From fruits and vegetables to herbs and spices—there's no shortage of edible plants you can grow at home. At Zamnesia, we now stock a wide variety of edible plant seeds for hobby gardeners and food farmers. From everyday favourites like Alpine Strawberries to unique cultivars like Dark Opal Basil and Lemon Apple Cucumbers, we consistently stock exciting edible plant varieties for your garden. Browse our selection below, and remember; Zamnesia edible plant seeds are specially selected for quality and maximum germination rates.
Anise is best sown in early–mid spring in a sunny but sheltered spot. Germination can take between 3–4 weeks, but may be sped up by soaking seeds in water for a few days prior to planting. Pimpinella anisum hates cold and wet conditions, and likes well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Anise seeds can be harvested in late summer/early autumn and used in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes.
Otherwise known as Mexican spice basil, cinnamon basil has a flavour reminiscent of its namesake, and is perfect for use in both sweet and savoury dishes. However, before that, you'll need to grow it! Cinnamon basil requires full sun and well-draining soil to perform at its best. It can reach over 1m in height, so start plants inside in the spring and let them flourish outside in the...
Chives are best started indoors and brought outside in spring after the last frost, once they are about 4" (10cm) tall. They thrive in half-shade and like fertile, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. Make sure to keep the soil moist (especially during long dry spells in summer) and harvest fresh leaves regularly to encourage new growth. Ideal for seasoning various savoury...
Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) belongs to the mint family and is a close relative of thyme and rosemary. It grows well in light, loamy soil with good drainage and plenty of sunlight. Leaves can be harvested as soon as plants reach 12.5–15cm tall, and are best consumed before the plants flower for a sweeter flavour. Summer savory makes a great seasoning for dressings, sauces, stews, and...
Artemisa vulgaris likes warm, sunny spots with well-draining, dry soil. Mugwort is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant that grows well in slightly shaded areas and in both acidic and slightly alkaline soil. Mugwort seeds are best germinated in a propagator or outdoors in spring after the risk of frost passes. Fresh mugwort can be used to season stocks, broth, and game, and as a herbal tonic.
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) has been cultivated for culinary purposes since at least 500 BCE. This hardy perennial plant likes growing in full sun and fertile, well-draining soil (though it can grow fine even in sandy/loamy soil). Germinate tarragon in spring, and space plants appropriately to accommodate their fast-growing roots. Ideal for adding to salads, marinades, condiments, and...
Norwegian angelica is a plant that originates from the Scandinavian region of Northern Europe. Producing edible stems that are similar to celery, it has plenty of uses in cooking, and the roots can even be used in gin distillation. Norwegian angelica requires consistently moist soil to flourish. Plant in spring, and it'll be ready to harvest come autumn.
Hyssop, or Hyssopus officinalis, is part of the mint family and traditionally found in southern Europe and the Middle East. This shrub is quick to grow and needs to be sown in moist soil under full sun in the early summer months of June onward. With harvests as early as August, the flowers and leaves of this plant have a range of culinary and holistic uses worth exploring.
Cumin needs long, hot seasons to produce seeds to propagate and use in cooking. Start your seedlings off early (4 weeks before the last frost), and bring them outside once temperatures sit above 15°C. Grow your plants in full sun and water sparingly. They'll begin flowering in mid-summer and be harvest-ready after roughly 120 days. Use dried cumin seeds to season meats, stews, curries, and...
Lovage seeds are best germinated indoors during spring, then brought outside once they have developed 2 sets of leaves and the last frost has passed. Transplant seedlings into fertile, deep, well-draining soil in full sun. Where possible, keep the soil slightly acidic (roughly 6.5 pH) and partly sandy/loamy with plenty of organic matter. Cook lovage leaves/roots or eat them raw in salads.
Majorana hortensis, or sweet marjoram, loves sunlight just as much as oregano, its closely related cousin. Start marjoram seeds in a propagator or directly outdoors in spring (after the last frost). Marjoram also likes loose, well-draining, and moist soil, though established plants are fairly drought-tolerant. Marjoram is a great seasoning for pork, poultry, and a variety of vegetables.
Grow oregano in well-draining pots or planters in full sun. Oregano plants suffer in moist soil, so water them only when their soil has dried out, and plant them in a light soil mix. Shelter oregano plants during long wet spells, and harvest fresh leaves regularly to encourage new growth. Use liberally in Mediterranean and Latin American cuisine for an intense, earthy, and warm flavour.
Salad burnet thrives in well-draining soil and is a hardy and robust plant whose leaves will be ready to harvest in late summer. Provide ample light, warmth, and water, and it'll reach heights of around 60cm. A plant favoured by such figures as Francis Bacon and Thomas Jefferson, it has a flavour that's perfect for sauces, dressings, and even summer drinks.
Germinate sage in late fall/early spring in an indoor propagator. Bring seedlings outside after the last frost, once they've developed their first set of true leaves. Plant in pots or garden beds in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Regularly cut back plants and harvest their fresh leaves (which have the best taste) to encourage new growth. Use sage in cooking or to make herbal teas.
A perennial plant originating from the Mediterranean, German winter thyme, also known as Thymus vulgaris, requires full sun to really flourish. This is a bushy plant that can become a mainstay in your garden for many years under the proper care. Planting in loamy, well-draining soil is the key to success here. Once ready, the herb is ideal for culinary use in a similar way to oregano and...
With its unique flavour and aroma, fennel has been a prized vegetable since the days of ancient Greece. Sow in the early spring months, and let the plant flourish until late September before harvesting. Plenty of room is required, as fennel can reach heights of around 2m. Once ready to harvest, fennel root and fronds can be put to versatile use in the kitchen.
Ruta graveolens, or simply rue, is very hardy and can tolerate poor soil fertility and droughts. Plant established rue specimens in full sun and water sparingly, especially in dense soils. Use mulch to insulate rue plants during winter, and cut back plants entirely to their old wood in spring to encourage new growth. While previously used in various cuisines, rue is best grown as an...
Sow sorrel (Rumex acetosa) seeds in light, warm soil in spring (after the last frost). Common garden sorrel likes damp soil, so water regularly while being diligent not to flood the plant's roots. Trim sorrel plants regularly during the growing season to encourage healthy, bushy growth. Sorrel can be eaten fresh in salads or cooked and puréed to make sauces, soups, or Asian curries/stews.
Alpine strawberry (Fragaria vesca) loves full sun or partial shade, though it's best to protect plants from the afternoon sun in hot climates. While Fragaria vesca can tolerate some shade, plants produce more fruit in bright, sunny locations. Grow Fragaria vesca in well-draining, fertile, and moist soil. Alpine strawberries have a strong flavour and can be enjoyed fresh or made into...
Sow chicory seeds in spring, after the last frost, in a spot with at least 6hrs of direct sunlight. Take care not to bury the seeds deeper than 0.5cm beneath the soil. Seedlings will sprout after 2–3 weeks in moist (but not wet) soil and should be thinned to leave roughly 30cm between plants. Harvest fresh leaves and blanched buds to eat raw. Dried, ground chicory roots can substitute...
Cynara cardunculus (cardy, cardoon, or artichoke thistle) is a very hardy and somewhat invasive plant. It grows best in soil rich in organic matter (including dung and decomposing plant matter) and in locations with warm conditions and full sunlight. The spiked flowers can be eaten like artichokes, while the stalks are best protected from the sun (using dirt mounds) and served boiled or...
Zea mays, sweet corn, or popcorn is an ancient crop that grows well in home gardens. It loves full sun and well-draining, moist, and fertile soil (preferably with a neutral or slightly acidic pH). Sow Zea mays in blocks to ensure effective wind pollination to harvest full cobs. Harvest Zea mays when the tassels at the end of the plant's cobs turn black, and use in your favourite recipes.
Sow muskmelon seeds outdoors after the last frost in full sun and moist, well-draining soil. Make sure to keep the soil moist (but not wet) at all times for proper germination. Space plants at least 30cm apart, and consider sowing multiple seeds in each spot and thinning the plants once seedlings emerge. Harvest fruits when their skin changes colour and they smell ripe and aromatic.
Related to the famous California Wonder, Yolo Wonder peppers are very resistant to disease and produce an abundance of sweet, crunchy peppers. Plant Yolo Wonder seeds in full sun in well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter, and roughly 45–60cm apart. Water regularly and feed flowering plants with a potassium-rich fertiliser. Prune/pinch foliage on young plants to encourage bushy...
Unlike most herbs, Petroselinum crispum (parsley) likes fertile soil. Parsley plants can be started indoors in a propagator or on a warm, sunny windowsill. Alternatively, sow directly outdoors after the last frost. Parsley plants like full sun, regular watering, and occasional, balanced fertilisation. Harvest fresh leaves and stems to promote bushier growth, and use in the kitchen as you...
Victoria rhubarb (Rheum undulatum) likes sunny locations and needs exceptionally well-draining soil (waterlogging or overwatering can greatly impact the growth of rhubarb plants or cause them to rot). Rhubarb also doesn't like extremely hot conditions, which can stunt it or stop plant growth altogether. Fertilise in spring and summer for improved growth. Harvest a few stalks at a time in...
Taraxacum officinale, aka the dandelion, is a herbaceous perennial plant that's perfect for all kinds of growing setups. Allow the beautiful yellow colour to brighten up your life. Sow in spring, and allow plants to flourish over the summer months. Provide well-draining soil and plenty of light and warmth, and you'll be rewarded with a plant boasting numerous culinary and herbal uses.
Perfect for a light summer meal, Mixed French Salad seeds grow into a mixture of red oak leaf lettuce, endive, radicchio, frisée, and arugula. Great for salads and undeniably tasty. Sow around May, and plants will be ready come September. Grow in moist, loamy soil with plenty of light and warmth for the best results. Reaching small heights, plants are easy to manage and care for.
Get your seeds sown in early March, and by the end of August, the young leaves of the greens will be ready to harvest. A versatile combination of pak choi, taisai, tatsoi, turnip greens, chard, Chinese cabbage, leaf mustard and purple frills. All of these combine great flavours in a variety of dishes. Just be sure to provide plenty of light, warmth and moist loamy soil for best results.
A robust year-round plant, Red Swiss Chard, otherwise known as Beta vulgaris, is a plant that can sprout rhubarb-like stems with leaves that can all be utilised in plenty of different culinary dishes. With a sowing period of March until July, enjoy the fruits of your labour come September/October time. With bright red colouring, this will brighten up both your garden and dinner plate.
New Zealand spinach can be harvested over a long period, which makes it ideal for continual use in cooking once ready. Be sure to soak the seeds in a bowl of water overnight before sowing to make sure they germinate. Able to be sown inside in early April or plant outdoors in May-August. Provide warmth and sun and come November time, you'll be ready to enjoy all New Zealand spinach has to...
Pinto bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris) grow like all other bean varieties but produce unique speckled beans. They like moist, fertile, loamy soil and full sun. Propagate your seeds after the last frost directly, roughly 4-6cm between each seed and use a pole, stake, trellis, or fence to guide the plants as they grow. Harvest pinto beans after roughly 45-60 days and use them fresh or dried.
White mustard (Sinapis alba) is versatile. Use the seeds in cooking, sauce making and pickling, and the young leaves in salads and other dishes. The choice is entirely up to you. If you're looking to grow, sow the seeds in March, and they'll be ready in the summer. Generally low maintenance, all it takes is just some moist soil and the standard light and warmth, and you'll be golden.
Perfect in Asian cuisines and as a healthy snack, edamame has plenty of uses. You'll be pleased to know that it's also pretty easy to cultivate from home too! Get plants started indoors or in a greenhouse in early May, and then once the seedlings are big enough, move them outdoors to soak up the sunlight and warmth. Come October, you'll have a bevy of soybeans ready to go.
Not only mindblowing in the flavour department, but Violet de Provence artichokes also showcase amazing looks that make it a must for any garden. Sow the seeds indoors between February and April, and place them outside in early summer. This is a perennial plant that will just keep going as long as you need it. Easy to care for, just cover in the winter months, and it'll usually look after...
Whether you know it as eggplant or aubergine, one thing's for sure; this is a hugely versatile and tasty vegetable, no matter how you use it. Named Black Beauty for its dark skin, all it takes is a matter of months for ripe fruits to be ready for the picking. Start in a seed tray indoors or in a greenhouse, then move outdoors to let them thrive until harvest time in late summer.
Whether you know it as courgette or summer squash, this adaptable vegetable lends itself well to all kinds of cuisines. Able to produce a huge harvest, make the most of your plants by starting them under glass, and then move them outside to flourish in the summer months. Give them the perfect balance of sunlight, warmth, and shade, and you'll be rewarded with plenty of delicious veggies.
Rossa lunga di Firenze is a unique onion cultivar originating from Tuscany, Italy. It is best sown in rows outdoors during spring in fertile, well-draining soil and full sun. Thin seedlings after 6 weeks. Where possible, keep soil pH between 6 and 6.8 (though not crucial). The "Long Red of Florence" takes approx. 4 months to mature and produces mild-flavoured, elongated onions best eaten...
Fresh, sweet and perfect for breakfast, or well, anytime of the day, to be honest! Melon Charentais makes for a great growing project that yields some fruitful rewards. Start your seeds in a greenhouse or indoors, and then transplant them outdoors for the sunny summer months. Keep them well-watered, and they'll be happy for their entire growing cycle. Just try not to eat them all at once!
The classic watermelon is perfect for enjoying at any time. Fresh and sweet, it goes great with breakfast or a post-dinner fruit salad. Now you can grow your own from the comfort of your home. While they can be a little tricky for newcomers, experienced gardeners will find them a breeze. Start them under glass in March/April, and they'll flourish over the summer. Harvest from July to...
Grow these gherkins in your garden and you'll have a fine selection of small fruits to pick from. Get them going in early April indoors or in a greenhouse, and then take them outside to plant in May. Provide them with shelter and sun, and you'll have a harvest of gherkins-goodness in no time. Perfect for pickling, they will add some flair and flavour to your food.
Crisp and crunchy are just words to describe the French Breakfast 3 variety of radish. They offer up a great "snap" when eaten and have a fresh flavour that's perfect for blending with other vegetables. In fact, it's even recommended that these seeds are sown next to carrots or lettuce to give them a good biological balance. Begin them in March, and they'll be good later in the summer.
Salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius) has long been cultivated in England, Belgium, and France. Sow salsify seeds directly outdoors, leaving 8-10cm between plants and 30-40cm between rows. Salsify likes deep, loose, and fertile soil with plenty of organic material, full sun, and regular watering (especially in warm climates). Harvest roots before plants bloom, followed by shoots and flowers.
Who doesn't love nice, fresh cherry tomatoes to enjoy? No matter the weather, you can have a bevy of bright-red beauties in next to no time. Sow seeds in early spring indoors or outside (if living in a warm climate), and they'll be ready come late summer. Give them moist soil and plenty of light and warmth, and you'll be rewarded with a great yield. Perfect for salads and all kinds of...
Komatsuna is a unique variety of Mustard Spinach (Brassica rapa), also known as Japanese Mustard Spinach. Like other spinach varieties and leafy greens, Komatsuna seeds are best sown outdoors in nitrogen-rich, moisture-retentive soil. Mulching is recommended to help the soil retain more moisture. Seeds can be sown from early spring to autumn. Harvested leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked.
Melon Pear (Solanum muricatum), commonly called Pepino Dulce (sweet cucumber in Spanish), is a shrub native to South America. It produces sweet fruit with the looks and texture of a melon and a succulent flavour similar to honeydew. Melon Pear is super easy to grow, thriving in temperate climates, full sun, and rich soil with a neutral PH. Harvest when the fruit develops purple streaks.
The Rosa Bianca eggplant variety (Solanum melongena) produces large, globe-shaped white fruit with beautiful lavender-purple streaks. Like other eggplant varieties, Rosa Bianca grows best in warm conditions and full sun. It likes fertile, moist, and acidic soil, occasional watering, and a hearty dose of phosphorus during flowering. Remember to mist plants regularly as soon as flowers...
Indigo Rose is a heirloom tomato variety (Solanum lycopersicum) that produces stunning purple/black fruit. Like other tomato varieties, Indigo Rose is best grown in full sun and highly fertile soil, regularly pruned/pinched, and supported with stakes/towers/trellises. Harvest when the shade-facing side of the tomatoes are a soft pinkish-red colour and the sun-facing side a deep...