- Roots Ranch Farm -
2025 Produce
Roots Ranch Farm Plant Sale
Pre-order now!
We currently have tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe and kale plants on the website shop. After she plants out this week, more will be added! We have had a lot of interest in peppers. Those are coming too!
Pick-up will be at Roots Ranch Farm beginning on April 28th
601 Wren Rd.
Bloomington, IL 61704
Your plants will be at the farm stand. Your entire order will be pre-packed in a box, with your name.
Those who do not pre-order will have access to shopping at the farm stand beginning on April 28th, but may not be guaranteed certain plants.
Please reach out to Haley with any questions at hello@rootsranchfarm.com
We look forward to seeing what you grow!
Produce menu.
This is a list of all of the produce we are going on the farm this year. Some of these will not be available in the plant sale but will most likely be in our CSA boxes.
Peppers
SUNBRIGHT BELL
Beautiful bright yellow pepper with a great sweet crunch. Prolific. It provides that pop of color and sweet flavor in cooking.
LUNCHBOX RED *
Smallest color of the trio, but they make up for their size with extra sweetness.
BIG RED
Produces high yields of extremely sweet scarlet red peppers. Juicy and bursting with flavor, this variety is deliciously fresh, roasted, or stuffed. Thick-walled and rich in antioxidants; this variety adds a splash of color to any salad or veggie tray.
JALAPENO *
Prolific producers. Can be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled! These peppers are a wonderful ingredient to traditional guacamole or can be sautéed and added to fajitas!
CHOCOLATE BEAUTY ^
Absolutely beautiful. Matures into a deep, chocolaty brown. This variety is sweet and juicy, making it the perfect variety for snacking or incorporating into salads.
CALIFORNIA WONDER
A standard go-to bell pepper for decades. The perfect blocky, four-lobed stuffing pepper. Thick-walled and bursting with flavor.
HUNGARIAN HOT YELLOW WAX
These peppers are HOT! Tangy in flavor with a spicy twist. Plants produce banana-shaped peppers that will turn orange with time. A popular choice for pickling.
SHISHITO *
One of our family favorites! We sauté these up and add a little sea salt! It is hot, sweet, and crisp. This variety is a prolific producer.
GIANT MARCONI
The giant Marconi is a gorgeous Italian heirloom whose delectable flavor is sweet with a hint of smoke. The fruits grow to approximately 8" long making them perfect for stuffing, grilling, and roasting. Giant Marconi is disease resistant, giving you one less thing to manage throughout the growing season.
CUBANELLE
Known as the Cuban pepper, and the Italian frying pepper; this versatile pepper is great to incorporate into grilling, salads, or soups! Peppers are sweet, and red in color when fully ripe, but far from the average bell pepper in flavor. With their thin walls, each pepper will grow with its own unique and beautiful shape.
BIG JIM
Spicy enough for salsas and chilies, without an overpowering heat. Enjoy the sweet and citrus flavors that come from it along with a bite of spice. The Big Jim pepper plants are highly productive giving off long peppers that start green and mature into a bold red as it gets spicier.
LEMON DROP
From Peru, the lemon drop is a spicy and tangy seasoning pepper with a fruity lemony flavor and aroma. Fruits grow up to 2" long and dry well. This variety is an extremely rare find outside of South America. Its origin makes it heat tolerant giving it the ability to produce high numbers of fruit throughout the heat of summer!
LARGE RED CHERRY
Also known as the cherry bomb, this pepper packs a punch! Plants produce small round peppers that resemble cherries. The production on the plants is average, but on good years they can produce 70-80 peppers per plant. Tolerant shock very will in comparison to other pepper varieties.
PIMENTO
This variety is one of the mildest pimento-type peppers. These compact plants produce sweet heart shaped fruits. Delicious in salads, garnishes, and canned goods.
Tomatoes
LUCKY TIGER
Indeterminate- This bi-color tomato with green and yellow hues is a great little tomato for its bright and super sweet flavor! Its shape is a bit more elongated than the more petite size tomatoes, making it so unique! Enjoyed in jams, jellies, salsas, and more!
GERMAN PINK
Indeterminate. Brought to the US by German Mennonite immigrants, the German Pink Tomato is known for its giant fruits. Regularly weighing in at around two pounds, these medium-acid, highly sweet tomatoes are a classic favorite among heirloom gardeners.
DELICIOUS
Indeterminate - This beefsteak variety tomato can grow to be huge and set the world record in 1987 for the world's largest tomato; an 8 pound whopper! Not only is this a huge tomato, but It is also a delicious one too! Leaves no question for the name of this tomato. Perfect in paste and sauce due to the lack of jell, and lack of seeds. Awesome for burgers and slicing as well. Performs well in many growing conditions.
ROMA
Determinate. This classic plum-shaped tomato is grown for its massive yields, strong growing habits, and disease resistance. Can be used in pasta, spaghetti sauce, salads, and fresh eating. It is a meatier variety with less juice so it is also good for breakfast. A must-have for the homestead!
TROPICAL SUNSET
Indeterminate - A bright bi-colored variety with the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Golden with orangy pink stripes. A cherry sized heirloom. Fruit will stay in the ripe stage for a long time, providing a good shelf life.
PURPLE BUMBLEBEE
Indeterminate - A unique purple cherry variety with green marbling. The high acidity of this variety makes for a tangy, less sweet flavor. Ideal for fresh eating on salads and sandwiches.
TINY TIM *
Dwarf Determinate - This plant grows from ten to twelve inches tall and 14 inches across. Miniature fruits form in clusters and reach 3/4" in diameter a piece. One of the earliest maturing dwarf variety on the market. Ideal for small space gardeners or container gardening.
SUPERNOVA GRAPE *
Indeterminate- A luminous red tiny roma-like tomato with yellow streaks! It is not only gorgeous on the outside but also the inside, with its marbling interior. This tomato is the perfect snacking companion for its delightful flavor and compact size.
WHITE CURRANT *
Indeterminate - The super-sweet fruit has the highest sugar content of any tomato we know, about twice as sweet as many standard tomatoes. The fruit is tiny, barely an inch across, and creamy colored, with skins having a yellow tint. The candy-sweet fruit has superb flavor. The fruit grows in clusters, and the yield is huge! We have more than we can pick, right up to frost. Large vining plants.
SPOON ^
Indeterminate - Micro mini fruit, just the size of a tiny pea, and said to be the world’s tiniest tomato! A delightful edible ornamental, the tiny, fire engine-red fruit is arranged beautifully along super long trusses. What Spoon lacks in size, it makes up in flavor. This variety packs tons of bold classic red, tangy tomato flavor, which is another reason why it is a kid favorite! Spoon tomatoes pop in your mouth when you bite into them; they are a joy to eat and grow.
GIANT CRIMSON
Indeterminate - Plants produce decent amounts of tomatoes with a pink/red hue when fully ripe, weighing around 8-10 ounces, sometimes close to a pound. The fruit is a bit of beefsteak with meatiness but also the juiciness of a slicer. If you haven’t heard of this tomato, don’t feel bad. Most haven’t for over 45 years. It was extinct until MIgardener sprouted seeds that came from 85-year-old packets. You all will be a part of the history of bringing this back to the home garden where it was intended to be 85 years ago!
AZOYCHKA
Indeterminate - This Russian heirloom produces an abundant crop of up to 40-50 tomatoes per plant. Bares the perfect balance of acidity compared to other yellow tomatoes. The flavor has a slight hint of citrus and sweetness. Great for canning, slicing, or salads.
MUSHROOM BASKET
Indeterminate - These beautiful, basket-like tomatoes are originally from Russian. Bright pink with a tangy flavor. Fruits grow up to 1lb a piece. This variety requires a sturdy trellis due to their large size.
MORTGAGE LIFTER
Indeterminate - This variety is popular for being the largest tomato in the garden. Commonly weighing in over 2lbs, these mammoth tomatoes packs flavor. Rich, juicy fruits taste acidic with a fruity sweetness. Great for all uses. When the fruits are sliced often each slice is as large as a salad plate in diameter!
INCIARDI PASTE
Indeterminate - One of the rarest paste tomatoes available. Brought over by a Sicilian Immigrant in the early 1900's, and famed for its size, flavor, and amazing yield. This tomato was nearly lost but was brought back from the brink of extinction by seeds saved from only about a dozen gardeners in Chicago.
LARGE RED CHERRY
Indeterminate - This tomato offers everything you would want from a cherry tomato, but in half the time. Large plants, heavy yields that have great flavor. Drought tolerant and resistant to Fusarium Wilt. A fast grower with perfect trusses of tomatoes. Looks perfect in the garden.
CHAMPAGNE BUBBLES
Indeterminate - This champagne colored mini cherry tomato is one of the sweetest on the market! Its abundant yields and vigorous growing habits will require trellising. Disease resistant and heat tolerant.
HARTMAN'S YELLOW GOOSEBERRY
Indeterminate - This 1800's heirloom produces prolific clusters of bright yellow fruits. This cherry variety grows up to 1 inch in diameter and is bursting with sweet, tangy flavor. Ideal for fresh eating, or for adding color to your favorite salsa recipe.
RED PEAR
Indeterminate - Enjoyed since the colonial era, this ridiculously productive plant has fruit that packs a punch. These tomatoes are acidic, sweet, and as red as they come. With an early maturing time, even the coldest zones can enjoy this variety! Delicious in salads or eaten on their own.
INGLEHART CHERRY
Indeterminate - The Inglehart tomato is a delightful and vibrant addition to the world of cherry tomatoes. These petite, round gems stand out with their sunny yellow color, adding a burst of brightness to any dish or garden. Bursting with sweet, tangy flavor, they're perfect for snacking, salads, or as colorful garnishes.
GOBSTOPPER
Indeterminate - An early yellow cherry variety with green flesh that will be visible through the skin. A sweet, fruity flavor perfect for eating fresh right off the vine. A split resistant variety with fruits up to 1.5 inches around. Keeps very well before and after harvest. Strong vines grow very tall and will require trellising.
AUNT RUBY'S GERMAN GREEN
Indeterminate - This family heirloom from Germany is the largest green beefsteak variety in the world. Sweet and fruity flavor. The bright green tomato makes it a beautiful addition to any salad plate. This tomato can grow fruits of about 1 pound each!
CUOSTRALEE
Indeterminate - This French tomato is delicious and vigorous! It has the perfect balance of tomato taste, with fruits growing from 1-3 pounds! Enjoy sliced or in salsas.
CREAM SAUSAGE
Determinate - A plum shaped light yellow tomato. Very productive with mild flavor, best enjoyed fresh off the vine! Great for salsa and salads.
BLACK FROM TULA
Indeterminate - This tomato is deep burgundy/green in color with a flattened globe shape. Grown for slicing with its low acidity and sweetness. Yields tomatoes that can weigh up to 1lb each! Ideal for juicing or canning. In hotter climates, this variety can have a slight smoky flavor. Stake for best airflow.
BLACK PRINCE
Indeterminate - Voted best tasting tomato in 2014, 2015, and 2017. This medium sized slicing tomato took the tomato world by storm when its smoky, sweet, low acid flavor was introduced to tomato enthusiasts. Delicious dried and makes an unbelievable tomato paste. They are also great for eating fresh, and slicing.
STRIPED ROMA
Indeterminate - The striped roma tomato is a unique heirloom variety with a colorful flare. Red Roma tomatoes with bright yellow lateral streaks makes for an impressive yet versatile tomato. Fruits have minimal seeds. There are the same uses for theses as a traditional Roma, only when raw it is more appealing and interesting to the eye. Plants will produce all summer long.
PORK CHOP
Indeterminate - A yellow variety with gold stripes and a low acidity sweetness. Pork Chop is a flattened beefsteak variety perfect for slicing or adding to your favorite salad. Grows up to 8-12oz per fruit.
GREAT WHITE
Indeterminate - A light yellow tomato, inside and out. This unique variety is for the tomato lover, and is the perfect variety to share with someone who thinks they hate tomatoes! Non-acidic, creamy flavor. A beefsteak type, produces 1lb fruits. Ideal for slicing, or dicing to add to salads!
MANITOBA
Determinate - Produces high yields of 3-4" bright red tomatoes that can easily grow in small containers. Produces extremely early in comparison to other tomatoes, which makes it perfect for short northern summers. The fruit is tangy, acidic, and perfect for slicing, canning, and sauces.
OLD GERMAN
Indeterminate - These massive bi-colored tomatoes produce jaw dropping 2lb tomatoes larger than salad plates in diameter. Flavor is more tomatoey than other varieties of the same color, and this means a tiny bit more acid content which results in a slight longer shelf life. Great for slicing and even ketchup!
YELLOW PEAR
Indeterminate - A prolific producing yellow cherry tomato in the shape of a pear! A truly adorable heirloom that we have as a favorite here for its production, flavor, and its ability to outgrow most everything in the garden. Tolerant to powdery mildew and blossom end rot.
GREEN SAUSAGE
Indeterminate - This variety has a number of different uses because of its unique shape, color, and flavor. It requires very little staking because of its small, compact plants. Produces higher yields of 4" long, sausage shaped fruits. Yellow and green bi-color fruits with a sweet and tangy flavor, perfect for adding color to a salad or sauce. Can be used as a paste because of its thick walls, or in fresh eating to add tang to any recipe.
BLUSH
Indeterminate - This beautifully bright sunset orange fruit has a unique flavor. Sweet, with tropical notes, this variety is delicious eaten fresh and is the perfect size for adding to salads. It can be picked prematurely to reach ripeness off the vine.
YELLOW STUFFER
Indeterminate - If a yellow pepper and a tomato crossed, this is what you would get! This variety is blocky and creamy yellow in color, however once you cut open they reveal an empty inside much like a pepper. These are very good for stuffing with rice, mushrooms, spices and then grilled or baked until tender.
BABY ROMA
Indeterminate - Think roma tomato, but fun size! This tiny tomato packs all the punch and meatiness of your classic Roma tomato. Just like a regular-sized Roma, they are great for canning, paste, and sauces.
PINK JAZZ
Indeterminate - This pink and yellow striped beefsteak can weigh in at 1lb each. Sweet flavored, with hint of peach. Disease resistant.
SWEETHEART CHERRY
Indeterminate - This cherry tomato is packed with sweetness and a rich, berry-like flavor. It is quite crisp, and the fruit can keep on the extra long vine, making it extra high in sugar! These little strawberry-shaped jewels are wildly productive little snacking tomatoes. Resists cracking.
BLUE BEAUTY
Indeterminate - Gorgeous, deep blue-black shoulders make this tomato unique among slicing types.
WOOLY KATE YELLOW
Indeterminate - Golden and blue cocktail tomato, fuzzy foliage and lightly fuzzy skin! Naturally pest and disease-resistant variety developed in Hawaii, perfect for hot humid climates.
Cucumbers
CUCAMELON ^
A vigorous vining plant with fruit about the size of grapes that tastes like cucumbers with a tinge of sourness. Resembles mini watermelons! This variety grows best with trellising.
LITTLE POTATO
Originally from India, this variety is the most amazing cucumber we have ever seen! From up close you would think these are potatoes growing on a vine. Plants produce plenty of 3 inch round cucumbers with a crackle-backed russet pattern. The flavor is mild, even lemony. Thin skin makes for a delicious snack.
MUNCHER
One of our favorite cucumbers when it comes to a small salad or pickling cucumbers. The skin is tender and burpless. When pickled it holds up the firm texture that you want when pickling. Produces small-medium cucumbers 4-6 inches in length and produces late into the season.
WHITE WONDER
One of the most beautiful cucumbers in the world. Ivory cucumbers grow in abundance on short vining plants. Wonderfully crisp, this variety is best for fresh eating. Add a unique touch to any salad.
EXCELSIOR
Attractive, high-yielding pickler. Vigorous, balanced plant with consistent fruit setting. Excellent flavor.
COOL CUSTOMER *
A rugged organic pickler that produces uniform yields of attractive, blocky fruits with small seed cavities and exceptional crunch and flavor.
MARKETMORE
Perfect slicing cucumber. Long and slender with tough skim. They are perfect on salads and sandwiches. Bright refreshing flavor with heavy yields!
HOMEMADE PICKLES
This compact variety is excellent for pickling, either small or full-grown. A tender variety with thin skin, making it just as good for fresh eating and slicing. A compact growing habit compared to other cucumbers -- perfect for smaller garden spaces and container gardening.
WISCONSIN SMR
A popular pick for canning, pickling, and enjoying on its own! Due to the small size of 5-6 inches, this cucumber is also great for growing in containers. The small vining pattern does not take up much space, but yields a ton!
JELLY MELON (KIWANO)
Kiwano, or jelly melon, is a melon in the cucumber family that is native to Africa. Also called horned melon or devil melon by locals, the thorny skin of this variety is inedible. The inside is green, sweet, jelly-like and is reminiscent of lime jello. Plants produce 10-20 fruits per plant when properly cared for, and each fruit weighs around 8-12 ounces. Delicious juiced, sweetened, or mixed with yogurt. Drought resistant and hardy.
LEMON
A delicious and sweet flavored cucumber that looks like a large lemon! It is easy to grow and is used for pickling, in salads, or stuffed with relish. Pick young for fresh eating or use older fruit in juices!
POONA KHEERA
Cultivated in Poona, India, this unusual variety changes color drastically with maturity and can be eaten at every stage. When young, bright yellow skin is produced which eventually turns a rosy russet color with age. Fantastic crunch and mild flavor, perfect for fresh eating.
Kale
BLUE CURLED SCOTCH
Large-leaf kale variety that produces many leaves per plant, dark green in color, and tightly crinkled. The leaves are sweet, tender, and crunchy especially when harvested after exposure to cool frosty weather. It is often seen as a garnish, however; this kale is a superfood! Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, this variety is perfect for juicing. It is also amazing in smoothies, salads, microgreens, and even kale chips.
RED RUSSIAN
Beautiful sage green with purple-veined leaves. Softer than most kale, the leaves reach up to 15″ long and are slightly fuzzy. Add to smoothies and juices as a nutrient-dense green, or add to stir-fries for a robust flavor. Excellent source of vitamins C and A.
SCARLET *
This stunning purple kale is one of the darkest kale varieties in the world. The hotter the weather gets, the deeper purple it becomes. The plant is packed with nutrients and antioxidants due to its purple color. Great in salads or juiced. A VERY rare and sought-after variety.
FEATHERED FRILLS
A unique textured variety and finely serrated, frilly leaves. Its tender texture and sweet flavor make it the perfect addition to salads. Feathered Frills is more pest resistant than other kale varieties.
PREMIER
Premier kale is a large leaf variety making it a great option for making wraps. It is not too crinkly or narrow like other varieties making for a very delicious and useful vegetable. A cross between kale and collards, this is one of the best varieties to grow for gardeners, new and seasoned. Excellent source of: Vitamin C, K, Iron, and Fiber.
LACINATO DINOSAUR
An heirloom variety with 3" wide blue-green leaves. The plant is very cold tolerant and a prolific producer. Leaves become more tender and flavorful after a hard frost. Tastes great when steamed or stir-fried, versatile enough for juicing. Replace these kale leaves for traditional lettuce wraps for a crunchier wrap, make sure to massage the leaves in lemon juice before serving for the best nutrients and flavor. Excellent source of: Vitamins C, and A, Phytonutrients, Iron, and Calcium.
THOUSANDHEAD
A mammoth-sized culinary variety. Leaves are smooth with curled edges. Sourced from Kings Seed of England, which has been in the seed business for centuries. Kings Seed is the last remaining horticulture wholesale seed house left in England and is still a family affair.
Broccoli
WALTHAM 29
The waltham variety of broccoli is a cold resistant plant that produces medium to large heads. A good variety for fall planting. Waltham broccoli plants grow up to 2 feet tall. Plant Waltham broccoli as soon as soil can be worked after last frost. Broccoli will mature faster is planted to take advantage of cool periods later in the season. May be planted in the fall 10-12 weeks before first frost. The entire plant is edible, from the leaves, broccoli head and flowers! Wonderful for soups and steaming as a side dish, or served raw with a dip or hummus.
CALABRESE
A true winner in the garden. Calabrese is a large heading broccoli that is most commonly seen in supermarkets and farmers markets. With its consistently large heads it is reliable and effective on space. The nicest feature of Calabrese is that it produces many side shoots once the main head is harvested leading to many smaller harvests yielding about 2-3 times as much broccoli as the main head.
Cauliflower
SNOWBALL
Snowball cauliflower is a compact vegetable with little florets that are a bit fluffier and smaller than other varieties! It has great flavor and perfect to make your very own cauliflower rice! Compact heads weigh in at three pounds that are 6-7 inches wide.
Celery
UTAH TALL *
Lush, green, and very fragrant. Good in soups, stews, and fresh eating.
Brussels Sprouts
RED BULL
A rare heirloom that makes a unique addition to the garden and the dinner plate. This beautiful purple variety is packed with antioxidants. Sprouts hold their color once cooked, and have a sweet nutty flavor. This slow growing variety is extremely heat and cold tolerant.
CATSKILL
An heirloom variety of Brussel sprout originating in the catskill mountains of New York dating back to 1941. Plants are very cold hardy, and will reach 2 feet tall. They form decent size Brussel sprouts, each averaging the size of a ping-pong ball. Sprouts will get sweeter with frost and cold weather.
LONG ISLAND
The semi-dwarf plant produces several tasty sprouts on the short, self-supporting stems. Introduced at the end of the 19th century, this was once one of the most important commercial varieties. Heavy yields of delicious fresh sprouts. Wonderful eaten steamed or sautéed.
Artichoke
GREEN GLOBE
These freshly harvested heads are sweet and delicate tasting with a tender texture. The "Globe" is the flower bud that includes many edible parts: fleshy bases of the outer bracts, the receptacle, the inner bracts, and the portions of the floral stem. Artichokes make for a beautiful statement piece that gives you 6*9 heads for harvest. Their gray-green leaves contrast well with other plants. Use this to satisfy your taste for grilling, or creating your very own creamy spinach-artichoke dip!
Kohlrabi
SUPERSCHMELZ (GIANT WHITE)
Reaches epic, mammoth proportions all the while remaining tender and buttery in texture. This spectacular light green kohlrabi makes the largest bulb of any variety, up to 14 inches across, and weighing up to 20 pounds! Yet the flesh is supple and never gets fibrous. This German heirloom is of champion size and hails specifically from the town of Schmelz in Saarland. Provide very rich soil and plenty of space to achieve gigantic proportions.
WHITE VIENNA
A pre-1860 heirloom. Great White Vienna Kohlrabi produces a bulb just above the soil in a light green color on the exterior with a bright white center! Crisp in texture with a mild, sweet cabbage like flavor. The cabbage flavored flesh is white and delicious cooked or raw. It is typically used to substitute a turnip in recipes. Excellent source of vitamin C.
PURPLE VIENNA
A pre-1860 heirloom. The Purple Vienna Kohlrabi produces a bulb just above the soil in a vibrant purple color on the exterior with a bright white center! The leaves are tender and resemble a young kale leaf. The cabbage flavored flesh is white and delicious cooked or raw. Excellent source of vitamin C.
Basil
PICCOLINO *
The tiniest basil variety around! These uniform plants have small, spicy greek basil leaves that grow in a tree-like dome shape. Perfect for small pots and fairy gardens. Delicious culinary use with easy access in a windowsill herb garden.
DARK OPAL
This beautiful variety is grown as much for decoration as it is for its flavor. With deep purple leaves, dark stems, and lilac flowers, this variety is the perfect garnish and can add a pop of color to pestos and salad dressings.
GENOVESE *
A powerful flavor that is ideal for making fresh pesto. Large consistent leaves are great for a refreshing Caprese salad too! Easy to grow in containers to use in cooking all year.
MAMMOTH
As the name suggests, mammoth is the largest basil variety. This bushing herb grows leaves that resemble lettuce leaves with a strong flavor perfect for sauces, pesto, and sandwiches. Remove flowers on this variety to promote larger leaf growth.
Cilantro
SLOW BOLT
This popular, easy-to-grow variety takes its time to bolt compared to others. Produces lush amounts of leaf growth. Bright and flavorful, cilantro tastes wonderful eaten fresh. Try it in salsas, tacos, and guacamole.
SANTO
Santo is a slow-bolting selection grown for its leaves. Like the leaves and seeds, the flowers are also edible.
CONFETTI
This cilantro is crazy! Super frilly leaves and mild flavor. It is best used when the plant is young, as its finely divided leaves are easier to chop. The confetti cilantro may yield less harvests than standard varieties, but what it lacks in yield, it makes up for 10-fold in flavor and uniqueness.
Oregano
ITALIAN
Grows flavorful leaves perfect for using fresh or dried.
Thyme
COMMON ENGLISH
A delightful culinary herb that balances and enhances any dish.
Chervil
CURLED CHERVIL
Curled Chervil, or "French Parsley" is a wonderful herb for soups, stews, salads and more! Grows in stalks that resemble celery, but it is much easier to grow. Edible at any stage: you can harvest it right away, or wait for it to grow bigger. It has a delicate anise like taste. A must have for French recipes. Enhances the flavor of any other herb you might pair it with.
Fenugreek
FENUGREEK
A delicious green with edible seeds. Fenugreek greens are used in traditional Indian cuisine for their strong curry like taste. In some countries fenugreek seeds are used like coffee! Their caramel/maple scent and flavor make a delightful addition to teas and baking.
Sweet Marjoram
SWEET MARJORAM
This popular, tender perennial, is an attractive container and border plant with leaves that have a sweet and spicy smell and flavor. Plants sprawl quickly and mirror that of oregano with a much more fragrant sweetness. They are excellent with fish, roast meats, salads, soups, vinegar, casseroles, and when used to make teas and jellies.
Tarragon
RUSSIAN TARRAGON
This herb is sometimes known to be bitter compared to the more common French tarragon. Considered a low lying shrub by most standards. It overwinters well with little to no protection. Perfect when paired with fish or lamb and delightful in soups or stews. This herb is a culinary specialty with layers of flavor. Tarragon normally acts as the pinch of "magic" to a dish needs to leave people wondering what your secret ingredient might be. Add it to your perennial garden along with thyme, rosemary, sage, mint, and parsley!
Mint
LEMON MINT
Not a true mint, this variety is a dramatic addition to the herb garden. Clustered towers of purple flowers bloom to attract pollinators as they release a heavenly scent. Leaves can be used raw, dried, or cooked for seasoning in any recipe.
Dill
DUKAT
Dukat dill is the sweetest variety on the market, not just for its flavor but for its growth span as well. This variety produces for a longer period of time from other common types. The sweet yet mild flavor is perfect for pickles and dressing for fish recipes. Dukat dill produces smaller foliage used in many dishes.
Parsley
TRIPLE CURLED
This variety of parsley is a very dark green with closely curled leaves. Best suited as a garnish. The plant is heat tolerant and cold tolerant. Withstands freezing temperatures consistently before going dormant. This is a favorite to add to juices or smoothies a little goes a long way! Delicious dried or fresh.
Savory
SUMMER SAVORY
Summer savory is a must for people that love to cook, or want to add an underused spice to their collection. Its peppery, tangy flavor will perk up anything from grilled chicken, mushrooms, and much more! Stalks are edible too. Use the leaves fresh or dried in salads, dressings, soups, sauces, meats, and anything you can think of!
Eggplant
BLACK BEAUTY ^
A dark, classic, and beautiful. It yields large fruits ranging from 4-5 inches long. Fruits are large with small thin pepper-like seeds, very nutty and smooth. Try it in an exotic Italian take on the French dish ratatouille!
DIAMOND ^
Its beautiful rich purple color and green flesh produce bountiful fruit. Each plant produces 4-6 fruits per plant. Harvest as soon as they are 9 inches long is slightly smaller to get a less bitter flavor.
CASPER ^
A true white eggplant. This variety is unique and delicious! A rare Japanese variety that produces long 5-8 inch slender fruits that are creamy-white to almost pure white. Soft and small-seeded. When ripe the skin will lose its sheen and be slightly soft to the touch. Great in stir-fries and Italian dishes with its mushroom-like flavor and silky texture.
LONG PURPLE ^
Long, slender, and deep purple. Can grow up to 30 inches long! Great for slicing with the most uniform slices because of its unique shape! Perfect for eggplant parmesan, ratatouille, or even thrown in soups!
TURKISH ORANGE
If you love eggplant and you like unique heirloom varieties, look no further! This variety produces 4" round, deep orange fruits that resembles oranges hanging on a small tree! Beautiful green streaks add character with a flavor this is a bit softer than a traditional eggplant. This variety is soft and buttery when cooked or fried. The seeds are smaller and less noticeable which gives this variety a desirable texture for cooking. The richest flavored eggplant variety in the world.
Watermelon
JUBILEE
This variety is a must-have for those who like heirloom watermelons without excess seeds but also want to enjoy a burst of flavor. Plants will produce 3-5 medium/large melons weighing in around 10-15 pounds each and weighing up to 30 pounds on occasion. Oval-shaped fruit that is sweet as can be.
TENDERSWEET ORANGE *
This watermelon is an orange flesh variety. Producing large 10-15 lb watermelons that are orange throughout and have minimal seeds. The rind is not as thick as other varieties, so its shelf life is not as long, but we have a feeling you won't have to worry about that. The fruit on this is sweet and juicy, without a hint of bitterness. Each plant can produce between 5-7 melons or 2-3 larger ones. Warm weather-loving and less susceptible to powdery mildew than other melons. A guaranteed hit among kids and adults alike!
DIXIE SWEET
Dixie queen is a unique watermelon variety. Plants produce 20-30lb melons that are red fleshed and very sweet, but the rind is reversed from the normal watermelon pattern. Instead of dark green then white stripes the rind is light green almost white with dark green stripes. Containing medium sized seeds, the Dixie Queen is bursting with flavor!
BLACK DIAMOND
The black diamond watermelon prefers a light and sandy growing area with plenty of space for large melons to form. Fruits have been known to grow up to 50lbs a piece! Water this variety generously and consistently for about 10 days until the fruits are about the size of a tennis ball to get them started for success. From there the plants are pretty resilient as they grow. The melons have a dark green rind with even darker stripes and the flesh is a delicious bright red.
CRIMSON SWEET
Crimson sweet watermelon is a stunning striped oval watermelon. A classic variety that is one of the sweetest heirloom watermelons. The bold red flesh and small seeds make it favorite for the whole family! Each plant will produce 3-5 fruits bursting with flavor!
CAL-SWEET
This classic watermelon variety is picturesque to say the least! Beautiful dark green striped skin and sweet red flesh makes the perfect watermelon experience. The cal sweet is short vined and perfect for gardeners in small spaces. Each plant produces 2-3 fruits a piece. The compact and delicious nature of this variety is award winning and will not disappoint.
Cantaloupe
HALE'S BEST JUMBO
This classic variety dates all the way back to the 1920s. Heavy netting on the skin makes this cantaloupe a muskmelon. Bares sweet antioxidant-rich flesh with a sherbert orange color.
EDISTO 47
This classic cantaloupe variety grows medium-sized fruits with a rich, sweet flavor. Successful in any climate but thrives in warm, humid areas. The Edisto 47 has resistance to many common ailments that often compromise cucurbits.
Melons
CANARY YELLOW
Canary yellow melons are known for their sweet, creamy, and super juicy almost white flesh. The seed cavity is small giving off more meat per melon! Slightly tangier than a honeydew, the canary yellow will produce 3-7 fruits per plant.
PRESCOTT FOND BLANC
The French variety was first documented in 1883 and was known as a market favorite for centuries. It looks more squash like, but is filled with some of the sweetest cantaloupe fruit you'll ever taste. Produces about 4 melons per plant and will continue throughout the season.
ZUCCHINI
GREY
This gorgeous grey-green variety is ideal for the small space gardener. This variety doesn't produce very long squashes, but they produce lots of them! Grows an average of 6-8 inches long. They are flavorful
BLACK BEAUTY *
Black Beauty Zucchini is the cultivar you most frequently find in the grocery store. The plants produce dark green, glossy, straight, and slender zucchini. May grow up to the size of a baseball bat or bigger if you forget about it! Firm, very tender, with amazing flavor. Great to add to your grilled recipes such as kebabs or incorporate into zucchini bread for a sweet treat.
ROUND
Summer Bush. The eight ball is a very easy to grow, round zucchini which is ideal for small gardeners. Compact plants produce a generous crop all season long. Being such a versatile vegetable, the eight ball squash can be used raw, baked, fried, steamed, stuffed and has excellent flavor.
GOLDEN
Summer Bush. Golden zucchini is the lighter rind cousin to your typical green zucchini. The bright-golden cylindrical fruits are medium long and slender with an excellent flavor. For best tenderness, pick when they are under 10 inches long. Delightful in creamy soups, make fresh "noodles" by mandolin slicing these and topping with fresh tomatoes, salt, pepper and drizzle a bit of olive oil. Use like a traditional green zucchini.
SQUASH
GREEN STRIPE CUSHAW
Green Striped Cushaw squash is a striking heirloom variety known for its unique elongated shape and vibrant green stripes on its pale cream skin. With sweet, nutty-flavored flesh, it's versatile for both savory and sweet dishes. This squash adds an eye-catching and delicious touch to any culinary creation. They grow up to 10-20 lbs!
WALTHAM BUTTERNUT *
Amazing quality and flavor. Stores for a very long time! Peanut-shaped uniformity, larger yields, and rich flavor. Tan fruits grow 8 to 10 inches long, thick, with a deep orange interior, sweet, creamy, and flavorful! Delicious steamed, boiled, or baked. Incorporate into your favorite fall recipes.
MASQUEE DE MAROC
A french squash prized for its heritage and flavor. Not a pretty-looking squash by any means, but don't let the outer skin deter you from enjoying the creamy, nearly stringless meaty interior. Plants produce large fruits that are bell-shaped and similar in size to butternut squash.
TABLE KING BUSH ACORN ^
This variety is a compact plant that is great for home gardeners. The plant usually sets 5-8 two-pound delicious fruits. Great for storing and even developing better flavor when stored briefly. Drizzle with brown sugar and butter place in the oven to bake at 350º for 15-20 minutes, and enjoy! Excellent source of Minerals and Vitamins C, K, E and an excellent source of Fiber.
YELLOW CROOKNECK *
This traditional variety is well known for its buttery flavor and firm texture. Best picked small, 4-5" long.
SWEET DUMPLING
Winter Vine. As the name suggests, sweet dumpling is one of the sweetest varieties of squash! Small flattened ribbed 1 lb. fruit with white skin and green stripes. The flesh is smooth and orange and not too stringy. Plants produce decent amounts of squash that have a Wonderful shelf life.
WHITE SCALLOP
Summer Bush. This ancient variety dates all the way back to 1591. The white scallop starts off pale green which turns white when mature. Perfect for urban gardeners, wonderful in size, creamy in flavor and versatile to add to dishes. Fun to grow, and bothered by very little to no pests.
EARLY PROLIFIC STRAIGHTNECK
Summer Bush. Early prolific produces insane amounts of straight squash that resemble zucchini. Creamy yellow skinned fruits are buttery and delicious. The benefit to these are that the entire fruit is edible and it is far less seedy than its lookalike. Heat tolerant and somewhat drought tolerant, this variety will produce late into the season where others dwindle out. This is s must grow!
GREEN SCALLOP BENNINGS
Summer Bush. The green scallop is a versatile summer squash! Try this unique looking cultivar, the perfect size to grow in containers. This bush squash will produce prolific amounts of green summer squash shaped as miniature UFOs. Delicious in salads, or cooked on the grill! It is a unique cross between a green zucchini and a yellow scallop squash.
LEMON
The shape, size and color of a lemon. Huge yields and pest resistant. Delicious and prolific!
GOLDEN HUBBARD
Winter Vine. An outstanding winter vegetable, easy to grow and prolific. Golden Hubbard is similar to other Hubbard varieties, but this one is brightly colored with flesh that is vibrantly orange. Thick skin, sweet, and excellent tasting. Delicious in pies or cut into serving size pieces and baked, steamed, broiled, or mashed. More productive than other Hubbards because of its slightly smaller fruits.
BLUE HUBBARD
Winter Vine. This variety is a winter squash that will produce between 5 and 8 squash per plant. Fruits will weigh around two pounds a piece, with a beautiful deep blue color to the flesh. The skin of this variety if tough, but once you cut through it the flesh is meaty, thick, and well worth the effort. Blue Hubbard keep remarkably well, lasting several months and often into early spring if stored properly!
Leeks
AMERICAN FLAG
While maintaining its place in the onion family, the American flag leek has a more mild and sweet flavor than most onions. Not only is it a close relative to onion, but to garlic as well. The large white stems grow in girth as the leeks mature giving to green flat leaves. A staple in cousins, leeks give a taste of light onion flavor to soups, stews, or even traditional English meat pies. This variety was bred to endure cold weather.
Collards
CHAMPION
An improved rates variety, this collard is so flavorful! Having a bit longer shelf life, the champion collards green should be given a space in your garden. Presenting as more of a compact plant this variety packs all the nutrients into a smaller package! Give these wavy tender leaves a try!
GEORGIAN SOUTHERN
Southern collards have long been a favorite for dishes in the south, but in recent years this nutrient dense green has made its way into almost every grocery store! It is easy to grow, very cold and heat tolerant. Delicious when sautéed with kale, sunflower seeds, onion, and garlic.
Cabbage
DANISH BALL HEAD
Danish ball head cabbage is a reliable tender heading variety that has been cultivated since 1887. This Danish variety grows best in mild temperatures makes it a great addition to your fall garden. Heads will grow to 8-10" in diameter. Great as a storage crop to enjoy your garden bounty even past the frost.
GOLDEN ACRE
Cultivation of the golden acre cabbage started in the US around the 1920s. Within thirty years, this historical heirloom became the most wildly used for home gardeners.
SAVOY PERFECTION
Originated in France, the savoy cabbage is a large drumhead storage variety. The leaves are large and textured with a beautiful crinkled pattern that are not as tightly wrapped as a typical heading cabbage, yet have a much better flavor profile. Savoy are cold tolerant and mature later in the season than most cabbages giving them the opportunity to weather a light frost further developing their flavor.
PAK CHOI WHITE STEM
The personal size of Bok Choi, the Pan Choi is a quick developing rich Asian green. Crisp close leaves arranged in an upright grown pattern. Pak Choi has a mild green flavor with a fresh crisp hydrating leaf that grow 8-10 inches long. This cultivar is able to withstand the heat of mid season and thrives in cool temperatures as the season winds down.
LATE FLAT DUTCH
Brought to us by German immigrants, the flat Dutch cabbage is a large heading variety great for storage. The rich green heads grow to be between 10-15 pounds with a white interior. The size and sturdiness of the leaves makes this a great option for recipes like cabbage rolls. Giving the best flavor after a kiss of frost, this variety will be ready later in the season.
MAMMOTH RED ROCK
The mammoth red rock cabbage has been cultivated since 1889. The deep purple almost red heads make for a pop of color not only in your gardens but in your cuisine as well. They grow into beautiful 5-8 pound heads spanning 8-10 inches in diameter. This very fast-maturing cabbage variety will be ready within 70 days of transplant. The perfect way to add the powerful anthocyanins into your diet.