Have you collected seeds from Swale? Planting instructions

Folks harvest foods but also seeds from Swale. The seeds people commonly harvest and their planting instructions are below:

Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)

  • Start Indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost (mid-March)

  • Direct Sow: After last frost (early–mid May)

  • Seed Depth: Lightly press on surface (needs light to germinate)

  • Germination Tips: Cold stratify for 1 week for better germination. Keep moist and warm (65–70°F).

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

  • Start Indoors: 8–10 weeks before last frost (early March)

  • Direct Sow: Not ideal – best started indoors or from cuttings

  • Seed Depth: Surface or barely cover (very fine seeds)

  • Germination Tips: Needs light to germinate; keep warm (70°F). Germination is slow (2–3 weeks).

Sage (Salvia officinalis)

  • Start Indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost (mid–late March)

  • Direct Sow: After frost, but slow to establish (not recommended)

  • Seed Depth: 1/4 inch

  • Germination Tips: Scarify seeds lightly with sandpaper for better results. Needs warmth (65–70°F).

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

  • Start Indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost (late March)

  • Direct Sow: After frost and soil is warm (mid-late May)

  • Seed Depth: 1/4 inch

  • Germination Tips: Soak seeds overnight if desired. Keep warm (70–75°F); fast germinator.

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)

  • Start Indoors: 3–4 weeks before last frost (April), but prefers direct sowing

  • Direct Sow: 2–4 weeks before last frost (mid–April)

  • Seed Depth: 1/4–1/2 inch

  • Germination Tips: Soak seeds overnight and gently crush the seed husk before planting.

Borage (Borago officinalis)

  • Start Indoors: 3–4 weeks before last frost (April)

  • Direct Sow: 1–2 weeks before last frost (late April)

  • Seed Depth: 1/2 inch

  • Germination Tips: Soak seeds 4–6 hours before planting. Keep moist but not wet.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

  • Start Indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost (mid-March)

  • Direct Sow: 2–3 weeks before last frost (late April)

  • Seed Depth: 1/4–1/2 inch

  • Germination Tips: No special treatment needed. Cool weather friendly.

Lemon Mint (Monarda citriodora)

  • Start Indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost (mid–late March)

  • Direct Sow: After last frost (mid-May)

  • Seed Depth: Lightly press on surface (needs light)

  • Germination Tips: Cold stratify for 1 week. Keep moist and warm (70°F).

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

  • Start Indoors: 8–10 weeks before last frost (early March)

  • Direct Sow: 2–4 weeks before last frost (mid–late April)

  • Seed Depth: 1/4 inch

  • Germination Tips: Soak seeds overnight or 24 hours for better germination (slow to sprout).

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

  • Start Indoors: 10–12 weeks before last frost (late February)

  • Direct Sow: Not recommended — very slow

  • Seed Depth: Press on surface or barely cover

  • Germination Tips: Very slow and erratic germination. Needs warmth (75–80°F). Use bottom heat if possible.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

  • Start Indoors: 6–8 weeks before last frost (mid-March)

  • Direct Sow: After last frost (mid-May)

  • Seed Depth: Surface sow (needs light)

  • Germination Tips: Cold stratify for 1–2 weeks. Keep moist and warm (65–70°F).

Dill (Anethum graveolens)

  • Start Indoors: Not recommended (dislikes transplanting)

  • Direct Sow: 1–2 weeks before last frost (late April)

  • Seed Depth: 1/4 inch

  • Germination Tips: Soak seeds for a few hours. Avoid disturbing roots when transplanting.

🌼 Flowers

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

  • Start Indoors: 4–6 weeks before last frost (mid–late April)

  • Direct Sow: After last frost (mid–late May)

  • Seed Depth: 1/4 inch

  • Germination Tips: Likes warmth (70–75°F). Soaking not necessary.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

  • Start Indoors: 8–10 weeks before last frost (early March)

  • Direct Sow: Late fall or after frost (needs stratification)

  • Seed Depth: 1/8 inch

  • Germination Tips: Requires cold stratification for 30 days (refrigerate in damp paper towel). Slow to germinate.

Mary Mattingly