(Eruca vesicaria 'Arugula')
Arugula is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather annual vegetable that is native to Eurasia, but can be commonly found growing in meadows and fields throughout the central and western United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 10-24” and features erect stems, 4-5” uniform green leaves, and clusters of white or pale yellow flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, is rabbit safe, tolerates light frost, and is both edible and medicinal!
Genus: Eruca
Species: vesicaria
Variety: Arugula
Also Known As: Garden Rocket, Rocket Salad, Roka, Roquette, Rucola or Rugula.
Native to: Afghanistan, Algeria, Baleares, Bulgaria, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Egypt, Greece, Gulf States, Inner Mongolia, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Kriti, Krym, Kuwait, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Manchuria, Mongolia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Portugal, Qinghai, Sardegna, Saudi Arabia, Sicilia, Sinai, Spain, Tadzhikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkey-in-Europe, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Western Sahara, Xinjiang, Yemen.
Introduced into: Albania, Alberta, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Assam, Austria, Baltic States, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Canary Is., Central European Rus, Chad, Chile Central, Colombia, Colorado, Connecticut, Costa Rica, Czechoslovakia, East European Russia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Free State, Germany, Hungary, Illinois, India, Iowa, Japan, Kansas, Madeira, Manitoba, Maryland, Mauritania, Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southwest, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New South Wales, New York, North Caucasus, North Dakota, Northern Provinces, Northwest European R, Norway, Ontario, Oregon, Paraguay, Pennsylvania, Poland, Primorye, Québec, Romania, Saskatchewan, Somalia, South Australia, South Dakota, Sudan, Switzerland, Texas, Transcaucasus, Ukraine, Utah, Vermont, Victoria, Washington, West Himalaya, West Siberia, West Virginia, Western Australia, Yugoslavia, Zimbabwe.
Grown as: Annual
Maturity: 40 days
Hardiness: Hardy: Arugula can withstand light frost.
Crops: Spring Transplant, Spring, Fall, Winter
Growing Season: Short, Long
Growing Conditions: Cold, Cool, Warm. Arugula prefers rich, moist soil and cooler temperatures but can withstand a variety of different climates. Hot weather causes quick bolting, so it's best to plant in fall or early spring in warmer climates.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 45°F - 75°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 50°F. Arugula germinates well in cool (45˚F) soil and will continue to do so until it gets up to 75˚F. At higher temperatures germination gets erratic.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: Yes
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cool). In cool weather the plants will need full sun for most rapid growth.
Water: High. These fast-growing plants must have all of the water they need for rapid growth. It is important that the soil is kept moist at all times.
Feeder: Light. These greens grow quickly and for best growth and flavor they should have all of the nutrients readily available, which means the soil needs to be fairly fertile. Their main requirement is nitrogen, but they also need moderate amounts of potassium and phosphorus.
Suitability: Tolerates light frost, Needs summer shade
Small Gardens?: No
Containers?: Yes. Arugula is very well suited for container growing. Choose a container that has a minimum depth of 4". Make sure that your container has at least one drainage hole. Fill with a mixture of potting soil and compost and water thoroughly. Place in full sun. Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Maintenance: Medium
Forage: Rabbits. A rabbit can be fed small quantities of arugula two or three times per week. Feeding your bunny with to much arugula can dangerously increase his blood calcium levels .
Height: 10-24"
Spacing: 1-6", 9 plants per sq ft
Sow Depth: 1/4-1/2"
Produces: erect stems, 4-5” uniform green leaves, and clusters of white or pale yellow flowers.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-12
Garden Uses: Herb or vegetable commonly used as a lettuce-like food flavoring.
Soil Preparation
Soil pH: 6.0-7.0, Ideal 6.5-7.0. The soil is called upon to produce a lot of foliage in a short time, so it should be fertile, moisture retentive and well drained.
Soil Preparation:
Prepare the soil by adding 2˝ of compost or aged manure. This needn’t be dug in very deeply as most types are quite shallow-rooted (most of the roots will be concentrated in the top 4˝ to 8˝ of soil).
For very early crops you might want to prepare the soil the previous fall.
Standard Mix, 1 cup per plant, in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Standard Mix should be mixed into the soil in the planting hole to supply any additional nutrients required by the plants. 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: 35°F to 75°F, optimal 45°F to 70°F, optimal 70°F.
Total weeks to grow transplant: 5 (Spring/Summer), 5 (Fall/Winter)
Transplant Outdoors
Cold, Cool, Warm: Arugula prefers rich, moist soil and cooler temperatures but can withstand a variety of different climates. Hot weather causes quick bolting, so it's best to plant in fall or early spring in warmer climates.
When outdoor temp: 45°F to 75°F, optimal temp 60°F to 65°F
When min soil temp: Arugula germinates well in cool (45˚F) soil and will continue to do so until it gets up to 75˚F. At higher temperatures germination gets erratic.
Spacing: 1.0"-6.0", 9 plants per sq ft. Arugula does best when it is given at least 3 to 6" of space between plants, but can be grown closer together if you intend to use the smaller leaves from the thinnings. Space the seeds about 1/2" apart to start, and thin the seedlings to about 3" apart, and again to 6" apart as the plants mature.
Support: No.
Start Outdoors
When outdoor temp: 45°F to 75°F, optimal temp 60°F to 65°F
When min soil temp: 50°F. Arugula germinates well in cool (45˚F) soil and will continue to do so until it gets up to 75˚F. At higher temperatures germination gets erratic.
Seed Depth: Plant the seed 1/4 to 1/2" deep.
Spacing: 1.0"-6.0", 9 plants per sq ft. Arugula does best when it is given at least 3 to 6" of space between plants, but can be grown closer together if you intend to use the smaller leaves from the thinnings. Space the seeds about 1/2" apart to start, and thin the seedlings to about 3" apart, and again to 6" apart as the plants mature.
Spring Crop:
4-6 weeks before last frost date. In early spring sow seeds directly into well-worked soil. Make new sowings every two weeks or so until early summer.
Fall Crop:
6-12 weeks before first frost date. Sow in late summer or early fall, for use in fall and early winter. You can also sow it in fall for a spring crop.
Winter Crop:
4-6 weeks before first frost date. Arugula is very hardy and can be grown as a winter crop in milder areas. Start the plants about 4 to 6 weeks before you expect the first frost. Though they are quite hardy, they still do better when given protection from hard frost, or the additional warmth of a cold frame or cloche.
Support: No
Water Needs: High. These fast-growing plants must have all of the water they need for rapid growth. It is important that the soil is kept moist at all times.
Fertilizer Needs: Light. These greens grow quickly and for best growth and flavor they should have all of the nutrients readily available, which means the soil needs to be fairly fertile. Their main requirement is nitrogen, but they also need moderate amounts of potassium and phosphorus.
Thinning: Regularly. You can plant these greens closer together than the variety requirements and then thin them out as they grow (eat the thinnings). You can thin them to a final spacing of 6" apart.
Side Dressing, after transplanting: Compost tea, 1 cup(s) per plant, after transplanting, 1 time. When the seedlings have recovered from transplanting, give each plant 1 cup of diluted compost tea (1 part compost tea : 2 parts water).
Watering: Regularly. Keep the soil evenly moist at all times. These greens are delicate and do not like to dry out. Good watering practices can help offset the negative effects of summer heat, so it is important to keep the soil constantly moist. In hot weather this may mean watering every day.
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.
Side Dressing: Regularly. If your soil is not as rich as it could be, or if the soil is cool, give the plants a feed of compost tea or liquid kelp every 3 weeks or so.
Support: No.
Harvesting
Look for uniform green leaves of at least 4 to 5".
When and How:
Cut & Come Again, 1-28 days after maturity.
When: Harvest individual leaves at 4 to 5" long, or cut bunches of young, tender leaves as needed.
How: Cut leaves at their base as needed and the plant will continue to produce leaves until it bolts. Alternatively, if you need a lot of Arugula at one time you can harvest the entire plant by cutting it at the base or by pulling it out of the soil.
Storage
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 1-5 days
Seed Viability in Years: 2-5 Years
Germination Percentage: 80%
Culinary
Sharp peppery flavor. Distinctive, sharp, peppery leaves are best harvested when 2 to 3" long. A nice accent for mixed salads. Greens past their prime may be lightly steamed with other greens such as mustard or turnip greens, or used in creamed soups.
Culinary Use:
Arugula is a versatile green from the garden. It makes for a wonderful salad with sophisticated taste when used raw. You can also substitute it for basil in a pesto recipe for a spicier version of a classic. Some people even say they prefer it this way! Arugula can also be cooked and eaten with pasta or on top of pizza. Greens past their prime may be lightly steamed with other greens such as mustard or turnip greens, or used in creamed soups. One popular salad uses fresh arugula (preferably smaller leaves for a more delicate taste and texture) with beets, toasted walnuts, and goat cheese.
Young leaves: raw or cooked. A distinct strongly spicy flavor, the taste is best from fast, well-grown plants. A few leaves added to a salad are acceptable though the flavor is too strong for many tastes. Some people really like these leaves though most are not very keen. Older leaves that have become too hot to eat on their own can be pureed and added to soups etc. In the milder areas of Britain it is possible to produce edible leaves all year round from successional sowings, especially if the winter crop is given some protection.
Flowers: raw. The seed yields a semi-drying oil which is edible if stored 6 months and is a substitute for rapeseed oil. It contains 32% fat, 27% protein. It is known as "jamba oil". A mustard is obtained from the seed, the strong flavor comes from an essential oil that is contained within the oil of the seed. The pungency of mustard develops when cold water is added to the ground-up seed - an enzyme (myrosin) acts on a glycoside (sinigrin) to produce a sulphur compound. The reaction takes 10 - 15 minutes. Mixing with hot water or vinegar, or adding salt, inhibits the enzyme and produces a mild bitter mustard.
Medicinal
Companion Planting
Enemies: Strawberries.
Problems
Flea Beetles
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
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, Lacy Phacelia, and Buckwheat.
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, Purple Poppy Mallow, and Dandelion.
Damsel Bugs: Preys on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Flea beetles, 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), 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).
Nutrition
Health Benefits of Arugula
Rich in Antioxidants: Arugula is a great source of antioxidants and can greatly increase a person’s ORAC value (Oxygen radical absorbance capacity), which is a method for measuring antioxidant capacities. Antioxidants function to maintain a healthy balance of enzyme reactions within cells, while actively seeking out and destroying the disease-causing free radicals that can attack your system. Your immune system will also thank you for choosing arugula because antioxidants work to bolster your defenses against all kinds of illnesses.
Boosts Bone Health: Arugula is rich in vitamin K. In a 2003 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, we can see that vitamin K plays a critical role in promoting bone health and bone formation. The gradual degradation of neural pathways can be slowed down by an increase in intake of vitamin K. As a good source of Vitamin K, the consumption of arugula has been cited as a preventative method of such diseases.
Arugula’s combinative effects of low oxalate levels (allowing more minerals into the system) and the presence of so many minerals in the plant itself make it a strong support system for healthy bones. Sufferers of osteoporosis can see improvements, and arugula can be used as a preventative step as well, ensuring bone health and strength before the age/activity-based effects of bone degeneration become serious.
Helps Improve Immune System: Arugula is loaded with vitamins and minerals that in some way bolster the defenses of the body’s immune system. The body is stimulated to create white blood cells from the copper in arugula, and the plant has a number of other ways to improve the strength of your immune system.
Vitamin C is one of the best defenses for your body to seek out dangerous, inflammatory free radicals and eliminate them from your body before they can cause real damage. This well-known vitamin is found in large quantities in arugula and helps prevent cancer and maintain good health by giving an extra push to your immune system.
Anti-cancer Properties: The European Journal of Nutrition has published a study that has found that the phytochemicals, found in arugula, inhibit the activity of cancer-causing cells. Phytochemicals are substances like thiocyanates, sulforaphane, or indoles that are effective in countering cancer-causing tendencies in the body’s own processes. Dr. Olga Azarenko, Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, and the Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, USA, published a study in the PLOS One Journal that suggests that these compounds help fight prostate, breast, cervical, colon, and ovarian cancers.
Pre-natal Care: For mothers who are expecting, arugula is a wonderful choice to add to their diet. Folates, a classification which includes folic acid, have been shown to decrease occurrences of certain mental defects in newborns. It is rich in folates, as are many leafy vegetables.
Increases Metabolism: Another benefit of arugula is the presence of B-Complex vitamins that promote metabolism. Eight B vitamins participate and aid in all different cell activities, including energy production, fat synthesis, the production of red blood cells, and many other vital processes for cell and metabolic health.
Improves Eyesight: Dr. Elizabeth J. Johnson, in her study on the role of carotenoids, states that they help improve eye health. Arugula is a well-known source of carotenoids, which are naturally occurring pigments that have long been famous for improving a person’s ability to see properly. In fact, carotenoids slow down the process of macular degeneration, which is when the center of a person’s field of vision becomes compromised. By increasing the number of carotenoids in your diet (and arugula is a great source for them), you may be able to slow down this classic symptom of old age.
Increases Mineral Absorption: Arugula has a very low level of oxalates when compared to other popular leafy vegetables like spinach. Oxalates inhibit the absorption of minerals by the body’s systems, which is counterproductive to consuming minerals in the same bite. So the minerals, like copper and iron, which you get from the plant, are more easily absorbed by the body for efficient use.
Weight Loss: The inclusion of arugula in a diet is the same as any other low-calorie, vitamin or nutrient-rich plant, and it will inevitably have a positive effect on any attempts at weight loss. By satisfying so many nutritional needs, it is an easy way to watch your health and keep your system balanced, without making drastic changes to your diet.
Improves Overall Health: Vitamin A is one of the antioxidants mentioned above, and its significant presence in arugula also guarantees the ‘garden rocket’ eaters an improved condition of their bones, teeth, and eyes. The flavonoid compounds in all leafy vegetables similar to arugula have been shown to protect against skin, lung, and other organs.
Suggested Varieties
(Angelica atropurpurea ‘American')
American Angelica is a native perennial herb that grows in swampy areas and along rivers and streams throughout the northeastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 3-10' and features dark purple stems, green oval, toothed, compound leaves, and large compound umbels of greenish-white to white flowers. This plant attracts bees, butterflies, lacewings, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps, tolerates deer, and is edible and medicinal!
(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!
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Black Turtle')
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Black Turtle Bean is a heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Mexico and Central America, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, green 5-6” bean pods that turn yellow when mature, and tiny purple flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Blue Lake #274')
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Contender')
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Contender Bush Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to South Carolina where it was developed by the Southeastern Vegetable Breeding Laboratory in Charleston and introduced in 1961. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, 5-7” green snap bean pods, and tiny white flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Gold Rush Yellow Wax')
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Gold Rush Yellow Wax Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to California where it was developed and introduced in 1977 by Asgrow Seed Company. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, 5-6” long yellow wax bean pods, and tiny flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Pinto')
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Pinto Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to New Mexico where it was developed by Manrique Gonzalez between 1913-19. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, 3-4” flat green bean pods, and tiny flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is disease resistant, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Phaseolus vulgaris 'Royalty Purple Pod')
Royalty Purple Pod Bean is a heirloom, tender warm weather annual vegetable that is native to New Hampshire where it was developed by the University of New Hampshire, and introduced by Billy Helper Seed Company in 1957. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 18-24” and features erect stems, green spade-shaped leaves, 5-6” bright-purple bean pods, and tiny flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, creates bio mass, tolerates drought, makes dye and fabric, and is both edible and medicinal!
(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!
(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.
(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!
(Cucumis sativus 'General Lee')
General Lee Cucumber is a F1-hybrid, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to California, where it was developed by L. Gautney and introduced by Ferry-Morse Seed Company in 1988. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 6-8' and features 8-8 ½” long, straight, dark green 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!
(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!
(Phacelia tanacetifolia ‘Lacy’)
Lacy Phacelia is a native annual flower that grows on sandy or gravelly slopes of foothills in the western United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 18-36” and features fern-like foliage and long unusual stamens that protrude from five-lobed bell-shaped lavender-blue flowers that smell of grapes. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies, hummingbirds, and tachinid flies, creates biomass, tolerates drought, is resistant to deer, self-sows, and is used as a cut flower!
(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!
(Mentha Pulegium ‘European’)
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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!
(Allium cepa 'Red Cipollini')
Red Cipollini Onion is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to Italy, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 20” and features 1-3” small, saucer-shaped, yellow 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 'Yellow Cipollini')
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Yellow Cipollini Onion is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to Italy, but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 20” and features 1-3” small, saucer-shaped, yellow 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 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!
(Allium cepa 'Walla Walla')
Walla Walla Onion is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to Washington, where it was developed in Walla Walla by Peter Pieri in the early 1900's. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 16” and features 4” large, globe-shaped, golden 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 'Hamburg Rooted')
Hamburg Rooted 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 10-16” and features flat green leaves and white, carrot shaped roots up to 10" long. 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!
(Callirhoe involucrata ‘Purple’)
Purple Poppy Mallow is a native perennial flower that grows in dry, rocky soils of the central United States. At maturity, this plant reaches a height of 8-12” and features upward-facing cup-shaped, poppy-like five-petaled magenta flowers. This plant can be grown in a container or hanging basket, attracts bees, butterflies, hoverflies, lacewing, and predatory wasps, is resistant to deer and rabbits, is edible and medicinal, tolerates drought, self-sows, and is used as a cut flower!
(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!
(Salvia rosmarinus 'Rosemary')
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Rosemary is a perennial evergreen shrub that is native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and northern Africa but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-4' and features aromatic, greenish-gray, aromatic leaves, and pale blue to white two lipped flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, repels bean beetles, cabbage moths, and carrot flies, is rabbit safe, is resistant to deer, tolerates drought, is used to flavor perfumes, is used to make dyes, essential oils, shampoo, and is both edible and medicinal.
(Spinacia oleracea 'Bloomsdale Longstanding')
Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach is a heirloom, hardy, cool weather biennial vegetable that is native to Philadelphia where is was developed by David Landreth in 1826. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features thick, wrinkled, dark green leaves. This plant can be grown in a container, is rabbit safe, frost tolerant, is used to make dyes, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Thymus vulgaris 'Common')
Common Thyme is a woody-based, upright perennial herb 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 12-18” and features a foliage mound of upward growing woody stems, tiny, oval-shaped, grayish-green, aromatic leaves, and small, tubular, light pink flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, repels moths, tolerates deer and drought, flavors perfumes, shampoos, and toothpastes, makes essential oils, mouthwash, and potpourri, and is both edible and medicinal!
(Thymus serpyllum 'Creeping')
Creeping Thyme is a woody-based, creeping perennial herb that is native to Europe but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-6” and features a 12-18” wide foliage mat of rooting stems, 1/4” oval-shaped, blueish-green leaves, and small, tubular, two-lipped, bell-shaped dark pink/purple flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, repels moths, tolerates deer, drought, and light frost, flavors perfumes and soaps, makes essential oils and fungicide, and is both edible and medicinal!