New Heirloom Seeds

Seedsaver Exchange - This marvelous Italian heirloom delivers both in the garden and on the plate! Highly productive plants bear plenty of long, slender, curved fruits that wrap around vines, trellises, and sometimes one another. Squash measures 2-3" in diameter, widening to 4-5" at the bulbous blossom end and weighing from 5-8 pounds at maturity. ‘Zucchetta Rampicante’ excels as a summer squash—it’s tender, mild, and sweet—but has also long been used in Italy as a winter squash in pies, ravioli, and gnocchi. Immature fruits are pale green with white streaks; mature squash are tan with white streaks.  Seed Savers Exchange received this variety in the early 2000s from Jaime Poris, an Exchange lister in Boulder Creek, California, who had purchased the variety in 1990 from R.H. Shumway. Characteristics:  Organic Summer or winter squash Highly Productive From the Collection, 2025 20 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Lila Lu Carrot - Strikingly beautiful, purple carrots with dark purple skin and cheerful, orange cores. The beauty of these long, pointy carrots is complemented by excellent texture and taste. Roots are sweet and mild without the peppery flavor often found in purple carrots. Uniform shape with good top health for fresh market bunching. The purple skin coloration runs deep into the root, making for a fully purple, peeled carrot. From our partners at Sativa Seeds. Specialty appeal Purple when peeled 4-5" roots Open-Pollinated 250 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors before 3-4  weeks of last frost or soil can be worked. Optimal temperature is 65 degrees. Plant 1/2" apart Plant 1/4" Deep Plant Rows 16-24" apart Thin 2-4" Apart  

Renee's Garden Seeds -  Little Crunch is a delicious new snap pea developed especially for growing in containers. These versatile and ornamental 24-30 inch vines grow quickly and reward you with lots of chubby, crunchy-sweet pods that make scrumptious, fresh-from-the-vine snacks and fast stirfries. Train the little vines up short supports and they’re even easier to pick. Great for growing with kids who love to eat them snapped fresh off the vine. Open-Pollinated and Non-GMO 24-30" vines 13g of seeds, ~45 seeds Instructions - Peas thrive in cool weather. Sow seeds outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Seeds will germinate in 7-14 days. These are designed for a small spaces and containers. Place 5 peas per squrae foot.  Direct Seed 2-3" apart Plant 1/2" deep Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - We are excited about this one. It is always fun sourcing new corns to try.  Corn gets a bad wrap for health but corns like this are filled with minerals and nutrients and part of a well rounded diet, heirloom corns deliver nutrition.  Pungo Creek Butcher Corn - Eastern Shore heirloom from Bill Savage, grown for 165 years by Pungo Creek, VA farmers. Genetic analysis shows it to be descended from Bloody Butcher.  A tall, hardy corn with sturdy stalks up to 11 ft. Ears are a mixed rainbow of red, brown, yellow, and sometimes purple. 9-12 in. ears in tightly wrapped husks. Rough milled this is a nutritious feed for your flock, or the corn can be ground into a meal with rich flavor and unusual color. Pretty enough to grow just for looks, this corn is delicious baked into muffins or cornbread. Certified Organic  Heirloom  Especially well-suited to the South-East  100 seeds on average, 28g Instructions - Requires a soil temperature of 65 degrees F to germinate well. Succession plantings can then be made 2-3 weeks apart.  Harvest and dry popcorn down as you would grinding corn. Thorough drying is important in getting kernels that will pop. Popcorns are resistant to ear damage by birds.  Sow seed 1" in deep  Rows: 36 in" apart  Thin: 6-12 in. apart  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Alabama Black Butterbeans -  Starts shipping 10/22 - Alabama Black Butterbean history is tied to a farmer named Sam Reid of Blount County, Alabama. He offered this seed in 1995 and placed an ad in the Alabama Farmers Bulletin. Bill Peters of Alabaster, Al answered the ad and obtained this cool seed. I lived in the neighboring town in the mid 2000's, Chelsea, Alabama and this is where I first tried and heard the name - Alabama Black Butterbeans.  I never did get any seeds as life gets crazy and years later I regretted it. It was always in the back of my mind to find these seeds. The seeds were found and amazingly hyper local as my friend Craig (of Hillsboro, WI) actually had this seed and shared some with me as he obtained seeds years prior. I grew my first crop in 2025 and boy did it ever flourish   We are lucky to have one of the rarest heirlooms in our collection.  Characteristics:  Good for the North and Great for the South Rarear Popular Lima We Offer Pole Lima bean Medium sized black seeds 85 days for eating, 105 for dried 25 seeds or enough to do 10-12' of fence. Instructions:  Lima beans thrive in hot temperatures. Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Seeds will germinate in 7-18 days. Limas prefer full sun.  Direct Seed 2-3" apart or 6" apart if you want to skip thinning. We hold a few seeds back in case we have any gaps.  Planting Depth 1" Rows Apart: 48-72" or we just run them down our fence line.  Full Sun

Paprika is so much more flavorful when grown and dried from your home garden. The freshness of the peppers and using your paprika powders right when ready will spoil any cook. This collection is all about paprika with one exception, the Beaver Dam Pepper. The Beaver Dam Pepper is recognized as a Slow Food The Ark of Taste variety so we want to do our part and share it. Also Included in this collection is our Black Hungarian Pepper, Magyar Paprika Pepper, Hungarian Paprika Pepper, Feherozon Paprika Improved Pepper, plus the aforementioned Beaver Dam Pepper which has Hungarian roots.  Characteristics:  Black Hungarian Pepper, Magyar Paprika Pepper, Hungarian Paprika Pepper, Feherozon Paprika Improved Pepper, Beaver Dam Pepper All Open-Pollinated and Non-GMO 10-15 seeds of each variety, except Magyar which has 7 seeds. It is a rarer variety.  Instructions -  Peppers prefer light, well-drained, moderately fertile soil with pH 6.5-6.8. Use a high phosphorus starter fertilizer when transplanting to give young peppers a good start. Keep nitrogen levels in moderation, as high amounts can reduce yields.  Start transplants 6-8 weeks before the planting date. Sow seeds into flat ~4 seeds/inch and then pot up into 2” or larger cells after the first set of true leaves appear. The optimal soil temperature for germination is 85°F.  For growing transplants, maintain the temperature at around 75°F during the day and 65°F at night. Harden off plants by slightly reducing the temperature to 60-65°F and reducing water for 2-3 days before transplanting. Plant 1/4" deep  Plant Spacing: 12-18"  Row Spacing: 18-36" or double rows 18" apart on 5-6' centers  Harvest & Storage - Harvest first peppers promptly to stimulate further fruit production. Peppers can be harvested and eaten at either the unripe (green) or ripe (colored) stage.  Colored peppers generally require 2 – 4 weeks longer.  Store peppers at 50° - 54°F and 95% percent relative humidity. Chilling injury occurs at temperatures below 45°F.  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

  Aji Peppers are filled with tons of flavors and mild to medium heat. Aji Cinchi Amarillo are the hottest of this collection measuring 30k-50k Scoville ratings. Aji Limon is in the middle at 15k-30k and has a beautiful citrus flavor! Aji Dulce are mild at under 1k Scoville ratings but packed with so much flavor, we find ourselves adding this to everything! All  Characteristics:  Aji Limon, Aji Dulce and Aji Cinchi Amarillo are part of this collection Open-Pollinated and Non-GMO 10-15 seeds of each variety  Instructions -  Peppers prefer light, well-drained, moderately fertile soil with pH 6.5-6.8. Use a high phosphorus starter fertilizer when transplanting to give young peppers a good start. Keep nitrogen levels in moderation, as high amounts can reduce yields.  Start transplants 6-8 weeks before the planting date. Sow seeds into flat ~4 seeds/inch and then pot up into 2” or larger cells after the first set of true leaves appear. The optimal soil temperature for germination is 85°F.  For growing transplants, maintain the temperature at around 75°F during the day and 65°F at night. Harden off plants by slightly reducing the temperature to 60-65°F and reducing water for 2-3 days before transplanting. Plant 1/4" deep  Plant Spacing: 12-18"  Row Spacing: 18-36" or double rows 18" apart on 5-6' centers  Harvest & Storage - Harvest first peppers promptly to stimulate further fruit production. Peppers can be harvested and eaten at either the unripe (green) or ripe (colored) stage.  Colored peppers generally require 2 – 4 weeks longer.  Store peppers at 50° - 54°F and 95% percent relative humidity. Chilling injury occurs at temperatures below 45°F.  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Seedsaver's Exchange - Long a staple in Japan, this heirloom Chinese cabbage variety produces large, barrel-shaped heads with succulent midribs. Its tender leaves have a mild, sweet cabbage flavor that complements other vegetables, whether cooked in stir-fries or soups, pickled as kimchi, or eaten fresh. As its name suggests, this variety hails from the Aichi Prefecture, where its flavor and versatility have made it a staple for centuries.  Conventional Perfect for slaws, salads and kimchi 70 days from transplant 100 Seeds Instructions  Sow indoors 4-6  weeks before last frost and plant out the week of the last frost.  Be careful with their roots as they hate being disturbed. Water regularly and mulch to help retain water.  Germination 7-12 days Plant apart 24-36" 

The Seed Savers Exchange -Heirloom, Non-GMO, Open-Pollinated, Organic Plant Description Also known as stem or asparagus lettuce, celtuce is a lettuce cultivar that produces edible, thick, crisp, and nutty-flavored stems and highly-toothed, dark-red and green leaves with a slightly bitter, yet surprisingly refreshing, flavor when eaten young. Very popular in Asia, celtuce stems are harvested when they reach a foot long and then typically sautés Growing Habits Edible leaves are best eaten about 4–5 weeks after planting, and the stems are ready when they reach about a foot tall (about 60 days). How to Harvest Celtuce leaves are best enjoyed when young and become more bitter with age. Cut the outer leaves as they mature. Celtuce stems, however, are why most gardeners grow this lettuce cultivar. ​​The stem is usually harvested at a length of around a foot and a diameter of around 1.5". Celtuce stems will last for three weeks or more when placed in a ziplock bag in a refrigerator vegetable drawer. How to Use Young ‘Cracoviensis’ celtuce leaves can be tossed in salads just like other lettuce leaves. ‘Cracoviensis’ celtuce stems have a mild, nutty, and crisp flavor that enhances salads, stir-fries, soups, and stews. In Asia, the stems are typically sliced and then stir-fried with more strongly flavored ingredients. To prepare the celtuce stem, peel off the tough outer skin to reveal the crunchy, juicy, and flavorful inner part. History of the Variety Seed Savers Exchange acquired this early-maturing variety in the 1990s from Mary Schultz, an Exchange lister in Washington state. ‘Cracoviensis’ celtuce makes its début in the Seed Savers Exchange catalog as a From the Collection variety in 2026. Ingredients: Lettuce, Onion, Celery, Flower, Butter or other fat, Water or Chicken Brown, Milk or Half & Half, Salt, Pepper Directions: Sauté diced onion and celery, then add flour and butter to make a brown roux that is somewhat dark but not quite as dark as for a gumbo. Add water or broth, some milk or half and half, and salt and pepper. Then add a copious number of lettuce leaves, like a colander full, and stir. Turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to wilt the lettuce. An option is to add a teaspoon of cider vinegar to your soup bowl.  Characteristics:  Organic Heirloom Crisp and juicy 16-18" wide From the Collection, 2025 Instructions - Sow continuously for a constant supply of lettuce. Best grown in cooler weather. Plant in full sun or partial shade.  Direct Seed: 1" apart  Seed Depth: 1/4"  Germination: 7-14 days  Thin: 6-8" apart   Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

This delightful, productive, and, yes, hardy, eggplant variety has survived floods, droughts, frosts, and even a hurricane since originating in 1958 at the Morden Research and Development Centre in Canada. It produces stunning, rose-purple flowers and a plethora of 3"-4" purple, oval fruits with a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture. Plants reach 18-30" tall, making them ideal for growing in containers.  75-80days from transplant 25 Seeds per packet Instructions - Start eggplant indoors 6-9 weeks before the average last frost. Soak seeds first to encourage germination and then sow ¼" deep. Using bottom heat for a week to 10 days will help with sprouting. Transplant in warm soil in a location that gets 8-10 hours of direct sun each day. If growing eggplant in raised beds or containers, keep the plants well-watered. Start Indoors: 8 weeks before the last frost Germinate for 14 Days Plant Outdoors: 18-24” Apart Light: Full Sun This delightful, productive, and, yes, hardy, eggplant variety has survived floods, droughts, frosts, and even a hurricane since originating in 1958 at the Morden Research and Development Centre in Canada. It produces stunning, rose-purple flowers and a plethora of 3"-4" purple, oval fruits with a rich, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture. Plants reach 18-30" tall, making them ideal for growing in containers.  60-65 days from transplant Organic Thornless 25 Seeds per packet We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)

Potawatomi Lima Bean - A vigorous and heavy producer. In our zone 4 garden we plenty to eat and plenty to raise for seed.   If you want to try limas for the first time, this would be one of my top choices. We grow this variety in our heirloom gardens at Firefly Farm & Mercantile in Cashton, Wisconsin.  The Potawatomi lima was stewarded by the Potawatomi Nations of southern Michigan. They are one of the top limas for the north. They can be braised, boiled, or sauted fresh. They always provide us with creamy and delicious dishes.   Characteristics:  Good for the North and Great for the South Prolific producer Pole Lima bean 85 days for eating, 105 for dried 10 or 25 seeds or enough to do 10-12' of fence Instructions:  Lima beans thrive in hot temperatures. Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Seeds will germinate in 7-18 days. Limas prefer full sun.  Direct Seed 2-3" apart or 6" apart if you want to skip thinning. We hold a few seeds back in case we have any gaps.  Planting Depth 1" Rows Apart: 48-72" or we just run them down our fence line.  Full Sun

Seedsaver's Exchange - Eduardo Valenzuela, an Exchange lister from California, donated this variety to Seed Savers Exchange circa 2006 Peruvian Ground Cherries are smaller and more tart as compares to their European counterpart.  Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep 4-6 weeks before last frost. Plant out when the danger of frost has passed. Excellent results when grown on landscape cloth, which suppresses weeds and makes collecting the fruits easier. Start indoors 6 weeks before the last frost Germinate 14 days Plant 2-3' apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability 

Seedsaver's Exchange - This broccoli variety grows slowly in the winter and produces an abundance of spectacular purple, buttery-soft, and nutty-flavored shoots in the spring. Originally listed in John Mason’s 1793 seed catalog, it yields both florets that can be eaten fresh in salads or steamed as a side dish and leaves that add flavor and texture to stir-fries. Plants reach about 3' tall. For best results, sow this variety mid- to late-summer and overwinter to produce florets the following spring.  Florets can be cut, and new florets will emerge 90-110 days from transplant Conventional Cool season crop 100 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. Plant out just before the last frost. Broccoli prefers cool temperatures and a regular supply of water. In many regions it can be grown as both a spring and fall crop. Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost Germination 3-10 days Plant apart 24"  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability.