Seeds - Vegetables

Willowleaf Lima Bean - A very heavy yielding lima with willow shaped leaves and Sieva sized and similar white limas. In fact this is sport from the Sieva lima. We grow this variety in our heirloom gardens at Firefly Farm & Mercantile in Cashton, Wisconsin.  W. Atlas Burpee offered the white willowleaf lima in his 1891 seed catalog but it was around for many years and is rumored to come first from Tennessee. The colored lima was said to be developed later and mentioned in catalogs in the early 1900's.  Characteristics:  Top Yielding Lima Pole Lima bean 80 days for eating, 100 for dried We offer it in minipacks or packs of 25.  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

Willowleaf Colored Lima Bean - A heavy yielding lima with willow shaped leaves and beautiful colored limas. The variation for the leaves comes from the Sieva lima. We grow this variety in our heirloom gardens at Firefly Farm & Mercantile in Cashton, Wisconsin. We will offer in larger quantities in 2027 so order early for 2026 if you's like to try a 10 pack.  W. Atlas Burpee offered the white willowleaf lima in his 1891 seed catalog but it was around for many years and is rumored to come first from Tennessee. The colored lima was said to be developed later and mentioned in catalogs in the early 1900's.  Characteristics:  Prolific producer Pole Lima bean 80 days for eating, 100 for dried We offer it in minipacks or packs of 25.  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

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange -Winter Bloomsdale Spinach  47 days. Adapted for late summer and early fall plantings and overwintering. The slow-bolting plants are resistant to blue mold, blight, and mosaic. Dark green, well-savoyed leaves.   Characteristics:  Organic & Open-Pollinated Dark green, glossy, savoyed leaves Tender leaves with excellent flavor Quick growing and productive Slow to bolt 47 days 3g or ~180 Seeds   Instructions - Spinach grows best in cool weather and should be planted in early spring or late summer to produce a fall crop. For best yields, harvest continually and make successive plantings every ten days. Plant 1" apart Plant 1/2" deep Thin 6" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability 

The Seed Savers Exchange - (aka Craquerelle du Midi) Bred in England. Large dark green curled leaves form upright 8-10" heads. Sweet, crisp, and succulent. Slow to bolt in summer heat yet also cold tolerant.  Characteristics:  Organic Sweet, crisp heads grow to 8-10 inches Slow to bolt yet also cold tolerant Bibb-Romaine lettuce 55 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 - aka Livingston’s Pie Squash, Introduced in 1893 by Johnson & Stokes of Philadelphia. Amy Goldman, author of The Complete Squash, says it is “the finest pie stock in the land.” Fruits average 6 pounds, making them the perfect size for two pies. Orange rind is covered in delicate netting; the flesh is smooth, sweet, and fiber-free. Not the best keeper, so enjoy it for Thanksgiving or early winter. 85-100 days. (C. pepo)  Characteristics:  Orange rind with netting Fruits grow to 6 pounds Excellent texture and flavor Winter squash 85-100 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 - Released by the University of Wisconsin in 1946. Excellent all-purpose tomato, great for canning. Does best on rich soils. Remembered as one of the best home and market tomatoes in the Madison, Wisconsin area. Indeterminate, 80 days from transplant.  Characteristics:  Organic Bright red, globe-shaped fruits All-purpose tomato is great for canning Does best in rich soils Indeterminate - Fruit ripens throughout the season 80 days from transplant 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

We have more on the way - it will be arriving 3/15 or so. The Seed Savers Exchange -  Now you too can grow this champion tomato! Bred as a processing tomato, it took top honors in the slicing division at the 2018 Seed Savers Exchange Tomato Tasting event. The University of Wisconsin developed the variety and released it in 1957. While the fruits aren’t quite as red as those of the well-known ‘Wisconsin 55’ tomato, also developed by the University of Wisconsin, they average just a bit larger. Its plants are semi-determinate and benefit from staking. 80-90 days. Characteristics:  Organic All-purpose tomato is great for canning Semi-determinate benefit from staking 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

Seed Savers Exchange - Developed in the 1950s at the University of Wisconsin at Madison by Professor O. B. Combs. Great choice for an early maturing bell pepper. Reliable yields of thick-walled, 4-6 oz. fruits that ripen from green to red. 75-85 days from transplant. Sweet. Characteristics:  Organic Thick-walled fruits grow to 4-6 ounces Fruits ripen to red Good for short seasons Sweet pepper 75-85 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 the soil is warm. Sow indoors 6-8 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

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange -A pre 1912 heirloom, Developed from a cross combining the size and production of Chinese Giant with the shape and color of Ruby King. 3 x 4 in., thick fleshed bells, very sweet when red, 3 ft. tall plants. Organic & Open-Pollinated 72 days from transplant for green .3 grams of seeds, ~35-50 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 6-8 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

A cold-tolerant, disease-resistant mix. High Mowing Organic Seeds - This attractive blend of colors and leaf types creates an eye-catching, all-around pleasing mix for the garden or market. Most of these lettuces have good downy mildew resistance, essential for fall and winter plantings in regions with downy mildew pressure. Characteristics: Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  High Mowing Organic Seeds Exclusive  Cold-hardy  High disease resistance  28 days   1/32 oz approx.  Instructions - Lettuce is cool-season annual in the Compositae family. Choose cool, well-drained, loose soil. Lettuce is sensitive to low pH. Lettuce can be seeded in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked.  Plant 1/8" deep  Plant 8-12" apart  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Firefly Farm & Mercantile's Yellow Brandwine - We love this tomato for its perfectly balanced tomato flavor that balances tart and sweet. It is a meaty fruit that is great for slicing and we even cook them too. We offer it in minipackets and normal sized seed packets from our fine. For those that need organic certified options, we offer it from Southern Exposure for you too.  The history is a bit undocumented but what we do know is Barbar Lund of Ohio recevied these seeds from Charles Knoy of Indiana and shared them with Craig LeHouiller.  The seeds ultimately were shared with Johnny Seeds and now they are part of America's never ending choices for tomatoes.  Southern Exposure Seed Exchange Yellow Brandywine - Same great flavor as pink-fruited Brandywine. Large, slightly ribbed beefsteaks are sweet and tangy - our grower prefers it to pink Brandywine! Fruits keep well. Large potato-leaf foliage provides medium fruit cover.  This is an Indiana heirloom.  Heat Tolerant  Organic & Open-Pollinated Indeterminate 16 oz fruit 76 Days 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

Tender lemon-yellow fruits. High Mowing Organic Seeds - Signature bent fruit are best harvested at 5-6" long or smaller for best flavor and texture. Our strain has been selected for yield, shape and quality. If left to overgrow, can be used for a dark yellow, warty ornamental gourd. Organic & Open-Pollinated Bright yellow skin Best when eaten under 8 inches Heavy yielding bush plants Summer squash 50-55 days 1/8 oz 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 Living Seed Company - The Yellow Pear is an extremely productive very old heirloom, producing tasty, pretty yellow, small pear shaped tomatoes. The adorable fruits are wonderful fresh as a snack, in salads and a great addition to salsa fresca. They are also great in pasta dishes, as an hors d'oeurve or for making tomato preserves. Organic & Open-Pollinated Excellent fresh eating Indeterminate - Fruit ripens throughout the season 80-90 days from transplant 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 6-8 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 - A top-quality, late-maturing onion with golden, globe-shaped bulbs weighing an average of 1 pound, this variety hails from northern Italy. It has a mild, sweet taste when fresh, but its flavor intensifies when it is stored. One of the best onions varieties for storage. Long-day type. 110 days from transplant.  Characteristics:  One of the best onions for storage Long-day onion Bulbs grow to 1 pound Globe-shaped, solid bulbs Late-maturing 110 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

Long, sunflower-yellow carrots with strong, feathery tops. High Mowing Organic Seeds - Extremely productive and adaptable to many growing conditions; one of the easiest carrots to grow. Strong tops are ideal for bunching. Pick early for a sweet, tender, mild-flavor treat that kids will love! Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated Productive  Mild flavor 9" roots  70 days  250 seeds Instructions - Sow seeds as soon as soil can be worked in the spring through mid-summer  Plant thin to 1-2" apart depending on the desired size  Plant 1/4-1/2" Deep Plant Rows 18-24" apart Thin 2-4" Apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Yugoslavian Red Lettuce -  Red-tinged leaves form loose heads that can measure up to 12" across. Cutting the head in half exposes solid green interior leaves and an almost white center. Excellent mild flavor, one of our most popular lettuces. This lettuce reigns from Slovenia and is famous for its buttery flavor. Bibb or Butterhead, 55 days. Characteristics:  Organic Loose 12" heads with red-tinged leaves and green center Soft texture and mild flavor Bibb or Butterhead lettuce 55 days 250 seeds per packet, minimum 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.

Heat tolerant alternative to Tat Soi. High Mowing Organic Seeds - Forest green, spoon-shaped leaves with very mild flavor are cupped and heavily savoyed. Upright architecture for easy harvesting. Slow to bolt. 21,500 seeds/oz. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated Heat tolerant  Mild flavor 21 days baby - 45 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 18" Apart Thin 6" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange -In France this variety is referred to as 'Cuisse de Poulet du Poitou' (chicken leg of Poitou). It is a type of Eschalion, or banana shallot, so named because of its distinctive torpedo shape. Shallots are a type of onion that developed in Central or Southeast Asia. Onions are thought to have been used as a food source for millennia, but it isn't clear when onion bulbs began to be cultivated rather than collected from the wild. It appears to have been used in ancient Egypt and Greece. In the Middle Ages onions formed an important part of European diets. Early European settlers brought bulbing onions to the Americas, where the indigenous peoples were already using wild onions. Shallots pair well with bay leaves, tarragon, rosemary, thyme, cumin, and coriander. Caramelized shallots offer a rich flavor without the heat or bite of a raw shallots and can be used in soups, to top pizzas, or served over squash, mushrooms, or meat dishes. Characteristics:  Long-day type 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