Cool Crop Plants
"It's the Flavor You Can't Forget"
Broccoli - Green Magic
57 days from setting out transplants; 90 days from direct-sowing.It's a toss-up whether Green Magic is more valuable for its buttery flavor or for its terrific heat tolerance. This uniform, dependable blue-green beauty is beloved in gardens across the country, wowing with generous yields made even greater by excellent tolerance of downy mildew, a foe of many other varieties. Compact and very productive, it will become your go-to broccoli from the very first season you grow it.
Green Magic Hybrid sets smooth, nicely domed heads with mid-size beads very tightly packed. It's suitable for picking two ways: either the entire crown in one fell swoop, or the central stalk first, then numerous side-shoots as they arise afterwards. Cutting the main head encourages side-shoot growth. Either way, you'll find the flavor irresistible. Some folks report that Green Magic tastes "pre-buttered"; everyone loves its combination of rich, bold flavor and crisp texture.
If you have ever grown the old favorite Gypsy, Green Magic may remind you of it, but with a more compact plant habit and even more vigorous production. This plant is just about 2 feet high, germinating rapidly (10 to 14 days) from seed and growing well, even in unexpectedly warm spring or fall weather.
Broccoli grows well with celery and onions, which some folks believe actually improve its flavor when grown as neighbors. Strongly aromatic herbs from dill to sage help keep destructive pests off the broccoli plants. And flowers such as marigolds, nasturtiums, and anise hyssop make lovely as well as useful companions in the sunny garden.
A cool-weather crop, broccoli can be grown in spring and fall everywhere, and even in winter in mild climates. Sow seeds directly or transplant into the garden when they have 4 true leaves (about 8 weeks from germinating). Before planting, prepare the soil well, adding nitrogen if necessary and neutralizing heavily alkaline or acid soils. If planting in spring, plan to harvest before the temperature reaches 80 degrees; the heads will bolt in high heat. If planting in fall, start 10 to 12 weeks before first frost date. Space seeds or transplants 18 inches apart in rows 2 feet apart. Harvest the central head first, which will stimulate the production of numerous side-shoots and extend your harvest another few weeks. This information came from Parks Seed Company one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from.
57 days from setting out transplants; 90 days from direct-sowing.It's a toss-up whether Green Magic is more valuable for its buttery flavor or for its terrific heat tolerance. This uniform, dependable blue-green beauty is beloved in gardens across the country, wowing with generous yields made even greater by excellent tolerance of downy mildew, a foe of many other varieties. Compact and very productive, it will become your go-to broccoli from the very first season you grow it.
Green Magic Hybrid sets smooth, nicely domed heads with mid-size beads very tightly packed. It's suitable for picking two ways: either the entire crown in one fell swoop, or the central stalk first, then numerous side-shoots as they arise afterwards. Cutting the main head encourages side-shoot growth. Either way, you'll find the flavor irresistible. Some folks report that Green Magic tastes "pre-buttered"; everyone loves its combination of rich, bold flavor and crisp texture.
If you have ever grown the old favorite Gypsy, Green Magic may remind you of it, but with a more compact plant habit and even more vigorous production. This plant is just about 2 feet high, germinating rapidly (10 to 14 days) from seed and growing well, even in unexpectedly warm spring or fall weather.
Broccoli grows well with celery and onions, which some folks believe actually improve its flavor when grown as neighbors. Strongly aromatic herbs from dill to sage help keep destructive pests off the broccoli plants. And flowers such as marigolds, nasturtiums, and anise hyssop make lovely as well as useful companions in the sunny garden.
A cool-weather crop, broccoli can be grown in spring and fall everywhere, and even in winter in mild climates. Sow seeds directly or transplant into the garden when they have 4 true leaves (about 8 weeks from germinating). Before planting, prepare the soil well, adding nitrogen if necessary and neutralizing heavily alkaline or acid soils. If planting in spring, plan to harvest before the temperature reaches 80 degrees; the heads will bolt in high heat. If planting in fall, start 10 to 12 weeks before first frost date. Space seeds or transplants 18 inches apart in rows 2 feet apart. Harvest the central head first, which will stimulate the production of numerous side-shoots and extend your harvest another few weeks. This information came from Parks Seed Company one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from.
Broccoli - Marathon
This late variety is highly tolerant to cold. Grown successfully in the Northeast for late summer and fall crops, This information came from Johnny Seeds one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from.
This late variety is highly tolerant to cold. Grown successfully in the Northeast for late summer and fall crops, This information came from Johnny Seeds one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from.
Broccoli - Waltham 29
Known for producing large heads and long stalks, this longtime favorite is excellent for cooking fresh or freezing. The 4-6" dark blue-green heads are arrayed with side shoots. Developed to withstand cold, it performs outstandingly in the fall.Standard type, Compact plants that were introduced in 1954. This information came from HPS Seeds one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from..
Known for producing large heads and long stalks, this longtime favorite is excellent for cooking fresh or freezing. The 4-6" dark blue-green heads are arrayed with side shoots. Developed to withstand cold, it performs outstandingly in the fall.Standard type, Compact plants that were introduced in 1954. This information came from HPS Seeds one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from..
Brussel Sprouts Jade Cross
Jade Cross is a fine hybrid that produces high yields of deep green, flavorful 1/4 to 1" round sprouts on 28" plants. The plants are more compact than other varieties, which makes them less subject to wind damage. Its early maturity allows for later planting when cooler growing conditions are more favorable. Jade Cross is an adaptable variety. This information came from HPS Seeds one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from..
Jade Cross is a fine hybrid that produces high yields of deep green, flavorful 1/4 to 1" round sprouts on 28" plants. The plants are more compact than other varieties, which makes them less subject to wind damage. Its early maturity allows for later planting when cooler growing conditions are more favorable. Jade Cross is an adaptable variety. This information came from HPS Seeds one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from..
Cabbage Early Flat Dutch
Excellent heat tolerance; does well in Coastal South (USDA zone 9), as well as in USDA zones 7 and 8. Heads are large, 6–10 lbs., and flat, making it easier to cut for processing. Perfect for making sauerkraut. 85 DAYS.
This information came from Gurney Seed & Nursery Company.
Excellent heat tolerance; does well in Coastal South (USDA zone 9), as well as in USDA zones 7 and 8. Heads are large, 6–10 lbs., and flat, making it easier to cut for processing. Perfect for making sauerkraut. 85 DAYS.
This information came from Gurney Seed & Nursery Company.
Cabbage Early Jersey Wakefield
Longtime favorite with a distinctly sweet flavor: great for salads and slaws.
This is a cabbage with a pedigree. New Jersey Wakefield is an adaptation of an older English variety, Early Wakefield, and has proven a reliable favorite for US gardens since the 1840s, especially in northern climes. Quickly produces large, dense, elongated 7" heads, with a distinctly sweet flavor that is ideal for eating raw in salads and slaws, cooking or pickling. Weighing 2-3 lb., the heads have a small core and good protective wrapper leaves.
Information came from Burpee one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from..
Longtime favorite with a distinctly sweet flavor: great for salads and slaws.
This is a cabbage with a pedigree. New Jersey Wakefield is an adaptation of an older English variety, Early Wakefield, and has proven a reliable favorite for US gardens since the 1840s, especially in northern climes. Quickly produces large, dense, elongated 7" heads, with a distinctly sweet flavor that is ideal for eating raw in salads and slaws, cooking or pickling. Weighing 2-3 lb., the heads have a small core and good protective wrapper leaves.
Information came from Burpee one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from..
Cabbage Early Round Dutch
70 – 85 days - A slow-to-bolt variety that does well in warmer climates. Small, compact plants produce 4-5 pound heads of crinkled, dark blue-green, cup-shaped leaves. Perfectly shaped leaves for stuffing and fillings.
Information from Heirloom Seeds
70 – 85 days - A slow-to-bolt variety that does well in warmer climates. Small, compact plants produce 4-5 pound heads of crinkled, dark blue-green, cup-shaped leaves. Perfectly shaped leaves for stuffing and fillings.
Information from Heirloom Seeds
Cabbage Red
Our Best Red Cabbage
A beautiful cabbage inside and out! Omero Hybrid Red Cabbage produces short-core, tasty heads with a pleasing texture and good storage qualities. Its deep purple-burgundy color is a welcome addition to slaws and salads. The round heads measure up to 6 inches across and weigh about a pound each. To grow mini cabbages, just space the plants closer together. Omero Hybrid Cabbage was a favorite in our test trials and the best quality red cabbage we grew. A cole crop, cabbage can be grown in the spring and the fall. For a summer crop, sow seeds indoors and transplant started plants to the garden. For a fall crop, seeds can be direct seeded into the garden in midsummer. 73-78 DAYS.
This information came from Gurney Seed & Nursery Company.
Our Best Red Cabbage
A beautiful cabbage inside and out! Omero Hybrid Red Cabbage produces short-core, tasty heads with a pleasing texture and good storage qualities. Its deep purple-burgundy color is a welcome addition to slaws and salads. The round heads measure up to 6 inches across and weigh about a pound each. To grow mini cabbages, just space the plants closer together. Omero Hybrid Cabbage was a favorite in our test trials and the best quality red cabbage we grew. A cole crop, cabbage can be grown in the spring and the fall. For a summer crop, sow seeds indoors and transplant started plants to the garden. For a fall crop, seeds can be direct seeded into the garden in midsummer. 73-78 DAYS.
This information came from Gurney Seed & Nursery Company.
Cauliflower Self-Blanching
Thrives in the cool weather. A flavorful heirloom variety that produces 6-8, pure-white heads. When colder weather arrives, its leaves will curl upright and self-wrap.
Information came from Burpee one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from..
Thrives in the cool weather. A flavorful heirloom variety that produces 6-8, pure-white heads. When colder weather arrives, its leaves will curl upright and self-wrap.
Information came from Burpee one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from..
Collards Georgia
A southern favorite that is high in calcium. Tender, blue-green leaves that will withstand light frost. The mild cabbage-like flavor actually improves with a light frost. Plant in spring and again in late summer for a fall to winter harvest. Avoid areas where any of the cabbage family members were grown the previous year.
Information came from Burpee one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from..
A southern favorite that is high in calcium. Tender, blue-green leaves that will withstand light frost. The mild cabbage-like flavor actually improves with a light frost. Plant in spring and again in late summer for a fall to winter harvest. Avoid areas where any of the cabbage family members were grown the previous year.
Information came from Burpee one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from..
Collars Morris Heading
"Morris Heading" is an heirloom variety that has been used in the southern cuisine for decades. Slow to bolt, tolerant to heat and cold, "Morris Heading" Collards produce heavy heads on short stems. Its taste is similar to that of a cabbage and contains numerous important nutrients. Collards are a member of the brassica/cabbage family, and its cultivation is similar. Best grown as a fall crop, time your collards to harvest around first frost.
Information came from Eden Brothers one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from..
"Morris Heading" is an heirloom variety that has been used in the southern cuisine for decades. Slow to bolt, tolerant to heat and cold, "Morris Heading" Collards produce heavy heads on short stems. Its taste is similar to that of a cabbage and contains numerous important nutrients. Collards are a member of the brassica/cabbage family, and its cultivation is similar. Best grown as a fall crop, time your collards to harvest around first frost.
Information came from Eden Brothers one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from..
Kale Dinosaur
Grow the same delectable kale that has been a mainstay of Italian cuisine and international fine dining since the 1700's! Lacinato Kale (also known as Dinosaur Kale, Tuscan Kale, and even Flat Black Cabbage!) is an heirloom variety that delivers the best tasting leaves you will ever eat, all on vigorous, high-yielding plants that love a little frost.
Even if this kale weren't so delicious, growing the plants would be fun. They're just so bold -- the leaves are very long and slender, reaching 2 feet long but just a few inches wide, with a heavily savoyed texture that looks almost bubbled. Depending on the time of year and the temperature, they range from blue-green to darkest forest-green to nearly black.
And these leaves are harvested from underneath, at the base, so that after you've picked a good many, you're left with a plant that looks like a mini palm tree -- leading to another of Lacinato Kale's many nicknames, Palm Tree Kale! Expect to do plenty of harvesting, too, over the long season of this robust plant! Lacinato Kale is prepared just like other varieties. Although it can be eaten raw, it is more frequently blanched and then used in soups, stews, casseroles, and side dishes. It holds up well to reheating, keeping both its color and flavor nicely.
Information came from Park Seeds one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from.
Grow the same delectable kale that has been a mainstay of Italian cuisine and international fine dining since the 1700's! Lacinato Kale (also known as Dinosaur Kale, Tuscan Kale, and even Flat Black Cabbage!) is an heirloom variety that delivers the best tasting leaves you will ever eat, all on vigorous, high-yielding plants that love a little frost.
Even if this kale weren't so delicious, growing the plants would be fun. They're just so bold -- the leaves are very long and slender, reaching 2 feet long but just a few inches wide, with a heavily savoyed texture that looks almost bubbled. Depending on the time of year and the temperature, they range from blue-green to darkest forest-green to nearly black.
And these leaves are harvested from underneath, at the base, so that after you've picked a good many, you're left with a plant that looks like a mini palm tree -- leading to another of Lacinato Kale's many nicknames, Palm Tree Kale! Expect to do plenty of harvesting, too, over the long season of this robust plant! Lacinato Kale is prepared just like other varieties. Although it can be eaten raw, it is more frequently blanched and then used in soups, stews, casseroles, and side dishes. It holds up well to reheating, keeping both its color and flavor nicely.
Information came from Park Seeds one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from.
Kale Red Russian
Smooth green, purple-veined leaves for baby leaf and bunching.
Stems are purple; leaves are flat, toothed, and dark green with purple veins. The plants mature medium-tall and leaves are tender compared to other kales. For salads and light cooking. NOTE: To extend storage life, dunk leaves in cold water post harvest.
Information came from Johnny's Selected Seeds one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from.
Smooth green, purple-veined leaves for baby leaf and bunching.
Stems are purple; leaves are flat, toothed, and dark green with purple veins. The plants mature medium-tall and leaves are tender compared to other kales. For salads and light cooking. NOTE: To extend storage life, dunk leaves in cold water post harvest.
Information came from Johnny's Selected Seeds one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from.
Kale Starbor
For one-cut harvest.
The finely curled, dark blue-green leaves can be harvested with one cut, or the leaves may be stripped from the plant one by one, as kale is traditionally harvested. The compact plants produce leaves that are very uniform, resist yellowing, and have good flavor. Short internodes allow for high yields despite compact habit. Perfect for harvesting the whole plant at 12–18"
Information came from Johnny's Selected Seeds one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from.
For one-cut harvest.
The finely curled, dark blue-green leaves can be harvested with one cut, or the leaves may be stripped from the plant one by one, as kale is traditionally harvested. The compact plants produce leaves that are very uniform, resist yellowing, and have good flavor. Short internodes allow for high yields despite compact habit. Perfect for harvesting the whole plant at 12–18"
Information came from Johnny's Selected Seeds one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from.
Lettuce Bistro Gourmet Mix
Gourmet mix of many leaf types and colors, green, bronze, and red shades, perfect solution for home gardener, 55 days * Vegetable * This information comes from Hazzard's Seed Company.
Gourmet mix of many leaf types and colors, green, bronze, and red shades, perfect solution for home gardener, 55 days * Vegetable * This information comes from Hazzard's Seed Company.
Lettuce Mesclun Mix
Grow Heirloom Lettuce - Plant Mesclun Mix
This beautiful mixture of assorted, gourmet salad greens is an easy way to bring flair and nutrition to your everyday cooking! Meaning literally "mixture" our Mesclun Lettuce offers a combination of fresh, healthy greens. Perfect for sowing indoors or out, this mix is intended to be harvested continuously for a ready supply of fresh, tender greens.
Information came from Eden Brothers one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from..
Grow Heirloom Lettuce - Plant Mesclun Mix
This beautiful mixture of assorted, gourmet salad greens is an easy way to bring flair and nutrition to your everyday cooking! Meaning literally "mixture" our Mesclun Lettuce offers a combination of fresh, healthy greens. Perfect for sowing indoors or out, this mix is intended to be harvested continuously for a ready supply of fresh, tender greens.
Information came from Eden Brothers one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from..
Lettuce Simpson Elite
Similar to Black-Seeded Simpson, this one can be harvested a month longer.
Full Description
Fast-growing, crinkly, medium green leaves with a crisp texture and fine flavor. Rarely gets bitter. Early maturing and tolerant of hot weather. Plant early in spring and repeat every 2 weeks into fall. Protect from heat with shade cloth. Likes fertile soil, ample water. Best when picked minutes before your meal. Space lettuce plants 8" apart.
Information came from Burpee one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from..
Similar to Black-Seeded Simpson, this one can be harvested a month longer.
Full Description
Fast-growing, crinkly, medium green leaves with a crisp texture and fine flavor. Rarely gets bitter. Early maturing and tolerant of hot weather. Plant early in spring and repeat every 2 weeks into fall. Protect from heat with shade cloth. Likes fertile soil, ample water. Best when picked minutes before your meal. Space lettuce plants 8" apart.
Information came from Burpee one of the many vendors we purchase our seeds from..
Spinach Seaside
Slow-bolting variety for spring and summer.
Seaside has upright, dark green leaves, that are somewhat spade shaped. Stays small, which extends the baby leaf harvest window. High resistance to down. This information came from Johnny Seeds one of the many vendors we buy seeds from.
Slow-bolting variety for spring and summer.
Seaside has upright, dark green leaves, that are somewhat spade shaped. Stays small, which extends the baby leaf harvest window. High resistance to down. This information came from Johnny Seeds one of the many vendors we buy seeds from.