Seeds - Vegetables

Out of Stock for the season - Seed Exchange - (C. frutescens) Small peppers, big attitude! Mounded 8" plants covered with ½" tabasco-type fruits ripening from green to a rich deep red. Averages 200 fruits per plant. If picked clean, a colorful second crop will set just in time for your holiday decorations. Perfect for container growing. 85 days from transplant. Hot. Tabasco-type fruits grow to ½ inch Very productive Good for container growing Hot pepper 85 days from transplant 50 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    

Thai Oakleaf Looseleaf Lettuce - This is one of the quickest lettuces to harvest coming in at 39 days. Southern Exposure introduced this from a Thai breeding program.  Selected to produce excellent quality lettuce under high heat. A favorite of hydroponics growers. Resembles Oakleaf, but with larger, more tender, and more upright leaves. Moderately slow to bolt. Distinctive, almond-like flavor. Characteristics:  Organic & Open-Pollinated Bred for high heat conditions Looseleaf and cut-and-come-again 39 days .5 g, ~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.

Early BFCM  Pricing Starts Today - Starts Shipping 12/1.   Firefly Farm & Mercantile's The Homesteader's Harvest- Raising your own food is an investment of time but gives peace of mind knowing that you can plant and harvest your own food and seedstock makes it worth it. The inspiration behind this collection is a fully stocked pantry. Many of our selections are heirlooms that have stood the test of test and all seeds are open-pollinated. From early spring greens to late fall's brussel sprouts, our Homesteader's Harvest will keep your pantry stock all season long.  Each seed packet lists the instructions for that specific variety. This seed collection allows you to save your seed as the entire collection is Open-Pollinated and always Non-GMO at Firefly Farm & Mercantile.  Rattlesnake Pole Bean - 25 Seeds Blue Coco Pole Bean - 25 Seeds Strike Bush Bean Snap Beans - 50 Seeds Golden Bantam Improved Corn - 100 Seeds Amish Snap Peas -40 seeds Valencia Day Neutral Onion -100 Seeds Dragon Carrot - 200 Seeds Scarlet Nantes Carrot - 200 Seeds Grandma Hadley Lettuce - 200 Seeds Buttercrunch Lettuce - 200 Seeds Amish Paste Tomato - 25 Seeds German Pink Heirloom Tomatoes (Slicing)- 25 Seeds  Indigo Apple Tomatoes (Sauces, Slicing) - 25 Seeds Blush Tomatoes (Grape) - 10 Seeds Wisconsin Lakes Sweet Peppers - 25 Seeds Jalapeno Traveler - 10 Seeds Ferehozon Hungarian Paprika Pepper - 20 Seeds Waltham Butternut Winter Squash - 20 Seeds Spaghetti Squash - 20 Seeds Black Futsu Pumpkin - 25 Seeds Costata Romensco Zuchinni - 10 Seeds Summer Croockneck Yellow Squash -10 Seeds Marketmore 76 Cucumbers - 25 Seeds National Pickling Cucumber - 25 Seeds Rasmus Broccoli - 25 Seeds Bloomsdale Spinach - 100 Seeds Lacinato Kale - 100 Seeds French Breakfast Radishes - 200 Seeds Golden Acre Cabbage - 50 Seeds Detroit Dark Beet - 100 Seeds Lutz Fall Keeper Beet - 175 Seeds Purple Top Turnips - 150 Seeds  Grey Striped Sunflowers - 50 Seeds Sweet Basil - 40 Seeds Bouquet Dill - 100 Seeds Borage - 20 Seeds, Loved by Pollinators Nasturium Mix - 25 Seeds Beed Feed Mix - 1 oz Seeds Large Flowering Dahlia Zinnia Mix - 50 Seeds Dwarf Mix Cosmos (50 Seeds) Bonus Seed Packet- 1 Soup Bean for your region: Varieties will include Jembo Polish, Cherokee Trail of Tears Black Bean, Turkey Craw, or Jacob Cattle  On the rare occasion we are out, we will substitute a variety that is similar will work great in your garden. 

The Three Sisters is based on a Native American farming technique.  The techniques vary but what remains constant is the tradition of planting Corn, Beans and Squash together.  The corn is planted first, followed by the beans and squash in a few weeks. The corn provides a stalk for the beans to grow up on, while the beans provide nitrogen to the corn and squash, and the squash provides a protective border and some shade for the roots and helps to retain moisture.  We are transitioning to new envelopes to include the image you see here, they arrive the first week of December. We can ship in our plain envelope if you want to recevie it faster. Options are below for either.  Traditional with Sweet Corn:  Country Gentleman (75 Seeds), Waltham Butternut Squash (20 Seeds), Rattlesnake Pole Bean (50 seeds), Bonus Sunflower Pack Traditional with Popping/Grinding Corn:  Glass Gem Corn (50 Seeds), Cherokee Trail of Tears Black Beans (50 seeds), Waltham Butternut Squash (20 Seeds), Bonus Sunflower Pack Small Garden: Shorter Corn and Bush Snap Beans: Blue Jade Corn (75 seeds) Strike Bush Beans (100 Seeds), Waltham Butternut Squash (20 Seeds), Bonus Sunflower Pack Surpise Me: We use your zip code to match up the best options for you. This is our second most popular option and will include a Corn, Bean, Squash and Sunflower We combine our Butternut Squash, Golden Bantam Corn, and a Pole Bean.  Play around with any combination you like.  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on seed varieties in stock or on your growing region. We are happy to customize so please give us a call.  Instructions - There are many ways you can do plant a traditional three sisters garden.  One method is to plant a plot of corn in a square and then plant the beans on the outer square, while the squash is then planted around the beans.  More Detailed Instructions which we also inlcude in each envelope: The Three Sister Gardening collection uses a Native American food production technique called the Three Sisters. It uses Corn, Beans and Squash together in a food production plot. The corn provides support for the beans, the beans provide nitrogen to the corn, and the squash forms a perimeter around the corn and beans helping to protect it. Depending on your bean types you will want to think how you grow the Three Sisters. Enclosed in our collection is a fresh eating Green Bean type of Bean. If you are growing dried beans, you can plant a little differently as we will discuss.  Let’s get started. The ground is warmed up so it’s time to plant your corn. Your corn should be in the center of the patch or against a wall. When you plant your corn its best to try to get 4 rows with 6 being ideal. This may mean a corn patch that is 6 rows with 8 seeds per row. The idea is to help ensure a good cross pollination of corn. If planted in a single or double row you limit pollination. Beans – You should plant your pole beans around the perimeter of your corn when the corn is 1’ tall. You will want your beans to be able to be supported by the corn. When planting, it is important to not have more than 1 bean for every corn stalk. Ideally, I have found it to be 1 bean plant for every 2-3 corn stalks as the beans will branch out. You cannot successfully plant a fresh eating bean in the middle of the corn as you will never be able to harvest it. If you are growing drying beans, you probably can but we limit to around the perimeter. Once you planted your beans, you can sow your squash. Some sow their squash when they sow their corn and that is fine. But do plant your squash 3-4 feet away from the corn. Squash will grow fast and far.  It is ok to move and stake your squash vines as you see fit. The squash is creating a natural border to help deter critters from eating your corn.

Currently stocking Southern Expsoure Seed Exchange. We carry both throughout to year depending on timing. The Seed Savers Exchange - (C. pepo) (aka Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato) Originally from Thelma Sanders of Kirksville, Missouri. The seed was passed from Evert Pettit to Sue and Tom Knoche, Ohio squash collectors. All these seed stewards were among SSE’s earliest members. Wonderful cream-colored acorn squash. Sweet chestnut flavor, enormously productive. Thelma described this good keeper as ‘better than sweet potatoes.’ 85-90 days.  Characteristics:  Organic Cream-colored acorn squash Sweet chestnut flavor Extremely productive Winter squash 85-90 days At least 20 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

Seed Savers Exchange co-founders, Diane Ott Whealy and Kent Whealy, brought this variety with them when they moved to Decorah, Iowa, in 1984. Diane recounts its origin in her memoir, Gathering: “A few years earlier, a gentleman had sent me a three-pound Folgers coffee can full of seed. He said the plants were always grown from seed and rivaled any commercial variety, but they came to me with no name. His claim was true. These plants were eventually transplanted to a patch in front of the barn at Heritage Farm and 20 years later have developed into a magnificent bed. One good thing about growing older: your asparagus patch gets better.” Characteristics:  Perennial Organic Large Stalks 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 8-12 weeks before the last frost Germination 20-60 days Plant Outdoors: 4-6” Apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Tiara Cabbage by High Mowing Organic Seeds - Early maturing, dense mini cabbage suited for successions and tight planting spaces. Heads are of exceptional quality, densely packed with sweet, flavorful leaves that are crisp, juicy and perfect for fresh use. Round mini heads with short cores grow on compact plants and are an excellent option for CSA boxes, succession planting and small garden spaces. From our partners at Bejo Seeds. Mini cabbage Early fresh market Highly uniform 2-3 lbs Hybrid 25 Seeds 57 days from transplants Instructions - Cabbages 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.  If boron is not present in your soils, consider adding 1 Tbs per 100 sq ft.  Direct sow when daytime soil temps warm to 75°F. Start seeds indoors or in cold frames 4-6 weeks before the planting date. The optimal soil temperature for germination is 75°F but seeds will germinate in soils as cool as 50°F.  Cabbage is mature when the tight outer leaf of the head begins to fold back on itself. Cut heads flat on the underside. Cabbage is best stored at 32°F, with high humidity and good air circulation. Loose, well-drained fertile soils  Plant 1/2" deep  Space 10-18" apart for fresh market; 18-24" for storage and processing  Row Spacing: 12-18" for fresh market; 18-34" for storage and processing  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Living Seed Company -  A favorite of our friends at the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center and a favorite of ours!  Seed originally given to Doug Gosling.  A very rare Czech heirloom that is incredibly rare. This is a different variety that the most commonly found Tiger.  Very early, medium-small sized fruits. Organic Fruits are about 10oz Indeterminate 65-75 days from transplant 25 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors 1/8" 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

Tiger's Eye Bush Bean - One we like to grow every few years as it is excellent when cooked freshed.  The Seed Exchange - Originally from Chile or Argentina. Wonderfully rich flavor and smooth texture. Very tender skins almost disappear when cooked. Great for chili or refried beans. Can also be used as fresh shell beans. Productive 24" plants. Bush habit, shell or dry, 80-90 days. ±650 seeds/lb. Bush habit Rich flavor and smooth texture Shell or dry bean 80-90 days 50 Seeds per pack Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil and air temperatures have warmed. Harvest snap beans frequently for increased yields. Leave some pods on the vine and harvest when completely mature for dry beans. Direct Seed 2" Apart Plant 1" deep Rows Apart: 36-48" 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 - Originally from an Armenian market. Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company brought this stunning variety to our attention. Vibrant yellow fruits with dark orange zigzag stripes. The fragrance is heavenly and the fruit similar to Queen Anne’s Pocket Melon. However, Tigger is heavier (about 1 pound), and the white flesh is mildly sweet. Ornamental, for specialty markets. 85 days Characteristics:  Organic Fruits grow to about 1 pound Heavenly fragrance The white flesh is mildly sweet 85 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 - (Brassica napus) The sweet, smooth, cream-colored flesh of this rutabaga makes it perfect for mashing, roasting, or even eating raw. White roots have purple shoulders, long necks, and smooth skin with minimal forking; average 4.5" long and 3" in diameter; and weigh about a pound. Leaves bear purple petioles and have drooping habits. 100 days. Characteristics:  From the Collection for 2022 Organic Large white roots with purple shoulders Smooth skin 100 days 250 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in late spring. Seeds will germinate in 5-15 days. Rutabagas prefer a long, cool growing season. Plant in full sun in cool climates or partial shade in hot summer climates. Rutabagas are most delicious after a frost or two.  Direct Seed: 2" Apart Seed Depth: 1/2" Rows Apart: 18-24" Thin: 6" Apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - As its name suggests, this popular daikon-type radish can be sown year-round in milder climates. Its flavorful, spicy, crisp flesh tastes great when tossed into salads or soups, pickled, or eaten fresh. Very slow to bolt, this variety produces a white root that reaches 10-14" in length and 2" in diameter, tapering uniformly to a sharp tip. 50-60 days.  Characteristics:  New for 2022 Tapered roots reaching 10-14" in length Flavorful. spicy white flesh 50-60 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

Lime green leaves have gently ruffled edges and a white mid-rib. High Mowing Organic Seeds - A lettucy-mustard green resembling Black Seeded Simpson; an excellent baby green for adding loft and weight to mixes. Planted at 4-6" spacing, this variety will grow into an attractive bunching green with solid white mid-ribs and an exceptionally tender leaf texture. 10,000 seeds/oz. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated Cut-and-come-again Excellent for salad mix Mild flavor 21 days baby - 40 full size  1/32 oz approx.  Instructions - Most Asian Greens are moderately hardy annuals and can be sown from early spring through midsummer. Asian greens are in the same family as mustards but tend to have a mild flavor and lack the spiciness that many mustards are known for. Asian greens include an assortment of species that can be grown for baby leaf or full-size crops. Direct Seed 1" apart Planting Depth 1/4" Rows 12-18" Apart Thin 6-12" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange-   Tokyo Long White is a Japanese Heirloom. Slim white onions with upright blue-green tops that grow quickly up to 12 in. and can form clumps up to 8 inches. Great for harvest in spring, summer and fall. Tolerant of heat and some cold. Excellent mild flavor for salads and stir-fries. Characteristics:  Soft White Flesh 65-95 days Organic 1 gram or Approx 450 seeds   Instructions - 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. 

Seed Savers Exchange - Introduced to SSE in 1979 by SSE member Mike Cannon of New York. Sweet Italian variety was given to him by Phil Tolli. Large, dependable yields of 5" long scarlet-red peppers. This is one of our all-around favorites for fresh eating, frying, and canning recipes. Great added to tomato sauces. 75-85 days from transplant. Sweet.  Characteristics  Scarlet fruits grow to 5 inches long Great for fresh eating, frying, and canning Productive Sweet pepper 75-85 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

Tom Thumb Bibb (Butterhead Lettuce) pre-1850 Heirloom. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - 48 days. Pre-1850 heirloom, Space-saving miniature butterhead. Apple-sized head can be used whole in individual salads. Tender leaves are medium-green and crumpled. Popular in some restaurants. This mini lettuce was grown by Thomas Jefferson.  Characteristics:  Pre-1850 Heirloom, Organic, Non-GMO and Open-Pollinated Cold- and heat-tolerant Butterhead 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.

The Seed Exchange - (aka Hulless, Dwarf Rice, Squirrel Tooth) The original Tom Thumb popcorn dates to circa the 1860s. This strain is the result of refinements made on the original by Professor Elwyn Meader of the University of New Hampshire. Dwarf 3½' plants produce 1-2 ears each that measure up to 4" long. Good for coastal and short-season areas. 85-90 days. ±280 seeds/oz. Organic Grows 3-4 feet tall 1-2 ears per stalk Good for coastal and short-season areas Popcorn 85-90 days 50 Seeds per packet 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 We are always adding new varieties so please check back often at Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)

The Seed Exchange - At 8" tall, this aptly named dwarf pea is ideal for container gardening and is very frost-tolerant. Originating in England and introduced in the United States in the mid-19th century, there were several strains of this variety; over time, further reductions in height and time to maturity were achieved, leading to the pea we know as Tom Thumb today. Shell, 50-55 day Plants grow to 8 inches Good for container gardening Able to withstand hard frosts Shelling pea 50-55 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. Our family tends to not trellis these and just space them a little closer together to support themselves.   Direct Seed 2" apart Plant 1/2" deep Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Early variety with tart flavor when young, becoming sweeter as it ripens. High Mowing Organic Seeds - Medium to large size fruits are ready to harvest when husks split and fruit color changes from yellow-green to medium green. Perfect for Salsa Verde or as a special addition to any Mexican dish. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated Semi-determinate Uniform fruit  60 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