Seeds - Vegetables

Sierra Lettuce is a modern lettuce that was released in 1992. It is known for its ability to make solid lettuce heads in the heat of summer. It is highly recommended on our grow list for market gardeners and backyard gardeners alike.  Characteristics:  Excels in summer!  Organic, Non-GMO and Open-Pollinated Crisphead lettuce 400 Seeds 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.

 Firefly Farm & Mercantile -  Sieva Lima, aka Carolina Lima or Small White Lima. This lima is our most popular lima we offer. Folks love the rich butter bean flavor. The vines will reach 10' and on our 6' fence we tend to trim them to 7' so it spurs them into bean production a little quicker since our farm is in a valley. Our stock will be limited in 2026 as we partner with small farms to grow the stock we need to meet our gardeners' needs. The cool nights help to ripen the seed so it is happy up north but must be started right away once it is warm enough. Sieva is very productive and those in zones 6-10 will enjoy long harvests while those in zones 5 and cooler  weather will need to maximize their harvest by ensuring proper watering and excellent soil for them to grow in.  Characteristics:  Good for the North and Great for the South Most Popular Lima We Offer Pole Lima bean Small white seeds 75 - 90 days 25 seeds or enough to do 10-12' of fence. 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 2-3" apart or 6" apart if you want to skip thinning. We hold a few seeds back in case we have any gaps.  Planting Depth 1" Rows Apart: 48-72" or we just run them down our fence line.  Full Sun

The Seed Savers Exchange - (C. maxima) A selection from Blue Banana bred and introduced by Ferry-Morse Seed Co. in 1956. Small bell-shaped squash average four pounds. Silvery gray-blue shell turns pink in storage. Delicious deep orange, dry, sweet flesh. Good keeper. 100-105 days.  Characteristics:  Bell-shaped fruits grow to 4 pounds Gray-blue shell turns pink in storage Dry, sweet orange flesh Good keeper Winter squash 100-105 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 - Introduced in the mid 1940s by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville, MD. Large thick clusters of light green frilled leaves are produced all summer. As its name suggests, this variety is very slow to bolt. Pleasing flavor, never bitter.  Characteristics:  Thick clusters of green, frilled leaves Good flavor, never bitter Slow to bolt Looseleaf and cut-and-come-again 45-55 days 500 Seeds   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 - A traditional Russian watermelon introduced to American gardeners by SSE in 1991. Round 10-12" fruits with a very dark green rind and sweet red flesh. The early maturing variety is well suited for northerly gardens and high altitudes. Great little icebox melon, holds for several weeks after picking. 80-90 days.  Characteristics:  Round fruits grow to 10-12 inches Red flesh and dark green-black rind Sweet, holds well in storage Early maturing, good for short seasons 25 seeds  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 

Seed Savers- Selected from Chicago Pickling by J. C. Snow of the famous Snow Pickle Farm in Rockford, IL. This pickle is also known as Snow's Pickling. Listed circa 1905 by Vaughan Seed House of Chicago, Illinois. Once a very popular small pickle, can still be used to make fancy pickles today. Dark green, short and slender (5" long by 1½" wide), thin flesh. 50-60 days Organic Dark green skin Slender fruits grow to 5 inches Thin flesh 50-60 days 25 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12"-diameter hills after the last frost when soil is warm. Space hills 3' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost for an earlier harvest. This species benefits from consistent moisture. Provide support for vines to save space. Plant 6-8 Seeds on a Hill once soil warms up Plant 1" Deep Thin to 3 or 4 plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange -68 days. Developed by Dr. Homna at MSU. Self-wrapping leaves protect the white curds from heat and sunlight during late summer or early Fall. No tying of the leaves is necessary unless heads grow larger than 6 in. in diameter. During hot weather growth slows until cooler weather, thus preventing formation of undersized heads.  Organic Great for a fall crop Heads grow to 6-7 inches across 68 days from transplant 2g or ~600 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 marketDress with compost every 30-45 days or you can use your favorite fertilizer. Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability.

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange -Large, smooth, white heads are uniform, solid, and smooth. Widely adapted, well suited for fall crops. A 1947 heirloom that is very productive and takes around 80 days from transplant to harvest.  Organic Great for a fall crop Heads grow to 6-7 inches across In warm regions it can be over-wintered 60-85 days from transplant 2g or ~600 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.

Seed Saver Exchange - Solar yellow carrot is perfect for juicing, soups or munching. It will quench your thrist and yellow carrots are bursting with vitamins and minerals, great for your health.  Light Yellow Carrot Sweet and Juicy 100 days ±250 seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors before 3-4  weeks of last frost or soil can be worked, and sow a few times throughout the growing seasons.  Plant 1/2" apart Plant 1/4" Deep Plant Rows 16-24" apart Thin 2-4" Apart

Starts shipping 12/7 - Firefly Farm & Mercantile's United States Heirloom Seeds From Your State Collection- Heirlooms come from all over the world and right here in the United States we have some of hte most remarkable heirlooms. This collection focuses on providing heirlooms on a state by state basis. We do not have all states selected but we are making it our mission to find heirlooms for all 50 states to offer them here. All your seeds will (2 filled packets) be in our custom United States Artwork envelope so it is perfect for gifts. We use seeds from our various seed companies or ones we grow and pack ourselves. Also included is a summary of the history of your heirloom seed. Your seed packets may contain beans, peppers, tomatoes, flowers, herbs, greens and more, our collection is diverse! Every state offers so many wonderful unique heirlooms, start discovery yours today.  Other Heirloom State Collections with their states we offer.  Northeast:  Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersy, New Hampshire Mid-Atlantic: Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Tenessee, Kentucky Midwest: Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, North and South Dakota Southeast: Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina  West Coast: California, Washington Lower Central: Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma Our gift envelopes are being made and will be arriving first week of December, shipping starts 12/7. 

 Southern Giant Curled Mustard Greens - This mustard is a workhorse - it grows fast, has a full hot flavor mustard is known for without being overbearing. It puts out tall fronds that reach 2.5’ high. You can harvest small or large. Either way it will be tasting. Mustard also makes a great covercrop as it helps to keep the soil covered during interim times of your garden. It may say Southern but it is awesome in our Zone 4 Firefly Farm & Mercantile Gardens. Characteristics: Organic, Open-Pollinated and Non-GMO Mild flavor when picked young, hotter when left to mature Plants reach 20-25" tall and 16-18" wide 2 grams or ~1000 seeds per packet  Instructions - You can directly seed your mustards into the ground, placing 3 seeds every 8 inches. Plant them 3 months before your first frost in rows 18-30 inches apart. The seeds should be planted 1/4-1/2 inches deep. As they grow, thin them to 1 plant every 8-10 inches. Mustards may bolt early if planted in the spring.  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability 

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Developed by Dr. Munger at Cornell. Spacemaster is a bush-type plant with 2-3 ft. vines and 7½ in. long cukes. Use for salads or pickles. Widely adapted. Plant early to avoid late-season diseases. Ideal for containers and small gardens. Organic and Open-Pollinated Short vines grow to 3 feet Good production 45-50 days 2grams or ~60 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after the last frost when soil is warm. Space hills 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost for an earlier harvest. Cucumbers benefit from consistent moisture. Provide support for vines to save space. 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)

Seed Exchange - This historic variety originated in Japan and was introduced to the United States by the mid-1930s by seedsmen such as Henry A. Dreer of Philadelphia. Plants bear cream-colored, cylindrical shaped fruits filled with spaghetti-like strands of delicately flavored flesh. 80 days New for 2021 Productive plants bear 3 - 4 lb fruits Cream-colored fruits are filled with spaghetti-like strands 80 days 25 Seeds   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 Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - Europeans have savored this easy-to-grow winter radish variety, also known as ‘Noir Gros Rond d’Hiver,’ since the 1500s! Its large, 3"-4" globes boast stunning black skin and crisp, pungent, spicy white flesh—and will also keep all winter in good conditions. Grown in the United States since the 1800s, this radish adds spiciness to raw or cooked dishes; spiciness declines when cooked. 60-70 days. Characteristics:  New for 2022 3"-4" round roots Black skin and spicy white flesh Fall/winter and spring radish 60-70 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

    These hard-to-find, authentic specialty peppers are from the Galicia region of Spain. Picked small, then quickly sizzled in fruity olive oil, Padron peppers make delicious traditional Spanish "Tapas" appetizers. Once you taste these savory little mouthfuls, you are guaranteed to want more! The tapered fruits begin bearing earlier than other peppers and produce in abundance over a very long harvest season.     Spanish Padrons originated from South America in the 1500's. They quickly became a staple dish throughout Spain.  Characteristics:  Renee's Garden Exclusive  Authentic Spanish starter snacks  Savory flavor  80-85 days  Approx 20-25 seeds Instructions -   In early spring, start indoors 8 to 10 weeks before outdoor night temperatures are in the 55°F (13°C) range. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm 75°F (24°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, transplant 3 inches apart into deeper containers. Maintain at 70°F (21°C). Feed with a half-strength liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. When the weather is 55°F (13°C) both day and night, gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. Transplant 1 1/2 feet apart into rich soil in full sun. Peppers need full sun for at least 6 hours per day. Prepare the soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant only robust seedlings with well-developed roots and mulch well to maintain even soil moisture. Water regularly and consistently and fertilize several times a month.  Plant In: February - March   Mature height: 2 feet  10-20 days to germinate  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability.