Five herbs to grow for seed
Leave a patch of lemon balm to go to seed and you could be treated to a beautiful ‘charm’ of goldfinches in the autumn and winter. They know herbs are not only good for their leaves – but also for their seeds.
While we may be familiar with growing herbs for fresh or dried leaves, and tossing the occasional borage flower into a drink, herb seeds can add a different dimension. They enhance flavour and texture and are also packed with nutrients.
And yet there’s very little difference in the growing method. You’ll need to be prepared to have the plants in-situ for longer than usual so they can flower and set seed, and leave the seedheads on the plant so they can dry naturally.
How to harvest and dry your seeds 🔗
Most herb seeds can be left to dry on the plant, but it’s important to be mindful of weather conditions. Too hot or too wet can destroy a crop.
Some plants, such as nigella and angelica, self-seed readily, so it’s vital to be ahead of the game to avoid losing seed. In early autumn, watch out for the seedheads turning light brown and becoming papery, then tie a paper or net bag around the flowerheads to collect the seeds before they drop.
Alternatively, cut them at the stem and hang upside down in a cool place to fully dry for a couple of weeks. Leave a tray underneath to collect the seeds or encourage them out by rubbing the dried seedhead.
The flavour of home-grown organic seeds, compared to shop bought, is far better, primarily because they will be fresher, and they have no food miles or added toxic chemicals. Plus, these easily accessible flavour powerhouses also have the added benefit of being wildlife magnets.
Five herbs to grow for their seeds 🔗
- Bergamot (Monarda didyma). Also known as bee balm, this plant is very attractive to butterflies and bees. The seeds can be scattered on salads or used to make a tea. Sow indoors early spring, or outdoors from March to May or in early autumn.
- Caraway (Carum carvi). Used for centuries for medicinal and culinary uses. The seeds can be added to bread and cakes. The open, easy-access umbel flowers are a great source of food for a variety of wildlife. Choose a sheltered, sunny position and sow directly April/June, ensuring the ground is kept moist. This is a biennial plant, so will set seed in its second year.
- Dill (Anethum graveolens). Lovely crushed and used in stews and soups, or used whole in pickles. Flowers are loved by hoverflies. Sow directly outdoors from spring to mid-summer, cover with only a thin layer of soil.
- Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). The seeds can be used in teas and jams. Seedheads attracts birds, especially finches. Sow outdoors May to August or start off indoors in early spring in peat-free seed compost and plant out after the last frost.
- Parsley (Petrosilenum crispum). Grows well on a windowsill and outdoors. It’s a biennial, so sets seed in its second year. Crushed seeds produce a stronger parsley flavour. Sow outdoors from March to July, but be patient as they can take up to a month to germinate. Parsley seed is not recommended for pregnant women.
For more advice on seed harvesting, cleaning and storage, click here.