Seeds - Vegetables

Granny Cantrell's Tomato- 69-80 days. The only tomato grown by Lettie Cantrell of West Liberty since the '40s.] Large beefsteak, 1+ lb, tasty fruit on large, vigorous plants. Lettie died in January 2006, at the age of 96. Her tomato was voted best flavor at the 2010 Monticello Tomato Tasting.  Organic & Open-Pollinated Indeterminate Produces fruits over 2lbs 75 Days 40-50 Seeds per Packet, .16g 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 Savers Seed Exchange - (aka Green Shaft) An English main crop variety and standard home and market variety. Slim pointed pods are 4-5" long and contain 8-11 small deep green peas. Pods are almost always borne in doubles. Very heavy reliable production. Medium vines grow 24-28" tall. Shell, 62-70 days. ±2,200 seeds/lb. Characteristics:  Organic Pods are often borne in doubles with 8-11 peas each Vines grow to 28 inches Shelling pea 62-70 days 75 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 Support: Trellis Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

A classic main-crop pea with slim, densely packed pointed pods. High Mowing Organic Seeds - High-yielding variety with plenty of pods for easy harvesting. Each pod is filled with up to eleven delicious peas. Plants are 24-30" tall. Peas are excellent for freezing. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  4-5" pods Excellent for freezing  Shelling pea 68 days 1 oz approx. 145 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: 18-24" apart Support: Trellis Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - This magnificent, purple-flowered snow pea variety produces tender, delicious pods ideal for steaming. Vigorous vines grow 6-8' tall and yield plentiful amounts of pods measuring 7-8" at maturity. Bred by Alan Kapuler, Ph.D., of Peace Seeds from one plant found by Carl Jones among hundreds of all different crosses. Pods remain tender and tasty even when harvested at their full size. 60 days. Characteristics:  Snow pea produces tender, delicious pods Vines grow to 6-8 feet 60 days 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

Thin, tender skin, crisp flesh, and a small seed cavity. High Mowing Organic Seeds - Green Finger blew away hybrids in our trials for quality and yield. Unusually durable for this type; no wrapping needed! A field or open tunnel variety bred by Cornell University; requires pollination for fruit set. Beit Alphas are similar to European/Dutch types with the same ribbed skin but smaller. Firefly Farm & Mercantile: A great cucumber for us in zone 4, bears fruit to harvest within 54 days or so. The cucumber is a smaller variety, larger than pickling and best when as thick as a banana. We grow this variety every other year as the kids love the thin skins.  Because of its thin skin it needs to go into a cooler and wrapped in a bag or container to prevent moisture loss just like most cucumbers preferred. It grows flawlessly for us.  Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  6-8" fruit  High disease resistance  60 days  1/16 oz approx.    Instructions:  Plant 1/2" deep  Plant Spacing: For slicing cukes 12-24", for pickling cukes 8-12”, for greenhouse cukes 20”. Row spacing: for slicing and greenhouse cukes 5-6’, for pickling cukes 3-6’. Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Back in Stock!  It sells out fast so order today.  Renee's Garden -  Our own selection of this classic high-yielding heirloom that produces long, dark green fruits with a crunchy texture and a mild sweet flavor. Weather tolerant and resistant to many viruses and disease.  Characteristics:  Glossy dark green  Highly productive vines Disease-resistant vines  Heirloom slicing cucumber Instructions -Plant heat-loving cucumbers only when the weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Amend soil well with aged manure or compost.  Cut rather than pull fruits from vines before seeds are large inside. Harvest every few days for the longest fruit production. Sow groups of 2-3 seeds  Plant 1 1/2 feet apart Plant 1" Deep Thin to 1 seedling per group  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - Available as early as 1825 from seedsmen such as Sinclair & Moore of Baltimore, MD. This hardy variety of artichoke is productive even in climates as cool as zone 3. Grows 3-5' tall with multiple 3-5" flower heads that have a purple tinge to the green buds. The artichoke hearts are flavorful and mature around 75 days from transplant. Plants grow to 3-5 feet 3-5 flower buds per plant in the first year A beautiful flower with purple-tinged edible buds Perennial in zones 7+ 75 days from transplant 25 Seeds per pack   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 - 8-12 weeks before the last frost Germination: 10-20 Days Plant Rows 36" apart Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Many of us dream of finding a unqiue tomato to bring to market and while some of us dream, some folks set to work.  Green Grape is from Tater Mater Seed Company established by Tom Wagner in 1983.  During this time he introduced some wonderful varieties including this one called Green Grape Tomato.  The Green grape sets on an baundance of fruit and then simmers down a bit giving a steady supply of 1" size grape tomatoes all season long. The outside of the tomato will be slightly yellow and the flesh is green.  You may ask yourself what do you do with a green grape tomato and the culinary possibilities are endless. The flavor of this tomato is exceptional and you will be able to tell it apart from other tomatoes just by the taste alone.   We source from various seed companies as it is dependent on the time of year and supply. We currently have organic seed from Southern Exchange.  Characteristics:  Olive-yellow fruits grow to 1 inch Spicy, sweet flavor Very productive Determinate - Fruit ripens over a 2 week period 80-90 days from transplant ~20 seeds in 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 weeks before the last frost Germination 7-14 days Plant apart 24-36"  Support: Cage, stake, or trellis Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (aka Mexican Husk Tomato) Prolific bushy plants are 3-4' across and almost as tall. Green 2" fruits are ripe when they burst through husks. Blended with hot peppers to make traditional Mexican green sauce. 70-80 days from transplant.  Characteristics:  Organic Green fruits grow to 2 inches Plants grow to 3-4 feet Fruits are ripe when they burst through the husks Very productive 70-80 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 

The Seed Savers Exchange - Big, thick, glossy dark-green leaves have a slightly peppery, slightly citrusy flavor that make them a great substitute for true spinach when the summer heat hits. Malabar spinach works well in any recipe that calls for true spinach—including in green salads or stir-fries—but, because of its slightly gelatinous texture, is most frequently used to thicken soups and stews. Slow-bolting plants grow fast, tolerate heat well, and produce new leaves throughout the season. ‘Green Malabar’ also makes a mark as an ornamental, producing lush foliage on vines that can grow up to 10' long. 50-60 days. Characteristics:  Conventional  Not a true spinach, but similar in flavor and usage Soft, rounded leaves Green leaf veins and stems Fast growing vines Dark green glossy heart shaped leave Heat tolerant 50-70 days 50 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when the danger of frost has passed. Can also be sown indoors. Transplant outdoors after air temperatures are consistently between 70 and 80°F. For best yields, harvest continually. Plant in full sun or partial shade. Plant 1" apart Plant 1/2" deep Thin 6" apart Support: Trellis Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability 

The Seed Savers Exchange - Belongs to a class of muskmelons known as “nutmeg” due to its shape, netting, and aroma; one of the oldest types grown in America. In 1863 Fearing Burr, Jr. described Green Nutmeg as one of 12 varieties suitable for the garden.  Characteristics:  Organic Fruits grow to 2-3 pounds Reliable producer Sweet flavor and wonderful aroma 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 

The Seed Savers Exchange - Reportedly known as Baltimore or Philadelphia Oakleaf in the 1880s. Withstands hot weather, never bitter. Excellent quality even in late summer. Looseleaf, 50 days.  Characteristics:  Oakleaf-shaped leaves are never bitter Holds well in hot weather Looseleaf and cut-and-come-again 50 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: 6-8" Apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability.

The Seed Savers Exchange - Bred by Thomas Wagner of Tater Mater Seeds and introduced in 1983, this variety produces very prolific plants that bear olive-yellow 1½-2½" fruits with deep-green zebra stripes and a sweet, zingy flavor. Indeterminate, 75-80 days from transplant.  Characteristics:  Sweet zingy flavor Very productive Indeterminate - Fruit ripens throughout the season 25 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 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

The Seed Savers Exchange - Yes, this purple-stemmed Siberian kale is nutritious and delicious, producing crunchy, crisp leaves with a sweet flavor (made sweeter with frost!) and only a hint of bitterness. Green, slightly blistered leaves have lobed margins and purple petioles and measure 15.5-18.5" long and 5.5-8.5" wide. The variety hails from the Greenpeace Experimental Farm in British Columbia, Canada, a self-sufficient organic farming community formed in 1974 on Denman Island by Jim and Marie Bohlen, co-founders of the Greenpeace environmental organization. 40 days from transplant.  Characteristics:  Organic Green blistered leaves with purple stems Leaves grow 5.5 to 8.5 inches wide by 15 to 18 inches long Developed by the Greenpeace Experimental Farm in Britsh Columbia The excellent flavor is enhanced by frost 40 days from transplant 150 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. Plant out just before the last frost. Kale is most tender and delicious after a frost. Harvest can continue even after snow.  Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germinate 3-10 days Plant Rows 24" apart  Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Unique and beautiful candy-striped beet. High Mowing Organic Seeds - Alternating rings of dark red and white make this variety a popular choice for specialty markets. A new strain of the popular Italian heirloom, improved by Alf Christianson Seed Company for better uniformity and bolt tolerance. Precision sized. Organic Uniform Bolt tolerant 3" roots 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 a steady harvest. All parts of the beet plant are edible. Direct Seed 2" apart Planting Depth 1/2" Thin 4-6" apart Rows Apart 20-24"  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (C. maxima) Belongs to the Banana group of squashes, noted for their fine table quality. This selection is dark “blue” with light stripes; golden-yellow flesh is thick and firm. Fruits range up to 20 inches in length and average 5 pounds. We like to keep this one in the refrigerator after the initial cutting and continue to slice off small rings that can be either baked or roasted. 90-95 days.  Characteristics:  Organic Dark blue-grey with light stripes Fruits grow up to 20 inches long and 5 pounds Thick, firm golden yellow flesh Winter squash 90-95 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 - Although this variety is most likely of Hungarian descent, this melon is generally identified with Kibbutz Ha'Ogen in Israel. Ha'Ogen is Hebrew for "the anchor." 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 3-4 pounds Sweet, spicy green flesh Yellow-orange rind with green sutures 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 

The Haberno Pepper is one of the most sought after hot peppers for home gardeners - Their native range is from the Yuicatan pensilua, West Indies and Trinidad. You will find this pepper grown all over the world as it has become a staple in hot and spicy dishes.  Fruits are 1.5x2" in size.   Botanical Name: C. Chinense Small, rippled, bright red fruits.  Organic Plants grow to 3-4 feet Very hot pepper, 100,000-350,000 on the Scoville scale Amazing yields 95 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 soil is warm. Sow indoors 8 weeks before the last frost Plant 1/4" deep Germinates in 14-25 days Plant Rows 12-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Semi-tall Green Curled) Vibrant light green, finely curled leaves on robust 18" plants. This North German staple is tasty eaten fresh and can be harvested well into the early winter. 60 days from transplant. Characteristics:  Vibrant green leaves Plants grow to 18 inches high Leaves are finely curled 60 days from transplant 150 Seeds    Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. Plant out just before the last frost. Kale is most tender and delicious after a frost. Harvest can continue even after snow. Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost Plant 1/4" Deep Germinate 3-10 days Plant Rows 24" apart  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability