Heritage Seed Library - Rare and unique heritage varieties exclusive to members of the Heritage Seed Library - HSL Garden Organic
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The
Heritage Seed Library
2020 Seed List
Rare and unique heritage
varieties exclusive to members
of the Heritage Seed Library
154 varieties to 52 certified organic 13 varieties new
choose from varieties for 2020
2020 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 1
Welcome TO THE 2020 SEED LIST
W elcome to the 2020 Seed List – this year we
have 154 varieties for you to browse at your
leisure, including 13 new heritage varieties such
means we can offer exactly the same quantity and
quality of varieties but over slightly fewer pages,
further helping to reduce the environmental
as “Black Jack” kale, a local Devonshire cultivar, impact.
“Veitch’s Perfection” pea, an old ex-commercial Our heritage varieties are, of course, very
variety dating back to the 1840s and “Vince”, an special, but they can be grown in exactly the same
unusually shaped, yellow, stuffing tomato. way as modern ones. If you’d like any growing
Around a third of varieties on offer are certified instructions you can access information online
as organic, grown on land certified by the Soil at hsl.gardenorganic.org.uk/growing-instructions.
Association. The remaining varieties are grown by Alternatively, pop a note in with your order form and we
volunteer Seed Guardians in accordance with our Principles of can send you a printed copy with your seeds.
Organic Growing, so whilst we cannot officially mark them as Time to make yourself comfy, take a look at what’s on offer
‘organic’ you can rest assured that they are grown in the spirit of and place your order online at hsl.gardenorganic.org.uk or
the organisation. by returning the paper form to us. Don’t forget, we will need
Ten varieties are making a re-appearance after an absence to have your email on record with us before you can place
from the list for at least a decade. These include “Gloster Bounty” your order online. If we don’t already have it let us know by
broad bean, “Cavendish” tomato and “Parfree’s Dragon Tongue” contacting membership@gardenorganic.org.uk quoting your
French bean. membership number and we will set this up. Online orders will
Last year, we received some excellent feedback on how you inevitably arrive with us quicker, and members can also see at
prepare your produce and what you thought of them to eat, a glance which varieties are still in stock. If you are ordering
so much so that we have decided to keep asking! You’ll find a by post, don’t forget to include a second and third choice on
feedback form after the varieties listing, and we’ll send a copy your form - and of course your name, postcode and membership
out with your order. Email or post your responses and we will number!
keep adding this information to enhance the descriptions we Finally, thank you for your ongoing support as a member of
share with you. HSL. We are extremely grateful that so many choose to give an
We are continuing to reduce our environmental impact and additional donation to support our work. Last year we were able
are pleased to confirm that we are phasing out plastic bubble to use these extra funds to, amongst other things, upgrade and
wrap envelopes for 100% paper ones. Bear with us this year expand our isolation cages, which are so important for keeping
– some of you will receive the last of our old stock, so please varieties away from cross-pollinating insects and to produce
re-use, re-use, re-use where you can. If you receive one of our “true to type” seeds.
new padded paper envelopes please do let us know if your We wish you a successful growing year – enjoy!
seeds arrive in anything but the best condition - these are a new With best wishes from myself and the team,
product for us.
For those of you receiving this catalogue as a paper copy you
will note that it is ‘naked’, with no polywrap or envelope. This is
cheaper and more environmentally friendly but does come with
a small risk that some arrive a bit dishevelled – please let us
know if it arrives in a bad state and we can send you a new one. Catrina Fenton
You will also find that the layout has altered - this change Head of the Heritage Seed Library
2 Heritage Seed Library - 2020 Seed List
achocha beetroot
8 seeds 40 seeds 40 seeds
ACHOCHA
This is a prolific and rampant
climber reaching 3-4m so will need
supporting with trellis or a frame.
DEVOY ORGANIC
The small, cucumber-like fruits have
Our donor was given this variety by a
a fresh flavour, a cross between a
friend, whose family had grown it for
minty cucumber and a green pepper.
several generations and achieved much
Eat raw or in stir fries when young;
success with it on the show bench.
when mature they have tougher skins
ARMENIAN ORGANIC Vigorous, easy to grow and long-rooted,
so stuff with meat, fish or cheese,
Limited Stock - Collected at an Armenian it produces sweet, dark pink flesh that
and then bake or make an achocha
market by a Dutch seed enthusiast, this is tender even when allowed to grow
curry. Can also be used pickled or as
variety produces golf-ball sized, round, extra-large. The beets also store well.
a base for chutney. The flowers are
magenta roots with distinct rings and a The attractive red and green foliage can
also attractive to pollinating insects.
sweet flavour. be cooked and eaten like chard.
For more information, contact us for
a copy of the ‘Achocha Variety Profile’
DEWING’S EARLY BLOOD
from Seed News 25.
TURNIP ORGANIC
This early, round beet was supplied
by Beck’s High Grade Seed Company,
Indiana, USA between 1822 and 1920,
but mentioned earlier in Sauer’s Herbal
(1774), who suggested cooking the
beets in red wine and honey. Blood
Could you help us by becoming a turnip was a term used commonly for
Seed Guardian? Seed Guardians varieties bred specifically for garden use.
are volunteers who grow one or Described as such in 1881 by DM Ferry
two varieties from our ‘Orphans & Co, seed merchants, Detroit, USA; “the
list’ to save seed and return to roots are uniform good size, smooth,
the library. Contact us at hsl@ and handsome, and plentifully produced.
gardenorganic.org.uk for details. The flesh is quite rich in colour, and very 40 seeds
tender and sweet.”
broad bean
10 seeds
10 seeds
NEW MAMMOTH
New for 2020. Limited Stock - Syn.
Aquadulce Claudia. This variety is now
included, under its synonym, in the UK
National List, so this will be the first, and
last, time we offer it in the HSL Catalogue. SEVILLE
Suitable for autumn sowing, the plants will Originally thought to have been
grow to more than 1.2m, so it will require purchased from Suttons Seeds, our donor
some staking. has grown this bean since the mid 1950’s.
The 1956 Sutton & Sons Catalogue
GLOSTER BOUNTY states that this variety is “very prolific
No letters about the spelling, please (see also Carrot ‘Altringham’!). A sturdy, and early maturing, recommended for
compact bean (60-75cm) ideal for exposed areas where it will not require staking. autumn sowing”. A vigorous variety with
Matures early, therefore avoids the worst of the blackfly, and produces large, well- large pods containing 5-6 beans. Young
filled pods in abundance. Guardian Anne St John notes that “it is always reliable, beans have a delicious creamy texture,
whether planted at the end of the winter or as late May.” 10 seeds. even when raw.
2020 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 3
brussels sprout cabbage
40 seeds 50 seeds 50 seeds
PADDY ORGANIC SHETLAND ORGANIC
CATSKILL ORGANIC A very large heirloom variety developed Limited Stock - Our donor acquired
An ex-commercial variety developed by an unknown Irish allotment holder, this variety from organic crofters in
by Arthur White from the small hamlet who saved seeds from his largest Burland, near Scalloway,
of Arkport, New York State in 1941. specimen and shared them with his Shetland. Reputedly
It is thought to have been named allotment neighbours. Spring sown for grown on Shetland since
after Catskill Park, a forested and late summer/autumn use, it is a vigorous the 16th century, it was a
mountainous region in New York State grower, producing large firm heads that crucial source of winter
which fringes Arkport. Still very popular stand well until late autumn/early winter. food for livestock and
in the USA, this robust heritage variety Delicious raw, very crunchy with a spicy spring greens for the
grows to around 50-75cm in height flavour. Retains both its texture and crofters. It is a very hardy,
and produces richly flavoured sprouts flavour when cooked. One HSL member wind resistant brassica, forming loose
around 5cm in diameter. Great for eating commented, “The best autumn cabbage I heads and developing some purple
fresh or for freezing. have grown in 60 years of cultivating.” colouration as the temperatures fall.
carrot
GIANT IMPROVED FLAK 100 seeds ALTRINGHAM ORGANIC
ORGANIC No need to contact us about the
A large, long, pale orange carrot spelling, please, it was always (if
producing tapered roots with rounded erroneously) named this way! This early
shoulders that show no signs of 19th century variety is listed in Carters
greenback. The carrots have a mild Catalogue for 1842 and described by
flavour, both raw and cooked, and are D Guiheneuf in The Garden (May 1st
crunchy and crisp, perfect for coleslaw. 1876) as “An English variety, readily
distinguished from any other. It is said to
have originated in Altrincham, a village
in the vicinity of Chester.” It produces
cylindrical roots, 20-50cm long, that
taper towards their end. The orange
flesh is crunchy and mild-flavoured.
100 seeds BETA III ORGANIC
Bred in the USA for its high beta-
carotene content, which is three
times the norm, hence the name.
The tapered, dark orange-red roots
are medium-sized and have no hard
100 seeds core, delicious when eaten young and
small. They also freeze well.
100 seeds RED ELEPHANT
Donated by Warwick Horticulture Research International, now part of Warwick University.
A fast growing, large and tasty 19th century Australian heirloom. The deep orange-red
carrots have no hard core and can be eaten at any stage from baby to full maturity.
Described in Carters Blue Book of Gardening in 1934 as “A veritable giant, both in length
and bulk, specimens have been exhibited measuring 30 inches long; prominent in the
garden and the exhibition table.”
4 Heritage Seed Library - 2020 Seed List
callaloo cauliflower celeriac
BANGLADESHI DHATA ENGLISH WINTER/ TELLUS ORGANIC
The most spectacular of the callaloos, LEAMINGTON ORGANIC Also known as ‘turnip-rooted celery’,
with deep red and green colouration. A Also known as Mr Perkins’ Leamington which describes the shape and flavour
real feature in ornamental flower beds, and Leamington Broccoli, this variety of this vegetable perfectly. Suttons say,
particularly when the dramatic purple- was first sold, and possibly raised, “A quick growing, smooth, round-rooted
red flower spikes form. Otherwise, it by a Mr F Perkins of Regent Street, type with a beautiful white flesh which
can be used as greens in Indian or Leamington Spa. It won a First Class does not discolour after boiling”. Seed
Bangladeshi cooking with tomatoes, Certificate from the RHS in 1873. This Guardian Sandra Slack adds, “Sweet
onions and spices. hardy variety can be sown April/May to and nutty, makes a lovely soup.” Also
overwinter and the large, tasty, heads invaluable diced or grated raw as a
100 seeds harvested the following spring. tasty addition in winter salads.
100 seeds 150 seeds
climbing french bean - coloured podded
BIRD’S EGG BLUE AND WHITE BLUE COCO
Limited Stock - Thought to have been The vigorous vines prolifically produce Limited Stock - Known in France since
known in England since 1825, this mottled pods that yield round, speckled before 1775; however, our donor
variety produces sturdy plants with thick seeds. The speckling isn’t truly blue, but acquired these seeds from Robinson’s
stems and attractive flowers followed it comes close. Early, vigorous and very of Lancashire. The violet pods, purple-
by beautiful pale green pods heavily attractive when in flower and pod so tinged leaves and lilac flowers of this
speckled with red. Seed Guardian Miss ideal for the ornamental garden. May be variety are beautiful. Superb when in
Gotts describes them as a “very robust eaten fresh, frozen as green beans, or as full flower, but equally attractive when
bean!” Sweet and tender when picked as flageolets when very young, though this bearing its masses of pods, which turn
young beans, but when dried the pretty really is a classic drying bean. green on cooking. The whole pod can
white beans with red speckles have a rich, be eaten when young and the shelled
full flavour; perfect for soups and stews. 10 seeds
beans are lovely when lightly steamed or
eaten raw in salads. Mature, dried beans
10 seeds store well and are really tasty in soups. A
hardy, reliable and prolific cropper.
10 seeds
BLUE QUEEN 10 seeds
Limited Stock - Our donor was given
this bean in 1950 by a gardener from
Quenington House, Gloucestershire who
said he should look after them as you could
not purchase them. They were identified in
1994 by Ron Bateman of Radio Oxford as
‘Blue Queen’. This hardy variety produces
purple, stringless pods, 15-20cm in length
which turn green when cooked. Sweet and
tender when eaten young, they also retain
their flavour when frozen.
2020 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 5
climbing french bean - coloured podded
BONNE BOUCHE GEORGE’S COCO BICOLOUR
Originating in the city of Rouen, capital Thought to have originated in Poland, This old French variety yields one of the
of the Normandy Region in France, this variety produces creamish-white prettiest beans in the collection; they
in the 1950s this vigorous (1.8-2.4m) flowers followed by very attractive are neatly zoned into a cream area and
ex-commercial variety looks beautiful pods that, when mature, are green a purple mottled area. Early, vigorous
grown on a wigwam support with its flushed with red. Can be used fresh as and prolific with vines reaching up to 9ft
pairs of delicate white flowers and large a succulent, stringless green bean, ideal tall. One of our Guardians in northern
green leaves. The long green pods have for salads. Alternatively, the half white England found that this was particularly
a slight red stripe and are tender and and half red, sometimes mottled, dried suited to her conditions. When young
flavoursome when young. When mature beans make an attractive addition to they have a delicious beany flavour
the podded beans are delicious. soups and stews. Seed Guardian Jackie and their intriguing appearance when
Newey thinks that they are “amazing!” dried make attractive soups, stews and
10 seeds and grows some every year. casseroles.
10 seeds
10 seeds
10 seeds
10 seeds 10 seeds
MRS LEWIS’S PURPLE POD
Our Leicestershire-based donor acquired
these seeds from her neighbour who, in TAIWAN ORGANIC
turn, had been given them by a cousin, This bean was found by a cleaner at
PURPLE PODDED BEST Mrs Lewis from Suffolk. Mrs Lewis said Heathrow Airport on a plane that had
From the seed collection of Mr Inchley, that this bean could not be bought flown in from Taiwan in the 1970s. It
whose wife donated this variety to us commercially anymore and believed it to was passed to our donor in 1981 and
when he, sadly, passed away. Vigorous, be ‘Purple Pod’, mentioned in a 1979 Percy he shared it with fellow growers in the
hardy vines reach 1.8-2m in height, Thrower book. Grows to 1.8m with purple Egham area. The plants are bushy at
producing purple flowers followed by stems and very dark leaves. Small purple the base with large, lush leaves. They
large, straight green pods with heavy flowers are followed by bright, shiny, may also produce more than one leader.
purple mottling. Seed Guardian Michael flat purple pods which, when young, are The lilac flowers are followed by purple
Blake says, “Hardy, disease resistant and a delicious steamed. The dried beans have a flecked, almost stringless pods, which
good cropper. Bullet proof!” lovely nutty flavour. freeze well.
6 Heritage Seed Library - 2020 Seed List
climbing french bean - green podded
ALICE WHITIS PINK ORGANIC BUCKEYE FALL BEAN CANADIAN
Donated by John Yeoman, formerly of New for 2020. Another variety donated This bean originated, as its name
The Village Guild. This 1930s heirloom by John Yeoman this white flowered suggests, in Canada. It was served to a
was originally grown and saved by American heirloom grows to around 2m visiting family who were so impressed
Alice Whitis in Acorn, Kentucky, USA. It in height and is a prolific producer of by its tenderness and flavour that they
produces vigorous 2-2.5m plants with curved, flattish green pods. Later than asked about its origins and were taken
white flowers and tender pencil pods other French bean varieties and perfect to see an old man who gave them some
that are at their best if eaten when young for use dried. Let us know what you think of the beans. Our donor describes
and stringless. Also, a good drying bean. of the flavour. them as having “a mild runner bean
10 seeds 10 seeds
flavour but completely stringless and
with a positively creamy texture”. It is a
late variety producing attractive white
flowers tinged with pale lilac, followed
by flat, green pods on vigorous (2-
3m) vines. The beans themselves are
beautiful, light buff with olive green
swirls.
10 seeds
10 seeds 10 seeds
CYPRUS
This bean has been grown, selected
and saved in its native Cyprus for many
years and was given to our donor by an
allotment neighbour whose father lives
on a small farm there. With very sparse
foliage, it produces white flowers followed
CASEKNIFE by an impressive crop of crisp and slender
This very old haricot variety dates back pencil-type pods full of juicy green beans.
to at least 1820. It is a strong climber It also crops over a long period of time.
and a high yielding variety producing
white flowers followed by stringless,
flat, pale green pods, shaped like a
little knife blade. These pods are tender
CZECHOSLOVAKIAN
When this variety was grown at Ryton we
and tasty when steamed, and delicious
found that it produced very healthy plants,
shelled and eaten raw in salads. Also
growing to 2-2.5m tall. The flowers are
makes a great drying bean.
pale pink to lilac followed by long, green,
flat pods which are stringless and tasty
when picked young. Its performance was
For the latest stock levels and not impaired by the hot, dry summer of
to order online visit 2018. Guardian Alison Charlesworth found
hsl.gardenorganic.org.uk. that the dried beans store well and have a 10 seeds
lovely flavour.
2020 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 7
climbing french bean - green podded
JOHN’S BEANS ORGANIC LAZY HOUSEWIFE MADEIRA MAROON
New for 2020. Gardening writer Andi A German heritage variety popular there Our donor bought these beans from a
Clevely was sent these beans by a since the early 1800s. Thought to have market in Madeira in December 1995
reader in response to an article he had earned its name as at the end of the and has been growing and saving seed
written for The Garden in May 2001. The season the leaves wither and expose the ever since. He says of them “They proved
reader had, in turn, been given them by pods making them easy to pick. Growing to be similar to runner beans in vigour
his father during the 1960s. Originally to around 2.5m in height this white- and produce very large and tasty beans,
brought to the UK by Sicilian gardener, flowered variety is hardy and resilient, much larger than the normal haricot
Giovanni Dolce, the beans were named and very productive. One of our Seed type.” Tender and tasty as young pods,
‘John’s Beans’ after him. They produce Guardians commented that “the beans just and perfect as a dried bean.
white flowers followed by prolific clusters kept coming; I grew tired of picking them
of stringless pods. The pods are delicious every other day! The flavour is superb.” 10 seeds
when young, and the dried beans have a Also copes well with hot, dry conditions.
lovely nutty flavour.
10 seeds
10 seeds
MELBOURNE’S MINIATURE MOUNTAINEER WHITE RAY’S BUTTER BEAN
Donated by Syd Melbourne who HALF RUNNER New for 2020. Originally from Phoenix
was given seeds in the 1970s by a Syn. Dutch Half Runner. This white seeded Seeds, Australia, this variety had been
fellow vegetable gardener at Hurst variety originates with the settlers of the grown in the UK for many years by
Horticultural Society Show, Bexley, Kent. Dutch Fork Section of South Carolina, John Yeoman of The Village Guild, who
It is a tall, easy to grow variety which USA. Growing to around 1.2m in height it donated the seeds to us. The white
produces very pale yellow flowers produces white flowers and short, straight, and pale apricot flowers are borne on
followed by a heavy crop of round, green pale green pods over a long season. When tall (2.5-3m) plants. Guardian Mrs Jane
pods. So tender, the young pods can be eaten young the pods are stringless and Durston loves them; she says, “Beautiful
eaten raw or cooked. tasty, although the beans are equally flavour, very mild and creamy, can’t wait
delicious dried. for next year’s crop!” Tends to crop later
10 seeds (into September) but we have seen
10 seeds variances in this across the UK, so do let
us know how they get on where you live.
10 seeds
8 Heritage Seed Library - 2020 Seed List
climbing french bean - green podded
ROMANO 10 seeds 10 seeds
New for 2020. This ex-commercial
variety was deleted from the National
List sometime in 2007, and thankfully
passed to us before it was lost forever.
Dating back to at least 1972, it was
supplied by Thompson & Morgan who
describe it in their 1995 catalogue as, SIGLINDE ORGANIC
“Long, tender, meaty and stringless This bean from Western Ukraine is
6-10 inch pods liberally loaded with named after our donor’s sister. The
unbeatable flavour. Heavy yield, good light green pods with white seeds are
for freezing.” Our Guardians agree, and traditionally grown for winter storage
also note the strong, tall, vigorous as dried beans, however the stringless
plants so provide some sturdy support! pods can be eaten fresh when young.
cucumber
All our varieties can be grown
KHEERA ORGANIC KING OF THE RIDGE ORGANIC in the same way as modern
Originating from Bangladesh, this Thought to date back to 1930s ones, but if you’d like a copy of
pleasantly mild-flavoured, mid-sized this outdoor variety was originally our growing instructions please
cucumber has a triangular cross- supplied by Unwins seeds, but has let us know when you order, or
section when cut. Fruiting usually been unavailable since 1993-94. A visit hsl.gardenorganic.org.uk/
starts by July from an April sowing. For rampant grower, the fruit has been growing-instructions.
eating pick fruits when over 15cm long, described as “an ugly brute”, however,
they grow squat and stout rather than the flesh is crisp and very sweet, even
cress
conventionally long and thin. Let the when large (up to 1kg in weight).
fruit fully ripen or you won’t tell the “Bought cucumbers taste of only water
difference between this and a normal after trying this one”, reported Seed GRANDPA’S ORGANIC
cucumber, but grown under cover it’s Guardian, Ms Jane Pay. Our donor passed this cress to us as
easy, fruitful and relatively trouble free. it had been grown in his family for at
6 seeds least three generations. He says, “It
6 seeds germinates easily and produces a crop
in only a few weeks.” A broad, serrated-
leaved garden cress with a peppery
flavour and tender texture. The flavour
of the leaves gets stronger the higher
up the plant you go. Can be grown in a
pot all year round.
6 seeds
SIGMADEW
Limited Stock - An ex-commercial variety, originally from Suttons, but deleted from the
National List in 1995. This variety produces fruits with sweet-flavoured, crunchy flesh and
a thin, very pale green skin. Primarily a greenhouse cucumber, it can be grown outdoors in 100 seeds
sheltered areas.
2020 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 9
dwarf french beans - coloured podded
GAUK HUNGARIAN WAX HOPI BLACK
This variety has been grown on the Island Buff coloured seeds produce compact (up Named after the Hopi people, a Native
of Gotland, Sweden (Gauk is a farm) since to 60cm) yet vigorous plants with pretty American tribe of north-east Arizona
the 19th century. Pale pink and white pink flowers followed by yellow, waxy pods who used the black beans both for food
flowers are followed by large green and that are stringless when young. Let us know and as a dye. The compact (35-50cm)
carmine striped pods. Said to be adapted what you think. 95-110 days sow to harvest but prolific plants produce dark lilac
to harsh weather conditions; certainly (approx.) flowers followed by a generous crop of
proven by one HSL member who grows in flat, greenish-yellow pods. These can be
the windy conditions of coastal Cumbria; 10 seeds eaten fresh when young, or allowed to
and early to flower and pod. mature when the dried beans are great
in chillis or as refried beans. Also thought
10 seeds to show some drought resistance. Sow to
harvest 90 days (approx.)
10 seeds
PARFREE’S DRAGON TONGUE
Colin Parfree obtained this variety from
his neighbour, who had in turn been given
them by a friend who travelled extensively
in China, from where they are thought to
have originated. Compact, sturdy plants
produce green pods splashed with thin
deep violet stripes. An easy care, easy
grow bean that could be used in pots for
decorative purposes. The young pods are
tender and tasty, and the dried beans have
excellent flavour.
10 seeds MR BROOKS’ BLUE BEAN
Grown by Mr Brooks in the 1960s, but
passed to us by his neighbour who
HUNGARIAN BUTTER has grown the beans since 1969. The
Our donor passed this variety, thought buff-coloured seeds produce 50-60cm
to date back to around 1890, to HSL plants and very attractive mauve and
after acquiring the beans from a friend’s lilac flowers followed by slim, flat, purple
Hungarian husband. His family used pods. Best picked when young as pods
them dried throughout winter, but when become a little stringy as they mature.
young the pods are delicious, sweet and Sow to harvest 70 days (approx.)
stringless. An early variety with pretty
pink and white flowers, followed by yellow TRINITY 10 seeds
pods. Guardian David Howells found that Our donor originally acquired these black
they seemed less susceptible to aphid seeded beans in the 1990s from Trinity,
attack than other French beans he grows. Jersey, where the selection had been grown
for many years by a local farmer. Seed
10 seeds Guardian Miss Gotts says, “Have found
these to be vigorous, sturdy, chunky plants.”
Produces semi-dwarf plants (up to 60cm)
followed by lilac flowers and yellow, waxy,
stringless pods.
10 seeds
10 Heritage Seed Library - 2020 Seed Listdwarf french beans - green podded
BLACK COCO EMPEROR OF RUSSIA BLACK VALENTINE
Limited Stock - This black seeded French Syn. ‘Longfellow’. Donated to us by Harlow Introduced by Peter Henderson
heirloom variety produces compact, Carr Botanic Garden, Harrogate. This fine & Company in 1897, possibly as a
bushy plants that display both drought haricot bean produces neat plants with white renaming of an old bean known since
and cold tolerance. Dark lilac flowers are flowers followed by slim and crisp pencil the 1850s. Produces pretty lilac flowers
followed by pencil pods: crisp and tasty pods, which are stringless when young. Seed and straight, slender, stringless pencil
when eaten whole and as podded green Guardian Bill Dale comments, “I probably pods, which have a lovely flavour and
beans. When dried the beans have a shouldn’t say it but in the many years I’ve freeze well. The jet-black seeds are very
lovely nutty flavour, and are particularly grown it, no disease or other problems. A good for drying. It is attractive, very
good for use in Mexican and Cuban crisp and crunchy treat when eaten fresh and prolific, yet neat and tidy.
recipes. Sow to harvest 85 days (approx.) young. A good, no-nonsense bean!”
10 seeds
10 seeds 10 seeds
GIANT STRINGLESS IDELIGHT NAVY BEAN EDMUND
Limited Stock - Donated as part of a Syn. Gourmet Delight. A vigorous This variety came to us from RHS
collection given to HSL in the early 1980s variety donated by John Yeoman of The Harlow Carr. Navy beans were first
by American, Russell Crow. This 19th Village Guild. Produces a heavy crop cultivated to sustain Australian forces
century American heirloom produces of glossy green, round, stringless pods during WWII and are the variety used
compact (40-50cm) plants but BIG beans. 15-20cm in length and thought to show as ‘baked beans’. The compact (around
An early producer of long, stringless resistance to bean rust. Can also be 20cm), branching plants have white
green pods with dark seeds. The young used as a drying bean. Sow to harvest flowers and short green pods with small
pods have a delicate flavour, but the 55-60 days (approx.) round beans. The pods are held free
dried beans are second to none. Sow to of the ground, reducing slug or rotting
harvest 107 days (approx.) problems. Principally a drying bean, but
10 seeds
can be eaten as a green bean too.
10 seeds 10 seeds
XENIA FIELD
Journalist, professional
gardener and politician Xenia
SCOTT’S VAL’S BEAN YUGOSLAVIAN NO.4 Field died, aged 103, in 1998;
A neighbour in High Easter, This variety produces massive This bean produces pale this bean is without doubt a
Essex, gave our donor these plants with large pods and cream and white flowers tribute to a most fascinating
beans in 1946. Bushy plants beans, huge foliage and lilac followed by small, flat, green woman. Once available from
(45-50cm) produce creamish- flowers. Their mild, sweet pods that become blotched Unwins, who said it was high
white flowers and an early flavour makes them good red when mature. Eat fresh yielding, disease resistant
crop of long, broad, green for eating fresh when young, when young when the pods and performed well in British
pods packed full of white though they will become are really tasty, or allow to dry conditions. White flowers are
beans. Succulent when fresh stringy if left to mature. The and use the tan mottled seeds followed by straight, green
with excellent flavour as a mottled maroon seeds make in soups and stews. Prefers a pods that are best picked
haricot, but also great dried. tasty dried beans. later sowing, is frost tolerant, when young and stringless.
Sow to harvest 70 days and matures quickly. Also freezes well.
(approx.)
10 seeds 10 seeds 10 seeds 10 seeds
2020 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 11kale
BLACK JACK GEORGIA SOUTHERN COLLARD RAGGED JACK ORGANIC
New for 2020. (Brassica oleracea) Our (Brassica oleracea) An American heirloom (Brassica oleracea) Our donor’s family
donor originally acquired seed of this from the southern state of Georgia that had grown this kale for many years.
variety in about 1957. Thought to have dates back to before 1880 and shows good Known as ‘Tunley Greens’, it had originally
originated in Tiverton, Devon it was then resistance to both heat and cold. A prolific come from his wife’s grandfather who
grown at Dipwell Farm, Ashburton. She producer of huge, dark green leaves with obtained the seeds in Tunley, Somerset
says, “The plants are immensely strong white veins, still exactly as described in the in around 1910. Known in Europe for
and resilient. The leaves are a soft green 1944 Burpee’s Seed Catalogue. Tasty and full centuries, it was often grown in cottage
with mauve veins and stalks. The shoots of flavour, Seed Guardian Adam Alexander and farm gardens. Valued for its hardiness
are delicious raw or cooked and it freezes enjoys them Southern style, steamed and and ability to provide tasty, fresh greens
well.” eaten with a dash of vinegar. in the depth of winter. Its frilly grey-green
leaves have a lovely purple tinge.
50 seeds 50 seeds 50 seeds
SPIS BLADENE ORGANIC RUSSIAN/HUNGRY GAP UNCLE BERT’S PURPLE
(Brassica oleracea) An old Danish variety (Brassica napus) Hungry Gap is the (Brassica oleracea) Our donor’s family
whose name simply means “eat the gardeners’ name for the period in spring has grown this variety for several
leaves”. A particularly tall kale reaching when there is little or no fresh produce generations and found it to be “the
a magnificent 2m in height, so may available from garden or allotment. This nicest tasting of all kales.” Grown
require staking. The leaves are broad hardy variety, so named because it crops extensively before WWII, but seems to
and glaucous, and are slightly peppery during this period, was introduced by Carter’s have disappeared soon after. Large and
to taste. If picked young the leaves are in 1932. The steel-blue, wavy-edged leaves prolific; it is both hardy and resilient to
delicious in salads. develop a red and purple hue in colder pests and diseases. Delicious too, with a
weather and are tender and mild-flavoured. slightly nutty flavour.
Harvest from late autumn until April.
50 seeds 50 seeds 50 seeds
kohl rabi lablab bean
GREEN VIENNA ORGANIC VASU’S 30 DAY DWARF PAPRI YING’S LABLAB
Limited Stock - Also known as the Acquired via our Sowing New Seeds A Chinese lablab with lovely scented
stem turnip, kohl rabi is grown for its project, this lablab is named after its mauve flowers and pretty pods – lime
enlarged, spherical stem. Dating back to donor and is said to take 30 days from green, often with a reddish-purple edge.
the 19th century this variety has green seed to flower. Grown and saved on Flowering should start by July from an
skin and crisp white flesh. It can be the Redhill Allotments, Leicester, but April sowing. This is the type called liva
used raw and grated in salads, or cubed originally commercial seed from India. in Gujerati which produces broad flat
and steamed if picked young, when the This variety performs best in fertile soils pods and mild-flavoured beans.
flesh is at its sweetest. and a temperate climate.
50 seeds 10 seeds 10 seeds
12 Heritage Seed Library - 2020 Seed Listleek lettuce
40 seeds 40 seeds 50 seeds
ASPARAGUS
Originating in China and cultivated
SIM SEGER ORGANIC for its stem rather than its leaves. First
Limited Stock - Named after our donor’s described by Vilmorin-Andrieux (1885)
neighbour, Sim Seger, who grew this when introduced to Europe, probably by
variety for many years because they missionary botanists working in China.
COLOMA ORGANIC did particularly well in his locality of Harvest the stems 3-4 months after
Limited Stock - A selection from Swiss Malton, North Yorkshire. A hardy leek, sowing, at around 30cm high and at
Giant, this is an early, reliable and heavy which appears to be disease resistant least 3cm thick. Remove the outer layer
cropping leek. Produces sturdy, strong too. Guardian Jenny Rogers says, “Large to reveal the light green flesh and cut
and upright plants with smooth, dark plants with good firm, white stems. into thin slices. The stem is excellent raw,
green leaves and long white stems. Lovely flavour, excellent!” like celery, or lightly cooked in stir fries.
lettuce
50 seeds 50 seeds 50 seeds 50 seeds
BATH COS BRONZE ARROW BLACK SEEDED BROWN BATH COS
Listed in James Carter’s A beautiful, productive SAMARA This is one of the oldest of the
Catalogue of a Choice California heirloom, popular in A light green, loose-leafed, cos lettuces and considered
Collection of Floricultural, the USA but almost unknown summer butterhead lettuce one of the hardiest of its type,
Vegetable and Agricultural here. A large, non-hearting that stands up well to drought. suitable for summer or autumn
Seeds of 1842, this variety lettuce; the attractive, The soft leaves have a mild sowing. It is exceedingly crisp
was described by a contributor arrowhead-shaped leaves have flavour and fine texture. So and well flavoured. The leaves
to The Gardener (1867); “This a distinctive bronze tinge and named because it produces are large, broad and scooped
sort ought to be in every mild flavour. Drought and cold black seeds. Seed Guardian around the margins. When
garden. No other variety can hardy, so ideal for autumn Mike Wicken says, “An excellent exposed to sunlight these
surpass it.” Thought to be sowing and overwintering; it variety with good flavour when become a brownish-bronze,
synonymous with ‘Brighton survived frost and snowfall at young.” hence the name.
Cos’, the large, dark green Ryton. Also less popular with
leaves have a rust-coloured slugs.
tinge and are flavourful, crisp
and juicy. STOKE
Originally from Stoke, near
Rochester in Kent, where the
BUNYARD’S Cheesman family had grown
MATCHLESS it for 170 years, but this
Donated to HSL during the variety probably dates back to
1980s, this unusual, open- before 1840. A compact and
hearted cos type lettuce can trouble-free lettuce, perfect
be grown all year round; for growing in limited space
robust enough for autumn or in containers. The dark
or spring sowing. The thick, green leaves are crunchy,
juicy, dark green leaves have flavoursome and slightly
a distinctive, nutty flavour, a sweet. Sow to harvest 70 days
50 seeds real lettuce-lover’s lettuce. 50 seeds
(approx.)
2020 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 13mustard - indian mustard - vietnamese onion
GUPTA’S INDIAN MUSTARD MR HONG’S ORGANIC AUGUSTA RIJNSBURGER
ORGANIC Vietnamese mustard can be stir-fried SELECTION ORGANIC
Although originally from India this has or mixed with other salad leaves. Worth Limited Stock - This medium sized,
been grown by our donor on the St growing for its flavour. It is sweet globe-shaped variety is both early and
Mary’s Allotments in Leamington Spa – with a peppery kick, but not quite as high yielding. The bulbs have yellowish-
a multicultural hotch-potch of vegetable ferocious as winter mustards. Before brown skin and crisp, aromatic flesh
growing. It is the most productive of the the flowers open the buds form tiny, with fine flavour. Also thought to have
Indian mustards trialled in our Sowing broccoli-like, lime green florets, which good storage capability. Let us know
New Seeds project, producing large, are great for adding flavour and texture what you think of it.
mild-flavoured leaves. to salads.
50 seeds 50 seeds
50 seeds
peas - round seeded
BATUN ORGANIC
Limited Stock - This Russian variety
10 seeds 10 seeds forms clumps, similar to multiplier
onions, of thumb-sized, purple tinged,
crescent shaped bulbs. Sow from
spring through until early autumn;
this perennial variety can be left in the
ground all year round and propagated
by allowing to seed (which it will in its
second year) or by dividing the clumps.
The mild flavoured bulbs are ideal for
BLUE PRUSSIAN CARLIN salads, soups and stir fries.
A very old variety dating back to at least Grown by our donor’s family since the 1890s
the end of the 18th century in England. and originally given to his great-grandfather
Sutton & Sons Seed and Plant List of as a wedding present, this ancient variety
1852 describes it as “a useful old variety”. dates back to the latter half of the 16th
Thought to have been developed in century. Protein rich (about 25%), this classic
Germany, though very little is known drying pea is still traditionally eaten in
about its early history. We do know, northern England on Carlin Sunday (the
however, that is was grown by Thomas Sunday before Palm Sunday). The peas
Jefferson, the 3rd president of the USA, are soaked in brine overnight, boiled and 50 seeds
in 1809 in his garden at Monticello, eaten with salt and vinegar or doused in
Virginia. Growing to 90-120cm in height, beer or mint sauce. Some say that the day
it produces white flowers followed by commemorates the arrival of a shipload of peas - wrinkle seeded
plump, blunt pods containing 7-8 peas peas in besieged Newcastle in 1644, saving
in each. The peas can be used fresh, many from starvation. Attractive pink and BLACKDOWN BLUE
but are ideal as a drying pea, when the lilac flowers are followed by pods of small, Originating in northern
seeds are dark blue-green. brown mottled peas. France, these peas were
given to a young soldier
SHARPE’S LIBERTY returning from the
10 seeds battlefield of the Somme
No, not a Bernard Cornwell
novel featuring the dashing as a memento of happier
soldier fighting in the times before the war.
Napoleonic war, but a rare He took them home to
variety of pea. Sharpe & Co, Somerset where his family
Seed Merchants, were based and friends have grown
in Sleaford, Lincolnshire from them ever since. The plants
1913 to 1983. Growing up to 2m will reach around 1.8m
in height, this vigorous, hardy in height and produce
variety produces white flowers beautiful bicoloured
followed by a good crop of flowers followed by
shortish, blunt pods containing purple pods packed with
10 seeds flavoursome peas.
6-7 round seeded peas in each.
14 Heritage Seed Library - 2020 Seed Listpeas - wrinkle seeded
10 seeds 10 seeds 10 seeds
BORN MANGETOUT BULLROYD BEAN PEA
New for 2020. Our donors were given Our donor was given the seed by his
these peas by teacher, Ester Born, from neighbour, who in turn had acquired
Switzerland, after whom it is named. them from a past member of the Bullroyd
Ester acquired the variety from a local Allotment Association, Bradford, where
farmer and it is thought that the variety the pea had been successfully grown for
dates to back to the 1970s. Produces many years. Dense plants reach 1.5-1.8m in
tall plants (2-3m) and beautiful height, producing pink and purple flowers
magenta flowers, followed by delicious and pods full of large, tasty peas. Guardian DWARF DEFIANCE/JOHN LEE
mangetout peas. It is also winter hardy Michael Blake enjoyed their “old-fashioned” Syn. Rentpayer, Strategem. First known
and can be sown in January/February or flavour and found them particularly tasty in as ‘John Lee’, this variety was bred by
as soon as the ground thaws. a pea and cauliflower curry. Thomas Laxton and introduced by
Suttons in 1892 who describe it as
“heavy cropping with excellent flavour”.
10 seeds 10 seeds
This second early/maincrop variety
reaches only around 60cm in height.
Produces white flowers followed by dark
green pointed pods filled with sweet and
tasty peas. Vicki Cooke says, “This pea
makes huge pods on tiny plants!” and
we’re sure you will agree.
10 seeds
HERBIE’S PURPLE PODDED
BEAN PEA
Our donor’s father acquired these peas
FORTY FIRST from Mr Herbie Nicholson. Herbie had
Dating back to at least the 1920s, grown the variety since the late 1990s in
our donor’s father and grandfather Northumberland after being given them by
had grown this pea in Culmstock, an elderly lady whose garden he tended.
Devon for many years. ‘Forty-First’ is a She told him that they had been passed
Devonshire expression for something from generation to generation for many
that is really good. Our donor says, “A years in the Bedlington/Choppington
podding pea. Flowers are bicoloured area. The tall vines (1.8m) grow rapidly
pale mauve and purple, height 150- after germination, producing bicolour pink
190cm.” Some early pods are flecked flowers followed by purple pods and pale
purple, which eventually disappears. green peas with a flavour very similar to a
Tasty and sweet enough to eat raw. processed pea. They also freeze well.
10 seeds
LLANOVER HARRISON GLORY
This is a tall variety that needs strong pea Thought to have been developed by
sticks to support the large pods produced. Harrison some time before 1855, when
They were grown for many years on the it was first offered by Sutton & Sons. By
Llanover Estate in Wales from seeds the 1860s it was available as far afield
brought to the UK by a German prisoner as New Zealand and the USA. Also listed
of war (WWI). Once the war was over in EW King & Co Catalogue of 1898. This
he returned to marry a Welsh girl and early/second early pea can get very tall,
continued to work on the estate. Produces so will require staking. Produces white
white flowers and pods filled with small, flowers with green veins followed by
sweet peas. green pods with 4-5 tasty peas in each.
2020 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 15peas - wrinkle seeded
10 seeds 10 seeds 10 seeds
MR BETHELL’S NE PLUS ULTRA OSTGOTAART
PURPLE PODDED This was one of the first hardy wrinkled This variety is an old Swedish landrace
This vigorous, tall pea (>2m) produces peas, introduced in 1847 and reaching a producing pretty white flowers followed
bicoloured pink and maroon flowers peak of popularity in the 1860s and 1870s. by a healthy crop of tasty, large, fat pods
followed by large purple pods, easy Pods are dark, borne in pairs and, according with an average of 6 peas in each. Grows
to find amid the light green foliage. If to RHS trials in 1860, abundant. We agree. to more than 2m in height and is very
picked young the pods are delicious as It is also a tall variety (>2m), producing productive. The peas themselves are
mangetout; when mature the peas taste large peas with a fine, sweet flavour large and incredibly sweet when raw,
deliciously sweet straight from the pod, delicious when popped straight from the maintaining their flavour when cooked.
retaining their flavour when cooked. pod. Sow to harvest 90-100 days (approx.) Sow to harvest 90 days (approx.)
10 seeds 10 seeds 10 seeds
ROBINSON
PARSLEY RAISIN CAPUCIJNERS Our donor had grown this variety on his
An unusual variety with white flowers A Dutch dwarf variety grown locally farm in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire,
and edible tendrils that resemble curled to produce dried peas and used in the since the 1950s; however, he was originally
parsley, and are a perfect addition to same ways as dried beans. A short pea, given the seeds by a Mr Robinson, who
salads. The plants grow up to a metre in reaching only around 1m in height, had acquired them in Scotland. The
height, but will need tying to pea sticks so ideal for small spaces. Pretty white vigorous plants (>2m) produce long, slim,
as the tendrils will not cling to supports flowers are flushed with pink as they slightly curved pods over a long season.
as with other peas. The plump pods mature. The pods are sweet and Extraordinarily sweet, retaining their
produce 6-7 sweet flavoured peas which succulent if picked young, but this is flavour even when frozen. Guardian and
are delicious cooked and even better really a drying pea. Does well even in Garden Organic Trustee Adam Alexander
straight from the pod. drought conditions. says, “The finest pea I grow.”
16 Heritage Seed Library - 2020 Seed Listpeas - wrinkle seeded
10 seeds 10 seeds 10 seeds
SUTTON’S PURPLE PODDED
SIMPSON’S SPECIAL Probably introduced by Suttons in
Donated by Rural Life Museum, Dereham, SUTTON’S HARBINGER the 1960s, it is listed in their 1970s
Norfolk. They were given the seeds by Developed by the famous plant breeder catalogue as a ‘Continental Variety’.
the late Mr Simpson, who worked on the Thomas Laxton in 1872. Introduced in Growing to 1-1.5m in height the strong,
Petworth Estate, West Sussex, where this 1898, it received an Award of Merit from sturdy and productive vines have
variety had been grown since at least the the RHS in 1901. A very early cropping, beautiful bicoloured pink and magenta
1940s. A tall (>2m), productive pea with first early variety producing compact flowers followed by plump purple pods
a long season. Produces delicate white plants (1-1.5m in height) with pods solidly packed with sweet green peas.
flowers followed by a generous yield of borne in pairs that Sutton & Sons’ 1940 Seed Guardian Judith Reid comments,
large curved pods packed with marrowfat- catalogue describes as being “filled with “lovely flowers and a full-bodied pea.
type peas that remain tasty even when peas of excellent flavour”. Sow to harvest Well worth growing!” Sow to harvest
large. Sow to harvest 110 days (approx.) 80 days (approx.) 110 days (approx.)
10 seeds 10 seeds 10 seeds
TURNER’S SPRING ORGANIC ULTRA U
Named after our donor, this pea has been This variety was given to our donor by a UNCLE FRED’S PEA ORGANIC
grown in Sidmouth, Devon for decades. fellow member of the Northern Ireland Our donor has been enjoying this pea
Reaching more than 2m in height the Organic Gardening Society. He had since the 1970s after being given them
vigorous vines produce white flowers, personally saved the variety since the by her Uncle Fred, who had grown the
pale foliage and long pods (up to 15cm) 1970s; however, they have been grown for variety since the 1940s. She said that
each containing 9-12 large peas. All the three generations in Ireland. A tall pea (up they have a wonderful sweet flavour for
Guardians who have grown this variety to 2.5m) with creamish-white flowers and a large pea. Growing to around 2m in
comment on the sweetness of the peas. slightly curved green pods packed full of height, this variety is prolific and high-
Guardian Eluned Paramor adds, “This is a large, sweet peas. Guardian Jackie Newey yielding so will require sturdy supports.
handsome pea. Tastes delicious raw and says, “No stopping these peas, they just kept Pick the pods when full; best eaten
not affected by pests (except humans!)”. on growing and flowering!” fresh but excellent for freezing.
2020 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 17peas - wrinkle seeded
VEITCH’S PERFECTION VICTORIAN PURPLE YORKSHIRE HERO
New for 2020. Thought to have been PODDED ORGANIC New for 2020. This variety originated
developed by Veitch’s Nurseries of Exeter A tall pea (1.5-2m) producing beautiful around 1862. The DM Ferry catalogue
and Chelsea, this variety is referred to in pink and claret flowers followed by an (USA) of 1881 states, “A fine, white,
Johnson’s Gardeners’ Dictionary (1842 abundance of purple pods. The plants are wrinkled pea, very prolific, quite early and
edition). It is a late variety producing vigorous and dense, but the pods stand of delicious flavour; grows to about 2½
vigorous (1.2-1.8m) plants with very out clearly making picking easy. Both feet high (70cm) and keeps a long time
large leaves and white flowers. The large beautiful and productive, the perfect ‘edible in season. In fact, it never becomes hard.
pods contain 9-11 marrowfat-type peas ornamental’! The seed, when ripe, is of a creamy-white
with strong but sweet flavour. colour, much shrivelled and indented,
and in its green state is unsurpassed in
sweetness and delicate flavour.” Let us
know what you think.
10 seeds 10 seeds 10 seeds
peppers
15 seeds SKINNY ORGANIC 15 seeds TRIFETTI
A fairly slow-growing variety Syn. Purple Tiger. Produces
producing small fruit (1-1.5cm pretty plants with variegated
long) with pointed ends. cream and green leaves, purple
Produces compact plants flowers and dark purple/black,
that are perfect for growing bullet-shaped fruits that turn
in pots on a windowsill. The red when ripe. We recommend
peppers are extremely hot and early sowing (February/early
care should be taken when March) and a long growing
handling, preparing and eating season for this pepper. Very hot
them. Prolonged handling even with the majority of seeds
of the seed can also cause removed.
irritation, so take care if seed
saving. 15 seeds
MACEDONIAN SWEET
This pepper was among a
collection of seeds obtained
from the parents of our
donor’s son-in-law who had
a smallholding near Gostivar,
Macedonia (then part of the
former Yugoslavia). Produces 15 seeds
green peppers that turn dark
red when mature. Found SHEEPNOSE
by our Seed Guardians Originally from Ohio, this standard-looking bell pepper
to perform well even in ripens from green to red, but it is unusual in having a
northern England. Guardian slightly matte finish to its skin. For people who do not like
Bev Mumford adds, “An the usually tough skin of bell peppers this may be more
excellent variety with sweet, palatable. Seed guardians have described the pepper as
juicy flesh.” Milder than a “very fleshy, very rich flavour, excellent roasted in oil, and
chilli, but still has bite. very prolific”. It may require staking to support the fruit.
18 Heritage Seed Library - 2020 Seed Listradish runner beans
60 seeds CRIMSON GIANT 10 seeds BROOKER BEANS
ORGANIC Our donor has known of this
Dating back to around 1910, bean since the 1940s. Her
this is a conventional-looking family have always grown
radish, but with larger (3-4cm them, preserving the beans
diameter), round roots. The by salting. A robust variety
solid white flesh is firm, crisp that can be sown in the
and mild. Hardy, attractive and glasshouse for an early crop,
quick to mature, so perfect for or outdoors as late as July
successional sowing. It is also and still achieve a good yield
reluctant to become pithy or of tender beans that only
hollow, even when large. Sow become stringy when over-
to harvest 29 days (approx.) mature. Shows some frost
tolerance too.
PASQUE ORGANIC 60 seeds
Limited Stock - A robust winter LORD MILDMAY’S 10 seeds
storage radish with pink roots ORGANIC
and crisp, white, medium to After learning about HSL
strong-flavoured flesh, making membership at a meeting of
it ideal grated for salads or her local gardening society,
coleslaw. Sow in July or August our donor passed us some of
allowing a little more space her runner bean seeds. She
than for summer radishes as has grown them and saved
the roots are large. Can be left the seeds since before 1950
in the ground until required without ever knowing their
making it a good winter correct name. She has always
standby for fresh salads. known them as Lord Mildmay’s
after the owner of Shoreham
Place, Kent (sadly now
60 seeds RAT’S TAIL ORGANIC demolished) where the variety
A Syn. Serpent’s Tail. Grown for its long originated.
edible seed pods rather than its roots.
Thrives in hot weather. First mentioned
in this country in Carter and Son’s Vade 10 seeds SIMPSON’S MANY
Mecum (which eventually became known STEMS
as their Blue Books) of 1868, which stated, New for 2020. Limited Stock -
“It is a native of Java where it is known Named after our donor, this is
under the name Mongri or snake radish, an unusual runner bean in that
and is much used in some parts of India for it produces around three stems
salading etc.” Pick the pods at around 10- per seed. Mr Simpson passed
15cm when they will be crisp and tender the bean to us to ensure that
with a strong, peppery flavour. Can be eaten it would not be lost forever.
fresh, cooked in stir fries or even pickled. He says, “A very heavy cropper,
good length, an enormous size
and very tasty.” Let us know
TIENTSIN GREEN 60 seeds what you think of it.
ORGANIC
Originally from a collection in
shark fin melon
China, this variety produces
white roots with a green collar
and a really radishy bite! Could 5 seeds HONG’S ORGANIC
be tried as a winter radish. Widely used in southern
Central America and
Asia, this vegetable is
60 seeds WOOD’S FRAME so named because it
ORGANIC is, traditionally, made
Syn. New London Particular. into a broth that
An ex-commercial variety with resembles shark fin soup.
long, pink, tapering roots, best This variety spreads
used at around 5-7cm. Listed vigorously, particularly
in Carters Blue Book in 1845, in nitrogen-rich soils,
it is hardy, pest resistant and producing 4-5 pale green
bred for forcing under cold fruits per plant. They
frames, but does well outside. have mild-flavoured,
Has a mild, sweet flavour with cucumber-like flesh.
peppery note.
2020 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 19sorrel spinach squash
SHCHAVEL BLOOMSDALE CHICAGO WARTED
A hardy, early, prolific and disease- LONGSTANDING ORGANIC HUBBARD ORGANIC
free Russian variety (‘Shchavel’ means Limited Stock - The original (Cucurbita maxima) - An American
‘sorrel’ in Russian). The succulent and ‘Bloomsdale’ spinach was introduced heirloom developed by Budlong
lemony-sharp leaves really lift a mixed by seed merchants David and Cuthbert Gardens, Chicago, from the original
salad, but it can also be used in sauces, Landreth in 1826. The semi-upright Hubbard-type squash. It was introduced
soups, quiches and stir fries. A truly plants are slow to go to seed, doing commercially by Vaughan’s Seed Store,
multipurpose vegetable. better in hot weather than most Chicago in 1894, who described it as
varieties. Produces a continuous yield “the best of its class, rich in quality, a
of crinkled, glossy, deep green, sweet keeper and thick fleshed - such will sell
and delicious leaves that are not bitter at sight.” Trailing vines produce large
when eaten raw or when cooked. (5.5-6kg), warty, wrinkled, olive green
fruit with fine-grained, sweet, orange
flesh. Perfect for soup making.
3 seeds
100 seeds 50 seeds
swede
QUEENSLAND BLUE
(Cucurbita maxima) - Australian variety
50 seeds 50 seeds dating back to at least 1930. Produces
vigorous vines that can grow up to 8m
so, as with all squash of this species,
give them plenty of room to ramble.
The deeply furrowed, blue fruits may
show some variation (green-blue or
grey-blue), which is usual for the variety.
This contrasts superbly with the vivid
orange flesh. Perfect for stuffing, and
great in soups or boiled and mashed
with butter.
DOON MAJOR ORGANIC GUL SVENSK ORGANIC
A superb Scottish purple-topped, globe Translated means “yellow Swedish”; this
swede, which stores well. The roots very old variety, commercially available
stand clear of the ground and have an since the 1800s, was lost during the 1960s,
excellent sweet flavour. This is the last but the Swedish Seed Savers, SESAM, have
time we will be offering the variety as conserved it since then. The yellow roots
it has been registered as a conservation are green-topped and have a slightly oval
variety on the UK National List. shape. Found to have good resistance to
club root. 50 seeds.
KELPER GIGANTIC ORGANIC 50 seeds
Originally from Stanley, Falkland Islands,
3 seeds
but passed to HSL via Chase Organics
who thought the variety would be
of interest to us. It has been grown
in Stanley since the 1940s, always
organically, and it is believed that they Choose six varieties to receive
were originally supplied by Bees Seeds, for free as part of your
Liverpool. It produces round bicoloured membership. Group HSL members
roots with crisp, orange-yellow flesh. can choose up to twelve.
20 Heritage Seed Library - 2020 Seed ListYou can also read
