Seeds - Vegetables

Seed Exchange - As beautiful in the garden as on the table, Romanesco produces stunning apple-green whorled heads with a highly refined taste and texture. Widely grown and prized in Italy, it grows exceptionally well in cool northern areas of the country. 75-100 days from transplant. Organic Apple green heads Dense florets in a fractal form 75-100 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 subsititute suppliers based on availability

The Romano Bush Bean by The Living Seed Company This frost-sensitive, true flat, Romano bush bean is a delight to grow and eat!  This heavy producing variety offers rich, fleshy, medium pods with beautiful white beans inside.  Pods reach about 5" and are slow to develop seeds. The seeds can be also used at the green shelling stage or allowed to remain on the plants until fully matured and harvested as a dry bean. Resistant to CBMV, NY15. Organic Stringless Bush Bean 12-20" tall 65 days 40 seeds 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

Seed Savers Exchange - Rare variety from SSE member Virgil T. Ainsworth of Laurel, Mississippi. Grown in his family for more than 100 years. Two-inch long, tapered, fire engine red peppers borne erect on 2' plants. Traditionally used to make Rooster Pepper Sausage. Also excellent dried and ground for chili powder. Ideal for container growing. 95 days from transplant. Hot. Characteristics  Tapered fruits grow to 2 inches Plants grow to 2 feet Excellent dried and ground for chili powder Hot pepper 95 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

Beautiful rose-pink Swiss heirloom with big flavor and crack resistance. High Mowing Organic Seeds - A chart-topper in our taste tests, the medium-sized fruits, with soft yet durable skin, have an even balance of acidity and sweetness that is perfect for a sandwich or in a quick tomato sauce. Earlier to ripen than other larger variety and a consistent producer well into the season. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated Indeterminate Resists cracking 4-8 oz 75 days  1/10 gram Instructions - Tomatoes are warm-season tender annuals. Tomatoes yield best in clay or loam soils that are well-drained and high in organic matter. They can tolerate acid soil as low as 5.5, but they prefer to grow in the 6.0-6.8 range. Days to maturity are from transplants. Start seeds 6-8 weeks before the planting date.  Planting depth: 1/8-1/4"  Plant spacing: for determinate varieties 12-18", for indeterminate 24-36" Row Spacing: 4-6’ centers"  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Inventory is a little low but more are on the way in the early January.  It is worth the wait for these ones! Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - 110 days. Italian heirloom onion with sweet white flesh and beautiful bright red/purple skins. These distinctively flattened barrel shaped onions store exceptionally well and make a tasty addition to any savory dish. Allium cepa Characteristics:  Stores Well Long Day (Intermediate to Long Day) Sweet, Purple Skins with White Flesh 110 days  Organic Approx 225 seeds   Instructions - For big bulbs: 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. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - (aka Russo Sicilian Togetta) Introduced to SSE by Ann Fuller of Indiana. She received the seed from a man who brought it to the U.S. in 1987 from Sicily where his family had grown in many years. Anne said its slices look like red-petaled flowers (Rosso means “red”). Striking crayfish red costoluta (ribbed) fruits weigh up to 6 ounces. Firm pithy flesh is perfect for making tomato sauce or paste. Thin skin bruises easily. Determinate. 70-90 days from transplant.  Characteristics:  Organic Bright red ribbed fruits weigh up to 6 ounces Firm flesh is perfect for making tomato sauce or paste Thin skin bruises easily Determinate - Fruit ripens over a 2 week period 70-90 days from transplant 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

Rouge Vif d'Etampes has many names.  This heirloom pumpkin also goes by Cinderella pumpkin or Bright Red d'Etampes. This enchanting French pumpkin was made available in the United States by W. Atlee Burpee in 1883; as well as documented by Vilmorin the same year. Very flattened red-orange fruit with wide ribs, weighs up to 20 pounds. Favored by French chefs for rich soup stock. 95 days, Botinical Name: C. maxima Characteristics:  Cinderella Pumpkin 15-20 lb fruit Bright red-orange fruit  Flattened fruits with wide ribs  Fruits grow to 20 pounds  Winter squash 95 days  Organic or Conventional depending on seed label 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

Seed Exchange - Bred at the University of New Hampshire by the late Professor Elwyn Meader. Introduced by the Billy Hepler Seed Company in 1957. Distinctive purple foliage and purple flowers. Bright purple, stringless, slightly curved 5" pods turn green when cooked. Germinates well even in cold wet soil. Pole bean Open-Pollinated Purple pods, flowers, and foliage Germinates well in cold wet soil Snap bean 55 days 50 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest frequently for increased yields. Direct Seed 2" apart Plant 1" deep Plant Rows 36-48" apart 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 - Beautiful burgundy skin gives this large, firm, sweet onion its name. Perfect for storing, this long-day onion lasts up to 6 months. Reliable plants yield crunchy, aromatic bulbs. 120 days.  Characteristics:  Long-day onion Beautiful burgundy skin and sweet flavor Globe-shaped, solid bulbs Can store up to 6 months 120 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

The Seed Savers Exchange - This early-maturing, smooth-green pickling cucumber has a sweet flavor and good crunch. Shared with Seed Savers Exchange by Daniel L. Flyger—who received it from his neighbor Viola Neubarth—this variety was reportedly brought to Hutchinson County, South Dakota, by the Schwartzmeer Deutsch (Black Sea Germans) in the 1870s. 50-55 days. ±1,100 seeds/oz. Organic & Open-Pollinated Smooth green skin Sweet crisp flesh 50-55 days 25 Seeds per packet   Instructions - When growing plants on a trellis, space seed 6-8" apart and thin plants as necessary; train plants to climb the trellis with initial guidance. Alternatively, make 12" hills at least 6' apart. Plant 6-8 cucumber seeds per hill 1" deep. After germination, thin to 3-4 plants per hill. Can also be started indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost. Cucumbers benefit from steady moisture. Direct Seed: 1" Deep Seeds to Hill: 6-8 Seeds Thin: To 3-4 Plants 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)

Developed for the canning industry; hearty tomato flavor and meaty texture. High Mowing Organic Seeds - Bright red fruit with a small seed cavity and good color throughout, good for slicing or canning. Widely adapted and crack resistant. Developed in 1934 by Rutgers University in cooperation with Campbell's Soup for the New Jersey canning industry. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated Indeterminate Resists cracking 6-8 oz Good disease resistance  75 days  1/10 gram Instructions - Tomatoes are warm-season tender annuals. Tomatoes yield best in clay or loam soils that are well-drained and high in organic matter. They can tolerate acid soil as low as 5.5, but they prefer to grow in the 6.0-6.8 range. Days to maturity are from transplants. Start seeds 6-8 weeks before the planting date.  Planting depth: 1/8-1/4"  Plant spacing: for determinate varieties 12-18", for indeterminate 24-36" Row Spacing: 4-6’ centers"  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Renee Garden Seed's Sabre’s heavy-bearing vines that fill up early with scrumptious, sweet and nutty-tasting garden peas. Expect big yields from these easy-to-work, 2 1/2 to 3 foot tall vines that bear double sets of well-filled pods each with 10 to 12 tender peas that shell out easily. You’ll have a hard time getting these peas into the kitchen because they’re so good eaten fresh off the vine! Sabre is resistant to fusarium wilt, races 1 to 6, powdery mildew and root rot. Characteristics:  Short climber Each pod has10-12 seeds Shelling pea 60-75 days 15g or ~75 Seeds per packet 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

High Mowing Organic Seeds - Saladin Iceberg Lettuce provides thick, crispy leaves that are sweet and refreshing, offering a classic iceberg taste. Large, tightly wrapped heads of flavorful leaves, ideal for the perfect wedge salad. Glossy, dark green leaves are tender at the leaf margin and thicken towards the root. Excellent field holding quality and extended cooler shelf life post-harvest. Characteristics:  Iceberg-type Bolt resistant Spring/summer planting Open-Pollinated & Organic 1/32 ounce (~375 seeds) Disease Resistance DetailsHigh Resistance: Downy Mildew (1, 2, 5-7) 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: 10-12" Apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability.

The Seed Savers Exchange - Winner of our 2017 Tomato Tasting - Paste/ Sauce division. The great meaty texture is paired with a tangy, sweet flavor that makes it an ideal sauce tomato. Fruits measure 2½-3¾". At Seed Savers Exchange (zone 4B), it was a bit later maturing but had above-average productivity. Grown by Charles Salvaterra since the early 1980s, this heirloom tomato has been shared within the Hazleton, Pennsylvania community since the 1950s. Indeterminate, 70-80 days from transplant. Characteristics:  Organic 70-80 days from transplant From the Collection Variety 2018 25 Seeds 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

San Marzano Tomato - This is the most sought often sauce tomato around the world. Its intense flavor and bountiful production of fruit makes it popular for home gardeners and chefs alike. We source seeds from High Mowing Organics, Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, and The Living Seed Company - all based on availability.  Organic 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 Indeterminate - Fruit ripens throughout the season 80-90 days from transplant ~At least 20 Seeds, sometimes 35 or more 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 - Remarkably attractive dark green kale with red-veined, frilly, tightly curled leaves. A vigorous performer with good cold tolerance. Leaves darken to deep scarlet in late season. Begin harvesting leaves when young, and allow plant to grow well into the early winter. 24-36" tall by 24" wide, 60 days from transplant. Characteristics:  Plant grows to 24-36 inches Leaves spread to 24 inches Red-veined tightly curled purple leaves 60 days from transplant 150 - 250 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. You can also sow directly outdoors as we do and thin to 8-10"  Indoors method Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost Plant 1/4" Deep Germinate 3-10 days Plant Rows 24" apart  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability