Chioggia beets, also known as Candy Cane or Bull's Eye beets, are a unique and visually striking variety of beets that originated in Italy. Their history dates back to the early 19th century when they were first cultivated in the coastal town of Chioggia, near Venice. These beets are renowned for their vibrant and eye-catching appearance, characterized by concentric rings of alternating red and white colors, reminiscent of a candy cane. This distinct coloration makes them a popular choice among gardeners and chefs for their ornamental and culinary appeal. In terms of taste, Chioggia beets offer a mild and slightly sweet flavor, making them a versatile ingredient in various dishes. They can be enjoyed raw in salads, pickled, roasted, or boiled, and their taste becomes sweeter when cooked. Typically, Chioggia beets are round to slightly flattened in shape, with a diameter of 2 to 3 inches. They are known for their relatively quick maturity, taking around 50 to 60 days to reach full size. Their unique coloration is retained even after cooking, making them a visually stunning addition to any meal. When it comes to growing Chioggia beets, they thrive in well-drained soil with a neutral pH and require full sun for optimal growth. Proper spacing is essential to allow room for their roots to develop, typically requiring 3 to 4 inches between each plant and rows spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart. Chioggia beets are relatively disease-resistant, with a natural ability to withstand some common beet diseases, but it's still essential to monitor them for any signs of issues. With proper care, Chioggia beets can yield a bountiful crop, and their unique appearance and delightful taste make them a favorite among gardeners and culinary enthusiasts alike.
The Early Purple Sprouting broccoli is an heirloom broccoli bred for overwintering! This variety produces lots of beautiful purple broccoli sprouts in the spring. The Early Purple Sprouting grows slowly through the winter; very frost hardy.
If you want warts all over your pumpkin then Warty Goblin is your pumpkin! This F1 hybrid produces heavily warted pumpkins that are frighteningly cool! The round to tall pumpkins have an orange hard shell rind and green warts that stay green for several weeks after harvest. This is a unique pumpkin variety that sparks interest at markets and pumpkin patches.
Sugar beets are the perfect natural choice to make sugar! You can boil the sugar beets in order to make a sugary syrup. These beets can grow up to 1 foot long and can weigh from 3-5 pounds. That means you need to thin them to make sure they have enough room to grow. Tops can grow 1-2' tall. Beet tops can be eaten, lightly grazed or fed to animals.
The Manny cucumber is a Beit-Alpha type cucumber that is ideal for greenhouse cultivation. This cucumber variety is fast growing and high resistant to disease. This slicing cucumber is perfect for commercial growing.
Federle tomatoes, also known as Federle's Italian Paste, are a unique and heirloom variety of tomato renowned for their distinctive characteristics and rich history. These tomatoes typically exhibit a medium-sized, elongated shape, resembling a classic Roma tomato. Their size can range from 3 to 5 inches in length, making them ideal for canning, sauces, and paste production. Federle tomatoes thrive in specific growing conditions. They require full sun exposure and well-drained, fertile soil to flourish. These tomatoes are known for their resilience and adaptability, making them suitable for various climates and regions. They are often treasured by gardeners for their consistent performance and robust growth, making them a reliable choice for home gardeners and small-scale farmers. The history of Federle tomatoes dates back to Italy, where they have been cultivated for generations. These tomatoes were brought to the United States by Italian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Since then, they have become a cherished heirloom variety, cherished for their exceptional flavor and versatility in the kitchen. Federle tomatoes are a testament to the enduring legacy of traditional tomato cultivation and continue to be a favorite among those who appreciate the rich heritage and exceptional taste of heirloom vegetables.
The Congo Watermelon is a wonderful tasting, gigantic sized, long, dark green watermelon that can grow to be up to 50 lbs.! This variety produces a firm and sweet flesh that has 9.4% sugar. As a fully grown watermelon, it can be over 2' long and 1' wide! It's skin has deep green stripes on a medium green body.
The Double Yield cucumber is an excellent variety for gherkins and dills. The slender cucumbers are 5-6" long by 2" diameter and remains a dark-green color longer than most cucumbers. The Double Yield cucumber plant has high yields and a high percentage of sets producing two cucumbers at each leaf joint!
The Early Wonder beet is a popular heirloom beet plant that produces high yields of deep red roots! A popular beet that is tasty, early maturing and produces abundant greens. The beets are great for boiling, pickling, baking, and freezing. Forms 3-4" deep red globes that are sweet and tender. Also known as "Tall Top" for its tall, glossy leaves that make great greens with salads. Greens are also a great substitute for chard or spinach and have high vitamin A and C.
Broccoli Sprouts are a tasty treat that's very nutritious! This sprout has a high antioxidant content and contains up to 50 times the sulfurophane found in mature broccoli, by weight, so you get as much antioxidants in 1 ounce of Broccoli Sprouts as you would if you ate 3 pounds of fully grown Broccoli! Time to Sprout: 4-6 Days Flavor: Broccoli flavor with a bit of heat Nutrition: Vitamins A, B, C, E & K, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium and Zinc, Carotene, Chlorophyll, Amino Acids, & Trace Elements, Protein: 35%
Red Romaine Lettuce has long, crinkled leaves with great crunch! This variety starts green and fades to redish-purple. The Red Romaine's leaves are12" tall and the plant is about 10-12" wide. This lettuce is often used in Caesar salads not only for its crunch, but also for its color. Use Red Romaine lettuce for an incredible edible purple border in your flower beds.
Beefmaster F1 tomato plants are renowned for producing some of the largest and most flavorful tomatoes in home gardens. Known for their impressive size, these beefsteak-type tomatoes can weigh over a pound each, making them perfect for slicing and adding to sandwiches, salads, and burgers. The plants are robust and vigorous, often reaching heights of up to 6 feet, and require sturdy support to handle the weight of the fruit. With a rich, juicy flavor and a meaty texture, Beefmaster tomatoes are highly sought after by gardeners and chefs alike, providing an abundant harvest throughout the growing season. In addition to their exceptional fruit, Beefmaster tomato plants are relatively easy to grow, thriving in warm climates with full sun and well-drained soil. They are typically resistant to common tomato diseases, which makes them a favorite among both novice and experienced gardeners. Regular watering and proper fertilization help ensure optimal growth and fruit development. With their high yield and impressive size, Beefmaster tomatoes can significantly enhance the home garden, offering not just fresh produce for the table but also a rewarding gardening experience. Whether enjoyed fresh, cooked, or preserved, these tomatoes are sure to delight anyone who tastes them.
