Other Vegetable Seeds

We like growing these outs though we never tried putting them in our pocket. They grow fast and are good short season variety for folks where their seasons are a little short. Our orginal seed comes from Seedsavers and we offer their retail branded packets for those that want a beautiful picture.  The Seed Savers Exchange - (C. pepo) (aka Dancing) Sent to SSE by member Junior Gordon whose seeds were from his brother in Hickman County, Tennessee. Years ago children would carry these gourds in their pockets to play with at school where they would spin them on their desks. Hard-shelled when dried, great ornamental. 90-100 days. Characteristics:  Used for fall decorations Great for market growers and roadside stands 90-100 days 25 Seeds per pack  Instructions: Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed in 12" diameter hills. Space hills 6' apart in all directions. In short-season areas, growth from transplants started indoors 8 weeks in advance. Gourds grow well on fences or garden trellises. Direct Seed: 1" Deep Seeds to Hill: 6-8 Seeds Thin: To 3-4 Plants Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (aka Old Fashioned Okra) Tall 7' plants have purple coloration on leaves and thick pods that are best picked at about 3" long. Cross-sections of pods look like the Star of David, giving this variety its name. Like many okra varieties, this plant bears beautiful flowers and foliage that could warrant a place in the ornamental border. 60-75 days.  Characteristics:  Plants grow to 7 feet tall Plants have purple coloration on leaves Best harvested when pods are 3 inches long 60-75 days 100 Seeds per packet  This variety will grow well in most regions of the United States but does not tolerate cold well. 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 Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - 102 days. One of the earliest-maturing varieties for the South, and one of the most widely grown varieties in the southern mountains. Grows 6-8 ft. tall; susceptible to lodging if not harvested early. Used for early production of very good quality syrup. Small packet has about 350 seeds. Characteristics:  A mix of many varieties in multiple colors Nice addition to floral arrangements 100-110 days 7 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 

High Mowing Organic Seeds - An improved Imperial Star-type adapted for organic production. Nearly spineless plants yield 7-8 uniform artichokes, each averaging 4.5" in diameter. Artichokes are green with purple tips and are buttery and tender when steamed. Can be grown as an annual from seed in one season. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  Plants grow 3-4' tall  Short vernalization period  90 days  10 seeds     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

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Beautiful 3-5 ft. plants with red stems and leaf veins. The bright red calyxes can be used to make “zingy” tea, sauce, syrup, or jam, or candied whole for an unusual treat. For strongly flavored teas, simmer for 10-20 minutes. Roselle was called “Florida cranberry” in the 1890s. The flowers and young leaves are edible and have a citrus tang. The stir-fried greens are much used in Burmese cooking! Space plants 3-6 ft. apart – the wider the spacing, the more calyxes will ripen. The only variety in several trials to begin flowering by mid-summer here in Virginia. Small (0.6 g) packet has about 20 seeds. (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Characteristics:  3-5' tall and wide Zingy Flavor Easy to grow  Approx 20 seeds   Instructions - Frost-tender perennial. Germination: 75-85°F, 7-14 days. Transplant after last frost. Full sun. 36-60 in. tall. Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Seed Savers Exchange co-founders, Diane Ott Whealy and Kent Whealy, brought this variety with them when they moved to Decorah, Iowa, in 1984. Diane recounts its origin in her memoir, Gathering: “A few years earlier, a gentleman had sent me a three-pound Folgers coffee can full of seed. He said the plants were always grown from seed and rivaled any commercial variety, but they came to me with no name. His claim was true. These plants were eventually transplanted to a patch in front of the barn at Heritage Farm and 20 years later have developed into a magnificent bed. One good thing about growing older: your asparagus patch gets better.” Characteristics:  Perennial Organic Large Stalks 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 8-12 weeks before the last frost Germination 20-60 days Plant Outdoors: 4-6” Apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Early variety with tart flavor when young, becoming sweeter as it ripens. High Mowing Organic Seeds - Medium to large size fruits are ready to harvest when husks split and fruit color changes from yellow-green to medium green. Perfect for Salsa Verde or as a special addition to any Mexican dish. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated Semi-determinate Uniform fruit  60 days  1/10 gram  Instructions - Tomatoes are warm-season tender annuals. Tomatoes yield best in clay or loam soils that are well-drained and high in organic matter. They can tolerate acid soil as low as 5.5, but they prefer to grow in the 6.0-6.8 range. Days to maturity are from transplants. Start seeds 6-8 weeks before the planting date.  Planting depth: 1/8-1/4"  Plant spacing: for determinate varieties 12-18", for indeterminate 24-36" Row Spacing: 4-6’ centers"  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Turga Parsnip, our most popular parsnip and for good reason! It is an excellent parsnip for gardens with heavier soils. Parsnips also make good companion crops helping to attracts beneficial insects. We offer it organically by Southern Exposure Seed Exchange and because of its popularity with market gardeners we do buy it in bulk from a small farm who practices farming naturally.  Southern Exposure Seed Exchange -Flavorful, sweet, 5-7 in. stout parsnips with smooth white skin. Short, stout roots are good for heavy clay soils.  This hardy root vegetable develops a sweet, nut-like flavor after it has been heavily frosted. Parsnips were once a common vegetable at the dinner table and they deserve to come back in style. In the 1800s parsnips were often used to make marmalade and wine. Heirloom  Especially well-suited to the South-East  From Small Farms  Instructions -    Sow seed in spring as soon as soil can be worked; sow within a few weeks of last spring frost at the latest. Seeds may take 2-3 weeks to germinate and soil must not dry out. Radishes may be used to prevent soil crusting and to mark the location. Parsnips are even slower to germinate in hot soil and will be overwhelmed by weeds before they can germinate, so plant early!   A heavy frost may be necessary for full flavor development. Roots may be harvested or left in place during the winter for use in the spring. For a winter supply place roots horizontally in small boxes filled with garden soil or sand. Bring a box inside to thaw as needed. Plant 1/2 in. deep in raised beds  Thin: 4-6 in. each way  You can also plant in rows 18 in. apart with plants thinned to 4 in.  Well-drained soil    Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - Colorful mixture of heavily warted 3-4 ounce fruits. Good range of colors and many multicolors. Extremely sturdy stems, long keepers, colors fade in storage. 90-100 days. Characteristics:  Fruits are single color or multicolor All varieties are heavily warted Fruits grow to 3-4 ounces Long keepers but colors fade in storage 90-100 days Instructions: Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed in 12" diameter hills. Space hills 6' apart in all directions. In short-season areas, growth from transplants started indoors 8 weeks in advance. Gourds grow well on fences or garden trellises. Direct Seed: 1" Deep Seeds to Hill: 6-8 Seeds Thin: To 3-4 Plants Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

This is a favorite to grow! It is a giant producer for us. We are offering this in bulk starting 12/15. We have orders for 4-5 packets at a time so we thought best just to offer that.  Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Brought to the Americas from Africa during the slave trade. Grown by Jefferson at Monticello. Once the standard for southern peas, this variety is drought-tolerant and will grow in almost all soils. 5 ft. vines produce extended harvests of 7-9 in. green pods. Small seeds are light brown with dark speckles, good eaten green or dried. Small packet has about 85 seeds. 72 days. Vigna unguiculata Certified Organic  Heirloom  Especially well-suited to the South-East  85 seeds Instructions - Need warm soil to germinate; sow a month after the last frost. Grow in the same manner as pole beans or along a trellis, sow seeds 3/4 in. deep, 4 in. apart, thinning to 8 in. One planting along a tall trellis will produce well all season.  Easily grown Thrive in hot weather  Tolerant of a wide range of soils  Flavor - The flavor is similar to southern peas but with a drier, nutty quality. Sweet and mild, resembling the combined flavor of asparagus, mushrooms, and beans. Braid or tie into knots before cooking. The young leaves and stems are also edible.  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

A cold-tolerant, disease-resistant mix. High Mowing Organic Seeds - This attractive blend of colors and leaf types creates an eye-catching, all-around pleasing mix for the garden or market. Most of these lettuces have good downy mildew resistance, essential for fall and winter plantings in regions with downy mildew pressure. Characteristics: Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  High Mowing Organic Seeds Exclusive  Cold-hardy  High disease resistance  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

Uniform long-season root with creamy white flesh and sweet, nutty flavor for roasting, sautés and mashing. High Mowing Organic Seeds - Gets sweeter when exposed to cold temperatures. Shows resistance to canker, a fungal pathogen that causes black lesions on the root. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated Stores up to 5 months 10-12" long roots 120 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

Currently we have Organic Listada di Gandia Eggplant from Seed Savers - Organic Listada de Gandia Eggplant (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com) High Mowing- Beautiful Striped Eggplant from Spain (often thought of as Italian) Very productive plants produce abundant tender, delicious fruits with unusually thin skin. Egg-shaped petite fruits fit in the palm of your hand and are great for smaller portions. Holds its color even at large sizes. Organic Harvest when 6-8 inches long Gourmet Appeal Striped Exterior 85 days from transplant 1/64 oz   Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Eggplants germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until soil is warm. Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost Plant 1/4" deep Germinates in 14 days Plant Rows 18-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability