Vegetables - Seeds

Solanum lycopersicum

Yellow Egg is an attractive tomato producing oblong, egg-shaped fruits that ripen to a clear golden yellow. The smooth fruits have a mild, pleasantly sweet tomato flavour and firm flesh, making them a versatile addition to the garden.

The unusual shape and bright colouring make Yellow Egg particularly appealing for fresh eating, salads and colourful tomato platters. The fruits can also be roasted whole or used in cooking, where their golden colour provides an interesting alternative to traditional red tomatoes.

Plants have a determinate bush habit, producing their crop on relatively compact plants. They require less training than climbing tomatoes, although light staking or caging can help support plants when carrying a heavy crop.

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. Plants are compact and generally require less training than climbing varieties, although light staking or caging can help support a heavy crop. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

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

Yellow Perfection is an old English tomato producing small, smooth fruits that ripen to a rich golden yellow. The flesh is juicy and sweet with a good, well-rounded tomato flavour, making it particularly enjoyable eaten fresh.

An established British heirloom, Yellow Perfection has been grown for generations for its flavour, attractive colour and reliable production. The thin-skinned fruits can be prone to cracking during periods of wet weather or sudden changes in soil moisture, so consistent watering and prompt harvesting are beneficial.

Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, producing fruit over an extended season. The golden fruits are excellent for salads, sandwiches, platters and fresh eating, and their colour makes a striking contrast when mixed with red and dark tomato varieties.

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 provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Maintain reasonably consistent soil moisture, particularly as fruit develops, to help reduce cracking. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Maturity: approximately 70–75 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 lycopersicum

Yellow Roma is an attractive paste-type tomato producing elongated, golden-yellow fruits with firm, fleshy interiors. The fruits have a delightful sweet flavour and the dense texture characteristic of Roma tomatoes, with less juice than many slicing varieties.

Excellent for sauces, passata, roasting and preserving, Yellow Roma is equally good eaten fresh in salads and sandwiches. Its golden flesh makes particularly striking sauces and preserves and provides a colourful alternative to the traditional red Roma.

Plants have a determinate bush habit, producing a concentrated crop on relatively compact plants. Their manageable growth and plentiful fleshy fruit make this a useful variety for gardeners wanting tomatoes for both fresh eating and preserving.

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. Plants are compact and generally require less training than climbing varieties, although staking or caging can help support a heavy crop. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

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

Yellow Stuffer is an unusual tomato producing bright yellow fruits to approximately 75 mm across. Deeply lobed and shaped remarkably like a bell capsicum, the fruits develop a relatively hollow interior with firm outer walls and few seeds.

As the name suggests, this variety is particularly well suited to stuffing. The fruits can be filled with rice, grains, vegetables, cheese or meat and baked whole, while their firm flesh also works well for salads and fresh dishes.

Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, continuing to produce their distinctive fruits over an extended season. The climbing vines benefit from sturdy staking or trellising, particularly as the crop develops.

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 provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Maturity: approximately 85 days.

Not available for WA.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.

Curcuma longa

Turmeric is a tropical perennial grown for its vibrant golden-orange rhizomes, prized for centuries in both the kitchen and traditional herbal medicine. Fresh turmeric has a warm, earthy flavour with subtle citrus notes and can be grated into curries, soups, stir-fries, juices and teas, or dried and ground into powder. In traditional systems of herbal medicine, including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, turmeric has long been used to support healthy digestion, liver function and general wellbeing. The lush plants also make an attractive addition to the garden, producing broad tropical foliage through the warmer months.

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: September to January
Subtropics: September to December
Mild climates: October to December
Cold climates: Spring, after all frost risk has passed

Planting / Sowing
Plant rhizomes horizontally 5–10 cm deep in rich, well-drained soil in a warm, frost-free position with morning sun or filtered light. Ensure each piece has at least one healthy growing bud. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season and mulch well to retain moisture. Plants are ready to harvest after 8–10 months, once the foliage yellows and dies back. Each piece is carefully selected to include healthy growth buds. As it grows naturally in irregular shapes, the number and size of rhizome pieces supplied per weight will vary.

Not for WA, Not for TAS

Brassica rapa

Gold Ball is a heritage turnip producing smooth, rounded roots with golden-yellow skin and golden-yellow flesh. The roots can reach around 10–12 cm across, although they are generally at their sweetest and most tender when harvested closer to 8 cm. The flesh is fine-textured with a mild, sweet, slightly nutty flavour.

This is a genuinely old variety. It was recorded in the French Album Vilmorin of 1854–55 as Robertson’s Golden Ball and was also known as Orange Jelly. Late 19th-century seed catalogues specifically classified it among the yellow-fleshed turnips and praised it as a fine table variety.

Excellent roasted, simmered, mashed or added to soups and stews, Gold Ball is also a good keeper. The young leafy tops are edible and can be harvested for salads or cooked as greens.

Seed count: approximately 400–500 seeds per gram. Approximately 200 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March–September
Subtropics: August–May
Mild climates: September–April
Cold climates: September–April

Planting / Sowing

Direct sow approximately 1 cm deep into fertile, friable, well-drained soil. Thin seedlings to approximately 12–20 cm apart with 30–50 cm between rows. Maintain consistent moisture as the roots develop for the best texture and flavour.

Maturity: approximately 44–65 days.

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

Brassica rapa 

Italian Cabbage is an unusual old European turnip grown for its very large roots and exceptionally tender flesh. Despite its somewhat rustic appearance, the root has a buttery, mild flavour and remains tender rather than becoming coarse or woody as it grows. Young roots can be sliced and eaten raw as well as roasted, steamed, mashed or added to soups and stews.

This is a very old turnip type with a long history in European cultivation. Despite the name “Italian Cabbage”, it is a turnip rather than a true cabbage or swede. The leafy tops are also edible and can be harvested young for salads or cooked as greens.

A vigorous and forgiving variety, Italian Cabbage can be allowed to grow considerably larger than most table turnips without sacrificing eating quality. It is adaptable across a broad range of conditions and can be grown through much of the year where temperatures are suitable.

Seed count: approximately 400–500 seeds per gram. Approximately 180 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

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

Planting / Sowing

Direct sow approximately 5–10 mm deep into fertile, friable, well-drained soil. Thin seedlings to approximately 15–20 cm apart to allow the large roots room to develop, with 30–40 cm between rows. Maintain consistent moisture for the most tender roots.

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

Brassica rapa var. rapifera

Japanese Turnip, also known as Tokyo Market, is a fast-growing turnip producing smooth, pearly white roots approximately 7–10 cm across. The slightly flattened globe-shaped roots have crisp, juicy white flesh with a mild, delicate flavour, particularly when harvested young.

The tender roots are excellent as a baby vegetable and can be eaten raw, where their flavour is considerably milder than most radishes. They are equally good steamed, stir-fried, roasted or pickled. The young leafy tops are also edible, with a gentle mustard flavour that works particularly well steamed or in stir-fries.

Hardy, quick and easy to grow, Tokyo Market performs well across a broad range of climates and is ideal for successive sowings. Harvest young for the sweetest, most tender roots and maintain consistent moisture to encourage rapid growth and smooth, crisp roots.

Seed count: approximately 120 seeds per gram. Approximately 100 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March–August
Subtropics: February–September
Mild climates: February–November
Cold climates: August–May

Planting / Sowing

Direct sow approximately 5–10 mm deep into fertile, friable, well-drained soil. Thin seedlings to approximately 7–10 cm apart with 25–30 cm between rows. For baby turnips, plants can be spaced more closely and harvested young. Maintain consistent moisture for rapid growth and the best texture.

Maturity: approximately 30–40 days.

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

Brassica rapa

Purple Top Milan is an early maturing heirloom turnip producing smooth, flattened white roots with attractive purple shoulders. The crisp, tender flesh has a mild, sweet flavour, making it ideal for steaming, roasting, mashing or adding fresh to salads when harvested young. Fast growing and reliable, this variety is an excellent choice for succession sowing and is ready to harvest in as little as 30–35 days. The young green tops are also delicious cooked like spinach.

Approximately 250–350 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

Direct sow seed 5–10 mm deep into well-prepared soil in a sunny position. Thin seedlings to 10–15 cm apart, allowing 25–30 cm between rows. Keep soil evenly moist to encourage rapid, even growth and prevent woody roots. Harvest young for the sweetest flavour or allow roots to mature while still tender. Young leaves may also be picked for cooking.

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

Brassica rapa

Purple Top White Globe is Australia's classic heirloom turnip, introduced in the late nineteenth century and still one of the country's most popular varieties. It produces large, round roots with creamy white, fine-grained flesh and distinctive purple shoulders. The flavour is sweet and mild with an excellent texture, making it ideal for roasting, mashing, soups, stews and steaming. Slow to bolt and an excellent keeper, this reliable variety stores well after harvest and matures in 45–65 days. The nutritious young tops can also be harvested and cooked as leafy greens.

Approximately 250–350 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

Direct sow seed 5–10 mm deep into well-prepared soil in a sunny position. Thin seedlings to 10–15 cm apart, allowing 25–30 cm between rows. Keep the soil evenly moist to encourage rapid, even growth and prevent woody roots. Harvest roots from 45–65 days while still tender, or leave them to reach full size for storage. The young leaves may also be picked and cooked like spinach.

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

Brassica rapa

Purple Top White Globe is Australia's classic heirloom turnip, introduced in the late nineteenth century and still one of the country's most popular varieties. It produces large, round roots with creamy white, fine-grained flesh and distinctive purple shoulders. The flavour is sweet and mild with an excellent texture, making it ideal for roasting, mashing, soups, stews and steaming. Slow to bolt and an excellent keeper, this reliable variety stores well after harvest and matures in 45–65 days. The nutritious young tops can also be harvested and cooked as leafy greens.

Approximately 250–350 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

Direct sow seed 5–10 mm deep into well-prepared soil in a sunny position. Thin seedlings to 10–15 cm apart, allowing 25–30 cm between rows. Keep the soil evenly moist to encourage rapid, even growth and prevent woody roots. Harvest roots from 45–65 days while still tender, or leave them to reach full size for storage. The young leaves may also be picked and cooked like spinach.

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

Brassica rapa

Snowball, also known as White Egg, is an old standard turnip producing smooth, pure white roots with crisp, tender flesh. The rounded to slightly egg-shaped roots are best harvested at around 9 cm across, while the flesh is still particularly sweet, mild and succulent.

A longstanding garden variety, Snowball has been valued for its quick growth, dependable cropping and delicate flavour. The roots are versatile in the kitchen and can be eaten raw when young or steamed, roasted, mashed, pickled or added to soups and stews. The young leafy tops are also edible and can be cooked as greens.

Best grown through the cooler parts of the year, Snowball is particularly suited to autumn and spring sowings. Rapid, uninterrupted growth and consistent moisture help produce the smoothest roots and prevent the flesh becoming coarse or strongly flavoured.

Seed count: approximately 400–500 seeds per gram. Approximately 300 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March–August
Subtropics: February–September
Mild climates: February–November
Cold climates: August–May

Planting / Sowing

Direct sow approximately 5–10 mm deep into fertile, friable, well-drained soil. Thin seedlings to approximately 8–12 cm apart with 25–30 cm between rows. Maintain consistent moisture as the roots develop and harvest at around 9 cm across for the best texture and flavour.

Maturity: approximately 40–55 days.

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

Citrullus lanatus

Bush Jubilee produces large, oval watermelons with light green skin boldly striped with dark green. Fruits can reach approximately 60 cm long, with firm, bright red flesh and a sweet, refreshing flavour.

A more compact watermelon than the traditional sprawling types, Bush Jubilee produces shorter, more manageable vines while still developing impressively sized fruit. It is a productive variety with some resistance to Fusarium wilt.

The firm, sweet flesh is excellent eaten fresh and chilled, in fruit salads or cut into wedges. Grow in full sun and provide consistent moisture while vines are establishing and fruit is developing.

Seed count: approximately 10–20 seeds per gram. Approximately 18 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

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

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 1–2 cm deep directly where plants are to grow once the soil has warmed, or start indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after frost. Space plants approximately 60–90 cm apart, allowing room for 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. Fruit is approaching maturity when the tendril nearest the fruit dries and browns and the underside changes from white to creamy yellow.

Maturity: approximately 85–95 days.

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

Citrullus lanatus

Charleston Grey is a classic watermelon producing large, oblong fruits that can reach approximately 15 kg. The pale green rind is marked with darker green striping, enclosing crisp, bright red flesh with an excellent sweet flavour.

Developed in the United States and released in 1954, Charleston Grey was bred by plant pathologist Charles F. Andrus of the USDA. It became an important commercial watermelon for its combination of fruit quality, reliable production and resistance to Fusarium wilt and anthracnose.

An early and vigorous producer for such a large-fruited variety, Charleston Grey also has good resistance to sunburn. The crisp, juicy flesh is excellent eaten fresh and chilled, in fruit salads or cut into generous summer wedges.

Seed count: approximately 10–20 seeds per gram. Approximately 15 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

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

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 1–2 cm deep directly where plants are to grow once the soil has warmed, or start indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after frost. Space plants approximately 80–120 cm apart, allowing plenty of room for 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. Fruit is approaching maturity when the tendril nearest the fruit dries and browns and the underside changes from white to creamy yellow.

Maturity: approximately 85–100 days.

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

Citrullus lanatus

Charleston Grey is a classic watermelon producing large, oblong fruits that can reach approximately 15 kg. The pale green rind is marked with darker green striping, enclosing crisp, bright red flesh with an excellent sweet flavour.

Developed in the United States and released in 1954, Charleston Grey was bred by plant pathologist Charles F. Andrus of the USDA. It became an important commercial watermelon for its combination of fruit quality, reliable production and resistance to Fusarium wilt and anthracnose.

An early and vigorous producer for such a large-fruited variety, Charleston Grey also has good resistance to sunburn. The crisp, juicy flesh is excellent eaten fresh and chilled, in fruit salads or cut into generous summer wedges.

Seed count: approximately 10–20 seeds per gram. Approximately 20 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

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

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 1–2 cm deep directly where plants are to grow once the soil has warmed, or start indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after frost. Space plants approximately 80–120 cm apart, allowing plenty of room for 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. Fruit is approaching maturity when the tendril nearest the fruit dries and browns and the underside changes from white to creamy yellow.

Maturity: approximately 85–100 days.

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

Citrullus lanatus

Golden Honey is a rare heirloom watermelon producing large fruits with light green skin patterned with darker green stripes. Inside, the flesh ripens to a striking golden yellow and is exceptionally sweet, juicy and refreshing.

Fruits can reach approximately 15 kg and contain relatively few large seeds, leaving plenty of crisp, succulent flesh. Its unusual colour makes Golden Honey particularly impressive served fresh, chilled in wedges or added to summer fruit salads.

Plants develop vigorous, spreading vines and require plenty of warmth, sun and room to grow. Consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development encourages good-sized, evenly developed melons.

Seed count: approximately 10–20 seeds per gram. Approximately 20 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

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

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 1–2 cm deep directly where plants are to grow once the soil has warmed, or start indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after frost. Space plants approximately 80–120 cm apart, allowing plenty of room for 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. Fruit is approaching maturity when the tendril nearest the fruit dries and browns and the underside changes from white to creamy yellow.

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

Citrullus lanatus

Jam Melon is an old-fashioned preserving melon producing smooth, rounded fruits to approximately 5 kg. Unlike sweet dessert watermelons, the fruit has firm, solid white flesh with a mild flavour, making it particularly useful for preserves rather than fresh eating.

Traditionally grown for jam making, the flesh readily takes up sugar, citrus, ginger and other flavours during cooking. It can also be made into pickles or used in fruitcakes, puddings and biscuits. Jam melons were once a familiar part of Australian home preserving, particularly when making preserves to carry the household through the year.

Plants are hardy, vigorous and prolific, producing fruits with excellent keeping qualities. Mature melons can be stored for up to a year under suitable cool, dry conditions, making this an unusual and useful storage crop.

Seed count: approximately 10–20 seeds per gram. Approximately 15 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

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

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 1–2 cm deep directly where plants are to grow once the soil has warmed, or start indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after frost. 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. Allow fruits intended for storage to mature fully on the vine before harvesting.

Maturity: approximately 80–100 days.

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

(Photo courtesy of Seed Savers Exchange)