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Herbs by Common or Folk name 'T'
Tarragon (Russian)
Artemisia dracunculus
 This is probably the easiest herb in the Materia to grow.
It is one of those multi branched perennials that always make the garden look full and productive.
This Tarragon has narrow, pale green leaves and from a culinary point of view it lacks the aniseed undertones of both the Mexican and French.
The leaves contain iodine, mineral salts and vitamins A and C.
Essentially, this herb can be described as a tonic, with all of the impressions that the term implies.
As a digestive tonic, it stimulates the appetite and some gardeners love the taste of the leaves.
Russian Tarragon is easy to grow and easy to keep as it will reseed itself nicely.
100
fresh seeds $3.50
Tarragon (Inca)
Tagetes minuta
 Here is another one of those, much maligned, weeds that have the reputation based on the inconvenience of a few.
As a natural herbicide and insecticide it is unpanelled. A slow tea made from all aerial parts, left to sit submerged for up to seven days, can be sprayed at times of insect invasion to reduce the damage on vulnerable crops.
It naturally deters grass from invading your gardens as well by creating a circle of weed free soil around itself.
If your soil suffers from nematode infestation then it is a natural and you can't do without it.
Mosquitos hate the smell and stay away but it is not unpleasant to wear on the skin.
Germination is high and quick and it self sows readily.
20 seeds $3.50
Tarragon (Mexican)
Targetes lucida
 A consistent perennial, this pretty herb sits comfortably amongst others. Growing here to a height of 80cm, it's vertical nature makes a stately low centrepiece to small herb garden.
Well drained soil and full sun keep it happy and it's habit of leaving the showy business of flowering until very late summer and autumn means that it is in full bloom when most others have long gone to seed.
If you have frosts during winter it may die down but will re-shoot as soon as spring arrives.
25 Seeds $3.50
Thorn Apple
Datura stramonium
 It is very easy to grow but seems to do best when left to seed itself in the garden rather than being raised in the nursery.
Some growers claim that it will grow to 2m but we have never known it to grow beyond 80cm.
Please note: ALL PARTS OF THE PLANT ARE TOXIC if ingested.
Propagation: Raise seeds in the garden. Plant to a depth of twice the seed size.
Keep moist but not soaked.
Our primary use for the plant is homeopathic and in that sense, it is invaluable
20 seeds $3.50
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
 Another one needing no introduction, this will strike easily for you from fresh seed.
Great as borders or pots they just simply are essential.
Apart from their culinary uses, a tea made from the fresh leaves, combined with Horehound leaves and honey is great for cold and flu relief.
100 seeds $3.50
Tomato
Lycopersicon esculentum
 Typical of the Tomato family, this 'true to type' variety is a little sprawling if allowed to be.
Staked and trimmed it is a gem to have, as it fruits prolifically. The golden fruit is not as acidic as usual and is larger than the cherry type tomato's.
It grows well in large pots and is not prone to major insect attacks.
30 + Seeds $4.40
Toothache Plant
Spilanthes acmella
 The bronze-green leaves and the more potent
yellow cone shaped flowers have a taste and properties similar to coneflower (Echinacea purpurea).
It stimulates the flow of salvia which cleanses the mouth, tones the gums, and enhances
immune function.
Spilanthes also improves digestion, eases flatulence, improves the appetite, and helps to
overcome nausea and vomiting by its stimulating effect on the salivary glands.
It is called the toothache plant because when you chew on the leaves or flowers it produces a numbing effect to the tongue and gums.
Spilanthes can be used in this manner to help ease the pain of a toothache, (once you get used to the weird feeling).
10
fresh seeds $3.50
Turkish Eggplant
Solanum integrifolium
 Unusual, brilliant orange fruits are great for stuffing. Sweet and fragrant when freshly cut.
The tomato sized fruits are best eaten when slightly orange with green striping.
Once fruits turn red the skins will be bitter. The vigorous bush bears many fruits.
20
fresh seeds $3.50
Tomato
Lycopersicon esculentum
 Typical of the Tomato family, this 'true to type' variety is a little sprawling if allowed to be.
Low growing and sturdy, this is a very practical tomato if you don't have much space.
It grows well in large pots and as long as it is well fed, it is not prone to major insect attacks.
It makes a fantastic paste
and maintains it's colour well.
20
fresh seeds $3.50
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