Seed Needs Italian Basil Seeds to Plant an Herb Garden - 1 Pack

Great germination rate and growing well. Sowed these in early May in a pot and at first I didn't see any growth until a month in. Kept them in a plastic greenhouse outside and once it was late June, I saw the leaves forming. I will transplant them to the ground so they can overwinter. Very happy the seeds turned out good since I don't have great success with Rue cuttings.

I’m always skeptical of this brand because I’ve bought some dead packs of seeds from them, but I had no choice with these shiso seeds as they were the only seller. I must say, these seeds have flourished and are among the largest plants in my sunroom. They take a long long while to grow, however, so have lots of patience. They also seem to be extremely nitrogen-hungry, as I planted some in low-nitrogen soil to see which soil they preferred, and the ones in the low nitrogen soil never got past sprouting. Sometimes some of my plants prefer the low nitrogen soil but these ones definitely were not that.

Since watercress is rated everywhere as the #1 healthiest green, I have been determined to grow it successfully. The initial growth has always been great, but within 4 weeks, leaves started turning yellow, and the plants started to die. I was finding that I had to plant a new crop every 6 weeks or so. I did all the internet research that you have like likely done, only to find so many conflicting opinions. I had to figure out what I was doing wrong and what watercress needs for continued healthy growth. In studying the plants, I noticed the roots of the plants had become slimy and were dying. Without the roots, the plants can’t survive. I also noticed an extreme overgrowth of algae growth on the clay pebbles, especially as the plants started to die. The algae growth was hastening the demise of the watercress as it was consuming the nutrients required by the watercress. So, rather than believing everything I read on the internet, I used my knowledge of plants and considered the natural environment of watercress. 1) Watercress grow naturally on riverbanks and edges of ponds. So, the water around them is constantly moving and recycling to provide oxygen to the roots. 2) The water they grow in has to have a high nitrogen content provided by decomposing fish wastes and plant materials. This would contradict the information on the internet stating watercress doesn’t need plant food high in nitrogen. 3) Although watercress can grow in partially shaded areas, some sunlight is required for maximum growth.. I am now growing watercress in only clay pebbles as the Rockwool promoted the growth of algae. I use 1020 flats, both with and without holes. The clay pebbles go into the flat with holes and this flat goes into a flat without holes. After putting the clay pebbles into the flat with holes and inserting into the one without holes, I fill the flat with water containing Fox Farm Big Grow plant food at 10 cc’s per gallon. Then I sprinkle the watercress seeds on top of the pebbles. I keep the water level below the top of the pebbles to discourage algae growth but spritz the pebbles once a day until the watercress seeds germinate. This usually takes 3-4 days. I add water with plant food and keep the water level at just below the top of the pebbles until the plants are established. Once the plants are about 2” tall, I replace the water once a week by pulling the top flat out, spraying the entire flat over a stationery tub with the spray nozzle on the sink to rinse off any algae that might have grown, dump the water in the bottom flat, and replace the water with a fresh solution of plant food mixed at 10 cc’s per gallon. By spraying clean water through the pebbles and replacing the water in the tray, oxygen is introduced to the roots to help maintain healthy root development. This helps to keep the plants healthy for longer. So far, this has been working great. I can harvest and get new growth with no yellowing leaves. I have also found that consistent harvesting once the plants have reached 4 inches allows the lower leaves to get more lighting which also helps to prevent them from yellowing and dying. UPDATE 08/13/20: Although the method described above produced better results than my previous attempts, it still wasn't the answer to produce a continuous supply of healthy growth on the watercress. Although it lasted longer, within 8 weeks or so, the leaves started yellowing and the plants started to die. So, back to the drawing board. Since I already knew stagnant water produced only short-term growth, and setting up a horse trough in my home for hydroponic wasn't convenient, I was determined to find a way to simulate the natural growth environment of watercress. Since I have a 9-pod AeroGarden here, I decided to try using a grow bowl, they were selling that fit my AeroGarden. I filled the grow bowl with clay pebbles and made sure the pebbles were saturated before adding them to the grow bowl. I scattered the watercress seeds on top of the pebbles, set the light to be on for 17 hours, and adjusted the timings for the pump to go on for 2 minutes every 4 hours. I filled the water reservoir with a solution of water and a mix of General Hydroponics plant food as suggested on the bottles for seedlings. The seeds started germinating with 5 days, and have been going strong ever since with no yellowing of leaves or plants dying. I change the water once every 4 weeks, and add the water/plant food solution to keep the water level up. At about 6 weeks, I changed the pump timer to go on for 2 minutes every 6 hours and used the suggested plant food mix for mild vegetative growth. At this point in time, the planting has been going for 71 days and is growing faster than we can use it. We use it for salads 1-2 times a week, add it to sandwiches instead of lettuce, and I have even harvested enough for veggies for a meal for 3. I have also give a gallon baggie of it to a friend. After each harvest, it grows back thicker and stronger than it was before. I have added pictures of what my watercress looks like today. I have finally found a way to grow watercress that is long-lived and productive. I hope this review was helpful for you.

Not that there is any advice provided with these, I nevertheless read up on this specific species as to what to do prior to attempting to get them to sprout and plant, et alia. I always study up and is how I came to want these to begin with. Well, first of all I feel cheated overall for what I received at that price point - to me it's a bit misleading. If have never planted a variety previously, well, what would help is something like - put a dime/quarter/nickle--coin next to the weight, count, volume of what you'll get to compare what you get for what you pay. Moreover, how packaged, and with seeds stuck to the package and etc. The OEM is the one packaging it for someone to then ship - in any number of ways and weather conditions. So, bottom line - as an experienced of many years growing and experimenting, outside, inside, grow lights, all of it -- I got zero Germination. If even by accident, in my experience, unless the seeds are "dead" -- even one would sprout if even then not make it, survive - so - zero Germination. Sadly, in order to do all that was required - it is past the 30 day return, refund time. I suppose I could ask anyway? There was a time I might have. But, I feel very discouraged to do so these days - did not build a "federal case" with photos and full documentation of all I did, every day and etc. to prove what I did; but, one can't make this up (?). So, if has a real, "satisfaction guarantee" we'll see if contacted. I am not satisfied and don't believe from seed harvest to packaging, storage and shipping I received viable seeds. I did allot of work, and extended other resources of cost for this and got nothing for it. I'd say, consider another variety if not source, etc. for these, here. Moreover, this is a first time kind of "not a good experience" when it comes to seed purchasing here. Up to now, it has been all good, if even not satisfied -- but then was. I hope this helps someone.

Good germination but slow growth probably been okay in a.looser soil

These are good seeds. They sprouted well and are growing in my window. Nice healthy plants. Good value. Going to buy more of this brand. I also bought the parsley in this brand and it is doing great. Ready to harvest.

The one on the right side is my heirloom spearmint plant. Germination process was very fast and the growth was very consistent, even though I planted a lot of seeds in a 6 inches pot, it’s still doing well. I know it’s a little crowded. I will report it to a bigger part soon. This is giving me very large leaves of spearmint and it is very fragrant and refreshing.

IF YOU CANNOT GERMINATE: First, read the instructions for those who didn't get them to germinate. I like probably others sowed it under a small layer of dirt. I wasted a whole packet and weeks waiting for it to germinate. Please sow the seeds ON TOP of the soil, provide ample light, hydration, humidity and HEAT. I threw up a Zoo Med large heating pad to the side of the tank where the seeds were and misted daily to keep the humidity up. Worked like a charm. If you're using a seed starter system, put the heating pad underneath of the seed container but be sure the platform can take direct heat for long periods of time. You can get a thermometer electrical system if you're worried and set the temperatures between 80-90 for operating temps. My second go around I did top of dirt sowing and added a heating pad to the side of my tank to raise the thermal temp of the dirt. It worked like a charm but it appears to be regular cilantro and some rogue purple leafed plant. I'll continue to grow it but it wasn't what I wanted given how I was growing them in a spare tank for inside herbs during the winter months. I'll raise the stars if any turns out to be actual culantro which is doubtful at this point. Edit: Turns out that a majority of them are in fact Culantro. Raising a star. Keeping one off as the seed pack wasn't pure. What looked like normal Cilantro looks to be some kind of carrot - the other two plants are still a mystery . It seems Culantro is a slow grower when growing inside. That's OK, their tender leaves and VERY robust flavor suffices. Will upload new photos of progress.

Good, they all sprouted, hopefully will grow nice