Search results
1000 results
1000 results
Search results
Anethum graveolens
Dill is a fast-growing annual herb valued for its feathery aromatic foliage and flavourful seeds. Growing to around 90 cm tall, it is widely used to season seafood, potatoes, salads, soups and pickles. Traditionally, dill seed has been used as a digestive herb to help ease wind and bloating after meals, while the leaves and seeds have long been enjoyed as a gentle culinary tonic. Rich in minerals including potassium, phosphorus and sulphur, dill is also an excellent companion plant for cabbages and other brassicas, attracting beneficial insects to the garden. Matures in around 60 days.
Approximately 800 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: Spring to autumn
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn
Planting / Sowing
Direct sow or raise seedlings, planting seed 5 mm deep in well drained soil in a sunny position. Space plants 20–30 cm apart. Dill dislikes root disturbance, so direct sowing is preferred where possible. Harvest leaves as needed and allow seed heads to mature and dry before collecting seed.
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. italica
Broccoletti is a traditional sprouting type of broccoli grown for its abundance of tender side shoots and small green heads rather than one large central head. Once harvesting begins, plants continue producing multiple shoots, providing a generous and extended crop.
The young flowering shoots, stems and leaves are all edible and have a fresh broccoli flavour. Harvest while the heads are still tight and before the yellow flowers begin to open. Regular picking encourages further side-shoot production and extends the harvest.
Broccoletti prefers the cooler growing months and performs best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and consistent moisture. An excellent choice for gardeners who prefer repeated smaller harvests rather than a single large broccoli head.
Approximately 120 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Late summer to winter
Mild climates: Late summer to autumn and late winter to spring
Cold climates: Spring to summer
Planting / Sowing
Sow directly or raise in trays, approximately 5–10 mm deep. Keep consistently moist during germination.
Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 40–50 cm apart in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Begin harvesting shoots once small heads have formed but before flowers open. Cut shoots with a length of tender stem attached and continue picking regularly to encourage further production.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Asparagus officinalis
A classic heritage asparagus producing thick, dark green shoots with excellent flavour. Developed in 1873 and listed in Australia by 1897, ‘Connover’s Colossal’ was the most popular asparagus variety for many years before being superseded by Mary Washington. Plants are long lived and productive once established, making this a rewarding crop for patient gardeners with space for a permanent bed.
Approximately 16 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to June
Subtropics: May to July
Mild climates: July to September
Cold climates: September to October
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed 1 to 2 cm deep into well drained, fertile soil in full sun. Keep soil consistently moist during germination, which can take several weeks. Transplant or thin seedlings to 30 to 45 cm apart, with rows spaced 90 to 120 cm apart. Avoid harvesting in the first year to allow crowns to establish. Well prepared soil and patience will be rewarded with heavy yields for many years.
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
Pineapple is a striking heirloom beefsteak tomato producing large fruits that ripen to bright golden yellow streaked and marbled with red. Sliced open, the flesh often shows the same beautiful blend of yellow, orange and red, giving each fruit a distinctive appearance.
The large, meaty tomatoes have a rich, sweet and fruity flavour with relatively low acidity. Excellent for fresh eating, they are particularly impressive sliced into salads, sandwiches and platters. Despite the name, Pineapple refers to the fruit's colourful appearance and fruity character rather than an actual pineapple flavour.
Plants are vigorous, high yielding and indeterminate, continuing to produce their substantial beefsteak fruits over an extended season. Strong staking or trellising is recommended to support the vines and weight of the 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 and large fruit. Water at soil level where possible and avoid waterlogged conditions.
Maturity: approximately 85–95 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
Pak Choi 'Green' is a fast-growing Chinese cabbage variety producing thick, rich green leaves and attractive light green stems. The plants form an open, rounded habit with broad, tender foliage that is both productive and highly versatile in the kitchen.
Selected for its ability to perform well in warm and humid climates, this variety is particularly suited to tropical and subtropical growing conditions. The crisp stems and succulent leaves have a mild flavour that works beautifully in stir-fries, soups, steamed dishes and fresh salads when harvested young.
With rapid growth and heavy yields, Pak Choi 'Green' can be ready to harvest in as little as 40 days. Its reliability, heat tolerance and vigorous growth make it an excellent choice for home gardeners seeking quick harvests through the warmer months.
Approximately 300 seeds per gram
Approximately 60 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: March to October
Subtropics: August to April
Mild climates: September to April
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed 5 mm deep directly into prepared garden beds or raise seedlings in trays for transplanting. Space plants 20–30 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart. Succession sow every few weeks for a continuous harvest.
Grow in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive soil enriched with compost. Water regularly to maintain rapid growth and prevent plants from becoming stressed. Harvest individual leaves as required or cut entire plants once they reach maturity.
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
Roma is a popular heirloom plum tomato producing smooth, bright red, oval-shaped fruit typically measuring up to 45 × 90 mm. With firm, meaty flesh and few seeds, it is an excellent choice for bottling, sauces, pastes, soups, roasting and drying. The compact, highly productive plants are well suited to home gardens and are noted for their tolerance to verticillium and fusarium wilts. A dependable variety that delivers generous harvests of quality fruit.
Approximately 250–350 seeds per gram
Approximately 50 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to July (dry season)
Subtropics: August to January
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: October to November after frost
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed 5 mm deep in seed trays or pots and keep warm until germination. Transplant seedlings into a sunny, frost-free position once well established, spacing plants 50–70 cm apart. Plants are generally compact but will benefit from staking or caging to support heavy crops and keep fruit clean. Water consistently and feed regularly throughout the growing season. Harvest ripe fruit approximately 75–78 days from sowing.
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
Scorpio is an Australian-bred tomato producing smooth, round red fruits approximately 6–8 cm across. The fruits are firm and juicy with good traditional tomato flavour, making them excellent for fresh eating, salads, sandwiches and cooking.
Developed specifically for Australian tropical and subtropical conditions, Scorpio is well adapted to warm growing regions. It is particularly valued for its resistance to wilt, providing greater reliability where soil-borne disease can make tomato growing difficult.
Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, continuing to flower and set fruit throughout the season. Sturdy staking or trellising is recommended to support the climbing vines and productive 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.
Cucumis sativus
Suyo Long is a traditional Chinese heirloom Cucumber producing exceptionally long, slender fruits reaching approximately 38 cm. The dark green fruits have distinctive ribbed skin and often develop gentle curves as they grow, particularly when allowed to ramble along the ground.
The flesh is crisp, sweet and refreshing, with tender skin and excellent flavour. Suyo Long is considered a burpless variety and is notably free from bitterness, making it particularly good for fresh eating. Slice into salads and sandwiches, serve with dips, add to Asian-style salads or use young fruits for pickling.
One of the great strengths of Suyo Long is its ability to perform through hot weather. The vigorous vines remain productive in conditions that can challenge many conventional cucumber varieties, making it an excellent choice for warmer Australian climates.
For the longest and straightest fruits, grow Suyo Long vertically on a sturdy trellis and allow the cucumbers to hang freely as they develop. Trellising also improves airflow around the foliage and makes the prolific fruits easier to find and harvest.
Approximately 20 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 indoors approximately 4–5 weeks earlier
Planting / Sowing
Sow directly into warm soil approximately 10–20 mm deep, or raise in pots and transplant once conditions have warmed. Cucumbers dislike root disturbance, so handle seedlings carefully when transplanting.
Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Provide a sturdy trellis for best results, allowing the long fruits to hang freely and develop straighter.
Keep soil consistently moist during flowering and fruit development. Harvest regularly while fruits are crisp and tender, up to approximately 38 cm long. Frequent picking encourages continued flowering and production.
If saving seed, Suyo Long can cross-pollinate with other Cucumis sativus varieties flowering nearby, so adequate isolation is required to maintain the variety true to type.
Maturity: approximately 61 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Tagetes erecta
Crackerjack is a classic tall African Marigold producing large, fully double flowers in a brilliant mixture of yellow, gold and orange. Growing to approximately 90 cm tall, the sturdy, upright plants create a bold display throughout the warmer months.
The large blooms are carried on long stems, making Crackerjack an excellent variety for cutting and fresh flower arrangements. In the garden, plants work beautifully through borders, cottage gardens and productive growing areas, where the flowers also attract bees and other beneficial insects.
Hardy and easy to grow, African Marigolds thrive in warm conditions and full sun. Regular picking or deadheading encourages continued flowering throughout summer and into autumn.
Seed count: approximately 300 seeds/g
Approximately 200 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, covering seed lightly with soil or seed-raising mix. Keep moist during germination and establishment.
Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 30–40 cm apart in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
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. italica
Purple Sprouting Early is a traditional, exceptionally hardy sprouting broccoli grown for its abundance of tender purple flowering shoots. Rather than producing one large central head, plants develop medium-sized heads followed by numerous smaller side shoots, providing repeated harvests over an extended period.
The colourful shoots have an excellent sweet broccoli flavour and can be harvested with their tender stems and young leaves attached. Regular picking encourages continued side-shoot production, providing a generous crop over many weeks.
This is a long-season broccoli, typically taking from approximately 120 days but potentially as long as 220 days depending on climate and growing conditions. Traditionally planted in autumn, plants grow steadily through winter before producing their main flush of purple shoots in late winter and spring. Its excellent cold tolerance makes it particularly valuable in areas with cool or frosty winters.
Approximately 150 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Generally unsuitable except in cooler highland areas
Subtropics: Late summer to autumn in cooler locations
Mild climates: Late summer to autumn
Cold climates: Summer to early autumn for overwintering
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 fertile, well-drained soil. Harvest shoots while the flower buds remain tight, cutting a length of tender stem with each head. Continue picking regularly to encourage further side-shoot production.
Maturity: approximately 120–220 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Dysphania ambrosioides
Epazote is a traditional Central American herb valued for its distinctive, musky aroma and bold flavour that has been a staple of Mexican and Guatemalan cooking for centuries. Growing to around 60 cm tall, this fast-growing annual produces narrow, aromatic green leaves that are harvested throughout the season.
Young shoots and leaves are commonly added to soups, while small quantities of the mature leaves are used to flavour bean dishes, corn, seafood and traditional Mexican recipes such as black beans and quesadillas. Due to its strong flavour, a little goes a long way. Historically, Epazote has also been used in traditional herbal medicine, although today it is grown primarily as a culinary herb.
Approximately 2,000–2,500 seeds per gram
Approximately 100 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: September to April
Mild climates: September to February
Cold climates: October to January
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed on the surface or cover very lightly with 2–3 mm of fine seed-raising mix in a sunny, well-drained position. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination. Thin or transplant seedlings to 30–40 cm apart. Harvest young leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth and use sparingly in cooking due to their strong, distinctive flavour.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Prunella vulgaris
Also known as Self Heal, Allheal is a hardy, low-growing perennial herb valued for both its ornamental appeal and long history in traditional herbal medicine. It forms a dense mat of green foliage and produces attractive violet-blue flower spikes from late spring through to autumn, drawing bees and other beneficial pollinators to the garden. Spreading by both seed and underground rhizomes, it makes an excellent living ground cover in moist, well-drained soils. Traditionally, Self Heal has been used to support wound healing and to soothe inflammation and sore throats due to its recognised astringent, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It remains a popular herb for teas and topical preparations in traditional herbal practice.
Approximately 700–900 seeds per gram
Approximately 60 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to August
Mild climates: September to November or March to May
Cold climates: September to December after frost
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed on the surface of moist, well-drained soil or seed-raising mix, covering only lightly as light assists germination. Keep consistently moist until seedlings emerge. Plant in full sun to partial shade, spacing plants 20–30 cm apart. Once established, Self Heal spreads naturally by rhizomes to form an attractive, flowering ground cover that requires minimal maintenance.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita maxima
Crown Prince, also known as Whangaparāoa Crown, is a prized New Zealand heirloom originating from Whangaparāoa Bay. It produces attractive medium to large fruits with hard blue-grey skin, a small seed cavity and dense, deep orange flesh. The flesh is dry, exceptionally sweet and rich in flavour, making it ideal for roasting, soups and baking. An outstanding keeper, Crown Prince stores for many months after harvest while its flavour continues to develop.
Approximately 4–6 seeds per gram
Approximately 10 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
Sow seed 20–30 mm deep into well-drained, fertile soil in full sun after the danger of frost has passed. Plant in mounds or rows, spacing plants 1–1.5 m apart with 2–3 m between rows. Keep well watered during flowering and fruit development, and harvest once the rind has hardened and the stem begins to dry. Cure fruit in a warm, airy place for 10–14 days before storing to maximise keeping quality.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
(Solanum tuberosum)
Sebago is a popular white-fleshed potato with a smooth texture and excellent versatility in the kitchen. With a balance between waxy and starchy qualities, it performs well whether boiled, mashed, roasted, or fried. Originally bred for Australian conditions, Sebago grows best in rich, well-drained soil with full sun. Harvest once the plants flower and the skins have set for best storage and flavour.
Before planting, slice larger tubers into sections, making sure each piece carries at least one or two strong eyes (sprouts). Allow the cut surfaces to dry and callous over for a day or two to reduce the risk of rotting in the soil. Avoid cutting pieces too small — a good chunk of tuber helps support strong early growth and better yields.
Potatoes are propagated from “seed potatoes” — whole tubers or pieces specifically grown for planting. Certified seed potatoes are produced under controlled conditions to ensure varietal purity and freedom from disease. They offer stronger vigour and higher yields compared to supermarket potatoes, making them the preferred choice for reliable, healthy crops.
**Potatoes cannot be sent to WA, TAS or Kangaroo Island**
Cucumis sativus
Poona Kheera is an extraordinary Indian heirloom Cucumber, traditionally grown around Pune in western India. Unlike most cucumbers, its appearance changes dramatically as it matures, beginning pale green to creamy white, developing through golden yellow and eventually ripening to a distinctive russet-brown skin.
At every stage the flesh remains crisp, juicy and pleasantly tangy. Young pale fruits are excellent eaten fresh, sliced into salads and sandwiches or used for pickling, while the more mature golden and russet fruits develop a fuller flavour while retaining their crunch.
Poona Kheera is particularly valued for its toughness in the garden. Early producing and remarkably tolerant of hot weather, it continues cropping over a long period when many cucumber varieties begin to struggle. Plants are vigorous, productive and show good natural disease resistance, making this an excellent variety for warm Australian climates.
The vines can be allowed to ramble across the ground or trained vertically onto a trellis. Trellising improves airflow, saves space and makes the changing colours of the fruits easy to spot and harvest.
Approximately 18 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 trellis for vertical growth or allow vines sufficient room to ramble. Keep plants consistently watered during flowering and fruit development, although Poona Kheera handles hot conditions particularly well once established.
Harvest young while pale for a fresh, crisp cucumber, or experiment with the different stages as fruits change through golden yellow to russet brown. Pick regularly to encourage continued flowering and production.
If saving seed, Poona Kheera can cross-pollinate with other Cucumis sativus cucumber varieties flowering nearby, so adequate isolation is required to maintain the variety true to type.
Maturity: approximately 55 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Brassica rapa var. parachinensis
Choy Sum is a popular Asian leafy vegetable grown for its tender green stems, glossy dark green leaves and delicate flowering shoots. This Hong Kong green variety is highly regarded for its excellent flavour, combining mild sweetness with a subtle mustard-like character that makes it a favourite in stir-fries, soups and steamed vegetable dishes.
Unlike heading cabbages, Choy Sum produces an open, upright plant with succulent stems and attractive dark green foliage. The entire plant is edible, including the young flower buds, which are often considered the most flavoursome part. Fast growing and productive, it provides a generous harvest in as little as 55 days.
Choy Sum is widely cultivated throughout Asia and performs best in the cooler months of the year. Regular harvesting encourages continued production of tender shoots and leaves.
Approximately 300 seeds per gram
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 and autumn
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed 5 mm deep directly into prepared garden beds or raise seedlings in trays for transplanting. Space plants 20–30 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart. Succession sow every few weeks for a continuous supply throughout the growing season.
Grow in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost. Keep soil consistently moist to promote rapid, tender growth. Harvest whole plants when young or pick leaves and flowering shoots as required for an extended harvest period.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Capsicum annuum
Pequin is a fiery little Chilli producing masses of small, compact fruits approximately 2 cm long. The fruits begin green before ripening to a vivid red, creating a colourful display on bushy plants reaching around 60 cm tall. Despite their diminutive size, the fruits pack considerable heat.
Native to Mexico and parts of the southern United States, Pequin is closely associated with wild and semi-wild chillies and has a long history of use in Mexican cooking. The small fruits have an intense, sharp heat accompanied by a distinctive fruity, slightly smoky flavour that becomes particularly pronounced when dried.
Pequin can be used fresh in salsas, sauces and marinades, pickled whole, or dried and crushed into flakes or powder. Dried fruits are traditionally used to season beans, soups, stews, meats and other savoury dishes. Their small size makes them easy to dry whole for storage.
Plants perform best through warm weather in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and consistent moisture. The compact habit also makes Pequin well suited to container growing. In warm, frost-free climates plants may continue growing and producing beyond a single season.
Approximately 25 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: Start under protection in late winter to spring and transplant after the last frost
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 5 mm deep into trays or pots and keep warm and consistently moist during germination. Pequin can be slower and more erratic to germinate than many domesticated chilli varieties, so steady warmth and patience are beneficial.
Transplant seedlings once the danger of frost has passed and conditions have warmed, spacing approximately 40–50 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 red for their mature flavour and heat. For dried use, harvest fully ripe fruits and dry thoroughly before storing whole or grinding.
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
Graf Zeppelin is a productive bush tomato producing medium-sized, round fruits that ripen to a rich, deep red. The tomatoes have firm, sweet flesh and a classic tomato flavour, combining good eating quality with a sturdy texture.
The firm fruits are versatile in the kitchen, excellent sliced fresh for salads and sandwiches, served on platters or used for general cooking. Their sweetness also makes them particularly enjoyable eaten fresh from the garden.
A determinate variety, Graf Zeppelin forms a relatively compact bush and produces its crop over a more concentrated period than climbing tomatoes. Plants require little training, although light support can be useful when carrying a heavy crop.
Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram. Approximately 40 seeds per packet.
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: February–August
Subtropics: August–April
Mild climates: August–December
Cold climates: September–December, after frost risk has passed
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix or directly where conditions are warm. In cooler climates, seed can be started indoors approximately five weeks before transplanting after the last frost. Best soil temperature for germination is approximately 16–35°C.
Space plants approximately 40–60 cm apart with 60–150 cm between rows. Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Bush plants require little training, although support may be useful under 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.
Cucurbita pepo
Sweet Dumpling is a charming small-fruited Pumpkin producing individual-sized fruits with creamy ivory skin beautifully striped and mottled with dark green. Fruits typically weigh around 200 g and contain sweet, tender orange flesh with a rich flavour that makes this an excellent small culinary pumpkin.
The convenient size makes Sweet Dumpling particularly good for baking whole or halving and stuffing. The flesh becomes soft, sweet and creamy when roasted and pairs beautifully with grains, herbs, cheeses, nuts or savoury fillings. It can also be used in soups, curries, mash and baking.
The thin skin becomes tender when cooked and can generally be eaten along with the flesh, particularly when the fruits are roasted. This makes Sweet Dumpling an easy pumpkin to prepare with very little waste.
Plants are relatively compact and bushy compared with many sprawling winter pumpkins, making them particularly useful for smaller vegetable gardens and raised beds. Despite their modest size, plants are productive and can carry multiple small fruits.
Mature fruits also have useful keeping qualities, storing for approximately 3–4 months under suitable conditions. Allow them to mature fully before harvest and cure them carefully to maximise storage life.
As a Cucurbita pepo, Sweet Dumpling belongs to the diverse species that also includes zucchini, many summer squashes, Delicata and numerous ornamental gourds.
Approximately 15 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 80 cm–1 m between plants. Although more compact than many pumpkin varieties, provide sufficient room for plants to spread comfortably.
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 cream and dark green colouring, the rind has hardened and the stem begins to dry. Cut from the plant with a 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 can store for approximately 3–4 months.
Maturity: approximately 83–100 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Vigna unguiculata
Vigna unguiculata var. sesquipedalis
A vigorous climbing bean producing long, slender pods around 15 to 25 cm in length, best harvested young and tender. Mild flavoured and crisp, well suited to stir fries, steaming, and fresh eating. Plants are fast growing and productive in warm conditions, climbing readily with support and bearing attractive purple flowers. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. A reliable, heat tolerant variety for summer growing.
Approximately 15 seeds per packet
Seed count: 8–10 per gram
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 once soil temperatures are consistently warm. Provide sturdy support for climbing plants. Space seeds 20 to 30 cm apart and keep soil evenly moist during establishment. Harvest pods frequently for best quality and 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.