Herbs

85 days. Ocimum basilicum. Annual. Open Pollinated. Lettuce Leaf Basil. This bush plant produces good yields of very flavorful and tender basil leaves. It is a popular heirloom sweet basil variety prized for its exceptionally large, crinkled, light-green leaves that can reach 4–6 inches in length and width, resembling lettuce leaves. Used in sauces, salads, veal, poultry, fish, vegetables, and gourmet dishes. Leaves can be used dried, fresh, or frozen. Suitable for containers. An excellent choice for home gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 92043. A variety from Japan.

85 days. Perilla frutescens. Annual. Open Pollinated, Perilla Green Ao Shiso. The plant produces good yields of cinnamon-flavored green leaves. It is a popular Asian herb variety prized for its complex and aromatic flavor, often described as a mix of mint, basil, cinnamon, clove, anise, citrus, and mild spice. Use it as an edible garnish, chopped in salads, wrapped around sushi, or made into tempura. Chefs sprinkle seeds on salads and rice. Great for rice dishes, pickling, teas, cocktails, or chopped into stir-fries. Used fresh in Japanese, Korean, and other Asian cuisine. Also known as Ao Shiso and  Green Ohba Shiso. Heat Tolerant. Drought Tolerant. Excellent choice for herb gardens. A variety from Japan.

78 days. Polygonum hydropiper. Perennial. Open Pollinated, Water Pepper. The plant produces good yields of peppery flavored leaves. The peppery herb is hot but does not linger. Served on sashimi (sliced raw fish), tempura, and sushi. Also known as Asian Marshpepper, Knotweed, and Smartweed. An excellent choice for home gardens. A variety from Japan.

85 days. Agastache rugosa. Perennial. Open Pollinated. Korean Mint. The plant produces good yields of flavorful green mint leaves with beautiful purple flowers. It is a fragrant, herbaceous perennial in the mint family. The leaves smell like licorice. Used in salads, stir fry, and for seasoning meats and other dishes. Also makes a pleasing tea. It is known to help treat fevers and aid in digestion, chest ailments, and many other conditions. Excellent for aromatic cut flowers. Easy to grow. Attracts beneficial insects and butterflies. Also known as Korean Licorice Mint, Huo Xiang, and Giant Hyssop. An excellent choice for home gardens. A variety from China, Korea, and Japan.