Angelica: Propagate by stem or root cuttings, or room division or by seed, best sown in late summer or autumn. It does not transplant easily, so is best sown where it is wanted to grow. Keep partially shaded in summer. It doesn't seem to like the heat much.

Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera):Propagate by seed sown in spring. Germination occurs in about 2 weeks. Protect seedlings from frost by covering with a cloche. Transplant when at least 4 true leaves appear. Does not tolerate cold or very moist conditions. Does best in sandy loam, and tolerates poor soils, but will not tolerate dry. Good drainage is essential.

Aztec sweet herb (Phyla scaberrina): Can be propagated by seed, but best done by layering. Wherever the branches touch the ground, roots will form. Plant loses its leaves in winter and it may not survive extremely cold conditions. When cold, the leaves turn red. Plant in a protected position. It will tolerate deep shade, but will also grow in full sun.

Clary sage: As for Salvia officinalis: Sage can be grown from seed sown in spring, or by stem cuttings from firm new growth, or a slip with a heel, or by layering, or by crown division. Refrigeration of seed for several weeks may hasten germination rate.

betony ( stachys officinalis): Propagate by seed or by division. In cold areas, sow seed direct in early spring, in warmer areas refrigerate for several weeks before sowing into warm soil. Sow at a maximum temperature of 5C. Germination is irregular, and may take several months. Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil, pH 4.0, in sun or partial sun.

elecampane( inula helenium): Sow seed in spring, or take offshoots or 5cm root cuttings in autumn or spring. Seeds need light to germinate, so barely cover them. Germination usually takes about 12 days but can be much slower, up to 42 days. Ideal temperature for germination is 20C. Transplant after the second set of leaves appear. Grow in half-sun or shade, in moist, but well-drained soil. Prefers temperate or cool climates.

vervain (verbena officinalis): Propagate by seed, sown in spring. They resemble small twigs and are slow and irregular to germinate, taking up to 3 months at an ideal temperature of 18C.

arrowroot: Propagate by root division or from suckers planted 15cm deep. Plants need 10-11 months of hot, moist weather to mature. Prefers a soil which is fairly dry, well-drained. Grow in sun, or partial shade in hot climates. Does well for me.

comfrey: Comfrey will grow from seeds, sown in spring or autumn, but propagates easily from root division, and sometimes from cuttings. Sow seed at 20C, if no germination within 3-4 weeks, move to –4-+4C for 2-4 weeks. Must be kept moist, will tolerate even boggy soils. It may die back if you get frosts.

evening primrose: Very easily cultivated by seed or division. Seeds need light to germinate and will grow if scattered on the surface of disturbed soil. Ideal germinating temperature is 20C, and they should germinate within about 2-4 weeks. Will grow in almost any well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant. Prefers sun. Leaves may discolour when grown in shade. Too much fertiliser may result in a deformed plant. May become invasive in some areas if it self-seeds. Which it will in Brisbane!

hyssop:Plant seeds, very shallow, in spring at an ideal temperature of 20C. They usually germinate rapidly, in less than 2 weeks, but can take as long as 45 days. I haven't had much luck with this one. I think it doesn't like me.

lavender: Seeds are difficult to germinate and should be refrigerated for one month, or frozen for 24 hours, before sowing. They should be sown in autumn at an ideal temperature of 20C. Just barely cover seed. They need warmth and good light. If no germination in 3-4 weeks, move to –4-+4C for 2-4 weeks. Loves this climate.

marshmallow: Prefers full sun, but in very hot climates may do better if shaded in the afternoon. Grows best in moist, even boggy, humus-rich soil. Divide established plants in spring or autumn. Cut back after flowering in summer to encourage new leaf growth. Sow seeds in spring, at a maximum temperature of 5C. Germination begins in about 8 days, but is irregular, often over several months. It is a frost-hardy plant. Doesn't like the heat much.
tarragon: French Tarragon rarely sets seed, especially in cool climates (and much of the seed is sterile) and is usually propagated by stem cuttings, taken in early spring. They are slow to ‘strike’. It can also be propagated by dividing the whole plant in early spring before new shoots appear. This is best done every 3 years in cooler areas, and every 2 years in warmer regions. If seed is available, it should be sown at a maximum temperature of 5C. Germination is irregular, often occurring over several months. Tarragon requires a cold period each year, so when dividing the root crowns, refrigerate them for about 2-3 months or freeze them for about a week or longer before planting. I find it too hot here for French Tarragon, so I grow Winter Tarragon (Tagetes lucida) instead.

Winter Tarragon: Propagated by seed (barely covered), or by basal cuttings taken in early autumn before flowering. Ideal temperature for germination is 22C. Germination usually occurs in 5-7 days. Plant reaches full maturity in its second year. During germination, keep entire seedbed evenly moist. Keep well watered through maturity, allowing soil surface to dry between waterings. Requires full sun and any good, well-drained garden soil. Tolerates heavy clay soil. It usually dies down in winter, even in warm climates, but new growth appears in spring.

tansy: Grow from seed sown in early spring, or division in autumn or spring. Will tolerate poor soil which is well-drained, but prefers a moisture-retentive soil. Prefers full sun. It spreads rapidly by its aggressive root system and by self-seeding.