Seeds - Vegetables

Seed Exchange - The 3"-long, colorful, striped peppers of this variety are borne on 2'-tall plants with beautiful variegated foliage. Traditionally used in oyster and crab houses around Chesapeake Bay, this 19th-century African-American heirloom was first offered by William Woys Weaver in the 1995 Seed Savers Exchange Yearbook. His grandfather received the seeds in the 1940s from Horace Pippin of West Chester, Pennsylvania. 80 days from transplant. Medium hot. Characteristics:  Organic Plants grow to 2 feet Good for container gardens Fruits grow to 3 inches Plants and peppers are variegated Medium hot pepper 80 days from transplant 25 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 the soil is warm. Sow indoors 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

The Seed Savers Exchange - Bred by the late Dr. Sven Holmberg in Fiskeby, Norrköpping, Sweden. Use fresh or dried. Highly nutritious—up to 40% protein, high in calcium, iron, and vitamins (particularly A, B1, B12, and C). Thrives in northern climates. 75-80 days.  Characteristics:  Use fresh or dried Thrives in northern climates Highly nutritious 75-80 days 50 seeds per packet  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 

Our Firefly kids love the colors and we have caught them nibbling to see if all the colors taste the same The Seed Savers Exchange - (aka Rainbow Chard) Australian heirloom from Digger’s Garden Club. Technicolor mixture of Swiss chards with shades of red, orange, purple, yellow, and white tastes as good as it looks. Seed crops of all the different colors are grown in isolation to maintain a proper balance of colors. Tender and delicious. 50-60 days. Characteristics:  Organic Tasty tender leaves Red, orange, purple, yellow, and white ribs Can be grown in containers 50-60 days 100 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in early spring when the soil temperature is at least 50°F. Can also be started indoors 5-6 weeks before transplanting out. Grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. Swiss chard withstands light frost. Plant 4" apart Plant 1/2" Deep Plant Rows 20-24" apart (or can be grown closer if you like the leaves smaller and harvest for salads vs cooking - we start out at 10" spacing for late spring leaves to munch on then pull up every other one to grow them larger) Thin 12" Apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - This prolific eggplant was a standard market variety bred in Florida in the early 1900s for the commercial trade. Vigorous, upright, well-branched plants bear high-quality fruits continuously throughout the season, and their large purple-black pear-shaped eggplants are held high off the ground. Disease- and drought-resistant. 75-85 days from transplant. ±6,700 seeds/oz. Well-branched plants bear fruit high off the ground Pear-shaped fruit with purple-black skin Disease and drought resistant 75-85 days from transplant 25 Seeds per packet 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)

The Seed Savers Exchange - (C. pepo) (aka Early Fordhook) Introduced in 1890 by W. Atlee Burpee of Philadelphia. Belonged to the Fordhook Group of squashes which includes Delicata, Perfect Gem, and Table Queen. Vining plants produce 1½ pound acorn squashes that are grainy but not coarse and mildly sweet. Good shelf life. Once thought to be extinct. 85 days.  Characteristics:  Organic Pale fruits weigh up to 2 pounds Mildly sweet flavor Good shelf life Winter squash and summer squash 85 days 25 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out.  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 Savers Exchange - An outstanding variety! This green-fleshed, nutmeg-type melon matures early, produces prolifically, and packs a sweet, sublime flavor. Fruits are tapered at both ends with a lacy netting throughout, measure 6" long by 5" wide, and weigh two pounds. Rind blushes yellow when ripe, while green flesh has a salmon patina and a juicy, melting texture. Introduced by Burpee in 1967, ‘Fordhook Gem’ is derived from two historic varieties, ‘Netted Gem’ and ‘Extra Early Knight.’ Amy Goldman, author and Seed Savers Exchange member, and advisor shared this variety with SSE in 2018. Organic. Characteristics: Organic Fruits grow to 2 lbs The flesh is green with netted skin Sweet flavor and highly productive 65-80 days New for 2021 From the Collection 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 Thin: To 3-4 Plants Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability 

High Mowing Organic Seeds - An easy winner for appearance and flavor in our trials. Broad white stems and midribs contrasting with deep green savoyed leaves make Fordhook a bestseller year after year. Large plants have very upright architecture with high yield potential, excellent for commercial growers. Characteristics:  Broad stems & High yielding Heirloom Organic & Open-Pollinated 30 days baby, 60 days full size  1/16 oz approx. 90 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in mid-spring through mid-summer and into fall in warmer regions. The transplant can be started indoors or in a cold frame 4-6 weeks before planting. Grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade.  Plant 4-8" apart depending on desired leaf size  Plant 1/2" Deep Plant Rows 18-24" apart (or can be grown closer if you like the leaves smaller and harvest for salads vs cooking - we start out at 10" spacing for late spring leaves to munch on then pull up every other one to grow them larger) Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (aka Speckled Trout Back or Flashy Trout Back) Gorgeous Austrian lettuce with green leaves speckled with maroon. Superior flavor; holds very well in the summer heat. Our all-time favorite! Romaine, 55 days. ±34,000 seeds/oz.   Characteristics:  Holds well in the heat Green leaves speckled with maroon Crisp leaves Romaine lettuce 55 days 250 seeds per packet  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: 10" Apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability.

Flat, medium green pods on 21" productive, bush habit plants. Plants produce plentiful harvests of flat pods with rounded edges that are tender and smooth. Fruit set occurs high on the 21" tall bush, making for easy harvesting. This flat bean is known as a Kentucky Wonder type, which originally came out as a pole bean and was later developed into a bush bean. The pod is not as wide as the Roma II but it is thicker and juicier. White seeds. From Pure Line Seeds. Vigorous bush 5.5-6" pods Open-Pollinated 1 ounce of seeds Disease Resistance DetailsIntermediate Resistance: Halo Blight, Rust Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after 2-3 weeks of last frost as beans do like the ground to be warmer. Direct Seed 1-5" apart Planting Depth 1/2 -1" Thin 3-5" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Preorder from the Seed Savers Collection The Seed Savers Exchange - White Fortna Pumpkin; Lovers of unique heirloom pumpkins can thank the late Wayne Fortna of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for the delicious, productive, and truly beautiful ‘Fortna White’ pumpkin. Seed Savers Exchange is thrilled to introduce the ‘Fortna White’ as a featured From the Collection variety in 2024 During World War II, Wayne, a teacher, served as a tank commander under General George S. Patton. After the war, he discovered that gardening was good therapy for the PTSD he developed while in the military. Sue Ellen Majer says her father found solace in gardening. It calmed his nerves and reconnected him with nature and the soil. Noting Wayne’s aptitude for gardening, Carrie Stayman, his aunt, gave him some seeds for the family’s ‘Fortna White’ pumpkin, a cushaw-type squash with mild flesh perfect for baking. For nearly 40 years, Wayne stewarded this family heirloom with great care, ensuring there would always be a white pumpkin pie for the family to enjoy during Thanksgiving dinner. Characteristics:  Fruits grow up to 8 pounds White pear shaped fruits Does not tolerate cold 100 days 25 seeds per packet    Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Light: Full Sun  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

The Seed Savers Exchange -(aka Radis Demi-long Rose a Bout Blanc) A very early market garden radish of French origin. Listed by J.M. Thorburn & Co of New York in 1870. Oblong and blunt, rose-scarlet with a white tip. White crisp flesh with a mildly pungent flavor. Sow in the spring or fall and pick when small. 20-30 days. Characteristics:  Organic Oblong roots Dark pink roots fade to white Mildly pungent flavor Fall/winter and spring radish 20-30 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

I Found some!  The Seed Savers Exchange - A French historic variety squash from the Bordeaux region; noted in Vilmorin’s Les Plantes Potageres (1883). Seed carried by La Ferme de Ste. Marthe and collected by SSE member Amy Goldman at the 1996 Tranzault Pumpkin Festival. Attains weight of 10-20 pounds. Best used for beautiful table centerpieces or eaten in stews and soups. Harvest squashes when slightly immature as they tend to crack. 90 days.(C. maxima) (aka Galeuse d’Eysines, Courge Brodée Galeuse) Characteristics:  Fruits grow to 10-20 pounds Harvest when slightly immature to avoid cracking Eaten in stews and soups or used as decoration Winter squash 90 days 25 seeds per packet Planting Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - Upright 3-4' branched plants produce hundreds of ¾" purple-black berries in clusters. Best when picked after berries turn from glossy to dull black. Tasteless when raw and unsweetened; best used in mock blueberry pies and preserves. Use about 1 pound of berries to ½ cup of sugar for the best flavor. Good for freezing and canning. 75-80 days from transplant. Characteristics:  Organic Plants grow to 3-4 feet Berries grow to ¾ inch Tasteless when raw and unsweetened Good for freezing and canning 75-80 days from transplant 50 Seeds   Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. Thin seedlings when 2" tall and transplant into individual pots. Plant outdoors in rows 36" apart. Start indoors 6 weeks before the last frost Germinate 14 days Plant 24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability 

At Firefly Farm & Mercantile, this tomato doesn’t make it into the house too often and it sells out super fast every year!  Southern Exposure Seed Exchange- Garden Peach - This tomato truly resembles a peach. 2-3 oz fruits have a peach-like fuzz and are yellow, often with a hint of pink blush when fully ripe. Outstanding flavor. A good storage tomato if picked light green right before frost. Highly split-resistant. Vigorous vines bear until frost. Good Short Season Climates Organic & Open-Pollinated Indeterminate 73 Days .16grams or ~40-50 Seeds per Packet 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

Seed Savers Exchange - Creamy yellow 8" bell-shaped peppers hold for weeks before turning to orange and then red, extended harvest period. Best used when yellow or orange. Highly productive 16" plants. Remarkably dependable sweet pepper. 80-100 days from transplant. Sweet. Characteristics  Organic Bell shaped fruits grow to 8 inches Creamy yellow color holds for weeks before turning to orange and then red Most flavorful when yellow or orange Plants grow to 16 inches Sweet pepper 80-100 days from transplant 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

Seed Savers Exchange - A piquant pepper from the Republic of Georgia, up to eight inches long, with thick, crunchy flesh. Two-foot high plants produce copious amounts of fruit throughout the season. An excellent salsa pepper. 90 days from transplant. Hot. ±3,800 seeds/oz. Characteristics  Organic Fruits grow to 8 inches Thick, crunchy flesh Excellent salsa pepper Very productive throughout the season Hot pepper 90 days from transplant 25 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

Seed Exchange - Historic collard first released around 1880. Slow to bolt and tolerant of heat, cold, and poor soil. Non-heading plants grow 2-3 feet tall with large cabbage-like blue-green leaves that are tender, mild, and juicy. 60-80 days. ±8,400 seeds/oz. (Brassica oleracea) (aka Georgia, Creole, Southern)  Tender, mild, and juicy Grows 2-3 feet tall Slow to bolt Tolerates heat, cold, and poor soil 80 days   Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors 3 months before the last frost or sown inside for an early summer harvest.  If sowing indoors, start 6-8 weeks before the last frost and plant right before the last frost.  Plant 4" apart Plant 1/2" Deep Plant Rows 20-24" apart  Thin 12" Apart  

It's here and new for 2024! The Seed Savers Exchange - Seed Savers Exchange staff gave this vigorously climbing lima bean top marks! Its sweet, moist, and juicy beans have a distinctive, buttery taste and a smooth, creamy texture. Seed Savers Exchange received this variety in 1994 from William Rastetter of Indiana, who in turn acquired it sometime before 1968 from a friend named Flossie (Canfield) Drake, also of Indiana. These lima beans were likely grown by Flossie's mother, Margaret (Mendel) Canfield, in Dearborn County, Indiana, in the late 1800s. This variety matured late when grown at SSE's Heritage Farm in northeast Iowa. Pole habitat. 60-79 days. Organic. 50 seeds per packet  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" apart Planting Depth 1" Rows Apart: 36-48" Full Sun