles dill. |
Flower stalks harvested just before bloom; leaves best used fresh; seeds dried as for dill. |
| Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum |
Seed. |
Requires well-drained, medium textured loam of moderate fertility, full sun and warm weather. |
Seeds used as a spice, such as in curries, pickles, stews and soups or as artificial maple flavoring. |
Annual with pea-like foliage, 30-60 cm; flowers pale yellow or white, pods long and narrow with 10-20 oblong seeds. |
Seed harvested in fall when mature. |
| Garlic Allium sativum |
Sets; planted as onions. |
Well-drained soil, full sun, keep moist. Plant in fall and mulch, or mid April. |
Chopped cloves for seasoning meats, vegetables, soups, salads; garlic salt from pulverized cloves. |
Perennial but harvested annually; hardneck types produce flower heads; flat, onion-like leaves; bulbs consist of cloves. |
Dig bulbs in late summer, dry well. |
| Giant Hyssop Agastache foeniculum |
Seed, best started indoors; also divisions and cuttings. |
Adaptable to many soils but dislikes wet locations; full sun. |
Leaves used in teas, to flavour peas, lamb, fruit salads; flowers also used. |
Perennial or annual to 1.5 m; stiffly erect with large toothed leaves; blue flower spikes attract bees. |
Harvest anytime during growing season. Leaves and flowers may be used fresh or dried. |
| Good King Henry Chenopodium bonus-henricus |
Seed or transplants. |
Easy, will grow almost anywhere but does best on rich, moist soil. |
Young shoots eaten like asparagus and leaves used as spinach. |
Perennial to about 75 cm; large arrow-shaped leaves; flowers small, greenish. |
Young shoots may be blanched before cutting. They may need peeling. Fresh young leaves picked just before use. |
| Horseradish Armoracia rusticana |
Root division in fall or root cuttings in spring. |
Deep sandy loam, moist soil is best but will grow in most soils. Full sun or light shade. |
Young roots ground and used in sauces or relishes. Rarely, blanched leaves are used in salads. |
Long-lived perennial best grown as annual or biennial; erect plant with long-stalked, oblong leaves and a long taproot. |
Dig roots in late fall and store at 0o C. Cleaning and grating of roots should be done outdoors; once grated, vinegar and/or cream should be added. |
| Lavender Lavandula angustifolia |
Seed or cuttings. |
Sun and poor soil for most fragrance; avoid wet sites; may need winter protection. |
Rarely culinary; mostly for ornament or sachets; flowers used fresh or dried. |
Perennial; somewhat woody, gray-green leaves and blue or purple flower spikes. |
Cut and dry whole flower spikes when flowers begin to open; do not use excessive or prolonged heat when drying. |
| Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis |
Seed (very slow); root divisions or cuttings. |
Moist, well-drained soil, but tolerates light, dry soil. Full sun or partial shade. |
Leaves used in salads, sandwiches, soups, stews, meats, egg dishes, vegetable dishes, vinegars, desserts and beverages; also medicinal uses. |
Somewhat tender perennial, often winterkilling in Saskatchewan. Plants low, bushy, with oval, toothed leaves. Small, tubular white flowers on overwintered plants. |
Harvest early in season or cut back plants to promote fresh growth which has best flavour. Cut entire tops and dry by hanging in shade. |
| Lemon Verbena Lippia citriodora |
Cuttings. |
Tender shrub, full sun outdoors, winter indoors. |
Leaves for fragrance and to give lemony taste to beverages. |
Narrow, shiny leaves, lemon scented; not hardy on the prairies. |
Strip leaves individually from plant; dry on screens. |
| Lovage Levisticum officinale |
Seed (slow) or transplants; root division. Fresh seed is important. |
Deep, fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Full sun or light shade. Very hardy. |
Leaves used as celery substitute in soups, salads, casseroles, stir-fries. Seeds sometimes used. |
Very large perennial to two m or more, resembling celery. Small yellow-green flowers in heads like dill. |
Leaves harvested at any time, used fresh or dried. Seed stalks can be cut when turning brown and dried. |
| Mint Mentha spicata Mentha x piperita Mentha x gracilis |
Stolons; seed strains are of inferior quality. |
Full sun or semi-shade, rich moist soil. Variable hardiness. |
Teas, mint sauce, candy. |
Perennial, but peppermint requires winter protection; purple flowers, spreads rapidly by stolons; menthol odour. |
Pick leaves individually; use fresh or dried; pick just as flowering begins. |
| Oregano Origanum vulgare |
Seed or division. |
Grows well in poor soil, full sun. |
Fresh or dried leaves as meat or vegetable seasoning; used in pizza. |
Perennial, although superior types such as greek oregano rarely winter on the prairies. Soft, rounded leaves, in clumps up to 2 feet high. |
Cut stalks when plant starts to flower; hang to dry 2 weeks; remove leaves, crumble and store. |
| Parsley Petroselinum crispum |
Seed; sow early inside. |
Medium rich soil; sun or part shade. |
Seasoning for soups, meats, salads; garnishes. |
Biennial but grown as an annual on the prairies. Plain leaf Italian parsley is taller and considered more flavourful; curly leaf parsley is short and compact. |
Harvest anytime when plants are of sufficient size; use fresh or freeze; drying is the least preferred method of preservation. |
| Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis |
Slow from seed; stem cuttings. |
Grow in greenhouse or outdoors in summer only; full sun; good drainage required. |
Seasoning for foods, especially poultry. |
Tender shrub grown in pots or greenhouse beds; upright to trailing, evergreen with narrow leaves and blue or pink flowers in season. |
Cut branches when of sufficient size; dry slowly; avoid excessive heat; freezing not recommended. |
| Sage Salvia officinalis |
Seed, stem cuttings or crown divisions. |
Full sun, well-drained soil. |
Seasoning for meat or in poultry stuffing. |
Grey, shrubby perennial; semi-hardy on the prairies; woody, sprawling habit, blue flowers, leaves woolly. |
Cut leaves or leafy tops when flowers begin; dry. Avoid late fall harvest to lessen chance of winter injury. |
| Summer Savory Satureja hortensis |
Seed. |
Full sun, medium rich soil. |
Seasoning for soups, sauces, egg or bean dishes. |
Annual, with upright but sprawling habit, small mauve flowers and pungent leaves. |
Cut stalks when starting to flower or cut tops when in bud; hang to dry. Freezing not recommended. |
| Sweet Basil Ocimum basilicum |
Seed. Genovese is considered one of the best. |
Grow in greenhouse year round or transplant outdoors in June; resents cold weather, needs sun. |
Seasoning for soups, salads, vegetables and meats. |
Annual, bushy plants with green or purple leaves and white or purple flowers late in season. Many varieties exist, differing in flavour, size, colour. |
Cut stalks or individual leaves as plants become large enough; best before flowering. Dry for two weeks. |
| Sweet Marjoram Origanum majorana |
Seed, or cuttings. |
Start indoors and transplant out in spring. Full sun. |
Leaves used for seasoning meat dishes. |
Tender perennial, grown as an annual, low bushy habit to 30 cm; grayish-green leaves and tiny white flowers. |
Cut stalks when starting to flower; hang in dark area to dry. |
| Tarragon (French) Artemisia dracunculus sativus |
Division of roots. French tarragon cannot be grown from seed. |
Plant outdoors in well drained soil in full sun; requires a winter period to maintain vigour. |
Leaves used in sauces, sea foods to impart a slight licorice flavour. |
Perennial, to one m, upright but may be sprawling. |
Young leaves and stem tips are harvested and used fresh (preferably) or dried. |
| Thyme Thymus vulgaris |
Seed or cuttings, or by division. |
Slow growing, start indoors early and transplant out in spring; light soil and full sun best. Winter mulch. |
Leaves and stem tips used as seasoning in soups, sauces, vegetable and meat dishes. |
Semi-tender perennial with shrubby habit, growing to 20 cm. |
Harvest tops anytime during summer; hang to dry. |
Appendix 2 - Some Medicinal Herbs and Their Uses
| Name | Propagation | Culture | Use | Growth Habit | Harvest |
| Burdock – Arctium lappa |
Seed, sow 1.3 cm deep, thin to 15 cm. |
Full sun, moist, average to high organic soil; heavy soils should be avoided. |
Mild laxative, diuretic, antirheumatic, antibiotic, promotes sweating, skin problems, arthritis. |
Naturally a perennial, but grown as an annual crop; taprooted, very large plant with hairy leaves. |
Harvest roots at end of first growing season. Difficult to dig. Leaves sometimes dried. Seeds can be harvested in second year. |
| Chamomile, German – Matricaria recutita |
Seed, direct sow or transplant, irrigate to germinate. |
Rich soil not required, should be well-drained; full sun; some irrigation desirable. |
Teas used for appetite, indigestion, insomnia; ointments for bites, wounds, eczema, mouthwash. |
Annual plant, 30 – 60 cm tall; branches readily; finely divided leaves and white daisy-like flowers. |
Flower heads are harvested as they open. Hand harvesting may not be economical; mechanical harvesters are still being adapted. |
| Echinacea/ Purple Coneflower – Echinacea angustifolia |
Seed (should be certified as to identity and purity), direct sow after stratification or transplant. |
Light, well-drained soil important; full sun. Very poor weed competitor in first year. Minimal irrigation. |
Immune stimulant; infections, inflammation, colds, flu, kidney and urinary tract infections, sore throat. |
Perennial, 30-45 cm tall, upright plants with narrow, hairy leaves; pale lavender flowers with orange-brown centres. |
Roots dug in September of third year. Seed can be harvested in second and third years. Prices are dropping. |
| Feverfew – Tanacetum parthenium |
Seed, direct sow shallowly or transplant. |
Tolerates most soils; full sun preferred; drip irrigation may increase yields; overhead irrigation may reduce medicinal potency. |
Migraine headaches, arthritis, menstrual pain. |
Perennial, but may not overwinter in Saskatchewan; grow as annual. Bushy, chrysanthemum-like growth, 30-45 cm tall, white, daisy-like flowers. |
Traditionally only leaves harvested, but some companies desire flowering tops. Short shelf-life; must be isolated from other herbs. |
| Ginseng – Panax quinquefolius |
Seed, sown in fall or stratified and sown in spring. |
Needs shaded conditions from artificial shadecloth or grown in wooded areas; raised beds desirable, highly organic soil; good moisture and high humidity; may need fungicides for disease control; summer and winter mulching essential. |
Tonic, stimulant, regulates blood sugar and cholesterol, simulates immune system, used for diarrhea, asthma, coughs. |
Slow growing perennial, 30 - 60 cm tall, with large broad leaflets. Small greenish-white flowers form red berries in fall. White roots are taprooted and take several years to develop size. |
Usually harvested in the fall of the fourth or fifth year; larger roots giving better prices. Proper drying necessary to retain quality. Seed may also be marketed. Prices have dropped considerably. Not currently recommended here. |
| Goldenseal – Hydrastis canadensis |
Seed, but must be kept moist from harvest until planted; young divisions or root buds often used. |
Requirements similar to ginseng; may tolerate slightly more sun; less disease-prone but requires good drainage and winter protection. Questionable adaptability here. |
Tonic, digestive stimulant, for skin inflammation, eczema, mucous conditions, yeast infections, menstrual pain, mouth and gum problems. |
Slow growing perennial, to 45 cm; light green, palmate and toothed leaves, insignificant flowers followed by red berries; rhizomes are yellow. |
Rhizomes are harvested in fall or early spring; usually in year four if from root divisions, but one or two years later from seed planted crops. |
| Milk Thistle – Silybum marianum |
Seed, sown in fall or spring. |
Will grow on any well-drained soil; full sun; long season required to ripen seeds. Improved selections available from SHSA. |
Liver and gallbladder diseases, jaundice, cirrhosis, hepatitis, poisoning by alcohol, drugs, chemicals and Amanita mushrooms. |
Grown as an annual; large plants 1.2-1.8 m tall, upright, with large stiff, very spiny leaves which are dark green marked with white. Thistle like purple flowers produce black seeds attached to white hairs. |
Seeds are harvested, but timing is difficult as not all mature at once. Flower heads are cut and allowed to dry, then cleaned to remove seeds. Pre-desiccation of plants is desired to reduce biomass. |
| Milk Vetch, Chinese – Astragalus membranaceus |
Seed sown in spring or fall; often transplanted. |
Well-drained soil essential to prevent root rot. Prefers dry, sandy soil and full sun. High fertility not required. |
Used in traditional Chinese medicine as an energy tonic, to increase immunity, to treat incontinence. |
Perennial legume with grooved stems and pinnate leaves, growing to 40 cm and similar width. Yellow, pea-like flowers and rhizomatous roots. |
Rhizomatous roots are harvested in fall of third year or later. Roots are cut up to facilitate drying. |
| Nettle, Stinging – Urtica dioica |
Seed or root divisions. |
Moist, fertile soil, high in organic matter is best. Sun or light shade. Irrigation may be desirable. |
Internal use to treat anemia, hemorrhage, arthritis, skin problems; externally for burns, bites, arthritis, gout, sciatica. More recent use of roots for prostate problems. |
Tall bushy perennial plant up to two m. Dark green, toothed leaves with stinging hairs (except when very young); greenish tassel-like flowers in summer; creeping roots. |
Cut entire plant to near ground before flowering starts. More than one harvest per year possible on established plantings. Foliage loses stinging properties once dried. Roots may also be harvested. |
| St. John’s Wort – Hypericum perfoliatum |
Seed direct or transplant from seed plugs. |
Adapted to dry, porous soils, but may grow better in moister, richer soils. Full sun. Some irrigation may be beneficial. Noxious weed in some areas. Snowcover necessary. |
Internal use for treatment of depression, anxiety, shingles, sciatica, menopausal problems; externally for burns, bruises, injuries, pain. |
Bushy, small-leaved plant 60-90 cm in height, perennial. Flowers are prolific, showy, yellow with 5 petals, in midsummer. Rhizomatous roots will spread. |
Flowering tops are harvested at early to prime bloom. In some areas more than one harvest per year may be possible. Spoils easily if not dried properly. |
| Skullcap – Scutellaria lateriflora; Scutellaria baicalensis, Scutellaria barbata. |
Seeds or root divisions; occasionally by cuttings. |
Good fertile soil; often grown in shade, but sun tolerant if moisture is adequate. Likes ample moisture and may need some fertilizer; hard to weed. S. baicalensis needs good drainage and requires less moisture. |
S. lateriflora for insomnia, irritability, neuralgia, nervousness; S. baicalensis for fever, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, improving digestion, dysentery, diarrhea, hemorrhages. |
Perennial; S. lateriflora grows to 75 cm and is rhizomatous, spreading widely. S. baicalensis is shorter to 40 cm. Leaves are ovate-lanceolate, flowers are blue or purple and tubular, in racemes. |
Entire above-ground plant can be harvested; multiple harvests per year may be possible. Needs quick drying to prevent overheating. |
| Valerian – Valeriana officinalis |
Seed or root division; often transplanted. |
Well-drained, rich moist soil; irrigation common. Supplementary fertilizer may be desirable. Full sun or light shade. Very prone to aster yellows disease and accompanying root-rots. |
Treatment of insomnia, anxiety, cramps, migraine, ulcers, minor injuries. |
Perennial, tall vigorous plant to 1.5 – 2 m; large pinnate leaves; showy, scented white flowers in summer; roots are short rhizomes. |
Only roots are harvested, usually in autumn of second year. Difficult to clean; roots have unpleasant odour but which attracts cats. |
| Willowherb/ Fireweed – Epilobium angustifolium |
Seed; direct or transplanted plugs. |
Little cultural information available; often harvested from wild stands. Adaptable to dry soil, may not require high nutrient levels. |
Cosmetic uses; treatment of sunburn. |
Tall, perennial plants to 2 m, narrow, with somewhat willow-like leaves and very show pink, light purple or white flowers in racemes. Roots are rhizomatous. Often considered invasive. |
Harvest top growth in summer during early to full bloom by hand picking in wild or swathing cultivated crop. Dry in field for 2 days then use dryers (large capacity required). Markets limited at present. |
| Yarrow – Achillea millefolium |
Seed; direct sow or transplant. |
Well-drained soil; high fertility not required. Drought tolerant but occasional irrigation may improve yield. |
Treatment of colds, flu, measles, diarrhea, rheumatism, arthritis, menstrual problems, hypertension, wounds, nosebleeds, ulcers. |
Perennial, 60-90 cm, strongly rhizomatous. Foliage is soft and fern-like, flowers are small, in umbels; usually white, but red and pink forms exist. |
Flowers, leaves or entire top growth may be harvested in summer. Limited markets. |