Wild herbs flower and then develop seeds. They sow themselves and thus ensure their survival. We humans can also do a lot with wild herb seeds: We can use them for our nutrition, feed them to pets, or grow our own plants from them in the garden.
Nettle seeds are delicious and healthy
Edible wild herb seeds
Some edible wild herb species can also delight us with their seeds. That's why we're allowed to collect and eat them when the time comes. The dry seeds also have a longer shelf life than the greens.
- Nettle: from July; roasted
- Small burnet: August to September; for herbal salt
- Real buckwheat: August to September; for buckwheat groats
- Fennel: September to October; as a spice
- French herb: July to October: for growing seedlings
- Real caraway: August to September; as a spice
- Common evening primrose: September to November; for healing purposes
- Pepper knotweed: September to October; as a hot spice
- Rocket: September to October; as a mustard-like condiment
- Field mustard: June to August; as a mustard spice
- Balsam: September to October; have roasted nutty aroma
- sweet umbel: July to August; taste nutty
- Common watercress: August to September; for seedlings
| impregnation | sealing | |
|---|---|---|
| protects against penetrating dirt | Yes | Yes |
| protects against moisture | Yes | Yes |
| Facilitates cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Protects against acid | no | no |
| Protects against scratches | no | no |
| shiny surface | no | Yes |
tips
An evening primrose oil made from seeds is considered an antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and blood purifier.
collect seeds
After flowering, you can roam the countryside in search of edible seeds. However, harvesting by hand can be tedious and yields disappointingly small. If you still enjoy it, you can harvest diligently. You only have to pay close attention to poisonous wild herbs in the immediate vicinity. The collection point should also be chosen carefully so that the seeds are actually of good, pure quality.
buy seeds
A wide variety of wild herb seeds are commercially available. Mostly as fodder for some pets or for seeding. Organic quality edible seeds can also be used by humans for their diet.
Sow wild herbs
Wild herbs in the garden and wild herbs on the balcony are not an everyday sight, but they are definitely possible. Wild herbs are adaptable and do not need much care. Only potted specimens need watering and occasional fertilizing on hot days.