Search results

Lactuca sativa

Green Oak Leaf is a classic Looseleaf Lettuce producing attractive open rosettes of deeply lobed, bright green leaves shaped much like the leaves of an oak tree. Soft, tender and decorative, it is an excellent variety for both the vegetable garden and mixed edible plantings.

The leaves have a mild, sweet flavour and delicate texture, making them particularly good for fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps. The deeply lobed shape adds volume and texture to salad mixes and pairs beautifully with contrasting red and bronze lettuce varieties.

Green Oak Leaf is particularly well suited to cut-and-come-again harvesting. Individual outer leaves can be picked as required while leaving the central growing point intact, allowing plants to continue producing fresh leaves over an extended period. Baby leaves can also be harvested young for salad mixes.

Lettuce is one of the world’s oldest cultivated salad vegetables, grown for thousands of years and spreading through the ancient Mediterranean world. Today its enormous diversity includes looseleaf, cos, butterhead and crisphead forms adapted to a wide range of climates and seasons.

Green Oak Leaf performs well through much of the year but is best grown outside the hottest part of summer. Like most lettuces, it prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a near-neutral pH and consistent moisture. Some afternoon shade can help extend production as temperatures rise.

Seed count: approximately 600–1,000 seeds/g
Approximately 200 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to spring
Mild climates: Autumn to late spring
Cold climates: Spring to autumn

Planting / Sowing

Sow shallowly, approximately 3–5 mm deep, directly into prepared soil or raise in trays for transplanting. Lettuce seed needs only a light covering and germinates best in cool to mild conditions.

Space plants approximately 20–30 cm apart for mature plants, or sow more closely for baby-leaf production. Grow in full sun during cooler weather or provide some afternoon shade as temperatures increase.

Keep soil consistently moist to encourage tender growth and reduce stress that can cause bitterness or premature bolting. Harvest individual outer leaves regularly, leaving the centre intact for 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.

Daucus carota subsp. sativus

Chantenay Red-Cored is a classic heirloom Carrot producing broad, relatively short, wedge-shaped roots with a rich orange-red colour extending right through to the core. The roots have a sweet, tender texture and excellent flavour, making this an enduring favourite for the home vegetable garden.

Its short, broad root shape makes Chantenay particularly well suited to heavier or shallower soils where long-rooted carrots can struggle. It is also an excellent choice for raised beds and containers. The substantial roots are delicious eaten fresh and are particularly good roasted, steamed, glazed, juiced or added to soups and stews.

Reliable and productive, Chantenay Red-Cored performs across a broad sowing season and matures relatively quickly in approximately 60–74 days. While tolerant of heavier soils, loosening the ground before sowing will still encourage smoother, better-shaped roots.

Approximately 300 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 3–5 cm apart once established, using young thinnings as baby carrots. Maintain even moisture while roots develop to encourage tender growth and prevent splitting.

Maturity: approximately 60–74 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

Yakumo is an impressive tall-climbing Snow Pea producing long, flat edible pods that can reach approximately 13 cm. Vigorous vines grow around 2–2.5 m tall and produce attractive purple flowers, making this a productive and ornamental addition to the cool-season vegetable garden.

The young pods are tender, crisp and sweet and are eaten whole before the peas inside fully develop. Their generous size makes them excellent sliced fresh into salads or quickly steamed, blanched or stir-fried. Brief cooking preserves their fresh pea flavour and satisfying crunch.

Yakumo’s vigorous climbing habit allows it to produce vertically rather than taking up valuable garden space at ground level. A strong trellis, fence or netting is essential to support the tall vines and make the developing pods easy to harvest.

Regular picking is particularly important with snow peas. Harvest the pods while they remain flat and tender to encourage the vines to continue flowering and producing over a long period. The purple flowers also add plenty of interest to the garden before the pods develop.

Peas are among the world’s oldest cultivated food crops, originating in the Near East and grown since ancient times. Early peas were primarily harvested and dried for storage, while edible-podded forms such as snow peas were selected for their tender pods and became important vegetables in many cuisines.

Seed count: approximately 3–5 seeds/g
Approximately 50 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Late summer to autumn
Mild climates: Late summer to autumn
Cold climates: Spring, with autumn sowing possible in suitable areas

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 20–30 mm deep directly where plants are to grow. Peas generally dislike root disturbance, so direct sowing is preferred.

Space seeds approximately 5–10 cm apart and provide a strong, tall trellis, netting or fence at sowing time. Vines can reach approximately 2–2.5 m and require reliable support as they mature.

Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Peas tolerate a range of soil types but dislike waterlogged conditions. Maintain consistent moisture during flowering and pod development.

Harvest the long pods while they are young, flat and tender, before the peas inside become noticeably swollen. Pick regularly to encourage continued production. For seed saving, leave selected pods on healthy plants until fully mature and dry.

Due to quarantine restrictions, we cannot send Pea seeds to Tasmania and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Cucurbita maxima

Ironbark is a classic Australian heritage Pumpkin renowned for its exceptionally hard skin, excellent keeping qualities and richly flavoured flesh. It produces substantial oval fruits with distinctive dark grey-green, heavily textured or warted skin and dense yellow-orange flesh.

The thick, tough rind that gives Ironbark its name makes mature fruits exceptionally durable in storage. Properly harvested and cured pumpkins can be kept for many months, making this an excellent variety for gardeners wanting a dependable supply well beyond the growing season.

The firm yellow-orange flesh has a rich traditional pumpkin flavour and relatively dry texture. It is excellent roasted or baked and holds together well in curries and stews. It can also be used for soups, mash, scones, pies and other sweet or savoury pumpkin dishes.

Ironbark has a long history in Australian gardens and market production, where varieties capable of surviving transport and extended storage were particularly valuable. Its famously hard rind could be difficult to cut, but that same characteristic protected the flesh and helped make Ironbark a dependable household storage pumpkin.

Plants are vigorous trailing vines and require plenty of room to spread. Allow fruits to mature fully on the vine wherever possible, as a properly developed rind is important for achieving the variety's exceptional storage potential.

Pumpkins originated in the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years before spreading throughout the world. Australian growers subsequently maintained and selected varieties suited to local conditions and culinary traditions, with hardy keeping pumpkins such as Ironbark becoming enduring favourites.

Approximately 10 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: During the warm season, avoiding the wettest periods where disease pressure is high
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer after frost
Cold climates: Spring after all danger of frost; start indoors where the growing season is short

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 20–30 mm deep directly into warm, prepared soil after all danger of frost has passed, or raise seedlings for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.

Grow in full sun in rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Allow approximately 1–2 m between plants and 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 once the fruit has developed its mature dark grey-green colour, the rind is extremely hard 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 moving them to a cool, dry storage area. The exceptionally hard rind gives Ironbark excellent long-term keeping qualities.

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

Trifolium pratense

Red Clover is a productive, short-lived perennial or biennial legume valued for green manure, pasture, forage and soil improvement. It performs particularly well in temperate regions with reliable moisture and is well suited to areas experiencing wetter summers.

Plants produce abundant leafy growth followed by attractive pink-red flower heads, with strong production from late summer into autumn. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, making Red Clover a useful addition to diverse pasture and growing systems.

As a legume, Red Clover forms a symbiotic relationship with beneficial soil bacteria, fixing atmospheric nitrogen through its root nodules and helping build fertility for following crops. Its substantial root system and leafy biomass also contribute organic matter and help maintain soil cover.

Seed count: approximately 540 seeds/g
Sowing rate: approximately 2–4 kg/ha

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Generally better suited to cooler regions
Subtropics: Autumn to winter
Mild climates: Autumn to winter or spring
Cold climates: Spring or early autumn

Planting / Sowing

Broadcast evenly over prepared soil and lightly rake or press seed into the surface. Keep moist during germination and establishment.

For green manure, cut at or around flowering and leave the foliage on the surface as mulch or lightly incorporate into the soil. For maximum nitrogen fixation, treat seed with the appropriate Clover inoculant where compatible rhizobia are not already established in the soil.

Not available for TAS.

WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.

Solanum lycopersicum

A colourful mixture of cherry tomatoes producing an assortment of small, sweet and juicy fruits in some of our most popular colours, including red, pink, orange, black, yellow and white. An excellent choice for anyone who wants plenty of variety from a single packet.

Vigorous indeterminate plants continue growing, flowering and producing throughout the season, providing an extended harvest when regularly picked. Fruit size, shape, flavour and maturity will vary between plants, making every harvest a little different.

Perfect for eating fresh from the vine, adding to salads and lunchboxes, roasting whole or creating colourful platters. Grow several plants to enjoy the widest possible range of colours from the mix.

Approximately 60 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

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

Planting / Sowing

Sow approximately 5 mm deep into seed-raising mix and keep warm and consistently moist until germination. Transplant seedlings once well established and all danger of frost has passed.

Plant approximately 50–75 cm apart in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. As these are indeterminate tomatoes, provide a sturdy trellis, stake or other support and tie plants as they grow.

As this is a mixed selection, individual colours and varieties cannot be guaranteed in equal proportions.

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

Crotalaria juncea

Sunn Hemp is a fast-growing annual tropical and subtropical legume originating from India. Traditionally grown for fibre and forage, it is particularly valuable as a green manure, cover crop and soil-improving species, producing substantial biomass in a relatively short growing period.

Its vigorous growth provides excellent ground cover, helping suppress weeds, protect exposed soil and add large amounts of organic matter. As a legume, Sunn Hemp forms a symbiotic relationship with beneficial soil bacteria, fixing atmospheric nitrogen through its root nodules and helping build fertility for following crops.

Sunn Hemp is also valued for its ability to suppress populations of certain plant-parasitic nematodes, making it a useful rotation crop in warm-climate vegetable and cropping systems.

Approximately 60 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Spring to autumn
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Late spring to summer
Cold climates: Generally not suited unless a sufficiently long, warm season is available

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly into warm, prepared soil in full sun once temperatures are consistently warm. Keep moist during germination and establishment, after which plants are relatively hardy.

For green manure, cut before mature seed develops and leave the foliage on the surface as mulch or incorporate it into the soil. For maximum nitrogen fixation, treat seed with the appropriate inoculant where compatible rhizobia are not already established in the soil.

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

Not Available for WA

Brassica oleracea var. italica

Calibrese is a reliable heirloom broccoli producing compact, dark green heads approximately 10 cm across. Once the main head is harvested, plants continue to produce smaller side shoots, providing an extended harvest over several weeks. An excellent variety for home gardens with good flavour and dependable yields.

Approximately 120 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to August
Mild climates: February to September
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed in trays or directly into well drained, fertile soil in full sun. Plant seeds 5 mm deep and transplant seedlings when 10–15 cm tall, spacing plants 45–60 cm apart. Keep plants well watered and feed regularly for the best head development. Harvest the main head while compact, then continue picking the side shoots as they develop.

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

Celosia plumosa 

A striking ornamental variety producing soft, feathery plumes in a vibrant blend of gold, crimson, orange and pink. Growing upright and vigorous, Pampas Plume brings bold colour and texture to garden beds, borders and containers throughout the warmer months, creating an eye-catching display that lasts for weeks.

Fast growing and highly tolerant of heat, this easy-care annual thrives in sunny positions and continues performing well through summer and autumn. The colourful flower plumes are excellent for fresh floral arrangements and retain their beauty when dried, making them a favourite for everlasting bouquets and decorative displays. The blooms also attract bees and other beneficial insects to the garden.

Approximately 140 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: September to March
Subtropics: September to February
Mild climates: Spring and summer
Cold climates: Late spring to summer after frost has passed

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed onto the surface of a quality seed raising mix and lightly press into place, as light assists germination. Keep warm and consistently moist during germination. Transplant seedlings once large enough to handle and plant into well-drained soil in a full sun position. Space plants approximately 25–30cm apart. Water regularly during establishment and flowering. Approximately 10–12 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.

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 250 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.

Amaranthus caudatus

A dramatic and unmistakable amaranth with long, rope like trails of deep red flowers that cascade from upright plants. Growing to around 90 cm tall, it makes a striking feature in garden beds and ornamental plantings. Both the leaves and seeds are edible, with young leaves used as a leafy green and the seeds traditionally harvested as a grain. Hardy and heat tolerant once established, ‘Love Lies Bleeding’ combines bold visual impact with practical usefulness, earning its place in both ornamental and productive gardens.

450 seeds per packet

Planting / Sowing
Sow directly into well-drained soil in full sun once the weather has warmed. In warm areas, sow from early spring. In cooler areas, wait until late spring after the risk of frost has passed. Sow seed shallowly and keep moist until germination. Space plants 40 to 60 cm apart to allow room for their upright growth and trailing flower heads.

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, Brassica oleracea, Fagopyrum esculentum, Sanguisorba minor, Lepidium sativum, Lactuca sativa, Brassica rapa var. japonica, Brassica juncea, Raphanus sativus, Eruca sativa, Spinacia oleracea, Helianthus annuus, Brassica rapa

A diverse mixture of fast-growing varieties selected especially for harvesting young as fresh, tender microgreens. Combining different colours, textures and flavours, from mild and leafy to peppery, nutty and aromatic, this mix provides plenty of variety from a single sowing.

The mix usually includes Basil, Broccoli, Buckwheat, Burnet, Cabbage, Cress, Kale, Lettuce, Mizuna, Red and Green Mustards, Radish, Rocket, Spinach, Sunflower and Turnip, subject to seasonal availability.

Microgreens are quick and easy to grow in small spaces and can be harvested fresh for salads, sandwiches, wraps, bowls, smoothies and garnishes.

Microgreens Production: Year-round Australia-wide

Approximately 1200 seeds per packet

Microgreens can be grown throughout the year in a bright, protected position with suitable warmth, light and good airflow.

Planting / Sowing

Use trays, pots or containers with good drainage and fill with a light, quality growing medium. Sow seeds approximately 2–5 mm deep. As the mixture contains seeds of different sizes and species, individual varieties will germinate and develop at different rates.

Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once germinated, provide plenty of sunlight and good air circulation to encourage strong, healthy growth.

Harvest when approximately 2–5 cm tall, generally around 2–3 weeks after sowing, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Cut just above soil level and rinse thoroughly before use.

Not available for TAS or WA due to quarantine restrictions.

Solanum lycopersicum

Pink Marbles is an early-season tomato producing medium-sized, round fruits that ripen to a rich red. The juicy fruits have a classic tomato flavour and a useful size for everyday harvesting and eating.

Its relatively early maturity makes Pink Marbles a good choice for gardeners wanting to bring the tomato harvest forward, particularly in areas with a shorter warm growing season. The fruits are versatile in the kitchen, ideal for slicing, salads, sandwiches and general cooking.

Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, continuing to flower and set fruit as the vines grow. Provide sturdy staking or trellising to support the climbing plants 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.

Maturity: approximately 65 days.

Not available for WA.

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

Helianthus annuus

Giant Single is a classic tall Sunflower producing enormous golden-yellow flowers with broad petals surrounding a large central disc. Fast growing and impressive, the towering plants create a spectacular feature in productive gardens, along fences and at the back of garden beds.

The large flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, while mature seed heads provide an excellent food source for seed-eating birds. This variety also produces oil-rich seed with a high proportion of monounsaturated fats and has good resistance to rust.

Sunflowers thrive in warm weather and full sun and are remarkably easy to grow. Plants develop substantial root systems and perform best in fertile, well-drained soil with regular moisture while establishing. Their height makes them particularly fun for children’s gardens and growing competitions.

Approximately 30 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Most of the year, avoiding excessively wet periods
Subtropics: Spring to autumn
Mild climates: Spring to summer
Cold climates: Spring to early summer after frost

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly where plants are to grow, approximately 2–3 cm deep. Keep soil moist during germination and establishment.

Thin seedlings to approximately 40–60 cm apart in full sun. Choose a position protected from strong winds or provide support as plants become tall and flower heads develop.

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. botrytis

Alpha is an early, quick-growing Cauliflower producing small, dense white heads of excellent quality. The tightly formed curds have a fine texture and mild flavour, with plants maturing in approximately 68 days. Its relatively compact size and quick growth make Alpha particularly useful for smaller gardens and successive plantings.

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.

The firm white heads have a mild, slightly sweet flavour and are exceptionally versatile in the kitchen. Enjoy raw, steamed, roasted, grilled, pickled, mashed, added to curries and soups or baked whole. The leaves and tender stems are also edible and need not be discarded.

Alpha performs best when its main head development occurs during cooler weather. In much of Australia, successive sowings beginning in late summer can provide an extended harvest through the cooler months. Plants prefer full sun, fertile, well-drained soil with a near-neutral pH and consistent moisture.

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 40–50 cm apart in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Maintain consistent moisture throughout growth, as water stress can affect head development.

As white heads begin to form, loosely fold or tie the surrounding leaves over the curd to protect it from strong sunlight and help maintain its white colour. Harvest while heads are firm, compact and tightly formed.

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.

Maturity: approximately 68 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 melongena

Little Fingers is a highly productive heirloom eggplant producing abundant slender purple fruits on medium-sized plants. Harvest the fruit when finger-sized for tender, bite-sized eggplants, or allow them to grow larger without sacrificing flavour or texture. The mild, creamy flesh is excellent for pickling, grilling, roasting, stir-fries, and a wide range of cooked dishes. A reliable and prolific variety for home gardens.

Approximately 40 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: March to September
Subtropics: August to December
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: After the last frost

Planting / Sowing
Sow seed in trays 5 mm deep in a warm, well drained seed-raising mix. Maintain temperatures between 22–30°C for reliable germination. Transplant seedlings into full sun once the soil has warmed, spacing plants 50–60 cm apart. Harvest fruit regularly while glossy and firm to encourage continuous production.

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

Zea mays

Country Gentleman is a historic American open-pollinated Sweet Corn, introduced in the late 19th century and treasured for its rich flavour and unusual kernel arrangement. Unlike the neat rows seen on most modern corn, its narrow white kernels are packed irregularly around the cob, giving rise to the old name “shoepeg corn”.

The plump, creamy kernels are tender and richly flavoured, with the full-bodied sweetness characteristic of traditional open-pollinated sweet corns. Excellent eaten fresh from the cob, steamed, boiled or grilled, the kernels can also be cut from the cob for soups, salads, fritters, relishes and preserving.

Plants generally produce around two cobs each and are a particularly good choice for the home garden. Country Gentleman matures relatively late, rewarding the longer growing season with excellent eating quality and substantial, well-filled cobs.

Corn originated in the Americas and has been cultivated and selected by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Open-pollinated varieties such as Country Gentleman can be seed saved from year to year, allowing growers to maintain the variety and select plants particularly well adapted to their own conditions.

Approximately 50 seeds per packet

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: Spring to autumn
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer
Cold climates: Spring after the last frost to early summer

Planting / Sowing

Sow directly into warm soil approximately 2–3 cm deep. Space plants approximately 20–30 cm apart, with rows 50–75 cm apart. Plant in blocks of several short rows rather than a single long row to encourage effective wind pollination and well-filled cobs.

Corn is a heavy feeder and benefits from fertile soil, generous organic matter and regular feeding during active growth. Water deeply during dry weather, particularly during flowering, pollination and cob development.

Harvest for eating when the silks have browned and the kernels are plump and milky when pierced. Sweet corn is at its best soon after harvest, before the sugars in the kernels begin converting to starch.

If saving seed, isolate Country Gentleman from other corn varieties flowering at the same time. Corn is readily wind pollinated over considerable distances, so substantial physical isolation or sufficiently staggered planting times are required to maintain the variety true to type.

Maturity: approximately 83–100 days.

Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety. Not available for delivery to Western Australia.

Cucurbita moschata

Violina is a spectacular rare Italian heirloom Pumpkin named for its distinctive violin-like shape. A large butternut type, it produces elongated fruits with a bulbous base, wrinkled tan skin and exceptionally thick, deep orange flesh. Mature fruits can weigh approximately 9–16 kg.

The flesh is dense, sweet and richly flavoured, with a smooth texture and relatively small seed cavity compared with the generous amount of usable flesh. It is superb roasted, where its sweetness intensifies, and is equally good in soups, risotto, gnocchi, ravioli, purées, baking and other traditional pumpkin dishes.

Often known as Violina Rugosa or Violina Rugosa Butternut, this Italian variety takes its name both from its violin-like form and its characteristically wrinkled or rugose skin. It is particularly associated with northern Italian cooking, where richly flavoured winter squash are used extensively in pasta fillings, risotti and gnocchi.

Violina is an excellent storage pumpkin. The fruits should be allowed to mature fully on the vine, then harvested with approximately 6 cm of stem attached. Cure the pumpkins in a warm, sunny, dry position before moving them into storage. During curing and storage the flavour and sweetness can continue to develop.

As a Cucurbita moschata, Violina thrives in warm conditions and develops vigorous trailing vines. Its substantial fruits and long growing season mean plants benefit from fertile soil, consistent moisture and plenty of room to spread.

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 1–2 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.

Allow fruits to mature fully on the vine. Harvest when the tan rind has hardened and the stem begins to dry, cutting each pumpkin with approximately 6 cm of stem attached.

Cure harvested pumpkins in a warm, sunny, dry and well-ventilated position before moving them to a cool, dry storage area with good airflow.

Maturity: approximately 100–110 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 

Italian Cabbage is an unusual old European turnip grown for its very large roots and exceptionally tender flesh. Despite its somewhat rustic appearance, the root has a buttery, mild flavour and remains tender rather than becoming coarse or woody as it grows. Young roots can be sliced and eaten raw as well as roasted, steamed, mashed or added to soups and stews.

This is a very old turnip type with a long history in European cultivation. Despite the name “Italian Cabbage”, it is a turnip rather than a true cabbage or swede. The leafy tops are also edible and can be harvested young for salads or cooked as greens.

A vigorous and forgiving variety, Italian Cabbage can be allowed to grow considerably larger than most table turnips without sacrificing eating quality. It is adaptable across a broad range of conditions and can be grown through much of the year where temperatures are suitable.

Seed count: approximately 400–500 seeds per gram. Approximately 180 seeds per packet.

When to Plant (Australia)

Tropics: March–September
Subtropics: February–October
Mild climates: February–November
Cold climates: August–May

Planting / Sowing

Direct sow approximately 5–10 mm deep into fertile, friable, well-drained soil. Thin seedlings to approximately 15–20 cm apart to allow the large roots room to develop, with 30–40 cm between rows. Maintain consistent moisture for the most tender roots.

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