Seeds - Vegetables

High Mowing Company - Prolific yields of flavorful blunt fruits with distinctive jalapeno flavor. Small, moderately spicy fruits with thick walls are traditionally harvested dark green but can be allowed to ripen to red. A classic eaten fresh or pickled with Mexican dishes! Compact plants are sturdy and work well in containers. Organic & Open-Pollinated Mildly Hot pepper 5,000 Scoville Units 65 days from transplant for green, 85 days for red 10 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

Early Moonbeam Watermelon - 76 days. Sweet, crisp yellow icebox melon, 5-8 lbs. Thin, light green rind. Short vines make this a great melon for small gardens. Developed by Alan Kapuler.  Characteristics:  Organic and Open-Pollinated 5-8 lbs Sweet flavor Space Spacing plant with short vines.  76 days to maturity 2grams - 20-60 Seeds per packet This variety will grow well in most regions of the United States. Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Space hills 8' apart in all directions. Seeds will germinate in 4-10 days. Can also be started indoors 4 weeks before transplanting out. Watermelons love heat and prefer sandy or light-textured soils.  Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability 

Early Prolific Straightneck Squash - a favorite and strong producer for every climate Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Looking for a short season squash that you can pick weeks after planting, then this is your pick. It is an AAS winner and will be sure to please all those squash snobs as its creamy taste and texture is wonderful.  Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated Harvest at 3-7" 48 days  4g approx. 30-40 seeds on average   Instructions - Summer squashes are warm-season annuals. Plants need loose, fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of nitrogen and a pH of 5.8-6.8. Fertilize seedlings with fish emulsion if leaves are yellow. Days to maturity are from direct seeding. The optimum soil temperature for germination is about 85ºF. Best quality fruit is harvested at 5 – 8” or smaller.  Plant 1/2-1" deep Space plants 12-24"  Plant rows 5-6'  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier 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.  

The Seed Savers Exchange - Early forcing radish for home or market gardeners, good for bunching. One-inch globes with bright red skin and white flesh. A sure cropper. Plant in the spring or fall. 20-28 days Characteristics:  Round red roots grow to 1 inch Red skin and white flesh Highly productive Good for bunching Fall/winter and spring radish 20-28 days 250 Seeds per packet   Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Plant in full sun. Successive plantings can be made every 3-4 weeks throughout summer and fall to provide a continual harvest. Plant 1" apart Plant 1/2" deep Plant Rows 12" apart Thin 2-3" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - This is an older melon, classified as an heirloom from Korea but there is not much history on it.  It has seeds in the middle like a cantaloupe and its flavors range from pear in the middle to cucumber on its edges. It is very productive and fruit weigh 1-2 lbs.  Melons were developed and domesticated in Africa and Asia. Europeans settling in the Americas are recorded growing honeydew and casaba melons in the 17th century.  Characteristics: Organic Fruits grow to 1-2 pounds Crisp, refreshing flesh Lightly sweet flavor 25 Seeds per packet  This variety will grow well in most regions of the United States. 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 Thin: To 3-4 Plants Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability 

Seed Exchange - Smooth 6-7" heads of tightly formed white curds are solid, crisp, and tender. This variety is well-suited to being eaten raw, baked, roasted, or steamed. Can be overwintered for an early crop in warmer regions. Introduced to American gardeners in 1878 by Peter Henderson & Company. 60-85 days from transplant. Organic Crisp and tender white curds Heads grow to 6-7 inches across In warm regions it can be over-wintered 60-85 days from transplant 75 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.  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability.

The Seed Savers Exchange - aka Eden Gem, Rocky Ford Eden Gem, Early maturing variety developed in 1905 at Rocky Ford, Colorado as a “crate melon.” Amy Goldman, author of Melons for the Passionate Grower, claims this is one of her all-time favorites and “may cause drooling.” Softball-sized netted fruits weigh in at about 1 pound. Complex spicy flavor. 65-80 days. ±1,100 seeds/oz. Characteristics:  Organic Fruits grow to softball size Flesh is green and skin is netted Complex, spicy flavor 65-80 days 25 Seeds per packet    Instructions - Melons love 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 last frost. Plant 1" deep Plant hills, 6-8 seed Germinate 7-14 days Thin 3-4 plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability 

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Superb disease resistance and these very sweet melons are excellent for areas with hot, humid, areas.  The fruit ripens in the last 2 weeks so its good to check daily in the very last part of its ripening. 88 days. Characteristics: Organic Fruits 6-7" fruits Netted Round Oval Sweet orange flesh 88 days 50 Seeds per packet, 2g 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 Thin: To 3-4 Plants Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability 

Seed Exchange - A favorite of Seed Savers Exchange staff! This heirloom collard dates to at least 1935 and produces green, elliptical, tender leaves with a sweet, slightly fruity taste. The plants measure 15-22" tall by 22-35" wide and fare well in low temperatures. It was originally grown by Ellen Felton of Beaufort County, North Carolina, and acquired by SSE from the USDA in 2016. 60-80 days.  Organic From the Seed Savers Exchange Collection 150 seeds   On a Mission This heirloom collard dates back to at least 1935 in Beaufort County, North Carolina where it was grown by Ellen Felton. Ellen’s son, Harrell, continued to grow and save seed of this variety every year. In 2003, Harrell shared seeds of his mother’s variety with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Recognizing that this seed-saving tradition was in decline, the USDA embarked on a collard seed search in the Carolinas. Researchers drove many hundreds of miles and met several dozen home gardeners, like Harrell, who shared treasured, family heirloom varieties. Seed Savers Exchange is honored to bring this variety out of our bank and into the hands of gardeners. Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in spring after the last frost Plant 4" apart Plant 1/2" Deep Plant Rows 20-24" apart  Thin 12" Apart  

The Seed Savers Exchange - Introduced by W. Atlee Burpee in 1886 from seed sent by William Voorhees of Benzie County, Michigan. The most popular melon of that period, hailed as “altogether unapproached in delicious flavor and luscious beyond description.”  Characteristics:  Organic Fruits grow to 2-3 pounds Pale orange, juicy flesh Sweet and somewhat spicy flavor 70-90 days 25 Seeds per packet    Instructions - Melons love 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 last frost. Plant 1" deep Plant hills, 6-8 seed Germinate 7-14 days Thin 3-4 plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability 

Seed Exchange - Our very best snap bean for fresh eating, freezing, or processing, the Empress bean offers incredible flavor. The vigorous plants produce heavy yields of large, straight, green, 5-6” stringless pods. Plant in succession for fresh beans throughout the season. Introduced by Gurney’s in 1979 as Experimental Bean 121 and later renamed Empress. Bush habit, snap, 55 days BEST SELLER Organic Our best fresh-eating snap bean Bush habit 5-6" stringless pods Heavy yields Snap bean 55 days 50 seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest frequently for increased yields. Direct Seed 2" apart Planting Depth 1" Rows 36-48" apart

The Seed Savers Exchange - Developed by Professor Elwyn Meader at the University of New Hampshire and released in 1977. Upright 24" plants produce an abundance of all-green beans, excellent quality. Great short-season variety. 75-85 days. ±2,700 seeds/lb.  Characteristics:  Organic Green seeds Plants grow to 24 inches Excellent flavor Great short-season variety 75-85 days Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Soybeans can be used as edamame, fresh shell beans, or dry beans.  Direct Seed: 2" Apart Seed Depth: 1" Rows Apart: 24-36" Light: Full Sun  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability 

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - 130 days. [Family heirloom from Erlene Melancon in east Texas. Erlene said that she has been spinning green cotton for years and that her grandmother loved using colored cotton in her quilts.] The fibers are light olive green and can be spun off the seed. Harvest the bolls shortly after they open so that the fiber does not fade in the sunlight. Once it is spun and washed it turns yellowish-green. 5 ft. tall plants. Pkt (16-20 seeds)Cannot ship to TX, CA, GA, or SC. 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

The Seed Savers Exchange - Brought from Germany in the late 1800s by the family of Joseph J. Bratka of Elmwood Park, New Jersey. Smooth, round 4-5 ounce blemish-free fruits with cherry red flesh. Very good flavor. Healthy plants and foliage does well in humid areas. Indeterminate, 75 days from transplant. ±11,100 seeds/oz. Characteristics:  Smooth, round fruits are blemish-free Fruits grow to 4-5 ounces Cherry red flesh Very good flavor Does well in humid areas Indeterminate - Fruit ripens throughout the season 75 days from transplant ±11,100 seeds/oz 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 weeks before the last frost Germination 7-14 days Plant Outdoors: 24-36” Apart Support: Cage, stake, or trellis Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange  - This hardy white bunching onion is highly resistant to freezing and may be left in the ground year-round. Has resistance to thrips, smut, and pink root. This is a first-class perennial onion which needs only occasional division of clumps once established. . Characteristics:  Soft White Flesh 60 days  Organic 1 gram or Approx 450 seeds   Instructions - Sow seeds in early spring as soon as soil can be worked; or in mild growing areas, sow seeds in fall to overwinter for spring growth. To Start Transplants: sow 1 in. apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover about 1/4 in. deep. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are 2 to 3 in. tall. Transplant 4 in. apart, burying crowns 1 in. deep. To Start Outdoors: sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space 1 in. apart in rows 8 in. apart. Cover 1/4 in. deep, firm soil well over seeds, and keep evenly moist. Thin seedlings gradually to final 4 in. spacing, using the tasty thinnings.  Plant In: January - April  Full Sun  Plant rows 1 inch apart  Plant 1/4" deep 10-14 days to germinate  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange 50 days. Spineless variety from India averages 5½ ft. tall. Pods up to 8 in. long, pods remain tender for a long period. The Kerr Center named it the easiest variety to harvest (thanks to unbranched plants) in their trial of 30 heirloom varieties. Characteristics:  Organic Plants grow to 4 feet tall Pods are deep burgundy Pods grow to 6 inches long 50 days 4g, 80- 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

This beloved heirloom is back! The Seed Savers Exchange - This highly productive and beautiful yardlong bean bears pale-violet flowers and pods uniformly distributed throughout the plants. Tall vines require a strong trellis, with each stalk producing 1-2 solid-green pods encasing 16-20 brown-red, kidney-shaped seeds. Tender, juicy pods mature mid-season, reach 2' long, and have excellent flavor. This cowpea is especially delicious when eaten as a tender green bean. Grown by Vasco Marconi since at least the late 1950s in Chicago, this variety has been stewarded by family member Patti Trotsky of Naperville, Illinois, since the late 1990s. Patti donated seeds to Seed Savers Exchange in 2013. 70-80 days to maturity. Organic. Organic & Open-Pollinated Highly productive vines with violet flowers Green pods grow up to 24 inches long with 16-20 seeds each Delicious as a tender green bean Instructions - Cowpeas thrive in hot temperatures and full sun. Sow seeds outdoors when the soil has fully warmed. Thin to 3-6" apart. Seeds will germinate in 5-7 days. Direct Seed: 2" Apart Direct Seed: 1" Deep Rows Apart: 36-48" 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)