Vegetables - Seeds

Solanum melongena

Early Long Purple is a historic heirloom Eggplant producing attractive elongated fruits reaching approximately 25 cm long and 8 cm wide. The smooth, glossy skin develops a rich dark purple colour, surrounding tender flesh with a classic eggplant flavour.

An old variety documented as early as 1857, Early Long Purple represents the slender-fruited eggplants that were widely grown before the large, rounded supermarket types became dominant. Its relatively early maturity makes it particularly useful for gardeners wanting a reliable harvest without an exceptionally long growing season.

The tender fruits are wonderfully versatile in the kitchen and can be grilled, roasted, fried or baked, sliced into curries and stir-fries or used in dishes such as ratatouille, parmigiana and moussaka. Harvesting while the skin is still glossy and the seeds are immature gives the best flavour and texture.

Plants thrive in warm weather and full sun, preferring fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost or well-rotted organic matter. Consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development encourages good yields and tender fruits.

Approximately 80 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Most of the year, avoiding the coolest period
Subtropics: Late winter to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: Start indoors in late winter to spring and transplant after all danger of frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into trays or pots and keep warm and consistently moist. Eggplant germinates best with soil temperatures around 24–30°C.

Transplant seedlings once the weather and soil have warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Space plants approximately 50–60 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil.

Water consistently during flowering and fruit development. Harvest fruits while the skin is dark purple, smooth and glossy and the flesh remains tender. Cut fruits from the plant with secateurs rather than pulling them from the stems.

Maturity: approximately 70–78 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum melongena

Japanese Pickling (Nasu) is a traditional Japanese heirloom eggplant producing slender, glossy fruits around 20–25 cm long. The deep purple to almost black fruit is borne on attractive plants with rich purple stems, growing to approximately 75 cm tall. The cream-coloured flesh is almost seedless, becoming tender and creamy when cooked while readily absorbing flavours. With its sweet, mild taste and delicate texture, Nasu is ideal for grilling, stir-fries, curries, roasting, and traditional Japanese pickling.

Approximately 40 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: August to December
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: After the last frost

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed in trays 5 mm deep in a warm, well drained seed-raising mix. Maintain temperatures between 22–30°C for reliable germination. Transplant seedlings into full sun once the soil has warmed, spacing plants 50–60 cm apart. Harvest fruit while young, glossy, and firm to encourage continued production and the best eating quality.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum melongena

Listada de Gandia is a beautiful Spanish heirloom Eggplant producing pear-shaped fruits dramatically striped in creamy white and pinkish-purple. Its name translates roughly as “striped one from Gandia”, referring both to its distinctive colouring and its origins around Gandia on Spain’s Mediterranean coast in Valencia.

Growing approximately 15–20 cm long, the fruits are as ornamental in the garden as they are useful in the kitchen. The creamy flesh is tender and mild with relatively few seeds, while the thin, unobtrusive skin means there is generally no need to peel the fruit before cooking.

Its excellent texture makes it particularly good for grilling, roasting and frying, as well as for ratatouille, parmigiana, stews and Mediterranean dishes.

With its origins in the warm Mediterranean climate of eastern Spain, Listada de Gandia performs particularly well in warm conditions and handles high humidity well. Plants can continue flowering and producing over a long season when regularly harvested.

For the best flavour and texture, pick fruits while the striped skin remains glossy, smooth and taut. Once the skin becomes dull, the fruit is becoming over-mature and the seeds inside will be more developed.

Approximately 40 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Most of the year, avoiding the coolest period
Subtropics: Late winter to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: Start indoors in late winter to spring and transplant after all danger of frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into trays or pots and keep warm and consistently moist. Eggplant germinates best with soil temperatures around 24–30°C.

Transplant seedlings once the weather and soil have warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Space plants approximately 50–60 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil.

Water consistently during flowering and fruit development. Harvest when fruits reach approximately 15–20 cm and the distinctive striped skin is still shiny and taut. Cut fruits from the plant with secateurs rather than pulling them from the stems.

Maturity: approximately 80 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum melongena

Little Fingers is a highly productive heirloom eggplant producing abundant slender purple fruits on medium-sized plants. Harvest the fruit when finger-sized for tender, bite-sized eggplants, or allow them to grow larger without sacrificing flavour or texture. The mild, creamy flesh is excellent for pickling, grilling, roasting, stir-fries, and a wide range of cooked dishes. A reliable and prolific variety for home gardens.

Approximately 40 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: August to December
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: After the last frost

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed in trays 5 mm deep in a warm, well drained seed-raising mix. Maintain temperatures between 22–30°C for reliable germination. Transplant seedlings into full sun once the soil has warmed, spacing plants 50–60 cm apart. Harvest fruit regularly while glossy and firm to encourage continuous production.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum melongena

Market Supreme is a classic Eggplant producing substantial, glossy black fruits approximately 11 cm wide and 16 cm long. The attractive, deep-coloured fruits have the familiar rounded to slightly elongated shape associated with traditional market eggplants and develop smooth, firm skin when grown well.

The creamy flesh is tender and substantial, making this an excellent all-purpose variety in the kitchen. Fruits can be grilled, roasted, baked or fried, added to curries and stews, or used for classics such as eggplant parmigiana, moussaka, ratatouille and baba ganoush.

Plants appreciate a long, warm growing season and perform best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Consistent moisture and regular feeding during flowering and fruit development will encourage strong growth and good-sized fruits.

Harvest while the skin is glossy, dark and taut. A dulling of the skin generally indicates that the fruit is becoming over-mature and the seeds inside are beginning to harden.

Approximately 60 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Most of the year, avoiding the coolest period
Subtropics: Late winter to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: Start indoors in late winter to spring and transplant after all danger of frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into trays or pots and keep warm and consistently moist. Eggplant germinates best with soil temperatures around 24–30°C.

Transplant seedlings once the weather and soil have warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Space plants approximately 50–60 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil.

Water consistently during flowering and fruit development. Harvest when fruits reach a useful size and the black skin remains smooth and glossy. Cut fruits from the plant with secateurs rather than pulling them from the stems.

Maturity: approximately 100–125 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum melongena

Mitoyo is a treasured Japanese heirloom Eggplant producing large, rounded fruits with glossy skin ranging from deep purple to almost black. Individual fruits can reach an impressive 600 g, yet the flesh remains remarkably tender, sweet and mild.

The fine-textured flesh becomes beautifully creamy when cooked and has very little of the bitterness sometimes associated with eggplant. Mitoyo is exceptionally versatile in the kitchen and can be eaten raw when young and tender, grilled, baked, roasted, fried or pickled. Its soft texture is particularly well suited to traditional Japanese preparations where the eggplant readily absorbs sauces and seasonings.

This regional variety has traditionally been cultivated around the Mitoyo and Kanonji areas of Kagawa Prefecture on the Japanese island of Shikoku. Its connection to a particular place and local food culture makes it a wonderful example of the regional vegetable varieties preserved through generations of cultivation in Japan.

Plants grow approximately 90–120 cm tall, with attractive green foliage and purple-tinged new growth. Combined with the large, glossy dark fruits, Mitoyo is handsome enough to earn a place in ornamental edible gardens as well as the vegetable patch.

Approximately 40 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Most of the year, avoiding the coolest period
Subtropics: Late winter to summer
Mild climates: Spring to summer
Cold climates: Start indoors in late winter to spring and transplant after all danger of frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into trays or pots and keep warm and consistently moist. Eggplant germinates best with soil temperatures around 24–30°C.

Transplant seedlings once the weather and soil have warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Space plants approximately 60–75 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Larger plants may benefit from staking once they begin carrying heavy fruit.

Water consistently during flowering and fruit development. Harvest while fruits are glossy, firm and richly coloured for the sweetest flavour and most tender flesh. Cut fruits from the plant with secateurs rather than pulling them from the stems.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum melongena

Red Ruffle is an unusual and highly ornamental Eggplant producing small, rounded and distinctly ribbed fruits approximately 5 cm across. Also known as Hmong Red, the fruits begin green before ripening through orange to a brilliant red, giving the plants an almost tomato-like appearance.

The fruits are traditionally used in Asian cooking and are particularly suited to stir-fries, curries and other cooked dishes. They are best harvested while relatively young, as fully mature fruits can develop a stronger, more bitter flavour. Their deeply ruffled shape and vivid colouring also make mature fruits popular for decorative displays and flower arrangements.

This unusual eggplant type has Asian origins, with its ancestry associated with India and later development in Spain from around the 16th century. Its striking appearance reflects the enormous diversity found within eggplants, which have been selected for centuries for everything from flavour and texture to shape and colour.

Plants grow under similar conditions to tomatoes but require a longer period of sustained warmth to produce well. In warm, frost-free climates Eggplants can be maintained as short-lived perennials, while in cooler regions they are generally grown as annuals.

Seed count: approximately 200–250 seeds/g
Approximately 20 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Most of the year, avoiding the coolest period
Subtropics: Late winter to summer
Mild climates: Spring to summer
Cold climates: Start indoors in late winter to early spring and transplant after all danger of frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into trays or pots and keep warm and consistently moist. Eggplant germinates best with soil temperatures around 24–30°C and can be started indoors up to eight weeks before conditions are suitable for planting outside.

Before transplanting, gradually harden seedlings over approximately one week by reducing additional heat and increasing their exposure to outdoor conditions and sunlight.

Space plants approximately 50–60 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development.

Harvest regularly while fruits are young and tender for culinary use, before they develop excessive bitterness. Allow fruits to mature to their brilliant red colour when grown for ornamental use or seed saving. Frequent harvesting encourages plants to continue flowering and producing.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum melongena

Rosa Bianca is a vigorous Italian heirloom eggplant renowned for its beautiful rosy lavender and white teardrop-shaped fruit. The large, heavy eggplants have a mild, delicate flavour with creamy flesh and very little bitterness, making them ideal for grilling, roasting, baking, and Mediterranean dishes. Highly productive plants provide abundant harvests throughout the season and mature in approximately 75–90 days.

Approximately 50 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: August to December
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: After the last frost

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed in trays 5 mm deep in a warm, well drained seed-raising mix. Maintain temperatures between 22–30°C for reliable germination. Transplant seedlings into full sun once the soil has warmed, spacing plants 50–60 cm apart. Harvest fruit while the skin is glossy and firm to encourage continued production and the best eating quality.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum melongena

Rosa Bianca is a vigorous Italian heirloom eggplant renowned for its beautiful rosy lavender and white teardrop-shaped fruit. The large, heavy eggplants have a mild, delicate flavour with creamy flesh and very little bitterness, making them ideal for grilling, roasting, baking, and Mediterranean dishes. Highly productive plants provide abundant harvests throughout the season and mature in approximately 75–90 days.

Approximately 50 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: August to December
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: After the last frost

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed in trays 5 mm deep in a warm, well drained seed-raising mix. Maintain temperatures between 22–30°C for reliable germination. Transplant seedlings into full sun once the soil has warmed, spacing plants 50–60 cm apart. Harvest fruit while the skin is glossy and firm to encourage continued production and the best eating quality.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum melongena

Tsakoniki is a traditional Greek heirloom Eggplant producing slender, cylindrical fruits approximately 20–22 cm long. The beautiful fruits are streaked and striped in shades of purple and white, with tender flesh and a mild, delicate flavour.

Named for the Tsakonia region of the Peloponnese in Greece, Tsakoniki has a particularly strong connection to place. The eggplant traditionally grown around Leonidio is considered a local speciality and is celebrated in the region for its distinctive appearance and excellent eating quality.

The tender flesh has relatively little bitterness and is wonderfully versatile in the kitchen. It is excellent grilled, roasted, fried or stuffed and particularly well suited to classic Greek dishes such as moussaka, melitzanosalata and imam bayildi. The thin skin can generally be left on during cooking.

Plants thrive in a long, warm growing season and perform best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Regular harvesting while the fruits are glossy and tender encourages continued flowering and production.

Approximately 20 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Most of the year, avoiding the coolest period
Subtropics: Late winter to summer
Mild climates: Spring to summer
Cold climates: Start indoors in late winter to spring and transplant after all danger of frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into trays or pots and keep warm and consistently moist. Eggplant germinates best with soil temperatures around 24–30°C.

Transplant seedlings once the weather and soil have warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Space plants approximately 50–60 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil.

Maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development. Harvest when fruits are approximately 20–22 cm long and the purple-striped skin remains smooth, glossy and taut. Cut fruits from the plant with secateurs rather than pulling them from the stems.

Maturity: approximately 75 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum melongena

White Egg is an unusual heirloom Eggplant producing clusters of small, smooth, oval fruits that resemble white hen’s eggs. The ivory fruits are highly ornamental against the green foliage and develop a stronger, slightly spicier flavour than many of the larger, mild-fleshed eggplant varieties.

The compact fruits have firm, tender flesh and are best harvested while the skin is still glossy and the seeds inside are immature. They are excellent stir-fried, grilled, roasted or added whole or halved to curries and other cooked dishes.

White egg-shaped eggplants have a long history in Asia and are also behind the English name “eggplant”. Early European gardeners encountered white, egg-shaped forms grown as ornamental curiosities, whose fruits looked remarkably like eggs hanging from the plant.

White Egg begins setting fruit relatively early and continues producing throughout the warm season when fruits are picked regularly. Its attractive habit and manageable fruit size also make it a good container variety. In warm conditions it can be maintained in a pot beyond a single season, provided it is protected from frost and cold weather.

Approximately 35 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Most of the year, avoiding the coolest period
Subtropics: Late winter to summer
Mild climates: Spring to summer
Cold climates: Start indoors in late winter to spring and transplant after all danger of frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into trays or pots and keep warm and consistently moist. Eggplant germinates best with soil temperatures around 24–30°C.

Transplant seedlings once the weather and soil have warmed and all danger of frost has passed. Space plants approximately 50–60 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. For container growing, choose a generous pot with good drainage.

Maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development. Harvest regularly while fruits are white, firm and glossy for the best flavour and texture. Cut fruits from the plant with secateurs rather than pulling them from the stems.

Maturity: approximately 69–75 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Cichorium endivia

Pancalieri Fine Cut is an attractive endive producing deeply cut, finely curled dark green leaves with crisp, pale ribs. The leaves have a pleasantly mild, nutty flavour with the characteristic gentle bitterness of endive, making them excellent for salads and mixed leafy greens.

Endive has been cultivated since ancient times, with records of its use in Egypt and Greece. The inner leaves can be blanched by covering or tying the outer leaves together before harvest, reducing bitterness and producing a paler, particularly tender heart. The leaves are nutritious and notably rich in vitamin A, as well as providing calcium and phosphorus.

Hardy and adaptable, Pancalieri Fine Cut tolerates both heat and light frost and can be harvested young for baby leaf or allowed to develop into a full-sized head. It thrives in similar conditions to lettuce, preferring fertile soil, consistent moisture and good drainage.

Seed count: approximately 700–1000 seeds per gram. Approximately 160 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March–July
Subtropics: March–July
Mild climates: September–April
Cold climates: September–March

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5–10 mm deep in fertile, well-drained soil, with an ideal soil temperature of approximately 15–25°C. Thin or transplant seedlings to approximately 20–30 cm apart with 45–60 cm between rows.

Grow in full sun to light shade and maintain consistent moisture for tender growth. For a milder, sweeter heart, blanch mature plants by covering the centre or loosely tying the outer leaves together shortly before harvest.

Maturity: approximately 33 days for baby leaf and 52 days for full size.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Dysphania ambrosioides

Epazote is a traditional Central American herb valued for its distinctive, musky aroma and bold flavour that has been a staple of Mexican and Guatemalan cooking for centuries. Growing to around 60 cm tall, this fast-growing annual produces narrow, aromatic green leaves that are harvested throughout the season.

Young shoots and leaves are commonly added to soups, while small quantities of the mature leaves are used to flavour bean dishes, corn, seafood and traditional Mexican recipes such as black beans and quesadillas. Due to its strong flavour, a little goes a long way. Historically, Epazote has also been used in traditional herbal medicine, although today it is grown primarily as a culinary herb.

Approximately 2,000–2,500 seeds per gram
Approximately 100 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: September to April
Mild climates: September to February
Cold climates: October to January

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed on the surface or cover very lightly with 2–3 mm of fine seed-raising mix in a sunny, well-drained position. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination. Thin or transplant seedlings to 30–40 cm apart. Harvest young leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth and use sparingly in cooking due to their strong, distinctive flavour.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce

Florence Romanesco, also known as Finocchio, is a traditional Italian heirloom grown for its crisp, swollen white bulb with a sweet, mild anise flavour. The bulb can be enjoyed raw in salads or cooked by roasting, braising, or grilling, while the feathery leaves and aromatic seeds are also widely used in the kitchen. Plants thrive in rich, well drained soil and attract butterflies and other beneficial insects to the garden. Blanch the bulbs by mounding soil around their bases as they develop to produce tender, pale stems.

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to August
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly or raise seedlings, planting 5–10 mm deep in fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Space plants 25–30 cm apart. Keep the soil evenly moist and mound soil around the developing bulb to blanch it for a sweeter, more tender harvest.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce

Florence Romanesco, also known as Finocchio, is a traditional Italian heirloom grown for its crisp, swollen white bulb with a sweet, mild anise flavour. The bulb can be enjoyed raw in salads or cooked by roasting, braising, or grilling, while the feathery leaves and aromatic seeds are also widely used in the kitchen. Plants thrive in rich, well drained soil and attract butterflies and other beneficial insects to the garden. Blanch the bulbs by mounding soil around their bases as they develop to produce tender, pale stems.

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to August
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly or raise seedlings, planting 5–10 mm deep in fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Space plants 25–30 cm apart. Keep the soil evenly moist and mound soil around the developing bulb to blanch it for a sweeter, more tender harvest.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Foeniculum vulgare Mill.

Also known as Mont Blanc or Alpine Fennel, this mid to late season Florence fennel produces large, round, tightly wrapped white bulbs with sturdy, solid stalks and crisp, sweet flesh. A vigorous variety with deep green foliage, it matures slightly earlier than many other bulb fennels and performs particularly well in the cooler conditions of autumn, while still growing reliably through spring and early summer. The bulbs are delicious sliced raw into salads or roasted, grilled and braised, while the feathery leaves and aromatic seeds can also be used in cooking.

Florence fennel is grown primarily for its swollen bulb, known in Italian as finocchio. For the palest, sweetest bulbs, mound soil around the base as the plants grow, similar to blanching celery. Its flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Approximately 250–300 seeds per gram
Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to May and August to October
Mild climates: September to November and February to April
Cold climates: September to November

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 10 mm deep directly into rich, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Thin or transplant carefully to 25–30 cm apart, taking care not to disturb the taproot. Keep plants evenly watered to encourage tender, well-formed bulbs and prevent bolting. As bulbs begin to swell, gently mound soil around the base to blanch them and improve flavour. Harvest when bulbs are firm and approximately 8–10 cm across.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.