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Acacia dealbata (Silver Wattle)
A fast-growing and highly adaptable Australian native tree valued for its graceful silvery-blue foliage and spectacular displays of fragrant golden-yellow flowers through late winter and early spring. Reaching up to 8 metres in height, Silver Wattle is a classic pioneer species, helping to stabilise soils, improve fertility through nitrogen fixation and provide shelter for wildlife. Popular in permaculture systems and natural regeneration projects, it is often associated with the "Morishima Wattle" referenced by Japanese natural farming pioneer Masanobu Fukuoka for its vigorous growth and soil-building qualities. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, while the foliage provides habitat and shelter for birds. Hardy, drought tolerant once established and suited to a wide range of climates.
Approximately 40 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
Seed should be scarified prior to sowing by pouring hot (not boiling) water over the seed and allowing it to soak for 12 to 24 hours. Sow into a free-draining seed raising mix and lightly cover. Keep moist but not waterlogged during germination. Position in full sun for best growth. Transplant seedlings once established, taking care not to disturb roots excessively. Adaptable to a wide range of soil types and conditions. Approximately 2 to 4 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.
Cucumis sativus
Improved Telegraph is a classic long slicing Cucumber producing elegant, slender fruits reaching approximately 35 cm. The smooth, dark green skin is marked with lighter green colouring along its length, surrounding crisp, tender flesh with a refreshing, mild cucumber flavour.
Developed from the old Telegraph-type cucumbers traditionally grown in Britain, this variety belongs to the group commonly known as English or greenhouse cucumbers. Telegraph cucumbers became popular during the Victorian era, when growers prized exceptionally long, straight and finely flavoured fruits for the table.
The long, thin fruits are excellent for fresh eating and particularly well suited to salads, sandwiches and delicate garnishes. Harvest regularly while the fruits are firm and tender for the best flavour and texture.
Plants are vigorous climbers and perform particularly well when trained vertically onto a trellis or other support. Trellising encourages the characteristic long, straight fruits while improving airflow and keeping them clean and easy to harvest.
Improved Telegraph prefers warm growing conditions, fertile, well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Protect plants from cold conditions and avoid allowing the soil to dry excessively during flowering and fruit development.
Approximately 15 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Spring to autumn
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring after frost to early summer
Cold climates: Spring after the last frost, or start earlier under protection
Planting / Sowing
Sow directly into warm soil approximately 10–20 mm deep, or raise in pots and transplant once conditions have warmed. Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil.
Provide a sturdy trellis or climbing support and gently train young vines as they develop. Keep plants consistently watered, particularly during flowering and fruit development.
Harvest regularly when fruits are long, slender and dark green, up to approximately 35 cm. Frequent picking encourages continued flowering and production.
If saving seed, Improved Telegraph can cross-pollinate with other Cucumis sativus cucumber varieties flowering nearby, 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.
Rumex acetosa
Garden Sorrel is a hardy perennial leafy vegetable prized for its bright, tangy flavour and exceptional productivity. Forming lush clumps of tender green leaves, it provides a reliable harvest for many years and is often one of the first greens to emerge in spring. The leaves have a distinctive lemony taste due to their natural oxalic acid content, making them a popular addition to salads, soups, sauces and egg dishes.
Cultivated since ancient times throughout Europe and Asia, Sorrel has long been valued as both a food and medicinal plant. Traditionally it was used to add a fresh, citrus-like flavour to meals before lemons became widely available in cooler climates. The leaves contain vitamin C along with a range of minerals, including copper, and were historically appreciated as a nutritious spring green.
Garden Sorrel is easy to grow and thrives in a wide range of conditions. Once established, it produces abundant harvests with minimal care and can remain productive for many years. Regular picking encourages fresh new growth and helps maintain tender, flavoursome leaves.
Ideal for kitchen gardens, permaculture plantings and edible landscapes, Sorrel offers a dependable supply of greens through much of the year.
Approximately 650 seeds per gram
Approximately 300 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: March to October
Cold climates: February to May and August to October
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed 5 mm deep in moist, well-prepared soil or seed-raising mix. Keep moist until germination occurs. Transplant or thin seedlings to 30 cm apart in a sunny or partly shaded position. Sorrel prefers fertile, moisture-retentive soil but is adaptable to a range of growing conditions. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continual production.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.
Not available for WA
Daucus carota subsp. sativus
Baby Amsterdam is a fast-growing Carrot producing small, smooth, cylindrical orange roots with a crisp texture and sweet flavour. Originally developed as an early forcing type, its naturally compact roots make it an excellent choice for harvesting young as baby carrots.
The slender, uniform roots are ideal for fresh eating, lunchboxes and salads, or can be steamed, roasted or glazed whole. They also freeze well, making Baby Amsterdam a useful variety for preserving a productive harvest.
Its compact root size makes this variety particularly well suited to containers, raised beds and gardens with shallower soils where longer carrot varieties may struggle. For the smoothest, straightest roots, grow in loose, friable, well-drained soil free from stones and fresh manure.
Approximately 600 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Most of the year, with best results autumn to spring
Mild climates: Spring to autumn
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn, avoiding periods of heavy frost
Planting / Sowing
Sow directly where plants are to grow, approximately 5–10 mm deep. Carrots dislike transplanting. Keep the soil surface consistently moist until germination.
Thin seedlings to approximately 2–4 cm apart once established. Maintain even moisture as roots develop to encourage tender, evenly shaped carrots. Harvest while roots are young and cylindrical for the characteristic sweet Baby Amsterdam crop.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Capsicum chinense
Habanero Mixed is a colourful blend of intensely hot Capsicum chinense chillies producing lantern-shaped fruits that begin dark green before ripening through a mixture of orange, red and yellow. The combination of colours creates an impressive display on productive, branching plants.
Habaneros are prized not simply for their heat but for their distinctive fruity, almost tropical aroma and flavour. The ripe fruits are excellent used fresh in hot sauces, salsas, marinades and Caribbean-style dishes, or can be pickled, preserved or thoroughly dried for chilli flakes and powders. A little goes a very long way.
Habanero chillies originated in the Americas and are particularly associated with Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Despite the name, which means “from Havana”, the Habanero has a much deeper botanical and culinary history centred around the Yucatán Peninsula and surrounding regions.
As a Capsicum chinense, Habanero generally requires a longer, warmer growing season than common Capsicum annuum varieties. Plants thrive in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and consistent moisture and can continue growing 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 spring
Mild climates: Late winter to spring, preferably started under protection
Cold climates: Start indoors in late winter to early spring and transplant after all danger of frost
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 5 mm deep into trays or pots and keep warm and consistently moist. A soil temperature of approximately 25–30°C will encourage germination. Capsicum chinense can be slower to germinate than many other chillies, so maintain steady warmth and allow several weeks for emergence.
Transplant seedlings once conditions have warmed, spacing approximately 45–60 cm apart in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development.
Harvest fruits green if desired or allow them to ripen fully to their mature orange, red or yellow colour for the richest flavour and aroma. Wear gloves when cutting or preparing ripe Habaneros and avoid contact with the eyes and other sensitive areas.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita pepo
Green Tint is a traditional patty pan squash producing attractive pale green, scalloped fruits with a delicate flavour and fine texture. Best harvested when 75–100 mm across, the tender fruits are ideal for steaming, grilling, roasting, stuffing or adding to stir-fries. The medium-sized bush plants are highly productive over a long season, making this a dependable favourite for home gardens. Harvesting regularly encourages continuous flowering and fruit production.
Approximately 7–9 seeds per gram
Approximately 17 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August (dry season)
Subtropics: September to January
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: October to December
Planting / Sowing
Direct sow seed 20–30 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in full sun once the danger of frost has passed. Space plants 80–100 cm apart, allowing room for the bush to develop. Keep the soil consistently moist and feed regularly during flowering and fruiting. Harvest fruits while young, at 75–100 mm across, for the best flavour and texture. Frequent picking will encourage a long and productive harvest.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Zea mays
Golden Bantam is a classic heirloom sweet corn renowned for its rich flavour and reliable early harvest. The sturdy plants grow to around 1.5 m tall and typically produce two or more cobs measuring 15–17 cm long, filled with golden yellow kernels. Maturing in just 73–80 days, it remains a favourite for home gardeners seeking tender, sweet corn with exceptional taste.
Approximately 40 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 cobs when the kernels are plump and release a milky sap when pierced.
Not available for WA.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.
Melothria scabra
Cucamelon is a delightful heirloom cucurbit native to Mexico and Central America, producing masses of tiny oval fruits that look remarkably like miniature watermelons. Also known as Mouse Melon, Mexican Sour Gherkin and Sandita, the mottled green fruits reach approximately 2–4 cm long and have a crisp texture with a fresh cucumber flavour and distinctive citrusy tang.
The little fruits are excellent eaten straight from the vine, tossed whole into salads, added to salsas and stir-fries or used as a colourful garnish. Their size, crunch and natural acidity also make them particularly good for pickling whole, much like tiny gherkins.
Despite its resemblance to both cucumber and watermelon, Cucamelon belongs to the genus Melothria rather than Cucumis or Citrullus. It has a long history as a food plant in its native range and thrives in warm conditions.
Plants can be slow to establish initially but become vigorous and remarkably hardy once growing strongly. The slender climbing vines can reach approximately 3 m and benefit from a trellis or other support. Established plants tolerate periods of dry weather and generally experience relatively few pest and disease problems.
Cucamelon is perennial in warm, frost-free climates, developing underground tuberous roots from which plants may regrow. In cooler areas it is usually grown as a warm-season annual and may also self-sow where conditions are favourable.
Approximately 10 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Spring to autumn
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring after frost to early summer
Cold climates: Start under protection in spring and transplant after all danger of frost
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 5–10 mm deep into trays or pots, or direct sow once the soil has warmed. Keep consistently moist during germination and be patient, as Cucamelon can be slower to establish than cucumber.
Transplant seedlings approximately 30–50 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Provide a trellis, fence or other climbing support for the vigorous vines.
Maintain regular moisture during flowering and fruit production for the best yields, although established plants are reasonably drought tolerant. Harvest fruits while small, firm and crisp, generally around 2–4 cm long. Regular picking encourages continued flowering and production.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety.
Not available for WA.
Salvia splendens
Blaze Of Fire is a compact, early-flowering Salvia producing brilliant scarlet flower spikes above lush green foliage. Growing to approximately 30 cm tall, the neat, bushy plants provide an intense splash of colour over a long flowering period.
A classic bedding Salvia, Blaze Of Fire is ideal for borders, edging, containers and mass plantings. The vivid tubular flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects and stand out beautifully when planted in groups.
Easy to grow and particularly fond of warm conditions, plants perform best in full sun to partial shade with fertile, well-drained soil and regular moisture. Removing spent flower spikes encourages continued flowering and keeps plants compact and tidy.
Seed count: approximately 300 seeds/g
Approximately 60 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 into trays or pots, covering seed only lightly with seed-raising mix. Keep warm and consistently moist during germination.
Transplant once seedlings are well established, spacing approximately 20–30 cm apart. Grow in full sun to partial shade and protect from frost.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita pepo
Bennings Green Tint is a traditional heirloom patty pan squash producing attractive pale green, scalloped fruits with a delicate flavour and fine texture. Best harvested when 75–100 mm across, the tender fruits are perfect for steaming, grilling, roasting, stuffing or adding to stir-fries. The medium-sized bush plants are highly productive over an extended season, making this reliable variety a favourite in home gardens. Regular harvesting encourages continuous flowering and abundant fruit production.
Approximately 7–9 seeds per gram
Approximately 25 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August (dry season)
Subtropics: September to January
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: October to December
Planting / Sowing
Direct sow seed 20–30 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny position once the danger of frost has passed. Space plants 80–100 cm apart to allow the bush to develop fully. Keep the soil consistently moist and apply regular feeds during flowering and fruiting. Harvest fruits when they reach 75–100 mm across for the finest flavour and texture. Picking regularly will encourage a long, productive harvest.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
Pak Choy 'Extra Dwarf' is a compact, quick-growing Chinese cabbage variety producing beautifully wrinkled dark green leaves and thick, succulent white stems. Its small size, tender texture and excellent flavour make it ideal for harvesting as a baby vegetable.
The crisp stems and delicate leaves are sweet, mild and particularly tender when picked young. Traditionally used in stir-fries, soups and steamed dishes, Extra Dwarf Pak Choy is also excellent fresh in salads when harvested at an early stage. Its compact growth habit makes it well suited to intensive planting, raised beds and container gardens.
This variety is best harvested when plants reach approximately 50 mm in height, producing miniature heads with exceptional eating quality. Fast growing and productive, it is perfect for gardeners seeking quick harvests and gourmet vegetables from a small space.
Approximately 300 seeds per gram
Approximately 50 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: February to October
Cold climates: Spring and autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed 5 mm deep directly into prepared garden beds or containers. For baby vegetable production, sow more closely and harvest young plants at approximately 50 mm tall. For slightly larger plants, thin seedlings to 10–15 cm apart.
Grow in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Keep soil consistently moist to encourage rapid, tender growth. Regular sowings every few weeks will provide a continuous supply throughout the growing season.
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
Small Sugar, also known as New England Pie, is a classic American heirloom Pumpkin producing manageable, flattened globe-shaped fruits with smooth orange skin. Fruits can reach approximately 30 cm across and are renowned for their thick, sweet flesh and excellent culinary quality.
The yellow to deep golden flesh is dense, smooth and notably low in stringiness, making Small Sugar particularly well suited to purées and baking. It has long been regarded as one of the finest pumpkins for traditional pumpkin pie, but is equally delicious roasted, mashed or used in soups, breads, muffins and other sweet or savoury dishes.
Small Sugar has been grown in North America since at least the 19th century and is closely associated with traditional New England cooking. Unlike the large pumpkins grown primarily for carving or exhibition, it was selected specifically as an eating pumpkin, with manageable fruit, thick flesh and good sweetness.
Its compact fruit size is also practical for the home kitchen, as a single pumpkin can be used without producing the enormous quantity of leftover flesh associated with larger storage varieties.
As a Cucurbita pepo, Small Sugar belongs to the same diverse species as zucchini, many summer squashes and numerous ornamental gourds. Plants are vigorous trailing vines and perform best in warm soil, full sun and fertile growing conditions.
Approximately 10 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 1–1.5 m between plants and provide additional room for the 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 orange colour, 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.
Maturity: approximately 80–118 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
Sweet William is a compact tomato producing smooth, round red fruits to approximately 40 mm across. The small tomatoes have juicy flesh and a pleasant, sweet tomato flavour, making them an easy variety for picking and eating fresh.
The fruits are a useful size for snacking, salads, lunchboxes and platters, and can also be roasted whole or used in everyday cooking. Their manageable size and productive bush habit make Sweet William particularly useful for smaller gardens.
Plants have a determinate habit, producing their crop on relatively compact bushes rather than long climbing vines. They require less training than indeterminate tomatoes, although staking or caging can help support plants when heavily laden with fruit.
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.
Iberis umbellata
A delightful dwarf candytuft producing masses of flower heads in soft pastel shades, creating a colourful carpet of blooms through the cooler months. Compact and easy to grow, Dwarf Fairy Mix is ideal for borders, edging, containers, cottage gardens and mass plantings where its cheerful display can be fully appreciated.
The dense clusters of flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, while the neat, compact growth habit makes it a valuable filler plant for garden beds and pathways. Long flowering and reliable, Candytuft performs best in sunny positions and well-drained soils, rewarding gardeners with an abundance of colour from a relatively small plant.
Approximately 150 seeds per packet
400 seeds/gram
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: Autumn to spring
Cold climates: Spring and autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly where plants are to grow or raise seedlings in trays for transplanting. Lightly cover seed and keep moist during germination. Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Space plants approximately 20–25cm apart. Regular deadheading will encourage a longer flowering season. Approximately 8–10 weeks 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.
Capsicum pubescens
Rocoto Tree, also known as Hotlips, is a remarkable South American heirloom Chilli with a cultivation history stretching back thousands of years in the Andean regions of Peru and Bolivia. One of the most distinctive domesticated chilli species, Capsicum pubescens is easily recognised by its softly hairy foliage, beautiful dark purple flowers and unusual black seeds.
Plants develop into vigorous, branching shrubs and can become substantially larger and longer-lived than many annual chillies. The green fruits ripen to brilliant red and have thick, juicy, fleshy walls quite unlike the thinner fruits of many hot varieties. Their heat can vary with growing conditions but is substantial, generally falling around 100,000–300,000 Scoville Heat Units.
Rocoto is prized throughout Andean cooking for both its heat and its distinctive fruity flavour. The substantial fruits are excellent for sauces and salsas, pickling and preserving, and are traditionally stuffed for dishes such as the Peruvian rocoto relleno.
Unlike many chillies, Rocoto originates from cooler high-altitude environments and performs particularly well where nights are cooler. It dislikes extreme heat and is surprisingly hardy in suitable conditions, although plants remain sensitive to frost. Established plants can crop for much of the year in favourable climates and are also noted for showing good resistance to fruit fly compared with many other chillies.
Its vigorous perennial habit makes Rocoto an excellent container plant where sufficient space is provided, and mature plants can become highly productive.
Approximately 20 seeds per packet
Heat: Medium to very hot – approximately 100,000–300,000 SHU
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Best in cooler highland locations
Subtropics: Late winter to spring, with protection from extreme summer heat
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: Start under protection in late winter to spring and transplant after frost
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 5–10 mm deep into trays or pots and keep consistently moist. Rocoto seed can be slower to germinate than many common chillies, so allow several weeks for emergence.
Transplant once seedlings are sturdy and frost risk has passed, spacing approximately 60–100 cm apart or growing individually in large containers. Choose a fertile, well-drained position with good moisture and protection from severe heat.
Allow fruits to ripen from green to bright red for their fullest flavour and mature heat. Plants can live and crop for several years where protected from frost and extreme conditions.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Ocimum basilicum
Italian Large Leaf
The classic Italian basil and the traditional choice for pesto. ‘Genovese’ produces large, dark green leaves with a rich, spicy fragrance and full basil flavour. Plants form a bushy habit, growing approximately 60 to 90 cm tall, and respond well to regular harvesting. A variety of sweet basil, it is equally suited to garden beds and large pots and thrives in warm, sunny conditions.
Approximately 120 seeds per packet
Seed count: 600 seeds per gram
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 30 to 40 cm apart. Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth and helps delay flowering.
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 is a classic crisphead (Iceberg) lettuce producing large, tightly packed heads with dark green, crumpled outer leaves surrounding a firm, crisp heart. Renowned for its excellent texture, refreshing flavour, and resistance to early bolting, it performs well across a broad range of growing conditions. Matures in approximately 80–90 days.
Approximately 200 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to October
Mild climates: February to November
Cold climates: Spring to autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly or raise seedlings, covering very lightly with 2–3 mm of soil. Plant in fertile, well drained soil in full sun or part shade, spacing plants 30 cm apart. Keep the soil evenly moist throughout growth to encourage firm head development and provide afternoon shade during warmer weather. Harvest once the heads are full and firm.
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. longata
Walking Stick Cabbage is an extraordinary old vegetable variety grown as much for its remarkable height and sturdy stem as for its edible leaves. Plants can reach approximately 2 m tall, developing a long, strong central stalk topped with a crown of large cabbage-like leaves.
Traditionally associated with the Channel Islands, particularly Jersey, the plants became famous for an unusual second use after the growing season. The tall stems were cut, dried and hardened to make walking sticks and canes, eventually becoming a popular curiosity and tourist souvenir.
The nutritious leaves can be harvested progressively during growth and used much like kale or loose-leaf cabbage. They have also traditionally been grown as livestock and small-animal fodder, particularly for rabbits and guinea pigs. Removing the lower leaves as the plant grows encourages the development of the characteristic long, bare stem.
A vigorous and wonderfully unusual heritage vegetable, Walking Stick Cabbage prefers full sun, fertile, well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Plants benefit from protection from strong winds as they gain height.
Approximately 50 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter in cooler locations
Subtropics: Late winter to spring
Mild climates: Spring
Cold climates: Spring after frost
Planting / Sowing
Sow directly or raise in trays, approximately 5–10 mm deep. Keep consistently moist during germination and establishment.
Transplant seedlings approximately 60–90 cm apart in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Remove lower leaves progressively if growing plants for long stems, leaving sufficient foliage at the top to maintain healthy growth. Provide support or shelter from strong winds as plants approach full height.
For traditional walking-stick use, allow the stem to mature fully before cutting in late autumn, then dry and cure thoroughly until hard.
If saving seed, remember that Walking Stick Cabbage 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.
Beta vulgaris
Cylindra is a distinctive heirloom beetroot producing long, cylindrical roots measuring approximately 15–25 cm in length. The smooth, uniform roots have deep dark red flesh with minimal zoning, making them ideal for even slicing and reducing preparation waste. This reliable variety is slow to bolt, produces high-quality roots, and matures in around 55–60 days.
Approximately 250 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: February to November
Cold climates: Spring to autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly into well drained soil in full sun. Plant seeds 2 cm deep and thin seedlings to 10–15 cm apart once established. Keep soil consistently moist for best root development. Harvest from around 55–60 days, or earlier for baby beetroot.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.