Annual Herbs or Herbs Treated as Annuals

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 86, Issue 4, 15 April 1953, Page 300

Annual Herbs or Herbs Treated as Annuals

Herb Height propagation Comments Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum), anise . . . . . 2ft. - Seed A very fragrant plant . ' ' ' Ambrosia (Chenopodium botrys), feather geranium, Jerusalem oak • . . . . . . . . . . 2ft. Seed A fragrant plant having small leaves shaped like . ■ , oak leaves ' Basil (Ocimum basilicum) , sweet basil . . . . 2Jft. Seed, division Spicy, yellow-green leaves Basil (Ocimum minimum), bush basil .. .. Ift. Seed, division Green or purple. A good 1 plant for edgings Borage (Borago officinalis') . . . . . . lift.' Seed A common weed in many places in New Zealand. Flowers bright blue Calendula (Calendula officinalis), pot marigold .. Ift. . , . . Seed Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), German chamomile .... . . .... Ift. Seed, division A very fragrant herb on paths, where it is usual to , ■ ' \ cut and roll it. A fairly common weed of fields and , waste places in New Zealand Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) . . . . 1J to 3ft. Seed The plant has rather an unpleasant aroma, but it is , *. mainly the seeds that are used Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) . . ... . . 6in. Seed The seed is aromatic and the flowers white Dill (Anethum graveolens) . . . . . . 3ft. Seed The seed is used widely in some overseas countries : for pickles Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) .. . . . . 2ft. Seed The flowers are unusual — yellowish-green with purple stripes. It is mainly grown for the drug hyoscyomine Mallow (Malva sylvestris) . . . ... . . 6ft. Seed Less commonly used as a herb than the marsh mallow. ■ ■ A fairly common roadside weed in New Zealand Nasturtium (Tropaeolum minus and I. majus). More correctly Indian cress. .... . . 5 to 9in. Seed T. majus is regarded as a weed in parts of New Zealand Savory (Satureia hortensis), summer savory .. 4to sin. Seed The blossoms are white and snowlike Scarlet pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis), poor man’s ' ' . weatherglass . . . . .. .. . . 3 to 4in. Seed A very common weed in New Zealand Sesame (Sesamum orientate syn. S. indicum) .. 1 to 2ft. Seed The herb mentioned in the story of Ali Baba

Perennial or Biennial Herbs

Angelica (Angelica archangelica) biennial •. . 3ft. Seed, division The plant is a perennial if it is not allowed to seed Balm (Melissa officinalis), lemon balm, sweet balm Ift. Seed, division The leaves are dark green with yellowish-white flower , whorls Bee balm (Monarda didyma)', red bergamot, Oswego tea -. . . . . . . . . . 2to 3ft. Seed, division Bergamot (see bee balm and mint). The true bergamot is obtained from the fruit of the Sicilian citrus (Citrus bergamia) Boneset (Eupatori/um perfoliatum) , thoroughwort, Joe-pye-weed (E. purpureum is occasionally " ' called boneset) . . . . . . . . ..’ 3ft. Seed, division The stems seem to pierce the leaf Burnet (Po terium officinalis syn. Sanguisorba , officinalis), greater burnet, bloodwort .. 2ft. Seed . ' Burnet (Poterium sanguisorba syn. sanguisorba ■ . minor) . . . . . . . . . . v Bin. Seed Lesser or salad burnet Calamint (Calamintha alpina) .. . . ... 4in. Seed C. acinos is known as basil thyme. It grows 6in. high and is propagated from seed. A fragrant ground | ■ ' . cover Camphor plant (Achillea ageratum), maudline, sweet maudlin . . . . . . . . . . 2ft. Seed, cuttings Yellow flowers Caraway (Carum carvi) ... . . . . . . 2ft. Seed Biennial. Produces the well-known caraway seed Catmint (Nepeta cataria) . . ■ '. . .... lift. Seed, division Garden catmint (N. mussini) is less favoured by cats Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)-, Roman or true chamomile . . . . . . . . . . lift. Seed, division An annual unless cut back , Chervil (Anthriscus cere folium) .. .. .'. lift. Seed Biennial. May die in one season unless in shade or a cool place Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) . . . . .. Ift. Seed, division Useful for edging as well as for its culinary use Clary (Salvia sclarea) ... . . . . . . 4ft. - Seed Biennial. Flowers mauve, yellow, or white. Camphor . scent , Comfrey (Symphytum officinale), bruisewort .. lift. Division Large leaves, white or reddish flowers. Needs moisture or shade ' Costmary ( Chrysanthemum majus, C. balsamita ~ syn. Tanacetum balsamita), alecost, sweet mary, bible leaf, mint geranium .. .. 2 to 3ft. Seed, division The scent is pleasant and rather minty Caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris syn. E. cappensis) , caperplant. 3ft. Seed Biennial. Caper spurge often occurs as a weed in ■ Christchurch gardens. The young leaves differ markedly from the old. The true caper plant is ■ Capparis spinosa, a trailing herb or shrub Dropwort (Spirea ftlipend/ula Linn.), meadowsweet . 2ft. Seed, root division Elecampane (Inula helenium) , horseheal .. 6in. . Seed Bright yellow flowers Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) , featherfew, featherfoil . . . . . . . . . . 1 to 2ft... . - Seed, division A rather pretty herb Germander (Teucrium chamaedrys) ... .. 6ft. Seed, division The flowers are rose and the leaves shiny dark green Gilliflower (Dianthus caryophyllus) .. '.. 2ft. Cuttings, division Popular mainly because of its clove scent. Eugenia - caryophyllata is also called gilliflower Geranium (Pelargonium spp.), P. graveolens is the rose geranium, P. limonium the lemon- ' . scented geranium, P. melissimum the balmscented, and P. citriodorum the orange-scented 1 to 4ft. Seed, cuttings There are besides apple-scented, coconut-scented, . filbert-scented, and peppermint-scented geraniums and ... a number of others Good King Henry (Chenopodium bonushenricus) lift. - Seed, division Ordinary fat-hen is C. album. The leaves were often ? used as spinach. It has tiny white flowers on spikes ■ ' and it still sold as a vegetable in some European countries

Method of Herb Height propagation Comments . ■ ■ ■ ■ - : ' i ______ ' - / ' Horehound (Marrubium vulgare), white horehound 1 to 3ft. • Seed, division It has woolly, greyish leaves and is common in waste . . . places in New Zealand Hyssop . (Hyssopus officinalis) . . . . . . lift. Seed, division It has pretty, purple flowers, but there is also a less . common, white-flowered variety Lavender (Lavandula vera or L. officinalis), sweet • lavender .... . . . . . . 3ft. Seed, cuttings There are several other useful varieties and species. ■ . . ■ including L. atropurpurea nana (dwarf French), . . L. pinnata, L. dentata, and L. pedunculata Iris (Iris florentina), Florentine iris, orris root 2ft. . Division ,I. versicolor (Ift.) is also used for fixing scents Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), common liquorice, - ’ ' Spanish liquorice . . . . . . ... - 3ft. - . Seed, root buds Lovage (Levisticum officinale) . . . . . . 6ft.- Seed, ' division , Marjoram (Origanum..majorana), sweet, summer, ■ or knotted (O. heracleoticum), winter common, or pot (O. o-nites) . . . . . . . . 1 to 2ft. Seed Sweet marjoram has the finest flavour and deserves , to be more widely used. It .is often treated as an annual Marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) . ..' . . 4ft. Root division The flowers are rose Meadowsweet (Spirea filipend/ula, Linn.), queen . of the meadow . . . . . . . . ... 2ft. Seed, root division Milfoil (Achillea eupatorium), aromatic yarrow .. 4ft. Seed Mint . (Mentha spp.). M. piperita is peppermint; * well-known varieties are subcordata, vulgaris (black), officinalis (white); M. spicata Linn. (syn. M. viridis) is garden mint, lamb mint, or spearmint; M. rotundifolia is apple mint; ' . . -. M. longifolia Huds. (syn. M. sylvestris) is . field or horse mint; M. requeni is Corsican • ; . ~ . . mint; M. pulegium is pennyroyal; M. aquatica ' . < citrata is bergamot, lavender, or orange mint 2to 3ft. Cuttings, division In addition there are many hybrids. M. requeni is a splendid prostrate variety for growing on paths Mullein (Verbascum thapsis) great mullein, Our Lady’s flannel . . . . .... . . 7to Bft. Seed, biennial Grey-green, flannel-like leaves. Tall . stalk with a . - thick spike ■of tiny yellow flowers at top Mullein pink (Lychnis coronaria) rose campion 3ft. . Seed '• Single cerise flowers. L. alba rosea is also called . . ' rose campion Pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegfoides), American ';"'■••• " pennyroyal. (English pennyroyal is Mentha ' . '.. pulegium) . ■ 6in. Seed. Linseed. Mint scent, blue , flowers Pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium), ■ insect flowers ...' . . .. .. .. 2ft. Seed, division Profuse, daisy-like blooms. The dried flowers are the basis of .many insect powders ’ Poppy (Papaver somniferum Linn.), opium poppy 4 to sft. Seed ■ Poppy (P. rhoeas), herbal poppy, field poppy, corn poppy, shirley poppy .. .. . . 1 to 2ft. Seed . Rose (Rosa damascena), damask rose; French rose' (R. gallica), . apothecaries rose; sweet . ■ . ' brier, eglantine (R. rubiginosa) . . . . 4 to sft. Seed, division " Rampion (Campanula rapuncullus) . . .. 3ft. ' Seed Tall, erect stems and delicate,, lavender, bell flowers which attract -bees Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) . . ... 3ft. . Cuttings, rarely seed Rue (Ruta graveolens), herb o’ grace .. .'. 2ft. Seed, division Lacy, bluish-green leaves, yellow blossoms Sage (Salvia officinalis) .. .. .. ... 3ft. . Seed, division The commonest varieties are • the 'narrow-leaved or broad-leaved green sages, the narrow-leaved grey sage, and the red sage. Salvia sclarea is sweet clary, ~ . or clary, or clary sage Santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus), lavender - , cotton, cotton lavender ... ... . . : 2ft. ■ '■ Seed, cuttings Savory (Satureia montana), winter savory . . sto 6in. Seed . A fine herb for culinary use, though inferior to summer savory Skirret (Sium sisarum) .. .. .. .. Seed, root division Salad or pot herb little used' now Sweet flag (Acorus calamus) . . . . . . 2ft. Seed Fragrant roots Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) , bouncing bet . . 2ft. Root division The leaves contain a substance that lathers in water Sorrel (Rumex scutatus), French sorrel . . . . IJft. ’ Seed The leaves are larger, more succulent, and not as • sour as those of sheep sorrel (R. aceto sella) Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum), old man or ■ lad’s love . . . . .. ■ .... 3Jft. Cuttings , Has pungent, lemony, thread-like leaves Sweet cicely (Myrrhis o dor ata), myrrh .. .. 3ft. Seed, root division Not the Biblical myrrh. Fernlike, aniseed-scented ' 1 ■ . leaves Tansy- (T anacetum vulgare) .. '. . . . . 2ft. Seed, root division The leaves are fernlike and the flower heads orange . - colour. Tansy.is a common weed on roadsides and . . waste places in New Zealand ■ . Tarragon (Artemisia , dracunculus), French , - . . > tarragon •■.... . . . . . . . . 2ft. Cuttings, root division Long, narrow leaves and aniseed taste . Thrift (Armenia maritima) . . . . . . 9in. Seed, division Good plant for herb edging Thyme (Thymus spp.). Varieties too numerous to list in entirety, but some of the better known are T. vulgaris (common thyme) and T. serpyllum (wild thyme or serpolet), of which there are . a number of attractive varieties, including lanuginosus, carnea, and citriodorus (lemon thyme). Other good varieties include the Azores thyme (T. azoricus), caraway thyme (T. herba-barona) ,, and orange or golden thyme' (T. aureus). (For further details see page 297) Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), garden heliotrope, . ' ' cats’ valerian, catnip . . . . . . . . 3ft. Seed, root division ' Violet (Viola odorata), V. tricolor (heartsease, or , • wild pansy) . . . . . . .... 4in. Seed, cuttings . ’ Woodruff (Asperula odorata), sweet woodruff . . \ 6in Seed, division Makes a lovely, sweet-scented ground cover with , • star-like leaves Watercress (Nasturtium aquatica or Nasturtium ‘. ' officinale), common or stream watercress . . Seed, root division Garden watercress or land cress is Barbarea praecox. (The cress grown with mustard for . salad is Lepidum . . sativum) Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) . . ..' 3ft. Seed, division . Has greyish, finely cut, fragrant leaves

Herbs Grouped for Specific Purposes '/ Herbs that Endure Shade . Bloodroot, ginsing, golden seal, and self-heal. The following will tolerate part shade: Balm, bergamot, chervil, tarragon, sweet woodruff, mints, angelica, sweet cicely, parsley, comfrey, and costmary. Grown for Foliage Angelica, balm, basil, borage, chervil, chives, lovage, mints (various), parsley, rosemary, sage, savory, sweet marjoram, sweet bay, tarragon (French), thyme, wormwood. Grown for Fragrance Dwarf to medium-tall: Ambrosia, burnet, calamint, chamomile, catnip, clove pink, dame’s rocket, English pennyroyal, feverfew, heliotrope, hyssop, lavender, lemon verbena, marjoram, mints, nasturtium, rue, scented geraniums (various), santolina, sage, sweet maudlin, sweet woodruff, sweet marjoram, sweet basil, thymes, tarragon, violets, winter savory. Medium-tall to tall: Angelica, aromatic milfoil, bergamot, camphor plant, common tansy, daphne, dill, dropwort, lemon balm, lovage, rosemary, sages, sweet bay, sweet cicely, southernwood, sweet wormwood. Herbs which Attract Bees Basil, borage, - catnip, chamomile, chicory, daphne, dropwort, germander, hyssop, lavenders, marjorams, melilot, rampion, red bergamot, rosemary, sweet cicely, sage, teasel, thyme, winter savory. Herbs for Low Hedges ; • Hyssop, lavender, rosemary, santolina, germander, southernwood, rue. Herbs for Potpourri Any petals or leaves that have a pleasing fragrance may be used for making potpourri. Practically all the plants listed as grown for fragrance may be used, though the following list, which includes some plants not usually grown or regarded as herbs, contains some of the . most suitable subjects:■ Heliotrope, jasmine, lavender, lemon balm, lemon verbena, marigold, mint, mignonette, pink, rosemary, rose, santolina, southernwood, stock, thyme, violet, wallflower. A fixative is usual in potpourri to help retain the natural scent of leaves and petals and to aid in preserving them. Orris root is one of the most commonly used fixatives and is obtained from the powdered root of the Florentine iris (Iris florentina). It has a violet-like scent when dried and imparts a pleasant odour if burnt in a room. It also has a number of medicinal uses. Orris root also seems to have some colour-fixing value when used in drying herbs so that they retain as much of their colour as possible. The roots of the blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) are also used as a fixative when dried.

Large roots can be split and should be turned regularly. Plants grown for their roots include angelica, lovage, orris plant, comfrey, and sweet flag. Leaves are best picked before the plant has flowered, dried until crisp, and stored in air-tight jars. Provided drying and curing are properly done, storage in air-tight jars is the most satisfactory way of keeping most herbs. Obtaining Herbs z The common herbs such as parsley, mint, sage, and thyme can be obtained from almost all seedsmen. A few .seedsmen also list some of the less ■common herbs, but where a comprehensive list is required it is usually necessary to go to a grower who specialises in herb production. There are several in New Zealand and at least one publishes a comprehensive catalogue.

Work for May

Provided conditions are reasonably satisfactory, sowings of some vegetables can still be made, but in districts where frosts occur, sowings during the next few months , will be very restricted. There is much to be done, however, and gardeners will be attending to items such as general cleaning up, planning new shelter, and repairing tools and equipment.

Garden Hygiene Cleanliness is important in the garden in assisting to check diseases and pests. In addition a clean and tidy garden is much more pleasant to work in. Gardeners should endeavour to give their gardens a “spring clean” each year, and this is usually possible during the next few months. All rubbish unsuitable for composting should be burnt and the ashes added to the compost heap or stored dry for use later as a fertiliser. Noxious weeds should be removed where possible and the bases of hedges and surroundings of sheds tidied up. The removal of over-wintering weeds and other rubbish does much to eliminate future sources of disease infection and hiding places for slugs and snails. Planning ' The gardener would be wise to recall what crops did well last summer and which did not. He can then perhaps determine the causes for failure, endeavour to remedy these, and plan to grow in future only the most economical crops. Crops should be planned to be sown in different plots next season so that some form of crop rotation is practised. This will tend to reduce the incidence of some plant diseases and pests and will assist in preventing the loss in any great quantity of one particular plant food from the soil. Tall crops are often best planted on the south side of a small garden and perennials like asparagus and rhubarb to one side in a plot on their own. Garden shelter should be considered now, and if at present it is inefficient, it should be • improved. If hedges or shrubs are decided on, orders should be placed now with a nurseryman. Plants like feijoas, variegated flax, and dwarf bamboos can often be planted in a mixed shelter or spaced about the

garden. They not only have their utility value, but add colour and variety. Herbs Plants of mint, sage, thyme, and other favoured herbs can be established during the next few months. Odd plants add variety even to the flower garden, but if planted in the vegetable section are best placed in easily accessible positions. Sowings Results from sowings of seed during May can be very uncertain in other than the milder districts. However, in many . coastal and northern districts sowings now should be quite successful. Unless soil conditions are particularly favourable, ridge sowing can be adopted for most subjects. In districts experiencing heavy frosts from now on sowing may be very risky, as cold temperatures and lifting of the soil will cause extensive losses. ' Vegetables for sowing now include broad beans, in double rows lOin. apart and seed about 4in. apart’ (Broad Windsor, early, and Long Pod); peas (Little Marvel or William Massey), in very favourable localities only; radish (French Breakfast), in warm corners on ridges; and spinach (prickly), in well-drained, rich soils. Plantings . Spring cabbages and cauliflowers of the varieties mentioned in last month’s “Journal” can still be set out. Ridges may give better growth if soil conditions are likely to be wet and cold. Lettuces can also be set out in welldrained soils. If cloches are available, they can be used to cover lettuces on raised beds to give very early heads. Early crops of shallots can now be set out in well-drained soils. Generous amounts of potash and phosphate will give good-quality, crops. Shallots are valuable, because they are very prolific and do not occupy much space.

Silver beet plants can be set out now in most districts, as they are very' hardy. They require rich, well-drained soils. Manuring Leaf crops will slow down in growth about this period, and during the next few months they may need encouraging with quickly available manures. Liquid animal manure the colour of weak tea or nitrate of soda (loz. in 1 gallon of water to each 9ft. of row) will keep growth going. Liquid manures and most fertilisers are often not made available to plants during the colder periods, but nitrate of soda becomes available almost immediately. Maintenance Unless the soil is very wet, cultivation should be practised even during winter. Keeping the soil surface free allows good aeration and assists in keeping the soil surface warmer and drier than otherwise. Ridging is perhaps more valuable in this respect, as drainage is improved and a greater surface of soil is exposed to winter sunshine. Drainage should be watched carefully from now on, particularly in newly established gardens. If a high water-table or excess seepage is suspected, measures to improve the position are advisable. If adequate facilities are not available for the disposal of rubbish and composting, compost bins and incinerators would be valuable garden additions. It is unwise to burn everything, and all healthy excess plant refuse is best dug in or composted. A wellconstructed compost heap is as good as a bin and does ,not attract flies. Other Reminders All remaining vine crops, tubers, tomatoes, and pods will probably need harvesting this month if damage to them is to be avoided. Asparagus beds can be cleaned up and mulched and old-established rhubarb plants lifted, and the beds remade for replanting of split crowns in spring. All stakes from spent crops should be collected, cleaned, and stored in a dry place. Late leeks and celery should be blanched if this has not yet been done. Garden tools should, be overhauled and cleaned up, spray equipment' overhauled, and shed interiors tidied as time permits. Late attacks of pests and the establishment of fungous diseases should be watched for and immediate steps taken to quell them. All photographs by Green and Hahn Photography Ltd. Gradient of V Drains On page 197 of the article “V Drainage on Sand Country at Flock House Farm of Instruction” in the March issue of the “Journal” the fourth line from the .top gives a gradient Ift. in 500 ft. for a V drain. This should read Ift. in 1500 ft.