Heirloom Selections

Old Varieties with Exceptional Beauty and Flavor

Our heirloom selections have been preserved and kept true to their beloved local history, often exhibiting unusual colors, shapes or flavors.

310 products

  • Chianti Rose

    Heirloom Slicing Tomato Chianti Rose

    Heirloom Slicing Tomato Chianti Rose

    STARTING SEEDLINGS

    In early spring, start indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before outdoor night temperatures are reliably in the 50-55°F (10-13°C). Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm, 80°F (27°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When 2 inches tall, transplant into individual 4-inch pots, burying stems up to base of leaves. Maintain at 70-75°F (21- 24°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until ready to plant, then gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. When nights reach 55°F (10°C), transplant 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.

    GROWING NOTES

    Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant several inches deeper than seedlings were growing in containers. Provide strong stakes or tall wire cages at planting time. Mulch to provide even moisture retention; don’t overwater once fruit begins to ripen.

    HARVEST AND USE

    For best flavor, pick fully ripe and don’t put these big beauties in the refrigerator! A real summer treat is a simple sandwich of thickly sliced Chianti Rose on good French bread layered with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkling of fruity olive oil. Or, stuff with seasoned rice, top with cheese and bake slowly to perfection.
    $3.69
    $3.69
  • Brandywine

    Heirloom Tomato Brandywine

    Heirloom Tomato Brandywine

    STARTING SEEDLINGS

    Start indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before outdoor night temperatures 50-55°F (10-13°C). Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm 80°F (24°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside.

    When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant into individual 4 inch pots, burying stems up to base of leaves. Maintain at 70°F (21°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until nights reach 55°F (13°C), then gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. Transplant these vigorous indeterminate climbers 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.

    GROWING NOTES

    Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant several inches deeper than seedlings were growing in containers. Provide strong stakes or tall wire cages at planting time. Mulch to provide even moisture retention; don't overwater once fruit begins to ripen.

    HARVEST AND USE

    For best flavor, pick fully ripe and don’t store in the refrigerator. These richly colored, juicy-sweet tomatoes are hard to resist straight out of the garden. Cut into thick slices and serve drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with fresh chopped basil or dill for an irresistible summer treat.
    $4.89
    $4.89
  • Red & Yellow Pear

    Heirloom Mini Tomatoes Red & Yellow Pear

    Heirloom Mini Tomatoes Red & Yellow Pear

    STARTING SEEDLINGS

    Start indoors about 8 weeks before outdoor night temperatures 50-55°F (10-13°C). Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm 75°F (24°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant into individual containers, burying stems up to base of leaves. Maintain at 70°F (21°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until weather is warm enough to gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. Transplant these vigorous indeterminate climbers 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.

    GROWING NOTES

    Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant tomatoes several inches deeper than they were growing in containers. Provide strong stakes or tall wire cages at planting time as these plants grow tall with heavy fruit loads. Mulch to provide the even moisture tomato plants need to prevent cracking. Don’t overwater once fruit begins to ripen.

    HARVEST AND USE

    Pick the pear-shaped fruits when fully colored for best flavor. Enjoy for sweet snacks any time. Sprinkle liberally in salads where their pretty shapes and bright colors add wonderful eye and taste appeal.
    $2.99
    $2.99
  • Little Red Pear

    Heirloom Cherry Tomato Little Red Pear

    Heirloom Cherry Tomato Little Red Pear

    STARTING SEEDLINGS

    In early spring, start indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before outdoor night temperatures are reliably in the 50-55°F (10-13°C). Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm, 80°F (27°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant into individual 4 inch pots. Maintain at 70°F (21°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until ready to plant. When nights reach 55°F (13°C), gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions. Plant these vigorous indeterminate climbers 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.

    GROWING NOTES

    Prepare soil well with compost and fertilizer. Plant tomatoes several inches deeper than they were growing in containers. Provide strong stakes or tall wire cages at planting time as these plants grow tall with heavy fruit loads. Mulch to provide the even moisture tomato plants need to prevent cracking. Don’t overwater once fruit begins to ripen.

    HARVEST AND USE

    Pick the pear-shaped fruits when fully colored for best flavor. Enjoy for sweet snacks any time. Sprinkle liberally in salads where their pretty shape and bright color add wonderful eye and taste appeal.
    $4.89
    $4.89
  • Ortolana di Faenza

    Heirloom Italian Zucchini Ortolana di Faenza

    Heirloom Italian Zucchini Ortolana di Faenza

    START SEEDS OUTDOORS

    Zucchinis need full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when spring weather is warm and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds,1 inch deep, every 2 feet, in rows 3 feet apart. Thin to leave only 1 seedling every 2 feet. Or, plant in slightly mounded hills, 2 feet in diameter, sowing 5 or 6 seeds in each hill. Thin hill-planted seedlings to 2 or 3 strongest plants.

    GROWING NOTES

    Amend soil well before sowing with lots of aged manure or compost. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. Be sure to thin properly — you will have more productive, disease-free plants if seedlings have enough room to mature.

    HARVEST AND USE

    Harvest zucchini when no more than 5 to 6 inches long for best flavor. Frequent harvesting keeps plants producing tasty new fruits instead of maturing fat, tough, huge ones. Steam, stir-fry or grill sliced zucchinis and sprinkle with fresh parsley, dill, basil or thyme. Try the tasty blossoms sautéed or stuffed and baked. Heap a platter with spears of baby zucchinis to serve with your favorite dip for appetizers or snacks.
    $4.89
    $4.89
  • Camp Joy Cherry

    Heirloom Tomatoes Camp Joy Cherry

    Heirloom Tomatoes Camp Joy Cherry

    STARTING SEEDLINGS

    Start indoors about 8 weeks before outdoor night temperatures are reliably in the 55° (13°C) range. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy and very warm, 75°F (24°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When they are 2 inches tall, transplant into 4 inch pots, burying stems up to base of leaves. Maintain around 70°F (21°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until weather is warm enough to gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. Transplant these vigorous indeterminate climbers 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.

    HARVEST AND USE

    Pick fruits when fully colored for best flavor. Enjoy for sweet snacks right out of the garden, in salads or stuffed with herbed cream cheese. For a delicious side dish, briefly sauté Camp Joy Cherries in a garlicky olive oil, then sprinkle with chopped fresh chives and basil.

    GROWING NOTES

    Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant tomatoes several inches deeper than they were growing in pots. Provide strong stakes or tall wire cages at planting time as plants grow tall with heavy fruit loads. Mulch to provide the even moisture that prevents cracking. Don’t overwater once fruit begins to ripen.
    $3.39
    $3.39
  • Black Cherry

    Heirloom Tomato Black Cherry

    Heirloom Tomato Black Cherry

    STARTING SEEDLINGS

    Start indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before outdoor night temps are reliably in the 55°F(13°C) range. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm, 80°F (27°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When they are 2 inches tall, transplant into 4 inch pots, burying stems up to base of leaves. Maintain around 70°F (21°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until weather is warm enough to gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. Transplant these vigorous indeterminate climbers 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.

    HARVEST AND USE

    Pick fruits when fully ripe and colored-up for best flavor. Enjoy for sweet snacks right out of the garden, in salads or stuffed with herbed cream cheese. For a delicious side dish, briefly sauté in a garlicky olive oil, then sprinkle with chopped fresh chives and basil.

    GROWING NOTES

    Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant tomatoes several inches deeper than they were growing in pots. Provide strong stakes or tall wire cages at planting time as plants grow tall with heavy fruit loads. Mulch to provide the even moisture that prevents cracking. Don’t overwater once fruit begins to ripen.
    $4.89
    $4.89
  • Black Krim

    Heirloom Tomato Black Krim

    Heirloom Tomato Black Krim

    STARTING SEEDLINGS

    In early spring, start indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before outdoor night temperatures are reliably in the 50-55°F (10-13°C). Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm, 80°F(27°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant into individual 4 inch pots. Maintain at 70°F (21°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until ready to plant. When nights reach 55°F (13°C), gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions. Plant these vigorous indeterminate climbers 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.

    GROWING NOTES

    Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant several inches deeper than seedlings were growing in containers. Provide strong stakes or tall wire cages at planting time. Mulch to provide even moisture retention; don't overwater once fruit begins to ripen.

    HARVEST AND USE

    For best flavor, pick fully ripe and don’t store in the refrigerator. These richly colored, meltingly tender tomatoes are hard to resist straight out of the garden. Cut into thick slices and serve with a little feta or goat cheese and chopped fresh dill or basil, then drizzle with olive oil for an irresistible summer treat.
    $4.89
    $4.89
  • Rainbow’s End

    Heirloom Tomatoes Rainbow’s End

    Heirloom Tomatoes Rainbow’s End

    STARTING SEEDLINGS

    In early spring, start indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before outdoor night temperatures are reliably in the 50-55°F (10-13°C) range. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm, 80°F (27°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant into individual 4 inch pots. Maintain at 70°F (21°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until ready to plant. When nights reach 55°F (13°C), gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions. Plant these vigorous indeterminate climbers 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.

    GROWING NOTES

    Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant several inches deeper than seedlings were growing in containers. Provide strong stakes or tall wire cages at planting time. Mulch to provide even moisture retention; don’t overwater once fruit begins to ripen.

    HARVEST AND USE

    Pick these luscious old fashioned tomatoes fully ripe and eat promptly as they don’t hold well after harvest. Show off their flavors and gorgeous colors by slicing all three onto a big platter to surround with sprigs of fresh basil and top with a sprinkle of fruity olive oil.
    $3.99
    $3.99
  • Spanish Padron

    Tapas Peppers Spanish Padron

    Tapas Peppers Spanish Padron

    STARTING & GROWING

    In early spring, start indoors 8 to 10 weeks before outdoor night temperatures are in the 55°F (13°C) range. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm 75°F (24°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, transplant 3 inches apart into deeper containers. Maintain at 70°F (21°C). Feed with half-strength liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. When weather is 55°F (13°C) both day and night, gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. Transplant 1 1/2 feet apart into rich soil in full sun. Peppers need full sun at least 6 hours per day. Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant only robust seedlings with well-developed roots and mulch well to maintain even soil moisture. Water regularly and consistently and fertilize several times a month.

    HARVESTING & PREPARING

    For traditional Tapas, harvest the abundant little pointed fruits at no more than 2 inches long. At this small size, they are fragrant and flavorful; larger fruits get very spicy. To serve: Sauté the Tapas peppers quickly in a little hot olive oil just until the skins are glossy and slightly charred. To finish, sprinkle with coarse salt and enjoy while still hot. Most Padrons are mild, but occasionally one little pepper will have more spice — this is traditional and even sought after in Spain.
    $3.69
    $3.69
  • Two Color Fiesta

    Mexican Tomatillos Two Color Fiesta

    Mexican Tomatillos Two Color Fiesta

    BEST TO START INDOORS

    In early spring, start indoors about 6 weeks before outdoor night temperatures are reliably in the 50-55°F (10-13°C) range. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in containers of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy and very warm 75-80°F (24-27°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant into 4 inch individual pots. Maintain at 70-75°F (21- 24°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until weather is warm enough to gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. Transplant 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun once nights stay securely above 55°F (13°C).

    GROWING NOTES

    Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Provide strong stakes or wire cages at planting time, or tomatillos can spread over the ground if you have lots of space; they are vining plants similar to tomato vines. Mulch well to keep fruit clean and conserve moisture; don't overwater once fruits begin to ripen.

    HARVEST AND USE

    At first, tomatillo fruits look like little green balloons. As the fruit inside sizes up, they resemble cherry tomatoes surrounded by a papery husk. Pick when plump fruits fill out the husks and begin to break open, usually at 1 to 1 1/2 inches, but before fruits begin to turn yellow or soften.
    $3.39
    $3.39
  • Trombetta di Albenga

    Heirloom Climbing Summer Squash Trombetta di Albenga

    Heirloom Climbing Summer Squash Trombetta di Albenga

    START SEEDS OUTDOORS

    Squash needs full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when spring weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 55°F (13°C). Train vigorous Trombetta vines up 6 to 8 foot stakes or a fence or trellis where they will make a lush leafy arbor or canopy and save garden space. Plant in full sun, sowing groups of 2-3 seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches from vertical supports. Thin to the strongest seedling for each pole or to 12 inches apart along a fence.

    GROWING NOTES

    Amend soil well before sowing with lots of aged manure or compost. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. Thin properly to get best quality fruits and highest yield. As young plants grow, tie them to supports.

    HARVEST AND USE

    Softly curved, lime-green Trombetta squashes are best harvested no longer than 10 to 12 inches long and as thick around as cucumbers. Sauté or stuff them, or use in any of your favorite summer squash recipes. Cook until just tender to enjoy their fine flavor and texture.
    $3.69
    $3.69
  • Ronde de Nice

    Heirloom French Zucchini Ronde de Nice

    Heirloom French Zucchini Ronde de Nice

    START SEEDS OUTDOORS

    Zucchinis need full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when spring weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 1 inch deep and 2 feet apart. When seedlings have 4 leaves, thin to 1 strong seedling per group. Or, plant in slightly mounded hills, 2 feet in diameter, sowing 4 or 5 seeds in each hill. Thin hill-planted seedlings to the 2 or 3 strongest plants.

    GROWING NOTES

    Amend soil well before sowing with lots of aged manure or compost. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with plastic berry baskets at planting time, removing when plants get crowded. Be sure to thin properly – you will have more productive, disease-free plants if seedlings have enough room to mature.

    HARVEST AND USE

    Harvest Ronde de Nice as delicate babies when they reach just 1 or 2 inches in diameter or let grow to no more than 4 to 5 inches to enjoy best flavor and texture. Cook the little globes until just tender in a little butter and chicken broth and add your favorite chopped fresh herbs. Hollow out bigger squashes and chop up flesh, then combine with your favorite stuffing ingredients, fill the shells and bake to savory perfection.
    $4.89
    $4.89
  • Cinderella's Carriage

    Heirloom French Pumpkins Cinderella's Carriage

    Heirloom French Pumpkins Cinderella's Carriage

    BEST TO START OUTDOORS

    Pumpkins need full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when night temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). Sow groups of 3 seeds 3 feet apart and 1 inch deep in rows 4 feet apart. Thin to 1 strong seedling per group. Or, make circular soil mounds 3 feet across. Plant 6 seeds, 6 inches apart in center of each mound. Thin to the strongest 3 seedlings in each mound, so vigorous vines have room to grow and fruit.

    GROWING NOTES

    Plant pumpkins where the vigorous vines can sprawl. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with berry baskets at sowing time, removing before plants get crowded. Give vines ample water and feed several times for best yields.

    HARVEST AND USE

    These big plump beauties need to mature properly before harvest. Wait to pick until their rinds are fully deep orange and tough enough to resist piercing with a fingernail. Cut from vines, leaving good stem handles. Let cure in the sun for 10 days then store in a cool dry place and they’ll keep for months. Steam or bake the rich orange flesh for baked goods, soups or casseroles. Or hollow out the inside and use the ornamental pumpkin whole as a show-stopping serving dish for soup or stew.
    $4.39
    $4.39
  • Sunset Mix

    Heirloom Italian Sweet Peppers Sunset Mix

    Heirloom Italian Sweet Peppers Sunset Mix

    STARTING SEEDLINGS

    In early spring, start indoors about 2 months before night temperatures stay above 50-55°F (10-13°C). Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm 80-85°F (27-29°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When 2 inches tall, transplant into individual 4 inch pots. Maintain at 70-75°F (21-24°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every week until weather is warm enough to gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. Transplant 2 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.

    GROWING NOTES

    Don’t transplant outdoors until nights are above 50°F (10°C). Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant only robust seedlings with well-developed roots. Mulch plants to maintain even soil moisture.

    GROWING & HARVEST

    Peppers need full sun at least 6 hours per day. Mulch well to maintain even moisture. Fertilize weekly to establish vigorous plants that provide shade and protect fruit from sunburn. Stake or cage plants to keep fruit-laden branches from breaking.

    Harvest when fruits are glossy and fully colored up red, orange or gold by cutting, not pulling from plants. Eat fresh, roast or grill or try them Italian style, sautéed with tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and basil, accompanied by good hard cheese and crusty bread.
    $4.89
    $4.89
  • Watermelon

    Heirloom Radishes Watermelon

    Heirloom Radishes Watermelon

    START SEEDS DIRECTLY OUTDOORS

    Plant watermelon radishes at midsummer for fall harvest only. They size up and get sweeter as temperatures drop at the end of the growing season. Sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart, in rows 6 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded. If the first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away.

    GROWING NOTES

    Thin seedlings early to stand 3 inches apart; Watermelon radishes get big, up to three or even four inches in diameter and need room to size up. These Asian-style radishes grow more slowly than spring radishes, so be sure they have consistent moisture for best quality and flavor. Protect with a barrier of floating row cover if marauding birds or insect pests are a problem.

    HARVEST AND USE

    For best quality, harvest watermelon radishes promptly when sized up 2 to 4 inches in diameter. Note: Interior flesh becomes rosy red when roots are fully mature. Their flavor will be milder and sweeter harvested in cool fall weather. These roots will keep their eating quality for weeks in your refrigerator. For a beautiful and colorful salad, make a plate of very thinly sliced watermelon radishes sprinkled with oil and rice wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice and chopped scallions.
    $3.99
    $3.99
  • Pink Beauty

    Heirloom Radishes Pink Beauty

    Heirloom Radishes Pink Beauty

    START SEEDS OUTDOORS

    In early spring as soon as ground can be worked, sow radish seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows 6 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away. Sow again in late summer for a fall crop.

    GROWING NOTES

    Sow this quick growing, cool season crop wherever you intend to plant heat lovers later. Radishes thrive and have crisp flesh with the best mild flavor given consistent moisture. Sow small amounts a week apart to mature in warm but not hot weather. Thin quick-growing seedlings early to 2 inches apart so roots have room to size up. Protect radishes with floating row covers if marauding birds or flea beetles that chew holes in the leaves are a problem.

    HARVEST AND USE

    Harvest radishes when roots are the size of large marbles. If weather turns unexpectedly hot, pull, cut off tops, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Radishes will be spicier in hot weather and milder grown in cooler conditions. Combine sliced radishes, scallions and fresh dill or parsley for a great salad. Make delicious open faced sandwiches on whole grain bread spread with sweet butter and topped with sliced radishes.
    $4.89
    $4.89
  • Rouge Vif d'Etampes

    Heirloom Pumpkins Rouge Vif d'Etampes

    Heirloom Pumpkins Rouge Vif d'Etampes

    BEST TO START OUTDOORS

    Pumpkins need full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when weather is warm and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Sow groups of 3 seeds 3 feet apart and 1 inch deep in rows 4 feet apart. Thin to 1 strong seedling per group. Or, make circular soil mounds 3 feet across. Plant 6 seeds, 6 inches apart in center of each mound. Thin to the strongest 3 seedlings in each mound, so vigorous vines have room to grow and fruit.

    GROWING NOTES

    Plant pumpkins where the vigorous vines can sprawl. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with berry baskets at sowing time, removing before plants get crowded. Give vines ample water and feed several times for best yields.

    HARVEST AND USE

    These big plump beauties need to mature properly before harvest. Wait to pick until their rinds are fully deep orange and tough enough to resist piercing with a fingernail. Cut from vines, leaving good stem handles. Let cure in the sun for 10 days then store in a cool dry place and they’ll keep for months. Steam or bake the rich orange flesh for baked goods, soups or casseroles. Or hollow out the inside and use the ornamental pumpkin whole as a show-stopping serving dish for soup or stew.
    $4.89
    $4.89
  • Classic Jalapeño

    Heirloom Chile Peppers Classic Jalapeño

    Heirloom Chile Peppers Classic Jalapeño

    STARTING SEEDLINGS

    In early spring, start indoors about 2 months before night temperatures stay reliably 50-55°F (10-13°C). Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm 80-85°F (27-30°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant into deeper individual containers. Maintain at 70-75°F (21-24°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every week until weather is warm enough to gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. Transplant 2 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.

    GROWING NOTES

    Jalapeños need warm conditions. Don’t transplant outdoors until night temperatures stay securely above 55°F (13°C). Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant only robust seedlings with well-developed roots. Mulch plants to maintain even soil moisture. Keep well weeded, watered and fertilized.

    HARVEST AND USE

    To harvest, cut rather than pull fruits from the plants when deep glossy green or fully colored to red. Enjoy Jalapeños fresh or roast and remove skins. Use freely in all kinds of fresh salsas, sauces, fajitas and marinades. Jalapeños are great pickled or stuffed with cheese for chile "poppers."
    $4.89
    $4.89
  • Sabre

    Shelling Peas Sabre

    Shelling Peas Sabre

    START SEEDS OUTDOORS

    In early to mid-spring, plant peas in full sun in well-worked, fertile soil. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart in wide rows or bands 3 inches across, and 2 feet apart. Provide supports at planting time; vines grow 2 1/2 to 3 feet tall. Protect seedlings from marauding birds with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Wet, cold early spring weather may affect germination, so if first sowing doesn’t come up evenly, replant right away; new seedlings will catch up quickly. Sow again for a fall crop about 2 1/2 months before first expected fall frost.

    HARVEST AND USE

    Harvest only when peas are well developed in their pods. Crack open the pods by pushing on the edge of the pod to open, then scoop out the delectable peas. When garden fresh, peas really are at their most delicious simply eaten raw right from their pods–kids especially love them! Or briefly steam the shelled peas just until tender, then serve with a dollop of butter or sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped fresh mint, dill or lemon thyme.

    GROWING NOTES

    Provide netting, trellis or short stakes at planting time to support these heavy bearing vines for easy picking. Turn a sprinkling of bone meal and wood ash into the soil before planting. Keep pea vines well weeded and watered and mulch to conserve moisture. Water at the base of the plants to avoid mildew.
    $2.99
    $2.99
  • Moon & Stars

    Heirloom Watermelon Moon & Stars

    Heirloom Watermelon Moon & Stars

    STARTING SEEDLINGS OUTDOORS

    Melons need full sun, rich soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when weather is warm and nights stay above 50°F (10°C). Make slightly rounded hills 2 feet in diameter and 5 feet apart. Sow 5 or 6 seeds 1 inch deep in a small circle in top of each hill. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, be sure to thin them out, leaving only the 3 strongest plants to grow and mature in each hill.

    TO START EARLY INDOORS

    No more than several weeks before last frost date, sow seeds in individual pots of seed starting mix. Keep warm and moist, and provide a strong light source until weather warms enough to transplant outdoors (see above).


    GROWING NOTES

    Amend soil well with aged manure or compost. If summers are short or cool, put down black plastic to retain heat, then plant into holes made in plastic. Where insects are a problem, cover seedlings with floating row covers to exclude them, removing when plants blossom. Keep young vines well watered and fed, tapering off as fruits ripen up for best sweet flavor.

    HARVEST AND USE

    Pick melons when the tendril closest to the fruit turns brown, and the light patch on the bottom of the melon changes from cream to tan. Watermelons keep well in the refrigerator, even after being cut open.
    $4.89
    $4.89
  • Doll Babies

    Heirloom Watermelon Doll Babies

    Heirloom Watermelon Doll Babies

    STARTING SEEDLINGS OUTDOORS

    Melons need full sun, rich soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when weather is warm and nights stay above 50°F (10°C). Make slightly rounded hills 2 feet in diameter and 5 feet apart. Sow 5 or 6 seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart in a small circle in top of each hill. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, be sure to thin them out, leaving only the 3 strongest plants to grow and mature in each hill.

    TO START EARLY INDOORS

    No more than several weeks before last frost date, sow seeds in individual pots of seed starting mix. Keep warm and moist, and provide a strong light source until weather warms enough to transplant outdoors (see above).

    GROWING NOTES

    Amend soil well with aged manure or compost. If summers are short or cool, put down black plastic to retain heat, then plant into holes made in plastic. Where insects are a problem, cover seedlings with floating row covers to exclude them, removing when plants blossom. Keep young vines well watered and fed, tapering off as fruits ripen up for best sweet flavor.

    HARVEST AND USE

    Pick melons when the tendril closest to the fruit turns brown, and the light patch on the bottom of the melon changes from cream to tan. Watermelons keep well in the refrigerator, even after being cut open.
    $4.89
    $4.89