Green Globe Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) is a historic heirloom variety renowned for producing heavy yields of large, globe-shaped flower buds with thick, fleshy scales and a delicious, buttery heart. Featuring architectural silvery-green, deeply lobed foliage, it forms an impressive ornamental plant that doubles as a prized culinary delicacy. Grown as a perennial in mild climates or as a heavy-yielding annual in northern regions, it brings magnificent structure, edible luxury, and pollinator-friendly purple blooms if flower heads are left to open.
Arugula 'Rucola' (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa), also known as Rocket or Roquette, is a traditional open-pollinated Italian heirloom prized for its fast growth, deep green lobed leaves, and distinct peppery flavor. Growing into compact rosettes 8 to 12 inches tall, it produces tender, deeply cut foliage packed with rich, nutty, pungent flavor. Highly valued in Mediterranean cuisine, Rucola adds a sharp gourmet kick to fresh salads, pizzas, pestos, and pasta dishes. Exceptionally easy to cultivate during cool spring and autumn weather, it is a garden essential for continuous salad harvests.
Adzuki Beans (Vigna angularis) are a prized Asian heirloom legume famous for their small, ruby-red seeds with a distinctly sweet, nutty flavor. A staple in Japanese, Chinese, and East Asian cuisine, they are most famously simmered into sweet red bean paste (anko), added to hearty soups, or sprouted as fresh, nutrient-dense microgreens. Compact, bush-type plants produce high yields of slender pods that dry evenly for easy harvesting.
Bean 'Fava Broad Windsor' (Vicia faba) is an ancient open-pollinated heirloom dating back centuries in European horticulture. Renowned for its extreme cold hardiness, rich nutty flavor, and substantial yields, this upright variety produces sturdy, thick-stemmed stalks 3 to 4 feet in height. In early spring, fragrance-rich white blossoms with distinct black spots yield heavy clusters of broad, green 6- to 8-inch pods. Inside, large, thick, pale green to creamy-tan beans offer a buttery texture prized by chefs for fresh summer sautes, spring pestos, soups, and traditional Mediterranean dishes.
Lima Bean 'Fordhook 242' (Phaseolus lunatus) is a famous open-pollinated heirloom bush lima bean and a historic All-America Selections winner. Renowned for its exceptional heat resistance and heavy yields, this variety thrives where other limas fail during scorching summer spells. Growing into sturdy, upright bushes 16 to 24 inches tall, it produces thick, heavy pods containing 3 to 4 large, plump, pale-green seeds. Often referred to as a "butterbean," Fordhook 242 features a rich, buttery flavor and smooth, tender texture. It is a prized choice for fresh summer side dishes, freezing, canning, and winter storage.
Bean 'French Horticultural' (Phaseolus vulgaris), often known as Dwarf Horticultural or Speckled Cranberry, is a historic open-pollinated heirloom prized for its versatile dual-purpose harvests and striking colorful pods. Growing into compact, sturdy bushes 18 to 24 inches tall, it produces heavy clusters of 5- to 6-inch pods. Early in the season, young flat green pods can be harvested as fresh snap beans. As they mature, the pods turn a stunning cream color heavily splashed with deep red-carmine streaks. Inside, the plump, oval beans feature a matching red-and-tan speckled pattern, offering a rich, chestnut-like flavor and buttery texture ideal for fresh shell bean dishes, slow-cooked soups, and long-term winter dry storage.
Bean 'Light Red Kidney' (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a historic open-pollinated heirloom prized worldwide for its reliable yields, rich flavor, and outstanding culinary versatility. Growing as a sturdy, compact bush 18 to 24 inches tall, it requires no trellising or support structures. The plants produce heavy yields of long green pods housing large, kidney-shaped seeds that mature to an attractive, soft light-pinkish red. Renowned for holding its firm texture and shape during long cooking times, Light Red Kidney is the essential bean for traditional chili, minestrone, slow-cooked stews, rice dishes, and long-term dry pantry storage.
Bean 'Pencil Pod Black Wax' (Phaseolus vulgaris) is an esteemed open-pollinated heirloom bush bean introduced in the early 20th century. Renowned for its heavy yields, excellent disease resistance, and outstanding flavor, this variety produces compact, bushy plants 15 to 20 inches tall. The vines yield high quantities of straight, round, 5- to 6-inch slender golden-yellow pods. True to its name, the pods have a tender, stringless, waxy texture and house jet-black seeds inside. Delivering a sweet, mild flavor and satisfying crunch, Pencil Pod Black Wax is a garden favorite for fresh summer side dishes, crisp salads, freezing, and home canning.
A beloved standard, Blue Lake Pole Beans produce heavy yields of tender, stringless 6-inch pods with exceptional, sweet green bean flavor. Growing on climbing vines that produce continuously until frost, they offer superior production per square foot compared to bush varieties. Perfect for fresh garden meals, home canning, and freezing without losing their crisp texture.
Bean 'French Climbing' (Phaseolus vulgaris), often grown as Haricot Vert pole bean varieties, is a classic open-pollinated heirloom prized for its slender pods, delicate texture, and continuous summer yields. Growing as a vigorous climbing vine reaching 6 to 8 feet in height, it yields abundant clusters of straight, round, stringless dark green pods measuring 6 to 8 inches long. The tender pods feature a sweet, nutty flavor profile with crisp, delicate flesh that remains tender even as seeds mature. Ideal for trellises, tepees, and vertical garden setups, French Climbing beans are perfect for fresh steaming, sautéing in butter, blanching, and freezing.
Bean 'Kentucky Wonder' (Phaseolus vulgaris), originally introduced in the mid-19th century as Old Homestead, is one of the most famous open-pollinated heirloom pole beans in history. Renowned for its extraordinary vigor, heavy productivity, and extended harvest window, this climbing variety reaches 6 to 8 feet in height on trellises, fences, or tepees. It produces generous clusters of 7- to 9-inch silvery-green pods that are thick, meaty, and slightly curved. Best harvested young when stringless, Kentucky Wonder pods deliver a rich, distinctive "bean-y" flavor that remains unmatched for fresh steaming, boiling, canning, or freezing throughout the summer.
Pole Bean Scarlet Runner (Phaseolus coccineus) is a centuries-old heirloom classic first documented in the early 1600s, celebrated for its stunning dual-purpose beauty. Producing vigorous, climbing vines that rapidly reach 8 to 12 feet in height, it is adorned with clusters of vibrant, fiery scarlet-red flowers that serve as a major magnet for hummingbirds and bees. Following the spectacular floral display, it yields abundant crops of long, tender green pods that can be harvested young as snap beans, shelled fresh, or allowed to dry for striking, dark purple-and-black mottled dry beans. A garden classic that seamlessly combines high ornamental value with productive culinary yields.
Bean 'Provider' (Phaseolus vulgaris) is a legendary open-pollinated heirloom bush bean widely celebrated for its dependability, heavy yields, and early maturity. Adaptable to cool spring soils, it germinates reliably where other varieties struggle, producing compact, upright bushes 16 to 20 inches tall. The plants produce heavy clusters of round, smooth, fleshy dark green pods measuring 5 to 6 inches long. Easy to pick and stringless, Provider offers a crisp texture and rich, classic green bean flavor. It is an exceptional choice for early fresh market harvesting, home gardens, freezing, and canning.
Soybean Edamame 'Midori Giant' (Glycine max) is an outstanding, open-pollinated heirloom specialty vegetable bred specifically for early harvests and large, plump green pods. Growing into sturdy, compact bush plants that reach 20 to 24 inches in height, it produces heavy yields of rich green pods, typically containing 2 to 3 large, buttery seeds per pod. Celebrated for its sweet, nutty flavor profile and high protein content, Midori Giant matures earlier than most traditional edamame varieties, making it ideal for northern growing zones and shorter summer windows. Harvested while the pods are young, tender, and bright green, it is an essential garden crop for steaming, boiling, freezing, and fresh snacking.
Beet Bull's Blood (Beta vulgaris) is a famous heirloom variety dating back to 1840, celebrated worldwide for its stunning, deep reddish-purple to near-black foliage and sweet, earthy roots. Renowned as the premier variety for microgreens and baby leaf salad mixes, its leaves maintain their rich dark color even under summer heat. Beneath the striking canopy, it produces tender, round, dark crimson roots with attractive lighter zoning when sliced. A magnificent dual-purpose crop, it adds dramatic contrast to garden beds while delivering sweet, nutrient-rich roots and salad greens.
Beet 'Cylindra' (Beta vulgaris), also known as Formanova or Butter Slicer, is an outstanding Danish open-pollinated heirloom prized for its unique cylindrical roots and tender texture. Unlike standard globe-shaped beets, Cylindra produces long, smooth, uniform roots growing 6 to 9 inches in length with a slender diameter of 1.5 to 2 inches. The dark reddish-purple skin encases sweet, fine-grained, deep crimson flesh free of woody rings. Because of its cylindrical shape, every slice yields uniform, round pieces, making it an absolute favorite for home canning, pickling, roasting, slicing fresh into salads, and harvesting tender, sweet young greens.
Detroit Dark Red Beet (Beta vulgaris) is the gold standard of heirloom beets, famous for its smooth, perfectly globe-shaped roots and rich, dark crimson flesh. Developed in Ontario, Canada in 1892, this classic variety delivers an exceptionally sweet, earthy flavor with a tender, non-woody texture. Offering a dual harvest of sweet, nutrient-dense roots and tender green tops with striking red stems, it is a top choice for fresh roasting, boiling, canning, pickling, or long-term winter storage.
Beet Early Wonder (Beta vulgaris) is a celebrated heirloom variety dating back to 1911, famous for its rapid growth, early harvests, and exceptional dual-purpose performance. Producing smooth, dark red, globe-shaped roots alongside tall, tender dark green tops with striking maroon stems, it offers a sweet, earthy flavor and crisp texture. Extremely dependable in cool spring and autumn soils, this versatile staple is prized for early summer harvests, fresh table slicing, canning, pickling, and harvesting nutritious young greens.
Ruby Beet (Beta vulgaris) is a classic heirloom root vegetable prized for its deep crimson-red roots and sweet, smooth-textured flesh. Producing uniform, globe-shaped beets that resist woody texture, it offers a double harvest of sweet roots and tender, earthy greens with dark red stems. Excellent for fresh roasting, boiling, pickling, or canning, this cold-tolerant favorite delivers consistent, high-quality yields throughout spring and autumn.
Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris) is a historic heirloom root crop famously cultivated as a primary commercial source of natural white sugar. Producing massive, tapered conical roots that grow deep into the soil, it features rough tan-to-ivory skin and dense, creamy-white flesh with a exceptionally high sucrose content (up to 15–20%). While widely grown for farm production and livestock fodder, home gardeners cherish this unique variety for boiling down into sweet homemade syrups, baking, roasting, and harvesting the nutrient-rich, tender green tops for fresh cooking.
Bok Choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis), also known as Pak Choi or Chinese White Cabbage, is a classic heirloom Asian green celebrated for its glossy, dark green leaves and crisp, juicy white stalks. Forming upright, vase-shaped heads, it delivers a mild, sweet, slightly mustard-like flavor with a satisfying crunch. Extremely fast-growing and cool-hardy, it is an essential staple for quick stir-fries, steaming, fresh salad greens, kimchi, and traditional noodle soups.
Bok choy only takes 45 days to reach maturity, so you can enjoy your leafy greens relatively quickly after planting them. Harvest the bok choy before the hot weather sets in, because the hot weather will make the bok choy go to seed very fast. Bok choy is ready to harvest when it reaches 12 to 18 inches tall.
Broccoli Green Sprouting (Brassica oleracea var. italica), also known as Calabrese, is a famous heirloom classic introduced to America in the 1800s by Italian immigrants. Producing a central 5- to 6-inch head of deep blue-green, tightly packed buds, it continues to yield heavily long after the main head is harvested by producing a non-stop abundance of tender side shoots. Renowned for its rich, sweet flavor and high nutritional value, it is an indispensable garden staple for fresh steaming, roasting, stir-fries, and home freezing.
Broccoli 'Romanesco' (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis), also known as Romanesco Cauliflower or Roman Cauliflower, is a striking 16th-century Italian open-pollinated heirloom celebrated for its geometric beauty, crisp texture, and nutty flavor. Growing into a sturdy, upright plant 24 to 36 inches tall, it produces breathtaking, lime-green heads composed of naturally occurring logarithmic fractal spirals. Sharper and firmer than standard broccoli, Romanesco carries a sweet, mild, earthy taste with zero bitter undertones. Excellent raw for vegetable platters, dipped in vinaigrettes, roasted whole, steamed, or tossed into pasta dishes, it stands as a centerpiece crop in edible landscapes and gourmet gardens.
Heirloom Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), such as classic Calabrese, is a cherished garden staple celebrated for producing large, central blue-green heads packed with tight, tender florets. Once the main central head is harvested, the plant continues to yield abundant side shoots over several weeks. Delivering a crisp texture and rich, nutty-sweet flavor, it is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making it a versatile staple for steaming, roasting, stir-fries, or fresh garden dips.
Brussels Sprouts 'Long Island' (commonly known as Long Island Improved or Catskill) is a historic 1890s open-pollinated American heirloom prized for its heavy yields, semi-dwarf stature, and exceptional cold hardiness. Growing into sturdy, compact stalks reaching 20 to 24 inches in height, it produces 50 to 100 tight, 1- to 1.5-inch dark green "miniature cabbages" clustered closely along its central stem. Because of its compact frame, it holds up remarkably well against strong late-season winds and heavy autumn snow without requiring extensive staking. The firm sprouts develop a rich, buttery, nutty flavor profile that sweetens dramatically after exposure to autumn frosts convert plant starches into natural sugars. An essential cool-season staple for fall harvests and holiday feasts.
Cabbage Brunswick (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is a famous German heirloom dating back to the 18th century, renowned for its massive, drumhead-shaped heads and long-term winter storage capability. Producing large, dense, slightly flattened heads weighing 6 to 10 pounds, it features thick, crisp, bluish-green outer leaves protecting a tight, tender white interior. Exceptionally cold-hardy and slow to split, this classic autumn drumhead cabbage is prized for homemade sauerkraut, hearty autumn stews, roasting, and cold cellar storage throughout the winter.
Cabbage Golden Acre (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is a famous heirloom variety dating back to 1927, celebrated worldwide for its rapid maturity, compact habit, and exceptional quality. Producing uniform, tightly packed, round heads weighing 3 to 4 pounds, it features crisp, tender, light-green leaves with a sweet, delicate flavor. Its space-saving footprint makes it the premier choice for small gardens and early-season plantings, yielding sweet, crunchy heads perfect for fresh summer slaws, salads, stir-fries, steaming, and kraut.
Cabbage Early Jersey Wakefield (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is a historic heirloom dating back to 1840, renowned for its distinctive, cone-shaped heads and sweet, tender flavor. Producing solid, pointed heads weighing 2 to 3 pounds, it features smooth, dark blue-green outer leaves protecting a tight, crisp, pale-green interior. Extremely dependable and naturally split-resistant, its compact footprint makes it an exceptional early-season choice for small gardens, fresh summer coleslaws, stir-fries, steaming, and salads.
Cabbage Premium Late Flat Dutch (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is a legendary European heirloom introduced to North America in the 1840s, long prized as the gold standard for late-season harvests and winter cellar storage. Producing massive, broad, drumhead-shaped heads that can measure 12 inches across and weigh 10 to 15 pounds, it features smooth, dark blue-green outer leaves protecting a exceptionally dense, tight white interior core. Known for its mild, sweet flavor that grows even sweeter after autumn frosts, its high natural sugar content and dense texture make it the premier choice for homemade sauerkraut, bulk cabbage rolls, hearty stews, and long-term storage.
Cabbage Michihli (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) is an ancient Asian heirloom classic prized worldwide for its striking, upright cylindrical shape and exceptionally crisp, tender leaves. Forming tall, tightly packed heads reaching 16 to 18 inches in height, it features medium-green outer leaves wrapping around a blanched, creamy-white interior with thick, juicy ribs. Boasting a sweet, mild, and delicate flavor without the strong sulfur notes of standard drumhead cabbages, Michihli is the ultimate premier variety for authentic kimchi, stir-fries, fresh slaw, dumplings, and spring soups.
Cabbage 'Radicchio' (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum), commonly known as Radicchio di Chioggia or Italian Red Cabbage Chicory, is a prized open-pollinated Italian heirloom celebrated for its vibrant coloration, crisp texture, and pleasantly bitter flavor profile. Growing into compact, tightly wrapped round heads roughly the size of a softball, it features deep ruby-red to magenta leaves laced with prominent, crisp white veins. Exposure to cool autumn weather intensifies both its striking coloration and natural sweetness. Indispensable in traditional Italian cuisine, Radicchio adds bold color, crunch, and sophisticated flavor to fresh salads, grilled dishes, roasted vegetable medleys, and risotto.
Cabbage Red Acre (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is a highly popular, compact heirloom variety celebrated for its rich, reddish-purple heads and excellent storage capability. Producing solid, round heads weighing 3 to 4 pounds, it features tightly wrapped, deep violet-red leaves with a crisp texture and a sweet, mild flavor. Remarkably disease-resistant and slow to bolt, Red Acre's compact footprint makes it an exceptional choice for home garden plots, container plantings, fresh autumn slaws, pickling, and colorful garden displays.
Cabbage Savoy (Brassica oleracea var. capitata costata) is a classic European heirloom celebrated for its beautiful, deeply crinkled, lace-like leaves and delicate, sweet flavor. Producing dense, round heads weighing 3 to 5 pounds, it features tender, deep-green ruffled outer foliage surrounding a pale yellow-green interior core. Highly cold-hardy, its texture softens and its flavor grows remarkably sweeter after exposure to autumn frosts, making it the premier choice for gourmet stuffed cabbage rolls, soups, stir-fries, and fresh winter salads.
Delicious 51 Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) is an exceptional American heirloom variety developed at Cornell University, prized for its classic sweet flavor and reliable performance in cooler, short-season northern climates. Producing uniform, oval fruits weighing 3–5 pounds with heavy netting and distinct ribbing, it features deep orange flesh that is exceptionally juicy, aromatic, and rich in natural sugars. Resistant to Fusarium wilt, this sweet muskmelon delivers an abundant harvest of mouthwatering summer melons.
Cantaloupe Hale’s Best (Cucumis melo), also known as Hale's Best Jumbo, is a celebrated 1920s heirloom muskmelon renowned for its exceptional sweetness, rich aroma, and heavy yields. Producing oval fruits weighing 3 to 5 pounds, it features thick, deep salmon-orange flesh with a small seed cavity and an attractive, heavily netted tan skin. Heat-loving and drought-tolerant, this classic variety matures early on vigorous vines, delivering juicy, sweet, honey-flavored melons perfect for fresh summer breakfasts, fruit salads, and desserts.
Hearts of Gold Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) is a famous American heirloom melon introduced in the early 1900s, celebrated for its legendary flavor and heavy production. Producing uniform, rounded 2–3 pound fruits with fine netting and light ribbing, it features deep, thick, orange flesh that is intensely sweet, juicy, and highly aromatic. A classic gardener's favorite, it delivers reliable, mouthwatering yields throughout the warm summer months.
Cantaloupe Honey Rock (Cucumis melo) is a famous 1933 All-America Selections winner celebrated for its exceptionally sweet, honey-like flavor and high yields. Producing sturdy, globe-shaped fruits weighing 3 to 4 pounds, it features thick, firm salmon-orange flesh beneath a heavily netted, coarse grey-green to tan rind. Fast-maturing and remarkably vigorous, it bears 5 to 7 high-quality melons per vine, making it a standout heirloom choice for home gardens, fresh summer breakfasts, fruit salads, and market displays.
Cantaloupe 'Honeydew' (Cucumis melo var. inodorus) is a classic open-pollinated heirloom melon celebrated for its sweet, refreshing taste and smooth rind. Producing sprawling, vigorous vines 6 to 8 feet long, it yields round to slightly oval fruits weighing 4 to 6 pounds. The smooth, unnetted rind transitions from pale green to a warm ivory-cream color at peak maturity. Slicing open the thick shell reveals thick, succulent, pale green flesh with a high sugar content and a light, floral aroma. Excellent for fresh summer snacks, fruit salads, cold desserts, and breakfast platters, Honeydew remains a staple for home gardens.
Carrot Chantenay Red Cored (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is a famous French heirloom originating in the 1890s, celebrated for its broad shoulders, thick conical roots, and rich reddish-orange interior. Growing 5 to 6 inches long with blunt, rounded tips, it features fine-grained, sweet flesh with a virtually invisible reddish core. Exceptionally dependable in heavy clay, shallow, or rocky soils where longer varieties struggle, this hardy staple is prized for fresh eating, juicing, canning, and winter storage.
Danvers Carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus), originally developed in Danvers, Massachusetts in the late 1800s, is a celebrated heirloom root vegetable famous for its deep orange color, sweet flavor, and remarkable adaptability. Producing thick, broad-shouldered roots that taper to a refined point, it was specifically selected to thrive in heavy, clay, or shallow soils where longer varieties struggle. Exceptionally high in beta-carotene with a crisp, fine-grained texture, it is a top choice for fresh eating, juicing, canning, roasting, and winter storage.
Carrot Imperator 58 (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is an iconic All-America Selections winner from 1933, long celebrated as the classic commercial and market-garden standard for long, slender carrots. Producing smooth, deep orange roots that reach 8 to 9 inches in length with gently tapered tips, it features a crisp, tender texture and a sweet, rich flavor. Outstanding for fresh snacking, cooking, roasting, juicing, and winter cellaring, this reliable heirloom delivers high yields of high-quality roots when grown in loose, deep soil.
Carrot 'Little Fingers' (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is a prized open-pollinated heirloom baby carrot variety originating from classic French garden traditions. Growing into compact, cylindrical roots reaching 3 to 4 inches in length and roughly 0.5 inches in diameter, it features smooth skin, virtually coreless flesh, and a rich deep-orange color throughout. Known for its exceptionally sweet, crisp, and tender bite, Little Fingers reaches harvestable maturity earlier than standard full-sized carrots (in roughly 50 to 55 days). Its small size and fast growth make it the ultimate variety for heavy or shallow soils, raised beds, and patio containers where longer taproot carrots struggle, yielding high-density gourmet harvests for fresh snacking, roasting whole, and canning.
Nantes Coreless Carrot (Daucus carota) is an exceptional French heirloom variety renowned for its cylindrical shape, smooth reddish-orange skin, and virtually coreless interior. Delivering an remarkably sweet, crisp flavor with fine texture, it is widely considered one of the finest carrots for fresh eating, juicing, cooking, and freezing. Producing uniform 6–7 inch roots with blunt tips, it performs reliably in loose, well-worked garden soils.
Carrot Nantes Half Long (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is a renowned 19th-century French heirloom celebrated worldwide for its exceptional sweetness, fine grain, and tender, crisp texture. Producing uniform, cylindrical 6- to 7-inch roots with blunt, rounded tips, it features smooth, bright reddish-orange skin and virtually no core. Unmatched for raw snacking, juicing, cooking, and freezing, this classic variety performs reliably even in heavy or shallow soils where longer tapering carrots struggle.
Carrot 'Purple Dragon' (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) is a celebrated open-pollinated specialty heirloom bred for its extraordinary coloration, rich flavor, and high antioxidant content. Producing tapered Danvers-style roots 6 to 8 inches long, it features a striking deep purple-red exterior skin that contrasts dramatically with a bright orange-yellow core. The flesh is crisp, juicy, and exceptionally sweet with a subtle spicy note. Excellent for fresh eating, raw vegetable platters, autumn roasting, and juices, Purple Dragon brings heirloom heritage and bold visual appeal to home gardens.
Cauliflower Snowball (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) is the definitive American heirloom standard, first introduced by Peter Henderson & Co. in 1888. Famous for its smooth, bright white, tight curds, it forms dense, heavy 6- to 8-inch heads wrapped in protective outer foliage. Compact and fast-growing, its inner leaves naturally curl upward to shield the developing head from sunlight, keeping it pale, tender, and sweet. With a crisp, mild, nutty flavor and zero bitterness, Snowball remains the top heirloom choice for fresh dipping, roasting, steaming, mashing, and home freezing.
Swiss Bright Light Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) is a stunning heirloom variety famous for its brilliant array of vibrant stem colors, including yellow, gold, orange, pink, crimson, purple, and white. Highly valued as both an ornamental and a delicious green, it produces glossy, dark green, lightly savoyed leaves with broad, crisp stalks. Delivering a mild, delicate spinach-like flavor, it offers a continuous harvest from spring through late autumn frosts while adding striking color to garden beds and fresh meals.
Swiss Lucullus Giant Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla) is an exceptionally productive heirloom renowned for its massive, thick white stems and heavily crinkled, pale green leaves. Named after the Roman epicure Lucullus, this classic variety delivers a wonderfully sweet, mild flavor with none of the bitterness found in some greens. Highly resilient and slow to bolt, it provides a continuous, heavy harvest from early spring straight through to late autumn frosts.