Vegetables - Seeds

Citrullus lanatus

Klondyke is an old-fashioned watermelon producing large, oval fruits weighing up to approximately 12 kg. The rind is relatively thin and attractively striped, enclosing bright pink flesh that is sweet, juicy and refreshing.

A classic American watermelon type, Klondyke became popular during the early 20th century and was valued for its combination of large fruit, excellent eating quality and relatively early production. The thin rind leaves plenty of crisp, succulent flesh for eating.

Plants develop vigorous, spreading vines and produce substantial fruit in warm, sunny conditions. The sweet pink flesh is excellent served chilled, cut into wedges or used in fresh summer fruit salads.

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 78–85 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

Moon And Stars is one of the most distinctive heirloom watermelons, producing large oval fruits weighing approximately 7–20 kg. The dark green rind is scattered with small yellow spots, the “stars”, alongside much larger golden-yellow patches representing the “moon”. The flesh inside is bright red, juicy and sweet.

Originally introduced in the United States in 1926 as ‘Sun, Moon and Stars’, the variety later disappeared from commercial seed catalogues and was thought lost. It was rediscovered growing in Missouri in the 1980s and returned to circulation through the work of Seed Savers Exchange, becoming a celebrated example of an heirloom variety rescued through seed saving.

Plants are vigorous and spreading, with the characteristic yellow spotting often appearing on the foliage as well as the fruit. The spectacular melons are excellent for fresh eating and have good keeping qualities when harvested fully mature.

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 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. Fruit is approaching maturity when the tendril nearest the fruit dries and browns and the underside changes from white to creamy yellow.

Maturity: approximately 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

Sugar Baby is a compact, early maturing watermelon introduced in 1955 and long valued by home gardeners and market growers. It produces round, dark green fruit approximately 20 cm across and weighing 3–5 kg. The bright red flesh is crisp, juicy and very sweet, protected by a thin but tough rind. This reliable variety is well suited to smaller gardens and cooler climates and has good drought tolerance once established. Fruit mature in approximately 68–86 days.

Approximately 20–30 seeds per gram
Approximately 15 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: August to February
Mild climates: October to January
Cold climates: November to December after frost

Planting / Sowing

Direct sow seed 15–20 mm deep into warm, well-drained soil in a sunny position, or start in pots and transplant carefully once the weather has warmed. Space plants 80–100 cm apart, allowing 1.5–2 m between rows or ample room for vines to spread. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, flowering and fruit development, reducing watering as fruit approach maturity. Harvest when the tendril nearest the fruit dries, the underside turns creamy yellow and the fruit sounds hollow when tapped.

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

Sugar Baby is a compact, early maturing watermelon introduced in 1955 and long valued by home gardeners and market growers. It produces round, dark green fruit approximately 20 cm across and weighing 3–5 kg. The bright red flesh is crisp, juicy and very sweet, protected by a thin but tough rind. This reliable variety is well suited to smaller gardens and cooler climates and has good drought tolerance once established. Fruit mature in approximately 68–86 days.

Approximately 20–30 seeds per gram
Approximately 25 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: August to February
Mild climates: October to January
Cold climates: November to December after frost

Planting / Sowing

Direct sow seed 15–20 mm deep into warm, well-drained soil in a sunny position, or start in pots and transplant carefully once the weather has warmed. Space plants 80–100 cm apart, allowing 1.5–2 m between rows or ample room for vines to spread. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, flowering and fruit development, reducing watering as fruit approach maturity. Harvest when the tendril nearest the fruit dries, the underside turns creamy yellow and the fruit sounds hollow when tapped.

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

Warpaint (also known as Crimson Sweet) is a popular, high-yielding watermelon producing large, oval fruit with distinctive light and dark green stripes. The melons can reach up to 10 kg and have crisp, deep red flesh with a sweet, refreshing flavour. Well regarded for its reliable performance, this variety offers good disease tolerance and is suitable for home gardens and market production. Fruit mature in approximately 80–97 days.

Approximately 20–30 seeds per gram
Approximately 20 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: August to February
Mild climates: October to January
Cold climates: November to December after frost

Planting / Sowing

Direct sow seed 15–20 mm deep into warm, well-drained soil in a sunny position, or start in pots and transplant carefully once the weather has warmed. Space plants 80–100 cm apart, allowing 2–3 m between rows or ample room for the vigorous vines to spread. Keep the soil consistently moist during flowering and fruit development, reducing watering as fruit reach maturity to maximise sweetness. Harvest when the nearest tendril has dried, the underside of the fruit turns creamy yellow and the melon produces a hollow sound when tapped.

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

Warpaint, also known as Crimson Sweet, is a popular large watermelon producing rounded fruits with bold alternating light and dark green stripes. Melons can reach approximately 10 kg, with crisp, deep red flesh and a sweet, juicy flavour.

Crimson Sweet was introduced in the United States in 1963 after being developed at Kansas State University. It became a widely grown variety for its excellent eating quality, attractive striped rind and useful resistance to Fusarium wilt and anthracnose.

Plants are vigorous and productive, developing spreading vines and substantial fruit. The combination of sweet red flesh, good fruit size and disease tolerance has made Crimson Sweet an enduring favourite for both home gardens and market growing.

Seed count: approximately 10–20 seeds per gram. Approximately 35 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 80–97 days.

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

Psophocarpus tetragonolobus

A vigorous tropical legume grown for its uniquely winged pods, tender edible leaves, flowers, shoots, and tubers. Winged bean has been cultivated for centuries in Southeast Asia and Papua New Guinea as a highly nutritious, multi-purpose food crop. Thriving in heat and humidity, it is valued for its productivity, nitrogen-fixing ability, and usefulness throughout the plant’s life cycle. Best suited to warm regions with a long growing season and support for climbing vines.

Approximately 10 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: September to December
Subtropics: October to December
Mild climates: Not recommended
Cold climates: Not recommended

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed 2 to 3 cm deep into warm, well drained soil in full sun once soil temperatures are consistently high. Germination is slow in cool conditions. Provide a sturdy trellis or support, as plants are vigorous climbers. Space plants 30 to 45 cm apart. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then water regularly through flowering and pod set. Harvest pods young and tender, or allow plants to mature for tuber development in long season tropical gardens.

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

Pachyrhizus erosus
(Jicama or Mexican Water Chestnut)
A climbing perennial from Central America grown for its edible tuber. The tuber can be eaten raw or cooked and has the texture of raw apple, with sweet white crisp flesh and high quality starch. When cooked it retains its crunch and is often used in Chinese dishes in place of water chestnut or bamboo shoots. Beans and pods are inedible, containing rotenone, a potent insecticide.

Approximately 10 seeds per packet
Seed count: 5 per gram

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: September to December
Subtropics: October to December
Mild climates: After frost has passed
Cold climates: Not recommended

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed or plant tubers once frost risk has passed in milder climates. Space plants 10 to 20 cm apart. Provide support for climbing vines. Larger tubers form when flowers and pods are pruned off. Allow 150 to 180 days to maturity.

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

Black Beauty is a classic heirloom bush zucchini introduced in 1941 and prized for its reliability and heavy yields. It produces early crops of uniform, cylindrical fruit with glossy dark green skin and tender white flesh. Renowned for its fine eating quality and prolific production, regular harvesting encourages continuous fruiting throughout the season. Mature in approximately 50–63 days, this compact bush variety is ideal for home gardens and market growers alike.

Approximately 6–8 seeds per gram
Approximately 25 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: August to March
Mild climates: September to January
Cold climates: October to December after frost

Planting / Sowing

Direct sow seed 20–25 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position once the danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, start in pots and transplant carefully while seedlings are young. Space plants 60–90 cm apart with 1–1.5 m between rows. Water regularly and feed throughout the growing season. Harvest fruit while young and tender, approximately 15–20 cm long, picking frequently to encourage a continuous crop.

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

Black Beauty is a classic heirloom bush zucchini introduced in 1941 and prized for its reliability and heavy yields. It produces early crops of uniform, cylindrical fruit with glossy dark green skin and tender white flesh. Renowned for its fine eating quality and prolific production, regular harvesting encourages continuous fruiting throughout the season. Mature in approximately 50–63 days, this compact bush variety is ideal for home gardens and market growers alike.

Approximately 6–8 seeds per gram
Approximately 25 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: August to March
Mild climates: September to January
Cold climates: October to December after frost

Planting / Sowing

Direct sow seed 20–25 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position once the danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, start in pots and transplant carefully while seedlings are young. Space plants 60–90 cm apart with 1–1.5 m between rows. Water regularly and feed throughout the growing season. Harvest fruit while young and tender, approximately 15–20 cm long, picking frequently to encourage a continuous crop.

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

Cocozelle is a traditional Italian heirloom zucchini that has been grown in Australia since the 1920s. This prolific bush variety produces long, smooth, slightly ridged fruit up to 20 cm in length with dark green skin striped in lighter green. Renowned for its fine flavour and tender texture, it is excellent for grilling, roasting, stuffing or harvesting young for salads. Suitable for both home gardens and market growers, plants produce continuously when picked regularly. Harvest begins in approximately 53–63 days.

Approximately 6–8 seeds per gram
Approximately 13 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: August to March
Mild climates: September to January
Cold climates: October to December after frost

Planting / Sowing

Direct sow seed 20–25 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position once the danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, start in pots and transplant carefully while seedlings are young. Space plants 60–90 cm apart with 1–1.5 m between rows. Water regularly and feed throughout the growing season. Harvest fruit while young and tender, around 15–20 cm long, and pick frequently 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.

Cucurbita pepo

Crookneck Early Yellow is a distinctive summer squash producing curved, narrow-necked fruits with buttery yellow skin that deepens to rich golden yellow as they mature. The flesh has a rich, slightly sweet flavour and is at its most tender when fruits are harvested young, ideally before they reach around 20 cm long.

Crookneck squash has a particularly long history in North America, with yellow crookneck types documented in American gardens by the early 1800s. Their characteristic curved neck and excellent eating quality made them an enduring part of the American summer vegetable garden.

Plants have a productive bush habit and begin cropping early, producing generously when fruits are picked regularly. Young squash are excellent sautéed, grilled, roasted or added to soups and stews, and the tender skin can be eaten without peeling.

Seed count: approximately 8–10 seeds per gram. Approximately 20 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. Handle seedlings carefully when transplanting to avoid disturbing the roots.

Space plants approximately 60–90 cm apart with 1–1.5 m between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH around 6.0–6.5. Maintain consistent moisture, particularly during flowering and fruit development, and harvest frequently while fruits are young and tender.

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

Golden Arch Crookneck is an early, high-yielding summer squash producing attractive butter-yellow fruit with a gently curved neck and almost no warts. Best harvested at around 15 cm long, the tender fruit have a mild flavour and smooth texture, making them excellent for grilling, roasting, frying or adding to soups and stews. The compact bush plants produce prolifically, with regular picking encouraging a longer harvest. Matures in approximately 42–50 days.

Approximately 8–12 seeds per gram
Approximately 20 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: August to March
Mild climates: September to January
Cold climates: October to December after frost

Planting / Sowing

Direct sow seed 20–25 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position once the danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, start in pots and transplant carefully while seedlings are young. Space plants 60–90 cm apart with 1–1.5 m between rows. Water regularly and feed throughout the growing season. Harvest fruit at around 15 cm long while the skin is tender, picking frequently 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 pepo

Golden Arch Crookneck is an early, high-yielding summer squash producing attractive butter-yellow fruit with a gently curved neck and almost no warts. Best harvested at around 15 cm long, the tender fruit have a mild flavour and smooth texture, making them excellent for grilling, roasting, frying or adding to soups and stews. The compact bush plants produce prolifically, with regular picking encouraging a longer harvest. Matures in approximately 42–50 days.

Approximately 8–12 seeds per gram
Approximately 20 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: August to March
Mild climates: September to January
Cold climates: October to December after frost

Planting / Sowing

Direct sow seed 20–25 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position once the danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, start in pots and transplant carefully while seedlings are young. Space plants 60–90 cm apart with 1–1.5 m between rows. Water regularly and feed throughout the growing season. Harvest fruit at around 15 cm long while the skin is tender, picking frequently 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 pepo

Golden is a productive bush zucchini producing bright golden-yellow fruits with a medium-long, cylindrical shape. The flesh is tender with a mild, pleasant flavour, and the vivid skin provides a colourful alternative to traditional dark green zucchini.

Harvest the fruits young for the finest texture and flavour. Golden zucchini is excellent grilled, roasted, sautéed or added to stir-fries, soups and fritters, and young fruits can also be sliced or grated raw into salads.

Plants have a compact, bushy habit and begin producing early, with regular harvesting encouraging continued fruit set. The bright fruits are easy to spot beneath the foliage, making them particularly convenient to harvest before they become oversized.

Seed count: approximately 8–10 seeds per gram. Approximately 20 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. Handle seedlings carefully when transplanting to avoid disturbing the roots.

Space plants approximately 60–90 cm apart with 1–1.5 m between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH around 6.0–6.5. Maintain consistent moisture, particularly during flowering and fruit development, and harvest frequently while fruits are young and tender.

Maturity: approximately 54 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

Lebanese zucchini produces smooth, light green fruits with tender flesh and an excellent sweet, delicate flavour. The fruits are at their best harvested young, when the skin is thin and the flesh particularly succulent, although they retain good eating quality even when allowed to grow considerably larger, up to around 2 kg.

A favourite type in Middle Eastern cooking, Lebanese zucchini is excellent grilled, sautéed, roasted or added to stews and soups. The young fruits are also traditionally hollowed and stuffed with rice, herbs, meat or vegetables for dishes such as kousa mahshi.

Plants are hardy, productive and quick to crop, with regular harvesting encouraging continued fruit production. Their reliable growth and excellent flavour make Lebanese zucchini a useful all-purpose variety for the home garden.

Seed count: approximately 8–10 seeds per gram. Approximately 20 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. Handle seedlings carefully when transplanting to avoid disturbing the roots.

Space plants approximately 60–90 cm apart with 1–1.5 m between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH around 6.0–6.5. Maintain consistent moisture, particularly during flowering and fruit development, and harvest frequently while fruits are young and tender.

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

Romanesco is a traditional Italian heirloom zucchini prized for its exceptional flavour and attractive grey-green fruit speckled with pale green flecks. The prominently ribbed fruit are best harvested young when tender and are ideal for grilling, sautéing, baking and stuffing. Unlike most bush zucchinis, Romanesco produces vigorous, sprawling vines and an abundance of large edible male flowers, perfect for stuffing or frying. Harvest begins in approximately 52–60 days.

Approximately 6–8 seeds per gram
Approximately 12 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: August to March
Mild climates: September to January
Cold climates: October to December after frost

Planting / Sowing

Direct sow seed 20–25 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position once the danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, start in pots and transplant carefully while seedlings are young. Allow extra space for the vigorous vines by planting 90–120 cm apart with 1.5–2 m between rows. Water regularly and feed throughout the growing season. Harvest fruit while young and tender, and pick frequently to encourage continuous production. Male flowers can also be harvested without reducing fruit yield.

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

Rondo De Nice is a traditional French zucchini producing small, round fruits with attractive medium green skin mottled with paler yellow-green markings. The flesh is tender with exceptional flavour, particularly when the fruits are harvested young.

Also known as Ronde de Nice, meaning “Round of Nice”, this old variety originates from the south of France. Its neat spherical shape makes it especially good for stuffing and baking whole, while young fruits are excellent grilled, sautéed, roasted or sliced into salads.

Plants are prolific and early bearing, beginning to produce in as little as 45 days. The delicate skin can bruise easily, so fruits are best handled gently and picked regularly while young and tender.

Seed count: approximately 8–10 seeds per gram. Approximately 20 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. Handle seedlings carefully when transplanting to avoid disturbing the roots.

Space plants approximately 60–90 cm apart with 1–1.5 m between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH around 6.0–6.5. Maintain consistent moisture, particularly during flowering and fruit development, and harvest frequently while fruits are young and tender.

Maturity: approximately 45 days.

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