Seeds - Vegetables

Broad Windsor Fava Beans - A cool season favorite! Fava beans are used all over the world and are incredibly versatile. They are a favorite for us as it is great to start sowing as soon as the ground unfreezes. Typically the soil is 40 degrees for the best time to sow. The plants can withstand freezing temps but to help germinate it is ok to cover to trap some additional heat.  Yes, Grilled Fava Beans are a thing!  This heirloom fava bean is a favorite and has stood the test of time. each pod contains 6-8 beans on average. Beans can be prepared in so many ways - fresh beans are often grilled (my personal favorite), steamed or sauted, while dried beans are your in soups, dips, and roasted Organic or Conventional Available Bush type Bean (2-4' tall plants so some trellising can be helpful 85 day Instructions - Fruits must set before temps reach 70 degrees. This variety is often planted whent he ground is workable.  It does not need much protection, but any protection will help it grow and set pods faster. In mild climates, plant in the fall or in cold climates, plant whent he soil is workable.  Direct Seed 4-6" apart Planting Depth 1" Thin 6" apart This an easy seed to save too!  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - Introduced as Bronze Beauty by Germain’s Seed Co. Awarded the bronze medal at the 1947 All-America Selections. Hailed as “the finest, most colorful and most delicious leaf lettuce for the home garden.” Our favorite oakleaf type. Looseleaf, 40-50 days. ±25,000 seeds/oz.  Characteristics:  Green and deep maroon leaves Short season variety Looseleaf and cut-and-come-again 40-50 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.

A prolific and early producer of stout, personal-sized squashes with traditional butternut color. Earlier and better storing than the popular Honeynut, Brûlée was also developed by Dr. Michael Mazourek at the Vegetable Breeding Institute at Cornell University. Uniform, squat fruits have a rich and savory flavor profile, with just the right amount of sweetness. Very high yields on vigorous plants. A portion of the sales of this variety is paid to the breeder.  Early mini butternut Stores well 0.5-1 lb squashes BR Vining habit Open-Pollinated 1/8 ounce of seed (C. moschata) 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

This pepper has several names, Shipka Bulgarian, Carrot Pepper, Bulgarian Carrot Pepper or Hot Carrot Pepper.  They are sometimes just called Shipka peppers.  A true heirloom from Bulgaria. Choose from two of our great seed labels. This one tends to sell out fast so we decided to offer it from multiple companies. If you have not grown this hot pepper, then now is your chance.  Eighteen-inch plants produce abundant crops of 3" long fruits that ripen to yellow-orange, quite hot yet fruity. Crunchy flesh adds color and sizzle to chutneys and salsas. Excellent when roasted. 70-80 days from transplant. Hot.  Characteristics  Orange fruits grow to 3 inches Excellent when roasted Plants grow to 18 inches Hot pepper 70-80 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

Seed Savers Exchange - Likely introduced to North America in the 1700s. In 1812, Thomas Jefferson recorded Bull Nose peppers in his garden calendar at Monticello. Crisp fruits ripen from green to red with an excellent flavor. Productive, sturdy plants. 55-80 days from transplant. Sweet. ±3,600 seeds/oz. Characteristics  Fruits ripen to red Excellent flavor Productive, sturdy plants Sweet pepper 55-80 days from transplant 50 Seeds per packet 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

Seed Exchange - A cool-weather plant that is as ornamental as it is tasty. This purple-foliaged variety can be used to produce two great crops for eating. The deliciously sweet leaves are perfect for adding to salads, but the variety can also be grown for its delectable baby roots. We suggest picking the leaves at about 35 days. Selected by Dutch seedsman and Seed Savers Exchange member Kees Sahin in 1986 from the French variety Crapaudine for the darkest-colored leaves. 35 days for baby leaf tops, 55 days for edible roots Best Seller Organic Red-purple leaves Sweet flavor Can be grown for salad leaves 35 days for baby leaf tops, 55 days for edible roots 100 seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Seeds will germinate in 5-10 days. Beets can be planted at two-week intervals for continuous harvests. All parts of the beet plant are edible. Direct Seed 2" apart Planting Depth 1/2" Thin 4-6" apart Plant Rows 20-24" apart

Seed Savers Exchange - Sweet and productive Polish pepper. Two-foot tall plants produce 4" long bell fruits with 3 lobes. Sweet even when green, sure to be a favorite. Does well in dry areas. 90 days from transplant. Sweet. ±4,500 seeds/oz. Characteristics  Fruits are sweet, even when green Fruits grow to 3-lobed, 4 inch long bells Plants grow to 2 feet Sweet pepper 90 days from transplant 50 Seeds per packet 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

Currently stocking High Mowing Organics. We do carry both throughout the year depending on timing of orders.  The Seed Savers Exchange - (C. maxima) Introduced in 1952 by Burgess Seed & Plant Co. This is a bush version of the original Buttercup variety introduced in 1931. Flattened dark green turbans with a distinctive button on the blossom end. Typical fruits weigh 3-5 pounds. Super sweet brilliant orange flesh with very fine eating qualities. The rind is thin but very hard, medium-length keeper. 85-100 days.  Characteristics:  Organic Turban-shaped fruits with a distinctive button on the blossom end Fruits weigh 3-5 pounds Super sweet brilliant orange flesh Medium length keeper in storage 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

Burgundy Wine Lima Bean - Gorgeous lima and a heavy producer. In our zone 4 garden we plenty to eat and plenty to raise for seed.  This is a pole lima that excelled for us. We grow this variety in our heirloom gardens at Firefly Farm & Mercantile in Cashton, Wisconsin.  The origin of the Burgundy Wine Lima is of interest for Dr. John Wyche fans as it is thought this was one he raised. The lineage of this seed is not direct but that is part of Seedsaving! Mary Schultz of Monroe, Washington donated to Seedsavers Exchange (where I requested my original seedstock from). She received it from Lloyd Duggins of Indiana. And he received it from Dr. John Wyche is how it is understood. However it came to be, it is a beast of a producer.  Characteristics:  Good for the North and Great for the South Prolific producer Pole Lima bean 75-80 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 - 53 days. Bears when plants are 18 in. tall and continues to bear until frost. Huge leaves, typically 16 in. across. 9-12 in. slender pods are curved and virtually spineless. Pods mature from light green to creamy yellow-green. At 10 in. long they are tender, sweet, and spineless enough to be eaten raw or added to salads. Pods are less gooey than other okra. Characteristics:  Organic Plants grow to 4 feet tall Pods are deep burgundy Pods grow to 9-12 inches long 50 days 4g, 80- 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

Burpee's Golden Beet - One of our favorites for growing. We like to plant beets in groups of 3 and as they grow we can pick them for different dishes. We will tend to pick on one of the three for salad when they are about 1" in size. We find they grow better with friends.  Seed Exchange - A standout beet, offering both excellent roots and sweet, flavorful, edible greens that are ideal for sautéeing. Introduced in 1970 by Burpee Seed Company, it has orange, globe-shaped roots that turn golden yellow when cooked, are tender and mild-flavored (even when large), and will not bleed like red beets. 50-55 days Organic Bright orange roots Extremely tender Can be grown for salad leaves 50-55 days 100 seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Seeds will germinate in 5-10 days. Beets can be planted at two-week intervals for a steady harvest. All parts of the beet plant are edible. Direct Seed 2" apart Planting Depth 1/2" Thin 4-6" apart Plant Rows 20-24" apart

The Seed Exchange - Introduced in 1894 by W. Atlee Burpee who obtained its stock seed from N. B. Keeney & Son of Genesee County, NY. Burpee proclaimed it the only totally stringless green podded bean. Produces pods that are 5" long. Bush habit, snap, 46-50 days. ±1,100 seeds/lb. Bush Bean Stringless pods Snap bean 46-50 days  50 Seeds per pack Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after 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 varitities so please check back often at Seeds - Vegetables (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com)

The Seed Savers Exchange - Produces bumper crops for fresh eating and pickling, with fruits seemingly growing overnight in peak season. A bush cucumber, this variety will take up only 2 or 3 square feet per plant. Introduced to American gardeners by Seed Savers Exchange in 1992, the variety originated in Russia, where its short vines (up to 5' long) and ease of growing made it perfect for dacha or second-home gardens near Moscow. 45-50 days. ±900 seeds/oz. Organic and Open-Pollinated Short vines grow to 5 feet Good production 45-50 days 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)

Productive variety sporting very large, glossy dark green leaves with rich flavor. High Mowing Organic Seeds - Butterflay stole the show among the hybrid and open-pollinated spinach varieties in our fall trials, exhibiting better vigor and emergence than any other variety, as well as unmatched intense green color. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated Field variety Spring/fall 40 days  1/4 oz approx.   Instructions - Spinach is a cool-season hardy annual. Like all leafy greens, spinach thrives in fertile and moist soil. Spinach is sensitive to soil pH, preferring a range of 6.5-7. Magnesium deficiency manifests in yellowing leaves similar to nitrogen deficiency. Because spinach will carry excess nitrates if over-fertilized, try correcting Magnesium first. Direct seed as soon as soil can be worked in the spring, and again in the late summer-early fall. Plant 1/8-1/4" deep  Plant Spacing: For babyleaf ~40seeds/ft” in 2-4” bands, for bunching 2” Row Spacing: For babyleaf space bands 1-2” apart, for bunching 12-18” Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - This heirloom variety’s leaves have the classic spice and sharpness of good mustard green and are more substantial in texture than other leafy greens. The glossy highly toothed leaves gently cascade downward, making them an attractive addition to the vegetable garden. Jim Tjepkema received the variety from fellow Seed Savers Exchange member Dorothy Jones in 1990 and later donated it to our collection. The variety’s lineage can be traced to Georgia in 1839, through Dorothy’s husband’s ancestors.  Characteristics: Organic From the Collection Spicy and sharp Substantial texture 250 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.  Start Indoors: 6 weeks before the last frost  Direct Seed: 1/2" Deep Thin: 1-6" Apart Plant Outdoors: 6-8” Apart  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability 

The Seed Savers Exchange - Tan roots with light red and green shoulders grow to 6-8" in diameter and have a sweet flavor after a frost. Evalynn Schnackenberg shared this family heirloom rutabaga with Seed Savers Exchange in 2013. Her grandmother’s cousin, Leo Cairns, was an avid gardener and grew it as early as the 1950s near Bellingham, Washington. 90-100 days.  Characteristics:  Organic 90-100 days From the Collection Variety 2018 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 - This variety has delighted the Cajun Country since the 1950s! Splineless, compact plants reach 3–4' tall and yield an abundance of relatively early 6"-8"-long pods with great flavor. Introduced by Southern Exposure Seed Exchange in 1989, this versatile gem thrives in hot climates but also adapts well to cooler ones. Its beautiful blooms are a bonus. Characteristics:  Organic Plants grow to 3-4 feet tall Pods are spineless and grow 6-8" long 60-65 days 50 Seeds per packet  This variety will grow well in most regions of the United States but does not tolerate cold well 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

Seed Exchange - This historic and delicious variety dates back to the 1880s, when it was brought to America by Italian immigrants. Tight heads can grow up to 8" in diameter. After the central head is harvested, many side shoots will form, and they can be harvested right up to frost. 58-90 days from transplant. Organic Dark green Heads grow to 8 inches Side shoots or sprouts form after the central head is harvested 58-90 days from transplant 100 seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. Plant out just before the last frost. Broccoli prefers cool temperatures and a regular supply of water. In many regions it can be grown as both a spring and fall crop. Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost Germination 3-10 days Plant apart 24"  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability.