New Heirloom Seeds

Black Muddy River Tomato - Bred by Michael Curtice of Grateful Gardens, the Black Muddy River Tomato performed remarkedly well with neglect. We always like to put new to us varieties in our trial beds that range from weekly pampering to neglect. It performed so well, the fruit was abundant providing a crateful to us by season's end on a dozen plants.  The tomato has a rich tomatoey flavor and the dark oblong fruits invite you in. They cook well in sauces and with their color they elevate salads and side dishes when used fresh. Similair in size to our Blush Artisan Tiger Tomato We had no issues with the fruit or the leaves having any type of blight or fungal disease.  Indeterminate, 70 days from transplant Characteristics:  Fruits grow 4-5" Long, weighing 1-2oz Large Grape tomato Blight resistant Dark Purple, Black and Red Tomato Fruit ripens throughout the season 70 days from transplant Instructions: Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. Tomatoes are sensitive to freezing temperatures, so wait to transplant outdoors until the soil is warm. Plant in full sun.  Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination 7-14 days Plant apart 24-36"  Support: Cage, stake, or trellis 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.  

Clemson Red Lima Bean - This is probably the heaviest lima for yields per vine. It's dark red limas are delicious and can handle any weather thrown at it. We grow this variety in our heirloom gardens at Firefly Farm & Mercantile in Cashton, Wisconsin.  The origin of the Clemson Red is rooted in Clemson University's agricultural program. This variety was released in the 1930's and gained popularity across the South. Clemson University has been integral in finding and developing crops for the deep south. Characteristics:  Prized for its disease resistance Heavy Yields Prolific producer Pole Lima bean 75-80 days for eating, 100 for dried We offer it in minipacks or packs of 25.  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

Burgundy Wine Lima Bean - Gorgeous lima and a heavy producer. In our zone 4 garden we plenty to eat and plenty to raise for seed.  This is a pole lima that excelled for us. We grow this variety in our heirloom gardens at Firefly Farm & Mercantile in Cashton, Wisconsin.  The origin of the Burgundy Wine Lima is of interest for Dr. John Wyche fans as it is thought this was one he raised. The lineage of this seed is not direct but that is part of Seedsaving! Mary Schultz of Monroe, Washington donated to Seedsavers Exchange (where I requested my original seedstock from). She received it from Lloyd Duggins of Indiana. And he received it from Dr. John Wyche is how it is understood. However it came to be, it is a beast of a producer.  Characteristics:  Good for the North and Great for the South Prolific producer Pole Lima bean 75-80 days for eating, 100 for dried We offer it in minipacks or packs of 25.  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

Northern Ruby Tomato - A fantastic shorter sized (2.5' tall) tomato for northern growers. It puts out a heavy yield of 3" long tomatoes that are virtually blemish free. We grow these in a dry field setting with no irrigation and they just produce. They are highly resistant to cracking.  These make amazing sauces. A super easy variety. Bred by Doug Beaty of Montana who selected the earliest plants for 20 years.  It is resistant to blight and has not had any issues of blossom end rot or other fungal diseases.  Characteristics:  Determinate Open Pollintaed Paste tomato Disease resistant  70-75 days from transplant Instructions -   Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. Tomatoes are sensitive to freezing temperatures, so wait to transplant outdoors until the soil is warm. Plant in full sun.  Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination 7-14 days Plant apart 24-36"  Support: Cage, stake, or trellis   Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Starts shipping 12/7 - Firefly Farm & Mercantile's United States Heirloom Seeds From Your State Collection- Heirlooms come from all over the world and right here in the United States we have some of the most remarkable heirlooms. This collection focuses on providing heirlooms on a state by state basis. We do not have all states selected but we are making it our mission to find heirlooms for all 50 states to offer them here.  All your seeds (2 full packets) will be in our custom United States Artwork envelope so it is perfect for gifts. We use seeds from our various seed companies or ones we grow and pack ourselves. Also included is a summary of the history of your heirloom seed. Your seed packets may contain beans, peppers, tomatoes, flowers, herbs, greens and more, our collection is diverse! Every state offers so many wonderful unique heirlooms, start discovery yours today.  Other Heirloom State Collections with their states we offer.  Northeast:  Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersy, New Hampshire Mid-Atlantic: Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Tenessee, Kentucky Midwest: Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, North and South Dakota Southeast: Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina  West Coast: California, Washington Lower Central: Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma Our gift envelopes are being made and will be arriving first week of December, shipping starts 12/7. 

Starts shipping 12/7 - Firefly Farm & Mercantile's United States Heirloom Seeds From Your State Collection- Heirlooms come from all over the world and right here in the United States we have some of hte most remarkable heirlooms. This collection focuses on providing heirlooms on a state by state basis. We do not have all states selected but we are making it our mission to find heirlooms for all 50 states to offer them here. All your seeds (2 full packets) will be in our custom United States Artwork envelope so it is perfect for gifts. We use seeds from our various seed companies or ones we grow and pack ourselves. Also included is a summary of the history of your heirloom seed. Your seed packets may contain beans, peppers, tomatoes, flowers, herbs, greens and more, our collection is diverse! Every state offers so many wonderful unique heirlooms, start discovery yours today.  Other Heirloom State Collections with their states we offer.  Northeast:  Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersy, New Hampshire Mid-Atlantic: Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Tenessee, Kentucky Midwest: Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, North and South Dakota Southeast: Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina  West Coast: California, Washington Lower Central: Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma Our gift envelopes are being made and will be arriving first week of December, shipping starts 12/7. 

Blue Coco Pole Bean is a vigorous and high producing pole bean. Its tender and sweet beans are a hit when eating fresh, cooked as a snap bean or saved as a dry bean for soups and other dishes. Blue Coco has been documented as early as 1775 in France. Its purple blue beans also are a knockout in the yard and garden because of their bold color. This is a kid favorite for its juicy and sweet pods as much as it is for the color. We grow this each year to offer as seeds. The dried seeds are a light brown in color.  This bean is grown at Firefly Farm in our hierloom production garden.  Pole bean Open-Pollinated High Producing Snap bean 60 days Grown at Firefly Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest frequently for increased yields. Direct Seed 3-4" apart, we like to thin to 6-8" Plant 1" deep Plant Rows 36-48" apart if doing rows.  Full sun  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)

The Seed Savers Exchange - This variety is also known as "Hmong Red" and comes from Thailand. It was introduced as an ornamental plant in the 19th century and is used by florists in fall arrangements as the fruit resembles miniature pumpkins. The eggplant is a member of the nightshade family and, as such, is related to both tomatoes and potatoes. It has been cultivated in southern and eastern Asia for thousands of years. The first written record of it is from a Chinese agricultural paper from the year 544 and it was noted in the Mediterranean region in the Middle Ages. The name "eggplant" most likely comes from European varieties of the 18th century that were yellow or white and did, in fact, resemble the egg of a goose. In British English it is known as an aubergine. Red-orange ribbed fruits grow up to 3 inches Fruits are bitter Plants grow to 2-3 foot Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. Transplant outdoors once the danger of frost has passed and soil is warm. Using landscape fabric or black plastic can accelerate growth and productivity in cooler climates. Start Indoors: 8 weeks before the last frost Germinate for 14 Days Plant Outdoors: 18-24” Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability  We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)

Early BFCM  Pricing Starts Today - Starts Shipping 12/1.   Firefly Farm & Mercantile's The Homesteader's Harvest- Raising your own food is an investment of time but gives peace of mind knowing that you can plant and harvest your own food and seedstock makes it worth it. The inspiration behind this collection is a fully stocked pantry. Many of our selections are heirlooms that have stood the test of test and all seeds are open-pollinated. From early spring greens to late fall's brussel sprouts, our Homesteader's Harvest will keep your pantry stock all season long.  Each seed packet lists the instructions for that specific variety. This seed collection allows you to save your seed as the entire collection is Open-Pollinated and always Non-GMO at Firefly Farm & Mercantile.  Rattlesnake Pole Bean - 25 Seeds Blue Coco Pole Bean - 25 Seeds Strike Bush Bean Snap Beans - 50 Seeds Golden Bantam Improved Corn - 100 Seeds Amish Snap Peas -40 seeds Valencia Day Neutral Onion -100 Seeds Dragon Carrot - 200 Seeds Scarlet Nantes Carrot - 200 Seeds Grandma Hadley Lettuce - 200 Seeds Buttercrunch Lettuce - 200 Seeds Amish Paste Tomato - 25 Seeds German Pink Heirloom Tomatoes (Slicing)- 25 Seeds  Indigo Apple Tomatoes (Sauces, Slicing) - 25 Seeds Blush Tomatoes (Grape) - 10 Seeds Wisconsin Lakes Sweet Peppers - 25 Seeds Jalapeno Traveler - 10 Seeds Ferehozon Hungarian Paprika Pepper - 20 Seeds Waltham Butternut Winter Squash - 20 Seeds Spaghetti Squash - 20 Seeds Black Futsu Pumpkin - 25 Seeds Costata Romensco Zuchinni - 10 Seeds Summer Croockneck Yellow Squash -10 Seeds Marketmore 76 Cucumbers - 25 Seeds National Pickling Cucumber - 25 Seeds Rasmus Broccoli - 25 Seeds Bloomsdale Spinach - 100 Seeds Lacinato Kale - 100 Seeds French Breakfast Radishes - 200 Seeds Golden Acre Cabbage - 50 Seeds Detroit Dark Beet - 100 Seeds Lutz Fall Keeper Beet - 175 Seeds Purple Top Turnips - 150 Seeds  Grey Striped Sunflowers - 50 Seeds Sweet Basil - 40 Seeds Bouquet Dill - 100 Seeds Borage - 20 Seeds, Loved by Pollinators Nasturium Mix - 25 Seeds Beed Feed Mix - 1 oz Seeds Large Flowering Dahlia Zinnia Mix - 50 Seeds Dwarf Mix Cosmos (50 Seeds) Bonus Seed Packet- 1 Soup Bean for your region: Varieties will include Jembo Polish, Cherokee Trail of Tears Black Bean, Turkey Craw, or Jacob Cattle  On the rare occasion we are out, we will substitute a variety that is similar will work great in your garden. 

Arrives 12/10 - Tomatoberry Tomato - The tomatos are shaped simliar to a heart with a tapered point at the blossom end. The tomato is bursting with tomato flavor even in the fall when the days are cooling down. The fruit experienced no cracking or any sign of diseases throughout the growing season.  It was a true rockstar perfect for market gardeners who need to have near perfect fruit in the garden. The 1" fruits also ripen in clusters making for easy harvests.  Since it is a protected hybrid the seeds will come from the hybridizer this year.  We were encouraged to grow this by a local gardener who frequents Firefly Farm & Mercantile's retail garden shop.  She was looking for the seed and the retails packs were not available so we found the seed in bulk.  We normally do not grow out many hybrids as we like to focus on open-pollinated varieties but I am glad we tried this one. Ready to harvest when soft to the touch and yellow-green steioes. Indeterminate, 80-95 days from transplant.  Characteristics:  Cherry tomato - 1" wide and 1.5" tall Fruit ripens throughout the season 60 days from transplant Instructions -   Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. Tomatoes are sensitive to freezing temperatures, so wait to transplant outdoors until the soil is warm. Plant in full sun.  Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination 7-14 days Plant apart 24-36"  Support: Cage, stake, or trellis   Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Kiwi Beefsteak Tomato - My first bite of Kiwi hooked me for life. The flavor is complex - citrusy, sweet and with a rich tomato profile. They are easy to grow and vey juicy. This variety was first listed in Seedsaver Seedsaving Directory in 2008 by Norbert Pikovsky of Pennsylvania. We grow this one out and happy to offer seeds so you can enjoy it too.  It is resistant to blight and has not had any issues of blossom end rot or other fungal diseases.  Ready to harvest when soft to the touch and yellow-green steioes. Indeterminate, 80-95 days from transplant.  Characteristics:  Green fruits grow 8-14 oz Beefsteak tomato Fruit ripens throughout the season 80-95 days from transplant Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. Tomatoes are sensitive to freezing temperatures, so wait to transplant outdoors until the soil is warm. Plant in full sun.  Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination 7-14 days Plant apart 24-36"  Support: Cage, stake, or trellis Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on 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)