(Capsicum annuum 'Jimmy Nardello')
Jimmy Nardello Pepper is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Italy, but was introduced into the United States by Guiseppe and Angela Nardello in 1887. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 20-24” and features long, thin peppers that get up to 10" long. This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates drought, is rabbit safe, and is both edible and medicinal!
Genus: Capsicum
Species: annuum
Variety: Jimmy Nardello Pepper
Native: Italy
Ease of Growing: Moderate
Grown as: Annual
Days to Maturity: 80-90 days
Growing Habit: Bush
Hardiness: Very Tender. Very tender, they can't stand cold weather or frost.
Crops: Spring Transplant
Growing Season: Long
Growing Conditions: Warm, Hot. Peppers originated in the tropical highlands of Central and South America and grow best with warm (70 to 80˚ F) days, cool (55 to 65˚ F) nights and high humidity. If the soil gets above 85˚ F you can cool the soil by applying mulch and watering frequently with cold water.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 60°F - 95°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 65°F. The soil must be warm (at least 65° F). If necessary you could use black plastic mulch to hasten warming.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: No
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot). Full sun. In very hot climates they may benefit from light shade.
Water: Moderate. Pepper plants are somewhat drought tolerant (especially Hot Peppers), but lack of water can affect fruiting, so they should be kept moist for best production. Drip irrigation works well with Peppers. Sweet Peppers are particularly vulnerable to water stress when fruiting, so keep the soil evenly moist. If not given enough water, the fruits can develop a slightly bitter flavor (and may get Blossom End Rot). Don't leave water on the leaves overnight as this encourages disease.
Feeder: Heavy. Low nitrogen. High potassium. High phosphorus. Peppers are fairly hungry plants and require lots of phosphorus and potassium, but not too much nitrogen (which may result in big vigorous plants, but few fruits).
Suitability: Needs summer shade
Small Gardens?: Yes
Containers?: Yes, but will need a large one, like a half wine barrel. Choose a container at least 16" in diameter. A container with drainage holes is a necessity in order to successfully grow peppers. Cover the holes with weed cloth, newspaper or any other similar material and then fill with potting soil. Peppers love warm weather and will not thrive if temperatures are either too cold or too hot. Place peppers in full sun in warm climates, but be sure they have access to shade in hot temperatures. Keep well-watered. Stake to keep fruit off the ground, mulch for disease and weed control.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Forage: Rabbits.
Plant Height: 20-24"
Spacing: 18"
Sow Depth: 1/4"
Produces: lots of long, thin peppers that get up to 10" long.
Grow Zones: 4-12
Scoville Heat Units: 0
Garden Uses: Bedding, edging, containers, window boxes and houseplants.
Soil Preparation
Soil pH: 5.5-7.0, Ideal 6.0-6.5. Peppers like a deep, loose, moisture retentive soil that is fairly rich in all of the plant nutrients, but especially magnesium. They don't mind acid soils but don't like salt.
Soil Preparation:
Black plastic, 1 layer, to warm soil, 1 time: OPTIONAL: The soil must be warm (at least 65˚ F) before these tender plants are set out. If necessary, you could use black plastic mulch to hasten warming. You can also make slits in the plastic for planting and leave the the mulch there to keep the soil warm, moist and weed free while growing the peppers.
Standard Mix, 1 cup per plant, after planting, 1 time: Standard mix will supply additional potassium, phosphorous and other nutrients. It should be incorporated into the the planting hole along with the compost. 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.
Compost (Nitrogen), 2 cups per plant, after planting, 1 time: Add 2 cups of compost or aged manure into the planting hole (along with the Standard Mix).
Start Indoors
Soil temp for germination: 60°F to 95°F, optimal 65°F to 90°F, optimal 85°F
Total weeks to grow transplant: 10 to 10 (Spring/Summer), (Fall/Winter)
Germinate: 6-8 weeks before last frost date. Peppers need to be started early because they are slow to get going. They are generally one of the last crops to be planted out in late spring, a couple of weeks after Tomatoes (4 weeks after the last frost). Peppers are one of the hardest of the common vegetable crops to raise successfully from seed, as they need quite warm temperatures for fastest growth. Pepper seeds germinate best at a temperature of 85˚ F, which is higher than almost any common crop.
1. Soaking the seed overnight is said to help by removing germination inhibitors and so may speed germination. It is sometimes recommended that before planting you soak the seeds in a 10% bleach solution, for 10 minutes, to kill any disease spores (it should then be rinsed to remove the bleach). It is said that this treatment may also speed germination by several days.
2. Plant the seeds in a flat (they don’t mind transplanting) or in cell packs or soil blocks.
3. It is a good idea to water them with tepid water to avoid cooling them.
Harden Off: 2-3 weeks after last frost date. If you are planting Peppers out in cool spring conditions, they should be hardened off carefully. Do this slowly over a week, by reducing the amount of water they get and by leaving them outside for longer periods each day. This helps them to get accustomed to the somewhat less than ideal conditions to be found outside. In warm summer weather there is no need to harden them off. However you may want to keep them outside in the shade for a few days, so they don’t get sunburned when planted out.
1. Good transplants should be about 6˝ tall when they go outside.
2. The soil must be warm (at least 65˚ F) before these tender plants are set out.
Warm, Hot: Peppers originated in the tropical highlands of Central and South America and grow best with warm (70 to 80˚ F) days, cool (55 to 65˚ F) nights and high humidity. If the soil gets above 85˚ F you can cool the soil by applying mulch and watering frequently with cold water.
When outdoor temp: 60°F to 95°F, optimal temp 70°F to 85°F
When min soil temp: 65°F. The soil must be warm (at least 65° F). If necessary you could use black plastic mulch to hasten warming.
Spacing: 10-12", 1 plants per sq ft. Intensive: Space Peppers 8" apart.
Rows: Space the plants 10 to 12" apart, with 24" between the rows. Depending on the variety of peppers, use the recommended plants per square foot. If you find your plants are too crowded you can transplant while they are still small with additional space between plants.
Support: No. Though staking isn't usually needed, it is sometimes helpful to keep the plants upright and to keep fruit off the ground. If your plants start to lean you should put in a sturdy stake several inches away from stem.
Water Needs: Moderate. Pepper plants are somewhat drought tolerant (especially Hot Peppers), but lack of water can affect fruiting, so they should be kept moist for best production. Drip irrigation works well with Peppers. Sweet Peppers are particularly vulnerable to water stress when fruiting, so keep the soil evenly moist. If not given enough water, the fruits can develop a slightly bitter flavor (and may get Blossom End Rot). Don't leave water on the leaves overnight as this encourages disease.
Fertilizer Needs: Heavy. Low nitrogen. High potassium. High phosphorus. Peppers are fairly hungry plants and require lots of phosphorus and potassium, but not too much nitrogen (which may result in big vigorous plants, but few fruits).
Side Dressing, after transplanting: Compost tea, 2 cups per plant, after transplanting, every 3 weeks. It’s a good idea to feed the plants with compost tea or liquid kelp, after they have recovered from transplanting. After that, give the plants a regular feeding of compost tea every 3 weeks, and be sure to do so when flowering and producing fruit.
Pruning, when 6" tall: when 6" tall, 1 time. Some gardeners pinch out the growing tip when the plant is about 6" tall to encourage bushy, branching growth.
Watering, before flowering: Water, 3 quarts, before flowering, 2 times a week. The plants should be given all the water they need on a regular basis. This means checking the soil every few days and watering until it is thoroughly moist. 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 1" below the soil line. If it's dry, water.
Side Dressing, at flowering: Mulch, 2 inches, at flowering, 1 time. Mulch is helpful to conserve moisture and to keep down weeds around these shallow rooted crops. Be aware that mulch insulates the soil, so don’t apply it until the soil is warm (65ºF to depth of 4"). Ideally wait until the plants are flowering.
Watering, after flowering: Water, 3 quarts, after flowering, 2 times a week. The plants must never be short of water while they are flowering and producing fruit. Make sure the soil is constantly moist, as they have a greater need for water at this time.
Support: No. Though staking isn't usually needed, it is sometimes helpful to keep the plants upright and to keep fruit off the ground. If your plants start to lean you should put in a sturdy stake several inches away from stem.
Harvesting
Harvest early and often: the more you pick the more they will produce.
Always cut, do NOT pull: fruits from plants.
Storage
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 2-3 days
For longer term storage, both sweet and hot Peppers can be chopped and frozen.
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 32°F
Storage Length: 180 days
Most Hot peppers can be dried for storage.
Storage Req: Drying
Storage Temp: °F
Storage Length: 360 days
Though Peppers are mostly self-pollinated, they do cross-pollinate to some extent. To ensure purity you should just have one variety flowering at a time, or (if your garden is big enough) you should isolate them by 500 feet. You could also isolate them under row covers. Ideally you should have a minimum of 5 plants to ensure genetic variation.
Dry the seed thoroughly and store in a cool dry place. You must store Pepper seed carefully if it is to remain in good condition, ideally as close to freezing as possible, but not below.
Seed Viability in Years: 2 - 4 years
Germination Percentage: 55%
Culinary
Culinary Uses: Jimmy Nardello peppers are known best as frying peppers though they are just as flavorful when raw. Rinse peppers under cool water and dry before preparing. They can be roasted whole and peeled.
Fruit: raw or cooked. Some varieties are very hot (the chilli and cayenne peppers) and are normally used as a pungent flavoring whilst milder varieties (the sweet peppers) have a very pleasant flavor with a slight sweetness and are often eaten raw in salads etc. The dried fruits of chili and cayenne peppers is ground into a powder and used as a pungent flavoring called paprika. The powder from the dried ground fruit of some cultivars is added to food as a coloring.
Young leaves: are said to be edible but some caution is advised. They are steamed as a potherb or added to soups and stews. The leaves contain about 4 - 6% protein.
Seed: dried, ground into a powder and used as a pepper.
Flowers: raw or cooked.
Known hazards of Capsicum annuum: Pungent-fruited peppers may cause painful irritation when used in excess, or after accidental contact with the eyes. Although no reports have been seen for this species, many plants in this family produce toxins in their leaves. The sap of the plant can cause the skin to blister.
Medicinal
Companion Planting
Enemies: Don't plant them near fennel or kohlrabi. They should also not be grown near apricot trees because a fungus that the pepper is prone to can cause a lot of harm to the apricot tree.
Problems
Aphids
To attract Ladybugs to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Calendula, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Cosmos, Dill, 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 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), 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), 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), 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), 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), 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.
Whiteflies
To attract Ladybugs to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Calendula, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Cosmos, Dill, 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 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), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Cutworms
To attract Ground Beetles to your garden you will need to grow: evening primrose, amaranthus, and clover.
Tachinid Flies: Preys on Gypsy Moths, Flea Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetles, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: Carrots, Dill, Coriander, and Buckwheat.
Braconid Wasps: Prey on Tobacco Hornworm, Tomato Hornworm, Caterpillars, Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Mexican Bean Beetles.
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, cabbage looper, and fruit flies.
To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, mulch for predatory spiders.
Minute Pirate Bugs: Preys on spider mites, cabbage looper, insect eggs, caterpillars, aphids, thrips
To attract Minute Pirate Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Damsel Bugs: Prey on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Potato Beetles, and Cabbage Worms.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
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.
Colorado Potato Beetles
To attract Ladybugs to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Calendula, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Cosmos, Dill, 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 Marigold, Nasturtium, and Radish. Without a food source, your ladybugs will be forced to leave which will leave your crops vulnerable.
Spined Soldier Bugs: Prey on larvae of Mexican bean beetle, European corn borer, diamondback moth, corn earworm, beet armyworm, fall armyworm, cabbage looper, imported cabbageworm, Colorado potato beetle, velvetbean caterpillar, and flea beetles
To attract Spined Soldier Bugs to your garden try growing: Alfalfa, Apples, Asparagus, Beans, Celery, Cotton, Crucifers, Cucurbits, Onions, Potatoes, Soybeans, Sweet Corn and Tomatoes.
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), 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.
Nutrition
The Health Benefits of Peppers
Boosts Immune System: Your immune system performs essential functions such as warding off infectious bacteria to protect your body from its adverse effects. To improve the condition of your immune system, you need to incorporate foods that are rich in vitamin C. Bell peppers are abundant in vitamin C, and regular consumption of the vegetable can strengthen your immune system. Nutritionists recommend incorporating orange bell peppers into your routine if you are suffering from weak immunity.
Nourishing for Fetus: Nutritionists recommend consuming folate to expectant mothers as it nourishes the fetus. You can reap plenty of nutrients along with the high content of folate from any bell pepper for the healthy development of the fetus. Consuming bell pepper raw or cooked during pregnancy is said to be effective for pregnant mothers; however, consuming diet after consulting with your physician is advised specifically during pregnancy.
Ideal for Weight Loss: The versatile vegetable has potential to turn the carbohydrates you consume into energy. This way, your body remains unaffected by the bad carbohydrates that primarily result in obesity and overweight. Incorporating bell peppers into your diet is suggested due to the fewer calories and zero fat content. Hence, they can become a nourishing and colorful option for your salads.
For Digestive Health: Improper digestive functioning results in diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, etc. that is utterly irritating and draining. Nutritionists recommend incorporating bell peppers into your daily diet due to the high niacin content found in them. Niacin is a vitamin B that is essential to improve the condition of your digestive system. Proper digestion of foods will allow your body to absorb minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients that you consume on a daily basis. Hence, add some bell pepper to your salads and keep digestive problems at bay.
An Antioxidant: Bell peppers can function as antioxidants. You need plenty of antioxidants as they fight cancerous cells and free radicals in your body to protect it against chronic diseases such as cancer. If not consumed adequately, your body organs can encounter oxidative damage as well which can be fatal. However, more studies are underway to determine the benefits of antioxidants found in bell peppers on the growth of cancerous cells in the body.
Anti-Inflammatory: Body inflammation can contribute to daunting diseases if not treated on time. Nutritionists encourage people to consume foods enriched with anti-inflammatory properties such as bell peppers. Studies have shown that incorporating orange and red bell peppers can prevent chronic joints and muscles inflammation. Moreover, the nutrients found in the vegetable are potent to ward off factors associated with seasonal allergies. You can incorporate bell peppers to minimize the allergic reactions in the diet of children and adults alike. However, it is advised to consult with your primary care physician in case of severe inflammation and allergy and to avoid self-medication.
For Nervous System: Your nervous system signals your brain to perform functions. This is why psychologists emphasized on maintaining the health of your nervous system. A recent study has shown positive effects of nutrients found in bell peppers on the psychological health and cognitive abilities. However, more evidence is required to find the effects of potassium and magnesium on chronic psychological diseases such as dementia.
Anti-aging: Antioxidants are necessary to prevent skin cells and tissues from potential damages that result in sagged, dry, damaged skin and make fine lines, wrinkles apparent. Beauty experts recommend consuming foods abundant in antioxidants like bell peppers. The vegetable is also a powerhouse of vitamin C and when regularly consumed, these components function to ward off factors associated with early aging. The vitamin C is known as your skin’s best friend; it goes deep into the skin pores and rejuvenates dead cells and tissues. The process will then result in youthful skin free from dark spots and premature wrinkles.
For Respiratory Health: Consuming bell peppers in any form can be effective for your respiratory health. The nutrients like potassium, manganese, magnesium and vitamin C are known to combat factors that result in various respiratory problems such as asthma, lung infection, emphysema, etc. However, it is advised to consult with your primary care doctor before incorporating bell peppers in case of serious respiratory issues.
Ensures Proper Blood Flow: Proper flow of blood helps maintain a healthy heart. Nutritionists state proper blood circulation is possible with the help of bell peppers as they are abundant in phosphorous. The component is known to relax veins strengthening blood vessels. Moreover, proper circulation prevents blood clotting and keeps risks of stroke or heart attack at bay.
Bottom Line: Bell peppers are indeed a miraculous vegetable that not only adds flavor to your food but provide plenty of necessary nutrients as well. These vitamins and minerals are essential to maintaining your overall well-being. Therefore, incorporate it into your daily diet in any form and improve the quality of your life but don’t forget that everything works best in moderation.
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 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 '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 ‘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!
(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.
(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.
(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!
(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!
(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’)
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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!
(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!
(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!
(Levisticum officinale ‘Lovage')
Lovage is a perennial herb that is native to Europe but can be commonly found growing in open woodlands throughout the northeastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 5-6' and features thick stems, dark green parsley-like leaves, and umbels that bare greenish-yellow flowers. This plant can be grown in containers, attracts lacewings, ladybugs, predatory wasps, and tachinid flies, is used as a trap crop for tomato hornworms, tolerates deer, is used to flavor perfume, is both edible and medicinal, and self sows!
(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.
(Origanum majorana ‘Sweet')
Sweet Marjoram is a sub-shrub perennial herb that is native to the Mediterranean and Turkey but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 24-36” and features square-like branching reddish stems, 1 ½” aromatic, oval-shaped, grayish-green leaves, and tubular, two-lipped, white-pale pink flower clusters. This plant attracts bees and butterflies, is rabbit safe, tolerates drought and light frost, is both edible and medicinal, and self sows!
(Mentha Pulegium ‘European’)
European Pennyroyal is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Northern Africa but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-12” and features hairy stems, mint scented, lance-shape, toothed leaves, and small lilac to pinkish-purple colored flowers. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies, predatory wasps, and tachinid flies, makes essential oils, leaves are used as a rodent repellent, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Mentha spicata ‘Spear’)
Spearmint is a perennial herb that is a native from Europe and China but can be commonly found growing in wetlands and along streams throughout most of the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 24-36” and features erect, hairy stems, 3” aromatic, oval-shaped, sharply toothed pointed leaves and 4” tapering terminal spikes that bare pale purple or pink flowers. This plant can be grown in containers, attracts bees, butterflies, and damsel bugs, repels ants, aphids, cabbage loopers, flea beetles, mice, squash bugs, and white flies, is resistant to deer and rabbits, is used to make essential oils and potpourri, its leaves are used to repel rodents, is used to flavor toothpaste, is both edible and medicinal, and self sows!
(Tropaeolum minus ‘Empress of India’)
Empress of India Nasturtium is an introduced, cool-weather annual flower native to South America that grows in moist mountainous areas throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant can reach a height of 12” and features rounded light green leaves and 2 1/2” 5-petaled bright red aromatic flowers. This plant can be grown in containers or hanging baskets, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, repels squash bugs, self-sows, is resistant to deer and rabbits, is used to make insecticides, has medicinal properties, and can be sued as a trap crop for aphids!
(Tropaeolum minus ‘Jewel Mix’)
Jewel Mix Nasturtium is an introduced, cool-weather, annual flower native to South America that grows in moist mountainous areas throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant can reach a height of 12” and features rounded light green leaves and 2 1/2” 5-petaled peach, pink, yellow, orange, and red aromatic flowers. This plant can be grown in containers or hanging baskets, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, repels squash bugs, self-sows, is resistant to deer and rabbits, is used to make insecticides, has medicinal properties, and can be sued as a trap crop for aphids!
(Abelmoschus esculentus 'Clemson Spineless')
Clemson Spineless Okra is a heirloom, very tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to South Carolina, where it was developed by the Horticultural Research Department of Clemson University in 1939. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 48-72” and features 3-5" dark green ribbed pods. This plant attract bees and butterflies, is rabbit safe, is used to make paper, and is both edible and medicinal!
(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!
(Allium fistulosum 'Evergreen White Bunching')
Evergreen White Bunching Onion is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to Asia, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-20” and features 12–14" bright green, hollow stalks and greenish-white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates drought and light frost, makes dye, repels moles, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Allium cepa 'Ruby Red')
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Ruby Red Onion is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to New York, where it was developed by John Brozdowski and introduced by Asgrow Seed Company in 1964. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features 3” medium-large, globe-shaped, burgundy onions. This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates drought and light frost, makes dye, repels moles, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Allium cepa 'Sweet Spanish White')
Sweet Spanish White Onion is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to the Mediterranean, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features 3” large, globe-shaped, white skinned onions. This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates drought and light frost, makes dye, repels moles, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Allium cepa 'Sweet Spanish Yellow')
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Sweet Spanish Yellow Onion is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to the Mediterranean, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features 3” large, globe-shaped, yellow skinned onions. This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates drought and light frost, makes dye, repels moles, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Petroselinum crispum 'Italian Giant')
Italian Giant Parsley is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to the Mediterranean region, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-16” and features flat, dark, glossy green leaves. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts hoverflies, predatory wasps, and tachinid flies, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, is used to flavor perfumes and repel insects, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Penstemon strictus ‘Rocky Mountain’)
Rocky Mountain Penstemon is a native perennial flower that grows throughout the southwestern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 3' and features large lance-shaped green leaves, tall stems, and bluish/purple tubular flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, hoverflies, and ladybugs, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, and is used as a cut flower!
(Petunia integrifolia ‘Shanin' Wild’)
Shanin Wild Petunia is a sprawling tender perennial flower native to South America but grows in the Midwest and northeastern United States as an annual. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 12” and features erect hairy stems, oval leaves, and 2” trumpet-shaped violet flowers. This versatile plant can be grown in containers or hanging baskets and has the added benefits of attracting butterflies and hummingbirds while repelling aphids, bean beetles, leaf hoppers, and tomato hornworms. It also self-sows and makes for a lovely cut flower.
(Limnanthes douglasii ‘Poached Egg Plant’)
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Poached Egg Plant is a native annual flower that can be found growing throughout wet grassy areas of California and Oregon. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 6” and features green fern-like foliage and aromatic 5-petaled white flowers that are yellow at their base. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, self-sows, and is great as a cut flower!
(Raphanus sativus 'Early Scarlet Globe')
Early Scarlet Globe Radish is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to Southern Europe, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 9” and features 1" round red radish with crisp white flesh. This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates light frost, is rabbit safe, repels beetles and carrot fly, can be used as a trap crop for Japanese Beetles, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Raphanus sativus 'German Giant')
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German Giant Radish is an Amish heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to Germany, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-6” and features 3-4" red skinned, round radishes with white flesh. This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates light frost, is rabbit safe, repels beetles and carrot fly, can be used as a trap crop for Japanese Beetles, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Raphanus sativus 'Watermelon')
Watermelon Radish is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to Northern China, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 9” and features large globes that are greenish white on the outside and have a bright red/pink inside. This plant can be grown in a container, tolerates light frost, is rabbit safe, repels beetles and carrot fly, can be used as a trap crop for Japanese Beetles, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Raphanus sativus 'White Spear Sprouting')
(Solanum lycopersicum 'Beefsteak')
Beefsteak Tomato is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to New York, where it was bred by Peter Henderson in 1894. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 36-60” and features indeterminate, globe shaped, slightly ribbed red tomatoes that average 1-2 pounds. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is rabbit safe, tolerates drought, is used to make cosmetics, insecticides, and soap, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Solanum lycopersicum 'Green Zebra')
Green Zebra Tomato is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Washington, where it was bred by Tom Wagner in 1983. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 60-84” and features indeterminate, globe shaped greenish yellow tomatoes striped with green, averaging 3-5 ounces. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is rabbit safe, tolerates drought, is used to make cosmetics, insecticides, and soap, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Solanum lycopersicum 'Hillbilly')
Hillbilly Tomato is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to West Virginia and has been around since the 1800's. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 48-72” and features indeterminate, 1-2 lbs. globe shaped, reddish orange tomatoes that have multicolored red, orange, and yellow flesh. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is rabbit safe, tolerates drought, is used to make cosmetics, insecticides, and soap, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Solanum lycopersicum 'Purple Cherokee')
Purple Cherokee Tomato is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 48-96” and features indeterminate, globe shaped reddish purple tomatoes that average 12-16 oz. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is rabbit safe, tolerates drought, is used to make cosmetics, insecticides, and soap, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Solanum lycopersicum 'Sweetie Cherry')
Sweetie Cherry Tomato is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to the United States, where it was first introduced by the Petoseed Company in 1980. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 72-96” and features indeterminate, clusters of round red cherry tomatoes that average 1" in diameter. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is rabbit safe, tolerates drought, is used to make cosmetics, insecticides, and soap, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Solanum lycopersicum 'Yellow Pear')
Yellow Pear Tomato is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Europe, but was first introduced to North America by the Hudson Bay Company of Vancouver, Canada. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 60-84” and features indeterminate, pear shaped, low acid yellow tomatoes that average 1 ounce. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, is rabbit safe, tolerates drought, is used to make cosmetics, insecticides, and soap, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Achillea millefolium 'Rubra')
Red Yarrow is a native mat-forming perennial that can be commonly found growing along roadways and in fields and lawns throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 1-2' and features erect stems, medium green fern-like foliage, and clusters of red flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies, ladybugs, and predatory wasps, is rabbit safe, repels beetles, and flies, the leaves are burned to repel mosquitoes, is used as a compost activator, tolerates drought, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, dye, essential oil, and liquid plant food, self sows, is both edible and medicinal, and is great as a cut flower!
(Achillea millefolium 'White')
White Yarrow is a native mat-forming perennial that can be commonly found growing along roadways and in fields and lawns throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features erect stems, medium green fern-like foliage, and clusters of white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies, ladybugs, and predatory wasps, is rabbit safe, repels beetles, and flies, the leaves are burned to repel mosquitoes, is used as a compost activator, tolerates drought, is used to make cosmetic cleansers, dye, essential oil, and liquid plant food, self sows, is both edible and medicinal, and is great as a cut flower!