{"title":"New for 2026","description":"\u003cp\u003eAnd we're live!\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"canada-perennial-lettuce","title":"Canada Wild Lettuce","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45569,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca canadensis\"}'\u003eLactuca canadensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin:\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003eHolyoke, Massachusetts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eImprovement status:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":16773836},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Cultivar\"}'\u003eCultivated wild material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e~100\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGermination tested \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e12\/2025: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e90%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLife cycle:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e Short-lived perennial or Biennial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eFrom our seed source, the author, scholar, and perennial vegetable expert Eric Toensmeier: \"Our best-tasting wild lettuce, native to the central and eastern US and Canada. Can be annual, biennial, or short-lived perennial, growing as a rosette until flowering, then growing 6-8’, setting seed, and usually dying. Leaves are edible, but the best part is when it begins to produce its flower shoot. When the shoot is 12-18” tall it is delicious (leaves and stem), tasting remarkably like romaine lettuce. If you always let some go to seed, it will come up here and there around your garden for many years to come. The small yellow flowers are valuable to pollinators, and hollow stems are good overwintering and nesting spots for insects. Ordinary soils are fine, sun to part shade. USDA zones 3-9.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWounds on the plant produce a tan-colored milky sap which has been used medicinally against a variety of ailments (though often with little objective evidence to support such use) including pain, insomnia, digestion issues, spasms, and arthritis.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEric's population originated with wild volunteers at his old mini-homestead in Holyoke, Massachusetts, made famous in his and Jonathan Bates' 2013 book Paradise Lot: Two Plant Geeks, One-Tenth of an Acre, and the Making of an Edible Garden Oasis in the City.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS: \u003c\/strong\u003eSow seeds in spring, with just a bit of soil or growing medium sprinkled on top. Best direct-sown, but can be started in flats too.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":33392436510773,"sku":"0641","price":4.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/canada_wild_lettuce.jpg?v=1766964796"},{"product_id":"m61-survivor-perennial-sorghum","title":"'M61' Perennial Sorghum","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSorghum bicolor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOrigin:\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOregon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eImprovement status:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Cultivar\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":16773836},\"12\":0}' data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBreeding population\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e~40\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGermination tested 02\/2026: \u003c\/b\u003e90%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLife cycle:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Perennial (or Annual in colder climates)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-hyperlinkruns='{\"1\":1384,\"2\":\"http:\/\/www.experimentalfarmnetwork.org\/\"}{\"1\":1415}' data-sheets-textstyleruns='{\"1\":0}{\"1\":1384,\"2\":{\"2\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":1136076},\"9\":1}}{\"1\":1415}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":1061379,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":[null,2,65280],\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":10,\"23\":1}' data-sheets-value=\"{\u0026quot;1\u0026quot;:2,\u0026quot;2\u0026quot;:\u0026quot;EFN INTRODUCTION. NEW. Back in 2016 we were given two panicles (seed-heads) of 'M61' perennial sorghum grown by Sarah Kleeger and Andrew Still of Adaptive Seeds in Oregon. They got their initial seed from Tim Peters of the erstwhile Peters Seed \u0026amp; Research. It's said to be the diverse result of a cross between an annual grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor subsp. bicolor) and the weedy perennial Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense). The USDA's National Plant Germplasm System has the same variety listed as 'M6-1'. We planted three beds of it that year at the Deitrichs' farm in Elmer, NJ, and in the late spring of 2017 we noticed a single plant growing back from its roots. It happens that this particular plant had been the most vigorous and productive the year before, producing 16 seed-heads — and in its second year it was more than twice as productive, producing 36! Thankfully Nate saved all of the seed from that plant, because it didn't survive a second winter. (The low temperature during its first winter was 12 degrees Fahrenheit, while the low temperature in its second winter was just 6.) In 2019 we planted a large bed of seeds from this lone surviving plant, and sure enough the following spring we found four survivors! We also shared the seed with volunteers around the country through our collaborative online breeding project (which we encourage you to join as well, at www.ExperimentalFarmNetwork.org).\\n\\nThese seeds are a mix of seeds from the original winter-surviving plant and its descendants. We firmly believe that through rigorous selection and widespread attempts in a range of climates, this population will one day yield a reliably perennial grain sorghum capable of producing lots of food while also sequestering carbon and conserving soil. A reliable perennial grain crop like this could one day help us fight climate change and enable farmers to abandon the genetically-modified corn and soy which have become the dominant field crops across the United States, bringing with them intensive tillage, soil loss, copious use of harmful chemicals, destruction of habitat, and reduction of biodiversity. \\n\\nHelp us bring about a new paradigm in agriculture by breeding new crops like perennial sorghum. Please let us know how these incredibly exciting seeds do for you!\u0026quot;}\"\u003eBack in 2016 we were given two panicles (seed-heads) of 'M61' perennial sorghum grown by Sarah Kleeger and Andrew Still of Adaptive Seeds in Oregon. They got their initial seed from Tim Peters of the erstwhile Peters Seed \u0026amp; Research. It's said to be the diverse result of a cross between an annual grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor subsp. bicolor) and the weedy perennial Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense). The USDA's National Plant Germplasm System has the same variety listed as 'M6-1'. We planted three beds of it that year at the Deitrichs' farm in Elmer, NJ, and in the late spring of 2017 we noticed a single plant growing back from its roots. It happens that this particular plant had been the most vigorous and productive the year before, producing 16 seed-heads — and in its second year it was more than twice as productive, producing 36! Thankfully Nate saved all of the seed from that plant, because it didn't survive a second winter. (The low temperature during its first winter was 12 degrees Fahrenheit, while the low temperature in its second winter was just 6.) In 2019 we planted a large bed of seeds from this lone surviving plant, and sure enough the following spring we found four survivors! We also shared the seed with volunteers around the country through our collaborative online breeding project (which we encourage you to join as well, at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.citsci.org\/organizations\/experimental-farm-network\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003ehttp:\/\/www.citsci.org\/organizations\/experimental-farm-network\/\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/citsci.org\/organizations\/experimental-farm-network\/\"\u003e)\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile we previously offered seeds from our NJ population (as 'M61 Survivor'), this year we are offering the full original population from our friends at Adaptive. We firmly believe that through rigorous selection and widespread attempts in a range of climates, this population will one day yield a reliably perennial grain sorghum capable of producing lots of food while also sequestering carbon and conserving soil. A reliable perennial grain crop like this could one day help us fight climate change and enable farmers to abandon the genetically-modified corn and soy which have become the dominant field crops across the United States, bringing with them intensive tillage, soil loss, copious use of harmful chemicals, destruction of habitat, and reduction of biodiversity. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHelp us bring about a new paradigm in agriculture by breeding new crops like perennial sorghum. Please let us know how these incredibly exciting seeds do for you!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":33392438575157,"sku":"0297","price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/products\/14310784_363285370669188_4024922404085039104_n.jpg?v=1609802951"},{"product_id":"schweinitzs-sunflower","title":"Schweinitz's Sunflower","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eHelianthus schweinitzii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin:\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003ePiedmont Region of North and South Carolina \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eImprovement status:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Cultivar\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":16773836},\"12\":0}'\u003eCultivated wild material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e~35\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLife cycle:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e Perennial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eSchweinitz's sunflower is one of the rarest sunflowers in the world. It is also a long-lived perennial and a beautiful plant, reaching upwards of 9 feet tall and capped by small brilliant yellow flowers. Endemic to small portions of the Piedmont bioregion of mainly central North Carolina, as well as an even smaller portion of adjacent South Carolina, this sunflower has become a federally listed endangered species due to the destruction and fragmentation of its habitat. It does best in the same sort of upland landscapes where people like to put houses, businesses, and powerlines. Given its small range includes the rapidly develping suburbs and exurbs of major cities including Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte, Schweinitz's has nowhere else to go. Most of the populations that still exist in the wild are found along roadsides.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThankfully, there are some cultivated patches here and there, and one of these is stewarded by our friend Zach Elfers in southeastern Pennsylvania. That patch is the source of these seeds. (For anyone wary of running afoul of the Endangered Species Act by buying, growing, or sharing these seeds, the US Fish and Wildlife Service clearly states on their webste that \"No permits are required for activities involving seeds from artificially propagated specimens of threatened plants. However, seeds must be accompanied by a label stating that they are of cultivated origin.\")\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44197984239669,"sku":"","price":4.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/Schweinitz_sSunflower1.jpg?v=1735235847"},{"product_id":"dr-amy-millers-new-homestead-apples-snack-apple-grove-early-harvest","title":"Dr. Amy Miller's New Homestead Apples: Snack Apple Grove, Early Harvest","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eMalus domestica\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Mahicannittuck (Hudson River), New York\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAppalachian Ohio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eEvolutionary Population\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle: \u003c\/strong\u003ePerennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eDr. Amy Miller and her parents, Diane and Greg Miller, are known for being amazing chestnut growers in the Appalachian region of Ohio, where they run Empire Chestnut Company and are charter members of Route 9 Cooperative. They are also important members of the Northern Nut Growers Assocation. It was at the last two annual NNGA conferences where EFN co-founder, Dusty Hinz, has been able to get to know Amy and Greg a bit. In addition to chestnuts, they also dabble in some really cool apple genetics, the seeds of which seemed like a great fit for EFN. Amy is very excited that somebody out there might be interested in her homesteader apple breeding efforts!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDr. Amy Miller's bio and some background info on the apples:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I have been involved in apple exploring and breeding for my entire life. My parents, Dr. Diane Miller and Dr. Greg Miller, are horticulturists and plant breeders and have facilitated the fruit exploring and controlled crosses that have produced these populations of apples. My academic background is in ecology and plant pathology, so I am deeply interested in combining improved genetics with ecology-based horticultural practices to strategically grow apples with low inputs that are resilient against pests, disease, and environmental uncertainties. The parents of these apple seeds were grown without sprays at my experimental orchard in Appalachian Ohio. The progenitors of these apple seeds come from around the world and build upon fruit exploration, fruit breeding, and sharing of materials from many people and organizations over the years, such as the USDA, The Ohio State University, the Purdue-Rutgers-Illinois breeding program, the Midwest Apple Improvement Association, and the Midwest Apple Foundation. I was fortunate to join apple expeditions to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in the early 2000s where we collected seeds of different populations of wild apple species, including \u003cem\u003eMalus baccata, Malus seversii\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eMalus niedzwetzkyana\u003c\/em\u003e, as well as some unique selections of domestic apple. In subsequent years I have worked alongside various apple enthusiasts and collaborators to make controlled crosses within and between species, grow and select outstanding seedlings from those populations, and repeat the process across wide genetic material and through several apple generations. The work is never done! These seeds represent chances to continue to find outstanding apple genetics so that we may enjoy delicious fruit grown in a more harmonious way with our environment.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Snack Apple Grove are outstanding culinary apples that are mostly crosses of known cultivars but don't have names themselves. They have been selected for good fruit characteristics and productivity in a no-spray environment and presumably carry some disease resistance. This group (along with 2B) is mostly likely to produce tasty, dessert-quality fruit. The Early Harvest mix are apples that were harvested from mid-August to mid-September. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKey group traits = Delicious, Early\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe should emphasize that these seeds come from the selected trees of ongoing breeding work, but are open-pollinated within a genetically-diverse apple orchard. They contain the potential to be great, not so good, or somewhere in the middle. Amy (and the EFN team) will be curious what you find, so please reach out if you discover something noteworthy!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seeds require some cold-stratification (unless they're already sprouting, which may happen). Put the seeds in a ziplock bag with lightly damp peat moss at 33-38 F for 60-120 days. Seeds will likely sprout a little in the fridge after 60-90 days. Plant those seeds as they sprout. After 90-120 days put the bag at room temperature and the rest will quickly follow suit. Alternatively, you can fall-plant outside 1\/4 inch deep, protecting seeds and seedlings from rodents. Plant in full to part sun, continuing to protect young trees from mammals who like to scratch and chew the bark off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44860892643381,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/snackapplegrove1.jpg?v=1767495220"},{"product_id":"dr-amy-millers-new-homestead-apples-snack-apple-grove-late-harvest","title":"Dr. Amy Miller's New Homestead Apples: Snack Apple Grove, Late Harvest","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eMalus domestica\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Mahicannittuck (Hudson River), New York\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAppalachian Ohio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eEvolutionary Population\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle: \u003c\/strong\u003ePerennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eDr. Amy Miller and her parents, Diane and Greg Miller, are known for being amazing chestnut growers in the Appalachian region of Ohio, where they run Empire Chestnut Company and are charter members of Route 9 Cooperative. They are also important members of the Northern Nut Growers Assocation. It was at the last two annual NNGA conferences where EFN co-founder, Dusty Hinz, has been able to get to know Amy and Greg a bit. In addition to chestnuts, they also dabble in some really cool apple genetics, the seeds of which seemed like a great fit for EFN. Amy is very excited that somebody out there might be interested in her homesteader apple breeding efforts!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDr. Amy Miller's bio and some background info on the apples:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I have been involved in apple exploring and breeding for my entire life. My parents, Dr. Diane Miller and Dr. Greg Miller, are horticulturists and plant breeders and have facilitated the fruit exploring and controlled crosses that have produced these populations of apples. My academic background is in ecology and plant pathology, so I am deeply interested in combining improved genetics with ecology-based horticultural practices to strategically grow apples with low inputs that are resilient against pests, disease, and environmental uncertainties. The parents of these apple seeds were grown without sprays at my experimental orchard in Appalachian Ohio. The progenitors of these apple seeds come from around the world and build upon fruit exploration, fruit breeding, and sharing of materials from many people and organizations over the years, such as the USDA, The Ohio State University, the Purdue-Rutgers-Illinois breeding program, the Midwest Apple Improvement Association, and the Midwest Apple Foundation. I was fortunate to join apple expeditions to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in the early 2000s where we collected seeds of different populations of wild apple species, including Malus baccata, Malus seversii, and Malus niedzwetzkyana, as well as some unique selections of domestic apple. In subsequent years I have worked alongside various apple enthusiasts and collaborators to make controlled crosses within and between species, grow and select outstanding seedlings from those populations, and repeat the process across wide genetic material and through several apple generations. The work is never done! These seeds represent chances to continue to find outstanding apple genetics so that we may enjoy delicious fruit grown in a more harmonious way with our environment.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Snack Apple Grove are outstanding culinary apples that are mostly crosses of known cultivars but don't have names themselves. They have been selected for good fruit characteristics and productivity in a no-spray environment and presumably carry some disease resistance. This group (along with 2B) is mostly likely to produce tasty, dessert-quality fruit. The Late Harvest mix are apples that were harvested from late-September to late-October. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKey group traits = Delicious, Late\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe should emphasize that these seeds come from the selected trees of ongoing breeding work, but are open-pollinated within a genetically-diverse apple orchard. They contain the potential to be great, not so good, or somewhere in the middle. Amy (and the EFN team) will be curious what you find, so please reach out if you discover something noteworthy!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seeds require some cold-stratification (unless they're already sprouting, which may happen). Put the seeds in a ziplock bag with lightly damp peat moss at 33-38 F for 60-120 days. Seeds will likely sprout a little in the fridge after 60-90 days. Plant those seeds as they sprout. After 90-120 days put the bag at room temperature and the rest will quickly follow suit. Alternatively, you can fall-plant outside 1\/4 inch deep, protecting seeds and seedlings from rodents. Plant in full to part sun, continuing to protect young trees from mammals who like to scratch and chew the bark off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44860895363125,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/snackapplegrove2_ef2c3caa-5c5f-426b-ab9e-c6ff1ea23004.jpg?v=1767495241"},{"product_id":"dr-amy-millers-new-homestead-apples-red-cider-hybrids","title":"Dr. Amy Miller's New Homestead Apples: Red-Flesh Cider Hybrids","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMalus niedzwetzkyana, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e M. niedzwetzkyana x M. seversii\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAppalachian Ohio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eEvolutionary Population\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePerennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDr. Amy Miller and her parents, Diane and Greg Miller, are known for being amazing chestnut growers in the Appalachian region of Ohio, where they run Empire Chestnut Company and are charter members of Route 9 Cooperative. They are also important members of the Northern Nut Growers Assocation. It was at the last two annual NNGA conferences where EFN co-founder, Dusty Hinz, has been able to get to know Amy and Greg a bit. In addition to chestnuts, they also dabble in some really cool apple genetics, the seeds of which seemed like a great fit for EFN. Amy is very excited that somebody out there might be interested in her homesteader apple breeding efforts!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDr. Amy Miller's bio and some background info on the apples:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I have been involved in apple exploring and breeding for my entire life. My parents, Dr. Diane Miller and Dr. Greg Miller, are horticulturists and plant breeders and have facilitated the fruit exploring and controlled crosses that have produced these populations of apples. My academic background is in ecology and plant pathology, so I am deeply interested in combining improved genetics with ecology-based horticultural practices to strategically grow apples with low inputs that are resilient against pests, disease, and environmental uncertainties. The parents of these apple seeds were grown without sprays at my experimental orchard in Appalachian Ohio. The progenitors of these apple seeds come from around the world and build upon fruit exploration, fruit breeding, and sharing of materials from many people and organizations over the years, such as the USDA, The Ohio State University, the Purdue-Rutgers-Illinois breeding program, the Midwest Apple Improvement Association, and the Midwest Apple Foundation. I was fortunate to join apple expeditions to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in the early 2000s where we collected seeds of different populations of wild apple species, including \u003cem\u003eMalus baccata, Malus seversii, \u003c\/em\u003eand \u003cem\u003eMalus niedzwetzkyana\u003c\/em\u003e, as well as some unique selections of domestic apple. In subsequent years I have worked alongside various apple enthusiasts and collaborators to make controlled crosses within and between species, grow and select outstanding seedlings from those populations, and repeat the process across wide genetic material and through several apple generations. The work is never done! These seeds represent chances to continue to find outstanding apple genetics so that we may enjoy delicious fruit grown in a more harmonious way with our environment.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Red Cider Hybrids make apples with deep red flesh and are presumably pure \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eM. niedzwetzkyana\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e or\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eM. niedzwetzkyana x \u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eM. seversii.\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe seeds were likely fathered by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eMalus x domestica\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (dessert apple cultivars). These seedlings are likely to produce apples with beautiful and interesting flesh color, high in anthocyanins and other healthy phenolics, that would be good in a fresh cider or hard cider blend. Red apples tend to have a bad reputation for being sour, astringent, and mealy\/soft in texture, but these mother fruit have been selected for crispier texture and good palatability. These will probably not be snack apples, but they will add new characteristics to an apple blend for juice or cooking, or future breeding.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKey group traits = Dazzling, Extra Healthy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe should emphasize that these seeds come from the selected trees of ongoing breeding work, but are open-pollinated within a genetically-diverse apple orchard. They contain the potential to be great, not so good, or somewhere in the middle. Amy (and the EFN team) will be curious what you find, so please reach out if you discover something noteworthy!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seeds require some cold-stratification (unless they're already sprouting, which may happen). Put the seeds in a ziplock bag with lightly damp peat moss at 33-38 F for 60-120 days. Seeds will likely sprout a little in the fridge after 60-90 days. Plant those seeds as they sprout. After 90-120 days put the bag at room temperature and the rest will quickly follow suit. Alternatively, you can fall-plant outside 1\/4 inch deep, protecting seeds and seedlings from rodents. Plant in full to part sun, continuing to protect young trees from mammals who like to scratch and chew the bark off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44860900147253,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/redciderhybrids2.jpg?v=1766181987"},{"product_id":"dr-millers-new-homstead-apples-hardy-sweet-crab-hybrids","title":"Dr. Amy Miller's New Homestead Apples: Hardy Sweet Crab Hybrids","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eMalus domestica var. Honeycrisp x M. baccata hybrids, \u0026amp; M. domestica var. Fuji x M. baccata hybrids\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAppalachian Ohio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eEvolutionary Population\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePerennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDr. Amy Miller and her parents, Diane and Greg Miller, are known for being amazing chestnut growers in the Appalachian region of Ohio, where they run Empire Chestnut Company and are charter members of Route 9 Cooperative. They are also important members of the Northern Nut Growers Assocation. It was at the last two annual NNGA conferences where EFN co-founder, Dusty Hinz, has been able to get to know Amy and Greg a bit. In addition to chestnuts, they also dabble in some really cool apple genetics, the seeds of which seemed like a great fit for EFN. Amy is very excited that somebody out there might be interested in her homesteader apple breeding efforts!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDr. Amy Miller's bio and some background info on the apples:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I have been involved in apple exploring and breeding for my entire life. My parents, Dr. Diane Miller and Dr. Greg Miller, are horticulturists and plant breeders and have facilitated the fruit exploring and controlled crosses that have produced these populations of apples. My academic background is in ecology and plant pathology, so I am deeply interested in combining improved genetics with ecology-based horticultural practices to strategically grow apples with low inputs that are resilient against pests, disease, and environmental uncertainties. The parents of these apple seeds were grown without sprays at my experimental orchard in Appalachian Ohio. The progenitors of these apple seeds come from around the world and build upon fruit exploration, fruit breeding, and sharing of materials from many people and organizations over the years, such as the USDA, The Ohio State University, the Purdue-Rutgers-Illinois breeding program, the Midwest Apple Improvement Association, and the Midwest Apple Foundation. I was fortunate to join apple expeditions to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in the early 2000s where we collected seeds of different populations of wild apple species, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eMalus baccata, Malus seversii\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e,\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eMalus niedzwetzkyana\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003e,\u003c\/em\u003e as well as some unique selections of domestic apple. In subsequent years I have worked alongside various apple enthusiasts and collaborators to make controlled crosses within and between species, grow and select outstanding seedlings from those populations, and repeat the process across wide genetic material and through several apple generations. The work is never done! These seeds represent chances to continue to find outstanding apple genetics so that we may enjoy delicious fruit grown in a more harmonious way with our environment.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVariety description:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Siberian crab apple is very far from a culinary apple, but it has outstanding genetics for freeze tolerance and disease resistance. The Hardy Sweet Crab Hybrids are a pooled population of Honeycrisp x \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eM. baccata\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e hybrids and Fuji x \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eM. baccata\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e hybrids. The apples that housed these seeds tend to be large-ish crab apples with crispy, juicy flesh, sweet and astringent (but not sour!) flavors, and high productivity even in a no-spray environment. The Hardy Sweet Crab Hybrids are not \"commercial\" quality apples, but growers may be able to find good disease resistance, and sizable, palatable fruit in the current seed generation or their offspring. Quality cider apples would not be at all surprising. Growing seeds from this group is the most high-risk, high-reward of any of Dr. Miller's apple populations offered here. As a side bonus, it's likely these trees would make excellent seedling rootstocks, so if the fruit turn out to be duds, growers can topwork them to cultivars of interest.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKey group trait = Resilience\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe should emphasize that these seeds come from the selected trees of ongoing breeding work, but are open-pollinated within a genetically-diverse apple orchard. They contain the potential to be great, not so good, or somewhere in the middle. Amy (and the EFN team) will be curious what you find, so please reach out if you discover something noteworthy!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seeds require some cold-stratification (unless they're already sprouting, which may happen). Put the seeds in a ziplock bag with lightly damp peat moss at 33-38 F for 60-120 days. Seeds will likely sprout a little in the fridge after 60-90 days. Plant those seeds as they sprout. After 90-120 days put the bag at room temperature and the rest will quickly follow suit. Alternatively, you can fall-plant outside 1\/4 inch deep, protecting seeds and seedlings from rodents. Plant in full to part sun, continuing to protect young trees from mammals who like to scratch and chew the bark off.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44860910534709,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/hardysweetcrabhybrids4.jpg?v=1766184841"},{"product_id":"going-to-seed-tomatillo-grex","title":"Going to Seed Tomatillo Grex","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003ePhysalis philadelphica\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eUS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eEvolutionary Population\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~35\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e12\/2025: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e77%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eFrom our friend Joseph Lofthouse, barefoot seed steward and evolutionary plant breeder in Paradise, Utah, who produced these seeds, with the help of the Going to Seed community which he also helps steward:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Tomatillos thrive inside the adaptation-agriculture meme. Their naturally 100% promiscuous pollination invites swift, elegant adaptation to each new gardener, soil, and season. This population descends from plants that chose to grow feral in the gardens where previous fruits fell — volunteers that returned year after year with increasing vigor and self-determination.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Now in their fourth generation through the Going To Seed landrace seed share, these tomatillos carry a wide, lively genetic mix. Expect diversity in size, flavor, husk texture, and ripening time. Expect volunteers. Expect the pleasure of watching a population learn your place as you learn theirs.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS: \u003c\/strong\u003eStart a couple weeks before last frost and plant out when soil warms. In future years, allow plants to self-sow, or save seeds from your favorites.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44885892071477,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/tomatillos.webp?v=1767495509"},{"product_id":"arrowleaf-balsamroot-cache-valley-utah-ecotype","title":"Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Cache Valley Utah Ecotype)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eBalsamorhiza sagittata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eParadise, Utah\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWild\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~50\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePerennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eArrowleaf Balsamroot is native to much of western North America, from central British Columbia south to southern California and the Four Corners region. A perennial member of the Heliantheae (sunflower) tribe of the Asteraceae (aster) family, it has long been used as both food and medicine by indigenous peoples including Nimíipuu (Nez Perce), Kutenai (Kootenay), Tsétsėhéstȧhese and Só'taeo'o (Cheyenne), and Salish peoples. The leaves (raw or cooked), roots (cooked), and seeds (raw, pounded into flour, or used for oil) are all edible. The leaves are best when young. Expect flavors reminiscent of citrus, pine, and sunchoke.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese seeds were wild-harvested by our friend Joseph Lofthouse of Paradise, Utah, where it grows on south- and east-facing slopes around 5,500 feet in elevation. Joseph really loves this plant, and these are his about it:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This iconic mountain wildflower bursts into sun-bright yellow bloom in early spring, bringing cheer to dry hillsides long before most plants awaken. The silvery-gray, arrow-shaped leaves reveal its preference for highly xeric conditions — an expert at thriving where summers run\u003cbr\u003ehot and rain runs scarce. Collected from the dry slopes of my 6th generation family-farm, this population reflects life in alkaline, silty-clay soil with low fertility — a habitat typical for the species across much of the Intermountain West. Once established, plants persist for decades, drawing water from deep roots and feeding pollinators each spring. Arrowleaf balsamroot invites patience — germination and first blooms may take time — but it rewards the grower with resilience, fragrance, and the luminous joy of early spring color.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Requires 90 days of cold-moist stratification. Best sown outdoors in late fall into a weed-free bed. Plant in full sun and allow plenty of space for its generous crown. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44885892628533,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/arrowleaf-balsamroot-4.jpg?v=1766854895"},{"product_id":"going-to-seed-radish-grex","title":"Going to Seed Radish Grex","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eRaphanus sativus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eUS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBreeding population\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~100\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested 10\/2025:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e97%\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual or Biennial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eThis radish grex originated from the Going to Seed collaborative seed-share — a joyful experiment in diversity and cooperation. Gardeners across the continent inter-planted every kind of radish they could find — Daikon, spring types, winter types, etc — then saved and shared seed from plants that thrived under their local conditions. Each fall, the harvests were recombined and re-sown, blending regional adaptations into one vibrant, evolving population.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter three generations of open pollination, this mix leans mostly toward spring radish types, though surprises certainly still emerge. Expect roots of many shapes, colors, and flavors — each one a whisper of the places and people who helped shape it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlant freely, taste widely, and save seed from what loves your garden.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe got these seeds from our friend Joseph Lofthouse, and we're grateful to him and the whole Going to Seed community for sharing them with us!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct-sow when danger of frost has passed. Feel free to dig up roots in order to examine them to determine which ones you want to re-plant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44885894758453,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/radish-1.jpg?v=1766855029"},{"product_id":"high-mountain-mallow","title":"High Mountain Mallow","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eMalva sylvestris\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003eParadise, Utah\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cultivated wild material\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~35\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle: \u003c\/strong\u003eTender Perennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMallow is one of our favorite wild edible plants, and we are far from alone in this. Our friend Joseph Lofthouse, the great evolutionary plant breeder, also loves mallow, and this is the mallow that grows wild — and with his encouragement — on his 6th-generation family farm in Paradise, Utah. Here's what he has to say about it:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This tall, graceful mallow can reach five to six feet when well-tended, producing lush foliage and an abundance of showy deep pink flowers striped with magenta. Bees adore them, and the blooms bring color and charm to any garden or hedgerow... All above-ground parts hold gentle usefulness: the young leaves add a mild, mucilaginous texture to soups and salads, flowers make a striking garnish or soothing tea, and the immature seedpods — called “cheeses” for their wheel-like shape — can be eaten raw or lightly cooked.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A resilient perennial in mild climates and an easy annual elsewhere, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eMalva sylvestris\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e self-sows generously, weaving beauty and nourishment into the landscape year after year.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS: \u003c\/strong\u003eSow in spring or fall. Give full sun and rich soil for maximum height and bloom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44885896134709,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/mallow-tall-plant.jpg?v=1767495760"},{"product_id":"lofthouse-galapagos-tomato-solanum-cheesmaniae","title":"Lofthouse Galápagos Tomato (Solanum cheesmaniae)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eSolanum cheesmaniae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eGalapagos Islands via Paradise, Utah\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eEvolutionary Population\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~30\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested 12\/25: \u003c\/strong\u003e94%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom the high-desert gardens of our friend Joseph Lofthouse, the great evolutionary plant breeder of Paradise, Utah, this Galápagos Island tomato carries wild ancestry and new adaptability. Joseph selected this population for two key traits: the ability to thrive in a short growing season and to germinate easily, without heroic pre-treatment.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe flavorful orange fruits grow slightly larger than most wild or semi-wild tomatoes, offering a taste that bridges the tropical origins of the species and the cool nights of northern gardens.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese plants grew alongside the other Galápagos island tomatoes, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eSolanum galapagense\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e(another endemic wild Galápagos tomato) and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eSolanum pimpinellifolium\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (currant tomato), and also near Joseph's Profoundly Promiscuous and Totally Tasty Tomatoes—a three-species hybrid project aimed at increasing the tomato's ability to outcross. According to Joseph, \"around ten percent of plants showed 'off-type' features, hinting at gentle cross-pollination and an ongoing evolutionary dance.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSave seeds from the plants you love most—the ones that thrive, taste best, or ripen first. Each generation brings this remarkable species closer to true ecological partnership in your own soil.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grow as you would any other tomato.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44885957181493,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/cheesemanii-3.jpg?v=1767495816"},{"product_id":"lofthouse-direct-seeded-tomato","title":"Lofthouse Direct-Seeded Tomato","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eSolanum hybrid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eParadise, Utah\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEvolutionary\u003c\/span\u003e population\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~30\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e12\/25: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e97%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eFrom our friend Joseph Lofthouse, evolutionary plant breeder and barefoot seed steward of high desert Paradise, Utah, the seeds offered here are among the most exciting we've ever had to share. These tomatoes carry Joseph's long-held vision: tomatoes so resilient and abundant that they weave themselves into the living fabric of the ecosystem — thriving without crop protection chemicals, unnecessary labor, or really any outside inputs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDescended from his Profoundly Promiscuous and Totally Tasty Tomatoes project (a joyful intermingling of three tomato species), this population shows surprising vigor and early maturity. In Joseph’s garden, the direct-seeded plants ripened before the transplants (an indication of how little tomatoes appreciate the shock of being moved). Even with Joseph's very short season, where frosts in June are not unheard of, these tomatoes manage to thrive and produce.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYou can expect saladette to medium-sized fruits, mostly in shades of glowing orange, selected for their rich, complex flavor and sunny sweetness. We're excited to see what happens with these promiscuous tomatoes once they leave Paradise and begin flying around the country and the world. Will your garden or farm be the one to add tiger stripes to this direct-seeded population? Or direct-seeded beefsteaks? Or fuzzy peach-skins? Who knows! There's only one way to find out...\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds directly in the garden about two weeks before your average last frost. Inter-plant with radishes and turnips as nurse companions — they lure flea beetles, buffer frost, and shade out early weeds. Let the strongest plants reseed freely and evolve toward a truly local, self-sufficient tomato.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44886010003509,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/direct-seeded.jpg?v=1766856009"},{"product_id":"lofthouse-claytonia-mix-green-red","title":"Lofthouse Claytonia Mix (Green \u0026 Red)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eClaytonia perfoliata \u0026amp; Claytonia rubra\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003eParadise, Utah\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eEvolutionary Population\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~60\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle: \u003c\/strong\u003eAnnual (or Biennial)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrom the shady depths of Joseph Lofthouse’s high-desert farm in Paradise, Utah, comes this gentle mingling of two wild greens: miner’s lettuce (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eClaytonia perfoliata\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) and redstem spring beauty (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eClaytonia rubra\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e). They grow a few yards apart — one in moist, shaded soil, the other in a drier pocket — sometimes crossing where their worlds meet.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom Joseph: \"This mix offers a living invitation to experiment where you live. Sow it in different corners of your garden — under trees, beside rocks, or in open beds — and notice where it thrives. Expect tender, mild leaves for salads in cool months and delicate white-to-pink blooms that feed pollinators.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOver seasons, your local soil, shade, and weather will guide the plants’ evolution, gradually shaping a place-adapted \u003cem\u003eClaytonia\u003c\/em\u003e landrace that loves your home as much as Joseph’s loves Paradise. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow in fall or very early spring. Scatter freely, let them self-seed, and harvest with gratitude.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44886012231733,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/claytonia-2.jpg?v=1766856163"},{"product_id":"lofthouse-parsnip","title":"Lofthouse Parsnip","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003ePastinaca sativa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eParadise, Utah\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eEvolutionary population\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~200\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e12\/25: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e50%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e Biennial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eThese feral parsnips now hold permanent residence in our friend Joseph Lofthouse’s garden in Paradise, Utah — self-seeding, thriving among waist-high weeds, and outcompeting nearly everything else. Over many seasons, Joseph selected for vigor, winter hardiness, and stout, squat roots that can be easily lifted from hard clay soils without leaving half the crop underground.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe lineage began years ago when the heirloom 'Hollow Crown' met 'Kral' (a Russian turnip-rooted type). That cross created parsnips with broad, semi-long roots — rich, sweet, and powerfully aromatic. Their flavor carries that quintessential parsnip spice balanced by a caramel-like sweetness, especially after frost.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSave seeds from your most vigorous and winter-hardy plants. Over time, you’ll join Joseph in stewarding a truly place-adapted parsnip population — strong, self-reliant, and delicious.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct seed outdoors in early spring or late fall, as parsnips\u003cbr\u003erequire cool soil for germination. Do not transplant. Sow thickly, then thin to 3–4 inches apart. Keep soil consistently moist until emergence (germination may take 2–3 weeks). Best grown in deep, loose soil, though this strain tolerates heavier clays remarkably well. Leave roots in the ground until after several frosts for peak sweetness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44886012821557,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/parsnip-lofthouse.jpg?v=1766856234"},{"product_id":"aurora-columbine-grex","title":"Aurora Columbine Grex","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAquilegia spp.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eWestern North America\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBreeding population\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~100\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGermination tested \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e11\/2025: 90%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePerennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColumbine is one of the most beautiful, graceful, and diverse flowers, coming in a wide spectrum of colors from pink, yellow, white, orange, and red, to less common colors like blue, black, green and brown. The blooms also vary in form, including cute frilly petals that look like ladies petticoats, clematis-like flowers, and long spurs resembling fairy hats. There are also varieties with variegated leaves.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis mix comes from Ann and Noel of Homestead Culture in southern Oregon. Ann writes, \"The parentage of this grex includes seeds from various farms from California to Washington. I’ve become a columbine enthusiast because the seeds are so easy to collect and the plants easy to grow. Whenever I see a columbine that I don’t have yet, I ask permission to save the seeds to add to my populations. I’ve also collected wild columbine seeds (here in Oregon, they’re a bright orange color). My newest addition are columbines with variegated yellow\/green leaves and green flowers.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis population includes both native \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquilegia coerulea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (Rocky Mountain Blue Columbine) and the European species \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquilegia vulgaris \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e(Common Columbine).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Columbine seeds benefit from 1-2 months cold-moist stratification for better germination. Sow seeds in the fall or early spring outdoors, or stratify in a fridge. Lightly cover seeds or press them into the soil to keep them in place. Transplant to 4″ pots when first true leaves appear. Harden off and plant about 1 foot apart. Likes shady woodlands and borders. Plants grow to between 1 and 3 feet tall.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44886013837365,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/AuroraColumbineGrex4.jpg?v=1767496314"},{"product_id":"whitebark-raspberry-southern-oregon-ecotype","title":"Whitebark Raspberry (Southern Oregon Ecotype)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eRubus leucodermis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eSouthern Oregon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWild\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~25\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePerennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhitebark raspberries, or western blackcap raspberries, are incredibly sweet, soft, juicy and delicious! They have a beautiful, strong raspberry flavor with just the right amount of acid. We got this local-to-southern-Oregon wild form of blackcap raspberries (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRubus leucodermis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) from Ann \u0026amp; Noel of Homestead Culture. Unlike the eastern blackcap (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eR. occidentalis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e), the western blackcap raspberry is adapted to hot, dry summers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis wild form of raspberry produces abundant amounts of delicious berries like you might expect from domesticated varieties. They are well suited for growing in gardens because they are vigorous, disease resistant, and their berries are plentiful and delicious. Furthermore, growing berries from seed ensures a higher level of genetic diversity which is typically lacking when growing common cloned varieties.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis species is commonly called whitebark raspberru because their first year canes are a very light green blue, almost white color. The plants are very drought tolerant and can handle fairly dry conditions, but given good soil and ample water in your garden they will produce fat canes and lots of berries.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe large thorns can be a bother, so be sure to wear gloves when trellising or pruning the canes. The thorns serve as a valuable defense in the wild, so blackcap raspberries are very deer resistant. While deer may eat some berries and tender growing tips and leaves if they are hungry enough, an established whitebark raspberry plant is not going to be permanently damaged by deer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blackcap raspberry seeds require 90 days moist cold stratification. Since they are relatively small, cover the seeds with 1\/8-1\/2 inch soil and keep moist until they germinate in warm weather. Can handle most soil types, particularly if well-draining, though it also prefers moist soils. Drought-tolerant, but dry soils limit fruit production and plant growth. Full sun to part shade. USDA Zones 5-9.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile whitebark raspberry plants are perennial, second-year canes will die after bearing fruit and need to be pruned out to encourage airflow and space for new canes. In the wild those dead canes tend to stack up and create a dead, airy, thorny structure for bearing canes to rest upon. Those thorny bushes form a brambly habitat for birds and small mammals but can make harvesting berries a bit trickier. So when planting in the garden, pruning is advised.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44886020882485,"sku":null,"price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/WhitebarkRaspberry_SouthernOregonEcotype.jpg?v=1766857354"},{"product_id":"hyssop","title":"Hyssop","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eHyssopus officinalus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eMediterranean\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eCultivated wild material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~50\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested 10\/2025:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e91%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003ePerennial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWhile we have long offered the popular anise-hyssop, this species — which we've taken to calling \"hyssop hyssop\" — is the true hyssop. It's a relatively low-growing Mediterranean perennial herb with charming purple flowers that bloom for months. It has a long history of culinary use (including as a flavoring for various alcoholic drinks) and medicinal use, especially for respiratory issues as an expectorant and cough suppresant. The leaves have some antibacterial properties as well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur seed comes from Ann \u0026amp; Noel of Homestead Culture in southern Oregon. Ann says, \"When I taste the fresh leaves I can only describe their flavor as a combination of sage, mint and oregano. The sage\/mint notes are not overpoweringly strong, and the spiciness is not too sharp... We enjoy having dry hyssop on hand for tossing into soups and stews in the winter, as well as pastas, beans and more. The leaves and flowers also make a delicious tea that is quite medicinal, stimulating to the immune system and can help stave off colds... Like many mint family herbs, hyssop is carminative and aids in digestion. Hyssop has also been used as a daily tonic to help ease rheumatism.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start in spring and lightly tamp seed into the surface of the soil, or just barely cover the small seed with soil. Keep seeds moist until they germinate. When they are large enough to handle, divide the seedlings and grow them up in their own pots for their first season. Plant them into their final positions in the fall or following spring. Hyssop loves rich garden soil but can also thrive in dry or marginal soils. Hyssop is very easy to grow and requires little care, but regular pruning at least once or twice a season can extend it’s lifespan and retain the shape or size that you want. USDA Zones 5-10. Full sun to part shade.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44886022848565,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/Hyssop1.jpg?v=1766857912"},{"product_id":"anns-bellflower-mix","title":"Ann's Bellflower Mix","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eCampanula medium\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eSouthern Europe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBreeding population\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~125\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10\/2025:\u003c\/strong\u003e 95%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual or Biennial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWe're excited to be offering these lovely (and edible!) flowers from growers Ann Nguyen and Noel Ruiz of Homestead Culture in southern Oregon. Bellflower is aptly named for its bountiful bell-shaped blooms. Some have a second layer of petals that make them look like a cup and a saucer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHere's Ann on her love for these charming flowers: \"I was turned on to bellflowers by a flower farmer, but at first I was resistant the idea of growing a flower that can’t be dried and isn’t perennial. I later got the seeds by happenstance at a local garden. I didn’t even know what the flowers looked like, but was impressed by the balloon shaped seed pods and the plant’s vigorous stature (standing as tall as me). I sowed a few seeds in flats, then transplanted them to a dry spot at the edge of our garden and forgot about them. In the following spring, tall plants appeared followed by masses of bell-shaped blooms in purple, lavender, rose, and white. Some were double, some single. They were so striking and had such a long vase life, I was sold on bellflowers, and continued to cultivate them ever since... This mix continues to surprise me with different colors. The first plants were mostly purple and now some appear in a charming periwinkle blue, white, and light pink. Most are single flowers. They bloom in late June\/July until September. With ideal growing conditions, bellflowers produce multiple side branches, ideal for cut flower growing.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBumblebees love bellflowers, and you can often find them using the flowers for overnight sleeping quarters!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Campanula seeds benefit from 30-60+ days cold-moist stratification. Sow seeds in flats during the fall, winter (indoor), or early spring. Do not cover, as light is required for germination. Seeds are incredibly small. Bottom water or mist lightly to avoid covering seeds. Transplant in the fall or spring, 1 to 2 feet apart. These are are biennial plants, flowering in the second year. They can overwinter outdoor in Zone 6 and above. They perform better during the cooler months so it’s best to get them going early in the season. If given adequate space and fertility, campanula will produce many long, sturdy stems of flowers from June through September.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBellflowers have fine hairs all over, similar to Rudbeckia, which protect them from deer browse. They can be planted unprotected and encouraged to self sow in areas with moderate sun and good soil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44886026059829,"sku":null,"price":4.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/Ann_sBellflowerMix5.jpg?v=1767496430"},{"product_id":"celestial-globe-thistle-mix-blue-white","title":"'Celestial' Globe Thistle Mix (Blue \u0026 White)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eEchinops ritro\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eEurasia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBreeding population\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~20\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e12\/2025:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003ePerennial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThe adorable, round, blue flowers of globe thistles — native from southern Europe through Central Asia all the way to Mongolia — make excellent cut flowers, either fresh or dried. They’re textural and whimsical and they look exactly the same fresh or dried. If harvested at the right time, they can last for years. When in bloom, little purple flowers appear on top of the globes, which attract numerous pollinators. They’re very hardy (USDA Zones 3-10), drought-tolerant perennials, which make them ideal for border planting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGlobe Thistles come in varying shades of blue. This mix, from growers Ann \u0026amp; Noel of Homestead Culture in southern Oregon, exhibits the full spectrum of possibilities from deep indigo to frosty white.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before planting out, or direct-sow outdoors just after last frost. Cover seeds lightly, but strong enough to hold them in place. Space plants 2-3 feet apart. Globe Thistles are easy to grow, drought tolerant, deer resistant plants. Once established, watering can be reduced to once a week during the hottest summer months. They begin flowering in its first year between June – August. Harvest flowers or deadhead to encourage rebloom. They can become bushy and quite large. One plant that lives at the Chadwick Garden in UC Santa Cruz is over 5 feet tall and 8 feet wide! In cooler climates, they will die back completely to the ground in fall.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44886029533237,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/CelestialGlobeThistleMix_Blue_White_1.jpg?v=1766858457"},{"product_id":"blue-elderberry-southern-oregon-ecotype","title":"Blue Elderberry (Southern Oregon Ecotype)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eSambucus cerulea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eSouthern Oregon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status: \u003c\/strong\u003eWild\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~25\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePerennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAs those of us who run EFN are much more familiar with the plants of the eastern woodlands, including the American black elderberry, we leave it to our West Coast friends — in this case the people who sourced these seeds for us, Ann \u0026amp; Noel of Homestead Culture in southern Oregon — to tell the tale:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Blue elderberry is our west coast native elderberry shrub ranging from Southern Canada down to Northern Mexico. [These seeds] come from our local Southern Oregon blue elders.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlue elder’s berries, leaves, bark and roots are all used medicinally in the same way as its American black elder and European black elder kin. Like black elder, blue elder is a fantastic herbal antiviral. As a food, in my humble opinion, blue elderberries are tastier than black elders and a bit sweeter. I find the blue elderberries more beautiful too, with their almost white bloom when the berries are ripe, that when rubbed off reveals a dark blue berry underneath [similar to blueberries and many wild grapes]. The bloom is surely a handy indicator of ripeness, even from a distance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpeaking of beauty, the blue elder in full bloom is a show-stopper, offering abundant clusters of beautiful, elegant, delicate tree flowers in early summer after most other fruit trees have finished blooming. Instead, blue elder puts energy into growing leaves and branches first before extending its stunning display skyward.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe blue elders we collect seeds from live in the rain shadow from the more temperate coastal climate and are adapted to our hot dry summers. While these blue elders surely appreciate and thrive with lots of moisture, they are also quite drought hardy and can withstand quite hot and harsh conditions. That being said, they’ll get bigger and produce more flowers and berries with good garden soil and regular moisture.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSure enough we see blue elders thriving on roadsides with no irrigation. In the mountains blue elders prefer to grow on roadsides, and sunny clear-cut forest re-growths with fair moisture, but can also be found on mountain crests where conditions are harsher and the soil is dry and lacking in organic matter. Wild blue elders produce just as abundantly as their domesticated counterparts and are adaptable to a wide range of conditions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlue elder is also deer resistant, likely due in part to containing hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in all parts of the plant (see health note below) as well as the musky scent the leaves produce. Deer will eat elder leaves and young growth when they are really hungry but likely won’t eat a lot unless they are starving. So young blue elders will need protection, but once established blue elders can fend for themselves against deer. They will also get tall enough to produce leaves and berries well above deer browse height if you don’t prune them lower.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur family relies on blue elderberries for our medicine during cold season and throughout the year. We enjoy blue elder syrup but blue elderberries also make a fantastic jam. We prefer about 1:1 blue elderberries to apples cooked down to thicken and sweeten it up. We also use some whole flower clusters in our medicine cabinet in the form of tea and tinctures for cold season. Blue elder flowers also make exceptional wine and champagne.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe are excited to offer blue elderberry seeds so that you can start your own blue elderberry shrubs. As seedlings each plant will be its own distinct variety and while they will be fairly similar, you may find some who grow better in your garden or whose berries you like better.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHEALTH NOTE: Always cook any part of the elder shrub thoroughly for at least 30 minutes before using it for medicine or food, whether berries, bark, leaves or root. Raw elder plants can cause dizziness and vomiting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGERMINATION: Starting blue elders from dry seed is more advanced than other tree seeds and requires patience because dry elderberry seed often requires at least a double cold-moist stratification period to germinate.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHere are a few options for stratifying your blue elder seeds:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn climates that experience cold winters, allow the seeds to go through two natural winters sowed in place in a well prepared and marked bed or nursery pot. Or else give the seeds a 30 day warm-moist treatment, followed by 180 days cold-moist stratification (in a fridge). Or give the seeds a 30 day warm-moist treatment, followed by 90 day cold-moist stratification period, followed by 30 day warm-moist period, and then a final 90 day cold-moist stratification period.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e After stratification, plant the seeds 1\/4-1\/2″ deep. Blue elder seeds like cool temperatures and will germinate in late winter or early spring, depending where you live, before many other tree seeds start germinating.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSeedlings are fairly precocious and can start flowering and fruiting in just 2-4 years from seed under ideal conditions: full sun to part shade, well-draining soil, but moist preferred to dry, and USDA Zones 4-8.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlue elder is one of the first perennials to slowly start leafing out here in late winter in early January. In colder climates that may be delayed, but Elder is still very cold tolerant and early to start putting on new growth for the season.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlue elders are easily prunable to any height you desire. Older elders will grow a thick trunk and produce a short tree form, but the plants also nearly always produce numerous suckers from the base of the trunk and even further from the plant. Some people coppice all the trunks to the ground every few years, or simply thin out older trunks on a regular basis to keep the tree shorter and easier to harvest. It's really up to you! If left unpruned blue elder can eventually form a thicket of canes and trunks extending from the original root crown.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe berries are ripe when they turn dark blue to a dusty pale blue, almost white color. It's generally easier to harvest the whole cluster of berries with one snip rather than harvest them one by one. And since the berries can be fiddly to remove from the stems, even when at home in your kitchen, the most common trick is to freeze the clusters, stems and all. The next day take them out of the freezer and hold over a bowl as you remove the berries from the stems. They come off much easier.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44886994223157,"sku":null,"price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/blueelder3.jpg?v=1767496553"},{"product_id":"cleavers","title":"Cleavers","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eGalium aparine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eEurasia, North Africa, and North America\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eWild\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~30\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e11\/2025:\u003c\/strong\u003e 93%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eIt's often noted that the plants with the most names are the most useful, and if that be so than cleavers must be one of the most useful plants on the planet. In English alone, it has perhaps dozens of names, including cleavers, bedsraw, sweetheart, hitchhikers, clivers, goosegrass, catchweed, coachweed, stickyweed, sticky bob, stickybud, stickyback, sticky molly, robin-run-the-hedge, sticky willy, sticky willow, stickyjack, stickeljack, grip grass, sticky grass, bobby buttons, whippysticks, and velcro plant!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCleavers is a weedy annual in the coffee family (it even contains some caffiene!) long considered native to Afroeurasia, from the Canary Islands and Britain across North Africa, Europe, and Asia, all the way to Japan, but it is also now widely considered native to North America as well. Given its cosmopolitan nature, it's no surprise the plant has naturalized itself in nearly every other temperate part of the world, including South America, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. While most ignore or deride it as a weed, those who appreciate this plant have a great many reasons to:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1) It's edible. The leaves and stems can be cooked as a leaf vegetable, ideally gathered before the fruits harden. It's edible raw, though not so pleasant unless liquified in a food processer for use in pesto, or something like that. To the extent that it's eaten, it's usually cooked. The flavor is usually somewhat bitter, but it is least bitter in spring.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e2) The fruit, when dried and roasted, make a passable coffee substitute — and unlike most such drinks, this one actually contains caffeine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e3) The roots of cleavers can be made into a permanent red dye.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e4) A tea from the dried leaves is used for a great many medicinal purposes, including as a diuretic, lymphatic supporter, immune stimulant, astringent, demulcent, general tonic, and anti-inflammatory. (People on blood thinning medication, or who are pregnant, nursing, or dealing with kidney or liver issues, should avoid this plant!)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e5) A poultice — cold or warm compress made from the mashed up plant — is used topically for skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, acne, burns, wounds, and venomous stings or bites.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e6) Studies have even found promising anti-cancer properties in cleavers, with the growth of two particular types of tumor cells being inhibited by cleavers extract. It has also been shown to increase lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell important for general immunity and reducing cancer cells.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e7) Using cleavers as a vegetable in the diet is said to help with weight loss.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e8) People from ancient Greece to modern Sweden have used the barbed stems of cleavers, roughly laid out in a web, as a sieve used to strain milk!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e9) Dried stems, matted together, were long used to stuff mattresses and pillows, since the barbed hairs on the plant cause the stems to stick together and not move around, reducing the need for fluffing and holding a uniform shape and thickness.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e10) The dried stems make an excellent tinder for starting fires.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e11) The fresh plant can be rubbed on the hands to remove pitch, resin, or tar.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand,\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e12) With its sticky barbs, the inspiration for so many of its names, it can easily be made to stick to clothing, hair, and sometimes skin, so the plant has been the source of countless hours of fun and games for children and adults alike around the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt may be growing in your garden or on your farm already, but if it's not, we hope we've provided more than enough reason to give it a try!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eThis seed comes to us from our friends \u003c\/span\u003eAnn \u0026amp; Noel of Homestead Culture in southern Oregon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very easy to grow. Simply sow seeds in moist, rich soil, in partial shade or sun, in early spring or late fall. Seeds need light to germinate, so don't bury them. Keep moist. Due to its vigorous, spreading nature, be thoughtful about where you plant it — it's not necessarily something you want in your vegetable garden, but it's great for an otherwise weedy patch by the edge of some woods, or along a fenceline, or compost heap, or drainage ditch.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eNOTE: The photo of cleavers in the forest is comes from Płonia Valley near Lubiatowo, NW Poland, was taken by\u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e \u003ca title=\"User:Kenraiz\" href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/User:Kenraiz\"\u003eKrzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and is shared under the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/en:Creative_Commons\" class=\"extiw\" title=\"w:en:Creative Commons\"\u003eCreative Commons\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" class=\"extiw\" title=\"creativecommons:by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\"\u003eAttribution-Share Alike 4.0 International\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e license. All others are public domain images.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44886997106741,"sku":null,"price":4.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/Galium_aparine_Flower_Closeup_SierraMadrona.jpg?v=1767498784"},{"product_id":"ronnys-red-okra","title":"'Ronny's Red' Okra","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAbelmoschus esculentus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAfrica via Westport, MA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eImprovement status: \u003c\/b\u003eCultivar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eSeeds per packet: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e~35\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e10\/25: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e95%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eWe were shocked when our friend Bill Braun of Freed Seed Federation first told us about the defining feature of Ronny's Red okra. Not only is it prolific and beautiful and delicious, but it is also an okra selected in New England for being able to produce a large crop after direct-sowing in June! Even in New Jersey, we typically start our okra indoors a couple weeks before frost, to give them a head-start and ensure a productive season. Ronny Bramwell, of Westport, Massachusetts, who developed this okra, apparently has always been unwilling to start his okra early, so he just kept planting it outside once the ground was warm enough and eventually his red okra became a reliably early and abundant producer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe're honored to be the first commercial source of this impressive okra, thanks to Bill and the Freed Seed crew who produced these seeds in Westport, Massachusetts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wait until soil temperatures are at least 65 degrees, then direct-sow between 1 and 3 feet apart. You can also start seeds indoors, three or even four weeks before last frost, then plant out once the soil is warm enough. Harvest okra continually to encourage more pod production, but be sure to leave a few pods for seed! Be sure to only grow one type of okra if you want to avoid cross-pollination, or bag individual flower buds for self-pollinated pods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44886998941749,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/Ronny_sRedokra2.jpg?v=1767496753"},{"product_id":"ermelinda-sweet-pepper","title":"'Ermelinda' Sweet Pepper","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eCapsicum annuum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eWestport, MA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eCultivar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~30\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e10\/25: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e97%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Ermelinda' is a new medium-to-extra-large red, thin-walled, wrinkled and slightly pleated sweet pepper. Bred by our friend Bill Braun and the Freed Seed Federation crew in southeastern Massachusetts, it is delicious and versatile, excellent for fresh eating, frying, and more. Named after Bill's beloved \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVovoa \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e(Portuguese for grandmother) from the Azores, the plants are strong and upright. Don't be surprised to find variation in fruit forms from plant to plant, ranging from long and pointed to extra-large and blunt-ended. This diversity is intentional, with the genetic diversity behind it leading to a more resilient population over time.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe asked Bill if it would be appropriate to consider this a breeding population or grex, and he insisted that the uniform plant architecture marks it as a distinct variety. We trust Bill's plant instincts, born of decades growing vegetables, and so we're thrilled to be offering it for wide release for the first time. Though adapted to the particular climate of southeastern Massachusetts — a quiet stretch of land between Rhode Island and Cape Cod known as the \"Farm Coast\", with a slightly milder, more maritime climate than most of New England, but also right in the path of every plant disease that eventually blows out to sea from the rest of the country's agricultural regions — this variety is nevertheless likely to thrive in other regions. Please let us know how it does for you!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start early indoors, as any other pepper. You may want to stake or otherwise tie up and support plants later in the season. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44886999793717,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/Ermelindapepper.jpg?v=1766949647"},{"product_id":"chix-mix-chicory-breeding-mix","title":"'Chix Mix' Chicory Breeding Mix","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eChicorium intybus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eNortheast US\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBreeding population\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~100\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested 12\/2025:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e90%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eBiennial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis exciting culinary adventure comes our way thanks to our friends at the Freed Seed Federation (FSF) from southeast Massachusetts' Farm Coast (between Rhode Island and Cape Cod). FSF founder Bill Braun began working on this project years ago in collaboration with the late great Dr. John Navazio, a legend in the organic seed-farming and plant breeding community, responsible for countless open-pollinated varieties cherished by farmers across the country and around the world.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith a radicchio renaissance sweeping the Pacific Northwest, where much of the US organic seed community is based, Bill and John saw a need for new varieties adapted to the Northeast. Now affectionately known as \"Chix Mix\" among FSF folks, this population of the chicory species that includes radicchio, Belgian endive, and puntarelle (but not escarole or frisee, which are \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cem\u003eChicorium endivia\u003c\/em\u003e) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehas the Italian variety 'Rosalba' running throughout its pedigree. From the Veneto region that includes Venice, 'Rosalba' is a pink-hearted radicchio beloved for its tender crunch, bitter-sweet flavor and charming pink leaves in cold weather (dappled light green, especially on the outer leaves). You can expect lots of diversity in heading timing, color, shape, and flavor, ripe for selection in northeast and most anywhere else with cold winters. We're excited to see what you all select from this unique breeding mix!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e For best results, we recommend starting plants in the spring, either direct-sown after last frost or started a few weeks early indoors. Space plants between 8 and 12 inches apart and allow to grow and grow through the summer and fall. In some climates, you'll be able to eat them out of the field come late fall or winter (either by removing outer leaves to find a blanched heart, or by cutting plant nearly to the ground in late summer and putting a bucket or terra cotta pot over it to blanch subsequent regrowth). In other places, it will be best to dig up the plants, cut them off just above the root-crown, and then store in damp sand in a cool dark place (like a basement, garage, root cellar, or walk-in fridge). This is the best way to explore the culinary potential of a population like this — indeed, it's how the most prized chicories, from 'Rossa di Treviso' to 'Puntarelle di Galatina', are transformed from a bitter bush of green leaves to some of the most extraordinary vegetables on the planet. Who knows what wonders you might find in this population?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44887000121397,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/FSFchicorybreedingmix4.jpg?v=1766949961"},{"product_id":"petite-dame-tomato","title":"'Petite Dame' Tomato","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eSolanum lycopersicum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eMassachusetts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eCultivar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~25\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e10\/25: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e80%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eFrom our friends at Freed Seed Foundation in southeastern Massachusetts' Farm Coast, 'Petite Dame' is a semi-dwarf pink slicing tomato. Plants grow to between 3 and 4 feet all and are loaded with pink slicers of varying sizes between 8 and 12 ounces. The fruit possess a rare combination of thick skin and excellent flavor, and they're also extremely crack-resistant and keep surprisingly long off the plant. Selected under intense disease pressure in the coastal northeast, where all manner of plant diseases arrive on the wind and with insects from the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest, these are some tough, resilient tomatoes. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBred by Freed Seed Federation, in collaboration with Crabapple Farm of Chesterfield, Massachusetts, and with support from a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant, these seeds were grown by Freed Seed Federation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start indoors a few weeks before last frost and plant out once the soil begins to warm a few weeks after last frost.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44887000580149,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/PetiteDametomato1.jpg?v=1767496833"},{"product_id":"hannahs-grex-sesame-breeding-mix","title":"'Hannah's Grex' Sesame Breeding Mix","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eSesamum indicum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eMassachusetts\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBreeding population\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~100\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e10\/25: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e83%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an exciting population of brown, tan, and white-seeded sesame selected in the Northeast by our friend Hannah Traggis. You can expect considerable variation in size, plant architecture, and ripening times, making this an excellent population from which to select a regionally-adapted sesame that meets your specific culinary desires as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you've never grown sesame before, this is a great place to start. You'll soon find it's not only a productive and delicious plant, but highly ornamental as well, easily passing as a close cousin of a foxglove (though they are not even in the same family).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur seed comes from our friends at the Freed Seed Federation in Massachusetts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start sesame a couple weeks before last frost under cover (in a greenhouse or indoors). Plant out once soil warms in spring. Give plants about a foot each, as some will branch. If plants begin to lodge (fall over), you can support them with stakes or a classic Florida-weave, as you might tomatoes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44887000743989,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/IMG_2595.jpg?v=1767662605"},{"product_id":"sweet-goldenrod","title":"Sweet Goldenrod","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eSolidago odora\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eEastern and Central North America\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wild\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~125\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle: \u003c\/strong\u003ePerennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eA goldenrod with tarragon and anise flavored leaves and flowers. Makes a great fresh nibble in spring, a culinary herb for the kitchen (or bar), and a spectacular tea when in flower. The tea is fantastic and almost became the substitute for imported tea after the Boston Tea Party. Indigenous people and settlers used the plant medicinally for a range of purposes, including as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain reliever), fever reducer, antiseptic, and expectorant, often by making infusions from its flowers and leaves. And it's a lovely ornamental as well, even offering winter interest with seed-heads that attract birds until they're picked clean.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSweet goldenrod is native to the central and eastern US. Unlike many goldenrods, this species is well-behaved and does not spread aggressively. Goldenrods are also among our very best plants for beneficial insects — the nectar is highly preferred by pollinating bees and crop-protecting wasps, and useful to many other pollinators as well. It's highly recommended by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation for people who want to use their landscape to help support native insects. This species blooms for a month or more in late summer and early fall, making it an important hunger-gap flower for honeybees. It's also one of the top herbaceous caterpillar host plants, and its hollow stems are valuable overwintering and nesting sites for numerous insects.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese Massachusetts-grown seeds come from the great Eric Toensmeier, author, scholar, educator, and farmer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fall plant for best results. Suitable for dry sand or garden soils, and sun to part shade. USDA zones 4-10.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44887070933045,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/American_medical_botany__Pl._XX__BHL2955783.jpg?v=1767497503"},{"product_id":"downy-wood-mint","title":"Downy Wood Mint","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eBlephilia ciliata\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eEastern and Central North America\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wild\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~200\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle: \u003c\/strong\u003ePerennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAlso called Ohio horsemint or downy pagoda plant, downy wood mint is a central and eastern North American native perennial with a history of medicinal use. Among other uses, Cherokee people reportedly use it as a poultice against headaches. The minty leaves can be used for tea, and are also said to be used in sauces, rubs, and drinks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDowny wood mint is of course in the mint family (Lamiaceae), an herbaceous perennial with evergreen basal leaves in winter that provide year-round cover. Unlike other mints, it is largely clump-forming, so you don't have to worry about it taking over. Beautiful and fragrant purple flowers arrive each spring and bloom for about a month. It's an excellent pollinator plant, recommended by Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to provide food and habitat for a variety of beneficial insects including long-tongued and short-tongued bees, bee flies, Syrphid flies, butterflies, and skippers. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese Massachusetts-grown seeds come from the great Eric Toensmeier, author, scholar, educator, and farmer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seed germination improved by a 60 day cold-moist stratification. Fall planting outdoors can work well as well. Some sources say it has double dormancy, so don't give up if they don't sprout the first spring. Suited to plantings from sun to full shade, and moist to dry, even being tolerant of dry sand. USDA zones 4-8. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44887070965813,"sku":null,"price":3.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/downywoodmint.jpg?v=1766963509"},{"product_id":"new-zealand-perennial-ground-cherry","title":"'New Zealand Perennial' Ground Cherry","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003ePhysalis spp.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eUnknown via New Zealand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eUnknown\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~25\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e11\/25: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e95%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual or Biennial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis is an improved strain of perennial ground cherry, the best of multiple annual and hardy perennial species trialed in Massachusetts by our seed source, author and farmer Eric Toensmeier. It has relatively large fruits with excellent flavor, ripening in late September or early October in Massachusetts, though they're also still perfectly ripe outdoors even by the end of December, long after the leaves have disappeared. The fruit keep well indoors too, and are much denser and less watery than annual ground cherry (though also not really in competition, as these ripen much later). The flavor is also much more intense too, with strong notes of pineapple, tomato and passionfruit. To clean the dried husk off the slightly sticky fruit, just wash in a sink and the paper comes right off. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis variety was collected in New Zealand but the genus is not native there, so it must have been introduced at some point. The species is unknown at present. It is definitely not a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eP. peruviana\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, based on appearance and superior cold hardiness. It has deep suckering roots and somewhat sticky fruits like the eastern native \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eP. heterophylla\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which it closely resembles, but the plant doesn't look quite right. Fortunately we don’t have to know what species it is to grow and enjoy it!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start as you would tomatoes, surface-sowing seeds in flats a few weeks before last frost. Germination can be spotty with perennial ground cherries, and the seeds may benefit from a cold-moist stratification period (30-60 days). Prefers full sun, but the plants also produce surprisingly well in shade.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44887071424565,"sku":null,"price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/newzealandperennialgroundcherry.jpg?v=1766963783"},{"product_id":"purple-giant-hyssop","title":"Purple Giant Hyssop","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAgastache scrophulariifolia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eEastern North America\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eCultivated wild material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~125\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle: \u003c\/strong\u003ePerennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne of our tallest herbaceous perennial species, native to the central and eastern United States and Ontario, purple giant hyssop easily lives up to its name, growing up to nine feet tall each year. It has a very striking look, with enormous flower spikes that are light lavender and bloom in late summer and early fall. Related to the delicious anise hyssop, but much taller and with only a very mild scent and flavor, some people like to use the young leaves in salad or the dried leaves in tea. It also has a history of medicinal use by Indigenous peoples, with its leaves used for respiratory issues, fevers, as a digestive aid, and a diuretic, and its roots used for coughs and wounds. It is said to a have a mild calming effect for the nervous system as well. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese seeds come from our friend Eric Toensmeier, the author, scholar, and farmer based in western Massachusetts. He points out that these seeds may include a few hybrids with anise hyssop (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA. foeniculum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e), which he also grows, but says you can \"rogue out smaller plants with purple flowers and stronger scent if you want the pure species.\" Or you can keep up the hybrids and see if they're the best of both worlds! Recommended by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation as a pollinator and beneficial insect species, purple giant hyssop is valuable to a wide diversity of pollinators. Hummingbirds visit the flowers and also perch for a bit of rest. The seeds are also extremely valuable to seed-eating birds like goldfinches. A real “neighborhood pub” that invites beneficial birds and bugs. Huge hollow stems are valuable for overwintering and nesting insects.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS: \u003c\/strong\u003eSeeds germinate best with 60 days cold-moist stratification, and should be surface-sown because they require some light to germinate. Open to a range of planting spots from full sun to part shade, it will even grow in dry sand. USDA zones 3-8.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44887072014389,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/Agastache_scrophulariifolia.jpg?v=1767497716"},{"product_id":"clustered-mountain-mint","title":"Clustered Mountain Mint","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003ePycnanthemum muticum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eEastern North America\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eCultivated wild material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~125\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle: \u003c\/strong\u003ePerennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA perennial mint relative, native to the central and eastern US, with a powerful scent. Unlike true mints of the genus \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eMentha\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, mountain mints are well-behaved and do not spread aggressively. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation recommends this species for beneficial insects and pollinators. It's of special value to crop-pollinating bees and crop-protecting wasps but used by a great many species. Hollow stems valuable for overwintering and nesting insects. We've been told the foliage is too strong by to use as tea on its own (think eucalyptus rather than peppermint), but tastes nice in blended teas — however, we've also been told it has enough pugelone (the same compound is found in high concentrations in dangerous pennyroyal) to cause liver damage in even moderate doses. Pugelone can make it a useful insect repellent though (rubbing it on exposed skin). Needless to say, we don't recommend using it culinarily.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese seeds were grown in western Massachusetts by our friend Eric Toensmeier, the great author, scholar, educator, and farmer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e No stratification necessary, but fall or winter sowing can be very effective. Surface-sow, as they require some light to germinate. Llikes full sun to part shade, and moist but well-draining soil, though can tolerate dry soils as well, especially once well-established. USDA zones 4-8.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: First photo is from \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003ca title=\"User:Kenraiz\" href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/User:Kenraiz\"\u003eKrzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz\u003c\/a\u003e and is shared u\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ender the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"w:en:Creative Commons\" class=\"extiw\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/en:Creative_Commons\"\u003eCreative Commons\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"creativecommons:by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" class=\"extiw\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\"\u003eAttribution-Share Alike 4.0 International\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e license. Second photo is from \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/people\/26698606@N03\" class=\"external text\" rel=\"nofollow\"\u003epeganum\u003c\/a\u003e from Henfield, England, and is shared \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eunder the \u003ca title=\"w:en:Creative Commons\" class=\"extiw\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/en:Creative_Commons\"\u003eCreative Commons\u003c\/a\u003e \u003ca title=\"creativecommons:by-sa\/2.0\/deed.en\" class=\"extiw\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/deed.en\"\u003eAttribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic\u003c\/a\u003e license. Third is in the public domain.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44887072440373,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/Pycnanthemum_muticum_kz01.jpg?v=1767498298"},{"product_id":"clammy-groundcherry-massachusetts-ecotype","title":"Clammy Groundcherry (Massachusetts Ecotype)","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003ePhysalis heterophylla\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eHolyoke, Mass.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eCultivated wild material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~30\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e12\/25: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e60% (likely higher under more ideal, longer conditions)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003ePerennial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eClammy groundcherry is a native perennial ground cherry with good size, moderate productivity, and outstanding flavor which adds golden raisin notes to the already delicious pineapple-like groundcherry baseline. It gets is name from the slightly sticky hairs all over the plant. This ecotype does not have particularly large fruit for the species (some are quite a bit larger), but they still compare well with the average annual groundcherry in terms of fruit-size. This form was wild-collected by our friend Eric Toensmeier (author of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePerennial Vegetables \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eand \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Carbon Farming Solution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) some two decades ago in the vicinity of Holyoke, Massachusetts, and has been grown in gardens ever since. The fruit ripens in September to October in Massachusetts, and can remain tasty on the plant, on the ground, or on your kitchen counter for weeks or months after that. To clean the dried husk off the slightly sticky fruit, just wash in the sink and the paper comes right off.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen I (this is Nate) visited Eric’s farm in late 2025 and sampled the fruit, I more or less insisted that Eric harvest as much as he could so we could offer seed — and here it is! (Thanks Eric!!) I've only tasted \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhysalis heterophylla\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e from a couple other places, and never with enough of a population to offer the seeds for sale, but to me it's the best-tasting of all the ground cherries — far superior to the still tasty commercial \"cape gooseberries\"\/\"goldenberries\" from South America (where they're called \"uvilla\").\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNative to most of the US, from Montana and Arizona to Florida and Maine, and much of southern Canada as well, this species will thrive most anywhere. It's often found as a weed in gardens, at the edge of forests, and in old field successional habitats. It spreads both by seed and by deep underground suckers. It is also very long-lived, persisting for decades, so be thoughtful where you plant it. It's been known to hybridize with other species, and we think it has great potential as a parent plant to help breed much more productive perennial groundcherries for the future.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEric says it seems to be attractive to pollinators, and like other species with low-growing yellow fruits (including horse nettle and my beloved mayapples) is specialized to be dispersed by box turtles!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seeds germinate best when surface-sown and kept warm and moist. They have somewhat spotty germination, some popping quickly and others taking their sweet time. Suited to ordinary garden soils and also to dry sand. Can host pests and diseases of the tomato family as well as striped cucumber beetle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44887074996277,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/ClammyGroundcherry_MassachusettsEcotype.heic?v=1767498865"},{"product_id":"tall-thimbleweed","title":"Tall Thimbleweed","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003enemone virginiana\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eEastern North America\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wild\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~125\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle: \u003c\/strong\u003ePerennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAlso called tall anemone, Virginia anemone, or just thimbleweed, tall thimbleweed is an eastern North American native perennial most often found in shady woodland environments (though it can handle some sun too, in your garden). A member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), the entire plant is toxic to humans — and the fresh juice from the plant can even be caustic — but the plant nevertheless has a long history of (incredibly careful) medicinal use. We don't recommend any beginning herbalists use it, but the more experienced among you might like to try. One account online says they like to a few drops of tincture for people who are in acute mental or emotional distress for its calming effects on the nervous system (but as you might expect, it's easy to go overboard — and if you calm the nervous system too much the results can be disastrous). But tall thimbleweed still has much to recommend it as a native plant for your shade garden or any semi-shady spot: it's charmingly beautiful, offers summer and winter interest, and pollinators and other beneficial insects adore it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLike many of its buttercup family cousins, the flower of tall thimbleweed is atypical. Its \"petals\" are not actually petals at all (it has none), but are called \"petaloid-sepals,\" because they are overgrown sepals (usually the green, leafy structures at the base of a flower, making up its \"calyx\"). The plant blooms for about a month in early summer. The thimble of its name is the pistil, made up of numerous little spiky fruits (\"achenes\"), surrounded by small pollen-covered stamens. It's the pollen that attracts all those beneficial insects — for the plant makes no nectar at all. Virginia anemone is officially a recommended species by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation as a pollinator and beneficial insect plant. Its evergreen basal leaves (which somewhat resemble greater celandine or some kind of wild geranium) provide year-round groundcover and habitat. The seeds, which are born in tufts of fluff and spread by the wind, are valuable fall and winter feed for birds. Hummingbirds are said to use the seed fluff to build nests!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis western Massachusetts-grown seed comes to us from our friend Eric Toensmeier, author, scholar, farmer, organizer, and all-around excellent human.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very versatile, grows in sun to full shade, though really thrives in shade. Will even grow in dry sand. Seeds are best sown in fall or winter, but 30-60 days of cold-moist stratification should also do the trick. Grows in USDA zones 2-8. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44887075160117,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/tallthimbleweed.jpg?v=1767499051"},{"product_id":"laboo-iranian-beet","title":"'Laboo' Beet (Iran)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eBeta vulgaris\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eIran\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eImprovement status: \u003c\/b\u003eLandrace\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eSeeds per packet: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e~100\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e11\/25: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e76%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eBiennial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis amazing (and enormous!) beet comes to us from our friend Sama Mansouri of Reyhan Herb Farm in Petaluma, California, where she grows ancestral food and seeds, and teaches seed-keeping. According to Sama, the farm \"focuses on growing heritage crops from Iran and the SSWANA region. The goal is to engage in our cultural foodways, despite being separated from our homelands.\" Rather than attempt our own description of this beet, here is Sama's write-up from the Reyhan Herb Farm's excellent website:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"One of my favorite parts of showing people the farm in the last year has been bringing attention to these laboo, these beets from Iran, which were growing to the size of basketballs in the field! Beets are a delicious and important part of Iranian food, and I remember them best as a steamed street food in Tehran; they are peeled and boiled and then pierced onto pikes by street vendors, who douse them in their own juice and chop them up for your when you buy one. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"We were wondering if these beets would be different than any old beet you might find in the US, and boy were we surprised to see the sheer SIZE of these babies! I sent some to my grandmother in Southern California last year who cooked them up. She prepared the beet by first washing and peeling it, then putting it on a dish and into the oven at 300°F, cooking it slowly for 3+ hours. Occasionally she would open the oven to spoon the pooling beet juice back onto the top of the beet. Then she called me to say that it was delicious and there were no “risheh,” or veins within the meat of the beet that are common in such massive ones. I was very pleased to hear this! Even though we can’t pop outside in the winter cold to buy a street beet from the local beet man, we can at least connect with this delicious and nutritious food now with our family and friends. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"Beets are relatively easy to grow! A lot of the seeds are actually seed clusters, which will produce 2-5 seedlings. No matter! If there are too many growing in one clump, you can thin them later down the line. Direct sow them (sprinkle them directly onto the soil where you intend to grow them) and water them a bit every day to keep the soil moist until they germinate. They will grow beautiful edible leaves, and after 4-5 weeks you’ll see the beet start to size up right under the soil surface. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"I would highly recommend planting this crop in the fall to overwinter. Check out \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bonnieplants.com\/blogs\/planting-guides\/beets-zone-planting-guide\"\u003ethis table\u003c\/a\u003e to determine when you should sow your seeds depending on your USDA zone. Beets are great winter food! Make \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003esoupe laboo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e or roasted beets with them for \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShabe Yalda\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the Winter Solstice when we eat red foods.\" \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e In places with a somewhat mild winter, plant in fall to overwinter. Plant in early spring elsewhere. Best to direct-sow and later thin to a foot or so apart, to allow these beets to reach their maximal size (unless you wish to keep them small). Most beets, including this one, are biennial, so if you want seeds you'll have to overwinter them in the ground or in damp sand or peat in a root cellar, basement, garage, walk-in, etc.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44887076405301,"sku":null,"price":4.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/labooiranianbeet4.webp?v=1767499112"},{"product_id":"kkaenip-korean-green-shiso","title":"Kkaenip (Korean Green Shiso)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003ePerilla frutescens\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eKorea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eUnknown\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~40\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e12\/25: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e39%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eThis is a large-leafed green shiso from Korea, brought to the US by a friend of our grower's. Good for oilseed production — producing an edible oil that tastes similar to sesame oil — and flavorful leaves, used as a seasoning themselves or as an edible wrapper for other foods. Shiso is a mint-family (Lamiaceae) annual from East Asia, especially popular in Korea and Japan.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese seeds come from our friend Andy Jo at Space Dog Farms in Minnesota.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow after danger of frost has passed, or start indoors a few weeks earlier. Shiso is prone to naturalizing, so do your best to harvest every seed unless you want it in your garden for many years. If it does begin to settle in against your wishes, you can get it of it by diligently weeding out seedlings for the next couple years.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44887080337461,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/shiso2.jpg?v=1766966176"},{"product_id":"flowering-tobacco","title":"Flowering Tobacco","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eNicotiana sylvestris\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAndes Mountains, Argentina and Bolivia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eUnknown\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~250\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e12\/25: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e65%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual or Short-lived Perennial (above 23° F)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAlso known as woodland tobacco, white shooting stars, and South American tobacco, flowering tobacco is a beautiful half-hardy tobacco species from the Andes Mountains. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial in the Andes, but is commonly grown as an annual (started early indoors or under glass as with other tobacco plants). This species is believed to be an ancestor of domesticated smoking tobacco, which it very much resembles, except for its exceptionally long, tubular, jasmine-scented white flowers (which can be found in other colors as well). Like tobacco, the entire plant is toxic. It should also definitely not be smoked, as it contains toxic alkaloids like anabasine, which can cause immediate irritation and illness if consumed in any way (including by the lungs). Some plants are worth growing for their sheer beauty alone! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is worth noting, however, that the nectar of flowering tobacco is relished by various nightime pollinators — including the obvious moths and the surprising bats!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese seeds come from our friend Andy Jo at Space Dog Farms in Minnesota.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start seeds indoors a few weeks before last frost. Plant out once soils have warmed and leaves have reached a few inches in length. Keep away from children and pets, because, again, this plant is toxic.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44887080370229,"sku":null,"price":4.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/Nicotiana_sylvatica.jpg?v=1767499207"},{"product_id":"mission-mountain-ii-cherry-saladette-tomato-grex","title":"'Mission Mountain II' Cherry\/Saladette Tomato Grex","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eSolanum hybrids\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAmery, Wisconsin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBreeding population\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~25\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e12\/25: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e12\/25: 98%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eYou loved William Schlegel's 'Mission Mountain' tomato grex when we introduced it a couple years ago. Well, we're pretty sure you're going to love the sequel too. Here's William's lightly edited explainer of what all is in the mix:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"This grex of tomatoes is one I have been developing over the last few years working towards some new Montana-bred tomato varieties. It contains F2 and F3 seed. Ancestors of this mix include Joseph Lofthouse’s Open Source Seed Initiative (OSSI) pledged 'Big Hill' (HX-9), 'Dwarf Eagle Smiley', 'Brad', 'Jagodka', 'Hillbilly', 'Mission Mountain Sunrise', Brad Gates' 'Blue Gold', 'Sweet Cherriette', 'Purple Zebra F1', microdwarf 'Aztek', the wild tomatoes \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSolanum habrochaites\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSolanum penellii \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e(thanks to Joseph’s promiscuous tomato project), and OSSI-pledged 'Dwarf Gloria’s Treat'. I also included as ancestors for disease resistance two accessions of the currant tomato (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSolanum pimpinellifolium\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e), one called \"LA1375\" (PI 365967 in the USDA's database), an accession known for tolerance to brown rugose fruit virus, and PI 270443, which may be the source material for PH5 late blight resistance. I also made a cross with a Galapagos Island tomato (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSolanum galapagense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) hybrid that showed up in my 2022 garden, and that's another ancestor. This mix is largely composed of F2 seed that will segregate in spectacular fashion. Reds, yellows, orange, bicolors, blue skin, potato leaf, regular leaf, and stripes are all possibilities. A small portion of the population may have elongated styles that stick out from the pollen cone, facilitating higher rates of natural outcrossing, and it is possible that additional crosses could have occurred in my garden.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFoundational to my tomato breeding is the idea of making a double cross. Local x Wild crossed with Fancy x Open Source, where wild tomato genetics are combined with local or short season-adapted tomato genetics and with what I term \"fancy\" tomato genetics. Fancy tomato genetics means traits like the broad diversity of colors and flavors found in heirloom tomatoes, the anthocyanin skin developed by Jim Myer’s lab at Oregon State University [from traditional breeding with some Galapagos tomatoes], and stripes. I prefer to use open-source tomatoes whenever possible as a source of fanciness because of a strong belief in breeding open source and for organics. Having some fresh genes from wild tomatoes ensures a deeper contribution to the tomato world. South America’s tasty, mostly red currant tomatoes have almost twice the genetic diversity as domestic tomatoes outside of South America. Slowly combining them into new domestic tomatoes should make for more resilient tomatoes for our future gardens.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMy intention is to breed away from the need for chemical control of diseases, pests, and weeds and to breed away from the need for plasticulture in short season climates.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecific Crosses may include:\u003cbr\u003e1. Promiscuous “The One” x 'Mission Mountain' series (about 50% of the mix). This cross should be dwarf, mostly mild-flavored potato leaf yellow and red marbled bicolors, some of them with a blue blush.\u003cbr\u003e2. 'Mission Mountain Morning' x LA1375\u003cbr\u003e3. 'Mission Mountain Morning' x PI 270443\u003cbr\u003e4. 'Mission Mountain Morning' x LA1375 x 'Mission Mountain Morning' x PI 270443 (I think a lot of this cross was included)\u003cbr\u003e5. 'Dwarf Gloria’s Treat' x LA1375 (a lot of this cross was included)\u003cbr\u003e6. 'Mission Mountain Morning' x (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSolanum galapagense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e x unknown domestic)\u003cbr\u003e7. (MMM x 'Purple Zebra F1') x (MMM x LA1375) (I think a lot of this cross was included)\u003cbr\u003e8. 'Fisher's Earliest Paste' x (MMM x LA1375)\u003cbr\u003e9. 'Ida Gold' x (MMM x LA1375)\u003cbr\u003e10. (MMM x 'Sweet Cherriette') x (MMM x LA1375)\u003cbr\u003e11. 'Dwarf Eagle Smiley' x (MMM x LA1375)\u003cbr\u003e12. 'Wilford' x (MMM x LA1375)\u003cbr\u003e13. 'Bison' x (MMM x LA1375)\u003cbr\u003e14. MMS x (MMM x LA1375)\u003cbr\u003e15. MMM x (MMM x LA1375)\u003cbr\u003e16. (MMM x LA1375) x (MMM x \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eS. galapagense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e X)\u003cbr\u003e17. (MMM x 'Purple Zebra F1') x (MMM x \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eS. galapagense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e X)\u003cbr\u003e18. 'Hoosier Rose' x (MMM x LA1375)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll tomatoes in this grex are descended from (a.k.a. derivatives of) OSSI-pledged tomatoes, and I consider the project to be one where you, the end user of these seeds, and I are working towards breeding more open source tomatoes together. I hope you take this variable and still-segregating population and find something in it that does well in your garden. Then save seeds, name your new variety, and hopefully eventually re-pledge it to OSSI.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThat's a whole lot to say: this is an extraordinary plant breeding achievement. We're confident you will have a whole lot of fun growing it, and we're excited to see what comes out of it! This is what Experimental Farm Network is all about.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor the record, the Open Source Seed Initiative (OSSI) Pledge states: \"You have the freedom to use these OSSI-Pledged seeds in any way you choose. In return, you pledge not to restrict others’ use of these seeds or their derivatives by patents or other means, and to include this Pledge with any transfer of these seeds or their derivatives.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost and transplant out after, or direct seed up to 20 days before last frost to take advantage of the entire growing season. Sow 1\/4 inch depth, plant in well-drained soil with full sun. Germinates in 5-10 days. Space plants 18-24 inches. Days to maturity: 70-90. Tomatoes can be harvested at first blush of color if desired: they will continue to ripen to full flavor indoors.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44887082139701,"sku":null,"price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/missionmountainII1.jpg?v=1767499378"},{"product_id":"zozulja-bean","title":"'Zozulja' Bean","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003ePhaseolus vulgaris\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eCrimea (Krym), Ukraine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eLandrace\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~20\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e12\/25: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e94%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eThis gorgeous bean was collected in Krym (Crimea), the southernmost part of Ukraine, in 2008 — some six years before Russia quietly invaded the peninsula — during a plant collecting expedition led by two Ukrainians (Dr. Roman Rozhkov of the National Center for Plant Genetic Resources of Ukraine, based in Kharkiv, and Dr. Vladislav Korzhenevsky of the State Nikitsky Botanical Gardens in Yalta, Krym), along with one American (Dr. Stephanie Greene of the USDA-Agricultural Research Service's Western Regional Plant Introduction Station) and, interestingly, one Russian (Dr. Alexander Afonin of St. Petersburg State University's Department of Geography and Agroecology). Based on what they donated after the expedition to the USDA's National Plant Germplasm System, they were mostly interested in the immense diversity of wild alfalfas and close alfalfa relatives found in Krym, along with the vetches, clovers, and other forage legumes and their wild relatives, but thankfully they collected a handful of interesting beans as well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eZozulja\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e seems to translate to \"cuckoo\" (as in the bird) in both Ukrainian and Russian, so it seems likely this bean would be called \"Cuckoo Bean\" in English, but we're not experts in either language so that might be incorrect. We don't know why it has this name. The bean is an indeterminate vining bean, capable of growing 10 feet high in a season, whose seeds are dark purple with a sparse pink dappling (and occasionally the reverse). Most of the seeds are long, like kidney beans, but rather more slender, and somewhat variable. They make a delicious shell bean, before the seeds fully ripen, but are an excellent dry bean too. Unfortunately, we've been unable to learn more about exactly where it comes from or how it's traditionally used, but it's a lovely bean and we're excited to bring it to you all.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMany thanks to our grower, Jason Mills, of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant once soil warms in the spring, at the same time you might plant sweetcorn. Provide a good tall trellis. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44887083089973,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/zozulja1.jpg?v=1767674965"},{"product_id":"meikas-luffah-grex","title":"Meika's Luffah Grex","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eLuffa aegyptiaca\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAfro-Eurasia via New Jersey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eImprovement status: \u003c\/b\u003eBreeding Population\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eSeeds per packet: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e~35\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e10\/25: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e48%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eThis exciting luffah breeding mix comes our way from Meika Laszlo, of Wall Township, New Jersey, a master gardener, skincare formulator, soap maker, mother, and retired special ed teacher, who started growing luffa over a decade ago — and ended up pretty obsessed (her word!). That first luffah was a generic \"dishrag\" type, sold by a seed-company-who-shall-not-be-named. Meika takes over the story from here:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"The luffa I grew the first few years was great, but I knew it could be better, and by better, I mean a bigger fruit with a more compact fiber. I admittedly became a little obsessed with creating a hybrid luffa, scouring the internet and Google Scholar for different varieties so I could cross them together and create my own hybrid. To make a very long story short I ended up choosing the following varieties:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Jupiter' (from a Ukrainian seed seller)\u003cbr\u003e'Apple' \u003cbr\u003e'Giant White'\u003cbr\u003e'Long Skinny'\u003cbr\u003e'Jade White'\u003cbr\u003e'Jade Pork'\u003cbr\u003e'Dishcloth'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eI grew this combination of seeds on a three-year schedule, hand pollinating 2 varieties at a time, resulting in three F1 hybrids. I continued this method for the next few years until I had a consistent crop of fruits with the traits I wanted. By 2023 I started to let the bees and ants do the pollinating while I enjoyed studying the growing process and making small changes where needed (finding the best organic fertilizer, the ideal amount of water, etc.). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlthough I don’t love the name, the seeds that have resulted in this work have become known in my house as “Jersey Giants”, but the variety is really too diverse to get a cultivar name yet. You will get a variety of 3 or 4 different-looking fruits, all with different types of fiber (which is the exciting part of this mix for me). The size and fiber content range from an extremely dense and heavy sponge, great for so many uses (exfoliating feet, scrubbing pots and pans, cleaning grimy leather, etc), to far more soft and airy sponges, delicate enough for exfoliating facial skin. Plus lots of types in between those extremes. When full-grown, sponges can reach 36” long and 15 to 20” in circumference, though most are smaller than that.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLuffah (or Loofah or Luffa) is a tropical annual cucurbit that likes hot sun, regular watering, and a long growing season. In the perfect world, most varieties want 200 days of growing time. These are now rather well adapted to New Jersey, but it's still advisable to start seeds inside to give them a head start.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWe're really excited to see what varieties crop out of this diverse mix, and we know Meika will be too. Please keep us posted!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start plants indoors 2 to 4 weeks before last frost. Plant out once soil begins to warm, a couple weeks after last frost. Provide a good strong trellis, for luffahs like to climb, and ideally they will be laden down with heavy fruit (which don't start getting lighter until they dry). Allow fruits to remain on plant until they dry, or harvest at frost and take inside to a well-ventilated place for them to continue ripening.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44887084007477,"sku":null,"price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/luffah_sponge.jpg?v=1767499710"},{"product_id":"dusk-red-onion-grex","title":"'Dusk' Red Onion Grex","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAllium cepa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eUpper Midwest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBreeding population\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~150\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e12\/25: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e92%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eBiennial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eDusk' is a red onion grex (or composite) that breeder Dr. Frank Kutka has been developing for over a decade. Still variable, it is ripe for further breeding and regional adaptation work. Frank started 'Dawn' with a few open-pollinated red onion varieties, with origins from Italy to Russia, along with a number of commercial hybrid varieties. We love Frank's creative breeding work, and very much appreciate his generosity of spirit as well, making these \"unfinished\" diverse varieties available for others to pick up the baton and not attempting to patent or otherwise restrict their use. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrank is currently a professor at the College of Menominee Nation in Wisconsin, and has previously taught and researched at North Dakota State, Iowa State, Dickinson State, and Cornell. Most of his work on 'Dawn' was conducted in North Dakota and Wisconsin, so it's likely this population is particularly well-adapted to the Upper Midwest, but it's got enough diversity to be useful across the US.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start onions from seed in February or March and plant out once frost danger has passed. Space plants 6-8 inches apart for best results.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: Frank did not take any photos of this red onion grex, so the photo here is just a public domain image of some sliced red onion.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44887085908021,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/Red_onion_closeup_1.jpg?v=1767499981"},{"product_id":"flatspine-szechuan-peppercorn-maine-grown","title":"Flatspine Szechuan Peppercorn (Maine-Grown)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eZanthoxylum simulans\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eKorea via Maine\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eUnknown\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~40\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePerennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAlso called Chinese prickly-ash, this shrub or small tree produces the deliciously spicy\/numbing Szechuan peppercorn, indispensable in some Chinese cookery. A few other closely related species also produce Szechuan peppercorns as well. Native to eastern China and Taiwan, this species is hardy to at least Zone 6 and above. It may grow to nearly 25 feet tall, but can also be pruned to remain more manageable. The whole fruit, composed of black seeds inside and rough red-brown shell that naturally splits open, is what is dried and used in Chinese cooking, either whole or powdered (though often it is only the shell that's sold). It can be used as a table seasoning, replacing black pepper, or in the kitchen. Roasting apparently brings out even more flavor. The plant is also considered medicinal, with a resin from the bark and roots being used as a tonic and stimulant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese seeds were grown in Falmouth, Maine, by our friend Aaron Parker of Edgewood Nursery. He says it took just 5 or 6 years for the tree to reach production.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING NOTES:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seeds should be cold-stratified for 120 days, then soaked in cold water for 24 hours before planting 1\/8 inch deep. Happiest in zones 6-9, it will thrive in loamy soils that are well-drained but also retain moisture. It can handle full sun of partial shade.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44891363475509,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/flatspine3.jpg?v=1767500121"},{"product_id":"wild-dreams-watermelon-grex","title":"Wild Dreams Watermelon Grex","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eCitrullus lanatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":16777215},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Montana\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAfrica via Vashon Island, Washington\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eBreeding population\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~15\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested 01\/2026:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e94%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle: \u003c\/strong\u003eAnnual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eThis exciting breeding mix comes from our good friend Jennifer Williams of Wild Dreams Farm on Vashon Island in the Salish Sea of Washington State. This is the first watermelon grex we've offered (that word is the Latin for \"flock\" and was first used by plant breeders in the orchid world, to describe wide crosses with a lot of diversity, continually intercrossing through generations). We'll let Jen take the story from here:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"These seeds are the first generation of a large scale crowd breeding project. [Many different watermelons were] grown together, cross pollinated, and the seeds as that result will produce highly diverse fruits, flowers, roots, and leaves. It is a fun and exiting way to encourage biodiversity as the plants rearrange their genetics and produce many different combinations of sizes, colors, shapes, and flavors. Now not all of the seeds in this mix will produce perfect watermelons. You will have the opportunity to select which plants are healthy and produce delicious fruits for you in your garden and your microclimate. If you continue to save seeds from the plants and fruits you like best, over many years you will begin to create a watermelon variety just for you and your community! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis project started with two diverse mixes from friends in the Going to Seed community. Thank you Kay and Evalisa for helping get this project started with tons of diversity! I added to the mix multiple stable watermelon varieties such as 'Small Shining Light', 'Crimson Sweet', 'Petite Yellow', 'Moon and Stars', and 'Sugar Baby'. Over 300 plants were grown together and cross pollinated.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShe concludes, \"I hope you enjoy the start of a breeding project in your own soil!\" And we can't wait to see what you all do with these!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct-sow once soil begins to warm in spring. You can also start a few weeks earlier indoors, but watermelon doesn't always appreciate being transplanted. Leave plenty of room for plants to sprawl around.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44891366621237,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/watermelongrex1.webp?v=1767190852"},{"product_id":"brandywine-beefsteak-tomato","title":"'Brandywine' Beefsteak Tomato","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003eSolanum lycopersicum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":16777215},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Montana\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eChester County, Pennsylvania\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eCultivar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~25\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested 01\/2026:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e98%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle: \u003c\/strong\u003eAnnual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e'Brandywine' is the classic red heirloom beefsteak tomato, originally from Pennsylvania German farmers in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Named for Brandywine Creek, which is most famous as the stomping grounds of the famous multigenerational family of artists, the Wyeths. 'Brandywine' tomatoes are large, prolific, delicious, and disease resistant. They grow on indeterminate plants, so require some staking or caging. Many strains exist, including 'Pink Brandywine,' 'Yellow Brandywine,' 'Black Brandywine,' 'Sudduth's Strain', etc. This is a classic red type.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese seeds come from our friend Jennifer Williams of Wild Dreams Farm on Vashon Island in Washington State.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Grow as you would any other tomato from seed. Start seeds indoors a few weeks before last frost, and plant out once soil begins to warm in late spring. Provide support.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44891367538741,"sku":null,"price":4.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/brandywine1_2.jpg?v=1767191117"},{"product_id":"stephe-quinoa","title":"'Stephe' Quinoa","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eChenopodium quinoa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":16777215},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Montana\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAndes via Norway\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eCultivar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~150\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested 11\/2025:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e77%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle: \u003c\/strong\u003eAnnual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeveloped in Norway, 'Stephe' is a tan-seeded quinoa with yellow flower heads, well-adapted to northern climates with their short seasons and shifting day-lengths (which is not at all typical for quinoa). Our seed was grown by our friend Aaron Parker, of Edgewood Nursery in Maine, which is not a place one would expect quinoa to grow, so you know this is a special variety. Like all quinoas, the plant will resemble the familiar weed lamb's quarters (both are in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChenopodium \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003egenus) and also have edible leaves and stems. The seeds should be washed to rinse off saponins before cooking and eating.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBeing domesticated in the Andes, quinoa is a high-altitude equatorial crop, so it has taken plant breeders many decades to develop varieties suited to be grown as far north as North America — and most of the folks working on it have been doing so in the Pacific Northwest, with its short winters, long shoulder seasons, and reliably dry summers, so the results of their breeding are not typically adaptable to most other parts of the US. We're excited about 'Stephe' as a good candidate for trialing throughout the Northeast, Midwest, Upper Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and even the Southeast. Please let us know how it does for you! \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct-sow after danger of frost, or start indoors a few weeks earlier, but do not allow plants to get root-bound or they will bolt.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44891370946613,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/IMG_2589.jpg?v=1767662266"},{"product_id":"fuki-japanese-butterbur","title":"Fuki (Japanese Butterbur) Root Cuttings","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003ePetasites japonicus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":6723,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"9\":0,\"12\":0,\"14\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":0},\"15\":\"Arial\"}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Eastern North America (via Louisiana \u0026amp; Western Montana)\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eJapan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eUnknown\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCuttings per packet: \u003c\/strong\u003e2 for $12\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eBOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle: \u003c\/strong\u003ePerennial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFuki, or Japanese Butterbur, is an extremely resilient, prolific and eye-catching plant. Its leaves rival rhubarb in size, and look something like a cross between rhubarb and burdock. It's a perennial vegetable with a long history of traditional use in Japan, including as medine and for paper-making. Long valued as one of the first spring vegetables, its large flower buds burst out of the ground like purple pinecones before almost any other vegetation sprout (about the same time Welsh onions emerge). \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is one of those vegetables that straddle the line between food and medicine. Like most wild vegetables, it has an impressive range of nutrients. It's high in fiber and rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium, with good amounts of Vitamin C, various B vitamins, manganese, and healthful antioxidants like chlorogenic and fukinolic acid. But perhaps the most important compound is natural sesquiterpene called petasin, known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmotic, and anti-allergenic effecs. Petasin is used in migraine prevention, treating allergic rhinitis (inflamed, runny nose), and even against cancer, with recent research showing it has the potential to disrupt tumor metabolism and growth without toxicity to non-cancerous cells. It may be protective against Alzeimer's disease as well. a phytochemical that reduces inflammation and protects neurons. It has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and prevent Alzheimer’s. For all that and more, fuki is beginning to increase in popularity, showing up at some of the better nurseries, especially ones that focus on perennial edibles.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFuki has a very pronounced and unique flavor. The fresh young flower buds and the long slender stems are the main products. While valued in Japanese cuisine, the typical American palate is unaccustomed to this flavor. Though often described as described as bitter, it might better be described as sharp, and our grower calls it \"more tangy and floral than standard bitterness.\" Almost all preparations involve peeling the stalks and heating them (boiling or steaming are common) to destroy the toxic alkaloids that contribute to the bitter flavors. Soaking in water with ash or baking soda before cooking is also traditional, a technique known as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eaku-nuki\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (literally \"harshness removal\").\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is not a vegetable like kale that you can just pluck and toss in any old dish, but recipes for traditional dishes abound, including \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efuki-miso\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (fuki stir-fried in miso and eaten over hot rice), \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ekakiage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (flowerhead tempura), \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efuki-no-shiraae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (tofu-dressed salad), \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efuki tsukudani\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (soy-simmered stalks), f\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003euki-no-nitsuke\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (simmered in dashi, soy sauce, and sake), or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ekinpira fuki\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (sweet-spicy stir-fried strips, similar to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ekinpira gobo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, made with burdock root).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFuki plays a role in traditional folklore as well. The indigenous Ainu people of Hokkaido and other northern islands refer to the ancient inhabitants of their homeland (which they call Ezo) as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKorpokkur\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, or \"people who dwelt below ground,\" but the name can also be translated as \"people beneath the fuki,\" so they are commonly depicted with fuki leaves in art and design. Sometimes they appear as little fairy-like people using giant fuki leaves for shelter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese fuki rhizomes come to us from longtime EFN grower Michael Billington of Montana.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fuki likes shade, moist soil, and plenty of space to stretch out each year. A single plant can reach over 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide. It will grow from USDA Zones 5-9.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom Michael - \"Fuki is capable of aggressively spreading by rhizome. It is very important to not plant it near waterways or near parts of your garden that you want to remain fuki-free. This tendency to dominate can also be a useful tool by using Fuki to outcompete and shade out unwanted plants. Planting this crop into raised beds or hugelkultures is a great way to keep it contained. I've never seen evidence of it spreading by seed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYou propagate Fuki by planting sections of the rhizome. Fuki buds where two rhizome segments meet. Therefore, it is suggested to divide the rhizomes so that at least one whole rhizome segment remains uncut. Additionally, you may replant the crowns that rise from the rhizome. The growth tips of the finger-thick rhizomes are very pointy and hard. As a result, Fuki is quite capable of growing in stony ground. This is a great crop to slip into a stony underused corner of your farm or garden.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: The photo of the late-season leaves is from Joi Ito and is shared \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eunder the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"w:en:Creative Commons\" class=\"extiw\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/en:Creative_Commons\"\u003eCreative Commons\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca title=\"creativecommons:by\/2.0\/deed.en\" class=\"extiw\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/deed.en\"\u003eAttribution 2.0 Generic\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003elicense. Others are public domain or Michael's.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44892407398453,"sku":null,"price":12.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/Petasites_japonicus_-_001x_e401e869-a32d-45db-975b-b0769467eaa6.jpg?v=1767500572"},{"product_id":"joes-long-cayenne-hot-pepper","title":"'Joe's Long Cayenne' Hot Pepper","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eCapsicum annuum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eCalabria via Toronto via Troy, NY\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eCultivar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~30\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested 11\/2025:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e90%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eJoe's Long Cayenne' is a popular heirloom pepper originally from Calabria, Italy. It's known for being productive, thin-walled, and with medium high heat (30,000-50,000 Scoville Heat Units). This is an extra-long cayenne pepper, with some fruits reaching a foot in length! The fruits are excellent for drying whole, making hot red pepper flakes, or fermenting into a pungent hot sauce.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis pepper took a long journey from Calabria to wide acclaim: It first arrived from Italy to North America in Canada, and initially became popular among Italian-Canadians living in Toronto. Then it made its way to Joe Sestito of Troy, New York (outside Albany), whose name got attached to it when Dr. Carolyn Male introduced it to US growers through Seed Savers Exchange.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur seed comes from our friends Dylan Bruce and Cody Egan of Driftless Seed Supply in Wisconsin.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start indoors a few weeks before last frost, providing warmth and good light. Plant out once soil begins to warm in spring, when you might start corn or beans.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44892409102389,"sku":null,"price":4.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/joe_slongcayenne.webp?v=1767500659"},{"product_id":"costata-romanesco-zucchini","title":"'Costata Romanesco' Zucchini","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eCucurbita pepo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15389148},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"El Salvador\"}' data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eLazio, Italy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eCultivar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e~20\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested 11\/2025:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e90%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCostata Romanesco' is an heirloom zucchini from the area around Rome noted for its namesake ribbed appearance (\"costata\" means ribbed). It's become inreasingly popular among growers and eaters alike for its nutty flavor, high productivity, and even its large edible flowers — great for stuffing, frying, tossing in quesadillas, or adding a splash of color to soups, stews, and stir-fries (the flowers on this variety are also thicker and more robust than most, so they hang on to the fruit longer, even sometimes when the fruit reaches six inches long, and they can be cooked still attached to the fruit, which always looks very appealing). Less watery than most zucchini varieties, 'Costata Romanesco' stands up well to grilling, roasting, or a quick saute. The fruits are best when harvested between 4 and 6 inches, but they remain tender and tasty until up to 18 inches, which well past the point when other zucchinis become spongy or tough. Plants are somewhat intermediate between a bush type and a vine type, usually sending one runner up to 3 or 4 feet. At their peak of production, fruit should be harvested every few days to keep them going.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis seed comes to us from our friends Dylan Bruce and Cody Egan of Driftless Seed Supply in Wisconsin.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct-sow after all danger of frost has passed. Leave room for plants to sprawl a bit (4 feet in each direction). Harvest fruit once they reach six inches or so, to keep up production.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44892409692213,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/costataromanesco.webp?v=1767220408"},{"product_id":"red-kuri-squash","title":"'Red Kuri' Squash","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eCucurbita maxima\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eMesoamerica via Japan\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eImprovement status:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":515,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":16773836},\"12\":0}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Cultivar\"}'\u003eCultivar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeeds per packet:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e~20\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGermina\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003etion tested \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e11\/2025:\u003c\/strong\u003e 85%\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLife cycle:\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003eAnnual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRed Kuri' is a Japanese heirloom winter squash popular for its delicious taste, manageable size, and charming beauty. In many ways, it's like a small red Hubbard squash. \"Kuri\" is Japanese for \"chestnut,\" and it is also known as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003epotimarron\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e in France (\"poti\" is shortened version of \"potiron\", which means pumpkin, and \"marron\" means chestnut), for the perceived connection between its flavor and that of chestnuts. It does have a rich, sweet flavor and relatively dry texture once cooked, both of which are distinctly reminscent of chestnuts. The skin is also rather thin and edible — which may go a long way to explaining why it isn't among the longest keepers of its species, lasting just 2 to 4 months in storage most of the time. But even so, it has become one of the most popular winter squash among farmers and consumers, increasingly available in markets throughout the US each fall.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur seed comes from our friends Dylan Bruce and Cody Egan of Driftless Seed Supply in Wisconsin.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct-sow a week or two after all danger of frost has passed. Leave room for plants to sprawl.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44892409954357,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/redkuri.webp?v=1767500783"},{"product_id":"rattlesnake-pole-bean","title":"'Rattlesnake' Pole Bean","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}' data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}'\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003ePhaseolus vulgaris\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin: \u003c\/strong\u003eMesoamerica via North American Indigenous Peoples\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImprovement status: \u003c\/strong\u003eCultivar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeeds per packet: \u003c\/strong\u003e~40\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGermination tested 11\/2025:\u003c\/strong\u003e 93%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLife cycle: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eAnnual\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Rattlesnake' bean is a lovely purple-striped romano-type green-bean, commonly eaten fresh, cooked, or pickled. The pretty seeds can also be used fresh as shelly beans or later as dry beans. The precise origins of this variety seem to be lost to history, but it is a widespread type of Indigenous pole bean with a history of use among at least Pueblo, Cherokee, \u0026amp; Haudenosaunee peoples, based on our research, and no doubt many others (given the distance between the homelands of each of those peoples). If you're familiar with the Italian 'Borlotti' bean, you can use dried or fresh 'Rattlesnake' beans for all of the same purposes, but you can also use the pods like any romano-type flat green-bean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis seed comes from our friends Cody Egan and Dylan Bruce of Driftless Seed Supply in Wisconsin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGROWING TIPS:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct-sow once the soil has warmed in spring, around the same time you would plant sweetcorn. Plant seeds one inch deep. Provide a good trellis for this climber.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44892410249269,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2333\/6781\/files\/rattlesnakebean1.webp?v=1767492718"}],"url":"https:\/\/store.experimentalfarmnetwork.org\/collections\/new-for-2027.oembed?page=4","provider":"Experimental Farm Network Seed Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}