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New Seed Arrivals

Corn, Popcorn: Strawberry Red (Zea Mays)

$1.00 - $5.60

Although it's exact origin is unknown, it is believed that Strawberry Red Popcorn was domesticated by the Olmec and the Mayans. Not only is this amazing variety edible, but it is just as decorative. Each plant grows to 5-6' and bares two or so 2-3" strawberry shaped ears that are covered with brilliant burgundy kernels! Your mind will be blown as you watch the red kernels pop into white popcorn with in the blink of eye!

Corn, Popcorn: Shaman's Blue (Hybrid) Open Pollinated (Zea mays)

$1.00 - $5.60

Blue corn originated in the Andes Mountains of Peru, where the native peoples usually ground it into flour for cooking. Indians of Mexico and the southwestern United States also widely used this corn, since its dryness made it an excellent flour corn and gave it good resistance to disease. This exciting blue popcorn receives high marks for both visual and taste appeal. The unique blue/purple kernel pops into mounds of snow white popcorn that will satisfy any popcorn lover with its slightly sweet flavor.

Corn, Popcorn: South American Yellow (Zea mays)

$1.00 - $5.60

According to evidence found by archaeologists on the northern coast of Peru, popcorn was a staple in the ancient civilizations of South America. Popcorn also grew above the border, and it once occupied a space in nearly every American garden. At the beginning of the twentieth century, 52 varieties of popcorn were offered by the seed catalogs of the time. A wise choice for popcorn lovers! This prolific variety bears 2-3, 6-9 inch ears per plant. When popped, the large yellow kernels produce a buttery tasting popcorn.

Cucumber: White Wonder (Heirloom) (Cucumis sativus)

$0.50 - $5.60

This high yielding ivory white cucumber variety was introduced into the U.S. and first offered by Burpee Seed Company in 1893. White Wonder Cucumbers are delicious raw, in salads, or pickled.

Sweet Pepper: Jimmy Nardello Italian (Heirloom)

$0.50 - $5.60

Jimmy Nardello peppers are known best as frying peppers though they are just as flavorful when raw. This variety of pepper was originally from Basilicata, a southern region of Italy. It takes its name from Jimmy Nardello, who inherited it from his parents Guiseppe and Angela Nardello, who brought the seeds from Italy while immigrating to Connecticut in 1887.

Flower Seeds

Aster: Powder Puff Mix (Callistephus chinensis)

$0.25 - $5.60

This fall-blooming beauty, though a member of the Aster family, more closely resembles the chrysanthemum; its unique characteristics have made it the only member of the Callistephus genus. As the name suggests, it originates in China. China Asters are widely grown throughout many countries for commercial use in the cut flower industry. The common name of “aster” comes from the ancient Greek, meaning “star” in reference to the flower’s brightness and shape.

Aster: Tall Pompon Blue Moon (Callistephus chinensis)

$0.50 - $5.60

This eye catching aster has a dark to light blue center and white outer rim pompoms that are 2 to 3 inches wide. It reaches the height of 20 inches tall and is used as a flower border throughout the summer. This aster is exceptional as a cut flower and has a long vase-life indoors.

Baby's Breath: Annual (Gypsophila elegans)

$0.25 - $5.60

This dainty flower has become well-known for its role in the florists’ industry as a filler in bouquets. Originally it grew as a wildflower across much of Europe and Asia, and was introduced to the States in the late 19th century as a popular addition to flower gardens. The genus name Gypsophila means “lover of chalk,” referring to the type of light, alkaline soil that this plant prefers.

Baby's Breath: Deep Carmine (Gypsophila elegans)

$0.50 - $5.60

This dainty flower has become well-known for its role in the florists’ industry as a filler in bouquets. Originally it grew as a wildflower across much of Europe and Asia, and was introduced to the States in the late 19th century as a popular addition to flower gardens. The genus name Gypsophila means “lover of chalk,” referring to the type of light, alkaline soil that this plant prefers.

Balsam: Camilia Flowered Mix (Impatiens balsamina)

$0.50 - $5.60

This old fashioned cousin of the garden impatiens originates in the southeastern regions of Asia. Its genus name Impatiens comes from its "impatient" habit of exploding its seeds from their pods at the slightest touch. Dr. John Kirk, chief medical officer and expert botanist on numerous exploratory journeys led by Dr. Livingston, introduced this plant to his homeland. Victorian gardeners often included it in their flowerbeds, but the appearance of more showy hybrid varieties soon overshadowed the modest beauty of this species.

Bee Plant: Rocky Mountain (Cleome serrulata)

$0.25 - $5.60

Rocky Mountain Bee Plant appears in the records of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, being discovered growing on the open prairie by Meriwether Lewis on August 25, 1804. Lewis entrusted his collection of flower species to botanist Frederick Traugott Pursh, who officially classified Cleome serrulata in 1817. In his diary, Lewis observes that the Native Americans would grind the seeds of this plant into flour, as well as boiling the rest of the plant for eating. This plant played an important part in the culture of many Native American tribes, being used for making dye for blankets and pottery as well as having numerous medicinal purposes.

Bergamot: Lemon (Monarda citriodora)

$0.25 - $5.60

With a delightful lemon scent and lavender flowers, this wildflower is a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds. Stiff, square stems support the tubular and fragrant flowers, and all parts of the plant have a distinct lemony scent when crushed or bruised. Some Monarda species are commonly called bee-balm in reference to a prior use of the leaves as a salve for bee stings. Effective in hummingbird, butterfly, cottage and herb gardens, as well as in native plant areas and prairies. A lovely plant all around!

Bergamot: Wild (Monarda fistulosa)

$0.25 - $5.60

Butterfly attracting premier! Bursting with lavender heads of flowers, this popular perennial wildflower puts on a beautiful show! Medium to tall in height, this plant looks great planted en masse, or with other meadow dwellers. Its sweetly aromatic foliage makes it even more desirable. A classic!

Bird's Eye (Gilia tricolor)

$0.25 - $5.60

The Gilia genus contains mostly desert-loving plants, native to the area stretching from the western United States to South America. Spanish botanists Hipólito Ruiz and José Antonio Pavón found the first known Gilia species on their expedition to South America, later detailing it among other species in a 1794 publication of their research from Peru and Chile. They gave this family of flowers the name Gilia in honor of Filippo Luigi Gilii (1756-1821), an Italian naturalist whom they greatly admired for his research in South American native plant life at the Vatican Observatory.

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)

$0.25 - $5.60

Meriwether Lewis collected the first specimen of this wildflower on July 7, 1806. His research of this and other native species was completed by botanist Frederick Traugott Pursch in 1813, who completed a catalogue of the species discovered on the famous expedition. The genus name "Gaillardia" honors an 18th century French botanist named Gaillard de Charentonneau. The common name Blanket Flower seems to come from the similarity of the brightly colored blossoms to Native American weaving.

Blazing Star: Marsh (Liatris spicata)

$0.25 - $5.60

This striking native wildflower is often cultivated for its amazing ability to attract butterflies and bees. Though the meaning of the Latin genus name Liatris is a mystery, the species name spicata means “spike.” This species is one of the many studied by the German botanist Carl Ludwig Willdenow, who laid the foundations for the scientific study of plant distribution.

Blazing Star: Meadow (Liatris ligulistylis)

$0.50 - $5.60

Bursting with brilliant fuchsia stars, this showy perennial wildflower puts on a striking display! Look out for butterflies! Blooming in late summer, Meadow Blazing Star supplies a fine cuisine for the Monarch butterfly. King of the Blazing Stars!

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Herb Seeds

Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

$0.25 - $5.60

One of the most ancient herbs, anise is native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. In ancient Palestine, anise was highly valued and used as a form of currency for payment of taxes. In the United States, anise has been grown since the fourteenth century. In England in 1305, anise was so popular as a spice or medicine that King Edward I put a tax on it to raise money to repair London Bridge. Anise seeds have a wide variety of medicinal uses and are rich in volatile oil, flavonoids and other important nutrients. The distinctive flavor of anise can be found in licorice as well as certain kinds of cookies, bread, sausage, and cheese; almost every culture has a special confection that contains this sweet herb.

Basil: Clove Scented (Ocimum basilicum)

$0.25 - $5.60

Only a few left!

Native to India and ancient Persia, basil has a long history as one of the most revered of herbs. Ancient legends give basil a strong religious connection, stating that it possesses healing powers. In many cultures basil is a symbol of love, and given as a token of affection or engagement; other meanings include protection and truth. In Greek and Roman cultures, however, basil represented hate and misfortune; because of this, gardeners would often shout abuses at their plants to help them grow. It seems that no one could agree on the properties of basil, with divided opinions on whether it had medical benefits or whether it contained poison. Since English royalty preferred basil and used it for both culinary and cosmetic purposes, chefs sometimes call it "the king of herbs." In addition to being popular with the ruling class, basil was commonly used throughout England and loved for its scent; many people included it in their gardens, added it to their bouquets, and used it to freshen the air in their houses. Medicinally, oil of basil is often used in treatments as diverse as depression and anxiety, the common cold, a cough or sore throat, or insect bites and stings. Medicinal doses of basil are unsafe for pregnant women, though culinary use is fine.

Basil: Italian Large Leaf (Ocimum basilicum)

$0.25 - $5.60

Chefs in the Neapolitan region of Italy regard this variety of sweet, Genovese-type basil as the essential type of basil for their traditional cuisine. Native to India and ancient Persia, basil has a long history as one of the most revered of herbs. Ancient legends give basil a strong religious connection, stating that it possesses healing powers. In many cultures basil is a symbol of love, and given as a token of affection or engagement; other meanings include protection and truth. In Greek and Roman cultures, however, basil represented hate and misfortune; because of this, gardeners would often shout abuses at their plants to help them grow. It seems that no one could agree on the properties of basil, with divided opinions on whether it had medical benefits or whether it contained poison. Since English royalty preferred basil and used it for both culinary and cosmetic purposes, chefs sometimes call it "the king of herbs." In addition to being popular with the ruling class, basil was commonly used throughout England and loved for its scent; many people included it in their gardens, added it to their bouquets, and used it to freshen the air in their houses. Medicinally, oil of basil is often used in treatments as diverse as depression and anxiety, the common cold, a cough or sore throat, or insect bites and stings. Medicinal doses of basil are unsafe for pregnant women, though culinary use is fine.

Basil: Lemon (Ocimum basilicum)

$0.25 - $5.60

Lemon basil comes from a cross between African basil and common basil, and is widely grown in northeastern Africa and southern Asia. Popular for its strong lemon scent, lemon basil is often found in Lao, Persian, Arabian, Indonesian and Thai cuisine. Native to India and ancient Persia, basil has a long history as one of the most revered of herbs. Ancient legends give basil a strong religious connection, stating that it possesses healing powers. In many cultures basil is a symbol of love, and given as a token of affection or engagement; other meanings include protection and truth. In Greek and Roman cultures, however, basil represented hate and misfortune; because of this, gardeners would often shout abuses at their plants to help them grow. It seems that no one could agree on the properties of basil, with divided opinions on whether it had medical benefits or whether it contained poison. Since English royalty preferred basil and used it for both culinary and cosmetic purposes, chefs sometimes call it "the king of herbs." In addition to being popular with the ruling class, basil was commonly used throughout England and loved for its scent; many people included it in their gardens, added it to their bouquets, and used it to freshen the air in their houses. Medicinally, oil of basil is often used in treatments as diverse as depression and anxiety, the common cold, a cough or sore throat, or insect bites and stings. Medicinal doses of basil are unsafe for pregnant women, though culinary use is fine.

Basil: Purple Ruffles (Ocimum basilicum)

$0.25 - $5.60

Ted Torrey, once the director of the Vegetable Research at the W. Atlee Burpee & Company, developed the Purple Ruffles variety of basil. This cross between Green Ruffles and Dark Opal varieties of basil was first released in 1984, and won the AAS Award in 1987.

Basil: Spicy Bush (Ocimum basilicum var. minimum)

$0.25 - $5.60

Definitely one of the best looking basils around, Spicy Bush Basil is a must have! It not only looks good being a petite ornamental bush with small ¾” shiny leaves, but it is also very aromatic and taste fantastic in salads, pesto and much more! This fine herb will grow practically anywhere from rock gardens, herb beds, to container gardening.

Basil: Sweet (Ocimum basilicum)

$0.25 - $5.60

Native to India and ancient Persia, basil has a long history as one of the most revered of herbs. Ancient legends give basil a strong religious connection, stating that it possesses healing powers. In many cultures basil is a symbol of love, and given as a token of affection or engagement; other meanings include protection and truth. In Greek and Roman cultures, however, basil represented hate and misfortune; because of this, gardeners would often shout abuses at their plants to help them grow. It seems that no one could agree on the properties of basil, with divided opinions on whether it had medical benefits or whether it contained poison. Since English royalty preferred basil and used it for both culinary and cosmetic purposes, chefs sometimes call it "the king of herbs." In addition to being popular with the ruling class, basil was commonly used throughout England and loved for its scent; many people included it in their gardens, added it to their bouquets, and used it to freshen the air in their houses. Medicinally, oil of basil is often used in treatments as diverse as depression and anxiety, the common cold, a cough or sore throat, or insect bites and stings. Medicinal doses of basil are unsafe for pregnant women, though culinary use is fine.

Bee Balm: Lemon (Monarda citriodora)

$0.25 - $5.60

With a delightful lemon scent and lavender flowers, this wildflower is a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds. Stiff, square stems support the tubular and fragrant flowers, and all parts of the plant have a distinct lemony scent when crushed or bruised. Some Monarda species are commonly called bee-balm in reference to a prior use of the leaves as a salve for bee stings. Effective in hummingbird, butterfly, cottage and herb gardens, as well as in native plant areas and prairies. A lovely plant all around!

Borage: Blue (Borago officinalis)

$0.25 - $5.60

The borage herb is an old fashioned plant that can get up to 2 feet or more. It is native to the Middle East and has an ancient history in war as an enhancement for bravery and courage. Growing borage provides the gardener with cucumber-flavored leaves for tea and other beverages as well as bright starry blue flowers for decorating salads. All parts of the plant, except the roots, are flavorful and have culinary or medicinal uses.

Borage: White (Borago Officinalis Bianca)

$0.50 - $5.60

Like the common blue borage, this white variant is edible. The flowers, which have a flavor reminiscent of cucumber, can be added to summer drinks or as a garnish on salads and other cold dishes. The leaves can also be added, wilted, to Mediterranean recipes such as pasta sauces and to ravioli stuffing. Borage is very attractive to pollinating insects

Caraway (Carum carvi)

$0.25 - $5.60

Possibly one of the oldest herbs, evidence of caraway has been found in the Neolithic ruins of Europe as well as in ancient Egypt. Medieval medicine recommended the use of caraway for the improvement of digestion as well as for infant colic; William Shakespeare himself made reference to the culinary use of this herb in his play Henry IV, when Falstaff is invited to "take a pippin and a dish of caraways." The flavor of caraway became extremely popular in Tudor England, especially cooked with fruit or for cakes and bread. Caraway has a well known role in the cuisine of Germany, Scandanavia, northern Africa, and various eastern European countries.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

$0.25 - $5.60

History records that catnip was first grown in the Roman town of Nepeti, which explains its genus name, Nepeta.In early Britain before the arrival of Chinese tea, dried catnip made an excellent and popular tea; this tea also had legendary medical benefits for complaints such as fever, congestion, anxiety, or poor digestion. Its effect on the personality was supposed to have ranged from sedation, to courage, to fierce aggressiveness. One popular legend states that reluctant hangmen often chewed catnip leaves to give them courage for their task. A member of the mint family, catnip is extremely attractive to cats; in modern times, it is commercially produced primarily for pets.

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Vegetable Seeds

Amaranth: Love Lies Bleeding (Heirloom) (Amaranthus caudatus)

$0.25 - $5.60

As a decorative flower, Love-Lies-Bleeding grew in many Victorian English gardens; in the language of flowers, it represents hopeless love. In addition to producing lovely flowers, Love-Lies-Bleeding is a form of the grain-producing plant known as amaranth. A staple grain for the Aztecs and Incas, amaranth was referred to as the "golden grain of the gods" and used in religious rituals. The plant nearly died out when the Spanish Conquistadors declared their religious practices barbaric, and made growing amaranth a capital offense. Today, both the leaves and the seeds of amaranth are an important food source in many parts of the world. This unique grain provides an impressive amount of vitamins and minerals, as well as being very rich in protein.

Amaranth: Red Garnet (Heirloom) (Amaranthus tricolor)

$0.25 - $5.60

Amaranth had a sacred status in the ancient civilizations of the Aztecs and Incas, since the grain was used in various religious rituals. It remains a staple food in modern Mexico and some parts of Asia, being prepared in numerous dishes from sweet to savory. One traditional Mexican treat known as "alegria" is made with amaranth grain and honey or molasses. A super grain, amaranth can be used for gluten free flour; it also makes a complete protein when mixed with another grain. In addition, amaranth greens have a higher iron content than any other green vegetable except parsley, as well as containing many valuable vitamins and minerals.

Artichoke: Green Globe (Heirloom) (Cynara scolymus)

$0.50 - $5.60

According to historians, this member of the thistle family originated in the Mediterranean region and was especially popular in Sicilian and North African cuisine. Eventually the artichoke migrated to Italy, and when the famous Italian Catherine de Medici moved to France in 1533 to be the queen of Henry II, she took her passion for artichokes with her. Her appetite for this vegetable scandalized the people of her day, as the artichoke was considered an aphrodisiac and only eaten by men. In time, artichokes became a culinary delight only afforded by the elite. The French brought this vegetable to Louisiana, while two Italian brothers introduced it to California. California still produces nearly all of the United States' supply of artichokes, with Castroville, CA being named as the Artichoke Capital of the World. Green Globe, first appearing in catalogs in 1863, is a favorite of commercial growers.

Asparagus: Mary Washington (Heirloom) (Asparagus officinalis)

$0.25 - $5.60

This member of the lily family originated in the Mediterranean countries; the ancient Greeks and Romans greatly favored it. According to legend, Julius Caesar required his asparagus to be served with melted butter. By the 16th century, the kings of England and France had claimed it as their special delicacy, causing the vegetable to be nicknamed the "food of kings." Louis XIV of France had his own supply growing year round in greenhouses, since he greatly enjoyed it. In the Renaissance, asparagus was considered an elegant vegetable and often found at the tables of the wealthy. Asparagus came to America with the colonists, and has since grown wild all over the United States.

Beets: Detroit Dark Red (Heirloom) (Beta vulgaris)

$0.25 - $5.60

Detroit Dark Red heirloom beets hail from Ontario, Canada, where a Mr. Reeves developed them from blood turnips. This globular beet first made its appearance in 1892. However, beets seem to have originated in the Mediterranean region, where people grew them for thousands of years. Later, beets grew in Germany and Holland and were used as cattle fodder; they were later imported to England for this purpose, but the poor began to raise them for an affordable food source. American colonists later brought them to the New World, where they became a commonly enjoyed food both for their roots and their greens.

Broccoli: Purple Sprouting (Heirloom) (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

$0.25 - $5.60

Though this extremely cold hardy Purple Sprouting broccoli was bred in England, the plant from which modern broccoli is derived first grew in the wild in the Mediterranean region and in Asia Minor. The Italians appreciated it so much that it got the name "Italian asparagus." Broccoli gradually spread to the rest of Europe and to the New World, where Thomas Jefferson included this strange new vegetable in his experimental garden.

Beans: Kentucky Wonder Pole (Heirloom) (Phaseolus vulgaris)

$0.25 - $5.60

First appearing in the late 1800's, Kentucky Wonder Pole beans are descended from an old variety of pole bean called Texas Pole. When first introduced, Kentucky Wonder had the name of Old Homestead. In 1877, James J. H. Gregory & Sons made it available in their catalog. It immediately became widely popular for its flat, stringless pods that could be eaten fresh or dried for soup beans.

Beans: Lazy Housewife Pole (Heirloom) (Phaseolus vulgaris)

$1.00 - $5.60

2015 Bean of the Year. Brought to America by German immigrants and first listed in W. Atlee Burpee’s 1888 catalog. These beans were so-named because they were the first beans to not require destringing! Originally cultivated in Central America, from Mexico to Peru, Bolivia and Argentina. The smaller beans are thought to have been cultivated in Mexico as long as 7,000 years ago, while the larger beans were cultivated in Peru starting 8,000 years ago. High in protein, easy to grow, dry and cook, they have sustained mankind for millennia.

Beans: Red Yard Long (Heirloom ) (Vigna unguiculata sesquipedalis)

$1.00 - $5.60

The yard long bean, often known as the Chinese long bean, originates in southern Asia; Carl Linnaeus first noted its presence in the New World in 1763. Actually a member of the cowpea family, they closely resemble green beans with a slightly more intense flavor and denser texture. Yard long beans have been a popular ingredient in Asian stir fries and other vegetable dishes for centuries. These beans also have a loyal following in the Mediterranean region, being known in Napes as "faiolo e maccarone," or "beans and macaroni," because of their noodle-like appearance.

Bean: Royalty Purple Pod Green (Heirloom) (Phaseolus vulgaris)

$0.25 - $5.60

Royalty Purple Pod Green bean will add beautiful color to your garden with it's purple foliage and purple flowers. The bright purple pods are 5" long, stringless and turn green when cooked. This beautiful bush bean was introduced by Billy Hepler Seed Company in 1957.

Broccoli: Green Sprouting Calabrese (Organic) (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

$0.25 - $5.60

Calabrese Green Sprouting Broccoli is an Italian Heirloom that was named after Calabria (a region in southern Italy). It is known as the most favorable broccoli due to its ability to produce a larger number of heads on lots of thin stalks.

Broccoli: Waltham 29 (Heirloom) (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

$0.25 - $5.60

The heirloom broccoli variety Waltham 29 is named for Waltham, MA, where researchers at the University of Massachusetts developed it in 1950. However, the plant from which modern broccoli is derived first grew in the wild in the Mediterranean region and in Asia Minor. Broccoli gradually spread to the rest of Europe and to the New World, where Thomas Jefferson included this strange new vegetable in his experimental garden. The Italians appreciated it so much that it got the name "Italian asparagus." After World War I, Italian brothers Stefano and Andrea D'Arrigo brought their Sicilian variety of broccoli and began growing it in San Jose, Calfornia; they later shipped it to Boston's North End, where it established a quickly expanding market.

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