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Zea mays
Anasazi is a fascinating open-pollinated heirloom Corn producing colourful kernels in varying combinations of red, blue and white. The name Anasazi has commonly been interpreted as “ancient ones”, reflecting the variety’s association with the agricultural traditions of the American Southwest.
Anasazi is particularly versatile because it can be harvested at different stages. For sweet corn, pick the cobs young while the kernels are still pale yellow, tender and milky. At this stage the flavour is rich and corn-like rather than intensely sweet like many modern hybrid sweet corns. If allowed to mature fully, the kernels develop their characteristic colours and dry to a hard maize suitable for grinding into cornmeal, grits or finer flour.
Plants are remarkably drought tolerant and capable of performing in relatively poor soils, although good fertility and regular moisture will significantly improve yields. Under favourable conditions plants can produce approximately 2–3 cobs each.
Corn originated in the Americas and has been cultivated and selected by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years, developing into an extraordinary diversity of colours, forms and culinary types. Open-pollinated varieties such as Anasazi can also be seed saved from year to year, allowing growers to continue selecting plants particularly well adapted to their own conditions.
Seed count: approximately 4–7 seeds/g
Approximately 90 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 rather than single rows, ideally with at least 30 plants where space permits, 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.
For sweet corn, harvest when the silks have browned and the kernels are still plump and milky. For flour or maize, leave cobs to mature fully until the kernels have hardened and developed their characteristic red, blue and white colouring, then harvest and dry thoroughly before storing or grinding.
If saving seed, Anasazi must be isolated from other corn varieties flowering at the same time. Corn is readily wind pollinated over considerable distances, so use substantial physical isolation or stagger planting times sufficiently to prevent overlapping flowering.
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.
Lavandula dentata
Lavandula dentata is a fragrant evergreen shrub grown for its soft grey-green, finely toothed foliage and delicate spikes of pale purple flowers. Flowering over an extended season in mild climates, it forms an attractive bush reaching around 60–90 cm tall and is equally at home in herb gardens, cottage gardens, containers and low hedges. Its aromatic foliage and flowers are highly attractive to bees and other beneficial pollinators.
Lavender common names can be confusing, as they vary between countries. In Australia, Lavandula dentata is often referred to as Spanish Lavender, while in the United States it is more commonly known as French Lavender. Conversely, Lavandula stoechas is widely called French Lavender in Australia and the United Kingdom, but Spanish Lavender in North America. For this reason, the botanical name is the most reliable way to identify each lavender species.
Approximately 1,000 seeds per gram
Approximately 30 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to May and August to October
Mild climates: March to May and September to November
Cold climates: September to November
Planting / Sowing
Surface sow or lightly cover seed with no more than 2–3 mm of fine seed-raising mix. Refrigerating seed for 2–4 weeks before sowing may improve germination. Keep the mix evenly moist but not waterlogged at 18–22°C. Transplant seedlings into a sunny position with well-drained soil or large containers, spacing plants 40–60 cm apart. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy habit.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Digitalis purpurea
Excelsior Mix is a classic Foxglove producing impressive, well-formed flower spikes in a beautiful mixture of purple, pink and white. Growing to approximately 90 cm tall, the stately stems bring height and structure to cottage gardens, woodland-style plantings and mixed borders.
The tall spikes are lined with distinctive bell-shaped flowers, often beautifully spotted and marked inside the throat. Highly attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, Excelsior Mix creates an impressive display when planted in groups or allowed to naturalise through informal garden areas.
Foxgloves prefer cooler growing conditions and perform well in full sun to partial shade, particularly in fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture.
Seed count: approximately 10,000 seeds/g
Approximately 2,000 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to winter
Mild climates: Autumn and spring
Cold climates: Spring to early summer
Planting / Sowing
Sow the very fine seed onto the surface of moist seed-raising mix and press gently into place. Do not cover deeply, as light assists germination. Keep consistently moist until seedlings are established.
Transplant once seedlings are large enough to handle, spacing approximately 30–40 cm apart in full sun to partial shade.
Foxglove is toxic if ingested. Take care when growing around children and pets and do not use any part of the plant for culinary purposes.
Due to quarantine restrictions, WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Not available for TAS
Dianthus barbatus
Tall Single Mix is a classic Sweet William producing dense clusters of beautifully fragrant single flowers in a broad range of pink, white, mauve and red shades, often with attractive contrasting markings and bi-coloured patterns.
Growing on tall, upright stems, this old-fashioned cottage garden favourite is excellent for borders, mass plantings and cutting gardens. The sweetly scented flowers have a good vase life and are highly attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.
The flowers are also edible, with petals offering a mild, sweet clove-like flavour. They can be scattered through salads, used to decorate cakes and biscuits or added as a colourful garnish to drinks and other dishes. Remove the bitter white base of the petals before eating.
Sweet William is generally grown as a biennial or short-lived perennial and performs particularly well in cooler conditions. Plants prefer full sun to partial shade with fertile, well-drained soil.
Seed count: approximately 900 seeds/g
Approximately 400 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter in cooler locations
Subtropics: Autumn to winter
Mild climates: Autumn to spring
Cold climates: Spring to summer
Planting / Sowing
Sow directly or raise in trays, covering seed lightly with soil or seed-raising mix. Keep consistently moist during germination and establishment.
Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 20–30 cm apart in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Regular picking or deadheading encourages a longer flowering display, or allow selected flower heads to mature for natural self-seeding.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Althaea officinalis
Marshmallow is a graceful perennial herb with soft, velvety grey-green leaves and delicate pale pink to white flowers that bloom throughout the warmer months. Growing to around 1–1.5 m tall, it brings both beauty and usefulness to cottage gardens, herb gardens and pollinator plantings. Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, while its elegant form provides interest throughout the growing season.
Historically valued in traditional herbal medicine for its soothing qualities, Marshmallow has been cultivated for centuries as both a medicinal and edible plant. The young leaves, flowers, immature seed pods and roots are all edible. Young leaves can be added to salads or cooked as greens, while the flowers make an attractive garnish. The roots are traditionally harvested from mature plants and have long been used in herbal preparations.
Approximately 280 seeds per gram
Approximately 40 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: March to October
Cold climates: September to November
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed 5 mm deep in a quality seed-raising mix and keep evenly moist until germination. Germination is often improved by soaking seed overnight before sowing. Transplant seedlings into a sunny or partly shaded position with rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil, spacing plants 60–90 cm apart. Regular watering will encourage lush growth, particularly during dry periods. Harvest leaves and flowers as required, and allow roots to develop for several years before harvesting.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Hardy annual to 1m. Replacement for lettuce in tropics. Rich in trace elements, chlorophyll. Yellow flowers. Sow after frost.
Malva sylvestris
Not Available for WA
Phaseolus vulgaris
A unique European-style bush bean producing flat, stringless pods with good eating quality. Suited to fresh use and cooking, with a compact growth habit.
Approximately 120 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: March to August
Subtropics: August to March
Mild climates: Spring to summer
Cold climates: Late spring after frost has passed
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed directly into warm, well drained soil in full sun. In cooler climates, plant in late spring once frost risk has passed. Space seeds 10 to 15 cm apart and keep soil evenly moist during establishment.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita moschata
Black J.A.P, now commonly referred to as Black Kent, is a dark-skinned heirloom Pumpkin prized for its dense orange flesh, exceptionally rich flavour and excellent keeping qualities. Fruits are medium to large with deep green to almost black skin, often marked with lighter patches or subtle striping.
The flesh is sweet, fine textured and relatively dry, making this an outstanding all-purpose eating pumpkin. It is particularly good roasted, where the flesh becomes rich and caramelised, and is equally suited to soups, curries, baking, mashing and other savoury dishes.
Black J.A.P belongs to the broader group of pumpkins traditionally known in Australia as Jap pumpkins and now commonly sold as Kent. The name “Jap” is an old Australian varietal name believed to relate to the pumpkin's association with Japanese or kabocha-type pumpkins. Kent has increasingly become the preferred name in contemporary Australian horticulture and retail.
As a Cucurbita moschata, Black Kent thrives in warm conditions and vigorous vines require plenty of room to spread. This species also tends to perform particularly well in warmer and more humid climates compared with many Cucurbita maxima varieties.
One of Black Kent's great strengths is its storage life. Allow fruits to mature completely on the vine and cure them properly after harvest, and they can remain in excellent condition for several months.
Pumpkins originated in the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years. Cucurbita moschata includes many important warm-climate pumpkins and squashes, including butternut types, and is particularly valued for flavour, productivity and storage.
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 provide plenty of additional room for the vigorous vines to spread.
Keep plants consistently watered during active growth, flowering and fruit development. Water deeply at soil level where possible rather than regularly wetting the foliage.
Harvest when the rind has developed its mature dark colouring, the skin is too hard to easily mark with a fingernail 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. Properly matured and cured fruits can store for several months.
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
Thumbelina, also known as Paris Market, is a charming French heirloom Carrot producing distinctive round, bright orange roots up to approximately 5 cm across. Its compact, almost spherical shape makes it immediately recognisable and particularly useful where soil depth is limited.
The small roots have a sweet, crisp texture and excellent flavour and have long been prized for their presentation in the kitchen. Sought after by chefs and restaurateurs, they are beautiful roasted or glazed whole, steamed, pickled or served fresh when harvested young and tender.
Unlike long-rooted carrots, Thumbelina does not require deeply cultivated soil, making it an excellent choice for containers, raised beds and gardens with heavier or shallower soils. Loose, fertile, well-drained soil will still produce the smoothest and most evenly rounded roots.
Approximately 400 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. Maintain even moisture throughout root development to encourage smooth, tender roots. This compact variety is particularly suitable for pots and containers at least 15–20 cm deep.
Harvest once the round roots reach up to approximately 5 cm across, or earlier for tender baby carrots.
Maturity: approximately 70 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Zinnia elegans
Thumbelina Mix is a delightful dwarf Zinnia producing an abundance of medium-sized double and semi-double flowers in a brilliant range of colours. Growing to only approximately 20 cm tall, the remarkably compact plants develop a dense, bushy habit while still producing an impressive display throughout the warmer months.
Perfect for borders, edging, rockeries, window boxes and containers, Thumbelina brings all the colour of taller Zinnias to smaller spaces. The cheerful blooms are also attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects, making this an excellent choice for compact pollinator plantings and children’s gardens.
Fast growing, heat tolerant and easy to grow, Zinnias thrive in warm weather and full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. Regular deadheading encourages continued flower production throughout summer and into autumn.
Seed count: approximately 140 seeds/g
Approximately 100 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Spring to autumn, avoiding excessively wet periods
Subtropics: Spring to autumn
Mild climates: Spring to summer
Cold climates: Late spring to summer after frost
Planting / Sowing
Sow directly where plants are to grow or raise in trays, covering seed approximately 5 mm deep. Keep warm and consistently moist during germination.
Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 15–20 cm apart in full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid unnecessary root disturbance when transplanting. Regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage bushy growth and continued flowering.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Allium cepa
Gladalan White is an early, short-day Onion producing attractive round white bulbs of medium to large size. Developed for reliable production in warmer climates, it is a versatile variety that can be harvested young as a spring onion or allowed to mature into full-sized white bulbs.
The crisp white flesh has a pleasantly mild flavour, making it particularly good for fresh eating. Young plants can be sliced into salads, sandwiches and salsas or used as spring onions in stir-fries and noodle dishes. Mature bulbs are excellent raw, roasted, grilled, sautéed or added to soups, stews, curries and sauces.
Gladalan White is a short-day onion, meaning it begins forming bulbs at relatively short day lengths. This makes it particularly well suited to warmer and more northerly Australian growing regions, where long-day varieties may produce plenty of foliage without developing satisfactory bulbs.
Onions have been cultivated since ancient times, with their origins generally traced to Central and Southwest Asia. Their versatility and ability to store made them an important staple crop throughout the ancient world and eventually led to varieties adapted to very different climates and day lengths.
Plants perform best in full sun with rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Consistent moisture encourages rapid, even growth, although onions dislike waterlogged conditions and excessive fertilising should be avoided.
Seed count: approximately 240–400 seeds/g
Approximately 200 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to winter
Warm temperate climates: Autumn to winter
Cool climates: Generally choose an intermediate or long-day variety for reliable mature bulb production
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 5–10 mm deep into prepared soil, seedbeds or trays. Keep consistently moist and lightly shade newly sown seed until germination is well established.
For mature bulbs, transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 10–15 cm apart. Plants intended for spring onion harvesting can be grown more closely together and harvested progressively while young.
Grow in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil and maintain even moisture throughout active growth and bulb development.
As a short-day variety, Gladalan White begins bulb formation under shorter daylight conditions than intermediate and long-day onions, making variety choice and latitude important for successful bulb development.
Reduce watering as mature bulbs approach harvest. Lift when the tops naturally yellow, dry and fall over, then cure in a dry, airy, well-ventilated position. Plants harvested as spring onions can be pulled whenever they reach the desired size.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Spinacia oleracea
Galilee is a heat-tolerant spinach variety originating from northern Israel, producing bright green, small triangular leaves with excellent flavour. Compared to many traditional spinach varieties, it performs well in warmer conditions, extending the harvest season before bolting. The tender leaves are ideal for fresh salads when young or can be cooked in soups, stir-fries, pasta dishes and quiches. Its vigorous growth and improved tolerance to heat make it a reliable choice for Australian gardens.
Approximately 60 seeds per gram
Approximately 140 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August
Subtropics: March to September
Mild climates: Autumn to spring
Cold climates: Spring to early autumn
Planting / Sowing
Direct sow seed 10 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Space plants 10–20 cm apart for mature plants, or sow more densely for baby leaf harvests, with rows 30–40 cm apart. Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. Harvest young leaves regularly to encourage continued production and enjoy the best flavour before plants begin to flower.
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
Wapsipinicon Peach is an unusual heirloom tomato producing round, pale yellow fruits to approximately 40 mm across. The fruits are covered in a distinctive tough, fuzzy skin reminiscent of a peach, with a smooth texture and exceptionally good flavour.
This American heirloom was named after the Wapsipinicon River in Iowa and was introduced to the wider seed-saving community through Seed Savers Exchange. Its combination of fuzzy skin, soft yellow colouring and excellent flavour has made it an enduring curiosity among heirloom tomato growers.
Plants are vigorous and indeterminate, producing plentiful small fruits over an extended season. The sweet, flavourful tomatoes are particularly good eaten fresh, in salads and on platters, where their unusual appearance makes them stand out.
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
Not available for WA
Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra
Kailaan, also known as Chinese Broccoli or Chinese Kale, is a fast-growing leafy brassica prized for its thick, succulent stems, crinkled dark green leaves and small flowering heads. Unlike traditional broccoli, the whole tender shoot is harvested and eaten, giving a generous combination of crisp stems and leafy greens.
With an excellent, slightly sweet broccoli-like flavour, Kailaan is particularly good steamed, blanched or stir-fried and is a classic vegetable in Chinese cooking. Harvest the young stems just as the flower heads begin to form, before the flowers fully open. Regular harvesting encourages additional side shoots and extends production.
Quick to mature in approximately 60–70 days, Kailaan performs best in rich, fertile soil with consistent moisture. It prefers cooler growing conditions but is relatively adaptable and can be succession sown for an extended harvest.
Approximately 60 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: Autumn to winter
Subtropics: Autumn to spring
Mild climates: Autumn 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 and establishment.
Transplant or thin seedlings to approximately 20–30 cm apart in full sun to partial shade and rich, well-drained soil. Harvest stems while young and tender, just as flower buds begin to develop. Cut above the lower leaves to encourage further side-shoot production.
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
Black Russian is a distinctive heirloom tomato producing round fruits approximately 40–60 mm across. The skin ripens to deep red with a dusky purple blush, while the flesh develops a rich chocolate-red colour that creates striking contrast when sliced.
The flavour is sweet, rich and complex, making it an excellent fresh-eating tomato for salads, sandwiches and platters. Its unusual colouring also makes it particularly attractive combined with yellow, green and red tomato varieties.
Black Russian belongs to the group of dark or “black” heirloom tomatoes associated with Eastern Europe and the former Soviet region. A vigorous indeterminate variety, it continues flowering and producing fruit over an extended season and benefits from sturdy support.
Seed count: approximately 250–400 seeds per gram.
Approximately 30 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 80–100 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Solanum lycopersicum
Black Cherry is a vigorous heirloom tomato producing attractive clusters of small, dusky purple cherry tomatoes approximately 25 mm across. The fruit has a rich, sweet flavour with the complex depth that makes black tomatoes so highly regarded. An indeterminate climbing variety, it produces generously over a long season and is perfect for snacking straight from the vine, salads, roasting and entertaining.
Approximately 250–350 seeds per gram
Approximately 30 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 they are well established, spacing plants 60–90 cm apart. Provide a sturdy stake, cage or trellis, as this vigorous indeterminate variety will continue climbing and producing throughout the season. Water consistently and harvest ripe fruit from approximately 70 days after sowing.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Lavandula angustifolia 'Vera'
English Lavender 'Vera' is the classic true English lavender, renowned for its intensely fragrant purple flower spikes, silvery-grey foliage and exceptional versatility. Forming a neat evergreen shrub approximately 50–70 cm tall, it is equally at home in cottage gardens, herb gardens, borders and containers. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, while the aromatic foliage naturally helps repel moths when dried and placed among stored linen.
This traditional medicinal variety has been valued by herbalists for centuries. The dried flowers are commonly prepared as herbal teas and tinctures to promote relaxation and restful sleep, while the essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy, soaps, bath products and skincare. The fragrant flower buds are also edible and can be used in baking, infused into creams, jams and jellies, or blended into the classic French seasoning Herbes de Provence. Once established, English Lavender is drought-tolerant and performs best in full sun with excellent drainage. The Tasmania Fire Service also lists it as a recommended low-flammability plant for use within building protection zones.
Lavender common names can be confusing, as they vary between countries. In Australia and the United Kingdom, Lavandula angustifolia is recognised as English or True Lavender. Lavandula stoechas is commonly known as French Lavender in Australia but Spanish Lavender in North America, while Lavandula dentata is often called Spanish Lavender in Australia and French Lavender in the United States. For this reason, the botanical name is the most reliable way to identify each lavender species.
Approximately 1,000 seeds per gram
Approximately 170 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to July
Subtropics: March to May and August to October
Mild climates: March to May and September to November
Cold climates: September to November
Planting / Sowing
Surface sow or lightly cover seed with no more than 2–3 mm of fine seed-raising mix. Refrigerating seed for 2–4 weeks before sowing may improve germination. Keep the mix evenly moist but never waterlogged and maintain temperatures of 18–22°C. Transplant seedlings into a sunny position with free-draining soil, spacing plants 40–60 cm apart. Harvest flower buds just before they fully open for drying, essential oil production or culinary use. Lightly prune after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy plant.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.