Growing Rare Herbs

Growing rare herbs used in historic times or foreign locations is an interesting and rewarding gardening challenge. Perhaps you wish to grow medicinal herbs, culinary enhancements, biblical herbs or herbs indigenous to specific countries or cultures. Herbology, the study of the growth habits and applications of herbs, is a fascinating hobby. The exquisite foliage, flowers and fragrance of rare herbs can be blended artfully with perennials, trees and shrubs to add grace and fragrant harmony to the home garden.

Learning About Rare Herbs

Research the history, growing habits and usage of the rare or unusual herbs you wish to raise. Herbs, their use and cultivation is a complex area of study. Successful rare herb cultivation begins with knowledge. Various herbs require different soil conditions, light availability and temperature. Before attempting to grow an herb you are unfamiliar with, study its history, habitat and growing requirements.

Locate a source for seeds or unique and usual herbal plants. Some rare herbs may be found at your local landscape nursery, and others must be ordered from their source of origin.

Join an organic herb gardening club or study group. Benefit from the experience of other growers prior to investing in expensive seeds or plants.

Choose which rare herbs to raise. Purchase seeds or established plants. Some species of herbs are started readily from seeds. Many are quite difficult to germinate, however, and a higher rate of success is achieved by purchasing established plants.

Rare Herb Culture

Consider planting a tropical woodrose. Native to Tahiti, India, Ghana and the Hawaiian Islands. Woodrose (Argyreia Nervosa) is a member of the Convolvulaceae family, as is morning glory. In a semi-tropical climate or in a moist indoor location, Woodrose grows into a beautiful ornamental climbing vine. The sturdy vines are graced with large, heart-shaped leaves and beautiful clusters of mauve flowers. As the plant matures, the flowers turn into attractive pods that resemble a rose.

Prepare the soil mixture. Mix equal parts of black topsoil with organic compost and leaf mulch or peat moss.

Pulverize the soil mixture to a consistency of course cornmeal. Woodrose seeds will not germinate in compact or coarse soil.

Space seeds individually, allowing 2 to 3 inches between seeds. Place on the surface of the seed-growing medium. Cover with a half an inch of the soil mixture.

Keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy until germination.

Plant Balm Of Gilead (Cedronella canariensis), a multi-stemmed, densely growing woody herb. Balm of Gilead’s aromatic and colorful foliage is used in potpourri and as a herbal tea. Native to the Canary Islands and North Africa, Gilead prefers a moist, nutrient rich soil in a sunny to partly shaded spot in the garden. Drought and frost tender in zones 5 to 7, Balm of Gilead can be potted in a container and grown in a greenhouse habitat.

Plant Balm of Gilead is a soil mixture of one part sand, one part potting soil and one part organic mulch such as leaf mulch or peat moss. Provide a location or container with good drainage. Water weekly.

Place as an edging to a sidewalk or pathway. When the plant is brushed against, a sweet, camphor scent is released.

Consider planting several species of rare herbs. Those with similar growing requirements may be combined in containers to create eye-attracting ornamental displays. Hundreds of unique herb seeds for every zone and location are available from online suppliers or specialty garden shops.