Black Salsify

There are numerous tobacco varieties, but woodland tobacco is the greatest. Literally. The plant grows big quickly, and the stems can branch out. The leaves are very long and large, oblong, and of a light green shade. The flowers are clustered in a tight panicle, and their colour is a pure white. At nighttime, the plant's perfume gets stronger and attracts moths and other night pollinators. Package: 200 seeds

This type of tobacco comes from Central America, more precisely Mexico and Venezuela. It was grown during the pre-Columbian era in Mexico. The Aztecs would dry the leaves, grind them, and mix them with Tagetes lucida. The mixture was then consumed during various rituals. This tobacco allegedly affects mental activity, which is why it was used by shamans of the Warao people in Venezuela. In traditional medecine, this tobacco was used to fight asthma, inflammation, toothaches, headaches, and snake venom poisoning. The delicate flowers of this plant can be very decorative. Package: 300 seeds

Also named pot marigold, calendula is a hardy annual and self-seeds easily. This little sun attracts pollinators and flowers in a variety of orange and yellow shades. Those flowers will be in bloom until fall frosts. The petals are edible and can be used in herbal teas or to flavour butter. They are also used in creams and balms to soothe skin. Calendula grows up to 45 cm and is not invasive.

Package: 75 seeds

Medicinal plant used since antiquity. Feverfew is known for helping to prevent migraines, and to reduce their intensity and frequency. The leaves and flowers are usually used in infusions. Feverfew consumption is not recommended for pregnant women. Not to be confused with the German chamomille Matricaria recutita or Roman chamomille Chamaemelum nobile, which have completely different properties. Package: 300 seeds

Mullein leaves are strikingly fuzzy and soft to touch. The plant has been known for ages for its beneficial effects on the respiratory system, notably to fight coughing and bronchitis. For this, we can either infuse the flowers, or smoke the leaves. It can be grown purely for its beautiful yellow flowers. Package: 500 seeds

Coy in the garden, salsify can be mistaken for grass when still young. But its hardiness and lack of pests makes it a wise choice for enthusiasts of curiosities. Not the highest-yielding plant but its taste, somewhere between hazelnut and parsnip, widely makes up for it. It's also a true sundial: as soon as the first lights of the sunrise appear, the flowers will open towards the sun, and will then follow it for the whole day, until it sets. It is from the same family as dandelions. The roots are tender and do not have a hint of bitterness, as long as harvested before the flowering stem starts to grow. The leaves are also edible. When the flower buds start appearing, on the second year, it is possible to eat them just like with viper's grass. Culinary uses: -raw roots chopped for salads, -cooked roots sliced (with white wine to avoid blackening), -young leaves in a salad, -cooked leaves as vegetables, -raw flower buds in a salad, or cooked as vegetables. Package: 25 seeds