Vegetables - Seeds

Tetragonia tetragonioides

New Zealand Spinach, also known as Warrigal Greens, is a sprawling leafy vegetable native to Australia and New Zealand. Despite its common name, it is not related to true spinach, but its succulent green leaves and tender growing tips are used in much the same way.

The young leaf tips are best harvested regularly, which encourages plants to branch and produce further tender growth. The leaves are best cooked and can be steamed, blanched, sautéed or added to soups, curries and other dishes. It has a long growing season and handles hot, dry summer conditions far better than true spinach.

Warrigal Greens were an important food plant for Aboriginal Australians long before European arrival. They also have an unusual place in Australian food history, being among the first Australian native vegetables recorded as eaten by Europeans when Joseph Banks and members of Captain Cook's crew collected and ate the plant in 1770. Hardy and disease resistant, established plants can survive light frost and regrow when conditions improve.

Seed count: approximately 18 seeds per gram.

Approximately 50 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

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

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly approximately 2 cm deep in a sunny position with well-drained soil. Space plants approximately 30–50 cm apart with around 100 cm between rows to allow for their spreading growth.

Keep adequately watered during establishment and harvest young growing tips regularly to encourage branching and continued production.

Maturity: approximately 50 days.

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

Beta vulgaris var. cicla

Perpetual Spinach is a productive green-leaf form of Swiss chard grown for its tender leaves rather than thick stems. Despite its name, it is not a true spinach, but has a similar flavour and texture with the advantage of a much longer harvest period.

Plants produce abundant smooth to lightly crumpled green leaves that can be picked young for salads or allowed to mature for steaming, sautéing, soups, pies and other cooked dishes. Regular picking of the outer leaves encourages continuous new growth, giving rise to the name Perpetual Spinach.

Hardier and more heat tolerant than true spinach, it is slow to bolt and can remain productive for many months. Grow in the same manner as silverbeet in fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture.

Seed count: approximately 50 seeds per gram.

Approximately 60 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March–August
Subtropics: February–October
Mild climates: February–November
Cold climates: August–April

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly or raise seedlings for transplanting, approximately 1–2 cm deep. Space plants around 25–30 cm apart with 40–50 cm between rows, or sow more densely for baby leaf production.

Keep well watered, particularly during hot or dry conditions. Harvest individual outer leaves regularly, leaving the central growing point intact to continue producing.

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

Spinacia oleracea

Viroflay is a classic French heirloom spinach producing exceptionally large, smooth, dark green leaves that can reach around 20 cm long. The leaves remain tender even when mature, with a mild flavour traditionally described as lower in acidity than many older spinach varieties.

Dating to around 1866, this historic variety originated around Viroflay, near Versailles in France. It became known as Monstrueux de Viroflay, or Monster of Viroflay, for the remarkable size of its leaves and vigorous growth.

Best grown during cool weather, Viroflay is excellent harvested young for salads or allowed to develop its characteristic large leaves for steaming, sautéing, soups, pies and other cooked dishes.

Seed count: approximately 130 seeds per gram. Approximately 70 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April–July
Subtropics: March–August
Mild climates: February–September
Cold climates: February–May and August–October

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly approximately 1–2 cm deep into fertile, well-drained soil. Space plants approximately 10–15 cm apart with 25–30 cm between rows, allowing a little extra room if growing plants to full size.

Keep consistently moist and grow in full sun during cooler weather. Harvest individual outer leaves as required or cut whole plants once they reach the desired size. Avoid prolonged hot conditions, which encourage bolting.

Maturity: approximately 50 days.

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

Cucurbita pepo

Bennings Green Tint is a traditional heirloom patty pan squash producing attractive pale green, scalloped fruits with a delicate flavour and fine texture. Best harvested when 75–100 mm across, the tender fruits are perfect for steaming, grilling, roasting, stuffing or adding to stir-fries. The medium-sized bush plants are highly productive over an extended season, making this reliable variety a favourite in home gardens. Regular harvesting encourages continuous flowering and abundant fruit production.

Approximately 7–9 seeds per gram
Approximately 25 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

Direct sow seed 20–30 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position once the danger of frost has passed. Space plants 80–100 cm apart to allow the bush to develop fully. Keep the soil consistently moist and apply regular feeds during flowering and fruiting. Harvest fruits when they reach 75–100 mm across for the finest flavour and texture. Picking regularly will encourage a long, productive harvest.

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

Cucurbita pepo

Green Tint is a traditional patty pan squash producing attractive pale green, scalloped fruits with a delicate flavour and fine texture. Best harvested when 75–100 mm across, the tender fruits are ideal for steaming, grilling, roasting, stuffing or adding to stir-fries. The medium-sized bush plants are highly productive over a long season, making this a dependable favourite for home gardens. Harvesting regularly encourages continuous flowering and fruit production.

Approximately 7–9 seeds per gram
Approximately 17 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

Direct sow seed 20–30 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in full sun once the danger of frost has passed. Space plants 80–100 cm apart, allowing room for the bush to develop. Keep the soil consistently moist and feed regularly during flowering and fruiting. Harvest fruits while young, at 75–100 mm across, for the best flavour and texture. Frequent picking will encourage a long and productive harvest.

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

Cucurbita pepo

Yellow Bush Scallop is a traditional button squash producing brilliant golden-yellow, disc-shaped fruits with deeply scalloped edges. The tender young fruits have a fine texture and mild, slightly sweet flavour and are best harvested while small.

The vigorous bush plants are productive and relatively compact compared with trailing squash. Regular picking encourages continued flowering and fruit production. Young squash can be steamed or sautéed whole, grilled, roasted, stuffed or sliced into salads and vegetable dishes.

Scalloped squash, also known as pattypan squash, are among the oldest cultivated forms of Cucurbita pepo, with similar scalloped forms grown in the Americas for centuries.

Approximately 15 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

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

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly approximately 2–3 cm deep once the soil has warmed, or raise seedlings for transplanting after frost risk has passed. Space plants approximately 60–90 cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.

Keep consistently watered during flowering and fruit development. Harvest fruits regularly while young and tender to encourage 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.

Cucurbita maxima

Baby Green Hubbard is a compact version of the traditional Hubbard squash, producing distinctive pear to teardrop-shaped fruits around 17 cm long with deeply coloured dark green skin. Inside, the yellow-orange flesh is dense, smooth and richly flavoured.

The flesh has a sweet, nutty flavour and dry texture that makes it excellent for roasting, baking, soups, curries and pies. Fruits store particularly well after harvest, making this a useful winter squash for keeping into the cooler months.

Hubbard squashes have been grown in North America since at least the mid-19th century and became prized for their excellent storage qualities and rich flesh. Baby Green Hubbard offers these traditional characteristics in a smaller, more manageable fruit.

Approximately 12 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

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

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly approximately 2–3 cm deep once the soil has warmed, or raise seedlings for transplanting after frost risk has passed. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil, allowing approximately 1–1.5 m between plants for the spreading vines.

Water consistently during establishment, flowering and fruit development. Allow fruits to mature fully on the vine and harvest when the skin has hardened and the stem begins to dry. Cure before storing in a cool, dry, well-ventilated position.

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.

Cucurbita pepo

Gem Squash is a much-loved South African heirloom winter squash producing dark green, cannonball-sized fruits with sweet, dense flesh. Productive vines typically yield around 8 fruits each, which store for up to four months when harvested fully mature. Young fruits can also be picked early and enjoyed like zucchini, while mature squash are delicious baked, roasted, steamed or stuffed. Compact in size and excellent for storage, Gem Squash is a versatile and rewarding addition to the home vegetable garden.

Approximately 7–9 seeds per gram
Approximately 15 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

Direct sow seed 20–30 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position once the danger of frost has passed. Space plants 1–1.5 metres apart, allowing room for the vines to spread. Keep the soil consistently moist during establishment and fruit development. Harvest young fruits for use like zucchini, or allow fruits to fully mature over 90–100 days for the best flavour and longest storage life. Cure mature fruits in a warm, dry place before storing.

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

Cucurbita ficifolia

Chilacayote is an unusual long-lived squash originating in the highlands of Central America. A vigorous, fast-growing trailing vine, it is often described as the perennial squash because plants can persist for several years in frost-free conditions. Unlike most squash, it thrives in relatively cool conditions and can produce heavily through winter and spring in suitable climates.

Plants produce numerous large, watermelon-like fruits with sweet white flesh. Immature fruits can be eaten raw or cooked like zucchini, while the flowers, young leaves and tender shoots are also eaten as vegetables. Mature fruit is traditionally used for preserves, jams and confectionery, particularly the distinctive candied preparations found throughout Mexico and Central America. The protein-rich seeds are also edible and nutritious.

Exceptionally vigorous, hardy and disease resistant, Chilacayote produces mature fruits that can store for many months. Cucurbita ficifolia is genetically distinct from the common cultivated squash species and does not readily cross with other garden squash, making it particularly useful for seed savers.

Approximately 6 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

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

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly approximately 2–3 cm deep or raise seedlings for transplanting. Germination can take approximately 15–30 days. Allow plenty of room for the vigorous trailing vines, which can cover a substantial area or be trained over a strong trellis or structure.

Keep adequately watered during establishment and fruit development. Harvest young fruits for zucchini-style use or allow them to mature fully on the vine for storage, seed or preserves.

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

Cucurbita pepo

Spaghetti Squash is a vigorous winter squash producing cylindrical fruits up to 30 cm long with unique golden flesh that separates into fine, spaghetti-like strands when cooked. Harvest when the skin changes from bright yellow to a buff colour for the best flavour and storage life. The cooked flesh makes a delicious low-starch alternative to pasta and pairs beautifully with tomato sauces, pesto, roasted vegetables or butter and herbs. Productive vines typically yield 4–5 fruits each, and the mature squash store well for several months.

Approximately 7–9 seeds per gram
Approximately 15 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

Direct sow seed 20–30 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position after the danger of frost has passed. Space plants 1–1.5 metres apart, allowing ample room for the vigorous vines to spread. Keep the soil consistently moist during establishment and fruit development. Harvest mature fruits after approximately 70–115 days, when the skin has turned from yellow to buff and is firm to the touch. Cure fruits for a week or two in a warm, dry place before storing for extended keeping.

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

Cucurbita pepo

Spaghetti Squash is a vigorous trailing vine producing cylindrical fruits up to approximately 30 cm long. The skin matures from pale yellow to a deeper yellow-buff colour, signalling that the fruit is ready to harvest. Plants are productive, typically yielding around four to five fruits per vine.

The unusual golden-yellow flesh separates naturally into long, spaghetti-like strands once cooked. Bake or boil the whole or halved fruit, then scrape the flesh with a fork and serve with pasta sauces, herbs, butter or roasted vegetables. Its mild flavour makes it particularly versatile in the kitchen.

Native to the Americas, Cucurbita pepo has a long history of cultivation, although spaghetti-type squash is a much more recent development. Mature fruits store well when harvested with their skins fully hardened and kept in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.

Seed count: approximately 3–5 seeds per gram. Approximately 15 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

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

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 2–3 cm deep directly where plants are to grow once the soil has warmed, or start indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting. Space plants approximately 80–120 cm apart, allowing plenty of room for the vigorous vines to spread.

Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Keep plants consistently watered during establishment, flowering and fruit development. For storage, allow fruits to mature fully on the vine and harvest once the skin has turned yellow to buff and hardened.

Maturity: approximately 70–115 days.

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

Cucurbita pepo

Table Queen is a classic heirloom acorn squash introduced in the 1930s and prized for its heavy yields and excellent eating quality. The compact, acorn-shaped fruits grow to around 14 cm across with a dark green rind enclosing thick, dry orange flesh. Rich, sweet and nutty in flavour, they are ideal for baking, roasting, stuffing or using anywhere pumpkin is called for. Allow fruits to fully mature on the vine to develop their best flavour and storage qualities.

Approximately 7–9 seeds per gram
Approximately 17 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

Direct sow seed 20–30 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position after the danger of frost has passed. Space plants 1–1.5 metres apart, allowing plenty of room for the vines to spread. Keep the soil consistently moist during establishment and fruit development. Harvest mature fruits after approximately 80–85 days, once the rind is hard and the stems begin to dry. Cure harvested squash in a warm, dry place before storing.

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

Fragaria vesca

Baron Solemacher is a classic alpine strawberry producing small, deep red fruits with an intensely sweet flavour and rich strawberry fragrance. The berries may be smaller than modern garden strawberries, but are prized for their concentrated flavour and aroma.

A German alpine variety introduced in the 1930s, Baron Solemacher is a selection of the European woodland strawberry, Fragaria vesca. Plants form compact clumps rather than producing masses of runners, making them particularly useful for garden borders, containers and small spaces.

Hardy and well suited to cooler climates, plants can crop over an extended period once established. The aromatic fruits are excellent eaten fresh and are also suited to desserts, preserves and garnishes.

Approximately 75 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April–July in cooler or elevated districts
Subtropics: March–August
Mild climates: February–September
Cold climates: August–November

Planting / Sowing

Sow very shallowly onto moist seed-raising mix, pressing the fine seed gently onto the surface with little or no covering. Keep consistently moist and in a bright position until germination, which can be slow and irregular.

Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle, spacing plants approximately 20–30 cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Grow in full sun in cooler climates or provide some afternoon protection in warmer areas. Keep evenly watered during flowering and fruiting.

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

Fragaria vesca

Rujana is a German heirloom alpine strawberry producing abundant crops of sweet, juicy red berries with the intense fragrance characteristic of wild strawberries. Also known as Fraises des Bois, the fruits are smaller than modern garden strawberries but exceptionally aromatic and richly flavoured.

Bred in Germany around 1920, Rujana was one of the early named selections of Fragaria vesca, the European woodland strawberry. Plants produce large white flowers followed by fruit over an extended season and form neat, compact clumps, making them particularly attractive in containers, hanging baskets and as edible garden edging.

The berries are excellent fresh, dry well and make beautifully fragrant jams and preserves. Both the fruit and leaves have also traditionally been used for herbal teas.

Approximately 70 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April–July in cooler or elevated districts
Subtropics: March–August
Mild climates: February–September
Cold climates: August–November

Planting / Sowing

Sow very shallowly onto moist seed-raising mix, pressing the fine seed gently onto the surface with little or no covering. Keep consistently moist and in a bright position until germination, which can be slow and irregular.

Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle, spacing plants approximately 20–30 cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Grow in full sun in cooler climates or provide some afternoon protection in warmer areas. Keep evenly watered during flowering and fruiting.

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

Fragaria vesca

White Alpine is a charming alpine strawberry producing small, creamy white berries with an intensely sweet flavour and rich fragrance. The ripe berries remain pale rather than turning red and are exceptionally good eaten fresh, if they make it as far as the kitchen.

A form of the European woodland strawberry, Fragaria vesca, White Alpine grows as a compact perennial and produces few runners. Established plants can instead be divided to create new plants. Its neat growth makes it well suited to containers, garden edging and moist, partly shaded areas beneath taller plants or in fernery-style gardens.

The delicate berries are excellent fresh or used in desserts, while the leaves of Fragaria vesca have a long history of use as a herbal tea. Plants have a long productive season and appreciate fertile soil, regular feeding and consistent moisture.

Approximately 75 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April–July in cooler or elevated districts
Subtropics: March–August
Mild climates: February–September
Cold climates: August–November

Planting / Sowing

Sow very shallowly onto moist seed-raising mix, pressing the fine seed gently onto the surface with little or no covering. Keep consistently moist and in a bright position until germination, which can be slow and irregular.

Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle, spacing plants approximately 20–30 cm apart in fertile, well-drained soil. Grow in full sun in cooler areas or partial shade in warmer climates. Keep plants consistently moist and feed regularly during active growth and fruiting.

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

Solanum lycopersicum

Arcadia is a compact determinate tomato producing medium-sized, red, slightly flattened fruits approximately 5–7 cm across. The tomatoes have good flavour, firm skin and excellent keeping qualities, combining eating quality with the durability needed for handling and transport.

Selected for commercial fresh-market growers in northern Victoria, Arcadia was developed for vine ripening in full sun while retaining firmness after harvest. Plants form compact bushes to approximately 50 cm high, making them useful where space is limited as well as for larger plantings.

Tomatoes originated in the Andes of western South America and were later domesticated and cultivated in Central America before spreading around the world. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and contain carotenoids including lycopene. Tomatoes prefer an open, sunny position and fertile soil with good drainage and plenty of organic matter.

Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram.

Approximately 40 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.

Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and avoid waterlogged conditions. Water at soil level rather than overhead where possible to help reduce foliar disease.

As a determinate variety, Arcadia produces its crop on a compact bush and generally requires less training than indeterminate tomatoes, although support can be useful when plants are heavily laden with fruit.

Maturity: approximately 60–120 days.

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