Herb-wintergreen?

Discussion in 'Herb Gardening' started by petunia, Jan 3, 2014.

  1. petunia

    petunia Young Pine

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    I haven't posted here in quite a while. But I'm trying to get into growing herbs and learning the ins/out. There's all the mints: peppermint, spearamint, chocolate mint, etc.... Is there such a thing as a wintergreen herb plant. I currently have growing by seed in my house some basil, lavendar, and rosemary herbs. haveing some problems getting some terragon to start off by seeds also. Tankyou for any replies.
     
  2. marlingardener

    marlingardener Happy

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    Petunia, good to "see" you on the Stew again!
    Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is an herb, usually the oil is used. It likes acidic soil (so none for my Texas alkaline soil) and is basically a shade plant.
    In my experience, tarragon is slow to germinate. I tried the French once or twice, but our heat and humidity killed it. There is also a Mexican tarragon (tagetes lucida)that has the same anise flavor and survives here. It is much easier to grow from seed.
    You are going to love having fresh herbs! There's nothing like having fresh bay leaves, thyme, or basil to perk up your cooking.
     
  3. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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  4. Netty

    Netty Chaotic Gardener Plants Contributor

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    Hi Petunia! :wave: So glad to see you here!
    I once heard that the 'true' tarragon does not grow from seed, only from cuttings and division. I have never heard of Mexican Tarragon though!
     



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  5. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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  6. petunia

    petunia Young Pine

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    Toni, thanks for the info on wintergreen, my next question would be: Where can I get this starter plant? I have 3 seed books already and none say anything about this plant for the seeds or by the plant.
    As for the terragon, I guess I'm going to have to wait till spring and just buy the plant from our local garden store.
     
  7. Jerry Sullivan

    Jerry Sullivan Garden Experimenter Plants Contributor

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    If you want to get a head start with herbs vegetatively, try the fresh herb section in the supermarket. Several herbs will root in water.

    Jerry

    P.S. Welcome back!! :) You have been missed. :-(
     
  8. toni

    toni Mistress of Garden Junque Staff Member Moderator Plants Contributor

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  9. petunia

    petunia Young Pine

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    thanks Jerry, for the Welcome back. Thanks Toni for these links. I'm deffinatly getting a few plants especially since they look to be periannial. I've just received another garden book in the mail. So excited for Spring to get here.
     
  10. petunia

    petunia Young Pine

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    just bought my first wintergreen off line about a week ago. so far it looks healthy. thanks everyone.
     
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  11. AAnightowl

    AAnightowl Young Pine

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    Wintergreen does grow wild in some places. I know it grows wild in Pennsylvania, because I grew up there, and we used to pick it and eat like you do mint. It has been such a long time since I have seen any, I am not sure I could ID it any more.

    I wonder if it would grow here in Missouri. I love the stuff.
     

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