Edible Flowers - Seeds

Anethum graveolens

Dill is a fast-growing annual herb valued for its feathery aromatic foliage and flavourful seeds. Growing to around 90 cm tall, it is widely used to season seafood, potatoes, salads, soups and pickles. Traditionally, dill seed has been used as a digestive herb to help ease wind and bloating after meals, while the leaves and seeds have long been enjoyed as a gentle culinary tonic. Rich in minerals including potassium, phosphorus and sulphur, dill is also an excellent companion plant for cabbages and other brassicas, attracting beneficial insects to the garden. Matures in around 60 days.

Approximately 800 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: Spring to autumn
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn

Planting / Sowing
Direct sow or raise seedlings, planting seed 5 mm deep in well drained soil in a sunny position. Space plants 20–30 cm apart. Dill dislikes root disturbance, so direct sowing is preferred where possible. Harvest leaves as needed and allow seed heads to mature and dry before collecting seed.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Glebionis coronaria

Formerly Chrysanthemum coronarium

Edible Chrysanthemum, also known as Shungiku or Chop Suey Greens, is a fast-growing leafy vegetable prized throughout East Asia for its distinctive aromatic flavour and versatility in the kitchen. This hardy annual grows to approximately 1 metre tall, producing deeply cut green leaves and cheerful yellow daisy-like flowers.

The young leaves have a unique savoury flavour often described as a blend of chrysanthemum, celery and mild herbs, making them a popular addition to soups, stir-fries, hot pots and salads. For the most tender harvest, plants are typically cut when they reach 100–200 mm tall, encouraging fresh regrowth and multiple pickings. The colourful flower petals can be scattered through salads or infused into a light, refreshing herbal tea.

Quick to mature and easy to grow, Shungiku is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a productive leafy green that offers something a little different from traditional salad vegetables.

Approximately 320 seeds per gram
Approximately 400 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Microgreens & Baby Leaf Production: Year round Australia-wide

Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: March to November
Mild climates: February to November
Cold climates: Spring, summer and autumn

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 5–10 mm deep directly into prepared garden beds, containers or rows. Thin seedlings as required and begin harvesting young leaves once plants reach 100–200 mm in height. Regular cutting encourages fresh, tender regrowth.

Grow in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Keep plants evenly watered and harvest frequently for the best flavour and texture. Leaves can be used fresh or cooked, while the flowers provide an attractive edible garnish and herbal tea ingredient.

Baby Leaf and Microgreens offer a simple and nutritious way to add fresh homegrown greens, vitamins and minerals to your daily diet.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Oenothera biennis

Evening Primrose is a graceful biennial herb grown for its fragrant, lemon-scented yellow flowers that unfurl at dusk, attracting moths and other evening pollinators. Reaching up to 1.5 m tall, it forms an attractive rosette of leaves in its first year before sending up tall flowering stems the following season, making it a beautiful addition to cottage gardens, wildflower plantings and edible landscapes.

The entire plant is edible. Young leaves can be enjoyed fresh or cooked, while the bright flowers add colour and a mild flavour to salads. 

Approximately 1,200 seeds per gram
Approximately 400 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to May and August to October
Mild climates: March to May and September to November
Cold climates: September to November

Planting / Sowing

Surface sow or lightly cover seed with 2–3 mm of fine seed-raising mix in a sunny, well-drained position. Keep the soil evenly moist until germination. Thin or transplant seedlings to 40–50 cm apart. Plants establish as leafy rosettes before flowering in their second season. Allow some flowers to set seed if you would like plants to self-sow.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety. Not available for WA.

Foeniculum vulgare 'Purpurascens'

Bronze Fennel is a striking ornamental and culinary herb with delicate, feathery foliage flushed in rich coppery-bronze tones. Growing as a graceful perennial to around 1.5–2 m tall, it provides colour, texture and height in herb gardens, cottage gardens and ornamental borders. The finely divided leaves have a pleasant aniseed flavour and are delicious as a garnish, in salads, with seafood or scattered over roasted vegetables. In summer, tall stems are topped with airy yellow flower umbels that are highly attractive to bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Both the foliage and seeds are aromatic and edible, while the flowers make an excellent addition to fresh or dried floral arrangements. Bronze Fennel also serves as a valuable host plant for swallowtail butterfly caterpillars.

Approximately 500 seeds per gram
Approximately 40 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: March to October
Cold climates: September to November

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 5 mm deep in well-drained soil in a sunny position. Direct sow where the plants are to grow or transplant carefully while young, as fennel develops a deep taproot. Space plants 45–60 cm apart and water regularly during establishment. Harvest the young foliage as required and allow flower heads to mature if seed is desired.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce

Florence Romanesco, also known as Finocchio, is a traditional Italian heirloom grown for its crisp, swollen white bulb with a sweet, mild anise flavour. The bulb can be enjoyed raw in salads or cooked by roasting, braising, or grilling, while the feathery leaves and aromatic seeds are also widely used in the kitchen. Plants thrive in rich, well drained soil and attract butterflies and other beneficial insects to the garden. Blanch the bulbs by mounding soil around their bases as they develop to produce tender, pale stems.

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to August
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly or raise seedlings, planting 5–10 mm deep in fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Space plants 25–30 cm apart. Keep the soil evenly moist and mound soil around the developing bulb to blanch it for a sweeter, more tender harvest.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce

Florence Romanesco, also known as Finocchio, is a traditional Italian heirloom grown for its crisp, swollen white bulb with a sweet, mild anise flavour. The bulb can be enjoyed raw in salads or cooked by roasting, braising, or grilling, while the feathery leaves and aromatic seeds are also widely used in the kitchen. Plants thrive in rich, well drained soil and attract butterflies and other beneficial insects to the garden. Blanch the bulbs by mounding soil around their bases as they develop to produce tender, pale stems.

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to August
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly or raise seedlings, planting 5–10 mm deep in fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Space plants 25–30 cm apart. Keep the soil evenly moist and mound soil around the developing bulb to blanch it for a sweeter, more tender harvest.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Foeniculum vulgare Mill.

Also known as Mont Blanc or Alpine Fennel, this mid to late season Florence fennel produces large, round, tightly wrapped white bulbs with sturdy, solid stalks and crisp, sweet flesh. A vigorous variety with deep green foliage, it matures slightly earlier than many other bulb fennels and performs particularly well in the cooler conditions of autumn, while still growing reliably through spring and early summer. The bulbs are delicious sliced raw into salads or roasted, grilled and braised, while the feathery leaves and aromatic seeds can also be used in cooking.

Florence fennel is grown primarily for its swollen bulb, known in Italian as finocchio. For the palest, sweetest bulbs, mound soil around the base as the plants grow, similar to blanching celery. Its flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Approximately 250–300 seeds per gram
Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to May and August to October
Mild climates: September to November and February to April
Cold climates: September to November

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 10 mm deep directly into rich, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Thin or transplant carefully to 25–30 cm apart, taking care not to disturb the taproot. Keep plants evenly watered to encourage tender, well-formed bulbs and prevent bolting. As bulbs begin to swell, gently mound soil around the base to blanch them and improve flavour. Harvest when bulbs are firm and approximately 8–10 cm across.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Alcea rosea

Chater’s Double Mix is a classic Hollyhock producing magnificent tall flower spikes densely packed with large, fully double blooms. The mixture offers a wide range of colours, including pink, rose, red, yellow, apricot, purple and white, creating an impressive display through summer.

Growing to over 1.5 m tall, Hollyhocks are perfect for adding height to cottage gardens, along fences and walls, or towards the back of mixed borders. The towering flower stems have an old-fashioned garden charm and also make striking cut flowers.

Generally grown as a biennial or short-lived perennial, Chater’s Double Mix performs best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. The tall stems may benefit from support in exposed or windy positions.

Seed count: approximately 110 seeds/g
Approximately 90 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to winter
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Spring to early summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly or raise in trays, covering seed lightly with soil or seed-raising mix. Keep moist during germination and establishment.

Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 40–50 cm apart in full sun. Allow good airflow between plants and water at soil level where possible. Provide support for tall flowering stems if required.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Alcea rosea

Indian Spring Mix is a beautiful Hollyhock producing an abundance of single and semi-double flowers in warm shades of pink, rose, red, salmon and white. Growing to over 1.5 m tall, the stately flower spikes provide height and old-fashioned charm through cottage gardens and mixed borders.

Unlike many traditional Hollyhocks that flower in their second year, Indian Spring is an early-flowering variety capable of blooming in its first year when sown early enough. The prolific flowers continue over an extended period and are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects.

Ideal for planting along fences and walls or towards the back of garden beds, plants perform best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Their tall flowering stems may benefit from support in exposed or windy positions.

Seed count: approximately 110 seeds/g
Approximately 60 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to winter
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Spring to early summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly or raise in trays, covering seed lightly with soil or seed-raising mix. Keep moist during germination and establishment.

Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 40–50 cm apart in full sun. Allow good airflow between plants and water at soil level where possible. For first-year flowering, sow early enough to give plants plenty of time to establish before the flowering season.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Alcea rosea

Majorette Double Mix is a compact Hollyhock producing masses of carnation-style double blooms in rich shades of red, yellow, pink and mahogany. A dwarf variety, it offers the charm and abundant flowering of traditional Hollyhocks on shorter, bushier plants that are easier to accommodate in smaller garden spaces.

The densely petalled flowers create a colourful display in cottage gardens, borders and containers and are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects. Majorette is generally grown as a biennial and will readily self-seed in favourable conditions, allowing plants to return in following seasons.

Easy to grow, plants perform best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and regular moisture during establishment and flowering.

Seed count: approximately 110 seeds/g
Approximately 60 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to winter
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Spring to early summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly or raise in trays, covering seed lightly with soil or seed-raising mix. Keep moist during germination and establishment.

Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 30–40 cm apart in full sun. Allow good airflow between plants and water at soil level where possible. Leave selected flower stems to mature if you would like plants to self-seed for the following season.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Alcea rosea

Single Black is a dramatic Hollyhock producing a profusion of large, single flowers in exceptionally deep burgundy to near-black. The dark blooms create a striking contrast against the plant’s green foliage and make an impressive feature in cottage gardens and mixed borders.

Tall, upright flower spikes provide excellent height and structure and are particularly effective planted along fences and walls or towards the back of garden beds. The open, single flowers are readily accessible to bees and other pollinating insects, making this variety a beautiful addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

Generally grown as a biennial or short-lived perennial, Hollyhocks perform best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Plants may readily self-seed when some flower spikes are allowed to mature.

Approximately 50 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to winter
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Spring to early summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly or raise in trays, covering seed lightly with soil or seed-raising mix. Keep moist during germination and establishment.

Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 40–50 cm apart in full sun. Allow good airflow between plants and water at soil level where possible. Taller flower spikes may benefit from support in exposed positions.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Hollyhock 'Summer Carnival' is an annual, old cottage garden favourite as a background plant. The tall flower spikes to 1.5 - 2 m high are covered with mainly double, pale pink, cream, rose pink, red or white flowers. The flowers can be crystallised and used to decorate cakes, or added to salads. Before eating, remove the centre stamen and any green parts. It is useful for attracting butterflies and as a long-lasting cut flower. A native of China, it is used in traditional herbalism. It prefers a sunny position with protection from wind. Sow late Summer and Autumn, it takes about 28 weeks from sowing to flowering. Suitable for temperate and subtropical areas.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Lavandula angustifolia 'Vera'

English Lavender 'Vera' is the classic true English lavender, renowned for its intensely fragrant purple flower spikes, silvery-grey foliage and exceptional versatility. Forming a neat evergreen shrub approximately 50–70 cm tall, it is equally at home in cottage gardens, herb gardens, borders and containers. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, while the aromatic foliage naturally helps repel moths when dried and placed among stored linen.

This traditional medicinal variety has been valued by herbalists for centuries. The dried flowers are commonly prepared as herbal teas and tinctures to promote relaxation and restful sleep, while the essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy, soaps, bath products and skincare. The fragrant flower buds are also edible and can be used in baking, infused into creams, jams and jellies, or blended into the classic French seasoning Herbes de Provence. Once established, English Lavender is drought-tolerant and performs best in full sun with excellent drainage. The Tasmania Fire Service also lists it as a recommended low-flammability plant for use within building protection zones.

Lavender common names can be confusing, as they vary between countries. In Australia and the United Kingdom, Lavandula angustifolia is recognised as English or True Lavender. Lavandula stoechas is commonly known as French Lavender in Australia but Spanish Lavender in North America, while Lavandula dentata is often called Spanish Lavender in Australia and French Lavender in the United States. For this reason, the botanical name is the most reliable way to identify each lavender species.

Approximately 1,000 seeds per gram
Approximately 170 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to May and August to October
Mild climates: March to May and September to November
Cold climates: September to November

Planting / Sowing

Surface sow or lightly cover seed with no more than 2–3 mm of fine seed-raising mix. Refrigerating seed for 2–4 weeks before sowing may improve germination. Keep the mix evenly moist but never waterlogged and maintain temperatures of 18–22°C. Transplant seedlings into a sunny position with free-draining soil, spacing plants 40–60 cm apart. Harvest flower buds just before they fully open for drying, essential oil production or culinary use. Lightly prune after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy plant.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Lavandula dentata

Lavandula dentata is a fragrant evergreen shrub grown for its soft grey-green, finely toothed foliage and delicate spikes of pale purple flowers. Flowering over an extended season in mild climates, it forms an attractive bush reaching around 60–90 cm tall and is equally at home in herb gardens, cottage gardens, containers and low hedges. Its aromatic foliage and flowers are highly attractive to bees and other beneficial pollinators.

Lavender common names can be confusing, as they vary between countries. In Australia, Lavandula dentata is often referred to as Spanish Lavender, while in the United States it is more commonly known as French Lavender. Conversely, Lavandula stoechas is widely called French Lavender in Australia and the United Kingdom, but Spanish Lavender in North America. For this reason, the botanical name is the most reliable way to identify each lavender species.

Approximately 1,000 seeds per gram
Approximately 30 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to May and August to October
Mild climates: March to May and September to November
Cold climates: September to November

Planting / Sowing

Surface sow or lightly cover seed with no more than 2–3 mm of fine seed-raising mix. Refrigerating seed for 2–4 weeks before sowing may improve germination. Keep the mix evenly moist but not waterlogged at 18–22°C. Transplant seedlings into a sunny position with well-drained soil or large containers, spacing plants 40–60 cm apart. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy habit.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Melissa officinalis

Lemon Balm is a fragrant perennial herb treasured for its fresh lemon scent, attractive foliage and long history of culinary and traditional herbal use. The botanical name Melissa officinalis originates from the ancient Greek word melissa, meaning "bee", a reference to the plant's remarkable ability to attract bees and other pollinators. Growing to around 60–90 cm tall, it forms a bushy clump of bright green leaves that release a delightful citrus fragrance when brushed or crushed.

A versatile herb, Lemon Balm is widely used in herbal teas, desserts, salads, fruit dishes and refreshing summer drinks. Traditionally, it has been valued for its calming properties and is often used to promote relaxation, restful sleep and digestive comfort. Easy to grow in both garden beds and containers, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and benefits from regular harvesting, which encourages fresh, tender growth throughout the season.

Approximately 2,300 seeds per gram
Approximately 360 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: March to October
Cold climates: September to November

Planting / Sowing

Surface sow or lightly press seed into the surface of a fine seed-raising mix, as light assists germination. Keep evenly moist and maintain temperatures of 18–22°C until seedlings emerge. Transplant into fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, spacing plants 30–45 cm apart. Harvest leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth. Plants may die back during winter in colder regions but will usually reshoot from the base in spring.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Linaria maroccana

Fairy Bouquet Mix is a delightful dwarf Linaria producing masses of dainty, snapdragon-like flowers in soft shades of cream, yellow, gold, apricot, pink and mauve. Growing to approximately 30 cm tall, the fine foliage and slender flower stems create a light, colourful display.

Compact and quick to flower, Fairy Bouquet is ideal for cottage gardens, borders, rockeries, containers and wildflower-style plantings. The flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects and can also be picked for small bouquets and informal arrangements.

Easy to grow, Linaria performs particularly well in cooler conditions and prefers full sun to light shade with well-drained soil.

Seed count: approximately 15,000 seeds/g
Approximately 4,000 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to winter
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Spring, or autumn where winters are mild

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly where plants are to grow or raise in trays. The seed is extremely fine, so scatter thinly over the soil surface and cover only very lightly. Keep moist during germination.

Thin or transplant seedlings to approximately 10–15 cm apart in full sun to light shade. Regular picking or deadheading will encourage further flowering.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Levisticum officinale

Lovage is a vigorous, long-lived perennial herb that can reach an impressive 2.5 m in height, forming a handsome clump of deeply divided aromatic foliage. Often described as having a flavour reminiscent of celery with savoury, yeasty undertones, it has been a valued kitchen herb for centuries. The leaves, stems, seeds and roots are all edible, making it one of the most versatile herbs in the garden.

The fresh leaves are used to add depth and richness to soups, broths, casseroles and savoury dishes, while the seeds can be used as a seasoning and the leaves brewed into a fragrant herbal tea. Traditionally, Lovage has also been used in herbal preparations and was even employed as a natural deodorant. Its tall stature and attractive umbels of yellow-green flowers make it an excellent feature plant in herb and cottage gardens.

Approximately 250 seeds per gram
Approximately 160 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to July (cooler districts)
Subtropics: March to May and August to October
Mild climates: March to May and September to November
Cold climates: September to November

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 5 mm deep in a quality seed-raising mix and keep consistently moist. Lovage seeds can be slow and sometimes irregular to germinate, often taking several weeks. Transplant seedlings into rich, fertile, moisture-retentive soil in full sun or partial shade, spacing plants 60–90 cm apart. Water regularly during dry periods and harvest leaves as needed throughout the growing season.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.