Description
The witch's garden is an honored tradition, growing herbs and flowers for use in our practices and for herbal remedies that herbalists are known for. Our beautifully curated Witch's Garden Essentials Seed Collection brings 16 organic medicinal and magickal plants to your garden. In this collection, you will find astragalus (huang-qi), orange calendula, German chamomile, true comfrey, two types of echinacea: narrow-leaved coneflower and purple coneflower, elecampane, English lavender, feverfew, hyssop, marshmallow, white sage, self-heal, holy basil, valerian, and yarrow.
You will receive one each of the following 16 organic seed packets:
Astragalus (organic): 50 seeds
Calendula, orange (organic): 50 seeds
Comfey, true (organic): 20 seeds
Echinacea (Coneflower, Narrow-leaved): 50 seeds
Echinacea (Coneflower, Purple): 100 seeds
Elecampane: 50 seeds
Feverfew: 100 seeds
German chamomile: 500 seeds
Holy Basil: 50 seeds
Hyssop: 100 seeds
Lavender, English var. 'vera': 50 seeds
Marshmallow: 100 seeds
Self-heal: 50 seeds
Valerian: 100 seeds
White Sage: 100 seeds
Yarrow: 200 seeds
Please see the seed descriptions below for more information. All information is provided for educational purposes with no guarantee of results; please use all herbal products with care.
About the seeds:
---Astragalus,also called huang-qi (astragalus membranaceus)---
Astragalus is a herbaceous perennial with hairy stems and leaves that are divided into pairs of leaflets numbering 12-18. This herb has a wide range of uses, both medicinally and magickally. It is said to be beneficial for the treatment of burns, the common cold, burns, and lupus. Magickally it is uplifting, protective, and balancing, making this a must-have for the witch’s garden.
Spiritual and Magickal Usage:
- Keep dried astragalus root sachet in your kitchen (or another common room in your home) to promote balance, peace, and health (both physical and energetic).
- According to Chinese lore, used in a tonic, it vitalizes the Chi of the body; when applied to Western traditions, it is used to increase energy and vitality.
- Used in incense, it is said to bring protection to the home.
- Add astragalus to spells to increase mental clarity, concentration, and psychic shielding.
Herbal Uses:
- In a tonic, it is said to strengthen the body’s resistance to disease and increases energy.
- This herb does not make a tasty tea. It is recommended for use in making tonics and adding to foods where it will add a slightly nutty aroma
- Astragalus can be used to treat - chronic fatigue, cold extremities, chronic autoimmune disorders, stress, night sweats, mono, fibromyalgia, and more.
- Research has shown effectiveness in - enhanced immunity, cardiovascular health, and male infertility.
- For the protection of health in an ongoing routine, it is recommended that you use a regimen of three weeks on with one week off.
Cultivation:
Astragalus is grown best in zones 6-11 with a germination time of 3-10 days. This plant prefers dry, well-drained, and sandy soil with partial shade to full sun. Water this moderately. When grown from seeds, it requires a 21-day cold period of stratification to promote germination followed by mild scarification with fine-grit sandpaper. Begin the stratification in mid to late winter then start your seeds indoors, by doing this; it should allow adequate time for the seedlings to become stable enough to transplant outdoors following the first frost in early spring. Before sowing: soak in water for an hour to soften and tamp lightly into the soil. When transplanting, provide about 15” space between plants.
All information is provided for educational purposes with no guarantee of results; please use all herbal products with care.
One packet of 50 astragalus (astragalus membranaceus) seeds. They are certified organic.
---Orange Calendula (calendula officinalis)---
Orange calendula, also called pot marigold and English marigold is an annual native to southern Europe and can reach up to 12 inches tall. These plants are easy to grow, and while they are an annual, they are also self-seeding, so they will reliably repopulate themselves each season.
Spiritual and Magickal Usage:
- Add calendula to handfasting bouquets for love and constancy.
- A wreath of calendula hung over a door is said to keep negativity and evil from entering the home.
- Add the petals of this flower to incense for consecration.
- Use calendula flowers in love potions.
- Calendula flowers can be added to dream pillows to encourage prophetic dreams.
- Used in tea, it can clear the aura of trauma fields and unwanted energetic attachments.
Herbal Uses:
- An ointment made with calendula helps reduce redness and swelling in conditions such as diaper rash and eczema.
- Add whole calendula flowers to soups and stews as a winter immune tonic.
- Infusions made with the entire calendula flower is excellent for treating heartburn.
- Add to herbal mouthwash formulas for periodontal disease, thrush, and bleeding gums.
Cultivation:
Orange calendula prefers full sun or partial shade (in hot climates) with average, well-drained soil. Sow seeds after the last frost date; this seed will not germinate in scorching weather. Plant seeds directly into the soil about a quarter-inch deep and four inches apart. When the second set of true leaves appear, thin them out to eight to twelve inches apart.
Size: One packet of 50 (calendula officinalis) seeds. They are certified organic.
--- Chamomile, German (matricaria recutita)---
German chamomile is an annual or overwintering annual native to Europe. This plant is a self-seeding annual; as such, the hardiness zone guides do not apply. German chamomile is known for an aromatic and relaxing tea.
Spiritual and Magickal Usage:
- Add this flower to dream pillows to help facilitate relaxing dreams and sleep.
- Wear chamomile in your hair to attract a lover.
- Add the flowers and leaves to herbal "mojo" bags to call good fortune your way.
Herbal Uses:
- A tea made from the flowers is excellent for relaxation and easing anxiety.
- When used in decoctions, it is said to aid an upset stomach.
Cultivation:
The plant prefers full sun and cool garden soils for germination. Prepare a fine seedbed, mix the fine seed with sand, sprinkle on the surface, and press in hard. Sow in early spring for flowers by early summer. It should be unnecessary to thin the plants as they grow well closely together.
Size: One packet of 500 (metricaria recutita) seeds. They are certified organic.
---True Comfrey (symphytum officinal var patens)---
Comfrey is a herbaceous perennial that is hardy in zones 4-8. This plant has many uses from protection while traveling, attracting money when gambling, to healing minor cuts and scrapes. It is also high in protein and can be added to the feed of domesticated animals (chickens and pigs, etc.) to help maintain health and gain weight.
Spiritual and Magickal Usage:
- Place a comfrey leaf in your luggage to help prevent it from becoming lost or stolen.
- Comfrey root sachets can be used for protection while traveling.
- Wrap your money in a comfrey leaf for several days before gambling, to keep your bets coming back to you.
- Comfrey flowers, especially blue ones, can be substituted in any spell calling for borage.
- Use comfrey in a bath after a ritual to cleanse and relax you.
- Burn this herb in combination with mugwort to aid in divination.
Herbal Uses:
- A poultice with comfrey helps heal minor cuts and scrapes.
- It is said to help with cell proliferation.
- Comfrey is commonly added as a companion plant to orchard trees.
- A foot soak of comfrey can bring relief to a sprained ankle and speed up the healing process.
Cultivation:
This plant prefers full sun and moist but well-drained soil. Sow the seeds just under the surface and tamp down securely. When sown in warm soils, germination generally occurs within 30 days.
Size: One packet of 20 (symphytum officinal var patens) seeds. They are certified organic.
---Echinacea (also known as Narrow-leaved Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia) & Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)---
Echinacea is a flowering herbaceous perennial hardy in zones 4-12. This plant is widely known in herbal healing circles for its ability to stimulate the immune system as well as properties to provide inner strength and calling prosperity.
Spiritual and Magickal Usage:
- Carry echinacea petals in a sachet or mojo back to give you inner strength during tough times.
- Grown around the house or added to a bouquet, it is said to draw prosperity and protect the family from poverty.
- Add echinacea to any spell or charm to increase its effectiveness.
Herbal Uses:
- Used in a tonic, echinacea can stimulate your immune system. There are diminishing returns to this, so long-term use is not advised.
- Echinacea has been said to activate the liver, mucous membranes, and lymph nodes.
- When used in a compress, echinacea can help wound healing and cleansing of germs.
Cultivation:
Echinacea prefers alkaline, rich, and rocky, well-drained soil will full sun to partial shade. The seeds are light-dependent germinators so lightly tamp them into soil or cover with a thin layer of 1/4". Germination is 10-20 days; seedlings should be spaced 8-12 inches apart.
Size: One packet of 50 (Echinacea angustifolia - Narrow-leaved coneflower) seeds.
One packet of 100 (Echinacea purpurea - Purple coneflower) seeds. Both are certified organic.
---Elecampane (inula helenium)---
Elecampane official is an herbaceous perennial hardy in zones 3 to 8. It may be commonly called elfwort, elfdoc, yellow starwort, or horseheal. This giant plant is native to southern and central Europe, the Balkan Peninsula, and central Asia. It has beautiful yellow flowers similar to sunflower and can grow up to eight feet tall.
Spiritual and Magickal Usage:
- Add elecampane to white sage or frankincense to banish unwanted energies.
- Burn with mugwort to strengthen divination and scrying abilities
- Add to incense to dispel anger and violent vibrations from the environment.
Herbal Uses:
- Elecampane is most famous for its powerful abilities to support and strengthen the respiratory system.
- A decoction of the root added to foods can stimulate appetite and overall digestive function.
- Infuse honey with elecampane and drink in your tea to help with coughs, colds, and congestion.
Cultivation:
This plant prefers partial shade and ever moist soils, it will tolerate full sun. Sow the seeds in the greenhouse early in the spring or sow directly in the garden mid-spring. These seeds are dependent on light to germinate. Plant on the surface or only very shallowly covered with soil so that the light can penetrate. Germination can be expected in about 12 days. Once the second set of leaves appear, transplant seedlings out to the garden, even if a few frosts are still likely. Plant seedlings 2 feet apart.
Size: One packet of 50 elecampane (inula helenium) seeds with the pappus, removed. They are certified organically grown.
---English Lavender (lavandula angustifolia vera)---
English Lavender is also called True Lavender and is hardy in zones five to ten. This variety of lavender is native to Southern Europe, cultivated mainly in England. This variety is commonly grown in open fields or as landscape plants.
Spiritual and Magickal Usage:
- Add lavender flowers to herbal incense recipes for the easing of stress and anxiety.
- Lavender, when added to dream pillows, can help facilitate a restful night's sleep.
- Create an infusion of lavender to create a mixture that can be bottled and misted, similar to smudge to soothe energies in the room.
- Add lavender flowers to bath water to ease anxiety and relax.
Herbal Uses:
- Add lavender to your teas and infusions to assist in alleviating headaches.
- Lavender oil helps ease the discomfort of burns and bug stings.
- Add lavender oil has been linked to treating alopecia areata; research from 1998 shows that it can promote hair growth up to 44% after seven months of treatment.
Cultivation:
This plant prefers full sun and dry to mesic soil that is well-drained. The seed is tough and will benefit from brisk scarification on fine-grit sandpaper followed by sowing on sandy soil. Keep in the light, cool, and moist until germination. Germination can take 4-6 weeks. Once the seedlings get to a healthy size transplant or thin to three to four feet apart.
Size: One packet of 50 (lavandula angustifolia vera) seeds. They are certified organic.
---Feverfew (tanacetum parthenium)---
Feverfew is a herbaceous flowering perennial that is hardy in zones 5-8. This plant has long been used in herbal medicine. It is said to be beneficial for migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, fever relief, as well as being protective and purifying.
Spiritual and Magickal Usage:
- Feverfew is excellent for general protection work, especially when a magickal attack is suspected.
- After straining a decoction of feverfew, spray magickal tools with it to purify them.
- Plant feverfew around the house for purification and protection.
- An amulet of feverfew can be worn to help keep your bearings straight.
Herbal Uses:
- Feverfew added to teas and tonics is excellent for preventing migraines.
- It is also said to ease dizziness and vertigo.
- Feverfew can be used to treat cough and fevers.
- Applied externally, feverfew is said to help remove spots from the skin.
Cultivation:
Feverfew prefers partial shade to full sun with moderately rich, well-drained soil. It is best to start in late summer or early fall. These seeds are light-dependent and should be lightly covered with soil, no greater than 1/4 inch. Place seeds in clusters of 3-4 seeds. Germination is generally 7-14 days. Transplant seedlings once true leaves are developed 8-12 inches apart.
Size: One packet of 100 (tanacetum parthenium) seeds. They are certified organic.
---Holy Basil (also known as Temperate tulsi (ocimum africanum)---
Holy basil, or temperate tulsi, is also know as lemon basil and hoary basil. This plant is an annual and is native from East Africa to India. It is considered a sacred plant in India and is often grown directly outside to protect the home.
Spiritual and Magickal Usage:
- Plant tulsi near the front of your home for added protection and to repel unwanted energies.
- Add the leaves of this herb to your tea at work to attract wealth and luck to your business.
- Create an infusion or hydrosol with the leaves and flowers and use it as a ritual or room mist to attract love to your life.
Herbal Uses:
- Use this herb in soups, stews, and stir-fries to infuse your dishes with the protective properties of tulsi.
- An infusion is known to help with stomach problems such as loss of appetite, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
- Add to a fever-reducing infusion to increase effectiveness.
- Use in poultices for anti-inflammatory properties of tulsi.
Cultivation:
This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is frost hardy. Prepare a flat of potting soil or a fine seedbed in the springtime. Scatter the seeds on the surface and then press down in and keep them evenly moist and warm. Germination is rapid—transplant or thin to 1 foot apart once seedlings are large enough.
Size: One packet of 50 (ocimum africanum) seeds. They are certified organic.
---Hyssop (hyssopus officinalis)---
Hyssop is a woody perennial evergreen that is hardy in zones 5-10 and is a classic in knot gardens and for low hedging. This plant has been used to treat sore throats, colds, and is believed to be beneficial for asthma. Additionally, it is an excellent addition to the witch's garden for purification, cleansing, protection, and blessings.
Spiritual and Magickal Usage:
- Hang a bouquet of hyssop by the front door to shield against unwanted energies from entering.
- During a waning moon or dark moon, burn dried hyssop to assist in banishments, cord-cutting, or releasing patterns and behaviors which no longer serve you.
- Adding hyssop to your garden can elevate the vibration of surrounding your home, acting as a beacon to faeries.
- Add hyssop to sage or cedar for smudging to cleanse and purify your space from unwanted energies in your home.
- Create an infusion with the flowers of this plant and spray for a "liquid smudge" and blessing.
Herbal Uses:
- Herbalists have been known to create infusions with hyssop to aid in recovery from pulmonary diseases.
- A tea made with fresh green tops is said to be a remedy for rheumatism.
- An infusion of the leaves can be used externally for bruising and discolored contusions.
Cultivation:
This plant prefers full sun and rocky or sandy, well-drained soil. Hyssop is best started indoors about eight weeks before the final frost of the season. The small seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil (just under a half-inch should suffice). Keep the starts moist while awaiting germination, which takes approximately 2-3 weeks. Transplant outside once the last frost has passed, spacing seedlings 6-12 inches apart.
Size: One packet of 100 (hyssopus officinalis) seeds. They are certified organic.
---Marshmallow (althaea officinalis)---
Marshmallow is a herbaceous perennial native to Europe, flowering to four feet tall. This plant is hardy in zones three to seven and is wonderfully easy to grow.
Spiritual and Magickal Usage:
- Use marshmallow in spells for fertility and attraction.
- Add to incenses for cleansing your sacred space.
- Add marshmallow root to a jar with a dish of water on your altar is said to call helpful spirits to your aid.
- Use marshmallow flowers to honor your ancestors and the dead.
Herbal Uses:
- Marshmallow is used in treatment for all manner of lung complaints such as bronchitis, the cold, cough, sore throat, and sinusitis.
- An infusion of marshmallow may help with urinary tract infection relieving the discomfort and flushing bacteria.
- Tea of marshmallow root and yarrow leaves is said to ease amenorrhea.
- Warm marshmallow root tea may help ease indigestion, heartburn, and other stomach upsets.
Cultivation:
Marshmallow prefers full sun to part shade with moist garden soil with regular watering. Sow in the spring by scarifying the seeds on medium grit sandpaper. Strew them on the surface, barely covering them with soil, and tamp down securely. Keep them evenly moist and warm until germination. Work seedlings up in pots or sow directly in the garden. Thin or transplant seedlings to two feet apart.
Size: One packet of 100 (althaea officinalis) seeds. They are certified organic.
---Yarrow (achillea millefolium)---
Yarrow is a creeping herbaceous perennial that is native to temperate zones worldwide and is hardy in zones 4 to 8. This plant is even often found in alpine meadows.
*A note from Lilyth - yarrow grows beautifully in a lawn, as mentioned in the cultivation. There is a patch of this growing in my yard, giving it a beautiful deep green color soft to walk on.
Spiritual and Magickal Usage:
- Yarrow flower essence can help protect against "energy vampires," protecting your energy and providing psychic protection.
- Add yarrow to herbal incenses for auric cleansing and protection for during divination.
- Yarrow can be added to sachets for love, courage, and psychic abilities.
Herbal Uses:
- A warm infusion of yarrow is used to treat fevers, colds, flu, jaundice, ulcers, and menstrual cramping.
- Yarrow helps stop excessive bleeding when taken as a tincture or used in a poultice for external wounds.
- A stiz bath with yarrow can help with post-partum healing, hemorrhoids, or vaginal infections.
Cultivation:
Yarrow prefers standard garden soil or poor soil with full sun and requires very little water. Sow seeds in a flat or direct into the garden bed. This germinates in about eight days in warm soils and grows vigorously. Some even use this plant as their lawn as it spreads joyfully, making a cushy carpet.
Size: One packet of 200 (Achillea millefolium) seeds. They are certified organic.
---Valerian (valeriana officinalis)---
Valerian is a herbaceous perennial that is hardy in zones 4 to 8. This plant is native to Europe and temperate Asia; our seeds are the standard European wild form of this plant.
Spiritual and Magickal Usage:
- Add valerian root to spells and rituals for overcoming guilt and negative self-talk.
- Hang a sprig of valerian under a window to ward off evil.
- Add to herbal incense for uncrossing.
Herbal Uses:
- When added to a nighttime tea, valerian root helps treat insomnia allowing for a more restful sleep.
- Infusions and tinctures have been used to ease anxiety and stress.
- Add a little valerian to your cat's toys; they find it intoxicating, similar to catnip.
Cultivation:
Valerian prefers full sun to partial shade with moist but well-drained soils. This plant adapts well to a wide range of conditions and is a light-dependent germinator. Sow seeds in the spring. Tamp seeds securely into the surface of your soil and keep evenly moist until germination. Germination generally occurs within 10 to 16 days. Seedlings will have a very "un-valerian" in appearance at first, which may be confusing. The leaves will divide and begin to resemble the standard form for this plant. When ready to add to the garden bed, space your plants one to two feet apart. Flowers will be white in the second year and can reach a height of five feet or more.
Size: One packet of 100 (Valeriana officinalis) seeds. They are certified organic.
---Self-Heal (prunella vulgaris)---
Self-Heal, also called Heal-All or Heart-of-the-Earth, is a creeping herbaceous perennial, native to Europe.This plant is hardy in zones three to nine. In the garden or among the grasses on the lawn, it can add a floral focal point or a surprising splash of color that gladdens the heart.
Spiritual and Magickal Usage:
- Add to incenses for strength and healing.
- Use the flowers in crystal grids for hope, encouragement and healing.
Herbal Uses:
A poultice of fresh leaves is used for healing open wounds and sores.
Add to a tea to ease sore throat, reduce fevers and ailments of the chest.
Cultivation:
The plant prefers full sun to shade and moist soils. If you bump them up with organic compost, they can become filled with stunning flowers. Sow seed in early spring or cold-condition in a moist medium in the refrigerator (not the freezer) for a week or two before sowing in warm soil. These are a straightforward plant to start and to grow.
Packet of 50 organic (Prunella vulgaris) seeds. They are certified organic.
---White Sage (salvia apiana)---
The beautiful white foliage of this indigenous plant sets off the silver-blue flowering spikes. This sage is the most highly valued and revered of all North American Sages; it is burned ceremonially to cleanse the surrounding space while lifting the spirit in preparation for spiritual workings. Sage can further be used to promote wisdom, mental clarity, build emotional strength, and call in good luck.
The foliage is light green to white when the plant is young, and turns very white as the plant matures, and especially after drying the leaves. The characteristic perfume of this plant is sweet and penetrating. Cut the leafy wands in the fall, semi-dry them, then tie into bundles for use.
Cultivation: Sow seeds in very sandy soil and water once daily. Our seeds are from northern-hardy individuals, and it is a vigorous germinator with the average germination time being approximately 14 days in warm and light conditions. White sage prefers sandy soil in the full sun. Plants grow quickly during the summer and should be cut back in the fall after flowering is complete.
Note: White sage can be challenging to propagate from seed. It is important to scarify the seeds before you sow by gently rubbing them over fine-grit sandpaper to help with germination. Sow seeds in very sandy soil, barely cover, tamp well, keep warm, and in strong light and water only once daily until germination. Our seed is from northern-hardy individuals and is a vigorous germinator under proper conditions. Winter survivability improves when the plant is surrounded by a deep mulch of sand at the crown–this keeps the crown warmer and drier. Winter survival also encouraged by planting on the south side of a building, where it gets reflected light and protection. White sage loves dry, sunny exposure. Proper soil choice is imperative to the process for both propagation and mature plant health. Once established, white sage is extremely hardy. Please research propagation tips and recommendations prior to planting.
Cultivate as an annual, or you can bring indoors for winter as a perennial. Winter survivability improves when a deep mulch of sand surrounds the plant at the crown; this keeps the crown warmer and drier. White sage loves dry, sunny exposure.
Plant 2 feet apart. The rosette usually grows to 2 or 3 feet tall, and flowering spikes may reach 6 feet. Hardy to zones 7 to 12, otherwise grown as a potted plant and protected from frost.
Size: One packet of 100 (Salvia apiana) seeds. They are certified organic.
Additional Details
- SKU:
- HH-COL-WGE1
