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Herbs by Common or Folk name 'H'
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Hollyhock
Althea rosa
 As an herb we substitute hollyhock for it's cousin marshmallow.
The properties are so similar but it has the advantage to the gardener of not requiring anywhere near the same amount of water to keep it robust and effective.
Sow seed where you want it to grow as it does not like being moved.
In the same way that Verbascum and Evening Primrose require you to think ahead, you must remember that these plants are not always annuals and you will need to have them in position for maybe, several seasons before they burst into glorious flower.
100
fresh seeds $3.50
Hippeastrum
Hippeastrum var.
 We have been successful in raising these seeds by direct sowing into the sandy loam or just using the 'Flotation method'.
Once they have settled into the pot happily leave them there for another six months before moving them out into the garden.
50 seeds $3.50
Holy Basil
Ocimum sanctum
 While it's impossible not to love all of the Basil family, this one has to be our personal favourite.
Quick to strike and easy to grow, it is listed as an annual but, with constant use and pruning, it will last much longer.
It has a woody stem, allowing it to stand for much longer than many of it's cousins.
Wonderful as a culinary herb, it does deter mosquitoes, settle the stomach and refresh the mind.
30 + Seeds $3.50
Horehound
Marrubium vulgare
 This small and sometimes rambling herb has a great history of use and seems to be always available to the gardener to use.
We lightly simmer leaves and stems with honey for a soothing tea for sore throats and annoying coughs.
It relaxes the cough reflex and helps to expel the mucus.
Also extremely useful for asthma, bronchitis and croup.
The seeds have a random germination and will not usually sprout at the one time.
Care must be taken with the plant, NOT to fertilize too often as it responds best in impoverished and dryer soil containing a greater concentration of essential oil.
20 + Seeds $3.50
Huckleberry
Solanum melanocerasum
 We planted these initially as a 'bait' plant for the leaf eating insects and beetles that can ravage the vegetable garden.
They do provide an adequate lure for these pests and the poor things can take a severe beating.
They are only small shrubs and not particularly attractive but they are persistent and prolific producers of berries.
It is easy to confuse them in style and habit with solanum nigrum, but are easy to tell apart when the berry is examined.
Huckleberry's flesh is and almost outrageous purple compared to 'black nightshades' green flesh.
30 Seeds $3.50
Hyssop
Hyssopus officinalis
 A great herb to have if water is a scarce commodity.
Needing infrequent watering and well drained soil are the only pre-requisites for good quality Hyssop.
The herb can be grown as a hedge or small individual shrubs. It is similar to Rosemary in growth habit but is not as woody and un- manageable, and remains 50-60 cm high.
The herb is almost as good dried, as is the fresh which means it is possible to have a constant supply.
Can be used as a culinary herb or in combination with 'Feverfew' and 'Verbascium', medicinally.
25 Seeds $3.50
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