Heirloom Seeds

Blue False Indigo: Baptisia australis Baptisia australis is native to North America and was mentioned in American writings as early as 1783. Blue f...

Larkspur: Consolida ajacis Consolida ajacis is native to the Mediterranean and was once used medicinally to stop bleeding and heal wounds. Larkspur...

Love-in-a-mist: Nigella damascena Nigella damascena is native to the Mediterranean. It has grown in English gardens since the late 16th century and...

Globe Amaranth: Gomphrena globosa Gomphrena globosa is mentioned in a letter written by John Custis, of Williamsburg, in 1742. Commenting on globe ...

Pot Marigold: Calendula officinalis Calendula officinalis was growing in Virginia gardens by the 1600s. The petals were used to flavor soups and st...

Four O'Clock: Mirabilis jalapa Mirabilis jalapa is native to the Andes Mountains in South America. In 1596, seeds were brought to England from Peru...

Hollyhock:  Alcea rosea  Alcea rosea was brought to Europe from China during or possibly even before the 16th century. John Custis of Williamsburg,...

Great Blue Lobelia: Lobelia siphilitica Lobelia siphilitica is native to the eastern United States and was used and valued for its medicinal benefi...

Sunflowers: Helianthus annuus Helianthus annuus has been historically present in Virginia gardens. In 1793, Lady Jean Skipwith included sunflowers ...

Cayenne Pepper: Capsicum annuum George Washington wrote in his diary on June 13, 1785 that he sowed "one row of the Cayan pepper" in his botanic ga...

Fish Pepper: Capsicum annuum The common name for this heirloom pepper comes from its traditional use in flavoring fish and seafood dishes in the Ch...

Cow Horn Okra: Abelmoschus esculentus Abelmoschus esculentus is believed to have originated around Ethiopia and was cultivated by the ancient Egypt...

Cockscomb: Celosia species Celosia species was commonly grown in 18th century flower gardens. Celosia is an annual and prefers full to partial sun....

Eastern Red Columbine: Aguilegia canadensis  Aguilegia canadensis is a beautiful plant native to North America, east of the Rocky Mountains. The g...

Red Spider Zinnia: Zinnia tenuifolia Zinnia tenuifolia is native to Mexico. The name Zinnia is derived from the German botanist Johann Gottfried Zi...

  The seeds, sometimes called butter peas or lima beans, are somewhat rounded and, when cooked, have a wonderful creamy texture and nutty flavor. T...