Seeds and Supplies

First introduced in 1902, it is this old favourite that was responsible for changing the public colour preference in sweet corn from white to yellow. A true eight rowed cob with broad, sweet golden kernels on cobs 17.5 cm (7″) long. A delicious tasting corn for any hard-to-please palate! Irrigation is essential for proper kernel formation. Watch ripeness carefully. Pick before kernels over-ripen for best flavour and texture. How to Grow When planting in rows, space the seed 10-15 cm (4-6″) apart, later thinning to 20-30 cm (8-12″) apart with the rows 55-75 cm (22-30″) apart. To ensure proper pollination, plant at least 3 to 4 rows. Corn can also be planted with 3 to 4 seeds per hill in hills spaced 30 cm (12″) apart. Plant 250 gr (1/2 lb) to a 30 m (100′) row; 4.5-6.8 kg (10-15 lbs) per acre. Work in a good general vegetable fertilizer at planting, keep weeds under control and the soil evenly watered through the season. Sow only when soils have warmed to 18 C. Some years this happens in mid May, other years we need to wait until late May or early June.

Seed is quick to sprout, soon forming small stems of lacy deep green leaves that make a delicious addition to salads, sandwiches, omelettes and mixed vegetable dishes. Sow seed every 2 weeks right through the season for a continuous supply of this little beauty. Best harvested when young for top flavour and tenderness. During winter, this variety can be easily grown in containers set in a bright window. How to Grow Cress grows best in cooler weather and flourishes in a moist soil that is fertile and highly organic. Select a site that is bright, but has some shelter from the hot, direct afternoon sun. Sow seed 6 mm (1/4″) deep. Keep cress well watered and the soil moist. Never let it dry out. One packet sows approximately 10 m (33’) of row.

Dark Opal Basil seeds yield lush purplish-bronze foliage that make this a truly stunning ornamental plant. It is also known for its herbal uses. This A.A.S. winner has fine flavour and aroma and is excellent for seasoning or use in vinegar. It is not uncommon for a small proportion of the leaves to turn green. One interesting note – basil seeds harvested from mature plants are used as a thickening agent in sweet drinks. Annual. How to Grow 600 seed/gram. Do not rush planting. As Basil loves warm soil and warm temperatures, it will languish if temperatures are below 15 C (60 F). Sow seed directly outdoors in a sunny site with average soil in late May and June. Plant seed 4 mm (3/16″) deep and 6 mm (1/4″) apart. Thin to 20-25 cm (8-10″) apart in the garden. Seed can also be started indoors in a soil-less mix 4-6 weeks before last frost date. Keep temperature at 21 C (70 F) for the 7-10 day germination period, then grow on at the same temperature before hardening off and transplanting outside after the danger of all frost has passed.

Florence Fennel seeds produce a plant with a swollen, bulbous base that has a pleasing anise-like flavour. It is absolutely superb when used raw in salads or cooked in chicken dishes. Above the bulbous root, lacy carrot-like foliage grows to about 75 cm (2.5′) high. Interestingly, many gardeners report that their younger children really appreciate fennel’s irresistible aroma and taste. Some gardeners also report that fennel seems to inhibit bean and tomato growth if roots of these plants intermingle. Fennel, like dill, also attracts a range of beneficial insects to the garden. Annual. How to Grow Sow seed directly outdoors in a sunny site with average soil in mid-to-late May. Seed can also be started indoors in a soil-less mix 8 weeks before last frost date. Keep temperature at 21 C (70 F) for the 10-14 day germination period, then grow on at a slightly cooler temperature before hardening off and transplanting outside after the danger of frost has passed. Sow seed 3 mm (1/8″) deep and 2.5 cm (1″) apart then thin to 25-30 cm (10-12″) apart in the garden. It is our experience that direct sowing works best with fennel.

Sorrel seeds produce a plant with large, thick, spinach-like leaves add a lemony zest to salads and soups. As sorrel is naturally high in oxalic acid, avoid eating large amounts if you suffer from kidney ailments. This herb can be a vigorous grower so to help rejuvenate your planting, we suggest you divide the roots every three years. Sorrel is also known as Spinach Dock, Soup Weed and Ambada Bhaji. Perennial hardy to Zone 4. How to Grow Sow seed directly outdoors in a sunny site with average soil in mid-to-late May and again in mid-August through to mid-September. In spring, seed can also be started indoors in a soil-less mix 6-8 weeks before last frost date. Keep temperature at 21°C (70°F) for the 7-14 day germination period, then grow on at a slightly cooler temperature before hardening off and transplanting outside after the danger of frost has passed. Sow seed 1.25 cm (1/2″) deep and 7.5 cm (3″) apart then thin the sprouts to 30 cm (12″) apart in the garden.

Summer savory seeds are easy to grow. The herb plant has a delicious flavour. Slender, bronze-green leaves are suitable for fresh or dried use in dressings, salads, gravy and stews. Mix in equal proportions sweet paprika, salt and dried summer savory for a colourful and exotic alternative to the monotony of table salt. Plants grow 30-60 cm (12-24″) high and are quite suitable for container growing. Also known as Bohnenkraut. Annual. How to Grow Sow the seed directly into the garden in a sunny site with fast draining soil from mid-April through to late May. Plant seed 6 mm (1/4″) deep and 6 mm (1/4″) apart then thin to 20-30 cm (8-12″) apart in the garden. Transplanting is challenging as plants are loath to accept root disturbance. Sow seeds where you want the plant to establish. Once flowering is imminent, shear plants closely and they will supply a new flush of leaves.

Sweet Marjoram seeds produce leaves that are aromatic, mild, sweet and absolutely delicious in dressings, soups and salads. It is said that this herb is a must when cooking strong meats. The plant is a vigorous grower, often reaching 60 cm (2′) in height. Also known as Pot Marjoram, French Marjoram or Cretan Oregano. As sweet marjoram is a very tender perennial hardy only to Zone 7, it is almost always grown as an annual. How to Grow Sow Sweet Marjoram seeds directly outdoors in a sunny site with average soil in late May to mid-June. Seed can also be started indoors in a soil-less mix 6-8 weeks before last frost date. Keep temperature at 21 C (70 F) for the 7-14 day germination period, then grow on at a slightly cooler temperature before hardening off and transplanting outside after the danger of frost has passed. Sow seed 6 mm (1/4″) deep and 6 mm(1/4″) apart then thin to 12.5 cm (5″) apart in the garden.

Brittle Wax Yellow Bush Bean Seeds 1150 Heirloom Vegetable. This old time gem was first introduced around 1900! Round, fleshy, brittle, medium yellow pods about 15 cm (6″) long have a rich flavour. Erect, bushy plants bear an abundance of the tender string-less pods at an early date. Anyone who likes fresh bush beans should definitely try this variety! White Seed. This product is part of the Yellow Bush Beans Collection. How to Grow Beans tolerate a wide range of soil types. Their best growth is in light, organic, well drained soil with a pH of about 6.5. Beans have a distinct dislike for cold, wet soils, so sow seed only after the soil has warmed to at least 16 C (60 F). Sow 2.5 cm (1″) deep and 8 cm (3″) apart in rows spaced 45 to 70 cm (18 to 28″) apart. To ensure a continuous harvest, sow bush-type varieties every 10 days until mid-July. Keep beans evenly watered, particularly when the plants are in flower and when production of the pods start. Avoid the use of high nitrogen fertilizer. Nitrogen promotes excessive foliage. Avoid disturbing beans when leaves are damp to reduce the incidence of disease.

Rapini or Spring Raab Broccoli Seeds 1295 Heirloom Vegetable. A traditional Italian variety producing both tender young leaves and flowering shoots with tiny broccoli-like florets. Both the leaves and the heads can be eaten together creating a robust flavour that will dazzle your taste buds and leave you looking for more. By carefully picking young leaves, stems and flower buds, the harvest period can be spread out over 2 to 4 weeks. How to Grow Plants mature quickly and grow best in cooler weather. Both early and late crops are possible. For early crops, start seeds indoors in a soil-less mix from late March to early April. Set out the transplants in late April and early May spacing them about 45 cm (18″) apart in rows 90 cm (3′) apart. Fertilizing is essential. Use a balanced NPK granular or 20-20-20 water soluble. Keep the area weeded and evenly watered. One packet sows approx. 20 m (66’) of row when thinned to a 40-50 cm (16-18”) spacing. When the weather becomes hot, check the plants daily. High temperatures cause the flower buds to open quickly and taste and quality rapidly deteriorates.

An early Copenhagen type producing solid, round heads on small compact plants. This is the earliest maturing cabbage we offer. Heads weigh about 2 kg (4.4 lbs) and grow to about 15-17 cm (6-6.5″) in diameter. Tolerates closer spacing than many cabbages, possesses superb bolting resistance and is an excellent choice for poorer soils. Yellows resistant. While it has no doubt been grown in North America longer, catalogues talked about this variety as early as 1927. How to Grow Sow seed indoors in a soil-less mix 5 weeks before last frost date. Sow seed 6 mm (1/4″) deep and keep at 20 C (70 F) for the 7-10 day germination period. Grow on at a slightly cooler temperature then harden off and plant outside in late May. Space plants 45 cm (18″) apart in rows with the rows 75 cm (30″) apart.

Dark green exterior leaves hide a solid interior of beautifully blanched spicy tasting leaves that are tender and crisp. Heads have a pronounced taper towards the tip and average 45 cm (18″) high and 10 cm (4″) in diameter. Very large, spicy leaves are produced prior to heading-up. Best grown late summer into fall. Optimum Growing Conditions are cool days 12 – 21 C (55-70°F) with cool to cold nights 4 – 10 C (40-50°F). How to Grow . Sow seed indoors in a soil-less mix 5 weeks before last frost date. Sow seed 6 mm (1/4″) deep and keep at 20 C (70 F) for the 7-10 day germination period. Grow on at a slightly cooler temperature then harden off and plant outside in late May. Space plants 45 cm (18″) apart in rows with the rows 75 cm (30″) apart. Spring to summer crops will not form dense heads. For better results plant in late summer for fall harvests. Optimum Growing Conditions: Cool days 12 – 21 C (55-70°F) with cool to cold nights 4 – 10 C (40-50°F).

Has a great tasting, lusciously thick flesh, an intoxicating aroma and very high Brix (sugar) content. Excellent disease resistance and large fruit size averaging 2-3 kg (4.4-6.6 lbs) weight and a 20 x 18 cm (7.5″ x 6″) oval shape. How to Grow Select a south facing, wind-sheltered site and sow 5 seeds 2.5 cm (1″) deep per hill. Space hills 1.5-2 m (4-6′) apart. Thin to 3 to 4 plants per hill. In short season areas, start seeds in peat/paper pots indoors 4 weeks before plant out time. Seeds need a warm soil to germinate properly. Do not sow into soil cooler than 21 C (70 F). Keep the melon vines evenly watered throughout the growing season. A packet of hybrid melon contains 10 seeds, enough for 2 hills.

Delicious 51 Cantaloupe/Melon Seeds 1395 Heirloom Vegetable. A nearly round, very tasty, open pollinated melon with thick, firm, orange coloured flesh. Fruits average 15 cm (6″) in diameter with an average weight of 1.1 kg (2.5 lbs) when fully ripened. Delicious 51 is an excellent variety for home gardeners especially those growing in cool climates. How to Grow 35 seed/gram. Select a south facing, wind-sheltered site and sow 5 seeds 2.5 cm (1″) deep per hill. Space hills 1.5-2 m (4-6′) apart. Thin to 3 to 4 plants per hill. In short season areas, start seeds in peat/paper pots indoors 4 weeks before plant out time. Seeds need a warm soil to germinate properly. Do not sow into soil cooler than 21 C (70 F). Keep the melon vines evenly watered throughout the growing season.

With a length of no more than 9 cm (3.5″) and a diameter under 1.5 cm (1/2″), these are the perfect choice for canning whole. Exceptional flavour and tenderness make this miniature carrot a gourmet’s delight! How to Grow Carrots will grow well in any open, well cultivated, deep garden soil. As the seed is quite small, mix it with some sand when sowing. Once soil temperature rises above 7.5 C (45 F), sow seed about 7-15 mm (1/4-1/2″) deep in rows spaced 45-60 cm (18- 24″) apart. Sow seed at 5 day intervals over several weeks. Keep the seedbed evenly moist during the 2 week germination period but avoid crusting over the soil as this will greatly reduce the number of seedlings that emerge. Thin the seedlings during the early stages of growth until they are 5 cm (2″) apart. Keep the plants evenly watered, weed free and avoid high nitrogen fertilizers. Harvest any time after the carrot roots develop good colour.

Scare away birds and vermin with this great horned owl look-alike--when the wind blows, the head of the Action Owl bobbles and spins, adding to its lifelike qualities. And as attractive as it is useful, the Action Owl is a great patio accent, garden feature, or lawn ornament for any home.

Roots are a rich bright orange and average 15 cm (6″) in length and up to 4 cm (1.5″) in diameter. Consistently cylindrical, smooth skinned and blunt ended, Nantes is a great tasting, tender but crisp, almost coreless carrot…even when the carrots are harvested late in the season! Nantes typically has a high moisture content which makes it a good choice for juicing. First described in 1885 but no doubt grown well before that. How to Grow Carrots will grow well in any open, well cultivated, deep garden soil. As the seed is quite small, mix it with some sand when sowing. Once soil temperature rises above 7.5 C (45 F), sow seed about 7-15 mm (1/4-1/2″) deep in rows spaced 45-60 cm (18- 24″) apart. Sow seed at 5 day intervals over several weeks. Keep the seedbed evenly moist during the 2 week germination period but avoid crusting over the soil as this will greatly reduce the number of seedlings that emerge. Thin the seedlings during the early stages of growth until they are 5 cm (2″) apart. Keep the plants evenly watered, weed free and avoid high nitrogen fertilizers. Harvest any time after the carrot roots develop good colour.

One of our most popular storage varieties. Orange-scarlet roots are smooth, even-shaped and free from eyes. The meaty carrots are 15 cm (6″) long and 2.5 cm (1″) thick with a sweet taste. A garden staple that is a good choice for soils that tend to be a little heavier. Introduced in 1929. How to Grow Carrots will grow well in any open, well cultivated, deep garden soil. As the seed is quite small, mix it with some sand when sowing. Once soil temperature rises above 7.5 C (45 F), sow seed about 7-15 mm (1/4-1/2″) deep in rows spaced 45-60 cm (18- 24″) apart. Sow seed at 5 day intervals over the several weeks. Keep the seedbed evenly moist during the 2 week germination period but avoid crusting over the soil as this will greatly reduce the number of seedlings that emerge. Thin the seedlings during the early stages of growth until they are 5 cm (2″) apart. Keep the plants evenly watered, weed free and avoid high nitrogen fertilizers. Harvest any time after the carrot roots develop good colour.

Touchstone Gold Organic Beet Seeds 4023. A rather unique looking beet with a vibrant orange-red exterior, uniform root shape. mild tasting bight yellow flesh with very little zoning and striking green tops. This specialty beet makes an eye catching, taste bud pleasing garden treat! How to Grow 60 seed/gram. Sow seed directly into the garden 1.25 cm (1/2″) deep in rows 30-45 cm (12-18″) apart. Successive sowings as late as the first of July helps extend the harvest. Beets produce a compound seed which means each seed can produce up to 4 sprouts so thinning is essential for good root formation – thin seedlings to 10 cm (4″) apart – you can use the tops of thinned beets as a source of baby greens. Irrigation is important during dry spells up until the roots begin to swell. Fertilizer improves quality and size of roots.

Early Wonder Tall Top beet seeds beets adapt to all seasons but are especially good in early spring with quick growth in chilly soils. They produce tall, tasty green leaves with red stems and slightly flattened roots with wonderfully sweet flavour. Early Wonder Tall Top beets makes a good variety for general table use. Grow as micro-greens or baby leaf greens for salad mixes, or enjoy the sweet round roots at full size. Be sure to thin the planted row to allow each root the room it needs to grow to full size.