Lettuce 'Green Romaine' (Lactuca sativa), also widely known as Paris White Cos, is a classic open-pollinated heirloom prized for its erect growth habit, firm texture, and sweet flavor. Growing into tall, tightly folded upright heads reaching 10 to 12 inches in height, it features thick, crisp dark-green outer leaves protecting a tender, juicy, pale-yellow heart. Renowned as the essential foundation for traditional Caesar salads, Green Romaine provides a rich source of vitamins, crisp texture, and high heat tolerance compared to delicate loose-leaf varieties. It performs reliably throughout spring, early summer, and fall garden plantings.
Lettuce Gustav's Salad (Lactuca sativa) is a cherished Dutch heirloom butterhead variety renowned for its reliable performance in cool conditions and tender, succulent leaves. Producing medium-sized, tightly folded heads with thick, smooth, bright apple-green foliage, it features a creamy, blanched heart at its center. Delivering a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a sweet, buttery, non-bitter flavor, Gustav's Salad excels in spring and autumn production and holds up remarkably well against sudden cold snaps, making it an essential choice for fresh gourmet salads, wraps, and succession gardening.
Lettuce Iceberg (Lactuca sativa), also historically known as 'Great Lakes', is the quintessential American crisphead lettuce introduced in 1894. Celebrated for its tight, tightly wrapped round heads and unmatched succulent crunch, it features light green, wavy outer leaves protecting a blanched, crisp, pale-green to white interior core. Exceptionally refreshing with a mild, sweet flavor, home-grown Iceberg delivers superior crispness and holding capacity compared to commercial store-bought heads. An indispensable garden staple for fresh wedge salads, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and wraps.
Lettuce Loose-Leaf Mix (Lactuca sativa) is a vibrant, open-pollinated heirloom seed blend formulated to yield a rich diversity of textures, colors, and flavor profiles in a single garden plot. Combining classic green oakleaf, crimson-tinged frills, deeply ruffled red-leaf, and smooth crisp-head foliage types, this specialty mix provides continuous cut-and-come-again harvests from early spring through autumn. Highly adaptable and fast-growing, young leaves offer a tender, sweet, and mild crunch perfect for high-value gourmet salad bowls. Ideal for high-density plantings in raised beds, traditional garden rows, and patio containers, it delivers fresh, home-grown salad greens weeks before head lettuce varieties mature.
Lettuce Mascara Oakleaf (Lactuca sativa) is a striking heirloom loose-leaf variety famous for its deep, rich burgundy-red color and heavily oak-lobed leaves. Forming dense, attractive rosette heads, it holds its intense dark coloration even in low-light conditions and hot summer weather. Offering a mild, sweet, non-bitter flavor paired with a tender yet crisp texture, it is a top choice for gourmet salad mixes, visual garden contrast, and continuous "cut-and-come-again" harvesting.
Lettuce 'Mesclun' (Lactuca sativa mix) is a traditional open-pollinated French heirloom salad blend prized for its diverse array of leaf textures, contrasting colors, and complementary flavor profiles. Combining an eclectic mix of loose-leaf lettuces, oakleaf types, romaine, sweet butterheads, crisp frisée, spicy mustard greens, aromatic herbs, or tangy chervil, it offers a refined culinary experience in a single planting. Designed for high-density sowing and continuous cut-and-come-again harvesting, Mesclun produces tender, baby-leaf greens in shades of deep ruby-red, bronze, lime-green, and emerald. An essential staple for high-end fresh garden salads, gourmet garnishes, and quick-turn kitchen gardens.
Lettuce Prizehead (Lactuca sativa) is a beloved 19th-century American heirloom that despite its name, forms a heavy, loose-leaf rosette rather than a solid head. Famous for its dramatic visual appeal, it produces large, broad, deeply crumpled leaves that transition from vibrant lime green at the base to rich bronze-red ruffled edges. Delivering an exceptionally crisp, sweet, and succulent crunch with no bitterness, Prizehead is fast-maturing, slow to bolt, and a standout favorite for continuous "cut-and-come-again" salad harvests.
Lettuce Red Iceberg (Lactuca sativa) is a striking heirloom variety that combines the satisfying, succulent crunch of a classic iceberg with rich, eye-catching color. Producing medium-sized, moderately dense, crisp heads, it features deeply ruffled outer leaves tinged with reddish-purple margins wrapping around a sweet, blanched light-green interior. Naturally more bolt-resistant and flavorful than standard store-bought iceberg varieties, it adds exceptional crunch, color, and texture to fresh garden salads, wraps, and sandwiches.
Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia rotundifolia), also known as Torch Flower, is a magnificent heirloom annual celebrated for its brilliant, fiery orange-scarlet blossoms. Rising on dramatic, sturdy stems clothed in velvety green foliage, it produces 3-inch, daisy-like flowers with vivid golden-yellow centers from mid-summer until late autumn frost. Unmatched in its ability to attract monarch butterflies, swallowtails, native bees, and hummingbirds, this fast-growing, heat-hardy giant brings commanding architectural structure and intense tropical color to backdrops, borders, and summer cut flower displays.
Brown Mustard (Brassica juncea) is a fast-growing, multi-purpose heirloom grown for its sharp, pungent seeds and spicy green foliage. A staple ingredient in artisanal coarse-ground Dijon mustards, pickling blends, and Indian curries, it adds a bold kick to culinary dishes. Highly versatile in the garden, it functions equally well as a fresh salad green, a high-yielding seed crop, or a biofumigant cover crop that improves soil health.
Mustard 'Mizuna' (Brassica rapa var. nipposinica), a traditional Japanese heirloom cultivated for centuries, is celebrated for its attractive feathery foliage, high vigor, and crisp texture. Growing into dense, leafy rosettes 10 to 18 inches tall, it produces deeply serrated, dark green, spiderweb-like leaves along slender, crunchy white stems. Possessing a mild, fresh, slightly peppery flavor profile that is less sharp than traditional mustard greens, Mizuna excels both raw and cooked. Highly prized for high-density baby leaf production, continuous cut-and-come-again harvesting, stir-fries, soups, and fresh salad blends, Mizuna is a dependable staple for cool-season gardens.
Wasabi Mustard (Brassica juncea) is an exciting heirloom oriental green prized for delivering the fiery, nasal-clearing kick of true Japanese wasabi in a fast-growing, easily cultivated leaf crop. Featuring bright green, deeply serrated, ruffled leaves, it adds sharp, peppery crunch to fresh salad mixes, sushi wraps, stir-fries, and sandwiches. Extremely fast-growing and cold-hardy, it grows rapidly in spring and autumn, providing a continuous harvest of bold, spicy baby greens or mature leaves.
Yellow Mustard (Sinapis alba) is a fast-growing heirloom crop prized for its multi-purpose utility in the garden and kitchen. Producing lush green foliage topped with bright yellow, nectar-rich flowers, it yields smooth light-tan seeds that serve as the main ingredient in classic prepared yellow mustard, pickling spices, and dry condiments. In addition to its culinary uses, it acts as a fast-growing green manure cover crop, soil biofumigant, and excellent pollinator attractant.
Common Oregano (Origanum vulgare), historically referred to as Wild Marjoram, is the classic open-pollinated heirloom perennial species from which cultivated oregano varieties originate. Growing into bushy, spreading mounds reaching 18 to 30 inches in height, it features oval green leaves and an abundance of charming, nectar-rich pale purple to lilac flower clusters throughout mid-to-late summer. While slightly milder and sweeter in aroma than intense wild Greek selections, Common Oregano offers a versatile, herbaceous flavor profile ideal for soups, stews, roasted meats, and tomato sauces. Highly resilient and vigorous, it functions exceptionally well as a low-maintenance groundcover, pollinator attractor, and hardy culinary garden staple.
Poppy Drama Queen Mixed (Papaver somniferum) is an extraordinarily showy, exotic heirloom variety prized for its deeply laciniated, fringed petals and rich, dramatic color combinations. Rising 24 to 36 inches above glaucous, lettuce-like blue-green foliage, it produces large 4- to 5-inch blossoms in intense shades of deep plum, crimson, dark violet, and bi-colored magenta, often centered with pale ivory or yellow stamens. Following the breathtaking bloom display, plants form large, attractive seed pods that add architectural structure to dried arrangements and garden beds. An absolute standout in cottage borders, cutting plots, and historic floral gardens.
Poppy Icelandic (Papaver nudicaule) is a stunning, short-lived perennial prized for its large, translucent, crepe-paper-like blossoms atop slender, wiry stems. Rising 12 to 24 inches above a low basal rosette of blue-green foliage, it produces 2- to 4-inch cup-shaped flowers in a brilliant mix of glowing yellow, orange, salmon, rose, cream, and pure white with golden centers. Native to subpolar regions, it thrives in cool temperatures and light sunlight, blooming heavily in spring and early summer. A premier cut flower and cottage garden showstopper, its delicate appearance hides a surprisingly resilient cool-weather crop that brings vibrant, glowing color to cool-season garden beds.
Oriental Poppy Mixed (Papaver orientale) delivers a showstopping display of massive, tissue-paper blooms up to 6 inches across in brilliant shades of scarlet, salmon, pink, and white. Featuring distinct silky petals with dark, satiny black centers, these classic perennial blooms rise atop sturdy, bristly stems above fern-like foliage. They create an unforgettable early summer focal point in cottage gardens, borders, and perennial beds.
Poppy Breadseed (Papaver somniferum) is a historic, open-pollinated heirloom staple cherished for its large, elegant single blossoms and prolific yield of edible culinary seeds. Rising 30 to 42 inches tall above broad, lobed, blue-green glaucous leaves, it produces soft lavender-pink to rose-colored single flowers with rich dark purple central throat markings. As the silky petals drop, the plants develop large, barrel-shaped seed pods filled with blue-grey seeds perfect for baking, artisan breads, and pastries. An easy-to-grow, dual-purpose heirloom that delivers stunning early summer color along with a valuable kitchen harvest.
Rapini (Brassica ruvo), widely known as Broccoli Raab or Cime di Rapa, is a cherished Italian heirloom leafy green prized for its deeply serrated leaves, slender tender stems, and small, scattered broccoli-like flower buds. Delivering a bold, pleasantly bitter, nutty flavor profile, it is an essential staple in Mediterranean cooking, famously sauteed with garlic, chili flakes, and olive oil or tossed into rustic pasta dishes. Fast-growing and cold-tolerant, it thrives in cool weather and provides rapid spring or autumn harvests.
Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) is one of the most beloved and iconic open-pollinated heirloom native flowers in North America. Growing into sturdy, multi-branched plants that reach 24 to 36 inches in height, it produces a heavy profusion of brilliant 3- to 4-inch daisy-like blossoms. Each flower features radiant, golden-yellow ray petals surrounding a raised, dark chocolate-brown central cone. Thriving in heat, drought, and poor soils, Black Eyed Susan provides non-stop, bright summer color from midsummer straight through autumn. It is an essential component of native wildflower drifts, sunny borders, and cutting gardens, serving as a vital nectar source for butterflies and native bees while providing winter seeds for songbirds.
Rumex 'Bloody Dock' (Rumex sanguineus), also known as Red-Veined Dock or Bloody Sorrel, is an ancient open-pollinated European heirloom prized for its striking visual appeal and tangy, lemony flavor. Growing into compact, neat rosettes 12 to 18 inches tall, it features long, lance-shaped, bright green leaves deeply veined with brilliant crimson and maroon lines. Young, tender leaves deliver a crisp, pleasant citrus-like bite, adding color and zest to fresh salads, sandwiches, garnishes, and soups. Beyond its culinary uses, Bloody Dock serves as an exceptional perennial ornamental accent in flower beds, herb gardens, borders, and patio containers.
Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum) is a quintessential, hardy perennial garden favorite first bred by Luther Burbank in 1890. Celebrated for its cheerful, crisp white blooms surrounding bright golden-yellow central disks, it produces sturdy, upright stems reaching 24 to 36 inches in height. Featuring deep green, lance-shaped foliage and long-lasting 3- to 4-inch flowers, Shasta Daisy blooms abundantly from early summer through autumn. Highly attractive to butterflies and native pollinators, it brings timeless cottage-garden charm to borders, perennial beds, and fresh floral bouquets.
Bloomsdale Long Standing Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is the classic, heavy-yielding heirloom standard cherished by home gardeners and commercial growers alike. Featuring dark green, thick, heavily crinkled (savoyed) leaves, it delivers a rich, nutty flavor that is exceptional for fresh salads, steaming, sautéing, or freezing. Famous for its excellent cold hardiness and slow-to-bolt habit, it holds up far better against summer heat than other heirloom spinach varieties.
Spinach 'Viroflay Giant Nobel' (Spinacia oleracea), often sold simply as Giant Nobel, is a renowned 1950 All-America Selections winning open-pollinated heirloom. Valued for its enormous production capacity and smooth, broad foliage, it produces massive rosettes that can spread up to 25 inches across. The extra-large, thick, dark green leaves remain exceptionally tender and sweet, making them versatile for both fresh baby leaf picking and full-sized cooking greens. Demonstrating slower bolting characteristics than older spinach varieties, Giant Nobel excels in early spring and late autumn plantings, producing heavy yields for fresh salads, freezing, canning, or steaming.
Spring Spinach & Salad Greens Mix (Spinacia oleracea & Lactuca sativa) is a specialty open-pollinated heirloom blend crafted to deliver a balanced combination of tender baby spinach and vibrant salad lettuces. Combining smooth and dark green savoyed spinach leaves with a colorful mix of red oakleaf, frilled green, and sweet loose-leaf lettuces, this blend yields a restaurant-quality mix in a single bed. Grown primarily for continuous "cut-and-come-again" baby leaf harvesting, it matures rapidly in early spring and cool autumn weather. Rich in vitamins, iron, and antioxidants, it provides a succulent, crisp, and sweet flavor profile ideal for gourmet salad bowls and fresh culinary garnishes.
Sunflower Assorted Mix (Helianthus annuus) is a breathtaking heirloom blend featuring a stunning array of classic, bi-color, and deep bronze sunflowers. Ranging in height from sturdy 4-foot branching plants to tall 8-foot garden classics, this diverse mix produces single and multi-headed blossoms in shades of golden yellow, rich mahogany, crimson red, velvety chocolate, and delicate pastel lemon. Perfect for creating dramatic summer backdrops, privacy screens, and pollinator havens, it provides a continuous supply of vibrant cut flowers all season long.
Sunflower 'Autumn Beauty' (Helianthus annuus) is a spectacular open-pollinated heirloom selection celebrated for its long-blooming habit and rich palette of late-summer hues. Growing into stately, multi-branched plants reaching 5 to 8 feet in height, a single stalk produces up to two dozen 4- to 6-inch flower heads throughout the season. The blossoms display a warm spectrum of bronze, copper, rich mahogany, deep crimson, lemon yellow, and striking bi-color patterns surrounding dark central disks. Excellent as a heavy-yielding cut flower, a tall garden backdrop, or a living screen, Autumn Beauty provides a continuous supply of nectar for bees and butterflies, followed by abundant seed heads for songbirds.
Sunflower Black Oil (Helianthus annuus) is a highly productive heirloom variety famous for its solid black seeds, which are packed with nutritious oils and dense protein. Growing on sturdy, towering 6- to 8-foot stalks, it yields large, classic yellow-petaled flower heads with prominent dark central disks. Exceptionally easy to cultivate and heat-tolerant, this versatile variety is widely grown to attract wild birds to the garden, produce homemade press oil, provide nutritious microgreens, or serve as a dramatic living screen and pollinator landmark.
Sunflower 'Lemon Queen' (Helianthus annuus) is a distinguished, open-pollinated heirloom variety famous for its soft, cool pastel tones and extraordinary pollinator attraction. Growing into tall, multi-branching plants reaching 6 to 8 feet in height, a single central stalk produces multiple long lateral stems topped with 4- to 6-inch flowers. The blossoms feature pale lemon-yellow ray petals surrounding a rich, dark chocolate-brown central disk. A centerpiece variety for national pollinator citizen-science projects due to its massive nectar production, Lemon Queen blooms prolifically from midsummer until frost. It makes a stunning backdrop for sunny garden borders, an excellent long-stemmed cut flower, and a vital source of late-season birdseed.
Sunflower 'Russian Mammoth' (Helianthus annuus), also known as Mammoth Russian, is the legendary 19th-century open-pollinated heirloom giant that sets the standard for giant sunflowers. Growing into massive, tree-like single stalks reaching 10 to 14 feet (or more) in height with thick, heavy-duty trunks, it produces huge single flower heads measuring 12 to 20 inches across. The enormous golden-yellow blossoms feature a thick ring of vibrant ray petals surrounding a dense central disk packed with hundreds of plump, striped gray-and-white seeds. Beyond its impressive garden scale, Russian Mammoth is grown for edible seed production, wild bird feeding, living garden architecture, and children's garden projects.
Sunflower 'Sungold Dwarf' (Helianthus annuus), frequently known as Dwarf Teddy Bear or Dwarf Double Sungold, is a delightful open-pollinated heirloom prized for its compact size and plush, double blossoms. Growing into tidy, multi-branched bushes that reach just 18 to 30 inches in height, it produces dense, fully double 4- to 6-inch flower heads packed with soft, feathery golden-yellow petals from rim to center, completely covering the typical dark central disk. Blooming prolifically from midsummer until frost, Sungold Dwarf brings a unique, fluffy texture to the front of sunny borders, small garden plots, child-friendly spaces, and patio container setups without blocking background plants.
Teddy Bear Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a delightful heirloom dwarf variety famous for its unique, plush, cushion-like blossoms that look just like oversized golden pompoms. Producing fully double, 4–6 inch wide flowers densely packed with soft, feathery yellow petals, it completely lacks the traditional dark center disk of standard sunflowers. Rising on compact 2–3 foot stalks with broad green foliage, it is perfect for small garden spaces, children's gardens, border fronts, and charming long-lasting cut flower arrangements.
Sunflower 'Velvet Queen' (Helianthus annuus) is a striking open-pollinated heirloom variety celebrated for its rich, velvety crimson-to-mahogany blossoms and free-branching habit. Growing into bushy, upright plants reaching 5 to 7 feet in height, a single central stem branches out into multiple long, sturdy stalks topped with 4- to 6-inch flower heads. The petals display deep shades of chestnut-red, burgundy, or burnt orange surrounding a dramatic dark chocolate-brown central disk. A standout choice for cut-flower gardens, living hedges, or bird-friendly landscapes, Velvet Queen provides a continuous supply of rich nectar for pollinators throughout late summer, followed by seed heads for foraging songbirds in early autumn.
Yarrow Colorado Mixture (Achillea millefolium) is a magnificent, multi-colored heirloom selection renowned for its delicate, fern-like foliage and broad, flat-topped flower heads. Growing into sturdy, upright clumps reaching 18 to 24 inches in height, it produces hundreds of tiny blooms in a breathtaking spectrum of soft pastels and deep jewel tones—including shades of apricot, peach, cherry-red, terracotta, pale yellow, rose, and cream. Revered for its extreme drought tolerance, low maintenance, and long bloom window from early summer through autumn, Colorado Mixture is a workhorse in sunny borders, cottage gardens, and xeriscapes. Its nectar-rich flower umbels serve as an essential landing pad for butterflies, bees, hoverflies, and beneficial predatory insects.
