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Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
Romanesco is one of the most extraordinary Cauliflowers in the garden, producing lime-green heads made up of intricate pointed florets arranged in repeating spirals. Sometimes called Romanesco Broccoli, Roman Cauliflower or Minaret Cauliflower, it is botanically classified with the cauliflower group and has a long association with Italian cultivation.
The spectacular geometric heads are a natural example of fractal-like growth, with each pointed floret repeating the spiral pattern of the larger head. Beyond its appearance, Romanesco has an excellent flavour, typically sweeter and nuttier than conventional white Cauliflower, with a firm, delicate texture. Enjoy raw, steamed, roasted, sautéed or broken into individual florets for salads and vegetable dishes. The leaves and tender stems are also edible.
Cauliflower has been cultivated in the Mediterranean for centuries and became particularly associated with Italy before spreading throughout Europe. Mark Twain famously described it as “cabbage with a college education”, an apt description for this somewhat refined member of the Brassica oleracea family.
Romanesco performs best when its main head development occurs during cooler weather. Plants prefer full sun, fertile, well-drained soil with a near-neutral pH and consistent moisture. Unlike white Cauliflowers, the green heads do not need to be blanched by tying the surrounding leaves over the developing curd.
Approximately 90 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter in cooler locations
Subtropics: Late summer to autumn
Mild climates: Late summer to autumn, with successive sowings into the cooler months
Cold climates: Spring to early 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 45–60 cm apart in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Maintain consistent moisture throughout growth, as water stress can affect head development.
Harvest when the lime-green heads are firm and well formed, before the individual pointed florets begin to loosen or separate.
If saving seed, remember that Cauliflower will cross-pollinate readily with other compatible Brassica oleracea varieties, so adequate isolation is required to maintain the 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.
Ocimum americanum
A rare heirloom basil with exact origins unknown, though it has long been grown throughout Asia and Africa. Also known as American basil or hairy basil, it is closely related to lemon basil and is distinguished by its softly hairy stems. Intensely fragrant and more heat tolerant than sweet basil, this annual produces sweet white flowers and aromatic foliage through the warmer months.
Lime basil is valued for its culinary use as well as its ornamental appeal and natural insect repellent qualities. The essential oil extracted from the plant is widely used in soaps, candles, cosmetics, and aromatherapy, blending well with floral, spicy, and citrus oils.
Approximately 180 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: March to August
Subtropics: September to March
Mild climates: October to March
Cold climates: November to February
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed shallowly into well drained soil in a warm, sunny position once frost risk has passed. Keep soil evenly moist during germination. Space plants 25 to 30 cm apart. Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth and prolongs leaf production. Suitable for garden beds and pots.
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
Wild Chicory is a hardy, deep-rooted herb traditionally valued for its striking sky-blue flowers, vigorous growth and ability to improve soil health. Growing to around 1 m tall, it develops a strong taproot that penetrates deeply into the soil, helping to break through compacted layers and heavy clay while drawing nutrients from the subsoil. This natural nutrient mining brings valuable minerals, including nitrogen, potassium, sulphur and silica, closer to the surface where they can benefit surrounding plants.
The attractive flowers are highly appealing to bees and other beneficial insects, making Wild Chicory an excellent addition to wildlife-friendly gardens, permaculture systems and regenerative landscapes. Young leaves can also be harvested for salads or cooked greens, while the roots have a long history of being roasted and used as a coffee substitute.
Approximately 600 seeds per gram
Approximately 250 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: March to October
Cold climates: September to November and February to April
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed 5 mm deep into well-drained soil in a sunny position. Direct sow or transplant seedlings once established, spacing plants 30–45 cm apart. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment. Once mature, the deep taproot provides excellent drought tolerance. Harvest leaves while young for the mildest flavour or allow plants to flower to attract pollinators and improve soil structure.
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
Sweet Marbles is a prized heirloom cherry tomato producing small red fruits packed with sweet, lively tomato flavour. The bite-sized fruits are excellent straight from the vine and are ideal for salads, lunchboxes, platters and roasting whole.
An early-ripening variety, Sweet Marbles is particularly useful in cooler climates and for late-season plantings where a quick crop is an advantage. Its ability to begin producing relatively early gives gardeners a better chance of harvesting ripe fruit before cool weather brings the tomato season to an end.
Plants are vigorous, remarkably productive and indeterminate, continuing to flower and set abundant fruit as the vines grow. Sturdy staking or trellising is recommended to support the climbing plants and 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 and provide sturdy staking or trellising for the climbing vines. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.
Not available for WA.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.
Solanum lycopersicum
Pink Oxheart is a classic oxheart-type tomato producing large, glossy pink-red fruits with the distinctive tapered, heart-like shape for which this group is known. The flesh is dense and meaty with relatively few seeds and a rich, sweet tomato flavour.
Oxheart tomatoes have been grown since at least the nineteenth century and remain favourites among heirloom growers for their impressive size and excellent eating quality. The substantial fruits are particularly good for slicing, sandwiches and salads, while their fleshy texture also makes them useful for sauces and cooking.
Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, continuing to produce over an extended season. The vines and large developing fruits benefit from sturdy staking or trellising.
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 and large fruit. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.
Maturity: approximately 75–80 days.
Not available for WA. Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.
Solanum lycopersicum
Burnley Surecrop is an early-bearing tomato producing smooth, round red fruits to approximately 50 mm across. A reliable all-purpose variety, the fruits are well suited to fresh eating, salads, sandwiches and cooking.
An Australian-bred variety associated with Victoria’s Burnley horticultural breeding program, Burnley Surecrop was selected for dependable production and resistance to Verticillium wilt. Its combination of early cropping, disease resistance and strong growth made it particularly useful for Australian home gardens.
Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, reaching around 2 m high and continuing to flower and set fruit over an extended season. Strong staking or trellising is recommended to support the tall vines and developing 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 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.
Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum
Blue Solaise is a beautiful old French Leek renowned for its exceptional cold tolerance and distinctive blue-green foliage. As temperatures fall, the leaves deepen in colour and can develop striking violet-purple tones during the coldest weather.
Plants produce substantial, medium-length white shafts with a mild, sweet onion flavour. Excellent in soups and stews, Blue Solaise is also delicious braised, roasted, sautéed or baked into pies and quiches. Cold weather not only intensifies the foliage colour but can also enhance the sweetness of the stems.
Leeks originated in the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean and have been cultivated in Europe since ancient times. Unlike onions, they are grown for their elongated leaf bases rather than a bulb. They are particularly valuable as a cool-season crop, providing fresh vegetables through periods when many other crops are less productive.
Blue Solaise is especially well suited to cold districts, where its hardy foliage withstands frost and winter weather particularly well. Gradually hilling soil around the developing stems excludes light and produces longer, tender white shafts.
Seed count: approximately 350–450 seeds/g
Approximately 100 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to spring
Mild climates: Spring to autumn
Cold climates: Spring to late summer
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 5–10 mm deep into trays, seedbeds or directly into prepared soil. Keep consistently moist during germination.
When seedlings are approximately pencil thickness, transplant into deep holes around 15–20 cm apart. Plant deeply without burying the growing centre. As plants develop, gradually draw soil around the stems to increase the length of the blanched white shaft.
Grow in full sun in deep, rich, well-drained soil and maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season.
Begin harvesting once stems reach approximately 2 cm thick, or allow them to develop further for larger shafts. Blue Solaise can remain in the ground through cold weather until required, making it an excellent winter-harvest variety.
Maturity: approximately 100–105 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Medicago sativa 'Hunter River'
Hunter River Lucerne is a traditional Australian lucerne variety introduced by early settlers and widely grown throughout the country until the late 1970s, when newer cultivars with improved aphid resistance became available. This historic variety is valued for its low-growing habit, allowing it to withstand heavier grazing than many modern lucernes while providing highly nutritious forage for livestock.
A spring and summer growing perennial, Hunter River performs best in fertile, well-drained soils with a neutral to alkaline pH. It extends productive growth through autumn, winter and spring, making it particularly valuable in temperate regions. While productive and persistent under suitable conditions, it can be more susceptible to pests and diseases than newer lucerne varieties.
Approximately 450–550 seeds per gram
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to August
Mild climates: March to September
Cold climates: August to November
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed 5–10 mm deep into a well-prepared seedbed with good soil moisture. Hunter River requires fertile, well-drained soils with a neutral to alkaline pH and is not suited to waterlogged conditions. Sow during autumn and winter in warmer regions, or in spring in temperate areas. Recommended sowing rates are 4–10 kg per hectare, depending on local conditions and intended use. Once established, plants develop deep roots that provide excellent drought tolerance and long-term productivity.
Not available for WA. Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.
Cichorium endivia
Moss Curled is a popular heirloom endive producing large, dense heads up to 35 cm across with finely curled, bright green leaves surrounding a crisp, creamy yellow heart. The tender inner leaves have a pleasantly mild flavour, while the outer leaves provide a slightly bitter contrast that is excellent in salads or lightly cooked dishes. Both heat tolerant and cold hardy, this reliable variety performs well across a wide range of growing conditions and matures in approximately 90–95 days.
Approximately 160 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: February to October
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly or raise seedlings, planting 5 mm deep in fertile, well drained soil in full sun or part shade. Space plants 25–30 cm apart. Keep the soil evenly moist for the best leaf quality. Harvest outer leaves as required or cut the entire head once the centre has fully developed.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Zinnia elegans
Miss Willmott is a refined Zinnia producing large, fully double blooms in a rich rose-pink hue. The densely layered petals create the classic dahlia-like flower form, held proudly on strong, upright stems reaching approximately 75 cm tall.
An excellent variety for cutting gardens, cottage plantings and showy summer borders, Miss Willmott flowers generously over a long season. The substantial blooms have an excellent vase life, while regular picking encourages further branching and a continuous supply of flowers from summer into early autumn.
The flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. Fast growing and easy to grow, Zinnias thrive in warm weather and full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Good airflow around plants and watering at soil level rather than over the foliage will help keep plants healthy.
Seed count: approximately 140 seeds/g
Approximately 200 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Spring to autumn, avoiding excessively wet periods
Subtropics: Spring to autumn
Mild climates: Spring to summer
Cold climates: Late spring to summer after frost
Planting / Sowing
Sow directly where plants are to grow after the danger of frost has passed, or raise in trays for an earlier start. Cover seed approximately 5 mm deep and keep warm and consistently moist during germination.
Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 25–30 cm apart in full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid unnecessary root disturbance when transplanting. Regularly pick flowers or deadhead spent blooms to encourage branching and continued flowering.
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
Bright Lights is a colourful silverbeet producing green and bronze leaves with stems in an extraordinary mix of yellow, gold, orange, pink, red and white. The flavour is mild and tender, particularly when harvested young, although it is slightly less cold tolerant than more traditional silverbeet varieties.
Bred in New Zealand, Bright Lights was selected for its remarkable stem colours while retaining the productive, edible qualities of silverbeet. Both the leaves and stems can be eaten, with young leaves excellent in salads and larger leaves and stalks suited to steaming, sautéing, soups, pies and other cooked dishes.
Silverbeet has been cultivated around the Mediterranean since ancient times and is grown for its leaves and fleshy stalks rather than its root. Bright Lights performs best in cooler conditions and fertile, well-drained soil with a pH above 6.0.
Seed count: approximately 50–60 seeds per gram.
Approximately 50 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. Keep well watered, particularly during hot or dry conditions.
Harvest individual outer leaves as required, leaving the central growing point intact for continued production. For baby leaf, sow more densely and harvest young.
Maturity: approximately 28 days for baby leaf and 55 days for full-sized plants.
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
German Johnson is a classic heirloom beefsteak tomato producing large, smooth-skinned fruits that ripen to a beautiful pink-red. The substantial tomatoes have thick, meaty flesh, relatively few seeds and a very mild, sweet flavour with low acidity.
Particularly good as a slicing tomato, German Johnson is excellent in sandwiches, burgers and salads, while its fleshy texture and low seed content also make it useful for preserving. The vigorous plants offer reasonable disease resistance and are known for dependable production.
An old American heirloom associated particularly with North Carolina and the southern Appalachian region, German Johnson is also recognised as one of the parent varieties used in the development of the famous Mortgage Lifter 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 and large fruit. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.
Maturity: approximately 80 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 moschata
Musquée de Provence is a magnificent old French heirloom Pumpkin producing large, deeply ribbed, flattened fruits that mature to a warm tan or rich terracotta-brown. Fruits typically weigh around 3–6 kg and contain thick, deep orange flesh with a smooth texture and pleasantly sweet, rich flavour.
The dense flesh is excellent roasted or baked and works beautifully in soups, purées, curries, pies and other savoury or sweet dishes. Its substantial ribs also make the pumpkin particularly striking when cut into wedges for roasting.
Musquée de Provence originates from Provence in southern France, where it became a traditional market and culinary variety. It is also known as Muscade de Provence, referring to its musky or aromatic character. The deeply ribbed fruits were traditionally sold in French markets either whole or cut into large wedges, displaying the intensely coloured flesh within.
The fruits begin green and gradually mature through shades of buff and bronze to their characteristic tan-brown colouring. Mature pumpkins have excellent keeping qualities and can be stored for many months when properly cured.
As a Cucurbita moschata, Musquée de Provence enjoys warmth and has good tolerance of hot conditions. Plants are vigorous, sprawling vines and require plenty of space, particularly given the size and weight of the mature fruit.
Pumpkins originated in the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years before spreading throughout the world. Cucurbita moschata subsequently became particularly important in warmer regions, where numerous distinctive local varieties were selected for flavour, productivity and storage.
Approximately 8 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 approximately 20–30 mm deep directly into warm, prepared soil, or raise seedlings in pots or trays for transplanting. In frost-prone climates, wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed before planting outside.
Grow in full sun in rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Allow approximately 1–2 m between plants and provide plenty of additional room for the vigorous vines to spread.
Keep plants consistently watered during active growth, flowering and fruit development. Water deeply at soil level where possible rather than regularly wetting the foliage.
Harvest when fruits have developed their mature tan to brown colouring, the rind has hardened and the stem begins to dry. Cut from the vine with a generous section of stem attached.
Cure mature pumpkins in a warm, dry, well-ventilated position before storing in a cool, dry place with good airflow. Properly cured fruits have excellent long-term storage potential.
Maturity: approximately 125 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Pisum sativum
Snow Pea Shoots are a delicious and highly productive microgreen, producing crisp stems, tender green leaves and delicate curling tendrils with a fresh, sweet pea flavour. Substantial and succulent, they are one of the most satisfying microgreens to grow and provide a generous harvest from a relatively small space.
The young shoots are excellent eaten fresh in salads, sandwiches and wraps, tossed through stir-fries at the last moment or used as a fresh garnish for soups and savoury dishes. Their mild sweetness and juicy crunch also make them delicious simply eaten straight from the tray.
Snow Peas can be harvested as whole young plants or allowed to grow larger, with tender tips and side shoots picked as the plants mature. Under favourable conditions, cutting above the lower nodes can encourage additional shoots and further harvests.
Approximately 4–5 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
Soak seed overnight before sowing, then rinse and drain well. Sow densely into a tray or container filled with moist growing medium and cover with approximately 1–2 cm of mix. Keep consistently moist during germination, but avoid overwatering as saturated conditions may cause the seed to rot.
Once shoots emerge, provide bright light and good airflow. Harvest whole young plants or cut shoots with scissors when they reach approximately 8–15 cm tall. Larger plants can be allowed to continue growing, with tender tips and side shoots harvested as they develop.
Due to quarantine restrictions, WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Not Available for TAS.
Capsicum annuum
Cayenne Lilac is an unusual and highly ornamental Cayenne-type Chilli producing slender, twisted fruits that curl and taper to a sharp point. The fruits begin green before developing striking purple colouring and eventually ripening to red, often displaying several colours on the plant at the same time.
Despite its ornamental appearance, this is very much an edible Chilli, producing very hot fruits with the classic sharp heat associated with Cayenne types. Use fresh or dried in sauces, marinades, curries, salsas and chilli powders, or preserve through pickling. The colourful fruits also make an attractive addition to edible gardens and container plantings.
Chillies originated in the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years, spreading around the world following European contact and becoming integral to cuisines throughout Asia, Africa and Europe. They are naturally rich in vitamin C and carotenoids, while their characteristic heat comes from capsaicinoids concentrated primarily in the internal membranes of the fruit.
Cayenne Lilac performs best through warm weather in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Plants are frost sensitive but can behave as short-lived perennials in warm, frost-free climates.
Approximately 20 seeds per packet
Heat: Very hot
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Most of the year
Subtropics: Late winter to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: Spring after frost, preferably started earlier under protection
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 5 mm deep into trays or pots and keep warm and consistently moist during germination. Chilli seed germinates best with steady warmth and may be slow to emerge in cool conditions.
Transplant seedlings once the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed, spacing approximately 40–50 cm apart in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development.
Harvest at the purple stage for its unusual colouring or allow fruits to mature fully to red. Regular harvesting encourages continued flowering and fruit production.
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. acephala
Nero Di Toscana is a magnificent old Italian Kale producing long, narrow, deeply blistered leaves in very dark blue-green. Also known as Lacinato, Tuscan Kale, Cavolo Nero, Black Cabbage and Cavolo Palmizio, the leaves emerge continuously from the centre of the plant, eventually creating a striking palm-like appearance.
The leaves have a rich, earthy flavour that becomes sweeter and more tender after exposure to frost. Young leaves can be finely shredded into salads, while mature leaves are excellent braised, sautéed or added to soups, stews and pasta dishes. Remove the firm central rib from larger leaves before cooking if desired.
This traditional Tuscan vegetable has been cultivated in Italy for centuries and is particularly associated with the rustic cooking of Tuscany. It is an essential ingredient in ribollita, the famous Tuscan bread and vegetable soup, and is also traditionally paired with beans, olive oil and garlic.
The Italian name Nero di Toscana means “black of Tuscany”, referring to the exceptionally dark colour of its foliage. The alternative name Cavolo Palmizio, or “palm cabbage”, describes the palm-like form that mature plants develop as the lower leaves are harvested.
Plants are vigorous, cold hardy and productive over a long period. Mature plants tolerate frost well, and cold weather can significantly improve the flavour of the leaves.
Seed count: approximately 250–370 seeds/g
Approximately 120 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Late summer to winter
Mild climates: Late summer to spring
Cold climates: Spring to autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 5–10 mm deep directly into prepared soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Keep consistently moist during germination.
Space plants approximately 40–50 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and a near-neutral pH. Maintain regular moisture to encourage tender leafy growth.
Harvest individual outer leaves from the bottom upwards, leaving the central growing point intact. Plants will continue producing fresh leaves from the centre over an extended period.
If saving seed, Nero Di Toscana can cross-pollinate with other Brassica oleracea crops flowering at the same time, including other kales, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, so adequate isolation is required to maintain the 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.
Nero di Toscana, also known as Lacinato, Cavolo Palmizio or Black Cabbage, is a classic Italian heirloom kale prized for its long, heavily blistered dark green leaves and exceptional flavour. The plants produce an abundance of leaves from the centre, providing continuous harvests throughout the cooler months. Its rich, slightly sweet flavour becomes even more pronounced after frost, making it ideal for soups, stews, stir-fries, pasta dishes, and fresh salads when picked young.
Approximately 120 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: February to October
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly or raise seedlings, planting 5 mm deep in fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Transplant seedlings when 10–15 cm tall, spacing plants 40–50 cm apart. Harvest the outer leaves regularly to encourage continuous production from the centre of the plant.
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
Matador is a high-yielding spinach variety producing large, smooth, oval-shaped dark green leaves with an excellent, mild flavour. Renowned for its fine texture, it is equally suited to harvesting as baby leaf for salad mixes or as mature leaves for cooking. Widely used in Italian cuisine, it is ideal for pasta, risottos, soups, quiches and sautéed greens. Cold hardy and reliable, Matador thrives in the cooler months and provides abundant harvests from autumn through spring.
Approximately 60 seeds per gram
Approximately 70 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: Autumn to spring
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn
Planting / Sowing
Direct sow seed 10 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Space plants 10–20 cm apart for mature plants, or sow more closely for baby leaf production, with rows 30–40 cm apart. Keep the soil consistently moist to encourage rapid growth. Begin harvesting baby leaves early or allow plants to mature, with the first harvest from around 50 days. Regular picking of the outer leaves will 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.
Jacobaea maritima
Silver Dust, commonly known as Dusty Miller, is an attractive foliage plant prized for its finely divided, silvery-grey leaves. The soft, almost white foliage provides striking contrast against green leaves and colourful flowers, making it a popular choice for borders, cottage gardens, containers and mixed plantings.
Plants form compact, bushy mounds and produce small clusters of yellow flowers when mature. While the flowers have their own appeal, Silver Dust is primarily grown for its distinctive foliage, which remains attractive over a long period and works particularly well alongside richly coloured flowering plants.
Hardy and relatively drought tolerant once established, it performs best in full sun, where the foliage develops its strongest silver colour, and prefers well-drained soil.
Seed count: approximately 3,500 seeds/g
Approximately 300 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to spring
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Spring after frost
Planting / Sowing
Sow into trays or pots, pressing the fine seed gently onto the surface of moist seed-raising mix. Cover only very lightly and keep consistently moist during germination.
Transplant once seedlings are established, spacing approximately 20–30 cm apart. Grow in full sun to partial shade, with full sun producing the best silver foliage.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Phaseolus vulgaris
A vigorous climbing bean producing pale green pods to around 12 cm, developing purple flecking as they mature. Pods are almost round, tender, succulent, and delicious as a snap bean, remaining stringless when young. Plants form long vines to around 3.5 m, are heavy bearing, and perform well under difficult growing conditions. Offered in a Sydney seed catalogue as early as 1861, making this a long grown variety in Australia.
Approximately 15 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: September to March
Subtropics: October to February
Mild climates: Late spring to summer
Cold climates: After frost has passed
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly into warm, well drained soil in full sun. In cooler climates, plant in late spring once frost risk has passed. Provide sturdy support for climbing vines. Space seeds 10 to 15 cm apart and keep soil evenly moist during establishment. Harvest from around 80 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Zinnia elegans
Lilliput Mix is a charming Zinnia producing masses of compact, fully double, dome-shaped flowers in a brilliant range of colours. The neat, densely petalled blooms resemble colourful pom-poms and are produced generously on branching plants reaching approximately 50 cm tall.
The smaller flower size and strong stems make Lilliput particularly useful for cutting, with the blooms adding wonderful colour and texture to posies and floral arrangements. Its compact growth also makes it ideal for borders, cottage gardens, containers and mass plantings.
The abundant flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects. Fast growing and easy to grow, Zinnias thrive in warm weather and full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Regular picking or deadheading encourages further branching and a continuous supply of flowers throughout summer and into autumn.
Seed count: approximately 140 seeds/g
Approximately 100 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Spring to autumn, avoiding excessively wet periods
Subtropics: Spring to autumn
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, covering seed approximately 5 mm deep. Keep warm and consistently moist during germination.
Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 20–30 cm apart in full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid unnecessary root disturbance when transplanting. Regularly pick flowers or deadhead spent blooms to encourage branching and continued flowering.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.