CORIANDER IS JEKKA'S MOST POPULAR HERB AS BASIL AND PARSLEY GRAB FIVE PLACES

Versatile coriander was the most popular herb with those gardeners who bought from the Jekka's Herb seed range offered by Johnsons in 2016, while three forms of basil and two types of parsley filled five of the places in the 'top ten'. 

Sweet basil came in at number two, as lettuce-leaved basil and Thai basil were placed at numbers six and seven respectively. Plain-leaved parsley was at number four, just one place ahead of its moss-curled 'cousin'. The four remaining places in Jekka's top ten were taken by borage, dill, wild rocket and chamomile.

Helen Clayton of Johnsons reports that both borage and chamomile were more popular than expected, and that lemon grass, white-flowered borage and chicory were also some of the more unusual successes.

Johnsons joined forces with the UK's leading herb expert Jekka McVicar two years ago to launch the new range of herb seeds. Jekka chose a collection of 47 species and varieties of herbs, including both well known 'classics' and some more unusual names. Many are suitable for growing to maturity in pots, making them ideal for anyone with a very small garden or even just a balcony.

The range is offered in large-format packets, featuring Jekka's own varietal photography on the front and her personal sowing, growing and usage advice on the reverse.