Seeds - Vegetables

The Seed Savers Exchange - Listed in the 1885 retail catalog of James J. H. Gregory. Uniform smooth white globes are best for eating when 3-4" in diameter but remain in good condition until quite large. Sweet, mild, fine-grained white flesh. Large tops make delicious greens. Excellent quality, stores very well. 45-65 days Characteristics:  Organic Uniform smooth white globes White skin Sweet, mild, fine-grained, white flesh Roots are best eaten at 3-4 inches but remain in good condition until quite large Large tops make delicious greens Stores very well 45-65 days 150 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors as soon as soil can be prepared in spring. Plant every 2 weeks for continuous harvest. Quality and flavor are best if harvested when the weather is cool. Sow 1/4" to1/2" seep Direct Seed 2" apart Thin 4-6" apart Plant apart 24 Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Brassica oleracea) (aka Early Purple Vienna, Di Vienna Violetto) Purple-skinned above ground bulbs with crisp white flesh. Sweet turnip-like flavor. Excellent raw or steamed. Best harvested at 2½" diameter. Slightly larger and later than White Vienna. 55-70 days. ±10,000 seeds/oz.  Characteristics:  Organic Purple-skinned, above ground bulbs Bulbs should be harvested at 2-3 inches in diameter Sweet turnip-like flavor 55-70 days 250 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Best grown in cooler weather. Sow seeds outdoors as soon as soil can be worked and the danger of hard frost has passed. Can also be started indoors and transplanted out. Plant in full sun or partial shade. Kohlrabi is also an excellent fall crop. Direct Seed 1" apart Plant 1/4" deep Plant Rows 12-18" apart Thin to 4" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - The tomatillo that grows wild in Mexican cornfields. Very small (¾") purple-tinged fruits borne on 3-4' tall plants. Fruit typically does not burst through husk when ripe. The sharp flavor is preferred by some cooks over other tomatillos. 70-90 days from transplant. Characteristics:  Organic Purple-tinged fruits grow to less than 1 inch Plants grow to 3-4 feet Does not burst through husk when ripe 70-90 days from transplant 25 Seeds Instructions - Culture is very similar to tomatoes. Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. Transplant outdoors when 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 Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability 

The Living Seed Company - These little, rich burgundy hued, onions mature early and hold great.  Harvest when golf ball sized or when younger for bunching onions with beautiful purple ends. The rich burgundy color turns a lovely light pink when cooked or pickled.  We suggest using Purplette for any recipe that calls for onion. Great fresh in potato or cucumber salad and salsa or try it grilled, roasted, or charred.  Also makes pretty and delicious pickled onions. Characteristics:  Organic Plants grow to 12 inches tall Matures in 60-65 Days, harvesyt scallions at 6-8" tall, harvest bulbs when golf ball size 100 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors 1/4" deep after the last frost.   Sow 1/4" deep Plant 4" apart Grow Rows 12" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - This variety is also known as 'Plum Granny' melon and 'Dudaim Melon.' Victorian women were known to carry these tiny melons in their pockets to counteract the rough aromas of life in the days before deodorant. 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: Tiny fruits are velvety with orange and yellow stripes Unforgettable fragrance Edible, but bland Early season and productive 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 Seed Savers Exchange - (C. maxima) An “Australian Blue” squash directly imported into the United States in 1932 from Arthur Yates and Company of Sydney. Dark blue-green ribbed rind with flesh that is meaty, sugary, brilliant orange, and abundant. Striking gray foliage. Late to mature, long shelf life. 110-120 days.  Characteristics:  Dark blue-green ribbed rind Bright orange, sugary and meaty flesh Foliage is gray-green Winter squash for storage 110-120 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

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Gorgeous ornamental. 7-8 ft. tall mix of colorful sprays of red-bronze, brown, black, and burgundy, plus natural straw color. Small packet has about 350 seeds. Characteristics:  A mix of many varieties in multiple colors Nice addition to floral arrangements 100-110 days 5 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 

Seed Savers Exchange - Donated to SSE by Hugh and Barbara Havercamp. Passed down from Barbara’s father, Ralph Mead Thompson of Woburn, MA. Originally from Italian immigrants who came to Boston as indentured servants. Red fruit, saucer shaped with strong ribbing. Highly productive. Sweet flavor with medium-high heat. 80-90 days from transplant. Medium hot. Characteristics: Red fruit is saucer shaped with strong ribbing Highly productive Mild to medium hot pepper 80-90 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 days Plant Rows 12-24" apart

Seed Exchange - Highly productive when grown at Heritage Farm, 'Ram's Horn’ pepper matures mid-season. This variety is originally from Emily Eidson of South Carolina, whose family grew these.  These are very close to the variety Ole Pepperpot.  Organic Italian-style thin skin frying pepper Red fruits grow to 5-8 inches long Moderate to high heat 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 days Plant Rows 12-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - The edible pods of this variety add zest (and color!) to stir-fries and salads and can also be eaten raw or pickled. Plants produce striking, long, moderately pungent purple pods that are best harvested when less than 6" long but remain tender even when larger. Lovely white flowers have violet veins and a violet tinge at petal margins. Plants do not form roots, and pods have some variation in pod color, with green or purple-green sometimes manifesting. 45 days to first pods from sowing. Organic. Characteristics:  From The Collection for 2022 Organic Grown for the edible seed pods, not for the roots Best when picked at 6 inches or less in length Mildly pungent flavor Fall/winter and spring radish 45 days to first pods 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 - Native to South Asia. Grown for the crisp, pungent, edible seedpods (up to 6 inches long) and not for the roots. Pods should be gathered before fully mature and eaten raw, pickled, or chopped in salads. 50 days. ±1,800 seeds/oz  Characteristics:  Grown for the edible seed pods, not for the roots Crisp, pungent seed pods grow to 6 inches Immature pods have the best flavor Eaten raw, pickled, or chopped in salads 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

 Raxe Radish - Improved round red radish with excellent flavor and nice, radish bite. Does well when grown through the heat of summer, resisting cracking and pithiness. Uniform and smooth roots are excellent for commercial production. From the breeders at HILD. Improved round red All season production including summer 1" round roots Open-Pollinated, Organic and Non-GMO 1/16 oz, about 250 seeds  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Plant in full sun. Successive plantings can be made every 2-3 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 - (aka Burgundy) Bred by Leon Robbins at Clemson University after eight years of careful selection. Introduced in 1983; All America Selections winner in 1988. Stunning 4' plant with burgundy accents and tender burgundy pods up to 6" long. Good yields. 55-60 days. ±500 seeds/oz. Characteristics:  Organic Plants grow to 4 feet tall Pods are deep burgundy Pods grow to 6 inches long 55-60 days 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

Broad-shouldered variety with sweet, old fashioned carrot flavor. Wide shoulders, a tapered root and a blunt, rounded tip; thrives in heavy soils. Fine-grained texture and a characteristic red core. A great variety for soups, freezing, canning and storage. Introduced in France in the late 1800s and quickly became the processing industry standard. Processing and storage 6" Chantenay-type Heirloom 1/32 oz Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors 3-4 weeks before last spring frost, or as soon as soil can be worked. Keeping the soil moist throughout the germination period is important to success. Misting the planted area daily or covering is recommended. Carrots are slow to germinate and need steady moisture until germination. Sow successively throughout the season for fresh carrots. Direct seed 1/2" apart Plant 1/4" deep  Rows apart 16-24" Thin 2-4" apart 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)

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - 120 days , Given by Alice Gamewel via Charles Hoehnle. Introduced 2008 by SESE. A beautiful plant with dark red stems and leaves. 3-5 ft. tall, grows well in a container or in a flower bed. Green when it first emerges but soon develops its red coloring. The cotton is a short staple white.  Brown Cotton was grown pre-Civil War by slaves who were not permitted to grow white cotton. There were also green, blue, yellow and poink naturally colored cottons. These heirloom cottons are now quite rare. Cannot ship to TX. 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

High Mowing Organic Seeds - An attractive red Cipollini-type with excellent flavor. Flattened bulbs pair well with Yellow Cipollini. Slower to mature than yellow varieties, but with similar shape and size. Stores longer than Yellow Cipollini. Excellent flavor for eating raw or cooking. Characteristics:  Long day Stores 4-5 months 2.5-3.5” bulbs  Open-Pollinated 105 Days to Maturity Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors 1/2" deep after the last frost.   Sow 1/2" deep Plant 2-3" apart Grow Rows 12" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability