"Must Haves" For Your Medicinal Herb Garden

Here are plants that I strongly urge beginning herbalists in my classes to cultivate in their gardens for ready access.   (I live just south of Minneapolis, MN in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 4).  

I am happy to share any extra plants I have with anyone living in the area and able to stop by and pick them up.  

More in-depth information on the Forum!

I do not ship plants.

Calendula

Annual, but reseeds nicely

Very easy to grow 

I prefer "Erfurter Orange" from Richters

California Poppy

Annual, but reseeds nicely

I've read that the orange flowered variety is best

Chamomile, (Richters - Bodegold)

Annual, but reseeds nicely

I prefer "Bodegold" from Richters

Echinacea

Perennial

Echinacea purpurea is easy to grow in our area

There is debate in the herbal world about whether E. purpurea or E. angustifolia are "best"

Lemon Balm

Perennial that spreads readily so plant wisely

Marshmallow

Perennial, spreads nicely

Oats

Annual

I like to plant this one as it is best tinctured in its milky oats stage, which lasts for only 1 week of the summer, so I want it readily accessible to watch for the perfect gathering time.

Spilanthes / Cress, Toothache/ Plant (Achmella olerancea)

Annual, reseeds occasionally

Very easy to grow

St. John’s Wort

Perennial

Considered a noxious weed in some areas - check your local regulations

Tulsi/Holy Basil

Annual, will need to plant every year

There are 4 different types of tulsi.  I prefer the Krishna variety, but it is really a matter of personal preference

Yarrow, white

Perennial

There are several very good companies that offer organic seeds/plants for growing medicinal herbs.  

I've fallen into the habit of ordering from :

Strictly Medicinal Seeds:  https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com

Richters:  https://www.richters.com