Heritage Seed Library - Rare and unique heritage varieties available exclusively to members of the Heritage Seed Library - HSL Garden Organic
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The
Heritage Seed Library
2021 Seed List
Rare and unique heritage varieties
available exclusively to members
of the Heritage Seed Library
149 varieties to 64 certified organic 18 new varieties
choose from varieties for 2021
Welcome TO THE 2021 SEED LIST
W elcome to the 2021 Seed List – I hope it finds
you well in what has been an extremely
challenging year. Despite disruption throughout
Our heritage varieties can be grown in exactly the
same way as modern ones. If you’d like any growing
instructions you can access information online at
the season we are pleased to be able to offer you hsl.gardenorganic.org.uk/growing-instructions or
as close to normal service as possible. contact us using the details below and we will
This year’s list has 149 varieties to choose from, send you a printed copy.
including 18 new, rediscovered heritage varieties. A big thank you to our fantastic team and
Amongst the new are “Angel” climbing French bean, volunteers who have helped make the seed list
with its mysterious seed markings, and Arancia Chard, possible this year. Seed has been checked, tested and
with its beautiful yellow-orange stems. packed by hand over the last few months – all carried
To help us build up our seed supplies for future years after the out with social distancing in place and mostly from home. Rest
disruption to this year’s growing plans, we have had to drop the assured we have the plans in place to safely process and send
‘lucky dip’ option for this year. We hope this doesn’t cause too your seed requests. Please allow a little more time than usual for
much disappointment. us to answer any queries and for your seeds to arrive with you.
To give you as much choice as normal, we have included Finally, thank you for your ongoing support as a member of
varieties with very limited stock. If you would like any of the HSL. We are extremely grateful that so many choose to give an
limited stock options I urge you to get your request in quickly, additional donation to support our work. Last year we were able
using the online form if possible as it will reach us quicker. to use these extra funds to, amongst other things, improve the
The online form is available at hsl.gardenorganic.org.uk. We automatic irrigation on site – absolutely essential to keeping our
will need to have your email address on record with us before valuable veg well looked after while we were away.
you can submit your request online. If we don’t already have it
please let us know by contacting membership@gardenorganic. With best wishes for a successful growing year from myself
org.uk quoting your membership number or postcode. and the team,
If you are sending a postal request, don’t forget to include a
second and third choice - and of course your details! Remember
that we can only offer one packet of a single variety – this is
to ensure as many members as possible can enjoy them. If you
have a particular favourite, why not have a go at saving your
own seed – take a look at how at www.gardenorganic.org.uk/ Catrina Fenton
seed-saving-guidelines. Head of the Heritage Seed Library
Important information for those living outside of the UK or in Northern Ireland - At the time of printing there is no deal negotiated
that enables the EU and UK to continue to move seed across borders as before. Similarly, for those in Northern Ireland, there
continues to be uncertainty about implications of new border arrangements from 1st January 2021. For this reason, we cannot
guarantee to be able to fulfil seed orders from outside of the UK or from Northern Ireland after 31st December. To ensure you don’t
miss out, please ensure you send your request to us before Monday 14th December. If the situation changes we will let you know.
contact us
Tel. 024 7630 8210
membership@gardenorganic.org.uk
We are operating with skeleton staff
in the office so it may take a little
longer to respond to queries. Thank
you in advance for your patience.
2 Heritage Seed Library - 2021 Seed List
achocha beetroot
40 SEEDS
8 SEEDS
40 SEEDS
ACHOCHA
Limited Stock - This is a prolific and
rampant climber reaching 3-4m, so AVON EARLY
will need supporting with trellis or a One of a series of innovative breeding
frame. The small, cucumber-like fruits lines from the former National Vegetable
have a fresh flavour, a cross between Research Station at Wellesbourne (now
a minty cucumber and a green pepper. Warwick HRI, part of Warwick University),
Eat raw or in stir fries when young; it remained a stalwart variety amongst UKRAINIAN ORGANIC
when mature they have tougher skins gardeners for many years. An early, This beetroot was donated to us by
so stuff with meat, fish or cheese, prolific and fast-growing round-rooted Unwins Seeds in 1992. It has tender
and then bake or make an achocha type; Lawrence Hills states in The flesh which is easy to peel so is the
curry. Can also be used pickled or as a Vegetable Finder that it matures in about perfect choice for salads. It is also great
base for chutney. The flowers are also 10 weeks. Excellent sweet flavour; both for making a tasty Borscht: cabbage,
attractive to pollinating insects. juicy and crunchy when young. beetroot and tomato soup.
broad bean
10 SEEDS 10 SEEDS
10 SEEDS
CRETIAN
Our donor obtained the seeds when GEORGE POTTS
holidaying in Crete. Growing to NEW for 2021 Limited Stock - Donated
around 60-75cm in height his plants by one of our volunteer guides at
produced around 1kg of beans from Ryton, who originally obtained the seed
a 1.25m x 1.25m plot, he says, and DRIMA ORGANIC from one of his old friends, George
blackfly appeared not to be interested NEW for 2021 - This prolific and easy to Potts. The seed was handed down to
in the plants. Don’t expect huge pods: grow variety has a compact habit, making Mr Potts by his father who had grown
four beans in each is normal, but they it ideal for small gardens. Seed guardian them since the early 20th century in
are produced in abundance. The tasty Adam Alexander says, “very tasty too. I Manchester. They seem to be resistant
beans are perfect eaten raw, as they will include this in my favourites list for to pests and disease and produce a
do in Greece. culinary use!” Let us know what you think. heavy crop of delicious beans.
2021 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 3
brussels sprout cabbage
PADDY ORGANIC
A very large heirloom variety developed by
40 SEEDS 50 SEEDS an unknown Irish allotment holder, who
saved seeds from his largest specimen
and shared them with his allotment
neighbours. Spring sown for late summer/
autumn use, it is a vigorous grower,
producing large firm heads that stand well
until late autumn/early winter. Delicious
raw, very crunchy with a spicy flavour.
Retains both its texture and flavour when
cooked. One HSL member commented,
“The best autumn cabbage I have grown
in 60 years of cultivating.”
BRADFORD BOMB ORGANIC
NEW for 2021 - Our donor acquired 50 SEEDS
these seeds from a guest speaker at his
local gardening club. The speaker, Mr
Lockwood, was in his 80s and had given
up his allotment after years of saving his
own seed. Sow in March under glass for
an August/September harvest. Bradford
Bomb is a compact, white cabbage and
great for showing. As Mr Lockwood was
a judge at local horticultural shows we
should probably take his word for it!
SILSDEN BOMB
50 SEEDS
WHITE ORGANIC
Named after the locality in which it is
CATSKILL ORGANIC thought to have originated, Silsden, near
Limited Stock - An ex-commercial Keighley, Yorkshire. Said to have been bred
variety developed by Arthur White from by Jonnie Watson, an old gardener from the
the small hamlet of Arkport, New York town; our donor acquired it in 1980 from
State in 1941. It is thought to have been “a chap” who had grown it for 12 years.
named after Catskill Park, a forested Only one of his seeds germinated, but since
and mountainous region in New York then seeds of the variety have been saved
State which fringes Arkport. Still very and shared around the whole district!
popular in the USA, this robust heritage Apparently all of the horticultural show
variety grows to around 50-75cm in growers wanted it; our donor has won first
height and produces richly flavoured prize with his specimens. Produces small
sprouts around 5cm in diameter. Great heads with distinctive white-veined, blue-
for eating fresh or for freezing. green leaves.
callaloo
MRS MCGHIE ORGANIC TOWER
This typical Jamaican variety produces waist-high plants 100 SEEDS
HAMLETS
with large pale green leaves and long, drooping, lime green, ORGANIC
tassel-like flowers. Grown by many Jamaican allotment Donated by the
holders for a wide range of culinary uses: stir fried with WEN, Tower Hamlets,
coconut milk and tomatoes, in soups and steamed with fish. London, although the
seeds originally came
from Bangladesh.
The plants have
purple stems and
taste like chard
when eaten raw. The
leaves may be eaten
at any stage and
can be cooked like a
chard or spinach. A
welcome addition to
100 SEEDS
the greens selection.
4 Heritage Seed Library - 2021 Seed List
carrot
100 SEEDS 100 SEEDS 100 SEEDS
AFGHAN PURPLE ORGANIC
Egyptian cave paintings dating back to JOHN’S PURPLE ORGANIC
around 2000BC show what is thought to Named after our donor who, in the
be purple carrots; the orange varieties 1970s, developed a pure line of purple
we are familiar with today were not carrots from four he found amongst LONDON MARKET ORGANIC
developed until the 16th century. Donated a bag given to him for his rabbits by Originally from Finland, this traditional
by the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, an allotment neighbour. He passed early ‘short horn’ type carrot has very wide,
Virginia, USA, this purple carrot produces on some of his seeds to Horticulture stumpy roots which are deep orange-red
20-25cm roots that, when sliced, reveal Research International, now part of in colour. Guardian Anne St. John notes
a bright yellow core. They have a more Warwick University, for their long-term that they are good boiled or steamed, or
pronounced ‘carroty’ flavour than orange preservation. With John’s consent, some freshly grated in salads and have a mild
varieties, and also show some resistance were released to us. John describes them flavour. They freeze (un-blanched) and
to carrot root fly. as “crisp and flavoursome”. store well.
celeriac chard climbing french bean - coloured pod
TELLUS ORGANIC ARANCIA ORGANIC BLUE BEANS
Also known as ‘turnip-rooted celery’, NEW for 2021 - The vivid yellow- Limited Stock - These cream seeded
which describes the shape and flavour orange stems of this chard make it a beans were brought to the UK from
of this vegetable perfectly. Suttons say, very attractive addition to both the bed France at the end of WWII. Compact
“A quick growing, smooth, round-rooted and the salad bowl. The very young (1.2m) for a climber. Thought to be frost
type with a beautiful white flesh which leaves are ideal for use as a baby leaf resistant and less attractive to slugs than
does not discolour after boiling”. Seed in a salad mixture. most French beans. Produces beautiful
Guardian Sandra Slack adds, “Sweet purple flowers followed by dark purple,
and nutty, makes a lovely soup.” Also 12-18cm, plump, flat pods. Seed guardian
invaluable diced or grated raw as a Mrs Jane Durston says, “Lovely hot, or
tasty addition in winter salads. blanched in salads. Good crisp texture
and nutty flavour.”
150 SEEDS 50 SEEDS 10 SEEDS
2021 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 5
climbing french bean - coloured pod
BONNE BOUCHE CHEROKEE TRAIL OF TEARS DISTRICT NURSE
Originating in the city of Rouen, capital This variety derives its name from its Our donor was given these beans by
of the Normandy Region in France, in dramatic history. The Cherokee nation was her step-daughter, a district nurse who
the 1950s, this vigorous (1.8-2.4m) displaced by settlers in 1838 and set off had originally been passed them by an
ex-commercial variety looks beautiful on an infamous march that became known elderly lady in Cardiff. She describes
grown on a wigwam support with its as the Trail of Tears. They were only able to it as, “A delightful bean! Pretty lilac
pairs of delicate white flowers and large take their most precious possessions with flowers are followed by dramatically
green leaves. The long green pods have them, one of which was this bean. Vigorous coloured pods, green splashed with
a slight red stripe and are tender and vines are prolific producers of succulent navy blue.” Our Seed Guardians appear
flavoursome when young. When mature young pods that can be eaten raw or to experience very few pest and disease
the podded beans are delicious. cooked, and freeze perfectly. However, this problems with this variety.
variety is principally for drying, and the
10 SEEDS small, black beans come into their own in
winter stews and soups.
10 SEEDS
GEORGE’S
Thought to have originated in Poland, this
variety produces creamish-white flowers 10 SEEDS
followed by very attractive pods that, when
KEW BLUE
mature, are green flushed with red. Can be
Originally from the Royal Botanic
used fresh as a succulent, stringless green
Gardens, Kew, this variety has been
bean, ideal for salads. Alternatively, the half
handed down for at least three
white and half red, sometimes mottled,
generations in our donor’s family. The
dried beans make an attractive addition
purple-pink flowers are complemented
to soups and stews. Seed Guardian Jackie
by purple-tinged leaves and stems, and
Newey thinks that they are “amazing!” and
followed by flat purple pods. A healthy
grows some every year.
and vigorous vine producing a prolific
crop of tender pods. Perfect for eating
fresh or freezing, and when dried the
beans have a rich, nutty flavour.
O’DRISCOLL ORGANIC
These bicoloured beans were given to
our donor, Mr O’Driscoll, by his father, who
had grown and saved them for many
10 SEEDS years. A vigorous and prolific variety, it
is earlier than many French beans. Seed
10 SEEDS Guardian Ian Thomas describes them
as “a pleasure to grow”. Flat, green pods
MRS LEWIS’S PURPLE POD flecked with purple follow mauve flowers.
Our Leicestershire-based donor acquired Can be eaten as whole pods when young,
these seeds from her neighbour who, in or left to mature and shelled.
turn, had been given them by a cousin, Mrs
Lewis from Suffolk. Mrs Lewis said that this
bean could not be bought commercially
any more and believed it to be ‘Purple Pod’,
mentioned in a 1979 Percy Thrower book.
Grows to 1.8m with purple stems and very
dark leaves. The small purple flowers are
followed by bright, shiny, flat purple pods
which, when young, are delicious steamed. 10 SEEDS
The dried beans have a lovely nutty flavour.
6 Heritage Seed Library - 2021 Seed List
climbing french bean - coloured pod
POLISH CLIMBING POLISH PURPLE STRINGLESS RED AND WHITE
Originally from Poland, though acquired Thought to be of Polish origin, this Limited Stock - This tall variety (>2m)
by our donor at a Belgian seed swap. bicoloured bean was given to a friend of produces yellow-green foliage and
Lilac flowers are followed by slender, our donor, HSL volunteer Rob Croft, who creamish-white flowers. The pods are
‘snake-like’ pods, bright green streaked passed some on to us. Grown since around green when they first set, but become
with black. Matures quickly; use fresh, 1960 on the allotments in Broughton red and white as the seeds inside start
rather than as dried beans, as the pods Astley, Leicestershire, and before that to form. The young beans are delicious
are tasty and stringless. Seed Guardian at Wigston Lane Allotments, Aylestone, when eaten fresh and the mottled, dried
Ann Rutter was suitably impressed, she Leicestershire. It produces tall plants seeds have a lovely rich and creamy
says, “They wouldn’t look amiss in the (>2m) with purple flowers followed by ‘butter bean’ flavour.
flower garden.” purple and green mottled, stringless pods
with a great flavour. Seed Guardian Ms
Della Cannings QPM says that they are a 10 SEEDS
“superb performer. From a small number
of seeds we had a huge crop”.
10 SEEDS
TUSCAN
The tall plants (up to 2.4m) produce
white flowers followed by green,
carmine-splashed, stringless pods. Seed
Guardian Ken Pawson found that they
remained stringless even when the pods
10 SEEDS
were allowed to get large; Guardian WILLIAMS’ TIGER BEAN
Justine Gallaccio agrees. Ken describes Originally passed to our donor’s sister
them as “very tasty, excellent beans”; let by a friend who had in turn been
us know what you think. VIOLA DI CORNETTI
Limited Stock - Thought to be an ex- given them in the late 1960s by a
commercial variety, the tall (>2m), retired British War Graves Commission
attractive vines have purple stems and gardener. Produces vigorous, very tall
10 SEEDS
purple flowers. It is also prolific; the plants: up to 3.5m has been recorded.
long, slim, purple pods are produced in The curled, green pencil pods have
abundance. These pods can reach 30cm in purple ‘tiger stripes’ which disappear
length and turn green when cooked but when cooked. The beans themselves
still remain stringless! have a full, hearty flavour.
10 SEEDS
For the latest stock levels and
to order online visit
hsl.gardenorganic.org.uk. 10 SEEDS
2021 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 7
climbing french bean - green pod
ALICE WHITIS PINK ORGANIC ANGEL ORGANIC BOB AND MARY
Donated by John Yeoman, formerly of New for 2021 - Our donor was given This tasty and prolific bean was donated
The Village Guild. This 1930s heirloom seeds of this variety as a gift from a by Seed Guardian Liz Ramsay, who was
was originally grown and saved by friend in Germany. It is so named as the given the seeds by her sister’s partner,
Alice Whitis in Acorn, Kentucky, USA. It pattern around the hilum of the seed a native of British Columbia, Canada.
produces vigorous 2-2.5m plants with resembles an angel. In Germany it is also His family have grown this variety since
white flowers and tender pencil pods known as the Monstrance Bean, as these the beginning of the 20th century. It is
that are at their best if eaten when young markings also bare some similarity to thought that the family received the
and stringless. Also, a good drying bean. the shape of the sacred vessels used by beans as payment for help repairing farm
the Roman Catholic church. The legend equipment for a Ukrainian neighbour. Liz
suggests that, during WW1, a French says, “The pods can be eaten at all stages:
pastor planted beans above his buried juicy and young, tender and mature or
artefacts to prevent their discovery. The even as a dried bean.”
beans produced by these plants bore the
marks we now see. They produce beautiful
orange-red flowers followed by flat, green
pods packed with the pretty beans, which
are perfect for use dried.
10 SEEDS
CYPRUS
Limited Stock - 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 10 SEEDS
white flowers followed by an impressive
crop of crisp and slender pencil-type
pods full of juicy green beans. It also MAJORCAN PEA BEAN
crops over a long period of time.
10 SEEDS This pea bean was donated by a
member, who discovered them in a
Majorcan market during the late 1980s.
10 SEEDS JACK EDWARDS The seeds are the typical bicolour of
Limited Stock - A vigorous pea bean pea beans; however, the maroon half
with beautiful white flowers followed is additionally striped with brown.
by lumpy-looking but succulent, tender Produces tall (up to 2.5m), strong vines
and stringless pods. Best cooked straight and a good yield of tasty pods, but can
from the plant when young. However, be a little stringy if used fresh, and is
the bicoloured white and brownish- best used as a drying bean.
purple dried beans store very well. If you
are looking for quality of flavour, not
quantity of yield, this is the bean for you. A
delicious bean!
10 SEEDS
10 SEEDS
8 Heritage Seed Library - 2021 Seed List
climbing french bean - green pod
MOUNTAINEER WHITE 10 SEEDS
HALF RUNNER
Syn. Dutch Half Runner. This white seeded
variety originates with the settlers of the
Dutch Fork Section of South Carolina,
USA. Growing to around 1.2m in height it
produces white flowers and short, straight,
pale green pods over a long season. When
eaten young the pods are stringless and
tasty, although the beans are equally
delicious dried.
PERCY PARKER RYDERS TOP O’ POLE ORGANIC SAN ANTONIO
New for 2021 -Our donor was given Our donor has grown this ex-commercial Limited Stock - Produces tall, vigorous
these seeds by a friend who had been bean for at least 30 years and originally vines (>2.5m) with dark green, almost
given the beans by Percy Parker himself. obtained the seeds from Ryder’s of St black, foliage. The leaves contrast
Percy had grown this variety since WWII Albans just before the firm was sold on beautifully with the green pods that
in Barcombe, East Sussex. Unfortunately, in the 1970s, when all of its varieties harbour big, white seeds. The seeds are
Percy passed away, but his name lives were discontinued. Produces tall vines most curious, as each is marked with
on in this lovely bean. The strong and (up to 2.5m) and white flowers followed a solitary saint-like figure dressed in
productive plants have white flowers by flat, green pods. The 1970 Ryder’s seed monk robes. Vigorous and hardy, the
followed by long, straight, flat, stringless catalogue describes it as “a heavy bearer, young beans are lovely eaten fresh and
green pods containing small, white absolutely stringless and of delicious they freeze well, retaining their rich
beans. flavour, may be sliced or cooked whole.” flavour. Can also be used dried.
10 SEEDS
10 SEEDS
VEITCH’S CLIMBING
Achieved an RHS first-class certificate on
its introduction in 1885 and at one time
the most widely grown climbing French
bean in England. Probably synonymous
10 SEEDS with Tender & True and Guernsey Runner,
neither of which are now commercially
available. A good cropper, covered in
SUCCOTASH straight, long, delicious flat pods from top
New for 2021 - This American heirloom to bottom. Stringless when young, but
STRIPED BUNCH is unusual in that the very deep-purple/ makes a really attractive and tasty dried
A rarity! It is claimed that these beans black seeds are almost shaped like a kernel bean too.
can be found only in ‘one hollow’ in Right of corn. The lilac flowers are followed by
Beaver Creek, Knott County, Kentucky. green pods each containing around six
Growing to 1.2-1.5m in height, the pale beans. Primarily a drying bean, perfect for
apricot flowers are followed by flat, green use in the Native American dish consisting
pods which are tender and tasty when of corn, beans and peppers - hence its
young. Let us know what you think of this name. A late bean that appears to perform
one. better for our growers in the South of
England, possibly due to the warmer
temperatures and longer growing season.
10 SEEDS 10 SEEDS 10 SEEDS
2021 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 9
cucumber
ARMENIA ORGANIC IZJAŠTŠNÕI ORGANIC KHEERA ORGANIC
Limited Stock - Produces squat fruit with Limited Stock - An Estonian ridge type Limited Stock - Originating from
rounded ends and pale green skin that is cucumber with short, plump, prickly fruits Bangladesh, this pleasantly mild-flavoured,
slightly bumpy. Not especially vigorous, borne on compact bushes. It tolerates mid-sized cucumber has a triangular
but the fruit produced have a fresh, poor treatment and cool temperatures, cross-section when cut. Remove the male
crunchy texture even when very ripe. The though requires a nitrogen-rich compost to flowers to avoid bitterness in the fruits,
flavour is pleasing, reminiscent of melon, perform well. The juicy flesh has excellent which will begin to appear in July from an
but not quite as sweet. flavour, and is perfect for pickling, but April sowing. For eating pick fruits when
remove the spiky skin first! over 15cm long: they grow squat and stout
rather than conventionally long and thin.
Be sure to let the fruit fully ripen (to yellow
or brown) or you won’t tell the difference
between this and a normal cucumber, but
grown under cover it’s easy, fruitful and
relatively trouble free.
6 SEEDS 6 SEEDS 6 SEEDS
dwarf french beans - coloured pod
HOPI BLACK ICE/CRYSTAL WAX MR BROOKS’ BLUE BEAN
Named after the Hopi people, a Native Dating back to at least 1882, this Dutch- Grown by Mr Brooks in the 1960s, but
American tribe of north-east Arizona who bred variety was used by the English as passed to us by his neighbour, who
used the black beans both for food and as a forcing bean for hothouses. Produces has grown the beans since 1969. The
a dye. The compact (35-50cm) but prolific compact plants (30-50cm) with white buff-coloured seeds produce 50-60cm
plants produce dark lilac flowers followed flowers followed by green pods that lighten plants and very attractive mauve and
by a generous crop of flat, greenish- with age to almost a silver-white giving, lilac flowers followed by slim, flat, purple
yellow pods. These can be eaten fresh with a little imagination, the impression pods. Best picked when young as pods
when young, or allowed to mature when of icicles. Great fresh; either raw in salads become a little stringy as they mature.
the dried beans are great in chillis or as when very young, or lightly steamed. Good Sow to harvest 70 days (approx.)
refried beans. Also thought to show some flavour and texture when cooked after
drought resistance. Sow to harvest 90 freezing, also dries well for use as a pulse.
days (approx.) Sow to harvest 50-70 days (approx.)
10 SEEDS 10 SEEDS
10 SEEDS
10 Heritage Seed Library - 2021 Seed Listdwarf french beans - green podded dudi
EMPEROR OF RUSSIA ERNIE’S BIG EYE 5 SEEDS
Syn. Longfellow. Donated to us by Harlow Donated in the early 1980s by an American
Carr Botanic Garden, Harrogate. This member, this selection of the ancient ‘Trout’
fine haricot bean produces neat plants variety produces pale-green, luscious young
with white flowers followed by slim and pods, or, if allowed to dry, tasty white seeds
crisp pencil pods, which are stringless speckled with burgundy. Carries pods high on
when young. Seed Guardian Bill Dale the compact plants so may need staking later
comments, “I probably shouldn’t say it in the season. Found by Seed Guardians to be
but in the many years I’ve grown it, no particularly disease resistant.
disease or other problems. A crisp and
crunchy treat when eaten fresh and
young. A good, no-nonsense bean!”
MO SAYED ORGANIC
10 SEEDS Originally collected from the Highfields
area of Leicester, and named after the
donor. Mo acquired the seeds from a
SHIROKOSTRUCZKOVNIA
friend whose family save their own
One of the many varieties donated by
seeds on their farm in India. This dudi is
Harlow Carr Botanic Gardens. Roughly
10 SEEDS slightly later than some, but will produce
translated the name means broad or
fruit the size of a small child!
wide-podded. Large white seeds produce
compact plants, though these will require
ROYAL RED staking. White flowers are followed by kale
Bred at Prosser, Washington State, for the broad, flat pods produced in profusion. Best
United States Department of Agriculture eaten as a young green bean; string free
(USDA), this variety was developed for and delicious. One of the earliest varieties
its disease resistance. Its popularity to mature and shows some frost tolerance.
was limited as its dark purple, almost
black, beans were too plump and large
for canning, despite having a lovely
rich, beany flavour. Produces strong and
prolific plants which may require some
support.
50 SEEDS
SPIS BLADENE ORGANIC
(Brassica oleracea) An old Danish variety
whose name simply means “eat the
leaves”. A particularly tall kale reaching
a magnificent 2m in height, so may
10 SEEDS require staking. The leaves are broad
and glaucous, and are slightly peppery
10 SEEDS
to taste. If picked young the leaves are
delicious in salads.
PIRATA
Limited Stock - Our donor’s father inherited
these beans in the 1970s from a previous 10 SEEDS
gardener at his place of work. Several
All our varieties can be grown
Guardians have commented on the
in the same way as modern
drought tolerance of this variety. The crisp,
ones, but if you’d like a copy of
flavoursome pods do not get stringy, even
our growing instructions please
when mature, so the cropping period is
let us know when you order, or
longer than for most French beans. When
visit hsl.gardenorganic.org.uk/
dried the dark brown beans with cream
growing-instructions.
speckles are really tasty too.
2021 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 11kale lablab bean
50 SEEDS 50 SEEDS 10 SEEDS
TALL GREEN CURLED ORGANIC
(Brassica oleracea) Seed merchant JL
Clucas Ltd describe this variety in their
1953 catalogue as “one of the most useful UNCLE BERT’S PURPLE
vegetables grown for a supply of greens (Brassica oleracea) Our donor’s family has YING’S LABLAB
from about October to the end of April. grown this variety for several generations A Chinese lablab with lovely scented
Sow seed in March, and plant out as soon and found it to be “the nicest tasting of mauve flowers and pretty pods – lime
as plants are large enough to handle, all kales.” Grown extensively before WWII, green, often with a reddish-purple edge.
allowing 3 feet between the rows and 1.5 but seems to have disappeared soon after. Flowering should start by July from an
feet between the plants.” It produces very Large and prolific; it is both hardy and April sowing. This is the type called liva
curly leaves on compact plants 30-45cm resilient to pests and diseases. Delicious in Gujerati which produces broad flat
in height and around 30cm wide. too, with a slightly nutty flavour. pods and mild-flavoured beans.
leek lettuce
SIM SEGER ORGANIC AMISH DEER TONGUE BATH COS
Limited Stock - Named after our donor’s This semi-open, cos type lettuce is very Listed in James Carter’s Catalogue of
neighbour, Sim Seger, who grew this hardy and slow to bolt. It has distinctively a Choice Collection of Floricultural,
variety for many years because they shaped triangular leaves, perfect for use Vegetable and Agricultural Seeds of
did particularly well in his locality of as baby salad greens. Mild flavoured with 1842, this variety was described by a
Malton, North Yorkshire. A hardy leek, a buttery taste and soft leaves. contributor to The Gardener (1867); “This
which appears to be disease resistant sort ought to be in every garden. No other
too. Guardian Jenny Rogers says, “Large variety can surpass it.” Thought to be
plants with good firm, white stems. synonymous with Brighton Cos; the large,
Lovely flavour, excellent!” dark green leaves have a rust-coloured
tinge and are flavourful, crisp and juicy.
40 SEEDS 50 SEEDS 50 SEEDS
lettuce
BLACK SEEDED SAMARA BLOODY WARRIOR
A light green, loose-leafed, An ex-commercial variety of cos-
summer butterhead lettuce that type lettuce that has crisp, green
stands up well to drought. The leaves speckled with red. Our
soft leaves have a mild flavour donor suggests planting out in
and fine texture. So named autumn and overwintering with
because it produces black seeds. protection; the lettuces will heart
Seed Guardian Mike Wicken says, up for early summer harvesting.
“An excellent variety with good Lovely, slightly bitter flavour,
50 SEEDS flavour when young.” perfect in a mixed leaf salad. 50 SEEDS
12 Heritage Seed Library - 2021 Seed Listlettuce melon
BRONZE ARROW BROWN BATH COS
A beautiful, productive California heirloom, This is one of the oldest of the cos lettuces 6 SEEDS
popular in the USA but was almost and considered one of the hardiest of
unknown here. A large, non-hearting its type, suitable for summer or autumn
lettuce; the attractive, arrowhead-shaped sowing. It is exceedingly crisp and well
leaves have a distinctive bronze tinge flavoured. The leaves are large, broad
and mild flavour. Drought and cold and scooped around the margins. When
hardy, so ideal for autumn sowing and exposed to sunlight these become a
overwintering; it’s also less popular with brownish-bronze, hence the name.
slugs. The merits of this variety have
been recognised by commercial seed 50 SEEDS
companies and it is to be included on the
National List under its synonym Bronze
Beauty. Although now it can be considered
safe, we will continue to make it available
to members for as long as our stocks last.
CANTALUN
Originally from the Vilmorin Seed House,
this Charentais type melon produces
BUNYARD’S MATCHLESS
round fruits, approximately 12-15cm in
Donated to HSL during the 1980s, this
50 SEEDS diameter and just under 1kg in weight.
unusual, open-hearted cos-type lettuce can
The orange flesh is sweet and juicy; one
be grown all year round; robust enough for
member was so keen to praise it that she
autumn or spring sowing. The thick, juicy,
BURPEE’S ICEBERG contacted us immediately after sharing
dark green leaves have a distinctive, nutty
Originally bred by W Atlee Burpee it with a friend, describing it as, “utterly
flavour, a real lettuce-lover’s lettuce.
Company, USA, and introduced in 1884. Our delicious, the nicest melon we have ever
donor found seeds in an allotment shed eaten.”
in the 1990s, left behind by a previous
tenant who had grown them for 30 years.
Described by Burpee as having “medium- 6 SEEDS
sized compact heads with heavily ruffled
leaves and crisp, tender hearts.” A classic,
crisphead lettuce, thinnings make delicious
extra-early salads. 85 days from seed to
harvest (approx).
50 SEEDS
LILLER
A huge, cabbage-headed lettuce that can
weigh anything up to 500g. The unusual
50 SEEDS pink tinge on leaf margins is temperature-
dependent, apparent on planting out
the young plants in the spring but
GREEK MAROULLI COS disappearing as they start to mature.
GREEN NUTMEG
A compact cos lettuce with beautiful, tasty, ‘Nutmeg’ was the name of one of the
Leaves are large, full and smooth, ideal for
large-bladed leaves, lovely when added oldest melons known and, though it
adding to a sandwich.
to a mixed salad. Their size makes them once referred to a definitive type, years
perfect for window boxes or containers. of cultivation provided numerous
variations. Cucurbits of New York (1935)
50 SEEDS states that Green Nutmeg is one of
the earliest of these variations and
the description they offer matches the
one in the HSL Collection. When fully
ripe the fruits have yellowish-brown
skin with greenish-brown ‘netting’ and
soft-textured, juicy, pale green flesh with
a fantastic aroma. Does well in a cold
50 SEEDS frame or polytunnel, and outdoors in
warmer areas.
2021 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 13mustard - indian mustard - vietnamese onion
GUPTA’S INDIAN MR HONG’S ORGANIC BATUN ORGANIC
MUSTARD ORGANIC Vietnamese mustard can be stir-fried Limited Stock - This Russian variety
Although originally from India this has or mixed with other salad leaves. Worth forms clumps, similar to multiplier
been grown by our donor on the St growing for its flavour. It is sweet onions, of thumb-sized, purple tinged,
Mary’s Allotments in Leamington Spa – with a peppery kick, but not quite as crescent-shaped bulbs. Sow from
a multicultural hotch-potch of vegetable ferocious as winter mustards. Before spring through until early autumn;
growing. It is the most productive of the the flowers open the buds form tiny, this perennial variety can be left in the
Indian mustards trialled in our Sowing broccoli-like, lime green florets, which ground all year round and propagated
New Seeds project, producing large, are great for adding flavour and texture by allowing to seed (which it will in its
mild-flavoured leaves. to salads. second year) or by dividing the clumps.
The mild flavoured bulbs are ideal for
salads, soups and stir fries.
50 SEEDS
50 SEEDS 50 SEEDS
peas
BULLROYD BEAN PEA
10 SEEDS Our donor was given the seed by his
neighbour, who in turn had acquired
them from a past member of the
Bullroyd Allotment Association, Bradford
where the pea had been successfully
grown for many years. Dense plants
reach 1.5-1.8m in height, producing
pink and purple flowers and pods full of peas
large, tasty peas. Guardian Michael Blake
enjoyed their “old-fashioned” flavour and CLARKE’S BELTONY BLUE
found them particularly tasty in a pea Limited Stock - This heirloom variety
and cauliflower curry. has been grown on our donor’s great
grandfather’s farm in Co. Tyrone
since at least 1850 (but possibly as
10 SEEDS far back as 1815). This tall (around
160cm), prolific and vigorous pea
produces beautiful pale pink and rich
maroon flowers followed by a heavy
crop of purple pods. The peas have a
sweet and smooth flavour, becoming
even sweeter when cooked. Sow to
harvest 100 days (approx.)
10 SEEDS
10 SEEDS
CAMBRIDGE MULTIPOD
New for 2021. This variety dates back CARTERS BATTLESHIP
to at least 1945 and was sent by Allman ORGANIC
Brothers Ltd, Nurseries, to Wisley for trial New for 2021. Bred by British seedsmen
in 1947. A maincrop, dwarf variety growing Carters, of Raynes Park, London. The
to around 45cm in height. Produces white 1.5m plants produce masses of white
flowers and blunt, fibrous pods containing flowers followed by pods borne in pairs.
4-5 seeds in each. Wonderfully sweet Don’t let their relatively small size put
straight from the pod, and tasty when you off, they are packed with peas! Let
cooked too. us know what you think of the flavour.
14 Heritage Seed Library - 2021 Seed Listpeas
10 SEEDS 10 SEEDS 10 SEEDS
EPICURE
Thought to have been introduced in 1893
this vigorous pea can grow to 2-3m tall and GLADSTONE
carries large foliage, so will need sturdy Limited Stock. Syn. Maincrop Marrowfat.
supports. The large, blunt pods can be eaten This late, maincrop variety was bred and
as mangetout when immature, but are best introduced by WG Holmes in 1895. The
CUKOR BORSI KOSAI ORGANIC vigorous plants grow to about 1.2-1.5m
when the pods are just full, yielding large
New for 2021. One of the many varieties in height, are reliable and hardy and
sweet peas that freeze well.
donated by John Yeoman, the name show real drought resistance, no signs
of this variety translates from the of mildew either. White flowers are
Hungarian as sugar peas. It produces followed by long pods packed with very
medium-sized plants, 1-1.4m in height sweet, tender peas (8-11 per pod).
with white flowers and pods containing
up to 8 peas. Let us know what you think
of the flavour.
10 SEEDS
10 SEEDS
10 SEEDS
JEYES
HOLLAND Thought to have originated in Gayton, KENT BLUE
CAPUCIJNERS ORGANIC Northamptonshire and developed from Limited Stock - Our donor’s grandfather
Traditional pea unique to the farm Knights Tall Green Marrow. According to was given this pea in the 1940s in
communities of the Northern Peas of New York (1928) some seeds made Sevenoaks, Kent, and the family have
Netherlands. The name is derived their way to Northampton-based seed grown it ever since. Its attractive
from the Capuchin monks, who are merchant Messrs Jeyes, who marketed bicoloured flowers start off maroon/
said to have developed this type of the variety as Jeyes Conquerer. A tall pea pink, turning blue on maturing, and are
pea in the 1500s. This compact variety (1.8-2.1m) producing white flowers and followed by small, crisp, sweet pods,
(approximately 1m) has pretty, fragrant a heavy crop of large, sweet, solid peas perfect for eating as mangetout or
bicolour pink and violet flowers and tightly packed in their pods. Delicious allowing to develop a little more and
large, starchy peas, perfect for drying and fresh, but will also freeze very well, using as sweet fresh peas. Pauline Pears
using as mushy peas. maintaining their flavour. says, “The best pea I have ever grown.”
2021 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 15peas
10 SEEDS
10 SEEDS 10 SEEDS
LATVIAN LARGE GREY
LATVIAN ORGANIC CHRISTMAS PEA ORGANIC MAGNUM BONUM
Called ‘peleks zirnis’ in Latvian, meaning The term grey peas is given to older forms Our donor passed seed to HSL during the
‘grey peas’, this type of pea is grown of pea, and refers to those that can be 1980s as his friend’s family had grown
across Latvia and traditionally eaten with eaten fresh, without cooking. Originating in the variety in Devon for many years.
fried fatty pork and onions. Our sample Latvia and thought to be at least 100 years Dating back to at least 1845 this strong,
was brought back from Riga on a tourist old, this is a vigorous, tall and productive reliable and vigorous maincrop variety
coach! After soaking overnight use the pea. It has thick stems, large fleshy leaves grows to more than 2m in height and
dried peas as an alternative to chickpeas. and bicoloured purple flowers followed by produces an abundance of thick pods
The bicoloured flowers are particularly pods containing large, well flavoured peas. well-filled with large, juicy, sweet and
large and as attractive as ornamental Great fresh but also good for drying and flavoursome peas that can be picked
sweet peas. using as mushy peas or pease pudding. over several weeks.
10 SEEDS 10 SEEDS 10 SEEDS
MUMMY’S PEA
MR BETHELL’S This variety has been grown in Durweston,
MAYOR OF LEICESTER PURPLE PODDED near Blandford, Dorset for as long as local
New for 2021. Listed in Harrisons of This vigorous, tall pea (>2m) produces memory goes. There was a suggestion
Leicester Garden Seeds and Sundries bicoloured pink and maroon flowers that they originally were found in a tomb.
catalogue of 1919, who state “Height followed by large purple pods, easy There is thought to be a link between a
up to 3 feet. Highly Commended, Royal to find amid the light green foliage. If local landowning family (the Portmans)
Horticultural Society 1909”. Produces picked young the pods are delicious as and the 1922 expedition that unveiled
white, green-veined flowers followed by mangetout; when mature the peas taste Tutankhamun’s tomb. A tall (>1.5m), white
blunt, chunky green pods packed with deliciously sweet straight from the pod, flowered variety, producing well-filled
sweet, juicy peas. retaining their flavour when cooked. pods of sweet peas.
16 Heritage Seed Library - 2021 Seed Listpeas
10 SEEDS 10 SEEDS
10 SEEDS PURPLE POD
Donated by the Seed Savers Exchange,
Iowa, USA. A tall pea (>2m) producing
NUTTING’S BERNET HERO beautiful pale and dark pink bicoloured
New for 2021. Limited Stock - Thought flowers that are attractive enough for
to have been developed by Nutting and PARSLEY the ornamental border. Let us know
Sons Seed Merchants, who began trading An unusual variety with white flowers what you think of the flavour.
in London during the 1860s following and edible tendrils that resemble curled
the dissolving of Mr Nutting’s former parsley and are a perfect addition to salads.
partnership with fellow seedsman, Mr The plants grow up to a metre in height, 10 SEEDS
Flanagan. This ex-commercial variety but will need tying to pea sticks as the
produces compact (peas
TABLE TALK TINC A FLEUR BLANC ORGANIC VICTORIAN PURPLE
Our donor was given this by a Yorkshire New for 2021.This pea was part of a PODDED ORGANIC
relative in 1940. He has been growing it collection of seeds sent to us back in 2009 A tall pea (1.5-2m) producing beautiful
ever since. A vigorous, thick-stemmed pea, and believed to be an ex-commercial variety; pink and claret flowers followed by an
known to climb 2.4-3m (sturdy supports however, we have been able to find very little abundance of purple pods. The plants
are essential!), with attractive marbled information on the history of this variety. are vigorous and dense, but the pods
foliage and white flowers. Capable of Produces tall plants (>1.75m) and white stand out clearly, making picking easy.
producing a lot of peas in quite a small flowers followed by long, straight pods each Both beautiful and productive, the
area. Broad, pale green pods are filled containing 6-7 peas. perfect ‘edible ornamental’!
with extremely sweet peas, even when
mature. Also excellent for freezing.
10 SEEDS 10 SEEDS 10 SEEDS
peppers
LONG GREEN BUDDHA 15 SEEDS NARDELLO
Bushy, compact plants (up to 1m) This true Italian heirloom has been grown
produce white flowers followed by by the Nardello family since the 19th
12-20, long (9-12cm), conical fruits per century. The Nardellos took the pepper
plant. The name may be something of seeds with them to the USA in 1887, and
a misnomer as these fruits are at their when Jimmy Nardello passed away in
best when they are left to ripen to a 1983 some were donated to the Seed
bright and shiny red. Not for hot chilli Savers Exchange. Prolifically produces
lovers, but rich flavoured and productive slender, twisted fruits, slightly fatter than
and easy to grow. Sow to harvest 70 days chillies, that become very juicy and sweet
(approx.) when red. Perfect for roasting, frying,
making pasta sauce and in salads.
SOROR SAREK
Our donor picked up seeds of this variety in Croatia and passed on a sample to us. The
large, heart-shaped, crunchy fruits start off pale jade (white when cooked) changing
through pink, orange-red and eventually scarlet when mature; and produced in
abundance. Equally tasty cooked in stir fries and raw in salads.
15 SEEDS
15 SEEDS
18 Heritage Seed Library - 2021 Seed Listradish runner beans
60 SEEDS 60 SEEDS
BLACKPOD
This heirloom has been grown by our
donor’s family in Bridgnorth, Shropshire
for at least 100 years. It was passed to
her by her aunt, who still grew a few
beans in her garden when she was
in her 90s. The scarlet flowers and
violet/black seeds may not be unusual;
however, many of the short (≈20cm),
broad pods are tinged purple, growing
darker when mature. They are also
stringless when young.
10 SEEDS
FRENCH GOLDEN ORGANIC
CRIMSON GIANT ORGANIC Limited Stock - Noted as being quick to
Limited Stock - Dating back to around grow and slow to go woody. It produces
1910, this is a conventional-looking 5-8cm long radishes with ochre-coloured
radish, but with larger (3-4cm diameter), skin and crisp, mild-flavoured, white flesh.
round roots. The solid white flesh is firm,
crisp and mild. Hardy, attractive and quick
to mature, so perfect for successional
sowing. It is also reluctant to become
pithy or hollow, even when large. Sow to
harvest 29 days (approx.)
ERNIE COOPER
Limited Stock - Ernie Cooper claimed to
have bred this variety during the 1950s
or 1960s. It was passed to nurseryman,
Vincent Cooper, who eventually gave
60 SEEDS seeds to our donor. Mr Cooper claimed
that it produced pods up to 60cm in
RAT’S TAIL ORGANIC length! We didn’t quite achieve that, but
Limited Stock - Syn. Serpent’s Tail. Grown the plants were very productive and the
for its long edible seed pods rather than pods stringless.
its roots. Thrives in hot weather. First
mentioned in this country in Carter and 10 SEEDS
60 SEEDS Son’s Vade Mecum (which eventually
became known as their ‘Blue Books’)
HAILSTONE ORGANIC of 1868, which stated “It is a native of
Thought to date back to 1908, this fast- Java where it is known under the name
growing white variety is suitable for spring ‘Mongri’ or snake radish, and is much
or autumn growing. The globe-shaped, used in some parts of India for salading
white-skinned roots should be harvested etc”. Pick the pods at around 10-15cm
when they reach about 2.5cm in diameter. when they will be crisp and tender with
Produces firm, juicy flesh which stays crisp a strong, peppery flavour. Can be eaten
once harvested and has a mildly spicy fresh, cooked in stir fries or even pickled.
flavour. Seed to harvest 30 days.
60 SEEDS
WHITE TURNIP ORGANIC
The earliest reference we can find for
this radish is in Johnson’s Gardeners’
Dictionary of 1842; it also appeared in
John Forbes’ Catalogue of Vegetable and
Flower seeds in 1892. Produces slightly
flattened, globe-shaped white radishes
with excellent flavour. Fast growing. Let
us know what you think of this one.
2021 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 19runner beans
LUBENHAM MONTACUTE RUNNERS SUNSET ORGANIC
New for 2021. Our donor began New for 2021. Named after the village in The one and only, truly original pink-
developing this variety from Unwins Somerset, it is thought that this variety flowered runner bean, deleted from the
Enorma back in 1971, and it has been has been grown in the county since the National List in the early 2000s. While
grown in the village of Lubenham, late 19th century. Seed Guardian, Adam not the heaviest cropping or earliest of
Leicestershire, by himself and several Alexander, describes this as “a very fine varieties, ‘Sunset’ most certainly deserves
other residents, for more than 25 years. bean; heavy cropping and reliable with to be grown for its pink flowers. Add to
He recommends that the beans are good flavour.” Let us know what you think. this the crisp, succulent and stringless
sown direct on 14th May and harvested pods then we have a winner! This variety
regularly while the long, green pods are is now commercially available once more,
sweet and tender. so this will be the only time we include it
on the HSL Seed List.
10 SEEDS 10 SEEDS 10 SEEDS
shark fin melon sorrel spinach
5 SEEDS 100 SEEDS 50 SEEDS
KING OF DENMARK ORGANIC
An early Danish summer variety
originating in the early 20th century
and best known for not running to
seed in hot conditions, offering an
extended harvesting period. Produces
substantial plants with large, dark
green, thick and heavily crumpled
JOE DALGLEISH ORGANIC SHCHAVEL leaves with great flavour. Let us know
Widely used in South Central America A hardy, early, prolific and disease- what you think of this one.
and Asia, shark fin melon is so named free Russian variety (‘Shchavel’ means
because it is, traditionally, made into ‘sorrel’ in Russian). The succulent and
a broth that resembles shark fin soup. lemony-sharp leaves really lift a mixed Choose six varieties to receive
This variety produces 4 to 5 dark green salad, but it can also be used in sauces, for free as part of your
fruits per plant. These fruits have mild- soups, quiches and stir fries. A truly membership. Group HSL members
flavoured, cucumber-like flesh. multipurpose vegetable. can choose up to twelve.
20 Heritage Seed Library - 2021 Seed Listsquash
QUEENSLAND BLUE SUMMER SUN ORGANIC ZAPALLITO DE
(Cucurbita. maxima). Australian variety (C. pepo). Deserving of its name, this TOSCANA ORGANIC
dating back to at least 1930. Produces sprawling, bush type produces a (C. maxima). This is a bush, rather than
vigorous vines that can grow up to 8m proliferation of small, sunny yellow patty trailing, variety which reliably produces
so, as with all squash of this species, pans. The succulent, scalloped fruit, often fruit for the summer or winter use, as it
give them plenty of room to ramble. seen in expensive imported supermarket eventually develops a hard, waxy rind.
The deeply furrowed, blue fruits may packs, are excellent sliced and steamed The tennis ball sized, dark green to purple
show some variation (green-blue or and when mature make great individual fruits have orange flesh, which smells like
grey-blue), which is usual for the variety. stuffed dishes. Cheers up the veg patch no melon but has a more savoury flavour.
This contrasts superbly with the vivid end! This variety returned to the National
orange flesh. Perfect for stuffing, and List in 2020 and will be commercially
great in soups or boiled and mashed available again, so this is the last time we
with butter. This variety is now widely will be offering it.
commercially available, so this will be its
last appearance in the HSL Seed List.
3 SEEDS 3 SEEDS 3 SEEDS
swede sweetcorn
GUL SVENSK ORGANIC KELPER GIGANTIC ORGANIC RAINBOW SWEET INCA
Translated means “yellow Swedish”; this Limited Stock - Originally from Stanley, Limited Stock - Developed by
very old variety, commercially available Falkland Islands, but passed to HSL pioneering plant breeder and founder
since the 1800s, was lost during the via Chase Organics who thought the of Peace Seeds, Dr Alan Kapuler, during
1960s, but the Swedish Seed Savers, variety would be of interest to us. It the 1970s in southern Oregon, USA.
SESAM, have conserved it since then. The has been grown in Stanley since the Alan selected for coloured kernels,
yellow roots are green-topped and have 1940s, always organically, and it is then for shorter plants (up to 2.5m).
a slightly oval shape. Found to have good believed that they were originally The ears contain kernels of yellow, red,
resistance to club root. supplied by Bees Seeds, Liverpool. It purple and blue. Can be eaten young
produces round bicoloured roots with as sweetcorn, or left to mature and
crisp, orange-yellow flesh. used for tortilla flour or in soups.
30 SEEDS
50 SEEDS 50 SEEDS
2021 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 21tomato - red varieties
ARARAT FLAMED ORGANIC BEST OF ALL ORGANIC CAVENDISH ORGANIC
Limited Stock - Indeterminate. Cordon. Indeterminate. Cordon. Originally known Limited Stock - Indeterminate. Cordon.
Originally from Debrecen in Hungary this as ‘Sutton’s Best of All’, it was introduced An ex-commercial variety available in
variety is known as Ararat Geflammte, by Suttons in 1895 and was available the 1950s. Comments from the donor
‘geflammte’ meaning ‘flamed’ in German. commercially until the late 1980s. It is and our Seed Guardians make us wonder
When unripe the fruits are clearly flamed thought that it was used to develop the what it must have done wrong to be
with dark green around their tops. This popular ex-commercial variety ‘Potentate’. dropped from the National List! A strong
becomes less visible once they have Donated by Michael Ritchie, who keenly and heavy cropper; the fruits are dark red
ripened to a deep red. A heavy cropper pursued the variety and acquired seed and around 5-6cm in diameter and when
with good-sized, tasty fruits. directly from Suttons, on our behalf. It fully ripe have a delicious, rich tomatoey
produces round, red tomatoes 5-7cm in flavour. Great fresh but also perfect for
diameter and in their catalogue of 1938 using in stews, casseroles and soups.
20 SEEDS Suttons described it as “an immense
cropper... excellent for culture indoors or 20 SEEDS
in the open.”
20 SEEDS
PEACEVINE CHERRY PEREMOGA RUSSIAN RED ORGANIC
Indeterminate. Cordon. This American Indeterminate. Cordon. This early variety, Indeterminate. Cordon. This tomato was
variety was bred by Dr Alan Kapuler, Yale originally from Estonia, produces large, bred in New Zealand in 1943, where it
graduate, sustainability champion and bright red, irregularly shaped, juicy became the most popular ‘home grown’
founder of Peace Seeds, Oregon. It has a tomatoes with a tangy flavour and few variety. Hardy and productive, yielding
very high amino acid content which has a seeds. Some fruits can reach 500g (1lb) large trusses of more than six, scarlet-
reported calming effect, hence the name in weight, so plants will require sturdy red, round, medium-sized fruits. This
‘Peacevine’. It also contains high levels of supports. A number of HSL members found variety performed well in our taste tests,
Vitamin C. Produces long tresses of bright that this variety shows some resistance to being described as “rich, sweet & tasty”,
red fruit, about 2-3cm in diameter with a blight. “firm, but juicy” and “lovely home grown
delicious sweet and tangy flavour. Good taste”; let us know what you think. If
blight resistance too. seed saving isolate from other tomatoes
20 SEEDS that have flowers with protruding stigma.
20 SEEDS 20 SEEDS
PIGEON EGG ORGANIC
New for 2021. Indeterminate. Cordon. This variety was passed to us
by the Seed Savers Exchange (SSE), Iowa, USA, in 1992. As we have
very little information regarding the history of this tomato, we have
not offered this variety before. However, SSE no longer conserve it
and we are its sole guardians, so we thought it was time to share it
with you! Produces generous trusses of 8 or 9 golf-ball sized, round,
red fruits. Let us know what you think of the flavour.
20 SEEDS
22 Heritage Seed Library - 2021 Seed Listtomato - red varieties tomato - yellow varieties
MORDEN YELLOW ORGANIC
20 SEEDS 20 SEEDS
Determinate. Bush. This tomato was
the first vegetable to be introduced
by the Morden Experimental Station,
Manitoba, Canada. It was selected in
1932 as a cross of Bestal and Round
Smooth, but not named Morden until
1942; both parents of this variety were
red, unlike their offspring. The fruits are
slightly ribbed and golden yellow, often
TEXAS WILD ORGANIC with a slightly pinkish blush at the
Determinate. Bush. This variety was first blossom end, becoming orange if left to
cultivated in the 1900s, allegedly from mature on the vine. They have excellent
a patch of wild tomatoes growing in flavour; mild, sweet and very tasty.
southern Texas, USA. Produces sprawling
bushes that appear to crop better if kept
in pots rather than grown in the ground,
where they tend to produce foliage at WHIPPERSNAPPER ORGANIC
the expense of fruits. The abundant Determinate. Bush. Commercially available
crop of small, red, sweet-flavoured fruits until the 1980s, this very early variety
is perfect in salads, or just eaten fresh. produces sprawling, but compact, plants
Grows well outdoors or under glass. perfect for containers or hanging baskets.
Yields an abundance of attractive, small,
oval, pinkish-red fruit with a fabulous
20 SEEDS
sweet flavour. 20 SEEDS
20 SEEDS SUNRAY GOLD
Indeterminate. Cordon. Thought to date
back to before 1950, the seeds came to
us in a packet from White Rose Seeds,
Unionville, Ontario, Canada. Vigorous
plants need little space to produce a
large crop, on trusses so heavy that they
may require some support. The huge,
golden-yellow, round, slightly ribbed
WLADECK’S fruits can weigh more than 500g each
Indeterminate. Cordon. Originally brought and are perfect fresh for slicing, in
from Poland after WWII by our donor’s salads and also tasty when cooked.
neighbour, Wladeck Neitzgoda, and WILD TOMATE 1
named after him. This prolific variety COLUMBIANUM ORGANIC
can be grown outdoors or under glass. Determinate. Bush. Donated by Arche
The heavy trusses require ingenuity to Noah, an organisation similar to our own
support. Produces large beefsteak-type based in Austria. A tumbling type with
fruits with fantastic flavour and aroma. small, red, round fruits with a pointed
Great for slicing in salads, but also cooks blossom end. Produces around 15 soft,
well and makes delicious soup. If seed juicy, sweet and fruity tomatoes per truss.
saving isolate from other tomatoes that Let us know what you think of this variety. 20 SEEDS
have flowers with protruding stigma. Will grow outside or under glass.
tomato - yellow varieties
ESTONIAN YELLOW
MINI CHERRY
Indeterminate. Cordon. Our donor obtained
the seed from an elderly Russian lady at
the covered market outside Tallinn, Estonia.
We found it to be high yielding and visually
quite spectacular. It produces flowers in
clusters that look like golden chandeliers,
giving rise to a profusion of small, bright
yellow, sweet and thin-skinned fruit that,
20 SEEDS reportedly, “Taste like sunshine!”.
2021 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 23You can also read
