(Abelmoschus esculentus 'Red Burgundy')
Red Burgundy Okra is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to India, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 48-60” and features 6" deep crimson, tender pods and 2 to 3", hibiscus-like yellow flowers with a crimson center. This plant attract bees and butterflies, is rabbit safe, is used to make paper, and is both edible and medicinal!
Genus: Abelmoschus
Species: esculentus
Variety: Red Burgundy Okra
Awards: 1988 All-America Selections Winner
Native to: Bangladesh, India, Myanmar.
Introduced into: Alabama, Albania, Andaman Is., Angola, Assam, Bahamas, Benin, Borneo, Bulgaria, Burkina, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Caroline Is., Cayman Is., Central African Repu, Chad, China South-Central, China Southeast, Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Himalaya, Eritrea, Fiji, Florida, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Greece, Guinea-Bissau, Gulf of Guinea Is., Hainan, Haiti, Illinois, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jawa, Krym, KwaZulu-Natal, Laos, Leeward Is., Louisiana, Malaya, Mali, Marianas, Marshall Is., Mauritania, Mexico Southwest, Mississippi, Mozambique, Nicobar Is., Niger, Nigeria, North Carolina, Northern Provinces, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Romania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Carolina, South European Russi, Southwest Caribbean, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Uganda, Ukraine, Venezuela, Venezuelan Antilles, Vietnam, Virginia, Windward Is., Zambia, Zaïre, Zimbabwe.
Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Annual
Days to Maturity: 55 days
Growing Habit: Bush. Hardiness: Tender. Okra is heat loving and can't stand any cold whatsoever (minimum air temperature 75 degrees F).
Crops: Spring Transplant, Summer
Growing Season: Short, Long
Growing Conditions: Warm, Hot. Okra is heat loving. Sow seeds outside in spring after all danger of frost has passed, when the soil temperature has reached 70 degrees F. It's a good succession plant after early, spring-maturing crops. Expect good yields on this 4 foot tall, bushy plant. If the growing season is short, you might use cloches or black plastic to warm the soil.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 65°F - 95°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 60°F. The soil should be warm before you plant (60˚F minimum) or it may rot before it germinates. The warmer the soil the faster it will germinate.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: Yes
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot)
Water: High
Feeder: Heavy
Suitability: High heat, Needs lots of space
Small Gardens?: Yes
Containers?: No
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Forage: Rabbits. Leaves only.
Maintenance: Medium
Plant Height: 48-60"
Spacing: 8"-12".
Sow Depth: 0.5" to 1.0".
Produces: 5-7" long deep red pods that turn green when cooked
Zones: 2-11
Garden Uses: Beds, border fronts, pots, containers.
Soil Preparation
Soil pH: 6.0-8.0, Ideal 6.8-7.2. Okra is a vigorous and fairly greedy plant, so the soil should be rich in all nutrients. It should also be well-drained and have a fairly neutral pH (Okra doesn't like acidic soil).
Soil Preparation:
Standard Mix, 1 handful, before sowing: A handful of standard mix in the planting hole will supply additional essential nutrients, including:
This is a mix of various amendments intended to supply all of the nutrients plants may require. It is usually incorporated into the soil prior to planting. The mix consists of:
- 4 parts cottonseed meal (this is high in nitrogen and relatively inexpensive)
- 2 parts colloidal phosphate or bone meal (for phosphorus)
- 2 parts wood ash or 3 parts greensand or granite dust (for potassium)
- 1 part dolomitic limestone (to balance pH and add calcium and magnesium)
- 1 part kelp meal (for trace elements)
Mix these together thoroughly. You can do this all at once, or you can store them separately and mix as needed.
Start Indoors
Soil temp for germination: 60°F to 105°F, optimal 70°F to 95°F, optimal 86°F
Total weeks to grow transplant: 0 (Spring/Summer), (Fall/Winter)
Germinate: 2-4 weeks before last frost date. Soaking the seed overnight prior to planting may speed germination. Sow the seeds in cell packs or soil blocks as Okra doesn't like root disturbance. Start seed 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost date and plant out about a month later.
Transplant Outdoors
Rows: Space the plants 12"-18" apart, in rows 24"-36" apart depending on the variety.
Beds: Space the plants 18" apart (2 rows of plants down the bed works well).
Warm, Hot: Okra is heat loving. Sow seeds outside in spring after all danger of frost has passed, when the soil temperature has reached 70 degrees F. It's a good succession plant after early, spring-maturing crops. Expect good yields on this 4 foot tall, bushy plant. If the growing season is short, you might use cloches or black plastic to warm the soil.
When outdoor temp: 65°F to 95°F, optimal temp 70°F to 85°F
When min soil temp: 60°F. The soil should be warm before you plant (60˚F minimum) or it may rot before it germinates. The warmer the soil the faster it will germinate.
Spacing: 8"-12", 1 plants per sq ft. Sow the seeds directly in the soil once it has warmed up, about 4 to 6" apart, and then thin the seedlings as needed to allow each plant enough room. Plants should have a final spacing of 12".
Support: No
Start Outdoors
When outdoor temp: 65°F to 95°F, optimal temp 70°F to 85°F
When min soil temp: 60°F. The soil should be warm before you plant (60˚F minimum) or it may rot before it germinates. The warmer the soil the faster it will germinate.
Seed Depth: 0.5"-1.0". Sow the seed 1/2" deep in cool soil and 1" deep in warm soil.
Spacing: 8"-12". 1 plants per sq ft. Sow the seeds directly in the soil once it has warmed up, about 4 to 6" apart, and then thin the seedlings as needed to allow each plant enough room. Plants should have a final spacing of 12".
Summer Crop: 3-5 weeks after last frost date. Okra can be direct sown if your growing season is long enough. Sow the seeds a month after the last frost, when the soil has warmed up to at least 60˚ F and the air temperature is 75˚ F. Plant 1/2" deep in cool soil and 1" deep in warm soil. Sow the seeds 6" apart and later thin to the desired spacing.
Support: No
Water Needs: High. Okra must have a steady supply of water at all times. It shouldn't be too wet, however, as the plants are prone to fungus diseases when growing in cool moist conditions. Watering, regularly. Water, 0.5 inch(es), regularly, 2 times a week Okra is somewhat drought tolerant, but will produce more if kept well-watered. Watering also depends on your local weather; don't water if it's raining, or water more frequently if it's dry. Just be sure to keep soil moist for the best crop. The best way to know how much moisture is in your soil is to feel 2" below the soil line. If it's dry, water.
Fertilizer Needs: Heavy. Okra is a hungry plant and needs plenty of nutrients for best growth (it especially loves nitrogen). If your soil isn't very fertile give them a liquid feed every 2 to 3 weeks.
Side Dressing, soil is at growing temp: Mulch, 2 inches, soil is at growing temp. Apply mulch to keep the soil moist and keep down weeds
Side Dressing, after transplanting: Compost tea, 5 gallons) per 100 sq. ft., after transplanting, every 3 weeks. If the soil isn't very fertile give the plants a feed of compost tea or liquid kelp (use as directed) every 2-3 weeks.
Support: No
Harvesting
Storage
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 32°F
Storage Length: 1-180 days
Okra pods are at their best when only 2-3" long, but these don't keep for more than 2-3 days (they are best eaten the same day). Larger pods can be stored in the fridge for up to a week in a plastic bag (they will eventually be damaged by temperatures 45 degrees F).
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 2-7 days
Okra pods can be dried to preserve them. Their flavor is quite different from the fresh pods, but it is still good.
Storage Req: Dry
Storage Temp: 60-70°F
Storage Length: days
Canned and pickled okra is an excellent option for long-term storage.
Storage Req: Canning
Storage Temp: 55-65°F
Storage Length: 1-360 days
For this reason, you should only grow one variety at a time, or you must isolate the plants (in a cage, by bagging, or by distance). To ensure genetic variability you should save the seed from at least 5 plants. Of course you should also select the best plants to produce seed.
The fruit will take about 4 or 5 weeks to fully ripen (and the plants may well stop producing new fruits). The dry pods are even more irritating than the green pods, so wear gloves and long sleeves when harvesting.
Separate the seeds from the dry pods and dry thoroughly before storage.
Seed Viability in Years: 4 - 5 Years
Germination Percentage: 50%
Culinary
Culinary Use: Okra can be sauteed, fried, roasted, steamed, stir-fried and used in stews as well as canned or pickled. It contains a gelatinous substance that coats the Okra when cooked for extended periods of time. If you don't want this gelatinous consistency, saute or stir-fry the okra in hot oil quickly and the moisture will stay within the pod.
Immature fruit: cooked on their own or added to soups etc. They can be used fresh or dried. Mucilaginous, they are commonly used as a thickening for soups, stews and sauces. The fruits are rich in pectin and are also a fair source of iron and calcium. The fruit should be harvested whilst young, older fruits soon become fibrous. The fruit can be up to 20 cm long.
Seed: cooked or ground into a meal and used in making bread or made into "tofu" or "tempeh". The roasted seed is a coffee substitute. Probably the best of the coffee substitutes. The seed contains up to 22% of an edible oil. The leaves, flower buds, flowers and calyces can be eaten cooked as greens. The leaves can be dried, crushed into a powder and stored for later use. They are also used as a flavoring.
Root: it is edible but very fibrous. Mucilaginous, without very much flavor.
Medicinal
Companion Planting
Problems
Aphids
To attract Ladybugs to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Calendula, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Cosmos, Dill, Fennel, Feverfew, Marigold, Statice, Sweet Alyssum, and Yarrow. You may also want to grow decoy crops to keep your ladybugs supplied with aphids to eat such as Early cabbage, Marigold, Nasturtium, and Radish. Without a food source, your ladybugs will be forced to leave which will leave your crops vulnerable.
Soft-winged Flower Beetle or Collops Beetle: Collops beetles are commonly found on Alfalfa and Cotton plants in agricultural fields, landscapes and gardens. The adult eats aphids and the larvae are active predators in the soil. Two
abundant species in Utah are the two-spotted melyrid and the soft-winged flower beetle. Collops beetles are not commercially available.
Soldier Beetles: The adult stage of the soldier beetle eats aphids. The larvae live in the soil and help to control soil-borne pests. There are beetles that look similar to soldier beetles such as blister beetles and click beetles, so use care when identifying them. Soldier beetles are not commercially available.
Since Soldiers Beetles lay their eggs in the soil, all you have to do to is grow good nectar or pollen producing plants like Asclepias (milkweed), Solidago (goldenrod), and, while it’s not well understood, they seem particularly attracted to hydrangeas. Soldier Beetles can be found on flowers where they lie and wait for prey. They also feed on nectar and pollen but do not damage the plants.
Long-legged Flies: There are many species of long-legged flies (Dolichopodidae), the adults of which are predators of soft-bodied pests such as thrips, aphids, spider mites, flea hoppers, booklice, flies, silverfish, small caterpillars, and a variety of other small insects. They also eat nectar from flowers. The adult is recognized by the long legs and tapered abdomen but also by the metalic green or blue color. Larvae of long-legged flies are maggot-like in appearance and develop in wet or dry soil, rotting vegetation, or under bark. They are not commercially available.
Syrphid, Flower, or Hover Flies: Syrphid flies are about the size of house flies and hover in flight. The adults, which sometimes resemble bees, are not predaceous, but the larvae are aphid predators. The larvae vary in color from green to brown, some with a stripe or two down the back. The body tapers to the mouthparts. Syrphid flies are not commercially available.
To attract Hover Flies to your garden try growing: Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Common yarrow
(Achillea millefolium), Carpet bugleweed (Ajuga reptans), Lavender globe lily (Allium tanguticum), Basket of Gold (Alyssum saxatilis), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Golden Marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Dwarf alpine aster (Aster alpinus), Masterwort (Astrantia major), \Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), Caraway (Carum carvi), Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum),
Cosmos white sensation (Cosmos bipinnatus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum CA), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Poached egg plant (Limnanthes douglasii), Statice (Limonium latifolium), Butter and eggs (Linaria vulgaris), Edging lobelia (Lobelia erinus), Sweet alyssum white (Lobularia maritima), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Rocky Mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus), Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), Sulfur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta ‘warrenii’), Alpine cinquefoil (Potentilla villosa), Gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia fulgida), Orange stonecrop (Sedum kamtschaticum), Stonecrops (Sedum spurium), Peter Pan goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), Wood betony (Stachys officinalis), Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia),
Crimson thyme (Thymus serpylum coccineus), Spike speedwell (Veronica spicata), Zinnia "liliput" (Zinnia elegans).
Predaceous Midges: The larvae of these flies are very small (~1/10 inch long), but are generalist predators of mites, aphids and other soft-bodied insects. The larvae are yellow to orange in color. The adults are not predatory. Predaceous midges are commercially available.
Damsel Bugs: These true bugs are very common and abundant in farms, gardens and landscapes. They are generalist predators and both the adults and nymphs eat aphids, caterpillar eggs, small larvae, fleahoppers, lygus bugs, leafhoppers, treehoppers, spider mites, and other soft-bodied insects, especially on shorter growing plants. They are common in agricultural habitats, such as soybean, corn, and alfalfa. Damsel bugs are greyish brown in color and have grasping front legs. They are not commercially available.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Big-eyed Bugs: Big-eyed bugs are small (~3/16 inch long), fast moving true bugs. They are generalist predators and are most commonly seen on the ground or in shorter growing plants. They prey on aphids, small caterpillars and caterpillar eggs, fleahoppers, lygus bugs, mites, thrips, whiteflies. They are distinguished by their very large eyes which are as broad as the width of their body. Big-eyed bugs are not available commercially.
To attract Big-eyed bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Minute Pirate Bugs: Minute pirate bugs are very small (~1/12 inch long) predators that are difficult to see without a hand lens or jeweler’s loupe. They are generalist predators that feed on small insect prey. Both the nymphs and adults are predaceous. The adults are identified by the black and white color and an X pattern across the back. The nymphs are tiny and red to orange in color. Minute pirate bugs are commercially available.
To attract Minute Pirate Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Lacewings: Green lacewings are common generalist predators that feed on aphids. Brown lacewings are slightly smaller. Some species of adult lacewings are predaceous while the larvae are very active predators that feed on soft-bodied prey such as mites, aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, whiteflies, and pest eggs. Lacewings in nearly all life stages are commercially available.
To attract Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Angelica (Angelica gigas), Golden marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), Caraway (Carum carvi), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum),
Cosmos white sensation (Cosmos bipinnatus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Prairie sunflower (Helianthus maximilianii), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
Parasitic Wasps: There are several species of parasitoid wasps that parasitize aphids specifically. Parasitic wasps that specialize on aphids are very small (~1/8 inch long) and female wasps have a modified stinger for depositing eggs. The egg is injected into an aphid where the larva develops inside. Parasitized aphids are a light tan to gold color and have a bulbous look. A circular cut out on the rearend of the aphid indicates adult wasp emergence. Parasitic wasps are commercially available but there are abundant populations in the environment.
Hornets, Paper Wasps, Yellow Jackets: Although hornets, paper wasps and yellow jackets are often considered a nuisance, they are predators of soft-bodied insects. They do not typically sting humans unless they are disturbed. If their nests are not in an area likely to be disturbed by people then it is not a bad idea to leave them alone.
Spider Mites
To attract Minute Pirate Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Big-eyed Bugs: Preys on Aphids, small Caterpillars and Caterpillar eggs, Flea beetles, Fleahoppers, Lygus bugs, Mites, Thrips, Whiteflies.
To attract Big-Eyed Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Lacewings: Green lacewings are common generalist predators that feed on aphids. Brown lacewings are slightly smaller. Some species of adult lacewings are predaceous while the larvae are very active predators that feed on soft-bodied prey such as mites, aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, whiteflies, and pest eggs. Lacewings in nearly all life stages are commercially available.
To attract Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Angelica (Angelica gigas), Golden marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), Caraway (Carum carvi), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum),
Cosmos white sensation (Cosmos bipinnatus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Prairie sunflower (Helianthus maximilianii), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
Slugs
To attract Earwigs to your garden you will need to grow: Celery (Apium graveolens), Beets (Beta vulgaris, Cabbages, Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea/Brassica rapa), Cucumber (Cucumis sativus), Dahlia, Carrot (Daucus carota), Carnation (Dianthus), Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa), Hop (Humulus lupulus), Lettuce (Lactuca sativa), Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius), Apple (Malus domestica), Apricot (Prunus armeniaca), Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium), Plum (Prunus domestica), Peach (Prunus persica), European Pear (Pyrus communis), Rhubarb (Rheum hybridum), Roses (Rosa), Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Potato (Solanum tuberosum), Grapevine (Vitis vinifera), Corn (Zea mays), Zinnia.
Ground Beetles: Prey on Snails, Slugs, Ants, Maggots, Earthworms, Caterpillars, Armyworms, Grubs, Colorado Potato Beetles, and Cutworms.
To attract Ground Beetles to your garden you will need to grow: Evening Primrose, Amaranthus, and Clover.
Whiteflies
To attract Ladybugs to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Calendula, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Cosmos, Dill, Fennel, Feverfew, Marigold, Statice, Sweet Alyssum, and Yarrow. You may also want to grow decoy crops to keep your ladybugs supplied with aphids to eat such as Early cabbage, Marigold, Nasturtium, and Radish. Without a food source, your ladybugs will be forced to leave which will leave your crops vulnerable.
Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.
Big-eyed Bugs: Preys on Aphids, small Caterpillars and Caterpillar eggs, Flea beetles, Fleahoppers, Lygus bugs, Mites, Thrips, Whiteflies.
To attract Big-Eyed Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Nutrition
Health Benefits of Okra
Improves Vision: Okra contains a very high content of vitamin A, as well as antioxidant components like beta carotenes, xanthein, and lutein. Antioxidants are powerful compounds that destroy or neutralize free radicals, which are the dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism. Free radicals are responsible for cell degradation in the body, including those responsible for vision. With high levels of okra in your diet, you can protect your eyes against macular degeneration and cataracts.
Skin Care: Vitamin A antioxidants are also able to protect skin health, by promoting quicker healing, reducing the appearance of scars and acne, and eliminating wrinkles. This is because the antioxidants are able to neutralize the free radicals which may have damaged those skin cells.
Boosts Immunity: The various antioxidant components of okra make it very beneficial to fight off free radicals and the high vitamin C content also means that the body’s immunity is boosted. This vitamin can stimulate the immune system to create white blood cells, which can combat foreign pathogens and materials in the body that can weaken the immune system.
Lowers Blood Pressure: Okra is a good source of both vitamins and minerals, including potassium, which is an essential aspect of human health. Potassium is necessary to maintain proper fluid balance in the body because it balances sodium. Furthermore, potassium helps relax the blood vessels and arteries, which reduces blood pressure and lessens the strain on the cardiovascular system. This means that the chances of clotting and atherosclerosis will be greatly reduced.
Word of Caution: One thing you do need to worry about while consuming okra is its high levels of oxalates. Oxalates bind to existing kidney and gallstones and cause them to grow and may worsen the associated conditions. Frying okra can also increase your cholesterol intake for the day, so cooking it in other ways is wise if you want to maintain a good cholesterol balance.
Suggested Varieties
(Amaranthus caudatus 'Love, Lies, Bleeding')
Love, Lies, Bleeding Amaranth is a heirloom annual leaf vegetable that is native to South America, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-4' and features erect, deep red stems, 6” oval, light green leaves and 12” bright red, drooping tassels. This plant can be grown in containers or hanging baskets, attracts bees and butterflies, tolerates drought, is used to make dye, self sows, is both edible and medicinal, and is great as a cut flower!
(Amaranthus tricolor 'Perfecta')
Perfecta Amaranth is a heirloom upright, busy annual leaf vegetable that is native to India and tropical Asia, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-4' and feature s erect stems, 10” oval-shaped, green to purple leaves that have yellow and red blotches, and 1” green to red flowers. This plant can be grown in containers, attracts bees and butterflies, tolerates drought, is edible, and its foliage is a addition to cut flowers!
(Amaranthus cruentus 'Red Garnet')
Red garnet Amaranth is a heirloom, warm weather annual leaf vegetable that is native to Mexico and South America, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-7' and features erect stems, oval-shaped, burgundy red leaves, and large dark red flower spikes. This plant can be grown in containers, attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, tolerates drought, and it's edible!
(Melissa officinalis ‘Lemon Balm’)
Lemon Balm is a perennial herb that is native to Southern Europe but can be commonly found growing throughout the northwestern, southcentral, and eastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 2' and features 3” oval, medium green, wrinkled, lemon-scented leaves, and tiny white flowers that have two lips. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, birds, butterflies, hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and tachinid flies, repels ants and flies, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, is used to make essential oils and potpourri, self-sows, and is also both edible and medicinal!
(Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon')
Cinnamon Basil is an annual herb native to India and Asia but grows in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches 18-30” tall and features dark purple stems, narrow, dark green, slightly serrated leaves, and small pink flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is rabbit safe, repels flies, mosquitoes, and thrips, is resistant to deer, is used to make essential oils, liquid plant food, and mosquito repellent, self-sows, is both edible and medicinal, and is used as a cut flower!
(Ocimum basilicum 'Clove Scented')
Clove Scented Basil is an annual herb that is native to India and Asia but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features clove-scented green leaves and clusters of tiny white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is rabbit safe, repels flies, mosquitoes, and thrips, is resistant to deer, is used to make essential oils and mosquito repellent, is both edible and medicinal, and is great as a cut flower!
(Ocimum basilicum ‘Italian Large Leaf’)
Italian Large Leaf Basil is an annual herb native to India and Asia but grows in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches 18-30” in height and features 3" dark green leaves and clusters of tiny pink flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is rabbit safe, repels flies, mosquitoes, and thrips, is resistant to deer, is used to make essential oils and mosquito repellent, is edible and medicinal, and is used as a cut flower!
(Ocimum basilicum ‘Lemon’)
Lemon Basil is an annual herb that is native to India and Asia but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 12-18” and features lemon-scented, pointed green leaves and clusters of white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is rabbit safe, repels flies, mosquitoes, and thrips, is resistant to deer, is used to make essential oils and mosquito repellent, is both edible and medicinal, and is used as a cut flower!
(Ocimum basilicum ‘Lime’)
Lime Basil is an annual herb native to India and Asia but grows in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 18-24” and features medium green, citrus-scented leaves and spikes of white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is rabbit safe, repels flies, mosquitoes, and thrips, is resistant to deer, is used to make essential oils and mosquito repellent, is edible and medicinal, and is used as a cut flower!
(Ocimum basilicum ‘Purple Ruffles’)
Purple Ruffles Basil is a native annual herb that grows in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches 18-24” tall and features ruffled, dark purple leaves, maroon stems, and spikes of bright fuchsia flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is rabbit safe, repels flies, mosquitoes, and thrips, is resistant to deer, is used to make essential oils and mosquito repellent, is edible and medicinal, and is used as a cut flower!
(Ocimum basilicum ‘Spicy Globe’)
Spicy Globe Basil is an annual herb native to India and Asia but grows in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 8-14” and features 1/4-1" light green leaves and white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is rabbit safe, repels flies, mosquitoes, and thrips, is resistant to deer, is used to make essential oils and mosquito repellent, is both edible and medicinal, and is used as a cut flower!
(Ocimum basilicum ‘Sweet’)
Sweet Basil is an annual herb native to India and Asia but grows in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches 24-30” tall and features medium green leaves and spikes of white or pale pink flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is rabbit safe, repels flies, mosquitoes, and thrips, is resistant to deer, is used to make essential oils and mosquito repellent, is both edible and medicinal, and is used as a cut flower!
(Beta vulgaris 'Cylindra')
Cylindra Beet is a heirloom, semi-hardy cool weather annual/biennial vegetable native to Denmark believed to be developed in 1888. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-12” and features a 6-7" long, dark red, carrot-shaped beets with red-veined tops. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is horse and rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Beta vulgaris 'Detroit Dark Red')
Detroit Dark Red Beet is a heirloom, semi-hardy cool weather annual/biennial vegetable that is native to Canada, where it was developed by a Mr. Reeves in Ontario and introduced by D.M. Ferry & Company in 1892. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features a 3" uniformly dark red, round beets with red stemmed, dark green tops. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is horse and rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Beta vulgaris 'Golden Detroit')
Golden Detroit Beet is a heirloom, semi-hardy cool weather annual/biennial vegetable that is native to Europe and western Asia, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 9-12” and features a 1-3” oval shaped orange-yellow roots with Light green tops. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is horse and rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Monarda fistulosa ‘Wild’)
Wild Bergamot is a native, perennial, clump-forming flower naturally found growing in dry, rocky woods and prairies across the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 2-3' and features a square-like stem, aromatic greenish-gray leaves, and globular clusters of two-lipped lavender flowers. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, is edible and medicinal, is used as a cut flower, is drought tolerant, is used to flavor perfumes, makes insect repellents and essential oils, is resistant to deer, and self-sows!
(Brassica oleracea 'Early Jersey Wakefield')
Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to England, but was first grown in the United States in 1840 by Francis Brill of Jersey City. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features dark-green, conical heads averaging 5" in diameter and weighing 2 to 3 lbs. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is rabbits safe (in moderation), can be used as a trap crop for aphids, tolerates frost, and is edible.
(Calendula officinalis ‘English Marigold’)
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English Marigold is an aromatic annual flower that is native to Spain and is commonly found growing along roadsides in the eastern and western United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 1-2' and features narrow, slightly hairy pointed leaves and bright orange 3-4” double blooms. This plant can be grown in containers, attracts bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, repels ants, tolerates rabbits, is both edible and medicinal, makes dye and insect repellent, self-sows, and is used as a cut flower!
(Carum carvi ‘Caraway')
Caraway is a biennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia but can be commonly found growing in meadows, prairies, and along roadsides throughout the northern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features feathery fronds and umbrella shaped clusters of tiny white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, damsel bugs, hoverflies, lacewings, ladybugs, and predatory wasps, and is also both edible and medicinal!
(Daucus carota 'Chantenay Red Cored')
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Chantenay Red Cored Carrot is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to France, but is commonly grown across the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features a 7" long, orange, nearly coreless carrots. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Daucus carota 'Cosmic Purple')
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Cosmic Purple Carrot is a hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to Wisconsin, where it was developed in Madison by Dr. Philipp in 2005. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-12” and features 7" purple skinned carrots with orange and yellow flesh. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Daucus carota 'Danvers')
Danvers Carrot is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to Massachusetts, where it was developed in Danvers and was first marketed by Burpee Seed Co. in 1886. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features a 7" long, nearly coreless orange carrot. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Daucus carota 'Rainbow Blend')
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Rainbow Blend Carrot is a heirloom seed mix consisting of Cosmic Purple, Atomic Red, Lunar White, and Solar Yellow Carrots which are hardy, cool weather annual vegetables that are grown in the United States. These carrots can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Daucus carota 'Scarlet Nantes')
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Scarlet Nantes Carrot is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to France, but are commonly grown across the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 16” and features a 7" long, bright red-orange, fine-grained fleshed carrot. These carrots can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Daucus carota 'Tendersweet')
Tendersweet Carrot is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to Europe, but are commonly grown across the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-18” and features a 9-10" coreless, deep orange carrots. These carrots can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and make alcohol, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Apium graveolens 'Tendercrisp')
Tendercrisp Celery is a heirloom, semi hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to California, where it was developed by Ferry-Morse Seed Co. in 1969. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 24-36” and features green pinnately divided leaves, edible crisp leaf stalks, and umbels of off-white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and earwigs, repels cabbage butterflies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, the leaves are used as a insect repellent, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Apium graveolens 'Utah Tall 52/70')
Utah Tall 52/70 Celery is a heirloom, semi hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to California, where it was developed by Ferry-Morse Seed Co. in 1953. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 24-36” and features green pinnately divided leaves, edible crisp leaf stalks, and umbels of off-white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and earwigs, repels cabbage butterflies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, the leaves are used as a insect repellent, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Allium tuberosum ‘Garlic')
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Garlic Chive is a clump-forming annual herb that is native to Asia but can be found growing throughout the Midwest and along the southern and eastern coasts of the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 10-18" and features 12” tapering, soft textured, cylindrical leaves, leafless stems, and 2” violet-scented, star-shaped, white flowers that have brown striped tepals. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, repels aphids, carrot flies, Japanese beetles, and moles, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought and frost, is used to make fungicides and insecticides, is both edible and medicinal and self-sows!
(Allium schoenoprasum ‘Onion')
Onion Chive is a native clump-forming perennial herb that can be found growing throughout the northern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 20” and features 12” dark green grassy-like leaves and 16” stems that are topped with aromatic pale purple clover-like flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, ladybugs, and pollinating moths, repels aphids, carrot flies, Japanese beetles, and moles, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought and frost, is used to make fungicides and insecticides, is both edible and medicinal and self-sows!
(Trifolium incarnatum ‘Crimson’)
Crimson Clover is an annual flower native to Europe but grows across the U.S. in nearly every state. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 1-3' and features hairy rosette unbranched stems, 1/2-1” heart-shaped leaflets, and 1-2 1/2” cylindrical flower heads that bare ½ vibrant red florets. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is drought and frost tolerant, and provides forage to livestock!
(Dalea purpurea ‘Purple Prairie’)
Purple Prairie Clover is a native perennial flower that grows in prairies throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 1-3' and features tiny purple flowers that grow densely on a cone-like head. This plant fixes nitrogen, attracts bees and butterflies, provides forage to birds and livestock, is edible and medicinal, tolerates drought, and is used as a cut flower!
(Coriandrum sativum ‘Leisure')
Leisure Coriander is a warm-weather annual herb that is native to the western Mediterranean and southern Europe but can be found growing throughout meadows and fields in the coastline and border states of the U.S. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 24-36” and features fern-like, finely-divided upper leaves, lobed lower leaves that resemble Italian Parsley, and 2” compound umbels that have white to pale lavender flower blooms. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies, lacewings, ladybugs, predatory wasps, and tachinid flies, repels aphids and spider mites, is horse and rabbit safe, is used to flavor perfume and soap, tolerates light frost, is used to make fungicides, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Zea mays 'Country Gentleman')
Country Gentleman Sweet Corn is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to the Connecticut River Valley area and was first offered in 1890 by S. D. Woodruff & Sons. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-8' and features 7-8" ears with irregular white kernels. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is used to make cosmetics, fuel, glue, and paper, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Zea mays 'Golden Bantam')
Golden Bantam Sweet Corn is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Massachusetts, where it was developed in Greenfield by William Chambers and first offered by Burpee Seed Company in 1902. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 60-72” and features 7-8" ears with irregular white kernels. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is used to make cosmetics, fuel, glue, and paper, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Zea mays 'Shaman's Blue')
Shaman's Blue Popcorn is a hybrid, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Peru, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the Untied States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 96” and features 7-9" ears with unique blue/purple kernels. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, and is edible.
(Zea mays 'South American Yellow')
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South American Yellow Popcorn is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Peru, but was introduced into the Untied States in 1931. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 60” and features two to three, 9" ears with yellow kernels. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, and is edible.
(Zea Mays 'Strawberry Red')
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Strawberry Red Popcorn is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Mexico, but is commonly grown in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 5-6' and features two or three, 2-3" ears with burgundy-red kernels. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, and is edible.
(Cosmos sulphureus ‘Bright Lights’)
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Bright Lights Cosmos Mix is an annual warm-weather flower native to Mexico but can commonly be found growing in fallow fields and along roadsides and railroads throughout the southern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 1-3' and features narrowly divided, slightly hairy green foliage and 2-3” yellow, orange, or red semi-double flowers with scallop-edged petals and yellow centers. This plant attracts bees, birds, butterflies, ladybugs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, tolerates drought, self-sows, and is used as a cut flower!
(Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Candy Stripe’)
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Candy Stripe Cosmos is an annual warm-weather flower that is native to Mexico but can commonly be found growing throughout the southern and northeastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 3-6' and features finely divided, feathery-green foliage and white petaled with pink edged flowers with yellow centers. This plant attracts bees, birds, butterflies, ladybugs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, tolerates drought, self-sows, and is used as a cut flower!
(Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Radiance’)
Radiance Cosmos is an annual warm-weather flower native to Mexico but can commonly be found growing along roadsides and railroads throughout the southern and northeastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 3-6' and features finely divided, feathery green foliage and 2-3” flowers with yellow centers and scallop-edged petals of medium pink that darken too bright pink or fuchsia at the center. This plant attracts bees, birds, butterflies, ladybugs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, tolerates drought, self-sows, and is used as a cut flower!
(Cucumis sativus 'Lemon')
Lemon Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to India, but was introduced into the United States by Samuel Wilson in 1894. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-4' and features 2-4” round, yellow cucumbers that bare black spines. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, deters cucumber beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Cucumis sativus 'Marketmore 76')
Marketmore 76' Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to New York, where it was developed in Ithaca by Henry Munger at Cornell University in 1976. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 4-6' and features 8-9” straight, dark green, slightly tapered, white spined cucumbers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, deters cucumber beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Melothria scabra 'Mexican Sour Gherkin')
Mexican Sour Gherkin Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. But is commonly grown in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-48” and features 1" green and white watermelon shaped melons. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, is rabbit safe, and is edible!
(Cucumis sativus 'National Pickling')
National Pickling Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Michigan, where it was developed by George Starr of the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station in 1924. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 36-48” and features 6” medium green, tender skin cucumbers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Cucumis sativus 'Straight Eight')
Straight Eight Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Massachusetts, where it was developed by Ferry-Morse Seed Company in 1935. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-12' and features 8” straight, dark green cucumbers with white spines. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Cucumis sativus 'Sumter')
Sumter Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to South Carolina, where it was developed by W.C. Barnes of the Clemson Agricultural Experiment. Station and was first distributed by Asgrow Seed Company in 1973. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-48” and features blocky, slightly tapered, medium-green 5" cucumbers with white spines. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Cucumis sativus 'White Wonder')
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White Wonder Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to New York and was first distributed by Burpee Seed Company in 1893. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 36-72” and features 6-7” albino white, white spined cucumbers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Cucumis sativus 'Wisconsin SMR 58')
Wisconsin SMR 58' Cucumber is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Wisconsin, where it was developed by the University of Wisconsin in 1959. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 36-72” and features 4-6" dark green, black-spined cucumbers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, earwigs, pollinating moths, and predatory wasps, beetles, repels roaches, is rabbit safe, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Anethum graveolens ‘Dukat')
Dukat Dill is an annual herb that is native to the Mediterranean and Asia but can be commonly found growing throughout the Midwest, northeastern, and west coast of the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 3-5' and features stiff hollow stems, sweet-scented, bluish-green, feathery foliage, and compound 10” umbrella-shaped umbels that are topped by yellow aromatic flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies, lacewings, ladybugs, predatory wasps, and tachinid flies, repels aphids, spider mites, and squash bugs, is rabbit safe, tolerates deer, its leaves are used as an insect repellent, tolerates drought and light frost, is used to flavor soaps, is used to make insecticides, is both edible and medicinal and self-sows!
(Solanum melongena 'Black Beauty')
Black Beauty Eggplant is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to south eastern Asia, but was introduced into the United States by Burpee Seed Company in 1902. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 24-36” and features 8” pear shaped, dark purple eggplant. This plant can be grown in a container, is rabbit safe, tolerates drought, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Solanum Melongena 'Golden Egg')
Golden Egg Eggplant is a very tender, warm weather annual ornamental vegetable that is native to south eastern Asia, but can be found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 24” and features nearly two dozen 3-4" egg-shaped fruits that turn from white to golden. This ornamental plant can be grown in a container and tolerates drought!!
(Solanum melongena 'Long Purple')
Long Purple Eggplant is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to south eastern Asia, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 24-36” and features 9” cylindrical, smooth, dark purple eggplants. This plant can be grown in a container, is rabbit safe, tolerates drought, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Foeniculum vulgare ‘Florence')
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Florence Fennel is a perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean but can be commonly found growing throughout most of the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-5' and features a rounded, branching, celery-like stalk, yellowish-green, feathery foliage and umbrella shaped heads of tiny yellow flowers. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, damsel bugs, hoverflies, lacewings, ladybugs, and predatory wasps, tolerates deer, is used to flavor air fresheners, perfumes, soaps, and toothpaste, the leaves are used to repel insects, tolerates drought and light frost, is used to make dyes, is both edible and medicinal, and self sows!
(Lactuca sativa 'Bibb')
Bibb Lettuce is a heirloom, semi-hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to Kentucky where is was developed in Frankfort by Lt. Jack B. Bibb in 1935. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 8-12” and features loose heads with light green leaves. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Lactuca sativa 'Freckles Romaine')
Freckles Romaine Lettuce is a heirloom, semi-hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to Austria and Southern Germany, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features loose conical heads with red speckled bright green leaves. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Lactuca sativa 'Oakleaf')
Oakleaf Lettuce is a heirloom, semi-hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to France, where it was developed and introduced by Vilmorin Seed Company in 1771. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-12” and features tight rosettes with bright green oakleaf shaped leaves. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Lactuca sativa 'Red Romaine')
Red Romaine Lettuce is a heirloom, semi-hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to the Mediterranean region, but was introduced into the United States by Dessert Seed Company in 1950. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 8-12” and features 10” long, crinkled reddish leaves. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Tagetes erecta ‘Naughty Marietta’)
Naughty Marietta Marigold is a compact annual flower that is native to Mexico but can be commonly found growing on banks and slopes throughout the central and eastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 6-12” and features divided green foliage and aromatic flower heads with yellow petals with mahogany streaks at their base. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and ladybugs, repels bean beetles, cabbage loopers, and nematodes, is both edible and medicinal, and can be used as a trap crop for aphids.
(Tagetes erecta ‘Sparky Mix’)
Sparky Marigold is a compact annual flower that is native to Mexico but can be commonly found growing on banks and slopes throughout the central and eastern United States. This plant grows up to 9-12 inches tall and has green foliage that is divided. Its orange and yellow flowers have wavy petals and emit a pleasant aroma. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and ladybugs, repels bean beetles, cabbage loopers, and nematodes, is both edible and medicinal, and can be used as a trap crop for aphids.
(Tagetes Erecta ‘Kilimanjaro White’)
Kilimanjaro White Marigold is an annual flower that is native to Mexico but can be commonly found growing throughout the central and eastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 18” and features divided green foliage and 2-4” white/light yellow flower blooms. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and ladybugs, is resistant to deer, repels bean beetles, cabbage loopers, and nematodes, is both edible and medicinal, is used to make dye and insecticides, and can be used as a trap crop for aphids.
(Cucumis melo 'Hale's Best Jumbo')
Hale's Best Jumbo Cantaloupe is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Egypt, but was first introduced into the United States by I.D. Hale in the 1920's. At maturity, the vines of this plant can reach the length of 6-10' and features 3-5 lbs. oval melon with deep green skin with golden netting. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and predatory wasps, is horse and rabbit safe, and is edible.
(Cucumis melo 'Hearts of Gold')
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Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Michigan, where it was developed in Benton Harbor by Roland Morrill in 1895 and trademarked in 1914. At maturity, the vines of this plant can reach the length of 72” and features 3 1/2-4 1/2 lbs. netted, ribbed round cantaloupes with deep orange flesh. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and predatory wasps, is horse and rabbit safe, and is edible.
(Cucumis melo 'Honeydew Green Flesh')
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Honeydew Cantaloupe is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to the Middle East, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, the vines of this plant can reach the length of 4-5' and features 4-8 lbs., 6-8 ½” round, pale green melons that have a smooth, waxy rinds and green flesh. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and predatory wasps, is horse and rabbit safe, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Cucumis melo 'Honey Rock')
Honey Rock Cantaloupe is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to the Ohio, where it was developed in Hicksville by F.W. Richardson before 1920. At maturity, the vines of this plant can reach the length of 4-5' and features 3-4 lbs., 6-7” round, widely netted greenish-gray skin that matures to a creamy yellow. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and predatory wasps, is horse and rabbit safe, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Citrullus lanatus 'Black Diamond')
Black Diamond Watermelon is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to the United States, where it was developed and introduced by Melville Dillon in the 1940's. At maturity, the vines of this plant can reach the length of 15-20' and features round watermelons with a dark bluish green rind and crimson flesh that average 35-75 lbs. This plant attracts bees and predatory wasps, is rabbit safe, is used to make essential oils, cosmetics, and soaps, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Citrullus lanatus 'Crimson Sweet')
Crimson Sweet Watermelon is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Kansas, where it was developed and introduced by Charles V. Hall of the Kansas State University in 1963. At maturity, the vines of this plant can reach the length of 10' and features round, light green, dark striped watermelons with crimson flesh that average 24 lbs. This plant attracts bees and predatory wasps, is rabbit safe, is used to make essential oils, cosmetics, and soaps, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Citrullus lanatus 'Moon and Stars')
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Moon and Stars Watermelon is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to New York, where it was developed and introduced by Henderson Seed Company in 1926. At maturity, the vines of this plant can reach the length of 12-14' and features elongated dark green rinds with bright yellow spots and sweet, red flesh that average 10-30 lbs. This plant attracts bees and predatory wasps, is rabbit safe, is used to make essential oils, cosmetics, and soaps, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Citrullus lanatus 'Sugar Baby')
Sugar Baby Watermelon is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Oklahoma, where it was developed by M. Hardin in Geary and introduced by Woodside Seed Company in 1955. At maturity, the vines of this plant can reach the length of 6-8' and features 7-8” round, hard, rinds with distinct stripes when immature that become almost black when ripe that average 6-10 lbs. This plant attracts bees and predatory wasps, is rabbit safe, is used to make essential oils, cosmetics, and soaps, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Asclepias curassavica ‘Blood Flower’)
Blood Flower Milkweed is a tender evergreen perennial flower that is native to South America but can be commonly found growing in moist areas and disturbed sites throughout the southern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 2-3' and features upright stems, 6” lance-shaped leaves, and showy clusters of reddish/orange petals with yellow hoods. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, is resistant to deer, makes fabric, has medicinal properties, self-sows, and is used as a cut flower!
(Asclepias tuberosa ‘Butterfly Weed’)
Butterfly Weed Milkweed is a native perennial flower that grows in prairies, open woods, fields, and along roadsides throughout most of the United States. When mature, this plant can grow up to 2-3'. It is characterized by hairy, upright stems, lance-shaped leaves, and striking clusters of orangish-yellow flowers on top. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, self-sows, and has medicinal properties!
(Asclepias syriaca ‘Common’)
Common Milkweed is a native perennial flower that grows in open woods, fields, and along railroads and roadsides throughout the central and eastern United States. When mature, this plant can reach 3-4 feet tall. Its thick, upright stems support red-veined light green leaves and produce aromatic clusters of purplish-pink flowers in a dome-shaped formation. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, is used to make fabric, glue, paper, soap, and twine, self-sows, has medicinal properties, and is used as a cut flower!
(Asclepias speciosa ‘Showy’)
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Showy Milkweed is a native perennial flower that grows in open woods, along roadsides and streams, and on dry slopes throughout the central and western United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 2-4' and features thick upright stems, 8” velvety oval-shaped greenish-gray leaves, and aromatic star-shaped light pink to pinkish purple flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, is used to make cordage and fabric, self-sows, is both edible and medicinal, and is used as a cut flower!