Loewen Family Heirloom Ground Cherry, Organic
$3.75
$3.95
The Seed Savers Exchange - The very productive plants have sprawling growth and the tangy and sweet fruits are about ⅔" in diameter and encased in a papery husk. We found these to be slightly sweeter and smaller than Aunt Molly's. Allow the fruit to fall to the ground before harvesting. This ground cherry has been passed down through at least four generations of women; it was brought to Canada from Russia in 1925. 80 days from transplant.
Characteristics:
Organic
Fruits grow to 2/3" in diameter
80 days from transplant
50 Seeds per packet
Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. 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 12-18" apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability
Long Purple Eggplant, Organic
$3.25
$3.75
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Long, slender fruits (2 x 10 in.) are slightly bulbous on the blossom end. Best harvested when 1 in. in diameter. The dark-purple fruits can be sliced like a cucumber. Pkt.
Certified Organic
Especially well-suited to the South-East
75 Days
.25g, ~50-80 seeds
Instructions - Start seeds 8-10 weeks before setting outside, and set out 1-2 weeks after your last frost-free date. Don’t rush the season because cold-shock can stunt the seedlings. Flowers may not set fruit during exceptionally hot weather. Mature plants have good vigor in fall, so cover plants on frosty nights for 1-2 weeks to extend the harvest season. Keep well picked to keep plants producing. Small fruits have the best eating quality. Fruits are ripe when the skin appears glossy and the fruit is resilient to thumb pressure.
Space plants at 24" in equidistant spacing or 20" apart in rows 36" apart.
Avoid growing on soil that has previously grown tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, or especially eggplants for the past three years.
Days to maturity are from the transplant date
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability
Louisiana Long Green (Green Banana) Eggplant, Organic Heirloom
$3.50
$3.75
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange -Louisiana Long Green or Green Banana Eggplant.
Attractive 6-12 in. light green, banana-shaped fruits. Spineless plants average 4 ft. tall. The skin is not bitter and is easily eaten when harvested young about 5-6" in length. This plant is very prolific so be rady to add support.
Certified Organic
Heirloom
Especially well-suited to the South-East
.25g, ~55 seeds
Instructions -
Start seeds 8-10 weeks before setting outside, and set out 1-2 weeks after your last frost-free date. Don’t rush the season because cold-shock can stunt the seedlings.
Flowers may not set fruit during exceptionally hot weather. Mature plants have good vigor in fall, so cover plants on frosty nights for 1-2 weeks to extend the harvest season.
Keep well picked to keep plants producing. Small fruits have the best eating quality. Fruits are ripe when the skin appears glossy and the fruit is resilient to thumb pressure.
Space plants at 24" in equidistant spacing or 20" apart in rows 36" apart.
Avoid growing on soil that has previously grown tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, or especially eggplants for the past three years.
Days to maturity are from the transplant date
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability
Magenta Magic Orach
$3.45
$3.75
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - A lively addition to salads. Young orach is tender, perfect for microgreens, or mesclun mix. The slightly spicy upright plants hold their flavor even in hot weather.
Characteristics:
Organic
Best when harvested between 6" and 2' tall
Self-sowing
.5g (~60 Seeds per packet)
29-44 days
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors 2-3 weeks after the last frost. Harvest leaves that are 4-6" tall, harvest continually, and make successive plantings.
Direct Seed: 2" Apart
Seed Depth: 1/2"
Germination: 7-10 Days
Thin: 6-8" Apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability
Mammoth Sandwich Island Salsify, 1800's Hierloom
$3.45
$3.95
The Seed Savers Exchange -) aka Sandwich Island, Originally native to the Mediterranean, this variety dates to at least the 1880s. Known as “Vegetable Oyster” due to its uncanny oyster-like flavor. Long tapered roots average 8-10" long and 1" in diameter. Creamy white skin and white flesh. Upright grass-like leaves. 120 days. (Tragopogon porrifolius)
Characteristics:
Creamy white roots
Roots are tapered and grow to 8-10 inches
Leaves are upright and grass-like
Subtle oyster-like flavor
120 days
100 Seeds
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in early spring as soon as soil can be worked. Seeds will germinate in 3 weeks. Salsify prefers deep friable soil and is most delicious after a frost. Dig roots in late fall.
Direct Seed: 1" Apart
Seed Depth: 1/2"
Rows Apart: 18-24"
Thin: 2-3" Apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability
Mayo Indian Grain Amaranth, Mexican Heirloom, Organic
$3.25
$3.75
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Mayo Indian Grain Amaranth 90 days, from Sonora, Mexico, Very vigorous variety with sturdy stalks. Can reach 7-8 ft. tall in good conditions. Primarily used for grain or to make pinole and atole. The leaves may also be used like spinach. Black seeds. The stalks, leaf veins, and large seed heads are a beautiful maroon red, a bright contrast to the green foliage. Makes a nice ornamental as well. (Amaranthus cruentus)
Grain, Pinole, Atole, or as a green
Drought tolerant
Certified Organic
Heirloom
7-8' tall
~850 seeds, 1g
Instructions -
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability
Mesclun Mix, Organic
$3.50
Our best-selling item for the home garden!
High Mowing Organic Seeds - Our own HMOS blend of lettuce and mustard greens. The diversity of this mix will give you a great medley of flavor and color. Mustards grow quickly, shading the soil for lettuces, creating a bountiful mix of greens suitable for cut-and-come-again harvest.
Characteristics:
Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated
High Mowing Organic Seeds Exclusive
A complementary mix of lettuces and mustards
28 days
1/32 oz approx.
Instructions - Lettuce is cool-season annual in the Compositae family. Choose cool, well-drained, loose soil. Lettuce is sensitive to low pH. Lettuce can be seeded in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked.
Plant 1/8" deep
Plant 8-12" apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability
Mixed Colors Broomcorn Sorghum Heirloom Seeds
$3.75
$4.25
The Seed Savers Exchange - A type of sorghum traditionally used in broom-making. A diverse mix of varieties in many colors. Includes Apache Red, Texas Black Amber, Tennessee Red, Nicaraguan Broom, Iowa Red, Hadley Kidd, Moyer Sonnen, Sattie Museum, Moyer Jensen Gold, Hungarian Red, and Black, Ramirez South Chile, and Kepley. Gorgeous in floral arrangements. 100-110 days. ±1,200 seeds/oz.
Characteristics:
A mix of many varieties in multiple colors
Nice addition to floral arrangements
100-110 days
100 seeds per packet
This variety will grow well in most regions of the United States but prefers a long, frost-free growing season.
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors 1" deep after danger of frost has passed. For good pollination and full ears, plant in blocks of 3-6 rows instead of one long row. Thin seedlings to 8" apart. Corn is a heavy feeder and does best in well-drained fertile soil with plenty of water.
Direct Seed: 4" Apart
Germination: 4-21 Days
Rows Apart: 36-48"
Light: Full Sun
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability
Monstorpolgi Celeriac, 1600's Heirloom, Organic
$3.75
Not available for 2024 Seed Exchange - Savored by Seed Savers Exchange members for over 20 years and reportedly by the French since the 1600s, this celery root variety has a mild, sweet celery flavor and firm, round roots that measure 3” long by 3-4” wide. Its root, stems, and leaves make a fine addition to soups and stews. Acquired from member Suzanne Ashworth, who obtained it from Redwood City (California) Seed Company. 100 days.
Organic
Mild, sweet celery flavor
Excellent for soups and stews
100 days
150 Seeds
Instructions - Sow seeds indoors 1/8" deep in warm, moist soil, 10-12 weeks before planting outdoors. Transplant outdoors spacing 6" apart in 30" rows. Note: celeriac will bolt early if exposed to cool temperatures (below 55°F).
Start indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost
Germinate 14 days
Plant 24" apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability
Nadmorska Rutabaga, Organic
$3.25
$3.75
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange -
From seed collected in Lithuania in 2007 by the Seed Ambassadors Project. Large, vigorous, and early maturing. Green tops, sweet golden flesh. Unusually, roots are longer and more oval than regular round rutabagas.
Certified Organic
Heirloom
Especially well-suited to the South-East
From Small Farms
2g or ~900 seeds.
Instructions -
Rutabaga are similar to turnips but planted for fall harvest. Plant 8-10 weeks before the first fall frost.
Harvest when roots are 3-6" across. Harvest before temperatures drop below 20 degrees F
Sow seeds 1" apart
12-16" apart
Thin: 8" apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability
Porto Spineless Cardoon, Artichoke Flavor, Heirloom
$4.00
$5.50
Firefly Farm & Mercantile - Porto Spineless Cardoon are grown for their artichoke flavor. You eat the midrib and leaf stalks of the cardoon plant. They should be blanched before harvesting. You can use this as a side dish or is in used in stuffing, soups or stews.
Blanching involves wrapping leaves in newspaper, burlap, or black plastic for a few weeks before harvesting. This prepares the stem for eating. These are also grown for their thistle like flowers and serrated silver green leaves.
Perennial in Zones 6–10. Cynara cardunculus
Characteristics:
Non-GMO, and open-pollinated
Plants grow 3-4' tall
Perennial in Zones 6–10.
100 days
25 seeds
Not available to ship to California
Instructions -Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. Plant outdoors after danger of frost has passed but the days are still cool. Fertilize liberally for best results. An annual in zones 3-6 (vernalization recommended) or perennial in zones 7+
Sow Indoors: 8-10 weeks before the last frost
Germination: 10-20 Days
Plant Rows: 3-4' apart
Plant Spacing: 2-3'
Full Sun
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability
Purple Tomatillo, Organic
$3.75
$3.95
The Seed Savers Exchange - Dark purple fruits are smaller (1½-2") and have a sweeter flavor than green tomatillos. Makes an attractive purple salsa, also great grilled. Noticeably less sticky than most tomatillos. 90 days from transplant.
Characteristics:
Organic
Purple fruits are very sweet
Fruits grow to 1-2 inches
Less sticky than other tomatillos
90 days from transplant
25 Seeds
Instructions - Culture is very similar to tomatoes. Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. Transplant outdoors when the soil has warmed. Plants are self-supporting, but sprawl over a large area. Cage or trellis when space is limited.
Start indoors 6 weeks before the last frost
Germinate 14-21 days
Plant 24-36" apart
Full Sun
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability
Purple Vienna (or Early Purple Vienna) Kohlrabi, Organic
$3.75
$3.95
The Seed Savers Exchange - (Brassica oleracea) (aka Early Purple Vienna, Di Vienna Violetto) Purple-skinned above ground bulbs with crisp white flesh. Sweet turnip-like flavor. Excellent raw or steamed. Best harvested at 2½" diameter. Slightly larger and later than White Vienna. 55-70 days. ±10,000 seeds/oz.
Characteristics:
Organic
Purple-skinned, above ground bulbs
Bulbs should be harvested at 2-3 inches in diameter
Sweet turnip-like flavor
55-70 days
250 Seeds per packet
Instructions - Best grown in cooler weather. Sow seeds outdoors as soon as soil can be worked and the danger of hard frost has passed. Can also be started indoors and transplanted out. Plant in full sun or partial shade. Kohlrabi is also an excellent fall crop.
Direct Seed 1" apart
Plant 1/4" deep
Plant Rows 12-18" apart
Thin to 4" apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability
Purple de Milpa Tomatillo, Organic
$3.75
$3.95
The Seed Savers Exchange - The tomatillo that grows wild in Mexican cornfields. Very small (¾") purple-tinged fruits borne on 3-4' tall plants. Fruit typically does not burst through husk when ripe. The sharp flavor is preferred by some cooks over other tomatillos. 70-90 days from transplant.
Characteristics:
Organic
Purple-tinged fruits grow to less than 1 inch
Plants grow to 3-4 feet
Does not burst through husk when ripe
70-90 days from transplant
25 Seeds
Instructions - Culture is very similar to tomatoes. Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. Transplant outdoors when soil has warmed. Plants are self-supporting, but sprawl over a large area. Cage or trellis when space is limited.
Start indoors 6 weeks before the last frost
Germinate 14-21 days
Plant 24-36" apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability
Rainbow Broomcorn Sorghum, Heirloom Seeds, Organic
$3.45
$3.95
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Gorgeous ornamental. 7-8 ft. tall mix of colorful sprays of red-bronze, brown, black, and burgundy, plus natural straw color. Small packet has about 350 seeds.
Characteristics:
A mix of many varieties in multiple colors
Nice addition to floral arrangements
100-110 days
5 grams or ~350 seeds per packet
This variety will grow well in most regions of the United States but prefers a long, frost-free growing season.
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors 1" deep after danger of frost has passed. For good pollination and full ears, plant in blocks of 3-6 rows instead of one long row. Thin seedlings to 8" apart. Corn is a heavy feeder and does best in well-drained fertile soil with plenty of water.
Direct Seed: 4" Apart
Germination: 4-21 Days
Rows Apart: 36-48"
Light: Full Sun
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability
Red Burgundy Okra, Organic
from $3.40
$3.75
The Seed Savers Exchange - (aka Burgundy) Bred by Leon Robbins at Clemson University after eight years of careful selection. Introduced in 1983; All America Selections winner in 1988. Stunning 4' plant with burgundy accents and tender burgundy pods up to 6" long. Good yields. 55-60 days. ±500 seeds/oz.
Characteristics:
Organic
Plants grow to 4 feet tall
Pods are deep burgundy
Pods grow to 6 inches long
55-60 days
100 Seeds per packet
Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has warmed. Tolerant of heat and drought, but not of cold. Keep well picked for higher yields.
Direct Seed 2" apart
Plant 1/2" deep
Thin 6-8" apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability
Red Foliated White Cotton, Heirloom, Organic
$4.99
$5.75
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - 120 days , Given by Alice Gamewel via Charles Hoehnle. Introduced 2008 by SESE. A beautiful plant with dark red stems and leaves. 3-5 ft. tall, grows well in a container or in a flower bed. Green when it first emerges but soon develops its red coloring. The cotton is a short staple white.
Brown Cotton was grown pre-Civil War by slaves who were not permitted to grow white cotton. There were also green, blue, yellow and poink naturally colored cottons. These heirloom cottons are now quite rare. Cannot ship to TX. Some other southeastern states require a waiver or permit; contact your extension agency for more information.
Instructions - Cotton is an annual plant that requires a long, warm growing season to mature properly. Needs full sun. In zones 8-10 it can be sown directly after the last frost. In zones 5-7, treat like tomatoes, start seed indoors and transplant out 4-8 week-old seedlings after last frost. Seed germinates in 7-21 days at 70 degrees F. Plant 18-30 in. apart in rows 5 ft. apart. Plants start flowering in mid-summer. Bolls take a few more months to mature; warm late summer weather is necessary for a good crop. Plants grow to 3-7 ft. tall.
Harvest: Wait for bolls to split open before harvesting. (Note: bolls that split open after a frost are damaged and immature.)
Seed Savers: Isolate varieties by 1/8 mile for home use, or 1/4 to 1/2 mile or greater for pure seed.
Virginia gardeners must acquire a permit to grow cotton. For more information, contact your nearest extension agent.
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability
Rosa Bianca Eggplant, Organic, Heirloom
$3.50
$3.75
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - A beautiful Italian heirloom, somewhat similar to Listada de Gandia with creamy white base color and pink-purple irregular stripes radiating from the top. One of our best-tasting eggplants.
Certified Organic
Heirloom
Especially well-suited to the South-East
From Small Farms
Instructions - Start seeds 8-10 weeks before setting outside, and set out 1-2 weeks after your last frost-free date. Don’t rush the season because cold-shock can stunt the seedlings. Flowers may not set fruit during exceptionally hot weather. Mature plants have good vigor in fall, so cover plants on frosty nights for 1-2 weeks to extend the harvest season. Keep well picked to keep plants producing. Small fruits have the best eating quality. Fruits are ripe when the skin appears glossy and the fruit is resilient to thumb pressure.
Space plants at 24" in equidistant spacing or 20" apart in rows 36" apart.
Avoid growing on soil that has previously grown tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, or especially eggplants for the past three years.
Days to maturity are from the transplant date
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability
Scarlet Ohno Revival Turnip, Organic
$3.50
Hot pink, rounded roots with pink-streaked white interiors and mild, crunchy taste great for pickling.
High Mowing Organic Seeds - This specialty radish is especially cherished by chefs who love its contrasting colors and unique aesthetic. Greens have long strap-shaped leaves and are smooth with magenta midribs. Improved variety from Frank Morton of Wild Garden Seeds in Oregon. This variety is protected by the Open Source Seed Initiative
Characteristics:
Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated
Salad or storage
2" round
OSSI
50 days
1/32 oz approx.
Instructions - Turnips and Rutabagas (Brassica rapa and Brassica napus) are cool-season biennials in the Brassicaceae family. Turnips and Rutabagas can tolerate slightly alkaline soil. Deep, loose, well-drained fertile soil with moderate nitrogen levels is best.
Plant 3/4" deep
Plant Rows 12-18" apart
Thin to 4-10" apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability
Seven Top or Southern Prize Turnip Greens, Organic, Heirloom pre-1880 origin
$3.25
$3.75
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange -45 days. Pre-1880, Popular Southern variety often grown for winter green. Used for greens, not the roots, which are woody. Leaves grow 18-22 in. tall, but should be harvested when young and tender.
3g or ~1300 Seeds
Included in Slow Food USA’s Ark of Taste
Instructions - Sow outdoors in early spring for spring and early summer or late summer for fall and winter harvests.
Sow seeds 1" apart
10-12" apart
Thin: 2" apart
Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability