Cool Weather Vegetables and Herbs
Easy to grow, highly nutritious and great tasting, these favorite early spring vegetables love cool weather and are the first varieties you can direct sow in the garden. If you live in colder climates, sow as soon as the danger of frost has passed. Fast-growing for earliest harvests, you'll find complete planting instructions on every packet and on our website.
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Lawn & Patio Heirloom Swiss Chard Ruby Red
Eye-catching, scarlet-colored stalks with red-veined, green crinkled leaves. A tasty and versatile addition to both vegetable and flower gardens.Regular price $2.29Sale price $2.29Unit price per -
Lawn & Patio Heirloom Turnip, Purple Top White Globe
Large, round roots are creamy white with purple tops and mild, sweet flavor that’s great for fresh eating or cooked in soups and stews. Leafy tops make tasty greens.Regular price $1.99Sale price $1.99Unit price per -
Lawn & Patio Heirloom Turnip, Seven Top
Seven Top is best for tasty, flavorful greens that can be cooked or used fresh in salads. Roots are inedible. Fast to produce, the vitamin-rich, dark green leaves are ready to harvest in 45 days.Regular price $1.99Sale price $1.99Unit price per -
Kitchen Herbs Italian 'Gigante' Parsley
BIENNIAL, GROWN AS ANNUAL
Spring/summer/fall harvest
Frost hardyEASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
Start parsley in spring when weather is settled but still cool and/or in late summer in mild winter climates. Plant in full sun or half-day sun if climate is very hot. Sow seeds 1-2 inches apart into a well-worked fertile seed bed. Cover 1/4 inch deep. Parsley germinates unevenly over several weeks; be patient and keep seed bed evenly moist. Using synthetic row covers to hold moisture during germination is helpful; remove when seedlings are well established.
TO PLANT INDOORS
Sow parsley seeds in early spring in a container of seed starting mix. Cover 1/4 inch deep, and keep container moist but not soggy until seedlings emerge. Provide a good light source. Feed seedlings frequently until ready to transplant when several inches tall.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space 3 to 4 inches apart when seedlings large enough to handle.
GROWING NOTES
Parsley needs rich moist soil and ample spacing for lush harvests. Thin early and keep well weeded and watered. Begin to harvest sparingly once plants have 8 to 10 leaves. Fertilize frequently with a high nitrogen source.Regular price $2.99Sale price $2.99Unit price per -
Kitchen Herbs Italian Arugula
ANNUAL
Spring/summer/fall harvest
Frost hardyEASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
In early spring, sow seeds directly into well-worked garden soil in full sun or in a sunny spot with afternoon shade. Broadcast seed 2 inches apart, cover 1/4 inch deep and firm soil over seeds. Keep seed bed evenly moist until seedlings emerge. Make new sowings every 2 weeks until early summer for a constant supply of fresh non-bitter leaves. Begin harvesting young leaves in 3 to 4 weeks.
In hot summer areas, wait to sow again in late summer for fall use, as summer heat makes leaves very pungent.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Arugula grows so quickly we recommend sowing in place rather than transplanting. Thin seedlings 2 to 3 inches apart when plants are large enough to handle.
GROWING NOTES
Begin harvesting by thinning little seedlings to use in salads when they are several inches tall. Then, either pick individual leaves when 3-4 inches long, or snip leaves about 1 inch above the crown and let plants regrow for more harvests.Regular price $2.99Sale price $2.99Unit price per -
Heirloom Parsley Italian Large Leaf
EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
Start parsley in spring when weather is settled but still cool and/or in late summer in mild winter climates. Plant in full sun or half-day sun if climate is very hot. Sow seeds 1- 2 inches apart into a well-worked fertile seed bed. Cover 1/4 inch deep. Parsley germinates unevenly over several weeks; be patient and keep seed bed evenly moist. Using synthetic row covers to hold moisture during germination is helpful; remove when seedlings are well established.
TO PLANT INDOORS
In early spring, sow seeds 1 inch apart and 1/4 inch deep in a container of seed starting mix. Keep container moist but not soggy until seedlings emerge. Provide a good light source. Feed seedlings frequently until ready to transplant when several inches tall.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space 3 to 4 inches apart when seedlings large enough to handle.
GROWING NOTES
Parsley needs rich moist soil and ample spacing for lush harvests. Thin early and keep well weeded and watered. Begin to harvest sparingly once plants have 8 to 10 leaves. Fertilize frequently with a high nitrogen source.Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Heirloom Baby Salads Italian Misticanza
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early spring or in midsummer for fall harvests, sow seeds in finely worked soil in full sun. Shake seeds from the palm of your hand, broadcasting them about a half inch apart over the entire seedbed or in wide rows, and cover lightly and evenly with 1/4 inch of fine soil. Firm soil gently and water in with a fine spray. Keep seedbed evenly moist.
GROWING NOTES
This full flavored Italian salad mix thrives in mild weather with consistent moisture. To extend the sowing season into hot weather, sow in light shade or erect a canopy of loosely woven shade cloth over the seed bed. Birds are often attracted to tender young seedlings so protect them if necessary.
HARVEST AND USE
To harvest by the “cut and come again” method, wait until plants are 4 or 5 inches tall. Cut as much as you need, using scissors to shear off a patch of leaves 1 to 2 inches above the soil level. Water well and fertilize lightly and plants will regrow for several more cuttings. Dress with a simple vinaigrette that has a touch of honey added to set off the complex full flavors of this piquant mix. Misticanza has sharp tangy components, so if it tastes too strong-flavored for diners’ palates, add additional lettuces to mellow the mix.
Regular price $3.39Sale price $3.39Unit price per -
Heirloom Salad Onions Italian Scallion
EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
Plant seeds throughout cool spring weather and again in mid to late summer for fall harvests. Sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun, spacing 1 inch apart in rows 8-10 inches apart, or broadcast thinly for bed planting. Plant 1/4 inch deep and firm soil well over seeds. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination. Thin young seedlings to 2 inches apart, and enjoy the tender thinnings in spring salads.
GROWING NOTES
These baby salad onions take up little garden space, so tuck a row around beds of lettuce, spinach or radishes. Make several plantings a month apart to have a constant supply for spring and summer meals. Prepare soil well with lots of aged manure or compost before planting. Keep evenly moist and weed carefully when plants are young. Mulch well to conserve soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
HARVEST AND USE
To get the most out of your crop, use tender, mild-flavored early thinnings in salads. Continue thinning out seedlings gradually so plants stand an inch or two apart. Harvest as needed when the stems are ¼ to ½ inch in diameter and the tiny immature bulbs reach just 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter. Crunchy, full-flavored Italian baby salad onions are especially delicious in any green or potato salad, or in any recipe that calls for scallions or mild tasting onions.
Regular price $2.99Sale price $2.99Unit price per -
Heirloom Chard Italian Silver Rib
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early spring when danger of hard frost is over, sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows 10 inches apart, or broadcast very thinly for bed planting. Firm soil well over these irregularly shaped seeds to ensure good germination. If first sowing germinates unevenly, plant more seed in the rows as seedlings catch up quickly. Thin when seedlings are large enough to handle, using thinnings as early greens. Final spacing should be 12 to 18 inches apart so chard plants have room to mature.
GROWING NOTES
Chard grows well in a wide range of conditions and can take some frost. In mild winter areas, it can be grown year round. Thin seedlings well as chard grows into large vase-shaped plants 2 feet tall.
HARVEST AND USE
Begin harvesting when plants are well established and have 6 to 8 stalks. Both the crunchy succulent stalks and leaves make great eating. Chop and sauté chard with garlic and olive oil or pair with sautéed mushrooms and onions. Try steamed and topped with a sprinkle of vinegar or fresh lemon juice. Use like spinach in lasagna or minestrone soup.
Regular price $2.99Sale price $2.99Unit price per -
Heirloom Container Lettuce Jade Gem
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In cool spring weather, start seeds in full sun. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Keep evenly moist but not soggy. As seedlings begin to grow, it’s critical to thin out young plants to a final spacing of 8 inches apart so they have room to mature to large, leafy rosettes (extra seedlings will transplant easily to grow elsewhere). Container Growing: Plan on 5 to 7 full heads in a 16 to 18 inch pot or a 9 x 12 inch windowbox; 3 full heads in an 8 inch pot.
GROWING NOTES
Lettuce thrives in cool conditions. Carefully thin and keep evenly moist for sweet tasting, full heads. For a constant supply, make several sowings a few weeks apart until summer heat comes on. In hot weather, give lettuce some afternoon shade and check water daily. Feed with liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Sow more seed in late summer for delicious fall harvests.
HARVEST AND USE
Use these little beauties in containers or as an edible garden accent or border. Or transplant seedlings around edges of a big pot holding a young tomato or pepper plant, then harvest when the bigger plants need the space. Savor young thinnings in your first spring salads. Harvest mature little heads when they are solid and well-filled out. Pull over-mature plants if they begin to elongate (“bolt”) in hot weather.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Heirloom Romaine Lettuce Jericho
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In cool early spring weather, start seeds in finely worked soil in full sun. Sow 1/4 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows 6 to 8 inches apart and cover lightly. Tend carefully and keep evenly moist. Gradually thin out extra seedlings, leaving remaining plants standing 12 inches apart so lettuces have room to size up and fully mature into big butterhead rosettes. For a constant supply, make several sowings a few weeks apart until summer weather turns hot. Plant again in late summer for fall harvest.
GROWING NOTES
Lettuce thrives in cool conditions with consistent moisture. Weed, water and be sure to thin carefully to proper spacing for best quality heavy heads. If birds are attracted to young seedlings, cover with floating row covers or netting. Make a shade structure in hotter climates to extend the growing season.
HARVEST AND USE
Savor young thinnings in your first spring salads. Then harvest plants by cutting mature heads when they feel firm and well-filled out. Be sure to thin properly and keep evenly moist for sweet tasting, full heads. Pull and discard or compost over-mature plants if they begin to elongate (“bolt”) in hot weather as leaves turn bitter at this stage.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Lettuce Jericho Romaine
Especially heat-tolerant, Jericho romaine retains its sweet and crisp flavor even in hot weather. Large, light green, upright sword-shaped leaves form a dense head that can grow up to 24 inches tall.Regular price $2.99Sale price $2.99Unit price perNew -
Heirloom Butterhead Lettuce Kagraner Sommer
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In cool early spring weather, start seeds in finely worked soil in full sun. Sow 1/4 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows 6 to 8 inches apart and cover lightly. Tend carefully and keep evenly moist. Gradually thin out extra seedlings, leaving remaining plants standing 12 inches apart so lettuces have room to size up and fully mature into big butterhead rosettes. For a constant supply, make several sowings a few weeks apart until summer weather turns hot. Plant again in late summer for fall harvest.
GROWING NOTES
Lettuce thrives in cool conditions with consistent moisture. Weed, water and be sure to thin carefully to proper spacing for best quality heavy heads. If birds are attracted to young seedlings, cover with floating row covers or netting. Make a shade structure in hotter climates to extend the growing season.
HARVEST AND USE
Savor young thinnings in your first spring salads. Then harvest plants by cutting mature heads when they feel firm and well-filled out. Be sure to thin properly and keep evenly moist for sweet tasting, full heads. Pull and discard or compost over-mature plants if they begin to elongate (“bolt”) in hot weather as leaves turn bitter at this stage.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Lawn & Patio Kale Siberian Seeds
This handsome blue-green kale was originally introduced by Russian traders. Great flavor, delicious in soups, stews and sautés or braised with garlic and olive oil. Cool season crop.Regular price $2.29Sale price $2.29Unit price per -
Long Sweet Carrots King Midas
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In spring once danger of hard frost is past, sow seeds in full sun in finely worked, fertile soil. Sow 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart in rows 8 inches apart, or broadcast thinly in beds and cover lightly. Keep seed bed evenly moist as carrots can be slow to germinate, emerging over 10 to 21 days. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away as seedlings catch up quickly. Thin young carrots several times so seedlings are 2 to 3 inches apart and have room to size up.
GROWING NOTES
Carrots like well-worked soil and need consistent moisture to grow well. If your soil tends to dry out, cover seedbed with floating row covers to help retain moisture during the germination period. Keep carrots well weeded throughout the growing season. Plant again 3 months before first expected fall frost for a late crop.
HARVEST AND USE
Let carrots size up to at least 6 to 8 inches long before pulling for best sweet flavor. Eat them raw, sliced up as tasty fresh snacks, sautéed, steamed or braised. Set off their flavor with fresh lemon or orange juice and a sprinkling of minced herbs like fresh mint or thyme or glaze with a little honey, ginger or cinnamon. Wonderful in colorful stir-fries all season long.
Regular price $2.99Sale price $2.99Unit price per -
Italian Heirloom Kale Lacinato
TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
As soon as ground can be worked in spring, prepare a well-drained, fertile garden bed in full sun. Sow seeds 2 inches apart in rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep and keep soil evenly moist to ensure good germination. Sow again in late summer for another cold-hardy crop.
TO START INDOORS
Sow seeds in a container of seed starting mix 2 inches apart and cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall then plant outdoors. Space 10 to 12 inches apart so plants have room to mature.
GROWING NOTES
Kale tastes best in cool weather so sow spring crops early. A late summer-sown crop will yield through fall and winter except in the coldest climates. Frost actually enhances kale leaves’ color, flavor and sweetness. Mulch to retain moisture in summer and before the ground freezes to protect the roots of fall crops.
HARVEST AND USE
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants have 6 to 8 leaves. Vitamin-rich kale is delicious in hearty winter soups, stews and sautés; or braise the beautiful leaves with garlic and olive oil in traditional Mediterranean style. Pull and discard once plants begin to bloom since the leaves of flowering stalks get tough and bitter.
Regular price $2.99Sale price $2.99Unit price per -
Heirloom Kale Lacinato "Dinosaur"
TO START SEEDS DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
As soon as ground can be worked in spring, plant in well-drained, fertile garden soil in full sun. Sow seeds 2 in. apart in rows 12 in. apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist. When seedlings are 3 in. tall, thin to 10-12 in. apart. Sow again in late summer.
TO START INDOORS
Sow seeds 2 in. apart and 1/2 in. deep in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings reach 3 to 4 in. tall, then plant outdoors 10 to 12 in. apart.
GROWING NOTES
Kale tastes best in cool weather, so sow spring crops early. A late summer-sown crop will yield through fall and winter except in the coldest climates. Frost actually enhances kale leaf color, flavor and sweetness. Mulch to retain moisture in summer and before the ground freezes to protect the roots of fall crops.
HARVEST AND USE
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants have 6 to 8 leaves. Vitamin-rich kale is delicious with stems removed and leaves cut in very thin strips for fresh salads with nuts and fruit. Braise with garlic and olive oil in traditional Mediterranean style. Enjoy in hearty winter soups, stews and sautés. Pull and discard once plants begin to bloom as flowering plants get tough and bitter.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Lawn & Patio Lettuce "Black Seeded Simpson"
Over a century old, this easy heirloom lettuce is heat resistant, slow to bolt & fast growing. The light green leaves are wonderfully tender and sweet. You can rely on consistent yields for fresh salads. Large leaves form loose heads.Regular price $1.99Sale price $1.99Unit price per -
Lawn & Patio Lettuce Green Salad Bowl Seeds
Very popular leaf lettuce for home gardeners with tightly packed, crinkled leaves and excellent, fresh flavor. Tolerates heat, slow bolting. All-America Selections winner.Regular price $1.99Sale price $1.99Unit price per -
Container Baby Leaf Spinach Little Hero
CONTAINER PLANTING
Plant in early spring when danger of hard frost is over. Use a pot at least 15-18 in. in diameter and 12 in. deep, and start with fresh potting mix. Sow seeds 2 in. apart or simply broadcast seeds thinly, aiming for 2 in. spacing. Cover with 1/2 inch of potting mix and firm soil well over seeds. If first sowing germinates unevenly, plant more seed as seedlings will catch up fast.
GROWING NOTES
Birds love tender young seedlings, so protect as necessary with netting or floating row cover. Sow again in late summer for a fall crop. Keep spinach well watered and weeded and fertilize every few weeks and especially after harvesting.
HARVEST AND USE
To harvest by the “cut and come again” method: when plants are 4 to 5 in. tall, cut as much as you need, by using scissors to shear off leaves 1 to 2 in. above the soil level. Water well and fertilize lightly and plants will regrow for several more cuttings. Little Hero’s tender, baby leaves are delicious in fresh salads with additions like thinly sliced sweet onions, sliced radishes, thin wedges of apple or orange, toasted nuts, chopped scallions, crispy bacon bits, hard-cooked egg quarters and grated cheese. Or stirfry, braise or sauté very quickly for healthy, tasty greens.
Regular price $3.99Sale price $3.99Unit price per -
Specialty Kale Mars Landing
TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
As soon as ground can be worked in spring, prepare a well-drained, fertile garden bed in full sun. Sow groups of 3 seeds each 10-12 inches apart and 1/2 inch deep, in rows 12-18 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist. When seedlings are 3 inches tall, thin to just 1 seedling per group. Sow again in late summer for another cold-hardy crop.
TO START INDOORS
Sow seeds in a container of seed starting mix 2 inches apart and cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall then plant outdoors.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space 10 to 12 inches apart so plants have room to mature.
GROWING NOTES
Kale tastes best in cool weather so sow spring crops early. A late summer-sown crop will yield through fall and winter except in the coldest climates. Frost actually enhances kale leaves’ color, flavor and sweetness. Mulch to retain moisture in summer and before the ground freezes to protect the roots of fall crops.
HARVEST AND USE
Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants have 6 to 8 leaves. Vitamin-rich kale is delicious in hearty winter soups, stews and sautés; or braise the beautiful leaves with garlic and olive oil in traditional Mediterranean style. Pull and discard once plants begin to bloom since the leaves of flowering stalks get tough and bitter.
Regular price $3.69Sale price $3.69Unit price per -
Gourmet Bibb Lettuce Matilda
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In cool early spring weather, start seeds in finely worked soil in full sun. Sow 1/4 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows 6 to 8 inches apart and cover lightly. Tend carefully and keep evenly moist. Gradually thin out extra seedlings, leaving remaining plants standing 10 to 12 inches apart so they have room to size up and mature into full heads. For a constant supply, make several sowings 10 days apart before summer heat comes on. Plant again in late summer for fall harvest.
GROWING NOTES
Lettuce thrives in cool conditions with consistent moisture. Weed, water and be sure to thin carefully to proper spacing so seedlings have room to grow into full size heads. If birds are attracted to young seedlings, cover with floating row covers or netting. Make a shade structure in hotter climates to extend the growing season.
HARVEST AND USE
Keep growing plants evenly moist for sweet tasting, full heads. Savor young lettuce thinnings in your first spring salads. Harvest mature heads of these sweet crunchy leaves when they feel firm and well-filled out. Pull and discard or compost over-mature plants if they begin to elongate (“bolt”) in hot weather as leaves turn bitter at this stage.
Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Heirloom Lettuce Merveille De Quatre Saisons
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In cool early spring weather, start seeds in finely worked soil in full sun. Sow 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows 6 to 8 inches apart and cover lightly. Tend carefully and keep evenly moist. Gradually thin seedlings out by cutting them with scissors, leaving remaining plants to stand 12 inches apart so heads have room to fully size up and mature. For a constant supply, make several sowings a few weeks apart until summer weather turns hot. Plant again in late summer for fall harvest.
GROWING NOTES
Lettuce thrives in cool conditions with consistent moisture. Weed, water and thin carefully for best quality heads. If birds are attracted to the young seedlings, cover them with floating row covers or netting.
HARVEST AND USE
Savor young thinnings in your first spring salads. Then harvest plants by cutting mature heads when they feel firm and well-filled out. Be sure to thin properly and keep evenly moist for sweet tasting, full heads. Pull and discard or compost over-mature plants if they begin to elongate (“bolt”) in hot weather as leaves turn bitter at this stage.
Regular price $3.69Sale price $3.69Unit price per -
Japanese Baby Turnips Mikado
START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early spring, as soon as ground can be worked, sow in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Sow this quick growing, cool season crop wherever you intend to plant heat lovers later. Space seeds 1 inch apart in wide rows 6 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded.
GROWING NOTES
Thin seedlings early to stand 3 inches apart, giving them room to size up. Provide consistent moisture. Sow small amounts a week apart for successive harvests until summer heat comes on. Protect with floating row covers if marauding birds or flea beetles that chew holes in the leaves are a problem. Be sure to sow again in late summer for productive harvests in cool fall weather.
HARVEST AND USE
Harvest these sweet baby turnips from when they are as big as walnuts to when they are the size of ping-pong balls. If weather turns unexpectedly hot, pull and store the roots in the refrigerator. Turnips will be spicier in hot weather. Pearly white baby turnips are delicious sliced raw into green salads, or you can steam or sauté them briefly, or toss in oil and roast whole to bring out their natural sugars. Enjoy the tasty, nutritious green tops steamed or quickly braised.Regular price $4.69Sale price $4.69Unit price per
