News & Articles

Seven Herbs to Grow from Seed

Spring Brings Out the Gardener in Everyone

Richters Herbs, specializing in herbs for 50+ years, sees rising demand for antiviral herbs like elderberry and garlic amid COVID-19. Owner Conrad Richter notes a shift from culinary to health focus. Offering 500 varieties, Richters ensures top-quality, flavorful plants.

Growing Excite-mint for Everything Herbal at Richters Herbs

Richters Herbs in Goodwood, Ontario, specializes in a vast array of culinary, medicinal, and aromatic herbs, offering seeds, plants, and educational seminars. Founded in the 1960s, they now grow over 600 varieties, blending traditional and scientific knowledge to inspire gardeners and herbalists.

Industry Watch: Canada's Ban on Salvia Divinorum

The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) now includes Salvia divinorum under Schedule IV, banning its production, sale, and export due to misuse of its hallucinogenic compound, salvinorin A. This overreach impacts gardeners and collectors using the herb for non-drug purposes, limiting Canadians' rights.

Fresh Herbs Add More Than Good Taste

Adding fresh herbs to meals transforms the ordinary into extraordinary, enhancing flavor and promoting health. Herbs like basil, chives, and thyme not only elevate taste but also support digestion, nutrient absorption, and relaxation. Grow your own herbs and enjoy their benefits for both body and mind!

Industry Watch: The Kava Ban

In April 2014, Health Canada issued its first license for a kava-based product, ending a long-standing ban initiated in 2002 over concerns about liver damage linked to kava use. Despite these concerns, studies and historical use suggest minimal risk with traditional preparations. Germany lifted its kava ban in 2005.

How to Grow Dill

The bold flavor of dill enhances pickles, dips, and fish dishes, making it a must-have in any herb garden. Conrad Richter of Richters Herbs highlights its dual use: fresh leaves and seeds, with varieties like Mammoth for tall gardens and Dukat or Monia for compact spaces.

Be Open-minded and Make the Most of What's in Front of You

Mama Richter, Co-Owner and Head Grower of Richters Herbs, reflects on her journey from Ghana to Canada. Moving to rural Durham in 1996 was a culture shock, but she overcame isolation by joining an African drumming group and engaging with her community. Her advice: embrace change with an open mind to thrive anywhere.

Parsley!

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), a nutrient-rich herb, is valued for its flavor, versatility, and ornamental use. Both common (curly) and Italian (flat-leaf) varieties are culinary staples, enhancing dishes worldwide. Easy to grow in gardens or containers, parsley thrives in sunlit, well-drained soil. Harvest and store fresh or frozen leaves for soups, sauces, and garnishes year-round.

Industry Watch: Invasive Plant Policy Threatens New Herbs

The CFIA’s invasive plant policy proposes "black" and "white" lists, restricting new plants in Canada. Over 100,000 species face delays or bans due to lengthy assessments, with little evidence for some plants’ invasiveness. Public and small growers lacked input, limiting future plant diversity.

Industry Watch: White Lists Could Ban Most Plants

Proposed "white lists" by the CFIA and USDA could ban over 90% of plant genera from cross-border trade, replacing the current "black list." This move threatens biodiversity, limits new plant introductions, and impacts gardeners, herbalists, and horticulture across North America.

Industry Watch: Health Canada's Comfrey Ban

In 2003, Health Canada banned comfrey products containing pyrrolizidines under the Marketed Health Products Directorate (MHPD) due to liver toxicity concerns. While homegrown comfrey remains legal, selling creams, teas, or pills is prohibited. Challenges include unclear testing standards for the alkaloid echimidine.

The Herb Expert at Richters Herbs

Koidu Sulev, retail supervisor at Richters Herbs in Goodwood, shares her passion for plants, drawing from her Swedish upbringing and pharmacist training. She educates customers about the 900 herbs sold, explaining their culinary, medicinal, and aromatic benefits.

Merry Marigolds

Explore the rich history and diverse uses of marigolds, from their sacred significance in Aztec traditions to their vibrant presence in modern gardens. Learn about African, French, and Mexican marigold varieties, their medicinal benefits, culinary potential, and natural pest-repelling properties. Whether for color, flavor, or organic gardening, discover why marigolds remain a timeless favorite.

Industry Watch: FDA Ban on Ephedra

The FDA banned ephedra-based dietary supplements in 2004, citing health risks from the alkaloid ephedrine. Despite initial challenges and a brief legal reprieve for low-dose products, a 2006 appeals court reinstated the full ban. Growing ephedra for personal use remains legal, but all supplements with ephedrine are prohibited.

Autumn Is for Raising Herbs

Fall isn’t just for bulbs—it’s perfect for herbs too! Hardy perennials like oregano, thyme, and lavender can be planted now for a spring head start. Harvest and preserve herbs for vinegars, oils, and salts. Bring pots indoors with care: wash plants, provide bright, cool conditions, and water deeply.

Industry Watch: Codex Guidelines Threaten Herbal Supplements

The Codex Alimentarius Commission's 2005 guidelines on vitamins and minerals could restrict their levels in foods, potentially forcing supplements into the drug category, where stringent regulations may drive many products off the market. Critics warn this shift may harm consumer access and favor pharmaceutical interests.

Try Some Herbal Magic

Explore the vibrant world of herbs with insights from Richters Herbs, a Canadian gem offering 600 varieties. From lavender-infused dishes to versatile recipes like Panzanella and Chicken Sage Kebabs, discover how fresh herbs can elevate your cooking and gardening.

Edible Flowers

Edible flowers have evolved from mere garnishes to flavorful ingredients, adding vibrant colors and unique tastes to dishes. Learn how to grow, harvest, and use favorites like nasturtiums, pansies, calendula, and squash blossoms to elevate your meals and gardens alike.

The Name Game

Herb names often reveal their rich histories and uses through their etymology, blending ancient traditions with modern applications. This guide explores the fascinating origins of herb names, highlighting culinary, medicinal, and symbolic connections.

Everybody Has Trouble with Finicky Rosemary

Struggling to keep rosemary alive indoors during winter? Sandra Henry of Richters Herbs shares tips on acclimating your plant to indoor light and maintaining it as a potted herb year-round for optimal health.

Parsley... Sage... Rosemary... and Thyme...

Herbs bring flavor and health to Canadian gardens. Conrad Richter of Richters Herbs shares tips on growing favorites like basil, oregano, and rosemary, emphasizing light, drainage, and proper care for thriving plants.

Mesclun is a Feast for the Eyes and Tongue

Late summer is perfect for sowing leafy greens like mesclun mixes for a quick fall harvest. Richters Herbs offers special blends with lettuces, arugula, radicchio, mizuna, and more. Add red and frilly greens for a gourmet touch, and include floral garnishes like nasturtium or chive blooms.

Indoor Herb Garden: Starting Your Own from Seeds

Starting an indoor herb garden is easy and rewarding, even in small spaces. With a sunny window, pots, and seeds or cuttings, you can grow fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme to enjoy year-round.

What’s New for 2002?

For 2002, Richters Herbs introduces exciting new varieties, including *ma huang* (Chinese ephedra), *rehmannia*, ‘Ruby Giant’ echinacea, and Jim Westerfield’s unique mints like ‘Margarita’ and ‘Candy Lime.’ Highlights also include *noni* seeds and *jewelweed* for poison ivy relief. Richters continues to offer innovative herbs to keep growers competitive and inspired.