welsh herb seeds

Individual packs of seeds highlighting Welsh plant names and plant-lore, with sowing
instructions on the reverse.

A gorgeous addition to any giftbox or a postable smaller gift. 

Made from 100% recycled paper and cardstock, containing
organic seeds. Handmade in Pembrokeshire by Herb and All.

tafod y fuwch / borage

Native to the Mediterranean, borage grows wild in wasteland, thriving in poor soil, offering a continuous supply of nectar to bees as the flowers immediately replenish themselves once depleted. Not just enjoyed by  pollinators, borage has captivated people throughout history, believed to dispel melancholy and bring courage. Considered sacred by the Druids, soldiers would consecrate their weapons with the star shaped petals and drink borage-infused wine before battle. 

camri / chamomile

Native to southern and eastern Europe, ‘chamomile’ comes from the Greek word chamaimēlon, meaning earth apple, due to the apple like scent from the flowers when squashed underfoot. There are several varieties of chamomile that grow wild in wastelands, verges and on the edges of arable land, also known by the names Pineapple weed, Mayweed and False chamomile. 

meri a mari / nasturtium

Native to South America, nasturtiums were used for centuries by the Incas. Brought to Europe by Spanish botanist Nicolás Monardes in the 16th century, the plant became a popular edition to European cultivated gardens. Its latin name Tropaeolum was given by Swedish taxonomist Carl Linnaeus because the shapes of the flowers and leaves reminded him of an ancient Roman war ceremony of piling up bloody helmets and shields around the trunk of a tree when victorious in battle.

melyn mair / marigold 

According to Welsh folklore, a broth made with marigolds could promote appetite and induce sleep. The Medieval Physicians of Myddfai offer a recipe involving blending marigolds with wine, vinegar, strong mead or ale, advising ‘if you are taken ill, you will need no other than this as your only drink’. They also believed it was an effective protector against the plague. 

ysbwynwydd / rosemary 

A symbol of friendship and remembrance, in Medieval Wales, rosemary was an important herb to the Physicians of Myddfai, who advised placing the flowers or leaves ‘under your head in bed, and you will not be troubled with disagreeable dreams, or oppressed with anxiety of the mind’. Welsh folklore says that placing rosemary by the front door prevented snakes from entering the house, as well as keeping witches away.

geidwad / sage

An ancient symbol of wisdom and domestic virtue, sage was an important herb in Medieval Wales. Geidwad means guardian, healer or keeper, describing the plant’s medicinal value and its role in accessing spiritual realms. The Medieval Physician’s of Myddfai state: ‘it is a good thing for those in health to drink half a draught in the morning fasting of this potion, in order to preserve health and long life.’ They also recommend it for strengthening nerves and extracting poison.