Seeds and Supplies

CERTIFIED ORGANIC! Chioggia Guardsmark Organic beet seeds are a striking Italian heirloom variety with light-red, smooth round roots and bright pink and white alternating rings inside. These sweet beets (pronounced kee-OH-jee-ah) are about 5cm (2") in diameter with mild green leaves and pale red stems. Interestingly, each red ring in the cross section of these beets represents one lunar month of growth.

This early 1890’s introduction produces smooth, dark red, 16 cm (6.5″) long, cylindrical beets. The sweet tasting roots are excellent keepers and are perfect for slicing due to their uniform diameter and length. Cylindra cooks well and is best used when young however a pleasant surprise awaits as the roots still keep much of their sweet, tender flavour when larger! How to Grow Beets thrive in sandy loam with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Remember to fertilize. For continual harvest, sow seeds 1.2 cm (1/2″) deep and 2.5 cm (1″) apart in two week intervals beginning when the soil has warmed to 7 C (45 F) and avoid sowing after mid July. As each beet ‘seed’ is actually a corky fruit with 2 to 5 seeds contained within, it is important to thin the young seedlings to 7–10 cm (3–4″) apart to provide enough room for proper root formation. Use plants that are thinned as a source of tender, edible greens. Over-watering or excessive rainfall may lead to excessive leaf growth and pale or small roots. One packet sows approximately 6 m (20’) of row.

This early 1890’s introduction produces smooth, dark red, 16 cm (6.5″) long, cylindrical beets. The sweet tasting roots are excellent keepers and are perfect for slicing due to their uniform diameter and length. Cylindra cooks well and is best used when young however a pleasant surprise awaits as the roots still keep much of their sweet, tender flavour when larger! How to Grow Beets thrive in sandy loam with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Remember to fertilize. For continual harvest, sow seeds 1.2 cm (1/2″) deep and 2.5 cm (1″) apart in two week intervals beginning when the soil has warmed to 7 C (45 F) and avoid sowing after mid July. As each beet ‘seed’ is actually a corky fruit with 2 to 5 seeds contained within, it is important to thin the young seedlings to 7–10 cm (3–4″) apart to provide enough room for proper root formation. Use plants that are thinned as a source of tender, edible greens. Over-watering or excessive rainfall may lead to excessive leaf growth and pale or small roots. One packet sows approximately 6 m (20’) of row.

This 1892 introduction is the standard bearer of the beet family! Dark red, globe shaped roots have a smooth crown and small taproot. The quick maturity, sweet slightly earthy taste, uniform shape and consistent interior colour make this variety the perfect candidate for canning or freezing. Very low in geosmin. Geosmin is the naturally occurring compound in beets responsible for their “earthy” flavour. How to Grow Beets thrive in sandy loam with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Remember to fertilize. For continual harvest, sow seeds 1.2 cm (1/2″) deep and 2.5 cm (1″) apart in two week intervals beginning when the soil has warmed to 7 C (45 F) and avoid sowing after mid July. As each beet ‘seed’ is actually a corky fruit with 2 to 5 seeds contained within, it is important to thin the young seedlings to 7–10 cm (3–4″) apart to provide enough room for proper root formation. Use plants that are thinned as a source of tender, edible greens. Over-watering or excessive rainfall may lead to excessive leaf growth and pale or small roots. One packet sows approximately 6 m (20’) of row.

Early Wonder Tall Top beet seeds beets adapt to all seasons but are especially good in early spring with quick growth in chilly soils. They produce tall, tasty green leaves with red stems and slightly flattened roots with wonderfully sweet flavour. Early Wonder Tall Top beets makes a good variety for general table use. Grow as micro-greens or baby leaf greens for salad mixes, or enjoy the sweet round roots at full size. Be sure to thin the planted row to allow each root the room it needs to grow to full size.

Touchstone Gold Organic Beet Seeds 4023. A rather unique looking beet with a vibrant orange-red exterior, uniform root shape. mild tasting bight yellow flesh with very little zoning and striking green tops. This specialty beet makes an eye catching, taste bud pleasing garden treat! How to Grow 60 seed/gram. Sow seed directly into the garden 1.25 cm (1/2″) deep in rows 30-45 cm (12-18″) apart. Successive sowings as late as the first of July helps extend the harvest. Beets produce a compound seed which means each seed can produce up to 4 sprouts so thinning is essential for good root formation – thin seedlings to 10 cm (4″) apart – you can use the tops of thinned beets as a source of baby greens. Irrigation is important during dry spells up until the roots begin to swell. Fertilizer improves quality and size of roots.

This reliable Italian variety is very disease resistant, hardy and prolific. These easy-to-grow plants can grow up to 75-90 cm (30-36") tall producing bluish-green heads that measure 12.5 cm (5") across. Once the head is harvested, the plant produces many side shoots. Seed Type: Heirloom Plant Type: Vegetable Flavor: Grassy, earthy flavor Days to Harvest: 75-80 days after transplanting to garden. Days to Seed Germination: 7 to 10 days Seed Planting Depth: 1.3 cm (1/2") Seed Spacing: 1.3 cm (1/2") Row Spacing: 60 cm (24")

Broccoli has been cultivated for over 2000 years. This garden favourite is native to the Mediterranean but migrated throughout the world to become a major vegetable of choice for home gardeners. Broccoli are high in vitamins A and C, folic acid and iron. Interestingly, broccoli contains high levels of the reputed cancer fighting compound, sulforaphane. Green Sprouting is an old Italian variety that matures early and is surprisingly easy to grow. Large vigorous plants grow to 50 cm (20″) tall. Produces heavy crops of large, solid, central heads with numerous medium size lateral heads produced later in the season. Open pollinated. How to Grow 300 seed/gram. Plants mature quickly and grow best in cooler weather. Both early and late crops are possible. For early crops, start seeds indoors in a soil-less mix from late March to early April. Set out the transplants in late April and early May spacing them about 45 cm (18″) apart in rows 90 cm (3′) apart. Fertilizing is essential. Use a balanced NPK granular or 20-20-20 water soluble. Keep weeded and evenly watered. Broccoli may become top heavy as the heads form – staking may be required. Harvest the main head when the buds are tight and compact, well before flowering. Cut the centre stalk at an angle below the main head and avoid damaging the side shoots. This encourages more heads to develop and will prolong the harvest. Flowering will signal an end to head production. One packet sows approx. 20 m (66’) of row when thinned to a 40-50 cm (16-18”) spacing.

Rapini or Spring Raab Broccoli Seeds 1295 Heirloom Vegetable. A traditional Italian variety producing both tender young leaves and flowering shoots with tiny broccoli-like florets. Both the leaves and the heads can be eaten together creating a robust flavour that will dazzle your taste buds and leave you looking for more. By carefully picking young leaves, stems and flower buds, the harvest period can be spread out over 2 to 4 weeks. How to Grow Plants mature quickly and grow best in cooler weather. Both early and late crops are possible. For early crops, start seeds indoors in a soil-less mix from late March to early April. Set out the transplants in late April and early May spacing them about 45 cm (18″) apart in rows 90 cm (3′) apart. Fertilizing is essential. Use a balanced NPK granular or 20-20-20 water soluble. Keep the area weeded and evenly watered. One packet sows approx. 20 m (66’) of row when thinned to a 40-50 cm (16-18”) spacing. When the weather becomes hot, check the plants daily. High temperatures cause the flower buds to open quickly and taste and quality rapidly deteriorates.

This very popular dwarf green has white spoon shaped petioles topped with dark green leaves. A culinary favourite braised, sauteed or for use in stir-fries and soups.

Danish Ballhead produces outstanding quality and uniform, tender, fine-grained heads – all the reasons why this is such a popular variety. Medium to large heads grow to 20 cm (8″) in diameter and weigh on average 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs). This long storing variety is excellent for kraut, cooking and slaw production. Introduced in the late 1880’s. How to Grow Sow seed indoors in a soil-less mix 5 weeks before last frost date. Sow seed 6 mm (1/4″) deep and keep at 20 C (70 F) for the 7-10 day germination period. Grow on at a slightly cooler temperature then harden off and plant outside in late May. Space plants 45 cm (18″) apart in rows with the rows 75 cm (30″) apart.

An early Copenhagen type producing solid, round heads on small compact plants. This is the earliest maturing cabbage we offer. Heads weigh about 2 kg (4.4 lbs) and grow to about 15-17 cm (6-6.5″) in diameter. Tolerates closer spacing than many cabbages, possesses superb bolting resistance and is an excellent choice for poorer soils. Yellows resistant. While it has no doubt been grown in North America longer, catalogues talked about this variety as early as 1927. How to Grow Sow seed indoors in a soil-less mix 5 weeks before last frost date. Sow seed 6 mm (1/4″) deep and keep at 20 C (70 F) for the 7-10 day germination period. Grow on at a slightly cooler temperature then harden off and plant outside in late May. Space plants 45 cm (18″) apart in rows with the rows 75 cm (30″) apart.

65 Days. Specifically bred for Canada and the northern United States, this is the first new open-pollinated cabbage in many years! Compact plants yield extra early production of solid, split-resistant oval heads weighing only 2-3 pounds. 65 Days Full Sun Sprouts in 7-10 Days Seed Depth: 1/4" Ideal Temperature: 50-75 F Plant Spacing: 10"

Delicious 51 Cantaloupe/Melon Seeds 1395 Heirloom Vegetable. A nearly round, very tasty, open pollinated melon with thick, firm, orange coloured flesh. Fruits average 15 cm (6″) in diameter with an average weight of 1.1 kg (2.5 lbs) when fully ripened. Delicious 51 is an excellent variety for home gardeners especially those growing in cool climates. How to Grow 35 seed/gram. Select a south facing, wind-sheltered site and sow 5 seeds 2.5 cm (1″) deep per hill. Space hills 1.5-2 m (4-6′) apart. Thin to 3 to 4 plants per hill. In short season areas, start seeds in peat/paper pots indoors 4 weeks before plant out time. Seeds need a warm soil to germinate properly. Do not sow into soil cooler than 21 C (70 F). Keep the melon vines evenly watered throughout the growing season.

With a length of no more than 9 cm (3.5″) and a diameter under 1.5 cm (1/2″), these are the perfect choice for canning whole. Exceptional flavour and tenderness make this miniature carrot a gourmet’s delight! How to Grow Carrots will grow well in any open, well cultivated, deep garden soil. As the seed is quite small, mix it with some sand when sowing. Once soil temperature rises above 7.5 C (45 F), sow seed about 7-15 mm (1/4-1/2″) deep in rows spaced 45-60 cm (18- 24″) apart. Sow seed at 5 day intervals over several weeks. Keep the seedbed evenly moist during the 2 week germination period but avoid crusting over the soil as this will greatly reduce the number of seedlings that emerge. Thin the seedlings during the early stages of growth until they are 5 cm (2″) apart. Keep the plants evenly watered, weed free and avoid high nitrogen fertilizers. Harvest any time after the carrot roots develop good colour.

One of our most popular storage varieties. Orange-scarlet roots are smooth, even-shaped and free from eyes. The meaty carrots are 15 cm (6″) long and 2.5 cm (1″) thick with a sweet taste. A garden staple that is a good choice for soils that tend to be a little heavier. Introduced in 1929. How to Grow Carrots will grow well in any open, well cultivated, deep garden soil. As the seed is quite small, mix it with some sand when sowing. Once soil temperature rises above 7.5 C (45 F), sow seed about 7-15 mm (1/4-1/2″) deep in rows spaced 45-60 cm (18- 24″) apart. Sow seed at 5 day intervals over the several weeks. Keep the seedbed evenly moist during the 2 week germination period but avoid crusting over the soil as this will greatly reduce the number of seedlings that emerge. Thin the seedlings during the early stages of growth until they are 5 cm (2″) apart. Keep the plants evenly watered, weed free and avoid high nitrogen fertilizers. Harvest any time after the carrot roots develop good colour.

One of our most popular storage varieties. Orange-scarlet roots are smooth, even-shaped and free from eyes. The meaty carrots are 15 cm (6″) long and 2.5 cm (1″) thick with a sweet taste. A garden staple that is a good choice for soils that tend to be a little heavier. Introduced in 1929. How to Grow Carrots will grow well in any open, well cultivated, deep garden soil. As the seed is quite small, mix it with some sand when sowing. Once soil temperature rises above 7.5 C (45 F), sow seed about 7-15 mm (1/4-1/2″) deep in rows spaced 45-60 cm (18- 24″) apart. Sow seed at 5 day intervals over the several weeks. Keep the seedbed evenly moist during the 2 week germination period but avoid crusting over the soil as this will greatly reduce the number of seedlings that emerge. Thin the seedlings during the early stages of growth until they are 5 cm (2″) apart. Keep the plants evenly watered, weed free and avoid high nitrogen fertilizers. Harvest any time after the carrot roots develop good colour.

Imperator is a sweet, crisp, flavourful carrot with an eye-catching deep orange colour. Nicely formed roots average 18-20 cm (7-8″) in length, very uniform and quite suitable for bunching. This carrot does best in a deep, open, well worked soil. How to Grow Carrots will grow well in any open, well cultivated, deep garden soil. As the seed is quite small, mix it with some sand when sowing. Once soil temperature rises above 7.5 C (45 F), sow seed about 7-15 mm (1/4-1/2″) deep in rows spaced 45-60 cm (18- 24″) apart. Sow seed at 5 day intervals over several weeks. Keep the seedbed evenly moist during the 2 week germination period but avoid crusting over the soil as this will greatly reduce the number of seedlings that emerge. Thin the seedlings during the early stages of growth until they are 5 cm (2″) apart. Keep the plants evenly watered, weed free and avoid high nitrogen fertilizers. Harvest any time after the carrot roots develop good colour.

Roots are a rich bright orange and average 15 cm (6″) in length and up to 4 cm (1.5″) in diameter. Consistently cylindrical, smooth skinned and blunt ended, Nantes is a great tasting, tender but crisp, almost coreless carrot…even when the carrots are harvested late in the season! Nantes typically has a high moisture content which makes it a good choice for juicing. First described in 1885 but no doubt grown well before that. How to Grow Carrots will grow well in any open, well cultivated, deep garden soil. As the seed is quite small, mix it with some sand when sowing. Once soil temperature rises above 7.5 C (45 F), sow seed about 7-15 mm (1/4-1/2″) deep in rows spaced 45-60 cm (18- 24″) apart. Sow seed at 5 day intervals over several weeks. Keep the seedbed evenly moist during the 2 week germination period but avoid crusting over the soil as this will greatly reduce the number of seedlings that emerge. Thin the seedlings during the early stages of growth until they are 5 cm (2″) apart. Keep the plants evenly watered, weed free and avoid high nitrogen fertilizers. Harvest any time after the carrot roots develop good colour.

Roots are a rich bright orange and average 15 cm (6″) in length and up to 4 cm (1.5″) in diameter. Consistently cylindrical, smooth skinned and blunt ended, Nantes is a great tasting, tender but crisp, almost coreless carrot…even when the carrots are harvested late in the season! Nantes typically has a high moisture content which makes it a good choice for juicing. First described in 1885 but no doubt grown well before that. How to Grow Carrots will grow well in any open, well cultivated, deep garden soil. As the seed is quite small, mix it with some sand when sowing. Once soil temperature rises above 7.5 C (45 F), sow seed about 7-15 mm (1/4-1/2″) deep in rows spaced 45-60 cm (18- 24″) apart. Sow seed at 5 day intervals over several weeks. Keep the seedbed evenly moist during the 2 week germination period but avoid crusting over the soil as this will greatly reduce the number of seedlings that emerge. Thin the seedlings during the early stages of growth until they are 5 cm (2″) apart. Keep the plants evenly watered, weed free and avoid high nitrogen fertilizers. Harvest any time after the carrot roots develop good colour.