BASIL
\n<\/strong>There are basil seeds for pungent pesto, colourful garnishes, and spicy international dishes. The plant owes its aromatic and variable nature to a complex combination of chemicals, expressed uniquely in each variety. Many of the components that distinguish the different varieties of basil are also found in the foods they resemble. For instance, the clove-scented basils contain higher proportions of a chemical called eugenol, which is also found in cloves. Lemon basil contains significant quantities of citral, which gives lemon peel its distinctive smell. Anethole is the chemical that gives basil its licorice-like aroma, and anethole is also found in anise, true licorice, and fennel. This game of scents demonstrates one aspect of plant chemistry in plain, easily observed terms.<\/p>\n

CHIVES
\n<\/strong>Chives are perennial. They will grow in clumps, with small bulbs at the bases of each leaf set, and these bulbs are attached by a rhizomatous root that spreads very slowly, horizontally beneath the surface of the soil. Chives are hardy to Zone 3, but will die back in harsh winters, emerging in the spring. In south coastal B.C., they may be harvested all winter long in sheltered areas. Sow chive seeds at nearly at time of year.<\/p>\n

CILANTRO
\n<\/strong>Plant cilantro seeds to harvest both a herb and spice. This annual herb is known officially as coriander just about everywhere outside of the Americas. We often think of the fresh leaves as cilantro, and the seeds (which are very easy to harvest) as coriander. Cilantro is the Spanish name for coriander. The plant is native to North Africa and Mediterranean Europe, and is a member of the carrot family, Apiaceae. Its close relatives include parsley, fennel, and dill, which is easy to see when the plant flowers, producing tall umbels of white flowers.<\/p>\n

MINT
\n<\/strong>Mint brings a blast of fresh flavour to all our salads, drinks, and condiments. Plant mint seeds to grow a robust perennial that will produce a profusion of aromatic leaves. Mint thrives in a part shade location and spreads vigourously.\u00a0 To keep mint’s growth in check, it is best to plant it in a container and trim it regularly. Pinch sprigs of mint as needed or harvest bunches just before it flowers for maximum pungency. Make several harvests during the season and hang to dry for winter teas.\u00a0 Mint flowers are a magnet for bees.<\/p>\n

PARSELY
\n<\/strong>Both the curly leaf form (Petroselinium crispum<\/em>) and the Italian flat-leaf form (P. neapolitanum<\/em>) of this useful herb are members of the carrot family Apiaceae, and share a close botanical relationship to their cousin the parsnip. Parsley seeds are useful for the patio herb garden, but provide a deep pot as the plants develop a long tap root.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"