Seeds

We’ve mixed equal amounts of seed for these great tasting, high-yielding hybrid varieties with early, mid and late season maturities for the longest possible harvests. Plant and grow them together and you’ll be enjoying their sweet blue-green spears for weeks as they ripen in succession. We’ve chosen cultivars for flavorful, extra fancy, tightly beaded main heads and abundant side shoots. All three have excellent disease resistance and weather tolerance.

60 Days.

Approx: 117 Seeds.

BEST TO START INDOORS

Start seeds 4 or 5 weeks before last expected spring frost and again in midsummer for a fall crop. Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, cover ½ inch deep and keep evenly moist. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant out. When seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, transplant 12 to 18 inches apart into rich, well-drained soil in full sun, after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.

TO START OUTDOORS

Sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Plant groups of 2-3 seeds 1/2 inch deep and 12 inches apart. Space rows 18 inches apart. Thin to 1 strong seedling per group so plants have room to mature and yield.

GROWING NOTES

Broccoli needs rich soil and cool growing weather to produce big heads. Prepare soil well and do not let seedlings get too crowded before transplanting or you will stunt heads. Keep well watered and weeded and feed monthly with all purpose fertilizer. Use nontoxic B.T. (Bacillus thuringiensis) products to repel caterpillar pests as necessary.

HARVEST AND USE

Harvest the main head before florets open by cutting about halfway down the stalk. This will encourage smaller side shoots to form for extended picking from each plant.

Our mixture of burgundy, golden and candy-striped beets yields big harvests with glowing rich colors, succulent texture and sweet earthy flavor. These beets will become an easy to grow, long keeping staple in your garden and kitchen. The smooth roots can be harvested at any size to bake, boil or steam and enjoy hot and buttered or chilled in an herb vinaigrette. The nutritious young tops are unrivaled as melt-in-your-mouth steamed greens. Red Sangria, Golden Beets, Striped Chioggia.

START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early spring when danger of hard frost is over, sow seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows 10 inches apart, or broadcast thinly and evenly for bed planting. Firm soil well over these irregularly shaped seeds to ensure good germination. If first sowing germinates unevenly, replant more seed in the rows as seedlings will catch up fast. Carefully thin when seedlings are large enough to handle to stand 3 to 4 inches apart so roots have room to grow and mature.

GROWING NOTES
For best quality tender roots, sow seeds before midsummer heat and again in early fall at least 10 weeks before fall frosts. Keep soil evenly moist throughout the growing season. Be sure to thin beet seedlings carefully several times when plants are small as they’ll grow best if given enough room.

HARVEST AND USE
After thinning seedlings, use tender young tops for nutritious flavorful steamed greens. Harvest baby beets at 1 to 2 inches in diameter, or let roots grow as large as desired. Garden fresh beets cook quickly. They are delicious steamed, boiled or baked whole in their skins like potatoes, then peeled for wonderful color and sweet concentrated flavor.

Mars Landing kale has a truly “out of this world” appearance! The tender leaves are a wonderful bronzy purple/maroon color with light green underneath and notched and scalloped edges. Besides its sensational appearance, this tender, mild and very tasty variety holds well in the garden without getting tough or stringy or losing quality. Enjoy nutrition-packed, richly colored Mars Landing kale for months in delicious salads, or steam, braise or add to soups and stews.

50 Days.

Approx: 270 Seeds.

TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

As soon as ground can be worked in spring, prepare a well-drained, fertile garden bed in full sun. Sow groups of 3 seeds each 10-12 inches apart and 1/2 inch deep, in rows 12-18 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist. When seedlings are 3 inches tall, thin to just 1 seedling per group. Sow again in late summer for another cold-hardy crop.

TO START INDOORS

Sow seeds in a container of seed starting mix 2 inches apart and cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall then plant outdoors.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space 10 to 12 inches apart so plants have room to mature.

GROWING NOTES

Kale tastes best in cool weather so sow spring crops early. A late summer-sown crop will yield through fall and winter except in the coldest climates. Frost actually enhances kale leaves’ color, flavor and sweetness. Mulch to retain moisture in summer and before the ground freezes to protect the roots of fall crops.

HARVEST AND USE

Begin harvesting outer leaves when plants have 6 to 8 leaves. Vitamin-rich kale is delicious in hearty winter soups, stews and sautés; or braise the beautiful leaves with garlic and olive oil in traditional Mediterranean style. Pull and discard once plants begin to bloom since the leaves of flowering stalks get tough and bitter.

This delicious carrot shrugs aside heavy soil and forms beautiful 15-20cm long, fine-grained roots that are bright orange throughout and as coreless as the name suggests. Nantes Coreless develop cylindrical and sweet roots, with relatively small tops.

They have excellent flavour and are very tender. Sow these lovely carrots in raised beds or in deeply cultivated soil and be sure to thin the seedlings to 4-10cm apart in the row so that each has room to develop on its own.

How To Grow, Timing:  Direct sow from just after the last frost date to late summer for harvests from summer through early winter. Sow at 3 week intervals for a continuous harvest. Direct sow winter-harvest carrots (where winters are mild) in the first two weeks of August. Optimal soil temperature: 7-30°C. Seeds may take as long as 14-21 days to germinate.

How To Grow, Starting:  Because carrot seeds are tiny, they need to be sown shallowly. The trick is to keep the top-most layer of soil damp during the relatively long germination period. Water deeply prior to planting. Direct sow the tiny seeds 5mm deep, 4 seeds per 2cm, and firm soil lightly after seeding. Make sure the seeds are only just buried. Water the area with the gentlest stream possible, and keep it constantly moist until the seeds sprout.

How To Grow, Growing:  Ideal pH: 6.0-6.8.   The softer and more humus-based the soil, the better. When soil is dry enough in spring, work it to a fine texture. Broadcast and dig in ½ cup complete organic fertilizer for every 3m of row. Avoid fresh manure. Carrots will become misshapen, but still edible if they hit anything hard as they grow down into the soil. Keep weeded and watered.

How To Grow, Thinning:  This is the process of removing some seedlings, if necessary, so each has enough space to grow in the row. It is very important to thin carrots so they don’t compete for available nutrients, moisture, and light. Thin to 4-10cm apart when the young plants are 2cm tall. Use wider spacing to get larger roots. As they grow, carrots may push up, out of the soil, so hill soil up to prevent getting a green shoulder.

How To Grow, Harvest:  Carrots can be harvested at any size, but flavour is best when the carrot has turned bright orange (or its other mature colour). After harvest, store at cold temperatures just above 0ºC. Store in sand or sawdust, or simply leave carrots under heaped soil in the garden during the winter, and pull as needed.

75 Days

Approx: 700 Seeds

Seaside spinach seeds produce very uniform, dark green baby leaf spinach for fast harvests and high volume production. The leaves are thick and succulent, with well developed flavour. The upright plants grow at a moderate rate, and work well in winter high tunnels. It is the best choice we have seen for baby leaf growers, and has good resistance to downy mildew. With the correct timing, a small farming operation can produce a constant supply of baby leaf spinach nearly all year, which can be a lucrative option for your restaurant and CSA clients.

How To Grow, Timing:   Spinach does best in cool weather. Direct sow in the period four weeks before, and three weeks after the last frost date. Spinach will bolt once days get long and hot. Some varieties grow enough to harvest before they bolt. For continuous supply, plant every 3 weeks.

Sow again in the middle two weeks of August for a fall crop that, if cut at the soil level, will come back early the following spring where winters are mild. Shade summer-sown seed beds, keep very well watered, and sow more seeds than you need, as warm soil will reduce germination rates marginally. Thin seedlings, and use cloche protection as cold weather approaches. Late sowings like this can be harvested into December – in mild winters if cloche protection is provided.

Optimal soil temperature: 5-20°C. Seeds should sprout in 7-14 days.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow seeds 1cm deep, 10 seeds per 30cm, in rows 30-45cm apart. Thin to at least 5-8cm between plants, or further if you want larger leaves.

How To Grow, Growing:   Ideal pH: 6.0-6.5.  This heavy feeder requires rich soil. Dig in ¼-½ cup balanced organic fertilizer beneath every 1m of row. Overwintering spinach requires well drained soil.

How To Grow, Harvest:  For baby greens, pick when the leaves are 7-10cm long. Individual leaves can be picked at anytime, until the plant has started to bolt. Cut the whole spinach plant just above soil level.

Baby greens in 25 days.

Approx: 400 Seeds.

Chocolate Beauty produces medium large, mostly 4-lobed bell peppers that turn from shiny green to rich chocolate brown if left to mature. As green bell peppers, they have somewhat average flavour, but as they fully ripen to dark brown, the sweetness increases and they become positively delectable. Chocolate Beauty peppers are visually stunning when mixed with yellow bell peppers in a salad. The unusual colour brings eye catching visual allure to any pepper dish. Try these peppers in containers – one plant per 3–5-gallon pot.

How To Grow, Timing:  Peppers need plenty of time to mature before they will bloom and set fruit. Start indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date, and grow under bright lights. Transplant only when weather has really warmed up. Night time low temperatures should be consistently above 12°C before hardening off pepper plants and transplanting outdoors. Soil temperature for germination: 25-29°C. Seeds should sprout in 10 – 21 days.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow indoors 5mm-1cm deep. Keep soil as warm as possible. Seedling heating mats speed germination. Try to keep seedlings at 18-24°C in the day, and 16-18°C at night. Before they become root-bound, transplant them into 8cm pots. For greatest possible flower set, try to keep them for 4 weeks at night, about 12°C. Then transplant them into 15cm pots, bringing them into a warm room at night, about 21°C.

How To Grow, Growing:  Soil should have abundant phosphorus and calcium, so add lime and compost to the bed at least three weeks prior to transplanting. Mix ½ cup of balanced organic fertilizer beneath each plant. Though peppers will tolerate dry soil, they will only put on good growth if kept moist. Harden off before planting out 30-60cm apart. Five gallon containers also work well, but require good drainage and regular irrigation. Using plastic mulch with a cloche can increase the temperature by a few degrees. Pinch back growing tips to encourage leaf production. This helps shade the developing fruits and prevents sun-scald in hot summers.

How To Grow, Harvest:  When the fruit is large and firm it is ready to pick. Or wait for the fruit to ripen further turning red, yellow, brown, or purple. The sweetness and vitamin C content go up dramatically as the fruit changes colour. If you pick green, the total numbers of peppers harvested will increase. Fruit that sets after late August will not usually develop or ripen. Pull out the entire bush just before the first frost and hang it upside down in a warm, dry place to ripen hot peppers.

Matures in 75 days.

Approx: 30 Seeds.

Sow Lacinato kale seeds in the spring and early summer. A most elegant looking heirloom vegetable, the long, dark green leaves shoot from the central stem like ostrich plumes. A stunning addition to the ornamental vegetable garden, it grows 1m tall with deeply blistered, strap-like leaves that are frost hardy, but tender when cooked. Lacinato is often referred to as Dinosaur Kale due to its large size and distinctive, prehistoric look. It is an old descendent of Mediterranean kale. Plant Lacinato kale seeds in your organic vegetable garden and harvest this popular and nutritious super-food from summer to late fall.

How To Grow, Timing:  Direct sow in early spring to mid-summer for summer to winter harvests. Or start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost, and transplant out as soon as the soil warms up. Optimal soil temperature: 10-30°C. Seeds should germinate in 7-10 days.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow 3-4 seeds 5mm deep in each spot you where a plant is to grow. Thin to the strongest plant. Space 45-60cm apart in rows 75-90cm apart.

How To Grow, Growing:  Ideal pH: 6.0-6.8.  Add lime to the bed 3 weeks prior to sowing. Kale likes well-drained, fertile soil high in organic matter. This plant prefers plentiful, consistent moisture. Drought is tolerable, but quality and flavor of leaves can suffer. Mix ¼ cup of complete organic fertilizer into the soil beneath each transplant, or use 1 cup beneath every 3m of seed furrow

How To Grow, Harvest:  Kale and collards can both be grown as a cut and come again crop for salad mixes by direct-seeding and cutting when plants are 5-8cm tall. They will re-grow. Or pick leaves from the bottom up on mature plants as you need them. In spring, the surviving plants start to flower, so eat the delicious flowering steps and buds.

Matures in 65 days.

Approx: 280 Seeds

This virtual rainbow of colorful and tasty radishes includes purple, pink, red, white and gold radishes, all with crunchy white flesh. They are fast growing and ready to enjoy in well under a month from sowing. Add them for flavor and color to any green salad, enjoy for crispy snacks, or slice up for eye-catching appetizers with creamy dips. Tuck seeds into the garden in both early spring and fall, wherever you have room for a quick crop. Seed Count: Approx. 425.

START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In early spring as soon as ground can be worked, sow radish seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Space seeds 1 inch apart in wide rows 6 inches apart. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away. Sow in late summer for a fall crop.

GROWING NOTES
Sow this quick cool season crop wherever you intend to plant heat lovers later. Radishes thrive with crisp flesh and mild flavor when given consistent moisture. Sow small amounts a week apart to mature in warm but not hot weather. Thin quick-growing seedlings early to 2 inches apart so roots have room to size up. Protect radishes with floating row covers if marauding birds or flea beetles that chew holes in the leaves are a problem.

HARVEST AND USE
Pull radishes when young round roots have reached the size of large marbles. If weather turns hot, harvest, cut off tops and store in fridge. Radish flavor is mildest in cool weather, spicier in hot conditions. Picked young and tender, this appealing five color mix makes crispy snacks, attractive appetizers, and adds flavor and crunchy texture to salads. Especially delicious sliced and tossed with a sesame or miso flavored dressing.

These lovely, plump, mini daikons have deep violet colored exteriors and crunchy flesh flushed with a center sunburst of violet. Their flavor is unique with a mild, subtly sweet but peppery flavor that becomes milder when cooked. Mini Purple daikon are round to oblong with blunt tips and grow about 3 to 5 inches long, depending on weather and conditions. Perfect for home gardeners, colorful Mini Purple daikons are more uniform and versatile than traditional bigger daikon varieties.

55 Days.

Seed Count: 90-95

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In early spring as soon as ground can be worked, sow daikon radish seeds in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Space seeds 2-3 inches apart in rows 6 inches apart. Cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist and well weeded. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away. Sow again in mid summer for a fall crop.

GROWING NOTES

For crispy flesh and mild flavor, give daikon radishes consistent moisture. When they are several inches tall, carefully thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart, so the roots have room to size up and mature. Enjoy early thinnings in salads. Protect radishes with floating row covers if marauding birds or flea beetles that chew holes in the leaves are a problem.

HARVEST AND USE

If weather turns unexpectedly hot, pull, cut off tops and store the roots in the refrigerator where they keep very well. Daikon radish flavor is spicier in hot weather and milder in cool conditions. Slice and eat fresh, add to salads, shred for coleslaw or enjoy in stirfries, soups, and stews. Flavor is milder when cooked. Mini Purple daikon are delicious pickled in rice vinegar and will make a crunchy, colorful kimchee!

Our signature salad blend is straight from California’s Napa valley, where the best produce is a crucial part of every restaurant’s success. Easy to grow Wine Country Mesclun combines eight different sweet red and green lettuces with just the right amount of tangy greens in a perfect balance of crispy and buttery leaf textures. Simply cut as needed, then toss with extra virgin olive oil and mild vinegar or lemon juice for a perfectly balanced salad.

A blend of: Arugula, Spinach, 8 Lettuces, 3 Asian Greens, 2 Chards

40 Days.
Seed Count: Approx. 1300

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In early spring, sow seeds in finely worked soil in full sun. Shake seeds from the palm of your hand, broadcasting them about a half inch apart over the entire seedbed or in wide rows, and cover lightly and evenly with 1/4 inch of fine soil. Firm soil gently and water in with a fine spray. Keep seed bed evenly moist. Make small successive sowings until summer weather turns hot for a constant supply. Plant again in late summer for ample fall harvesting.

GROWING NOTES

This mesclun mix thrives in mild weather with consistent moisture. To extend the sowing season into hot weather, sow in light shade or erect a canopy of loosely woven shade cloth over the seedbed. Birds are often attracted to tender young seedlings so protect them if necessary.

HARVEST AND USE

To harvest by the “cut and come again” method, wait until plants are 4 or 5 inches tall. Cut as much as you need, using scissors to shear off a patch of leaves 1 to 2 inches above the soil level. Water well and fertilize lightly and plants will regrow for several more cuttings. Dress with a simple vinaigrette to set off the wonderful colors, diverse fresh flavors and delicate textures of this delicious salad mix.

Sweetie Baby is a brand new baby romaine bred to be compact, juicy and delicious. The pretty green leaves grow in perfect 6 to 8 inch tall vase-shaped heads that are heavy for their size with a wonderful sweet flavor and crisp, crunchy texture. In the garden, Sweetie Baby lettuce is long-lasting, slow to bolt and heat tolerant. This handsome and appetizing little romaine is ideal for growing in containers or small space gardens. Perfect for individual salads or for sandwiches. Seed Count: Approx. 550.

START SEEDS OUTDOORS
In cool spring weather, start seeds in full sun. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in fertile, well-drained soil mix. After the seedlings germinate and begin to grow, it’s important to thin the young plants so they have room to mature into heads. Thin seedlings when a few inches tall to a final spacing of 5 inches apart so they have room to mature to full heads (extra seedlings will transplant easily to grow elsewhere). Plan on 7 to 10 full heads in a 16-18 inch pot or an 18-24 inch window box. Plan on 3 full heads in an 8 inch pot.

GROWING NOTES
Lettuce thrives in cool conditions. Be sure to thin properly and keep evenly moist for sweet tasting, full heads. For a constant supply, make several sowings a few weeks apart until summer weather turns hot.

Plant again in late summer for fall harvest. In hot weather, give lettuce some afternoon shade and check water daily. Feed with liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks.

Try setting seedlings around the edges of a big pot holding a young tomato or pepper plant. Harvest the lettuce as the bigger plant grows to need the space.

HARVEST AND USE
Savor young lettuce thinnings in your first spring salads. Then harvest plants by cutting mature heads when they feel firm and well-filled. Pull over-mature plants if they begin to elongate (“bolt”) in hot weather, as leaves turn bitter at this stage.