Seeds - Vegetables

A & C Pickling Cucumber - We grow this every other year as we love the options of picking when small or letting it grow a little bigger and miss it when we don't decide to grow it.  Seed Savers- Also known as Ace. Uniformly straight 10" fruits hold their dark-green color for a long time. Very productive and a good choice for pickling, as the name suggests. Excellent variety for home or market gardens. Best picked when 4-6" long. Introduced in 1928 by Abbott & Cobb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 50-55 day Organic Uniform, 10 inch fruits Very productive 50-55 days 25 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12"-diameter hills after the last frost when soil is warm. Space hills 3' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost for an earlier harvest. This species benefits from consistent moisture. Provide support for vines to save space. Plant 6-8 Seeds on a Hill once soil warms up Plant 1" Deep Thin to 3 or 4 plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange -Abundant Bloomsdale Spinach is a very quick spinach to harvest at 47 days. Sweet, tender, bolt resistant, and bred for organic farmers. Savoyed, dark green leaves are held on upright stems. Bred by the Organic Seed Alliance (OSA) in partnership with organic farmers. Named after the Abundant Life Farm where this breeding project started in 2002. Each purchase helps support their breeding efforts.  Characteristics:  Organic & Open-Pollinated Dark green, glossy, savoyed leaves Tender leaves with excellent flavor Quick growing and productive Slow to bolt 47 days 3g or ~270 Seeds   Instructions - Spinach grows best in cool weather and should be planted in early spring or late summer to produce a fall crop. For best yields, harvest continually and make successive plantings every ten days. Plant 1" apart Plant 1/2" deep Thin 6" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability 

Adorna Cauliflower - Strong, vigorous plants with beautiful, high quality heads and a short harvest window. Well-domed compact heads with dense flavorful white curds that resist becoming fuzzy or ricey. Heads are well-protected; wrapper leaves are well suited to tying or the "break, fold and cover" method of blanching. Tolerant of bacterial soft rot and downy mildew. Spring or fall crop 5" heads Hybrid 63 days from transplant 10 Seeds Instructions  Cauliflowers are cool weather brassicas and should be timed for late spring harvests or fall and winter (mild climates) harvest. They can handle frosty conditions if acclimated before transplanting. Start 4-6 weeks before planting day. In general they can be planted 6 weeks before your average last frost.  Cauliflower prefer well-drained fertile soil that is within the range of 6.0-7.5 pH. A general guideline is 2-3 lbs of 8-16-16 fertilizer over 100 sq ft of the garden area two weeks before planting or 1-2” of compost.  If boron is not present in your soils, consider adding 1 Tbs per 100 sq ft.  Consider using row covers to protect from pests such as flea beetles and moths.  Loose, well-drained fertile soils  Plant 1/2" deep  Space plants 18" apart for fresh market Dress with compost every 30-45 days or you can use your favorite fertilizer. 

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 - Named after Ailsa, a small round island off the coast of Scotland that is solid rock. Introduced in 1887 by David Murray, gardener for the Marquis of Ailsa. Ailsa Craig is globe-shaped and solid. Large straw-colored onions with small necks average 2 pounds. Best for fresh use, not extended storage. Long-day type. 100 days from transplant. Characteristics:  Long-day onion Bulbs grow to 2 pounds Globe-shaped, solid bulbs Not for storage 100 days from transplant 100 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds indoors in flats ¼" deep and space 1" in all directions. Transplant outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Keep onions well weeded with shallow cultivation.  Start Indoors: 4-6 weeks before transplanting  Germination: 4-10 Days Plant Outdoors: 4-6” Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Seed Savers Exchange - Originally from Curico, Chile. The large 3' Aji Cristal Pepper plants produce very heavy sets of 3.5" long waxy fruits.  Pepper species are native to the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years. The Spanish and Portuguese brought them back to Europe and to their colonies in Africa and Asia. From there peppers continued to spread and develop. The chemical in hot peppers that causes a burning sensation is known as capsaicin and can be found in the highest concentration in the white pith around the seeds. Characteristics  Fruits ripen from light green to reddish-orange Waxy fruits grow to 3-4 inches Plants grow to 3 feet Hot pepper Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until the soil is warm. Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost Plant Rows 12-24” Apart Germinates in 14 days Full Sun  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

  Aji Limon by The Living Seed Company This flavorful, bright yellow pepper will catch your eye and delight your palate. The ají limón pepper will offer a bountiful harvest and is an easy going grower. With a bright citrusy flavor and aroma, this spicy pepper is perfect for a beautiful and delicious yellow hot sauce or salsa! Originally from Peru, this tangy pepper is also known as a Lemon Drop pepper and will be strong heat to any dish.  Organic & Open-Pollinated Mildly Hot pepper, 15,000 to 30,000 Scoville Units 80-100 days from transplant 15 Seeds   Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers 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 6-8 weeks before the last frost Plant 1/4" deep Germinates in 14 days Plant Rows 12-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier 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

Aji Rico Hot Pepper  -  This is a new pepper that was released in 2017 by the Pan American Seed Company.  It ripens faster than most hot peppers for its size making it an excellent choice for short season gardens.  hard to reproduce, this one seems stable enough from year 1 and even received the prestigious American Award Selections.  Plants reach 40-48" in height, the fruit is 4-6" long and has a Scoville rating of 5,000 but can be a little higher. The flavor profile is citrusy and sweet.  Our  farm grown seed is on the 5th year and is relatively stable.  We will also offer seed from High Mowing Organics for purchase in December 2026 Characteristics:  Non-GMO, F1 Hybrid but is stable. 4-6" Long Fruits, broadshoulders and slight taper to the base. 85 days 10 Seeds 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

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

Seed Exchange - A beet variety from Holland. Completely white sweet roots with delicious flavor. This beet never stains! For best color and to avoid green tops, blanch roots by hilling up with soil. 50 days. ±1,400 seeds/oz. White root, best to hill as it grows Sweet flavor Edible greens 50 days 100 seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Seeds will germinate in 5-10 days. Beets can be planted at two-week intervals for continuous harvests. All parts of the beet plant are edible. Direct Seed 2" apart Planting Depth 1/2" Thin 4-6" apart Plant Rows 20-24" apart

Preorder - Ready around 11/25!  It's back! We loved this one so much we grew it out so we could have year after year! It has been missed by so many since 2023. You would be hard pressed to find a better paprika! Starts shipping 11/25. Our source seed was Seedsaver's Exchange for the original seed. The peppers are thick walled, short and squatty which allows a lot of paprika in a short season garden!  Characteristics  Cherry type fruits ripen from cream-white to orange to red Fruits are thick-walled The sweet, mildly peppery flavor Highly productive 70-80 days from transplant 15 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼” deep. Peppers germinate best in warm soil, so gentle bottom heat may be helpful until seedlings emerge. Wait to transplant outdoors until the soil is warm. Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost Plant Rows 12-24” Apart Germinates in 14 days Full Sun  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Popular, fast-growing, early summer leek with a nice cylindrical shape and thick, white shaft. High Mowing Organic Seeds - Tall Bulgarian-type that can be left to mature for beautiful full-bodied leeks or harvested early for delicately flavored bunching leeks good for salads or lightly sauteed. Consistent performance in a summer production, not a winter hardy variety.  Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated Summer crop Versatile 75-85 days  1/64 oz approx.  Instructions - Leeks are a non-bulbing member of the Amaryllidaceae family. Well-drained soil with high fertility and pH 6.2-6.8 will grow the best leeks. They do not tolerate acid soil, especially as young seedlings.   Plant 1/4" deep  Thin to 6"  Plant Rows: 24" apart  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - This high-quality, heat- and drought-tolerant spinach is well-suited for spring sowing in long-day areas. Growing 8" tall with thick, deep-green, savoyed leaves, the acclaimed variety is slow to bolt. A 1952 All-America Selections winner, it was developed by the Dutch Seedhouse Sluis & Groot. It is a long-standing, compact Bloomsdale type and can be frozen, canned, or used fresh. 43-55 days. ±2,300 seeds/oz  Characteristics:  The plant grows to 8 inches tall Thick, deep green, savoyed leaves For freezing, canning, and fresh eating Slow to bolt and drought resistant 250 seeds per packet  Instructions - Spinach grows best in cool weather and should be planted in early spring or late summer to produce a fall crop. For best yields, harvest continually and make successive plantings every ten days.  Plant 1" apart Plant 1/2" deep Germination: 7-14 Days Thin 6-8" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability 

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - American Flag Leak or Broad London - The standard variety for home gardens. Stems average 1½ x 8-10 in., well-blanched from the base upward. Good variety for overwintering, hardy to at least 10°F, 130 Days, Allium ampeloprasum Characteristics:  Stalks grow to 15-20 inches Sweet and flavorful Good for short seasons Very tolerant of cold 130 days from transplant 3g, ~1,000 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep and space 1" in all directions. Transplant as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Hill or mound soil around stems several times to blanch as leeks grow. Sow Indoors: 4-6 weeks before the last frost Germinate 5-7 days Plants 6" apart Plant Rows 12-24" apart  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - Amish Deer Tongue produces bright and crisp green leaves in abundance.  harvest by the leaves or take the whole head.  They are able to withstand warm temperature a bit longer.  50 days Organic Looseleaf lettuce Heat-tolerant 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 Plant 1/4" deep Germinate 7-14 days Thin: 6-8" Apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability.

The Seed Savers Exchange - Amish melon was first offered in the SSE Yearbook in 1983. Oval fruits are 9" long and weigh 4-7 pounds. The sweet orange flesh is very juicy with full muskmelon flavor and a rather thick rind. Produces good crops under almost any conditions at Heritage Farm headquarters in northeast Iowa. 80-90 days. ±1,100 seeds/oz.  Characteristics:  Best Seller Organic Fruits grow to 9 inches and 4-7 pounds Juicy, orange flesh Good muskmelon flavor 80-90 days 25 Seeds per packet   Instructions - Melons love the heat. Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Space hills 6' apart in all directions. Seeds will germinate in 4-10 days. Can also be started indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost. Plant 1" deep Plant hills, 6-8 seed Germinate 7-14 days Thin: To 3-4 Plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability 

Tom Hauch of Heirloom Seeds commercialized this variety in 1990. It was acquired from the Amish near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Bright red 8-12 ounce fruits vary in shape from oxheart to rounded plum. Delicious flesh is juicy and meaty, excellent for sauce or fresh eating. One of Slow Food USAs Ark of Taste varieties.  Characteristics:  85 days from transplant Organic Best-selling paste tomato Bright red fruits grow to 8-12 ounces Fruits vary in shape from oxheart to plum Juicy and meaty flesh Excellent for sauce or fresh eating 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 last frost Germination 7-14 days Plant apart 24-36"  Plants need trellising or staking Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange -  Introduced to Seed Savers Exchange in 1982 by James Robinson, who is said to have acquired it from an Amish gardener in Maryland. Pale-orange flesh measures up to 5" thick, and the largest fruits weigh 60-80 pounds. Firm moist flesh is excellent for making pies and for freezing. 90-105 days.  Characteristics:  Pale orange flesh Flesh grows up to 5 inches thick Squash grow up to 60-80 pounds Winter squash 25 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Since squash takes a long time to mature, try starting your plants indoors 3-4 weeks before planting them outside. Plant your seeds 1 inch deep in soil trays or pots and when you plant them in the garden you can use rows 4-6 feet apart instead of hills. If you choose to directly sow your seeds in the garden, start by building up a hill of loose soil 12 inches across and plant 6-8 seeds at the top. As your plants grow, thin them to 3-4 plants per hill. These squash should be mature in about 90-105 days.  Direct Seed: 1" Deep Seeds to Hill: 6-8 Seeds Thin: To 3-4 Plants Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

The Seed Exchange - Superb snap pea was reportedly grown in the Amish community long before the present snap pea types. Vines grow 5-6' tall and are covered in 2" translucent green pods. Yields over a 6-week period if kept picked. Delicate and sweet even when the seeds develop. Snap, 60-70 days. Characteristics:  Best Seller The sweet and crisp flavor Vines grow to 5-6 feet, pods grow to 2 inches Snap pea 50 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. Double rows of peas can be planted on each side of a trellis. Direct Seed 2-3" apart Plant 1/2" deep Plant Rows 24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability