News & Articles

The Many-Splendored Scents of Herbs

Discover the fascinating science behind the diverse scents and flavors of herbs. Learn how natural genetic variation and essential oil chemistry create unique aromas like lemon verbena, orange thyme, and more. Uncover how observant gardeners—and plant breeders—can find or develop new scented herb varieties, all without GMOs.

Ultimate Guide to Growing Herbs Indoors

Herbs are rewarding to grow indoors, providing flavor, fragrance, and beauty year-round. This guide covers the best herbs for indoor cultivation, light and soil needs, pest control, and tips for thriving plants.

Mother Herb: An Interview with Waltraut Richter

An interview with Richters co-founder, Waltraut Richter, explores how her passion for herbs and desire to share their benefits led to founding Richters Herbs, a pioneer in North America's herb industry.

Calendula: Medicine from the Garden

Calendula, a hardy garden annual, is both a medicinal and culinary herb. It aids wound healing, soothes skin, and adds vibrant color and flavor to dishes, making it a versatile and valuable plant.

Cilantro, Mimics and Memes

Cilantro, loved by some and loathed by others, owes its divisive reputation to genetics and cultural influences. Discover how genetics shape cilantro preferences, the rise of mimics like rau răm and culantro, and why this humble herb inspires passionate debates.

Ground Cover Herbs from Seed

Herbal ground covers offer unique, low-maintenance alternatives to traditional lawns. This guide highlights options like wild thyme, yarrow, and chamomile, detailing their growth, uses, and seeding tips for lush, aromatic landscapes.

Fall is the Time to Harvest Roots to Make Home Remedies

Fall is the perfect time to harvest medicinal roots like ginseng, valerian, and comfrey, as they reach peak potency. This guide explores their benefits, growing tips, and preparation for home remedies.

Sowing the Seeds of Herbal Happiness

Learn how to grow fresh herbs in your garden with this expert guide. Discover the best herbs for Toronto gardens, from seeds to plants, and start your herbal journey today.

Popular Herbs Grow Happily Indoors

Herbs thrive in Canadian gardens and can be grown indoors year-round with proper light and care. This guide covers planting tips, maintenance, and a selection of popular herbs for indoor cultivation.

Gourmet Herb Garden Can Be Grown on Doorstep

Growing herbs has transformed from a niche hobby to a gardening staple. This guide explores the rise of fresh herbs, tips for growing them, and must-have varieties for your kitchen garden.

What's New: Rediscovering Global Traditions

Over several decades, ethnic and improved herbs have reshaped North America's herb industry. Discover the exciting history of "new" herbs in the North American market.

Success With Mints

Mints are beginner-friendly, fast-growing, and profitable herbs. This guide highlights key varieties, propagation techniques, optimal growing conditions, pest management, and tips for successful spring sales.

Silver Herbs: Planning a moon garden

A moon garden, featuring silver and grey herbs, creates an enchanting nighttime retreat with light-reflecting foliage and calming daytime appeal. Discover drought-tolerant herbs like artemisia, lavender, and yarrow to design your own magical, low-maintenance sanctuary.

The Search for a Herbal Viagra

The success of Viagra has inspired a global surge in herbal alternatives like Tribulus terrestris, yohimbe, and damiana. These natural remedies, steeped in traditional uses, highlight the growing trend of lifestyle herbs for vitality and well-being.

But Really, Why on Earth Do We Eat Chiles Anyway?

From fiery Oaxacan markets to the unique pain-processing pathways of capsaicin, hot peppers offer a fascinating mix of culture, biology, and culinary adventure. Conrad Richter delves into the allure of chiles, their genetic quirks, medicinal benefits, and why humans embrace the pain of spicy food. Is it nutrition, antifungal properties, or the thrill of "benign masochism" that keeps us coming back?

A Darwinian Knot Disease: Genes and Henna

Henna, prized for its vibrant hues, has been used for hair, skin, and rituals for centuries. Its antiseptic properties made it vital in ancient medicine, despite its lethal effects on some with G6PD deficiency. Thriving in hot, dry climates, henna's leaves produce the dye compound lawsone, blending cultural significance with natural resilience.

The Next Hot Herb

Identifying the next "hot herb" involves balancing market speculation with reliable crops. Trends like aging populations may boost demand for herbs like black cohosh or gotu kola. Research and experimentation help growers stay ready for market surges, as early adopters often reap significant rewards.

Celebrating Dill: Herb of the Year 2010

Dill is more than a kitchen staple—it’s a plant steeped in history, culture, and health benefits. From soothing colicky babies to enhancing digestion, dill has been cherished for centuries across the globe. Its dual personality as both dillweed (herb) and dill seeds (spice) makes it a versatile ingredient in dishes like pickles, soups, and sauces.

Easy Seed Starting

Learn how to grow plants from seeds with this beginner-friendly guide! From choosing easy-to-grow seeds to planting, watering, and hardening off, this step-by-step guide will help you nurture healthy seedlings for your garden or indoor space. Perfect for first-time growers!

Commercial Calendula Cultivation

Discover calendula's versatile uses, from medicinal and cosmetic applications to edible flowers and oilseed production. Learn about top-performing varieties, site preparation, planting, irrigation, pest control, and harvesting techniques to optimize flower and seed yields. Explore how this hardy annual can thrive in diverse climates and unlock opportunities for growers worldwide.

Fall Is Not the Time to Be Timid in the Herb Garden

Demystify fall herb planting with beginner-friendly tips for harvesting, drying, and growing favorites like basil, rosemary, and garlic. Get ready to prep your garden for next year’s success!

Getting Oregano Right

Oregano, the popular "pizza herb," is a fast, easy, and profitable crop when grown with the right variety—Greek oregano. This guide covers propagation, growing conditions, pest control, and market opportunities.

The 50th Anniversary of Richters Catalogue!

Richters Herbs began in the 1960s with Waltraut and Otto Richter growing European herbs alongside flowers. A 1969 *Toronto Star* article inspired their first catalog in 1970. Under their son Conrad’s leadership, Richters became a trusted source for diverse herbs, fueled by customer passion.

Introduction to Cryptolepis, Nature’s Antibiotic Herb

Cryptolepis, a potent antibiotic herb from West Africa, is traditionally used to treat malaria and fevers. This video explores its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, its use for Lyme disease, and recent research findings.

Introduction to Cryptolepis Nature’s Antibiotic Root

Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, a West African climbing vine, has long been used for fevers, particularly malaria. Its active compound, cryptolepine, demonstrates potent antimalarial, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties, including effectiveness against Lyme disease and resistant bacteria like MRSA. Interest in cryptolepis continues to grow globally for its promising medicinal potential.