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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.

Acacia baileyana (Cootamundra Wattle)

Iconic Australian native with silvery-blue-green foliage and captivating masses of golden yellow powderpuff flowers through the winter. Establishes easily and thrives with minimal requirements. Considered an environmental pest in some regions.

Approximately 30 seeds per packet

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

Planting / Sowing
To improve germination, pour hot (not boiling) water over seed and allow to soak for 12 to 24 hours before sowing. Sow into a free-draining seed raising mix and lightly cover. Keep moist but not waterlogged during germination. Position in full sun to part shade. Transplant carefully once seedlings are established. Adaptable to a wide range of soil types and highly tolerant of drought once established. Approximately 2 to 5 years to flowering.

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

Petunia nana compacta

Budget Mixed is a compact, free-flowering Petunia producing masses of colourful trumpet-shaped blooms in a cheerful mixture of pink, red, purple, mauve, white and bi-coloured shades. Growing to approximately 30 cm tall, the bushy plants provide abundant colour throughout the warmer months.

Ideal for garden beds, borders, containers, window boxes and hanging baskets, Petunias are reliable performers with a long flowering season. Their bright, open flowers are also visited by bees and other pollinating insects.

Plants thrive in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and regular moisture. Some afternoon shade can be beneficial in particularly hot climates. Regular deadheading and light trimming help keep plants compact and encourage continued flowering.

Seed count: approximately 8,000 seeds/g
Approximately 2,500 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to spring
Subtropics: Spring to autumn
Mild climates: Spring to summer
Cold climates: Late spring to summer after frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow the very fine seed onto the surface of moist seed-raising mix and press gently into place. Do not cover deeply, as light assists germination. Keep warm and consistently moist, using a fine mist to avoid disturbing the seed.

Transplant once seedlings are well established, spacing approximately 20–30 cm apart. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and remove spent flowers regularly to encourage further blooming.

Not available for TAS. Due to quarantine restrictions, WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Bupleurum rotundifolium

Bupleurum ‘Griffithii’ is a graceful annual producing soft green-yellow flowers surrounded by distinctive rounded blue-green foliage. Growing to approximately 90 cm tall, its slender branching stems bring height, movement and an airy quality to garden beds and cutting gardens.

Long valued by flower growers and florists, Bupleurum makes an excellent cut flower and is particularly useful as a foliage and filler plant in bouquets. The stems provide structure without overwhelming other flowers and can also be dried for longer-lasting arrangements. Left in the garden, the flowers are attractive to bees and other beneficial insects.

Easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil, taller plants may benefit from support when grown in exposed or windy positions.

Seed count: approximately 360 seeds/g
Approximately 80 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to early spring
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Spring after frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly where plants are to grow or raise carefully in trays, covering seed lightly. Keep moist during germination and avoid disturbing the roots unnecessarily when transplanting.

Space plants approximately 20–30 cm apart in full sun and well-drained soil. Succession sowing can help extend the supply of stems for cutting throughout the season.

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

Break O' Day is an early-cropping tomato producing smooth, round, deep red fruits of medium size. The thin-skinned fruits have excellent flavour while remaining firm enough for handling and transport, a combination that made the variety valuable to both home and commercial growers.

Introduced commercially in 1932, Break O' Day became an established Australian variety valued for its dependable cropping across a wide range of growing conditions. Similar in appearance and eating quality to Grosse Lisse, it crops earlier and was once widely grown for the fresh market.

A vigorous indeterminate variety, plants continue flowering and producing throughout the season. Its combination of early maturity, good flavour, reliable yields and shipping quality makes it a particularly useful old commercial tomato.

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.

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

Zea mays

Oaxacan Green is a remarkable heirloom maize originating from southern Mexico, where it has been grown for centuries by the Zapotec people. The striking emerald green kernels are traditionally milled into a distinctive green flour for making tamales and tortillas. Plants grow to approximately 1.6–1.8 m tall and produce beautiful ornamental cobs while remaining drought tolerant and reliable under a range of conditions. Matures in around 75–105 days.

Approximately 25 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: September to January
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: After the last frost

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly into well drained, fertile soil in full sun once the soil has warmed. Plant seeds 2–3 cm deep, spacing plants 20–30 cm apart in blocks rather than single rows to ensure good pollination. Keep plants well watered during flowering and cob development. Harvest young cobs fresh or allow them to mature and dry completely for milling into flour.

Not available for WA.

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

Barbarea verna var. praecox

American Upland Cress is a fast-growing annual leafy green prized for its crisp texture and mildly peppery flavour. A popular alternative to traditional watercress, it grows well in ordinary garden soil without the need for running water, making it an easy addition to vegetable patches and kitchen gardens. The nutritious leaves are excellent in salads, sandwiches and garnishes, and can also be lightly cooked like spinach. Shade tolerant and quick to mature, it provides reliable harvests through much of the year.

Approximately 880 seeds per gram
Approximately 300 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to September
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: March to November
Cold climates: September to April

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 5 mm deep directly into fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist throughout growth for the best quality leaves. Thin seedlings to 15–20 cm apart and harvest the young leaves from around 45 days. Regular picking encourages continuous fresh growth.

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

Tropaeolum majus 

Alaska Mix Nasturtium is a colourful compact heirloom variety prized for its striking variegated foliage and vibrant blooms in shades of yellow, orange, scarlet and deep red. Unlike trailing nasturtiums, this bushy form remains neat and compact, making it ideal for garden borders, containers, hanging baskets and vegetable gardens.

The attractive cream and green marbled leaves provide ornamental interest even before flowering begins. Both the flowers and leaves are edible, adding a peppery flavour to salads, sandwiches and garnishes. Nasturtiums are also valued as companion plants, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects while helping to draw aphids away from nearby vegetables.

Easy to grow and tolerant of poor soils, Alaska Mix performs best when not overfed, as excessive fertility encourages foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Approximately 8 seeds per gram
Approximately 25 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

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

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed directly into the garden 10–15 mm deep in a sunny to partly shaded position. Seeds germinate best when the soil is kept evenly moist. Space plants 25–30 cm apart. Nasturtiums prefer well-drained soil and generally flower more prolifically in soils that are not overly rich. Harvest flowers and leaves regularly to encourage continued blooming throughout the season.

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

Lactuca sativa

Great Lakes Lettuce is a classic crisphead variety that also performs beautifully as a baby leaf and microgreen. It produces fresh green leaves with a crisp texture and mild, refreshing flavour, making it an excellent addition to salad mixes, sandwiches, wraps and garnishes.

Harvested young, the leaves are tender and succulent with the characteristic crunch and clean flavour of lettuce. As baby leaf, Great Lakes provides attractive, versatile greens that pair easily with stronger-flavoured mustards, herbs and other salad varieties.

Fast growing and easy to cultivate, Great Lakes can be harvested at the microgreen stage or grown on for larger baby leaves. Regular sowings provide a continuous supply of fresh greens throughout the year when grown under suitable conditions.

Approximately 800 seeds per gram

Microgreens & Baby Leaf Production: Year round Australia-wide

Tropics: Year round
Subtropics: Year round
Mild climates: Year round
Cold climates: Year round in a protected position

Planting / Sowing

For microgreens, sow seed densely over a moist growing medium and lightly press into the surface. Cover only very lightly, as lettuce seed benefits from light during germination. Keep evenly moist and provide bright light and good airflow once seedlings emerge.

For baby leaf production, sow more thinly in trays, containers or garden beds. Harvest young leaves when they reach approximately 8–15 cm tall. Cut above the growing point where possible to encourage further growth and additional harvests.

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

Artemisia dracunculus

Russian Tarragon is a hardy perennial herb growing up to 1.5 metres tall, producing slender stems lined with narrow, aromatic green leaves. More vigorous and easier to grow from seed than French Tarragon, it is well suited to herb gardens, kitchen gardens and productive landscapes where its drought tolerance and resilience make it a dependable performer.

Traditionally grown for both culinary and herbal purposes, Tarragon has been cultivated across Europe and Asia for centuries. The leaves possess a mild, slightly spicy flavour and can be used fresh or dried in salads, vinegars, sauces and herb blends. Russian Tarragon is less intensely flavoured than French Tarragon but offers greater adaptability to a wider range of growing conditions.

In traditional herbal use, Tarragon has been prepared as a tea and valued for its calming properties. It has a long history of use as a household herb and was often included in cottage gardens for both practical and ornamental purposes.

Russian Tarragon thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating heat, drought and poor soils once established. Its tall, airy growth habit also makes it a useful background plant in herb and cottage gardens.

Approximately 6,100 seeds per gram
Approximately 1,300 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to August
Mild climates: August to April
Cold climates: September to November

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed on the surface of moist seed-raising mix and lightly press into place. Cover only very lightly, as light assists germination. Keep moist until seedlings emerge. Transplant seedlings into a sunny position with well-drained soil, spacing plants 40–60 cm apart. Once established, Russian Tarragon requires little maintenance and benefits from occasional trimming to encourage bushy growth.

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

Aunty Ruby's Green is a distinctive heirloom beefsteak tomato producing large, slightly flattened fruits that can reach approximately 12 × 15 cm. The flesh remains green when ripe, developing a soft texture and exceptionally sweet, juicy flavour with a characteristic complexity that sets it apart from red tomatoes.

This American heirloom originated with Ruby Arnold of Greeneville, Tennessee, and was later introduced to the wider seed-saving community. It has since become one of the best-known green-when-ripe heirloom tomatoes. Fruits are best picked when they soften slightly and develop a subtle yellowish blush.

A vigorous indeterminate variety, plants continue growing, flowering and producing throughout the season and require sturdy staking or trellising. The large fruits are particularly good eaten fresh, where their unusual flavour can be fully appreciated.

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 strong support for the vigorous climbing vines and heavy fruit. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.

Maturity: approximately 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.

Cucumis sativus

Marketmore is a dependable heirloom cucumber producing dark green, tapered fruit around 22 cm long and 6 cm wide. Renowned for its sweet, mild flavour and crisp texture, it is ideal for slicing, salads, and fresh eating. Vigorous, productive plants mature in approximately 60–70 days and continue to produce heavily when fruit is harvested regularly.

Approximately 25 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: August to January
Mild climates: September to January
Cold climates: After the last frost to early summer

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly or raise in trays, planting 2 cm deep in fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Space plants 40–60 cm apart. Grow on the ground or train onto a trellis for straighter fruit and improved airflow. Keep the soil consistently moist and harvest regularly 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.

Cichorium intybus

Red Ball Chicory is a striking Italian heirloom producing compact, round heads of rich burgundy-red leaves with crisp white ribs, naturally protected by green outer wrapper leaves. The tightly packed hearts develop their deepest colour and sweetest flavour during cool weather, making this an excellent autumn and winter crop. The attractive heads add colour, texture and a pleasant bittersweet flavour to salads, while also lending themselves beautifully to grilling, roasting or braising.

Like many radicchio types, exposure to cool temperatures enhances both colour and flavour by reducing bitterness. Red Ball stores well after harvest and is an excellent choice for home gardeners wanting a reliable, gourmet leaf vegetable with outstanding visual appeal.

Approximately 600–700 seeds per gram
Approximately 160 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

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

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 5 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Thin or transplant seedlings to 25–30 cm apart, allowing adequate space for firm heads to develop. Keep plants evenly watered throughout the growing season to encourage crisp, well-formed hearts. Harvest once heads are firm and fully coloured, removing the outer leaves if required.

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 subsp. pekinensis

Michihli is a traditional Chinese cabbage variety producing tall, cylindrical heads with dark green outer leaves and a beautifully blanched, pale interior. The upright heads can reach over 35 cm in height and approximately 10 cm across, creating an elegant and productive crop for the home garden.

Highly regarded for its sweet, tender flavour and crisp texture, Michihli is excellent for fresh salads, stir-fries, soups, steaming and fermenting. The tightly packed leaves remain succulent and mild, making this one of the finest Chinese cabbages for both fresh eating and cooking. Its attractive shape and excellent eating quality have made it a favourite among gardeners for generations.

Fast growing and reliable, Michihli performs best during the cooler months when it develops firm, solid heads with exceptional flavour. The well-blanched interior remains crisp and sweet with very little bitterness.

Approximately 300 seeds per gram
Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: February to August
Mild climates: January to September
Cold climates: Summer and autumn

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 5 mm deep directly into prepared garden beds or raise seedlings in trays for transplanting. Space plants 30–40 cm apart in rows 40–50 cm apart to allow the heads to develop fully.

Grow in full sun in fertile, moisture-retentive soil enriched with compost. Keep plants consistently watered throughout growth to encourage large, dense heads and prevent plants from becoming stressed. Harvest when heads feel firm and solid, approximately 70–85 days after sowing.

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

Brassica oleracea var. capitata

Bacalan de Rennes is a traditional French heirloom cabbage producing early, distinctive ox-heart-shaped green heads with delicately savoyed leaves. Listed by Vilmorin as early as 1867, this old variety was historically cultivated around Rennes and other parts of western France, where its tolerance of cool, maritime conditions made it a dependable market and home garden cabbage.

The tender leaves have an excellent flavour and can be harvested individually while the plant continues to grow, or allowed to develop into a complete pointed head. Its fine texture makes it particularly good for fresh salads and slaws as well as steaming, braising, soups and other cooked dishes.

An early and cold-tolerant variety, Bacalan de Rennes performs best through the cooler growing months in full sun with rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Keep plants consistently watered during head development for tender leaves and well-formed heads. Mature cabbage plants tolerate frost well.

Seed count: approximately 200–380 seeds/g
Approximately 100 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Late summer to winter
Mild climates: Late summer to winter and early spring
Cold climates: Spring to summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly or raise in trays, approximately 5–10 mm deep. Keep consistently moist during germination and establishment.

Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 40–50 cm apart in full sun and rich, well-drained soil with a pH above 6.0. Harvest individual outer leaves as required or allow plants to mature and harvest the complete head.

If saving seed, remember that cabbage will cross-pollinate readily with other compatible Brassica oleracea varieties, so adequate isolation is required to maintain a variety true to type.

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

Cichorium intybus

Also known as Italiko Rosso or Ruby Chicory, Red Dandelion is a striking Italian heirloom prized for its deep crimson stems and midribs contrasted against finely cut, frilly dark green leaves. The plants form a dense, upright rosette with a bold appearance that is as attractive in the garden as it is on the plate.

Its pleasantly bittersweet flavour makes it an excellent choice for baby leaf salads, gourmet salad mixes and cooked greens. Uniquely, the vivid red colouring is retained after cooking, making it one of the few leafy vegetables to hold its rich crimson tones when sautéed or braised. Both frost and heat tolerant, this versatile chicory can be harvested as baby leaves from around 35 days or grown on to full size in approximately 55 days.

Approximately 600–700 seeds per gram
Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

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

Planting / Sowing

Sow seed 5 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position. Thin or transplant seedlings to 20–30 cm apart. Keep the soil consistently moist to encourage tender growth and reduce bitterness. Harvest baby leaves from around 35 days or allow plants to mature for larger leaves and full-sized rosettes.

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.

Cosmos bipinnatus

Picotee is a striking Cosmos variety producing elegant white flowers delicately edged and brushed with deep rose-pink. Each bloom develops its own pattern of colour, with white centres radiating towards richly coloured petal tips, creating plenty of variation across the planting.

Tall, airy plants with finely divided foliage bring movement and colour to cottage gardens, borders and cutting gardens. The open flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects and make excellent cut flowers for informal bouquets.

Easy to grow and wonderfully free flowering, Picotee thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Regular picking or deadheading encourages a continuing supply of flowers throughout the warmer months.

Approximately 40 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Spring to autumn
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to summer
Cold climates: Late spring to summer after frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly where plants are to grow or raise in trays for transplanting. Cover seed lightly and keep moist during germination.

Thin or transplant seedlings to approximately 30–40 cm apart in full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid excessive fertiliser, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

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