{"title":"Staff Pick","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"top-pick-brown-crowder-cow-pea","title":"Top Pick Brown Crowder Cowpea","description":"\u003cp\u003eTop Pick Brown Crowder is an open-pollinated variety of cowpea that produces large quantities of long pink pods each containing 14 to 16 brown peas.  Like all crowder peas, the seeds tend to run out of space as they fill out, leading the seeds to develop a squared-off shape.  Plants offer an amazing yield in a small amount of space and best of all, the pods are set on top of the plant which is a real relief on the gardener's back. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrown Crowder peas have a smooth texture and a satisfying, hearty flavor.  They are perfect for cooking up with ham, bacon or salt pork and your favorite vegetables.  Even northern gardeners will delight in the easy-to-grow nature, excellent yield and delightful flavor of this southern favorite.  If you've yet to discover the joy of growing cowpeas, this might be the year to give our brown crowder pea seeds a try! Harvests begin approximately 75 to 85 days after sowing.  Each packet contains a minimum of 50 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Top Pick Brown Crowder","offers":[{"title":"Packet (50 Seeds)","offer_id":44074836754681,"sku":"CO-00-006","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4oz Bulk (~640 Seeds)","offer_id":44090063618297,"sku":"CO-00-006BULK","price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/top-pick-brown-crowder-cowpea-seeds-42936991252729.jpg?v=1726268912"},{"product_id":"lacinato","title":"Lacinato Dinosaur Kale (Nero di Toscana)","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Nero di Toscana or dinosaur kale, Lacinato is an Italian variety dating back to the eighteenth century that produces long, wrinkly leaves with a distinct deep blue color.  Lacinato has become our favorite kale variety, owing to the color, texture, and flavor of its leaves, however we have noticed that cabbage worms also seem to prefer them over other kale varieties.  Therefore, organic gardeners should note that this variety will require a little extra attention.  On our farm, we have shifted to only producing this variety under a row cover.  60 days to harvest.  Each packet contains a minimum of 100 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lacinato","offers":[{"title":"Packet (100 Seeds)","offer_id":44071600062713,"sku":"KA-00-004","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/lacinato-kale-seeds-39361558118649.jpg?v=1700325615"},{"product_id":"golden-acre","title":"Golden Acre Cabbage","description":"\u003cp\u003eGolden Acre cabbage is a popular variety of cabbage that produces round, tightly packed heads with tender, sweet leaves. This early-maturing variety typically reaches maturity in just 60 days, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a fast harvest. The heads are typically 5-7 inches in diameter, a convenient size for cooking and storing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe origin of the Golden Acre cabbage can be traced back to the United States in the early 1920s. This variety was first introduced by the D. M. Ferry \u0026amp; Co. seed company, which was based in Detroit, Michigan. The variety was bred to be both early-maturing and disease-resistant, making it an ideal choice for home gardeners and farmers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToday, Early Golden Acre remains a popular choice among gardeners, thanks to its delicious taste, reliable performance, and easy-to-grow nature. The seeds can be planted in the spring or fall and thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of sun. Once harvested, Early Golden Acre cabbage can be used in a variety of dishes, from slaws to stir-fries to soups.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Early Golden Acre","offers":[{"title":"Packet (100 Seeds)","offer_id":44071535083769,"sku":"CA-00-006","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/early-golden-acre-cabbage-seeds-39268091429113.jpg?v=1700322732"},{"product_id":"chantenay","title":"Chantenay Carrot","description":"\u003cp\u003eChantenay is an heirloom carrot variety dating back to the 1830's produces stocky roots with broad shoulders and deep orange color.  Tops are large and healthy, and roots have excellent, sweet flavor that makes them perfect for juicing.  Chantenay's two to three-inch-wide, tapered roots tolerate compacted soils better than Nantes-type carrots.  Chantenay carrots will be ready to harvest roughly 70 days after sowing.  Approximately 150 seeds per packet.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chantenay","offers":[{"title":"Packet (150 Seeds)","offer_id":44070984155385,"sku":"CA-00-009","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/chantenay-carrot-seeds-39540207616249.jpg?v=1700350271"},{"product_id":"boston-pickling","title":"Boston Pickling Cucumber","description":"\u003cp\u003eBoston Pickling is a popular heirloom cucumber dating back to 1877.  Vigorous vines produce a bounty of three to seven-inch-long cucumbers with a nice uniform shape and smooth, green skins.  Boston Pickling cucumbers have an excellent flavor and crispness making them perfect for pickling.  They are also one of our favorite varieties to use for making cucumber and onion salad.  55 days to harvest.  25 seeds per packet.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Boston Pickling","offers":[{"title":"Packet (25 Seeds)","offer_id":44070739640569,"sku":"CU-00-006","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/products\/boston-pickling-cucumber-seeds-37844929675513.jpg?v=1700337316"},{"product_id":"roma-ii","title":"Roma II Bean","description":"\u003cp\u003eRoma II is a popular Italian green bean variety that produces heavy, continuous yields of 5 to 6-inch flattened pods.  Released in 1978 as a more reliable and disease resistant strain of the original Roma bean, Roma II features compact, bush-type plants perform well under a variety of conditions.  Although usually quite bushy in nature, some have reported that Roma II bush beans can develop short runners under certain environmental conditions.  We have yet to experience this, and it reportedly occurs very rarely, but it is a known phenomenon for this variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso, note that this variety germinates more slowly than other bush beans.  It also resents cool, wet soil.  Do not pre-soak the seeds.  Do not plant until nighttime temps consistently exceed 50 degrees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn terms of flavor, Roma beans are among the most flavorful we've grown.  Their stringless, pale green pods can grow quite large without getting stringy or fibrous and they are renowned for their ability to retain their flavor even after being cooked.  We love to sauté them in olive oil, adding a splash of soy sauce and some garlic powder just before serving.  Harvests begin approximately 58 days after sowing.  Each packet contains a minimum of 50 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Roma II","offers":[{"title":"Packet (50 Seeds)","offer_id":44071986069753,"sku":"BE-SN-014","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4oz Bulk (~220 Seeds)","offer_id":44724743241977,"sku":"BE-SN-014BULK","price":8.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/roma-ii-bush-snap-green-bean-seeds-42936884822265.jpg?v=1726319254"},{"product_id":"hayes-white-sweet-corn","title":"Hayes White Sweet Corn","description":"\u003cp\u003eIf you are looking for an heirloom sweet corn with modern sweet corn quality, look no further.  Hayes White is an open-pollinated sweet corn developed by Dr. H.K. Hayes of Minnesota State University in the 1930's.  According to Dr. Hayes, seed from a \"very tender, white endosperm, open-pollinated variety of unknown origin\" was obtained from his brother H.M. Hayes, of Granby, Connecticut who had been growing it for many years.  Dr. Hayes continued to select for tenderness by testing with a penetrometer at 20 days after pollination and saving the ears with the most tender kernels.  The resulting line required 40% less pressure to puncture the kernels, when compared to Golden Bantam, and was the basis for the breeding of many subsequent sweet corn varieties, including the famous \"Silver Queen\" hybrid.  Early maturing plants grow just 3-4' tall, making them an excellent choice for small gardens.  Plants produce two harvestable ears per plant.  60-75 days to harvest.  50 seeds per packet.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hayes White","offers":[{"title":"Packet (50 Seeds)","offer_id":44071578829049,"sku":"CO-SW-005","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/hayes-white-sweet-corn-seeds-1199350432.jpg?v=1761244260"},{"product_id":"buhl-sweet-corn","title":"Buhl Sweet Corn","description":"\u003cp\u003eBuhl is an heirloom sweet corn that produces well-filled, golden ears average 14-16 rows around.  Maintained by Sandhill Preservation Center since the early 1980s, Buhl produces a kernel that is sweeter and more tender than many of the yellow varieties we've tried.  Plants consistently produce two ears per plant.  An excellent variety for the home gardener.  Approximately 65 days to harvest.  Each packet contains a minimum of 50 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Buhl","offers":[{"title":"Packet (50 Seeds)","offer_id":44070758744313,"sku":"CO-SW-007","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/products\/buhl-heirloom-sweet-corn-seeds-38685451124985.jpg?v=1700332808"},{"product_id":"superschmelz-giant-kohlrabi","title":"Superschmelz Giant White Kohlrabi","description":"\u003cp\u003eSuperschmelz Kohlrabi is a remarkable heirloom kohlrabi variety prized for producing exceptionally large, smooth, pale green bulbs with crisp, snow-white interiors. Often referred to as a giant kohlrabi, Superschmelz lives up to its name—translated from German as “super melt”—thanks to its famously tender, succulent texture that remains smooth and never woody, even at impressive sizes. This dependable white kohlrabi is a standout in both the garden and the kitchen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many varieties that become tough as they grow, Superschmelz maintains its delicate bite and mild, slightly sweet flavor well beyond the typical harvest size. The flesh is juicy and crisp, often compared to a blend of tender turnip and mild broccoli stem. Bulbs may be harvested when they reach 3 inches in diameter, but can grow significantly larger while still retaining their signature tenderness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEasy to grow and rewarding to harvest, this heirloom kohlrabi matures in approximately 55–60 days and performs best in cool weather. Superschmelz is ideal for slicing fresh into salads, roasting, sautéing, or adding to soups and stir-fries. Each packet contains a minimum of 150 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Superschmelz Giant","offers":[{"title":"Packet (150 Seeds)","offer_id":44072047444217,"sku":"KO-00-003","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/products\/superschmelz-giant-white-kohlrabi-seeds-38910088446201.jpg?v=1700329392"},{"product_id":"waltham-29-broccoli","title":"Waltham 29 Broccoli","description":"\u003cp\u003eWaltham 29 is an open-pollinated broccoli variety bred by the Agricultural Research Station in Waltham, Massachusetts and released in 1951.  Bred to be a fall cropping variety, Waltham 29 performs best when planted in mid to late summer so that it will mature just as the first frosts arrive.  It can, however, be grown in the spring so long as it is planted early enough to mature before the summer heat sets in.  Plants produce 4 to 8-inch central heads followed by numerous side shoots.  Approximately 90 days to harvest.  Each packet contains a minimum of 100 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Waltham 29","offers":[{"title":"Packet (100 Seeds)","offer_id":44074848551161,"sku":"BR-00-004","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/waltham-29-broccoli-seeds-39367395148025.jpg?v=1700323992"},{"product_id":"ping-tung-long-eggplant","title":"Ping Tung Long Eggplant","description":"\u003cp\u003ePing Tung is an heirloom variety of eggplant originating from Taiwan.  Plants produce excellent yields of shiny, purple fruit that reach up to 18 inches in length and 2 inches wide.  Unique fruit have glossy skins that turn purple when exposed to sunlight, sometimes leading to a beautiful bi-colored pattern when there is enough canopy cover to shade out one side of the developing fruit.   Ping Tung eggplant has a tender, sweet flavor and can be eaten raw, steamed, baked, or roasted.  Matures approximately 70-75 days after transplant.  Each packet contains a minimum of 25 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ping Tung Long","offers":[{"title":"Packet (25 Seeds)","offer_id":44071941636345,"sku":"EG-00-012","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/ping-tung-long-eggplant-seeds-39822350221561.jpg?v=1746633417"},{"product_id":"tennessee-spinning-gourd","title":"Tennessee Spinning Gourd","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlso known as Dancing Gourd, the Tennessee Spinning Gourd is a fun and easy-to-grow variety that produces striped, green, bottle-shaped gourds averaging 2 to 3 inches tall.  It is reported that in the old days, children would carry these little gourds in their pockets, sometimes sneaking them into school to spin on their desks.  In fact, in an 1809 letter from Thomas Jefferson to his granddaughter, Ann, the former president mentions a gift for her younger sister Mary, \"the minutest gourd ever seen.\"  A picture of the small gourd is sketched in the margin.  Vining plants grow vigorously, producing dozens of gourds from a single hill.  Unlike some of the larger gourds, these little guys are very easy to cure.  Just leave them alone until completely dry.  A must-have for children's gardens.  Each packet contains a minimum of 25 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tennessee Spinning","offers":[{"title":"Packet (25 Seeds)","offer_id":44072056717561,"sku":"GO-00-004","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/tennessee-spinning-gourd-seeds-39665110089977.jpg?v=1700363582"},{"product_id":"beit-alpha-cucumber","title":"Beit Alpha Persian Cucumber","description":"\u003cp\u003eSometimes called Lebanese or Persian Cucumber, Beit Alpha is a Middle Eastern cucumber variety prized for its thin skins, crisp texture and wonderfully sweet flavor.  Bred at a kibbutz farm in Israel, the Beit Alpha was selected for its ability to endure extreme heat and drought, producing large crops of cucumbers in even the harshest climates.  Now becoming a mainstay in gardens and greenhouses around the world, the Beit Alpha cucumber has proven itself as not just an excellent producer, but quite possibly one of the best tasting cucumbers around, with a level of sweetness seldom achieved by other cucumber varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeit Alpha is a parthenocarpic cucumber, which means that it does not require pollination for fruit initiation.  This is a particularly useful trait for scenarios where pollinators are absent, such as in greenhouses or indoor hydroponic setups, but it is also beneficial for gardeners who might have a less-than-ideal pollinator population.  What's more, Beit Alpha is gynecious, meaning that the predominant number of its flowers are female, which leads to a larger yield of cucumbers.  Home gardeners often tout the ability of Beit Alpha to produce a half-dozen cucumbers seemingly overnight.  Taken together with their vigorous, easy-to-grow nature, these are just a few of the reasons Beit Alpha makes such a good cucumber variety for beginning gardeners and those working in challenging environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs far as flavor goes, Beit Alpha is a standout.  A truly burpless variety— for those of us who suffer from this embarrassing affliction— Beit Alpha features thin skins that don't require peeling and a delicious, sweet flavor without the slightest hint of bitterness.  Its firm texture and satisfying crunch make it a great dual-purpose variety for both slicing and pickling, but our favorite way to eat them is as mini cucumbers, when their sweetness and crunch are at their peak.  Plus, it's a great way to stay ahead of the massive yields.  All in all, whether you're looking for a parthenocarpic cucumber for growing in your aerogarden or just a great tasting, fuss-free cucumber for the home garden, our Beit Alpha cucumber seeds are a good way to go.  Harvests begin approximately 55 days after sowing.  Each packet contains a minimum of 25 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Beit Alpha (Persian)","offers":[{"title":"Packet (25 Seeds)","offer_id":44503867425017,"sku":"CU-00-013","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/beit-alpha-persian-cucumber-seeds-42937245040889.jpg?v=1726262607"},{"product_id":"calima-bean","title":"Calima Bean","description":"\u003cp\u003eCalima is an open-pollinated French filet bean that produces early, heavy loads of long, slender beans with a sweet and delicate green bean flavor that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.  If you are looking for an easy-to-grow, high-yielding, delicious bean, Calima is it.  Vigorous, bush-type plants produce early yields of slim, stringless beans that are exceptionally tender and almost always stringless.  What's more, the beans are held high on the plant, so they develop straight and are kept virtually free of dirt and grime.  We really couldn't have more good things to say about this variety...except that they're also drought tolerant and in 2024, were the healthiest, most disease-free variety in our trials.  Okay, that's it.  Calima matures 50 to 55 days after sowing.  Each packet contains a minimum of 50 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Calima","offers":[{"title":"Packet (50 Seeds)","offer_id":45815314284793,"sku":"BE-SN-041","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4oz Bulk (~450 Seeds)","offer_id":46463123554553,"sku":"BE-SN-041BULK","price":10.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/calima-bean-seeds-44610807955705.jpg?v=1734389713"},{"product_id":"painted-serpent-cucumber","title":"Painted Serpent Cucumber","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Painted Serpent cucumber is not actually a cucumber at all, but rather a melon of the \u003cem\u003eCucumis melo\u003c\/em\u003e species.  Nevertheless, this delicious imposter will have your dinner guests raving about its tender sweetness and unique appearance.  We love this variety for two reasons: 1. They're slender \u003cem\u003eand\u003c\/em\u003e long, so you can slice them up small without having to harvest a whole bunch of them and 2.  When sliced, they mimic that fancy peeling technique we all want to do but never have time for.  In fact, whenever we bring them to parties, I always feel the need to explain that they grow that way, lest someone think that I actually have it \u003cem\u003ethat\u003c\/em\u003e together.  I don't.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSometimes known as Striped Armenian cucumbers, Painted Cucumbers grow on wandering vines that can reach up to 8 feet in length, so plan on giving them plenty of space, or trellising.  The cucumbers will grow up to 3 feet long but are best harvested at 12-18\" long.  If left on the ground, they will curve or take on an \"S\" shape, similar to a snake, as their name suggests.  If you want straight ones, grow them vertically.  Painted Serpent matures approximately 60-65 days after sowing.  Each packet contains a minimum of 25 seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Painted Serpent","offers":[{"title":"Packet (25 Seeds)","offer_id":46060247220473,"sku":"CU-AR-002","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/painted-serpent-cucumber-seeds-45106268700921.jpg?v=1737327317"},{"product_id":"purple-of-sicily-cauliflower","title":"Purple of Sicily Cauliflower","description":"\u003cp\u003ePurple of Sicily is an heirloom purple cauliflower variety prized for its sweet flavor, striking color, and vigorous, insect-resistant plants. Broad, blue-green leaves surround large, domed heads of brilliant violet-purple that turn a light green when cooked. Pictures just don't do justice to their vibrant color, especially when heads are harvested at peak maturity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter years of unsuccessful attempts at growing heirloom cauliflower, Purple of Sicily was the first we found that could thrive in our tough Midwestern climate, shrugging off pests and powering through quick swings between cold and heat. It's a forgiving variety that grows well in both spring and fall, tolerating cold snaps and producing beautiful heads even in less-than-perfect conditions. Plants are stout and vigorous, making it a natural choice for both raised beds and large containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flavor is exceptional—mild, sweet, and almost nutty, with a tender texture that’s perfect for fresh eating, steaming, or roasting. Our kids love the brilliant color and will often fight over the purple florets at snack time. Note that once heads begin forming, they develop quickly, so keep a close watch to harvest at peak maturity, lest they become loose in form.  They're still delicious at this stage, though.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll-in-all, whether you’re planting a spring or fall garden, growing in beds or big pots, Purple of Sicily is a standout performer—and a showstopper on the plate.  Grow this heirloom cauliflower and you won't be disappointed.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Purple of Sicily","offers":[{"title":"Packet (100 Seeds)","offer_id":46449177919737,"sku":"CF-00-004","price":3.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/4450\/files\/purple-of-sicily-cauliflower-seeds-1194566807.jpg?v=1758738651"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.threshseed.com\/collections\/staff-pick.oembed?page=2","provider":"Thresh Seed Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}