Scarlet Runner beans are a striking heirloom variety with a rich history that traces back to indigenous cultures in Central and South America. Introduced to Europe in the 17th century, these beans quickly gained popularity for both their ornamental beauty and culinary qualities. Characterized by their vigorous growth habit, Scarlet Runner plants can climb up to 10 feet or more, making them ideal for trellises or fences. The most notable feature of this variety is its vibrant scarlet flowers, which attract pollinators and add a stunning visual appeal to gardens. The pods are long and flat, typically green, maturing to a reddish hue, and are best harvested while still young and tender. Known for their rich, earthy flavor and creamy texture, Scarlet Runner beans are delicious in a variety of dishes, from stews to salads. Harvesting usually occurs in late summer to early fall, ensuring that the beans are picked before they dry out. With their ornamental charm, exceptional taste, and high productivity, Scarlet Runner beans remain a beloved choice for gardeners looking to combine beauty with culinary excellence.
Provider beans are a popular bush bean variety that has garnered attention for its reliable performance and ease of cultivation. Developed in the United States, Provider beans have a rich history dating back to the mid-20th century, when they were bred for both home gardens and commercial production. These beans are characterized by their compact growth habit, typically reaching about 18 to 24 inches in height, which makes them perfect for small spaces and easy to manage without staking. The pods are smooth and a vibrant green color, generally growing to about 5 to 6 inches long. Known for their excellent flavor and crisp texture, Provider beans are ideal for fresh eating, canning, or freezing. Harvesting is best done when the pods are young and firm, usually in mid to late summer, ensuring the best taste and quality. The plants are vigorous and produce high yields, demonstrating good resistance to common diseases. With their dependable growth, delightful flavor, and adaptability, Provider beans remain a favorite choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Early Golden Bantam corn, also known simply as Golden Bantam, is a classic and iconic sweet corn variety with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Introduced in 1902 by W. Atlee Burpee, it quickly became one of the most popular corn varieties in the United States. This heirloom corn is cherished for its exceptional flavor and remains a favorite among home gardeners and corn enthusiasts. In terms of taste, Early Golden Bantam corn is celebrated for its exceptional sweetness and tender kernels. When harvested at its peak ripeness, the kernels are a vibrant golden-yellow color and offer a rich, full-bodied corn flavor that is a true delight to the palate. It is often considered one of the sweetest heirloom corn varieties available, making it a standout choice for those seeking a delectable corn-eating experience. The corn stalks typically reach a height of about 5 to 6 feet, producing small to medium-sized ears that are around 6-7 inches long. Early Golden Bantam corn has a relatively short maturity period, usually taking about 75-80 days from planting to harvest, making it suitable for regions with shorter growing seasons. Each ear contains approximately 8 rows of kernels, with 12-14 rows per inch. It is a prolific producer, and each stalk usually yields 1 to 2 ears. To successfully grow Early Golden Bantam corn, you should provide it with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Plant the seeds in full sun and ensure they receive consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Adequate spacing between rows (about 30 inches) allows for good air circulation and prevents overcrowding. This variety is also known for its resistance to common corn pests and diseases. Planting in blocks rather than single rows can improve pollination, leading to more uniform ears. Overall, Early Golden Bantam corn is a beloved heirloom variety that offers a combination of historical significance and exceptional flavor, making it a delightful addition to any garden or dinner plate.
The Taylor Dwarf Horticulture Bean, also known as the Taylor Horticulture Bean or simply Taylor Dwarf Bean, is a popular heirloom bean variety prized for its delicious flavor and historical significance. This bean variety has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century in the United States. It is a bush-type bean, which means it grows in a compact, bushy form rather than climbing like pole beans. Taylor Dwarf Horticulture Beans are highly regarded for their superb taste, which is characterized by a creamy texture and a slightly nutty, earthy flavor. The beans are typically harvested when they are young and tender, making them ideal for fresh consumption or canning. The pods of the Taylor Dwarf Horticulture Bean are medium-sized and typically measure around 4-5 inches in length. The plants themselves are relatively small and bushy, reaching a height of about 18-24 inches, which makes them suitable for smaller gardens or container gardening. This variety has a relatively short maturity period, typically taking around 55-60 days from planting to harvest. The beans themselves are a pale cream or off-white color. Taylor Dwarf Horticulture Beans are known for their good disease resistance, which helps ensure a healthy crop. In terms of yield, you can expect a respectable harvest of beans per row, with each plant producing multiple pods. Proper spacing between plants should be around 4-6 inches apart in rows that are spaced about 18-24 inches apart. These beans thrive in well-drained soil with good organic matter content and prefer full sun for optimal growth. Adequate moisture and regular harvesting will help ensure a bountiful crop of these delicious and historically significant beans.
Yellow Jarvis corn seed is a traditional heirloom variety known for its vibrant yellow kernels and exceptional adaptability to diverse growing conditions. This variety originated in the early 1901 in NC by a farmer named James Monroe Jarvis. This variety is prized for its robust growth, drought tolerance, and high nutritional value. The corn produces medium-sized ears with deep yellow kernels that are often used for making grits. Yellow Jarvis corn is particularly valued for its rich, sweet flavor. Its resilience in challenging environments and its rich heritage make it a sought-after choice for sustainable and heritage-focused farming practices.
The Eastland bean, scientifically known as Phaseolus vulgaris 'Eastland,' is a popular variety of bush bean that hails from the United States. It is highly esteemed for its exceptional taste and ease of cultivation. Eastland beans belong to the family Fabaceae and are a warm-season crop commonly grown in gardens and small-scale farms. In terms of taste, Eastland beans are celebrated for their tender, crisp texture and rich, earthy flavor. They are a delight to eat both raw and cooked. The pods of Eastland beans are of medium size, typically measuring around 4-5 inches in length. The plants themselves are compact and bushy, making them suitable for smaller gardens and spaces. These beans have a relatively short maturity period, typically taking around 70-75 days from planting to harvest. The beans are known for their vibrant green color, making them visually appealing as well. Eastland beans are generally resistant to common bean diseases such as bean mosaic virus and rust. They are known to provide a good yield per acre, often ranging from 800 to 1,200 pounds of beans per acre, depending on growing conditions and care. Proper spacing is crucial for their growth, with plants typically spaced 3-4 inches apart in rows that are about 18-24 inches apart. These beans thrive in well-drained soil with full sun exposure and require regular watering to maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil. Overall, Eastland beans are a favorite among gardeners and farmers for their taste, disease resistance, and relatively quick harvest time.
Bolero peas are a robust and high-yielding variety of shelling peas, known for their impressive productivity and excellent flavor. These peas produce plump, tender pods that are filled with smooth, vibrant green peas, offering a sweet and slightly nutty taste that enhances a variety of dishes. Bolero peas are distinguished by their vigorous growth habit and high resistance to common pea diseases, making them a reliable choice for gardeners seeking a hardy and consistent crop. The plants typically grow to a medium height and require minimal support, making them suitable for both garden beds and containers. Bolero peas thrive in cooler weather, ideally planted in early spring or late summer, and they exhibit a strong tolerance to temperature fluctuations. With their generous yields and delectable flavor, Bolero peas are an excellent choice for both home gardeners and those looking to enjoy fresh, homegrown peas throughout the growing season.
Roma II beans, also known as Romano beans or Italian flat beans, are a popular variety of green beans known for their exceptional flavor and unique appearance. These beans have a rich history dating back to ancient Rome, where they were cultivated and enjoyed for their culinary versatility. Roma II beans are distinct from traditional green beans due to their flat, wide pods and are favored by many for their tender, meaty texture and delicious taste. The taste of Roma II beans is often described as nutty and slightly sweeter than regular green beans, making them a sought-after choice in various culinary dishes. These beans are typically harvested when they are about 4-6 inches long, ensuring optimal tenderness and flavor. The plants of Roma II beans are known to be vigorous and can reach a height of about 18-24 inches. They have a relatively short maturity period, usually taking around 60 days to reach harvest readiness from the time of planting. The pods of Roma II beans are typically a vibrant green color and can grow to be 5-6 inches long. Roma II beans are prized for their resistance to common bean diseases, including common mosaic virus, rust, and bacterial brown spot, which can help ensure a healthy harvest. When properly cared for, these plants can yield a bountiful crop. For optimal growth, Roma II beans should be spaced about 3-4 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart. They thrive in well-drained soil and require full sun exposure, making them a great addition to any home garden or farm. Overall, Roma II beans are a delightful and versatile choice for those looking to grow and enjoy fresh, flavorful beans.
Dark Red Kidney beans are one of the most widely used beans in North America! Dark Red Kidney is a bush variety of dried bean. Each pod contains 5 large, red kidney shaped beans. If rain threatens before your beans are totally dry, pull the whole plant up, hang upside down in your barn/garage to let them finish drying. Once dry, these beans will store for a long time! This bean is often used in Mexican food.A perfect winter food full of protein straight from your own garden.
The Early Alaska Pea is an old heirloom that, just like its name suggests, thrives in the colder climates. This variety does great in early spring or short season plantings. The vines are cold hardy and can grow to 30." This pea plant yields 3 1/2” pods filled with 6-7 delicious medium sized peas that are excellent for fresh eating or freezing for later use.
The Colorful Garden Blend is a beautiful and delicious mix of green, purple and yellow garden beans. A fun way to grow a beautiful mixture of garden beans. This gourmet blend is excellent for fresh eating and canning. All bush varieties that are high yielding and mature around the same time! Even mix of Slenderette, Royal Burgundy Purple and Cherokee Wax.
Cherokee Wax beans, also known as Cherokee Yellow Wax beans, are a popular variety of bush beans cherished for their vibrant appearance and delicious flavor. These beans are believed to have originated from the Native American Cherokee tribe, hence their name. Cherokee Wax beans are a warm-season vegetable that thrives in various climates, making them a favorite among home gardeners and commercial growers alike. Cherokee Wax beans are known for their exceptional taste, boasting a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a tender and crisp texture. They are a type of bush bean, which means they grow as compact, bushy plants that don't require support structures. The pods of Cherokee Wax beans typically measure around 5 to 6 inches in length and have a bright yellow color. These beans have a relatively short time to maturity, usually taking about 50-55 days from planting to harvest. They are highly productive, yielding an impressive quantity of beans per 10-foot row. In terms of growing conditions, Cherokee Wax beans thrive in well-draining soil that receives full sun exposure. They require spacing of about 3-4 inches between plants and should be sown in rows that are 18-24 inches apart. Cherokee Wax beans are generally disease-resistant, with some varieties exhibiting resistance to common bean diseases like rust and mosaic virus. With proper care and regular harvesting, these beans can provide a bountiful and delicious addition to your garden or dinner table.
Fava Broad Windsor beans, also known as Vicia faba 'Broad Windsor,' are a classic heirloom variety with a storied history and a range of notable characteristics. Originating in the United Kingdom, this variety has been cultivated for centuries and is particularly valued for its large, hearty beans and reliable yield. The plants are characterized by their robust growth habit, reaching heights of 24 to 36 inches, with broad, dark green leaves and striking white flowers often tinged with purple. The beans themselves are large and plump, typically encased in thick, protective pods that turn from green to a rich brown as they mature. Fava Broad Windsor beans are known for their creamy, slightly nutty flavor, which becomes more pronounced when the beans are cooked. The plants generally bloom in late spring to early summer, and the beans are usually harvested about 80 to 90 days after sowing. They thrive in cool, well-drained soil and prefer full sun to partial shade. The robust nature of the plants and their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil make them a valuable crop for improving soil fertility in rotation systems. With their rich flavor, historical significance, and agronomic benefits, Fava Broad Windsor beans are a cherished choice for both traditional and modern gardens.
Whiskey Mountain bean seeds produce a rare and distinctive heirloom pole bean known for its vigorous growth, striking appearance, and excellent flavor. The plants climb tall and robustly, requiring support, and yield long, tender pods that can be enjoyed as fresh snap beans or allowed to mature into colorful dry beans. The dry beans often feature unique markings and a rich, earthy taste that makes them ideal for soups and stews. Named after the scenic Whiskey Mountain region, this variety is valued for both its resilience in diverse growing conditions and its ornamental appeal in the garden. With its combination of beauty, hardiness, and culinary versatility, Whiskey Mountain is a treasured choice for gardeners seeking something special.
Henderson Lima beans, often referred to as Henderson's Bush Beans, are a renowned heirloom variety with a rich history and notable characteristics. Originating in the early 20th century, these beans were developed by the Henderson Seed Company, a notable seed supplier based in the United States. Henderson beans are appreciated for their compact, bushy growth habit, making them well-suited for smaller gardens or container planting. The plants typically reach about 18 to 24 inches in height, which allows for easy management and harvesting without the need for extensive staking or trellising. The beans are characterized by their smooth, green pods and are known for their tender texture and sweet, mild flavor. The pods are generally harvested when they are young and firm, usually in mid to late summer, to ensure the best taste and quality. Henderson beans are valued for their consistent productivity and disease resistance, which contribute to a reliable harvest. With their appealing flavor, compact growth habit, and dependable performance, Henderson beans remain a popular choice among home gardeners seeking a high-quality, easy-to-grow bean variety.
Charleston Gray watermelons are a classic variety celebrated for their large size, sweet flavor, and excellent disease resistance. Originating in the southern United States, this melon typically weighs between 20 to 30 pounds and features a distinctive light grayish-green rind with dark green stripes. The flesh is bright red, juicy, and refreshingly sweet, making it a favorite for summer picnics and barbecues. Charleston Gray watermelons are known for their long, cylindrical shape and thick rind, which helps protect the fruit from damage and allows for easier handling. They usually take about 80 to 90 days to mature, thriving in warm, sunny conditions with well-drained soil. Their ability to produce high yields makes them a popular choice among home gardeners and commercial growers alike. With their delicious flavor and impressive size, Charleston Gray watermelons are a quintessential summertime treat, perfect for slicing and sharing.
Pink Xocoyul corn is a unique heirloom variety from the mountainous regions of Oaxaca, Mexico, renowned for its striking pinkish kernels and its rich, nutty flavor. This Tlaxacaltecan varietal of pink heirloom corn is akin to a Chalqueño, but a bit denser. This traditional corn is often grown in small, family-run farms and is prized for its ability to thrive in high-altitude, temperate climates. While it is traditionally used for atole dulce, a warm, sweet masa beverage, Xocoyul lends itself seamlessly to a variety of masa applications, such as quesadillas with fresh quesillo or festive pink tamales. Beyond its culinary uses, Pink Xocoyul corn is valued for its cultural significance in Oaxacan cuisine, where it plays a central role in regional food traditions. Like many heirloom varieties, it is open-pollinated, making it an excellent choice for sustainable farming and seed-saving. This beautiful corn not only adds vibrant color to dishes but also helps preserve a piece of Mexico's agricultural heritage.
Green Field corn produces an abundance of tall (8-10') stalks with 8-9" long ears. Developed from Reid's Yellow Dent, this corn produces bright yellow, long and narrow 14-kernel row ears. Green Field was the name of the farm that this corn was first produced on. Reported yields of 190 bu/acre in the boot heel area of MO.
