An Economic Analysis of Transplanting versus Direct Seeding of Selected Medicinal Herbs in New Mexico

ABSTRACT Transplanted and direct-seeded Nepeta cataria L., Urtica dioica L., Calendula officinalis L., Melissa officinalis L., and Sphaeralcea incana Torr. ex Gray were evaluated at two sites in New Mexico. In Las Cruces, the Nepeta cataria, Melissa officinalis, and Sphaeralcea incana earned a positive return to land and risk from transplanting and direct seeding, although in each case transplants resulted in a higher return to land and risk. Transplanted Urtica dioica and Calendula officinalis at the Las Cruces site resulted in a negative return to land and risk, but at the Alcalde site the Nepeta cataria earned a positive return from transplanting and direct seeding. Transplanted Melissa officinalis and direct seeded Calendula officinalis in Alcalde generated a positive return. Direct seeded Urtica dioica and Sphaeralcea incana did not survive in Alcalde.