Seed Sowing Assignment

**BEEBALM:
Bee Balm is a shrub herb best planted in the Spring or Fall. Should germinate in approximately 2 weeks. Bee Balm is best started from plants but can also be grown from a seed. They bloom from June to July. Blooms early to late summer, so it’s possible it does not make sense for the time scale of this semester. Bee Balm is easily grown in ordinary garden soil or rich soil and must be spaced 1 to 2 feet apart. This plant tolerates drought, but does better with adequate moisture. Must be watered enough to keep the soil moist and can take a small amount of a 10-10-10 garden fertilizer. A drip irrigation or watered only at the base would be best. This plant does seem to have a reputation of getting powdery mildew on upper leaf surfaces. Apparently would make a good companion with tomatoes. Bee balm is medicinal and can also be used as tea, oils, a garnish for salads and potpourri. It also attracts hummingbirds, bee’s and butterflies.

PEPPERMINT

Peppermint is a herb and has a germination period of 1 to 3 weeks. It grows very easily and can be invasive. Seeds should start indoors 8-10 weeks prior to last spring (march or april) or sowed directly outdoors in the Spring in partially shaded moist soil. Might be best to start from one that is already a plant to cut out time. Grows best with full sunlight and soil should be moderately moist during germination. Should be covered ¼in of rich, acidic to neutral soil and spaced 18in to 24in between plants. Main problem with mint plants is rust which can be identified as orange spots underside leaves. Growing mint close to roses lowers the amount of garden pests. Peppermint is known to cure nausea, heartburn, and indigestion.

**German Chamomile

Chamomile grows to a height of 20 to 30 inches and should be placed 6in apart. Prefers full sun. Chamomile will grow in a relatively wide pH range between 5.6 and 7.5. Germinates -between The oil of German chamomile is also known as blue chamomile. The color of the days. The oil is deep blue, turning green then brown with age and exposure to light. The odor is sweet, tobacco-like and fruity, apple-like. It adds a warm, long-lasting, rich undertone in perfumes. Chamomile is a mild, soothing oil and is popular in massage blends and other herbal preparations. Aromatherapy benefits: calming, relaxing, soothing.

Sweet fennel
Sweet fennel oil has a very sweet, earthy, anise-like aroma due to its primary constituent, anethole. Sweet fennel usually contains more anethole than bitter fennel oil. Aromatherapy benefits: nurturing, supportive, restorative

**Geranium
Geraniums need balanced, water-soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer every two weeks or once a month at the very least. Must water thoroughly, If it's dry two inches down or more, it's time to water.
They prefer full sun and a well-drained, moderately rich soil. They can handle partial shade, but become more prone to mildew if kept damp.Geraniums are not particular about soil pH, but a neutral to slightly acid soil is ideal. Shearing the plants back to basal growth will improve its look and encourage reblooming.It has a powerful, leafy-rose aroma with fruity, mint undertones. Aromatherapy benefits: soothing, mood-lifting, balancing.


**Jasmine
Jasmine plants can be grown from cuttings, or by using jasmine seeds.These seeds will need to be soaked prior to planting, in order to make them slightly softer. Once they have been soaked, plant them into a starting seed mix, and cover lightly with soil. Jasmine seeds need to be kept warm in order to encourage germination, and if they are kept warm enough, the seeds should germinate within a month.The flowers must be hand-picked before dawn when the essence is at its peak, and large quantities are needed to produce small amounts of oil. Aromatherapy benefits: calming, relaxing, sensual, romantic

Pogostemon cablin/Patchouli
can be grown as an annual in cold climates. It grows to a height of 3 feet. It needs to be kept in total darkness after sunset in the fall or it won't bloom. This plant prefers rich moist soil in sun or part shade. Must always have moist soil. Used in countless perfumes and fragrances, patchouli is noted for its long-lasting fragrance and fixative ability. The aroma is very intense; it can be described as earthy, rich, sweet, balsamic, woody and spicy. Patchouli oil is one of the few essential oils that improve with age. Aromatherapy benefits: romantic, soothing, sensual.