The Rio Grande Tomato is a classic plum/paste tomato that gets along with heat, humidity, and drought, but that’s only one of its maravilloso qualities. The plant produces muchos bright red, egg-shaped fruits with a flavor that’s well-balanced between dulce and acidic. Especially bueno for pastes and sauces, but it wouldn’t mind being chopped up into fresh pico de gallo with a little onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.

• Heat tolerant
• Sweet and acidic
• High yields
• Good for Southern jardines

SEED PLANTING INFO

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Determinate, tomato cage support, no pruning
• Tomato size: Medium
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 75-80 days

Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

You say you want a cherry tomato that is not red? And small enough to eat a handful in the garden? And sweet enough to be called a treat? Behold the White Cherry Tomato. The 1" fruit ripens from white to pale yellow, and has a super sweet, tangy flavor. Toss these little darlings on a bed of Red Leaf Lettuce for a beautiful & delicious salad. 

• Sweet, tangy flavor
• High yields
• Early producer
• Darkens with direct sun exposure

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning 
• Tomato size: Small (1" round)
• Depth to plant seeds: 1/8" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 70-75 days

Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

The Abraham (Abe) Lincoln Tomato has an honest 100-year history of producing large 1-2 lb tomatoes. They turn deep red when ripe, with old-fashioned tomato flavor. Eat this slicer fresh with a little salt and pepper, but save a few of these juicy fruits to make ketchup, sauce, and juice.

• Meaty and juicy
• Dark red color
• Slightly acidic
• Small seed core

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning
• Tomato size: Large
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 80-90 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

• Beautiful red lettuce leaves
  
  
• Curly leaves with really nice texture and color
  
  
• Extremely popular amongst gourmet chefs and restaurants
  
  
• Easy to grow and does not  require a lot of space
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 50 days
  
  
• Lettuce Seeds | Lettuce can be grown practically anywhere.  For leaf types seed should be sown thinly in rows 1 foot apart. For head, Bibb, and cos types, space rows 18 inches apart.
  
  Click here for complete Lettuce grow guide

The first thing you should know about the Bird’s Eye Chili Pepper is that it is ... HOT! That’s also the third and fifth things you should know. Small 1"-2", tapered fruit grows on a compact bush and ripens through all the showy colors of a painted bunting, green to purple to orange to red. Pungent with fruity, tropical notes and a serious blast of heat. Use this little Thai chili to add fiery flair to everything from Asian stir fries to Indian curries to South African peri-peri sauce.

• Hot
• Fruity, tropical flavor
• Hot
• Good for containers
• Hot
• Harvest any color

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
• Pepper length: 1"-2"
• Scoville heat units (SHU): 50,000-100,000/hot
• Plant support: None
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 12"-18" apart
• Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 100+ days

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

• The Birds Eye pepper is the official wild pepper of Texas. A very hot, often 7x – 8x hotter on the scoville scale than jalapenos!

• This is a Perennial pepper variety which means that if the soil doesn’t freeze hard in your area, you'll most likely be able to grow these peppers all year round.

• Rated at 200,000 Scoville Heat Units!

• Easy to grow from seeds.

• Can be used in place of any hot peppers in many culinary recipes. 

• The commercial hot sauce brand Cholula lists bird peppers as one of its ingredients.

• Thomas Jefferson first obtained seed of the Bird's Eye Pepper in 1812 from Captain Samuel Brown, who was stationed in San Antonio, Texas.  Jefferson recorded planting this pepper in pots and in the kitchen garden in 1814. [source]
  
  

• These seeds produce heavy yields of rose colored white stripe teardrop shaped eggplants
  
  - Pandora Striped eggplants are extremely tender and delicious
  
  - Perfect for home gardens and market growers
  
  - Great addition to any gourmet meal
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 75-80 days
  
  
• Eggplant Seeds | Start seed indoors to allow at least 10 weeks for young plants to develop. Plant in rows 3 feet apart, with 2 feet between plants.
  
  Click here for complete Eggplant grow guide

• Easy to grow crisp leaf lettuce variety
  
  - Grows really well in containers and tight spaces
  
  - Perfect for hydroponic growers
  
  - Excellent for salads and other culinary dishes
  
  - A popular variety of lettuce for many chefs
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 65 days
  
  
• Lettuce Seeds | Lettuce can be grown practically anywhere.  For leaf types seed should be sown thinly in rows 1 foot apart. For head, Bibb, and cos types, space rows 18 inches apart.
  
  Click here for complete Lettuce grow guide

• This rare white heirloom eggplant variety produces ivory-white skinned eggplant and is a very early producer of 5-6 inch long fruit
  
  - The flesh of this eggplant is snow white
  
  - It has a succulent mushroom-like flavor that is absolutely delicious! 
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 70 days
  
  
• Eggplant Seeds | Start seed indoors to allow at least 10 weeks for young plants to develop. Plant in rows 3 feet apart, with 2 feet between plants.
  
  Click here for complete Eggplant grow guide

The Fresno Chili Pepper is a fun one to follow as it grows. The immature green fruit starts out pointing upward, and has a green, grassy flavor with mild heat. As the color changes through orange to bright red, the fruit hangs down, and the flavor changes to smoky and fruity with a bit more heat than a Jalapeño. These 3" tapered peppers are large enough to stuff, and small enough to pickle. Traditionally used to liven up ceviche, but it’s okay to grill that fish instead and make tacos topped with Fresno chili sauce. Excellent for roasting on the BBQ - or even pickling.

• High yields
• Smoky, fruity flavor
• Harvest any color
• Good for containers

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
• Pepper length: 2"-3"
• Scoville heat units (SHU): 2,500-10,000/medium
• Plant support: Tomato cage or stake
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 18"-24"apart
• Spacing between rows: 24"-36" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 75-80 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

• The tom thumb lettuce produces a small, round head with delicate yet delicious leaves
  
  - This variety can be planted close together
  
  - Ideal for small spaces
  
  - Grows well in containers on a patio or windowsill
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 45 days
  
  
• Lettuce Seeds | Lettuce can be grown practically anywhere.  For leaf types seed should be sown thinly in rows 1 foot apart. For head, Bibb, and cos types, space rows 18 inches apart.
  
  Click here for complete Lettuce grow guide

Chervil, also called French Parsley and Garden Chervil, is an ancient aromatic annual in the parsley family, with similar fern-like leaves, tiny white flowers, and a sweet flavor that’s a delicate mix of parsley, anise, and pepper. Leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers are all edible. It prefers growing in part shade in moist soil with cool temps, so it’s good for indoor gardens or fall/winter gardens in mild climates. An important ingredient in fines herbes, along with chives, parsley, and tarragon, used extensively in French gourmet cooking. Loses its flavor when dried, so chop or chiffonade to add a freshness to salads, dressings, herb butter, sauces, seafood, peas, poultry, green beans, carrots, eggs, and herbal tea.

As a companion plant, it attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, and repels ants, aphids, slugs, and snails.

As a medicinal herb, Chervil has been used internally to treat arthritis, bronchitis, congestion, cough, gum disease, hiccups, low blood pressure, menstrual cramps, skin problems, and swelling, and externally to treat painful joints, tired eyes, and wounds.

YIELD Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally.

• Parsley-anise-pepper flavor
• All parts are edible
• Good for indoor gardens
• Good for containers

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Anthriscus cerefolium
• Life cycle: Herbaceous annual
• Hardiness zones: 3-10
• Planting season: Spring, fall
• Days to maturity: 40-60 days; can begin harvesting when 6" tall
• Depth to plant seeds: 1/4" deep
• Days to germinate (sprout): 14-28 days
• Germination soil temps: 55F-65F
• Spacing between plants: 9"-12" apart
• Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Soil types: Sandy, loamy, rich, moist, well-drained
• Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
• Sun needs: Full sun, part shade, full shade
• Water needs: Average
• Cold stratify: No
• Frost tolerant: Yes
• Heat tolerant: No
• Drought tolerant: No
• Deer resistant: Yes
• Culinary use: Yes
• Medicinal use: Yes

Good companion plants: Broccoli, Carrot, Cilantro/Coriander, Dill, Lettuce, Mint, Radish, Yarrow

More facts about Chervil:

• Pregnant women were bathed in an infusion of it; a lotion of it was used as a skin cleanser; and it was used medicinally as a blood purifier.
• It was also claimed to be useful as a digestive aid, for lowering high blood pressure, and, infused with vinegar, for curing hiccups
  
  

See Chervil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board

• These tomatillo seeds will produce delicious 3-5 ounce fruits.
  
  
• Tomatillo is popularly used to make salsas.
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 85 days

The Pink Brandywine Tomato has lightly ribbed shoulders and potato-leaf foliage. Whether that’s the reason no two are alike, only the tomato knows. The vigorous vine takes its time to ripen the 1-2 lb blushing pink fruit with a small seed core. A beautiful slicer with a sweet, tangy flavor to look forward to late in the season.

• Tangy tomato flavor
• Potato-leaf foliage
• Slow to ripen
• Good fresh or cooked

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning 
• Tomato size: Large (1-2 lbs.)
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24"-36" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 3 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 85-90 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

The Atkinson Tomato was born and raised for hot, humid summers—in other words, Southern gardens. Strong vines produce good yields of meaty, firm, and glossy red tomatoes. Whether fresh, canned, or cooked, you can pass a month of Sundays savoring its old-fashioned tomato flavor.

• Meaty and smooth
• Heat tolerant
• Drought tolerant
• Great for Southern gardens

SEED PLANTING INFO

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning
• Tomato size: Medium
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 70-80 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

• These Winter Giant spinach seeds will produce very flavorful large green spinach leaves
• Known for growing to a height of appx. 2 feet
• Days to Maturity | 45 days

• Giant "Teddy Bear" type sunflower
  
  - Seven to eight inch bold yellow flowers
  
  - Plants grow to 6 feet tall
  
  - Easy to grow

The Purple Cayenne Pepper may look like grape candy, but the color it leaves on your tongue is from the burn of 50,000 Scoville heat units (SHUs). The vigorous plant with purple-tinged leaves produces loads of lilac blossoms that become loads of 5"-6" slim, tapered, glossy purple fruit that can get so dark on its way to red hot, it looks like licorice. A bit sweeter than the Red Cayenne Pepper, and dazzling enough to be a landscape ornamental. Use it fresh, pickled, candied, or dried.

• High yields
• Harvest any color
• Good for containers
• Good as an ornamental

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
• Pepper length: 5"-6"
• Scoville heat units (SHU): 30,000-50,000/hot
• Plant support: Tomato cage or stake
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 18"-24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 24"-36" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 75-85 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

• Excellent flavor
  
• Great for culinary creations
  
• Grows well in containers and smaller spaces
  
• Turns from green -> to purple as they continue to mature
  
  

Additional Details

Cayenne is a popular spice in a variety of cuisines. It is employed variously in its fresh form, dried and powdered, and as dried flakes. It is also a key ingredient in a variety of hot sauces, particularly those employing vinegar as a preservative. Buffalo Wings sauce contains Cayenne pepper.

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

Before you toss this cute little Red Cherry Pepper into your mouth, remember that it’s affectionately called a cherry bomb. Vigorous plants ignite a barrage of firm fruits that ripen from dark green to bright red. Plump and smooth, crunchy and spicy, with a slightly sweet flavor. Makes a dynamite jelly, or charge them up with cream cheese for a big platter of poppers. 

The Red Cherry Sweet Pepper is just as cute and little, with no heat or bomb jargon.

• High yields
• Small, round, and spicy
• Good fresh, cooked, and dried
• Good for containers

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
• Pepper size: 1"-2" diameter
• Scoville heat units (SHU): 3,000-5,000/mild to medium
• Plant support: Tomato cage or stake
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 18"-24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 24"-36" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 75-85 days 

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

Billed as great for growing in a greenhouse, the Money Maker Tomato can take the heat and humidity, but adapts to many growing conditions. Gardeners can bank on this vine producing a wealth of sweet, flushed medium-sized slicers until the buck stops at the change of season. If you have a yen for tomato and cheddar on bread or sauce from scratch, take note of this one. It’s grand.

• Heat tolerant
• Sweet flavor
• Extra-high yields
• Good for Southern gardens

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning 
• Tomato size: Medium
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 75-85 days

Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

The Jubilee Tomato is the kind of tomato you wish you’d known about sooner. The golden yellow fruit of this All American Selections (AAS) winner also has golden yellow flesh with a small seed core. Sweet, mild flavor with low acidity and high yields round out this meaty slicer. Make a sandwich happy or juice up a golden glass of sunshine.

• Low acidity
• Meaty and mild
• High yields
• Small seed core

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning 
• Tomato size: Medium
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 75-80 days

Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

• The Fenugreek plant produces extremely flavorful seeds which are widely used in many Indian dishes, including Curry powder
• The green leaves are used in many Middle Eastern vegetable dishes
• Fenugreek also has a long history of being used as a medicinal herb to aid in digestion and aid in healing
• Acts as a laxactive. lubricates the intestines, and reduces fevers. Has also been shown to lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Helps with asthma and sinus issues by reducing mucus. Promotes lactation in nursing mothers. Good for eyes and for inflammation and lung disorders.
• Days to Maturity | 75 days

The Green Striped Zebra Tomato produces a bounty of beautiful golden fruits painted with deep emerald streaks, and juicy green flesh. These striking tomatoes are on the small side of medium, with a flavor on the tangy side of sweet. If you’re looking for something on the familiar side of different, try this little heat-tolerant slicer. Eat them fresh, or make up a batch of green striped ketchup.

• Heat tolerant
• Sweet, tangy flavor
• High yields
• Good for Southern gardens

SEED PLANTING INFO

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Semi-determinate, trellis support, regular pruning
• Tomato size: Medium
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 75-80 days

Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

The VR Moscow Tomato was created by Utah State University to thrive in vast intermountain regions, and named after Moscow, Idaho. Vigorous vines produce very respectable 1-2 lb. fruits that are a vivid red. This very robust beefsteak slicer with thick walls and juicy flesh offers voluptuous, rich, old-fashioned tomato flavor. A valuable recipe ingredient for canning, pastes, and sauces, and viscerally responsive to salt and pepper.

• High yields
• Old-fashioned tomato flavor
• Good fresh or cooked
• VR = verticillium-wilt resistant

SEED PLANTING INFO

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Determinate, tomato cage support, no pruning 
• Tomato size: Large
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24"-36" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 3 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 80-90 days

Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

The Ghost Chili Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) may look like a little wrinkled whoopee cushion, but this pepper is no joke. Native to India, it’s one of the hottest peppers in the world. This 2"-3" conical fruit ripens from green to orange to red, with a sweet, fruity flavor that you’ll be able to taste for about 30-45 seconds until the heat creeps in and lights your mouth on fire. And then it gets really hot for 10-15 minutes, finally subsiding after 30-40 minutes. Take care when handling, as the thin skin tears easily. Use the pepper as you dare.

• This
• Pepper
• Is
• Supercalifragilistically hot

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum chinense
• Pepper length: 2"-3"
• Scoville heat units (SHU): 800,000-1,000,000!/smear-it-on-a-fence-to repel-wild-elephants HOT!
• Plant support: Tomato cage or stake
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 18"-24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 24"-36" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-28 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH 
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 90-110 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

• HYBRID - Open-Pollinated/Non-GMO

• Solanum melongena. Plant produces good yields of tennis ball size bright orange eggplants
  
  - Extremely flavorful
  
  - Easy to grow
  
  - Perfect for stuffings
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 90 days
  
  
• Eggplant Seeds | Start seed indoors to allow at least 10 weeks for young plants to develop. Plant in rows 3 feet apart, with 2 feet between plants.
  
  Click here for complete Eggplant grow guide

Red Velvet Leaf Basil is a delight for all of your senses. When you see the firm, smooth, deep burgundy leaves, you must touch them, which releases a divine anise fragrance that you have to nibble, and then you hear your own sigh of gratitude that this enchanting herb is growing in your garden, producing all summer long.

Harvest the leaves and stems from the top part of the plant, and pinch off edible flower buds as they appear, which prevents the leaves from turning bitter, and signals the plant to branch out and grow more leaves, making a bushier plant.

The more you harvest, the more it grows!

• Rich basil flavor
• Culinary, medicinal, and ornamental
• Good for indoor gardens
• Good for containers
• Tons of medicinal benefits!

As a medicinal herb, Basil has been used internally to treat anxiety, colds, colic, cough, depression, diarrhea, fever, flatulence, flu, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal parasites and worms, exhaustion, gastric pain, gonorrhea, lactation problems, migraine headache, nausea, stomach cramps, sore throat, and vomiting, and externally to treat acne, insect bites and stings, loss of smell, skin problems, snake bites.

Works as well with garlic and tomato as it does with honey and fruit, and makes a rich herbal tea. Dress up a Lollo Rossa Lettuce salad with the edible amethyst flowers.

YIELD Do not use medicinally while pregnant.

YIELD Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally.

As a companion plant, it attracts hummingbirds, pollinators, and beneficial insects, and repels asparagus beetles, cabbage moths, cabbage white butterfly, cabbage worms, carrot rust fly, flies, maggots, mice, mosquitoes, spider mites, thrips, and tomato hornworms.

What is Red Velvet Leaf Basil?

Health Benefits of Red Velvet Leaf Basil

Ways to Consume Red Velvet Leaf Basil

See Basil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

The edible ornamental Firecracker Pepper sends showy clusters of 1" tapered fruit up and out, like a Roman candle, producing bursts of white, green, lavender, yellow, orange, and red, as it moves into full ripeness. When you get past the sensation that you’ve just eaten a flare, you’ll taste some fruitiness. Adds a sparkle of color and spiciness to any dish or marinade.

• High yields
• Edible ornamental
• Harvest any color
• Good for containers

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
• Pepper length: 1/2"-1"
• Scoville heat units (SHU): 80,000-100,000/hot
• Plant support: Tomato cage or stake
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 18"-24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 24"-36" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 80-120 days 

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

If you have any interest in a beefsteak slicer with rich, sweet, old-fashioned tomato flavor, consider an investment in the Mortgage Lifter Tomato. With no fixed rate on this indeterminate vine, it pays you on time with high yields of jumbo 1-2 lb fruits, dark pink with lightly ribbed shoulders. Disclosure: Fun fact: The quirky name comes from a man who sold enough of this tomato to pay off his house!

• Rich, sweet flavor
• Small seed core
• Low acidity
• Good fresh or cooked

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning 
• Tomato size: Large (1-2 lbs.)
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24"-36" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 3 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 85-95 days

Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

The Large Red Cherry Pepper has been a staple in American gardens since the mid-1800s. Tall plants set fruit continuously throughout the season, ripening from vivid green to maraschino red. With smooth, thick skin and sweet flavor, this adorable 1"-2" mini pepper is the perfect size and texture for pickling, canning, skewering, or stuffing with a cube of mozzarella to roast or grill.

• High yields
• Ever-bearing
• Sweet and crunchy
• Good for containers

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
• Pepper size: Small/Mini 1"-2"
• Plant support: Tomato cage or stake
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 18"-24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 24"-36" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 75-85 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

• Plant produces excellent yields of delicious sweet round red cherry peppers on a compact plant. Excellent for salads, stuffing, canning, or cooking. Very easy to grow. Grows well in containers and tight spaces. A must for the gourmet home gardeners.

The Chocolate Habanero Pepper is a prolific plant that produces lots of 2" waxy nuggets that ripen from dark green to reddish brown. Twice as hot as other Habanero peppers, with a distinct flavor. First, a smoky earthiness drives up, then a fruity sweetness hops in the car, and soon you’re off at 600,000 SHUs, entering the on ramp to Ghost Pepper territory. Use it to spice up everything from margaritas to mango salsa to marinated brisket, and yes, even chocolate.

• Very high yields
• Smoky, earthy, sweet flavor
• Hot enough to make a leopard lose its spots 
• Good for containers

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum chinense
• Pepper length: 1"-2"
• Scoville heat units (SHU): 400,00-600,000/extra hot
• Plant support: Tomato cage or stake
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 18"-24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 24"-36" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 10-30 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 5.0-6.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 85-105 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

The Golden Sunray Tomato produces fruits that ripen to a deep, bright orange-yellow that almost literally shine in the garden. With a meaty texture and a flavor that’s well-balanced between sweet and acidic, this slicer beams with old-fashioned goodness. Through heat and drought, the vine keeps producing radiant golden orbs that brighten up sandwiches, salads, sauces, and spirits.

• Heat tolerant
• Well-balanced flavor
• Good fresh or cooked
• Good for Southern gardens

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning 
• Tomato size: Medium
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 75-80 days

Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

The Thai Hot Pepper hits every type of cuisine with a delightful bolt of lightning. This compact plant throws out lots of slender 1"-3" fruits that grow with their tapered tips up, maturing from popping green to crackling yellow to flashing orange to sizzling red. A type of Bird Pepper, the plant grows to only about 8" tall, so you can plant several close together for a striking ornamental border and more tasty peppers, or interplant throughout the garden.

• High yields
• Drought tolerant
• Edible and ornamental
• Good for containers

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum annuum 
• Pepper length: 1"-3"
• Scoville heat units (SHU): 50,000-100,000/hot
• Plant support: None
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 6"-12" apart
• Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 2-4 plants per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 80-90 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

• Sweet flavor
• Low acidity

SEED PLANTING INFO

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning 
• Tomato size: Large (1-2 lbs.)
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 36"-48" apart
• Spacing between rows: 48"-60" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 85-95 days

Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

• Annual plant
• Adds great flavor and color to many culinary creations
• 3 ft. plant with strongly aromatic foliage, stems, and heads
  
• Excellent for fresh pickling
  
• Days to Maturity | 40 - 65 days
  

Additional Details

Dill has a very long history of herbal use going back more than 2,000 years. The seeds are a common and very effective household remedy for a wide range of digestive problems. An infusion is especially efficacious in treating gripe in babies and flatulence in young children. The seed is aromatic, carminative, mildly diuretic, galactogogue, stimulant and stomachic.

Other Medicinal Properties

Dill is also used in the form of an extracted essential oil. Used either in an infusion, or by eating the seed whole, the essential oil in the seed relieves intestinal spasms and griping, helping to settle colic. Chewing the seed improves bad breath. Dill is also a useful addition to cough, cold and flu remedies, it can be used with antispasmodics such as Viburnum opulus to relieve period pains. Dill will also help to increase the flow of milk in nursing mothers and will then be taken by the baby in the milk to help prevent colic.

See Dill Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board

The Rutgers Tomato has all the best tomato qualities—medium tomato size, smooth tomato skin, bright red tomato color, slightly flattened tomato shape, old-fashioned tomato flavor, compact tomato plant, reliable tomato production, generous tomato yields, and kind to animals. A tomato you can take home to meet the family.

• High yields
• Sweet and juicy
• Reliable production
• Good for containers

SEED PLANTING INFO

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning 
• Tomato size: Medium
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 75-80 days

Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

The Tigerella Tomato is one of those tomatoes you try once for the novelty, but keep growing for the goodness. A red fruit with orange streaks, no two skins are ever alike, but inside every one of them is bright red flesh that’s fruity and light. This firm slicer is also an early producer that’s tolerant of cold and heat. Such goodness in this bella Tigerella.

• Early producer
• Light, fruity flavor
• Cold and heat tolerant
• Good for containers

SEED PLANTING INFO

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning 
• Tomato size: Medium
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 55-70 days

Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

The Delicious Tomato has been known to produce huge 2-3 lb beefsteak tomatoes. This delightful slicer is solid, meaty, and juicy with a small seed core. No surprise that one of these grew to 7 lb, 12 oz, and held a 28-year world record for largest tomato. The typical size is 1-2 lbs, but stake well in case a record breaker grows on one of your vines.

• Extra large fruit
• Juicy and meaty
• Small seed core
• Delicious flavor

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning 
• Tomato size: Large to Extra-Large
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24"-36" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 3 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 75-80 days

Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

The Creole Tomato produces juicy fruit with a sunny sweet flavor. Performs well in hot, humid climates. Surprisingly firm and meaty flesh is great for fresh eating, and can hold up to grilling or a cheesy tomato pie.

• Heat tolerant
• Juicy and sweet
• Good for Southern gardens
• Slow to ripen

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning 
• Tomato size: Medium
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 80-90 days

Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

You’re looking for a big sunny tomato, you say? With low acidity and a small seed core, you say? Well, say hello to the Yellow Beefsteak Tomato. We see that “big” description, so prepare your table for 1-2 lb ribbed fruits that shine with mild sweetness. Now that you’ve got your perfect tomato, will you make a sunny salad or a golden tomato sauce?

• Juicy slicer
• Sweet, mild flavor
• Small seed core
• Good fresh or cooked

SEED PLANTING INFO

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning
• Tomato size: Large
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24"-36" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 3 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 75-85 days

Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

With a history as old as America herself, the Red Pear Tomato has been a delicious tradition in thousands of gardens. Vigorous vines are loaded with hundreds of small, sweet pear-shaped fruits with a nice acidic bite. Early maturity is a bonus for Northern zones with a short growing season. Try roasting or pickling them for your Fourth of July celebration.

• Very high yields
• Sweet and acidic flavor
• Early producer
• Good for a short growing season

SEED PLANTING INFO

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning 
• Tomato size: Small
• Depth to plant seeds: 1/8" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 65-75 days

Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

• Very early producer of 11" long and thin fruits.  Perfect for stir fries!
  
  - One of the only eggplants that are not bitter and does not require any peeling
  
  - The fruits start out bright lavender and change to darker purple when mature
  
  - Vigorous and stress resistant plant
  
  - Produces well in the north and all across the US
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 55-60 days
  
  
• Eggplant Seeds | Start seed indoors to allow at least 10 weeks for young plants to develop. Plant in rows 3 feet apart, with 2 feet between plants.
  
  Click here for complete Eggplant grow guide