Vegetables - Seeds

Cucumis melo

Hales Best is a classic heirloom Rockmelon producing well-rounded fruits with heavily netted skin and rich orange flesh. Sweet, aromatic and juicy, it has the traditional muskmelon flavour that made it a long-standing favourite with home gardeners.

Developed in California in the early 20th century by Japanese-American market gardener I. D. Hale, Hales Best became commercially popular during the 1920s. It was valued for its excellent flavour, relatively early maturity and dependable production, and remains a widely grown heirloom today.

Plants are vigorous and productive with useful resistance to powdery mildew. Fruits are best harvested fully ripe for maximum sweetness and fragrance.

Approximately 15 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March–September
Subtropics: August–January
Mild climates: September–December
Cold climates: October–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 10–15 mm deep directly into warm, fertile, well-drained soil, or raise seedlings in pots for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.

Grow in full sun and space plants approximately 60–100 cm apart, allowing plenty of room for vines to spread. Keep consistently watered during establishment, flowering and fruit development, avoiding prolonged waterlogging.

Harvest when fruits are fragrant, fully coloured and beginning to separate readily from the vine.

Maturity: approximately 75–88 days.

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

Cucumis melo

Hales Best is a classic heirloom Rockmelon producing well-rounded fruits with heavily netted skin and rich orange flesh. Sweet, aromatic and juicy, it has the traditional muskmelon flavour that made it a long-standing favourite with home gardeners.

Developed in California in the early 20th century by Japanese-American market gardener I. D. Hale, Hales Best became commercially popular during the 1920s. It was valued for its excellent flavour, relatively early maturity and dependable production, and remains a widely grown heirloom today.

Plants are vigorous and productive with useful resistance to powdery mildew. Fruits are best harvested fully ripe for maximum sweetness and fragrance.

Approximately 15 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March–September
Subtropics: August–January
Mild climates: September–December
Cold climates: October–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 10–15 mm deep directly into warm, fertile, well-drained soil, or raise seedlings in pots for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.

Grow in full sun and space plants approximately 60–100 cm apart, allowing plenty of room for vines to spread. Keep consistently watered during establishment, flowering and fruit development, avoiding prolonged waterlogging.

Harvest when fruits are fragrant, fully coloured and beginning to separate readily from the vine.

Maturity: approximately 75–88 days.

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

Cucumis melo

Hearts Of Gold is a classic heirloom Rockmelon producing fruits up to approximately 1 kg with thick, deep orange flesh. Firm, juicy and intensely flavoured, the flesh develops excellent sweetness even when fruits are picked a few days before full ripeness.

Released in 1895, Hearts Of Gold became one of the most popular melons of the early 20th century. Its rich flavour and dependable cropping earned it a place in both market gardens and home vegetable patches, and it remains a fine choice for gardeners seeking an old-fashioned muskmelon with excellent eating quality.

Enjoy fresh and chilled, in fruit salads or paired with salty and savoury flavours. For the richest flavour, allow fruits to ripen fully wherever possible.

Approximately 15 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March–September
Subtropics: August–January
Mild climates: September–December
Cold climates: October–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 10–15 mm deep directly into warm, fertile, well-drained soil, or raise seedlings in pots for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.

Grow in full sun and space plants approximately 60–100 cm apart, allowing plenty of room for vines to spread. Keep consistently watered during establishment, flowering and fruit development.

Harvest when fruits are fragrant, well coloured and fully mature. Although Hearts Of Gold maintains good flavour when picked slightly early, vine-ripened fruits will generally develop the greatest sweetness.

Maturity: approximately 70–90 days.

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

Cucumis melo

Honeydew is a classic sweet melon producing rounded fruits with smooth, pale skin and thick, juicy green flesh. Exceptionally sweet when fully ripe, it has a refreshing flavour and firm texture that makes it excellent eaten chilled, added to fruit salads or paired with savoury ingredients.

Honeydew melons belong to an ancient group of smooth-skinned melons with origins in western Asia and North Africa. The familiar Honeydew type became particularly popular in Europe and later North America, prized for its sweetness, storage ability and suitability for transport.

Plants prefer a long, warm growing season and perform particularly well in warm, relatively dry climates. The fruits mature more slowly than many rockmelons but reward the wait with excellent keeping and shipping qualities.

Approximately 25 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March–September
Subtropics: August–January
Mild climates: September–December
Cold climates: October–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 10–15 mm deep directly into warm, fertile, well-drained soil, or raise seedlings in pots for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.

Grow in full sun and space plants approximately 60–100 cm apart, allowing plenty of room for vines to spread. Keep consistently watered during establishment, flowering and fruit development, but avoid excessive moisture as fruits approach maturity.

Harvest when fruits have developed their mature pale colouring and a sweet aroma. Honeydew does not always slip readily from the vine like some netted rockmelons, so colour, fragrance and maturity should be used together to judge ripeness.

Maturity: approximately 95–105 days.

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

Cucumis melo

Indian Cream Cobra is an unusual heirloom Melon producing distinctive fruits with pale flesh and a characteristically drier texture than conventional rockmelons. The flavour is mild and gently sweet, and the flesh can be drizzled with honey for a richer dessert.

The fruit naturally splits when fully ripe, providing a useful indication that it is ready to harvest. Watch developing melons closely as maturity approaches and pick promptly once splitting begins.

Originating from India, this variety represents one of the many diverse melon forms cultivated across the Indian subcontinent, where Cucumis melo has been grown and selected for centuries. Its unusual texture and ripening habit make it an interesting addition to an heirloom melon collection.

Approximately 25 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March–September
Subtropics: August–January
Mild climates: September–December
Cold climates: October–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 10–15 mm deep directly into warm, fertile, well-drained soil, or raise seedlings in pots for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.

Grow in full sun and space plants approximately 60–100 cm apart, allowing plenty of room for the vines to spread. Keep consistently watered during establishment, flowering and fruit development, reducing excess moisture as fruits approach maturity.

Harvest promptly when fruits are fully mature and begin to split naturally.

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

Cucumis melo

Ogen, also known as Ha-Ogen, Israel Cantaloupe or Desert Melon, is a rare heirloom prized for its exceptional flavour and fragrance. Believed to be an Israeli selection of an ancient Eastern European melon, it produces small fruits 12–15 cm in diameter, typically weighing 1–2 kg. The smooth golden-yellow rind is marked with green ribs, while the thick pale green flesh is juicy, aromatic and intensely sweet with delicate honey, tropical and floral notes. Ogen performs well in cooler climates and is an excellent choice for home gardeners seeking a truly distinctive melon.

Approximately 25–35 seeds per gram
Approximately 10 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to August (dry season)
Subtropics: September to January
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: October to December

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 15–20 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in full sun once the danger of frost has passed. Space plants 60–90 cm apart with 1.5–2 m between rows, or allow vines to spread freely. Keep well watered during flowering and fruit development, reducing watering slightly as fruit ripens to encourage sweetness. Harvest after approximately 70–95 days when the fruit develops a rich fragrance and begins to slip easily from the vine.

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

Cucumis melo

Pele de Sapo is a traditional Spanish Melon producing large, oblong fruits up to approximately 2.5 kg. The green skin is mottled with darker green markings, while inside is crisp, juicy white flesh with exceptional sweetness.

The name translates from Portuguese as “toad skin”, a reference to its distinctive mottled rind. In Spain it is closely associated with the Piel de Sapo or Santa Claus group of melons, prized for their sweetness and remarkably long storage life.

The firm flesh is refreshing and aromatic, excellent eaten chilled, added to fruit platters and salads, or paired with cheeses and cured meats. Its keeping ability makes it particularly useful for extending the melon season after harvest.

Approximately 20 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March–September
Subtropics: August–January
Mild climates: September–December
Cold climates: October–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 10–15 mm deep directly into warm, fertile, well-drained soil, or raise seedlings in pots for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.

Grow in full sun and space plants approximately 60–100 cm apart, allowing plenty of room for vines to spread. Keep consistently watered during establishment and fruit development, avoiding excessive moisture as fruits approach maturity.

Harvest when fruits are fully developed and the rind has taken on its characteristic green mottling. Unlike many rockmelons, Pele de Sapo does not readily slip from the vine when ripe.

Maturity: approximately 105 days.

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

Cucumis melo

Planters Jumbo is a vigorous, productive Rockmelon producing large, oval fruits with sweet, juicy orange flesh. A robust variety for home gardens and local market production, it is valued for reliable cropping and excellent eating quality.

The vines show useful resilience through challenging summer conditions, handling periods of drought as well as heavy rainfall, with good disease resistance. The fragrant orange flesh is excellent eaten fresh and chilled or added to fruit salads and platters.

Planters Jumbo was developed as an improved American muskmelon, selected for large fruit, vigorous growth and dependable field performance. Its combination of flavour and resilience made it useful to both market growers and home gardeners.

Approximately 30 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March–September
Subtropics: August–January
Mild climates: September–December
Cold climates: October–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 10–15 mm deep directly into warm, fertile, well-drained soil, or raise seedlings in pots for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.

Grow in full sun and space plants approximately 60–100 cm apart, allowing plenty of room for vigorous vines to spread. Water consistently during establishment, flowering and fruit development.

Harvest when fruits are fully developed, fragrant and showing their mature colouring.

Maturity: approximately 85–91 days.

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

Large green fleshed melon 2-3kg, delicious tasty melon developed by 'Garden Larder' for Australian home gardeners. Ripe when skin colour lightens.

Planting/sowing: Sow in well-drained soil. In warm areas, plant in early spring. In cool areas, wait until late spring. Space appropriately for variety.

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

Cucumis melo

Zatta is a distinctive heirloom rockmelon producing medium-sized fruits up to 1.5 kg with beautifully ribbed, warted skin that ripens from green to golden yellow. The deep orange flesh is exceptionally sweet, juicy and aromatic, making it a favourite for fresh eating. For the best flavour and texture, harvest while the rind is still green and yellow, as fully yellow fruit is considered overripe.

Approximately 25–35 seeds per gram
Approximately 18 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to August (dry season)
Subtropics: September to January
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: October to December

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 15–20 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in full sun once the danger of frost has passed. Space plants 60–90 cm apart with 1.5–2 m between rows, allowing room for the vines to spread. Keep plants well watered during flowering and fruit development, reducing watering slightly as the fruit matures to enhance sweetness. Harvest when the fruit develops its characteristic green and yellow colouring and a sweet aroma, before the rind turns completely yellow.

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

Hibiscus sabdariffa

Rosella is a striking warm-climate annual shrub growing up to approximately 2 m, with distinctive red stems and pale yellow flowers marked with deep red centres. After flowering, plants develop the fleshy red calyces for which Rosella is best known.

The tart, cranberry-like calyces are traditionally used for jams, jellies, syrups, sauces, cordials and herbal teas, and can be used fresh or dried. Rosella is cultivated for both culinary and traditional medicinal purposes throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

Native to tropical Africa, Hibiscus sabdariffa has travelled widely through Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific, becoming an important food plant in many cultures. In Australia it has a particularly strong association with Queensland gardens and traditional home-made Rosella jam.

Plants need a long, warm growing season, ideally around five to six frost-free months, to reach their full potential.

Approximately 25 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: September–March
Subtropics: September–December
Mild climates: October–December
Cold climates: October–November, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 10–15 mm deep directly into warm soil after frost, or raise seedlings in pots for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.

Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Space plants approximately 1 m apart and water consistently during establishment and active growth.

Harvest the fleshy red calyces after the flowers have finished and before they become tough. Remove the central seed capsule before using fresh or drying.

Seed count: approximately 50–70 seeds per gram.

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

Tragopogon porrifolius

Mammoth Sandwich Island is an old heirloom Salsify producing long, tapered roots up to approximately 22 cm long and 6 cm wide. Beneath the pale skin is tender white flesh with a mild, distinctive flavour traditionally compared to oysters, giving salsify its old common name, Oyster Plant.

The roots can be boiled, mashed, fried, roasted or added to soups and stews, much like parsnips. Young winter shoots are also edible and bring a pleasant fresh flavour to salads.

Despite its name, Mammoth Sandwich Island is not Hawaiian in origin. The variety was introduced in the late 19th century and became a popular improved form of this much older Mediterranean root vegetable. Salsify itself has been cultivated in Europe for centuries for both its roots and young shoots.

A hardy cool-season crop, plants tolerate frost well and can be left in the ground over winter. Harvested roots also store well under cool, humid conditions.

Approximately 40 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April–July in cooler districts
Subtropics: March–August
Mild climates: March–September
Cold climates: August–October and March–April

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 10–15 mm deep in loose, deeply cultivated, well-drained soil, similar to that prepared for carrots or parsnips. Space plants approximately 10–15 cm apart.

Direct sowing produces the straightest roots, although young seedlings can be carefully transplanted. Keep consistently watered during establishment and avoid compacted or stony soil.

Harvest roots once mature, or leave them in the ground through winter and lift as required. Young plants withstand light frost and established plants tolerate considerably colder conditions.

Maturity: approximately 110–180 days.

Seed count: approximately 80 seeds per gram.

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

Scorzonera hispanica

Giant Russian is an old variety of Scorzonera, also known as Black Salsify, producing long roots with distinctive black skin and creamy white flesh. The flavour is delicate and complex, somewhere between asparagus and artichoke with a mild nuttiness and the oyster-like quality traditionally associated with salsify.

The roots are excellent roasted, boiled or puréed, grated for hash, or sliced into gratins. Young leaves can be eaten in salads, while the flower buds may be steamed and the petals scattered fresh through salads.

Native to southern Europe and western Asia, scorzonera has been cultivated as a vegetable since at least the 16th century. Once a familiar European kitchen-garden crop, it is now comparatively uncommon despite being hardy, perennial and remarkably versatile.

Plants need deep, loose soil to develop long, straight roots and can remain in the ground over winter, becoming an excellent cool-season vegetable for harvesting as required.

Approximately 50 seeds per packet

Approximately 80 seeds per gram.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April–July in cooler districts
Subtropics: March–August
Mild climates: March–September
Cold climates: August–October and March–April

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 10–15 mm deep directly into deeply cultivated, fertile, well-drained soil. Space plants approximately 10–15 cm apart.

Prepare the soil as you would for carrots or parsnips, removing stones and breaking up compacted ground so the long roots can develop freely. Keep consistently moist during establishment.

Harvest roots once they reach a useful size, digging carefully as they can be brittle. Plants can also be left in place as perennials, allowing harvests of roots, young foliage and flowers.

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

Allium fistulosum

Evergreen Bunching Spring Onion is a reliable, non-bulbing variety that produces attractive clusters of 4 to 9 long, slender stems from each plant. Highly productive and easy to grow, it is a favourite among home gardeners for its extended harvest period and ability to provide fresh onions for much of the year.

Unlike traditional bulb onions, this bunching variety is grown for its crisp white stems and fresh green tops. The mild onion flavour makes it ideal for salads, stir-fries, soups, omelettes, garnishes and a wide range of cooked dishes. Plants can be harvested whole or individual stems can be removed as needed while the clump continues to grow.

Evergreen Bunching is hardy, adaptable and long-lived, producing repeated harvests from the same planting. Its vigorous growth and dependable performance make it an essential addition to productive kitchen gardens.

Approximately 320 seeds per gram
Approximately 280 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: February to October
Mild climates: Year round
Cold climates: Spring to autumn

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 5–10 mm deep directly into prepared garden beds or seedling trays. Thin seedlings as required or transplant into clumps to encourage bunching. Space plants 10–15 cm apart in rows 25–30 cm apart.

Grow in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Keep soil consistently moist and harvest stems as required from around 60 days onwards. Plants will continue producing new shoots over an extended period, with mature clumps forming clusters of multiple stems.

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

Allium fistulosum

Red Stem Welsh is a perennial bunching onion producing clusters of long, hollow green leaves with attractive red to burgundy shafts. The red colouring is strongest in colder conditions and may be less pronounced when grown in warmer climates.

Mild and versatile, both the stems and green tops can be eaten raw in salads, used as a garnish or cooked in soups, stir-fries and stews. Unlike bulb-forming onions, Welsh onions remain slender and gradually form productive clumps that can be divided and replanted.

Despite the name, Welsh onion did not originate in Wales. Allium fistulosum is thought to have originated in Asia and has been cultivated for centuries, particularly in China and Japan. The word “Welsh” in this older usage meant foreign or non-native.

Seed count: approximately 350–480 seeds per gram. 200 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March–July
Subtropics: February–September
Mild climates: February–September
Cold climates: February–October

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep directly into rich, well-drained soil or raise seedlings for transplanting. Space plants approximately 2–3 cm apart with 20–30 cm between rows.

Grow in full sun and keep soil consistently moist, particularly during germination and establishment. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 8–30°C.

Harvest stems as required, preferably before flowering for the mildest flavour. Established clumps can be divided and replanted to maintain a continuous perennial crop.

Maturity: approximately 85–105 days.

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

Allium fistulosum

Straight Leaf is a reliable bunching Shallot producing upright, straight green leaves and long, slender white stems without forming a true bulb. Plants grow in clusters and can be harvested progressively, making them an excellent choice for a continuous supply of fresh salad onions.

The mild, fresh onion flavour is excellent raw in salads, sandwiches and garnishes or cooked in stir-fries, soups and savoury dishes. Both the white stems and green tops are edible.

Allium fistulosum has been cultivated in Asia for centuries and is particularly important in Chinese and Japanese cooking. Unlike common bulb onions, it is perennial and naturally forms clumps that can be divided and replanted.

Seed count: approximately 320 seeds per gram. 200 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March–July
Subtropics: February–September
Mild climates: February–September
Cold climates: February–October

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep directly into rich, well-drained soil or raise seedlings for transplanting. Space plants approximately 2–3 cm apart with 20–30 cm between rows.

Grow in full sun and keep soil consistently moist, particularly during germination and establishment. Harvest stems as required once they reach a useful size. Established plants can be allowed to form clumps and divided for continued production.

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

Allium fistulosum

Deep Purple is a striking bunching onion producing slender stems coloured rich purple to burgundy. Unlike many red-stemmed bunching onions, it retains its strong colouring even in warmer growing conditions, making it particularly useful for adding colour to the garden and plate.

The stems and green tops have a sweet, mild onion flavour and can be eaten raw in salads and garnishes or cooked in stir-fries, soups and savoury dishes. Plants are extremely hardy, show good pest resistance and produce rounded flower heads that attract bees and other beneficial pollinators.

Also known as Japanese bunching onion or Welsh onion, Allium fistulosum has a long history of cultivation throughout East Asia. It is a perennial, non-bulbing onion that forms productive clumps and can be divided and replanted.

60 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March–July
Subtropics: February–September
Mild climates: February–September
Cold climates: February–October

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep directly into rich, well-drained soil or raise seedlings for transplanting. Space plants approximately 2–3 cm apart with 20–30 cm between rows.

Grow in full sun and keep soil consistently moist during germination and establishment. Harvest individual stems as required or cut bunches once well established. Clumps can be divided and replanted for continued production.

Maturity: approximately 60 days.

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

Allium fistulosum

White Lisbon is a versatile heirloom bunching onion, traditionally grown for its crisp white stems and fresh green tops. Quick to mature and easy to grow, it produces long, mild-flavoured white shanks that are excellent sliced into salads, soups, stir-fries and garnishes. If left to mature, plants may develop small, tender bulbs that are ideal for pickling or adding a delicate onion flavour to a wide range of dishes. Its reliability and rapid growth make it well suited to succession sowing for a continuous harvest.

Approximately 250–300 seeds per gram
Approximately 200 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: February to October
Cold climates: Spring to autumn

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 5–10 mm deep in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Sow in rows or clumps and keep the soil consistently moist during germination. Thin plants to 5–10 cm apart for larger stems, or leave more closely spaced for slender bunching onions. Harvest young for tender spring onions or allow plants to mature further for small bulbs.

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