Wapsie Valley heirloom corn is a traditional variety that hails from the Wapsipinicon River Valley in Iowa. Known for its rich history and unique flavor, this heirloom corn features tall, sturdy plants that produce large ears with colorful, often striped kernels ranging from yellow to blue and red. The kernels are prized for their taste and are typically used for making cornmeal, grits, and other culinary applications. Wapsie Valley corn is not just valued for its flavor; it also has good adaptability to different soil types and conditions, often thriving in diverse environments. As an heirloom variety, it is appreciated for its genetic diversity and resilience, making it a popular choice among organic and sustainable farmers. The corn is also sought after by home gardeners and those interested in preserving traditional agricultural practices. Overall, Wapsie Valley heirloom corn represents both a connection to agricultural heritage and a commitment to biodiversity.
Big Max pumpkin seeds are celebrated for producing some of the largest pumpkins available, making them a favorite among growers aiming for impressive, eye-catching results. These seeds produce pumpkins that can reach weights of 50 to 100 pounds or more, with their vibrant orange skin and smooth, rounded shape. The Big Max variety is known for its robust, sturdy vines that support the hefty fruit, and it generally requires a long growing season to achieve its full potential. Ideal for autumn decorations, Halloween displays, and giant pumpkin contests, Big Max pumpkins offer a dramatic presence with their substantial size and striking color. The seeds are relatively easy to cultivate, making them accessible to both seasoned gardeners and enthusiastic novices eager to grow a standout pumpkin.
All The Year Round Lettuce is a medium-sized green headed lettuce that is just like its name, good for all the year round! This slow bolt variety is solid even in hot weather, and good for far northern areas as it is very hardy. Sow All The Year Round in spring or late summer!
Cacahuazintle corn is a traditional Mexican heirloom variety, celebrated for its large, white kernels and its distinctive, slightly nutty flavor. Native to the central highlands of Mexico, this corn is a key ingredient in the making of pozole, a hearty and aromatic soup that is a staple in Mexican cuisine. The kernels are unique in that they have a thick, starchy texture, making them ideal for hominy production, where they undergo a process of nixtamalization to unlock their full nutritional potential. Cacahuazintle corn is particularly valued for its high resilience and adaptability to various soil types, thriving in the dry, high-altitude conditions of Mexico's interior. Its open-pollinated nature makes it a great choice for sustainable farming and seed-saving. As a heritage crop, Cacahuazintle corn not only contributes to the rich flavors of Mexican food but also holds deep cultural significance, linking generations of farmers and cooks to their roots. Sourced from a farming community in Estado de México, Cacahuazintle is the star of pozole throughout Mexico.
The Dark Armenian cucumber is a beautiful cucumber that once is cut looks like the shape of a flower! The Dark Armenian, or Metki, has a dark skin and crispy flesh. This variety of cucumbers can grow over 18" long but are best picked at 12". These cucumbers are mostly ribbed and have an excellent sweet flavor.
The Topcrop bean is a great bean for canning and freezing. Topcrop got its name for a reason. This bean plant grows a heavy, concentrated set of beans. One of the best known beans around. Harvest on the early side of maturity to get small and tender beans. Delicious eaten fresh off the vine!
Daikon Radish has a crisp firm flesh is pure white. This Daikon radish, produces long tapered white radishes that are mostly used as winter radishes. The Minowase has a great, mild taste that is excellent in many Oriental dishes. This radish variety is great for spring or late summer planting.
Red Malabar spinach (Basella rubra) is a heat-loving, vining green that thrives through the hottest days of summer when traditional greens fade. This vigorous Asian vine features glossy, thick, slightly savoyed dark green leaves set against striking deep red to purple stems, making it as ornamental as it is edible. The mild, chard-like flavor works well when young leaves and tender stems are used fresh in salads, blended into smoothies, or lightly cooked in stir-fries. Exceptionally tolerant of heat and humidity, it produces an abundance of nutritious greens well into fall, along with deep purple berries rich in anthocyanins that can be used as a natural dye. Not a true spinach, this beautiful plant is typically grown as an annual in cooler regions and as a perennial in subtropical climates, but it is not frost hardy.
Batwing is a unique ornamental pumpkin producing small, .5–1 lb fruits with dramatic color variation. Many display a striking “dipped” look, appearing half dark green and half orange, while others mature fully orange or deep green. For the strongest contrast, plant later and harvest earlier than standard varieties. With sturdy stems and bold, Halloween-ready color patterns, Batwing is a standout novelty for seasonal displays.
Tennessee Red Valencia is a delicious, high yielding peanut with papery red seed covers! This easy to grow peanut variety produces two to five kernels per long pod. Tennessee Red peanuts are the most popular Valencia peanut variety grown today, as it is a heavy yielder. The Tennessee Red Valencia is known for their slightly smaller size and sweeter taste in comparison with Virginia or Spanish peanuts.
Green Zebra tomatoes are a unique and visually striking heirloom variety cherished for their distinctive appearance and vibrant flavor. These medium-sized tomatoes are easily recognizable by their green skin striped with darker green bands, giving them a zebra-like pattern. When fully ripe, they turn a rich, golden-green color. Known for their tangy, slightly sweet taste with a hint of citrus, Green Zebra tomatoes add a zesty flair to salads, salsas, and gourmet dishes. They typically reach maturity in about 75 to 80 days, and the plants exhibit a sprawling growth habit, producing an abundant harvest of fruit throughout the growing season. Their robust and resilient nature, coupled with their eye-catching appearance and exceptional flavor, makes Green Zebra tomatoes a favorite among both gardeners and culinary enthusiasts.
An All American Selection winner produces high quality pole beans. A cross between Kentucky Wonder and Blue Lake, combining the best of both parents. Kentucky Blue Pole beans produce large, straight, round 6 to 7" pods of excellent quality on 6 to 8' vines. This vigorous grower is an improvement over standard pole varieties and is ready for harvest one week earlier. The beans themselves have a delicious, tender texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor, making them perfect for fresh eating, steaming, or stir-frying. They are also great for canning and freezing. Kentucky Blue beans are appreciated for their disease resistance and ability to produce abundantly throughout the growing season. With their stunning blue flowers and lush foliage, these beans not only provide a tasty harvest but also add visual interest to any garden!
