UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County

Spring Garden Fair Herbs

Events Calendar > Spring Garden Fair

Listed below are the herb seedlings that we will be offering. Many of these, especially the basils, are very popular and may sell out early.

Please understand that some varieties may sell out quickly or not be available due to germination difficulties.

Check back in February for our 2027 list

Herb list

Blooming African Blue Basil with purple and white flowers on tall stems, set against green foliage.

Basil African Blue, Ocimum kilimandscharicum
4-inch pot. Very attractive, tender perennial will bloom all summer long into fall until frost. Gorgeous flowers attract bees. Can grow to 4 feet tall.

A dense cluster of Cardinal basil plants with glossy green leaves and rich purple flowers.

Basil Cardinal, Ocimum basilicum
Quart with multiple plants. Very ornamental basil with red stems and a dense reddish-purple flower head, almost like a celosia. Annual

Basil Italian Cameo, Ocimum basilicum
Quart with multiple plants. Closely packed, luscious, big leaves on a compact plant. Rich, traditional basil flavor. Annual
Lush green basil leaves

Basil Italian Genovese, Ocimum basilicum
Quart with multiple plants. Almond-shaped, shiny, dark green leaves. Strong flavor. Annual

Close-up of a thriving Italian large leaf basil plant, featuring glossy green leaves and small budding flowers.

Basil Italian Large Leaf, Ocimum basilicum
Quart with multiple plants. Large leaf variety. Great for use in fresh salads where small leaf varieties are too fine. Annual

Basil Italian Pesto, Ocimum basilicum
Quart with multiple plants. Glossy dark green leaves. Zesty flavor. This variety is the classic Italian basil for making pesto. Annual
Close-up view of lush green basil leaves with glossy, textured surfaces and prominent veins.

Basil Lettuce Leaf, Ocimum basilicum
Quart with multiple plants. Huge, crinkled, bright green leaves. Sweet, mild flavor. Great for sandwiches, wraps, rolls, and more. Annual

Basil Mrs. Burns’ Lemon, Ocimum basilicum citriodorum
Quart with multiple plants. Saved for generations for its strong lemon flavor and fragrance, it has a robust, carefree nature in the garden and bigger leaves than any other lemon basil variety. Annual
A bushy Purple Opal basil plant with deep purple leaves and clusters of small purple flowers, set against a blurred garden background.

Basil Purple Opal (Dark Opal), Ocimum basilicum
Quart with multiple plants. Mid-early upright variety with bushy foliage and smooth leaves. Dark purple color with intense aroma. Annual

Close-up of a Sweet Thai basil plant with glossy green leaves and spiky purple flowers.

Basil Sweet Thai, Ocimum basilicum
Quart with multiple plants. Exotic, aromatic flavor is excellent in Asian dishes. Annual

A dense cluster of green Tulsi (Holy Basil) leaves with elongated flower spikes displaying small purple blooms.

Basil Tulsi (Holy Basil), Ocimum sanctum
Quart with multiple plants. Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, is considered sacred in India and is said to have health-promoting properties. The fuzzy, fragrant plants make a delicious spicy, fruity tea. Grow as an annual

Culantro, Eryngium foetidum, Biennial, Part sun
Broadleaf herb with citrusy cilantro-like flavor. Afternoon shade is best. Regular watering. Frost tender. 10 to 24 inches tall by 8 to 10 inches wide
 
Curry Leaf Plant, Murraya koenigii, Tree/shrub, Part/full sun
Tropical evergreen. Frost tender, must overwinter indoors. Potential host for Asian citrus psyllid; see quarantine information. Grows 6 to 15 feet tall.
 
A fresh sprig of dill with feathery green leaves and yellow-green flower clusters on a white plate.

Dill Tetra, Anethum graveolens
Quart. Tetra has aromatic leaves with a refreshing flavor. Bushy, heat tolerant, slow to bolt. Annual

Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus, Tender perennial, Full/part sun
Lemon-scented clumping grass. Leaves are used for seasoning a wide variety of cuisines. 2 to 3 feet tall and wide 
Herb-Marjoram-MG-Karen-Schaffer.jpg

Marjoram, Origanum majorana
Complex, sweet yet pungent flavor. A little milder than Greek oregano. Cut back to encourage tender growth. Perennial, low water, full sun, 12 to 18 inches tall by 12 inches wide

Spearmint, Mentha spicata, perennial, occasional water, full/part sun
The best mint for cooking. Grow mints in containers to keep them from spreading uncontrolled. 2 feet tall, spreading 
A close-up view of lush green oregano leaves with a textured surface, showcasing a variety of sizes and shapes among the foliage.

Oregano True Greek, Origanum vulgare hirtum
Quart. Excellent traditional oregano flavor. Dark green leaves and white flowers. Perennial

Oregano Zaatar, Origanum syriacum, tender perennial, occasional water, full sun
Quart. Strong and zesty flavored oregano. Used in the spice mix za’atar. Best harvested before the white flowers appear. 24 inches tall
Parsley Italian Gigante, Petroselinum crispum
4-pack. Large, glossy leaves with an exceptionally sweet, mellow flavor. Biennial, height 12 to 18 inches
A close-up of a herb plant with red tubular flowers and bright green leaves.

Pineapple Sage, Salvia elegans
Pineapple-scented leaves can be dried and used in herbal teas. Bright red flowers in summer attract hummingbirds. Perennial, regular water, part sun. 3 to 5 feet tall and wide

Rau Ram, Persicaria odorata, tender perennial, constant moisture, part sun
Vietnamese herb with cilantro-like flavor. Afternoon shade best. Requires constant moisture. Frost tender. 6 to 18 inches tall x spreading
Shiso Green (Perilla), Perilla frutescens var. crispa, tender perennial, regular water, part/full sun
Showy Green leaves. Minty basil-like flavor. Will self-sow. 1 to 3 feet tall by 4 to 18 inches wide
Shiso Red (Perilla), Perilla frutescens var. crispa, tender perennial, regular water, part/full sun
Showy purple-red leaves. Minty basil-like flavor. Will self-sow. 1 to 3 feet tall by 4 to 18 inches wide
A close-up of a tarragon plant in a rustic pot, featuring vibrant green, elongated leaves against a textured off-white wall.

Tarragon French, Artemisia dracunculus
True tarragon, best for cooking. Does not propagate from seed. Spicy anise flavor. Perennial, regular water, full/part sun. 12 inches tall

Dense cluster of green thyme leaves with some darker, withered parts, showcasing a healthy growth pattern.

Thyme English, Thymus vulgaris
4-pack. A wonderful herb with endless culinary possibilities. Aromatic, attractive landscape plant with lovely small flowers. Perennial

Orangelo Thyme, Thymus fragrantissimus
Tiny orange-scented leaves can be used fresh or dried in cooking. Small pink-white flowers in summer attract bees. Perennial, low/occasional water, full sun. 8 to 12 inches tall by 9 inches wide