This is a curated collection of seeds I have found to grow well in Florida over the years. It is designed to take the overwhelm and thought process out of figuring out which varieties to select that will actually grow well here. Some of the seed is saved from myself and other small local growers for harder to source varieties that you cant find online. The majority of the seed varieties will come from larger seed supply companies like Working Food or Southern Exposure Seed Exchange to keep up with demand.
(C. moschata) 120 days. The wild squash of the Everglades is a pumpkin with deep historic roots and rich sweet flavor. A beloved pumpkin of the deep South especially celebrated...
Packet of seeds is about 36-60 seeds, depending on the variety. [Venezuelan heirloom. Seed source from Donna Hudson in TN.] Has the same shape, size, color, and aroma as Habanero,...
61 days. (pm) Sweet-flavored, “burpless” cucumber from China, hot weather tolerant, and widely adapted. Exceptionally hardy, productive, and fine-flavored even under adverse conditions. One of the best varieties in Twin...
A cross between two of the most delicious and hardy greens -- tatsoi and komatsuna -- the lightly savoyed leaves have a velvety texture and lightly umami flavor that make...
60 days. 3⁄8-5⁄8 in. fruits with a delicious flavor reminiscent of pineapple. Bite-sized fruits are so tasty they may never make it into the kitchen, especially if you have children....
70-80 days. [Heirloom from Puerto Rico] 4 ft. tall plants produce excellent yields of lavender-pink, teardrop-shaped fruits with white shoulders. The skin is tender without a trace of bitterness, and...
[1963. AAS winner.] A reliable variety for garden, market, and greenhouse use. Dark green leaves and compact heads. Holds well under heat and stress, good bolt resistance. 55 days. approximately...
80 days. (Indeterminate) [Italian heirloom, famous for its use in Neapolitan pizza and other Italian dishes.] Long Roma-type tomatoes, 3-4 oz fruits with pointed ends. Thick, dry, low acid flesh...
(Allium tuberosum) 80 days. Leaves are larger and flatter than chives. Garlic flavor for salads and seasoning. Pkt (0.7 g, 173 seeds) Pkt (0.7 g, 173 seeds) Good to start...
A vigorous bush producing round straight pods with a fine flavor. Prolific. Resistant to bean mosaic. 15-18” plant with 6-8” pods. An excellent freezer. 55 days. About 60-120 seeds depending...
53 days. [Burmese heirloom, seedstock courtesy Hap Heilman. Now a favorite in some local restaurants.] Bears when plants are 18 in. tall and continues to bear until frost. Huge leaves,...
(Tagetes erecta) Classic marigold. Big, 3-4 in. flowers in shades of yellow, gold, and orange, on 3-4 ft. plants. When Ira was growing up in Florida, this was her grandmother's...
A very productive climbing or trailing vine, producing pods that are typically 51cm (20in) long. The pods must be harvested before they become stringy. Is disease-resistant. Thrives in hot humid...
Distinctive fruity flavor and aroma of a habanero with only a hint of pungency. Compared to Habanero, the avg. 2¼" fruits are slightly larger, plumper, more wrinkled, and ripen to...
The Texas Early Grano Onion has a nice sweet flavor that is a favorite among home growers! The Vidalia-type onion is now available in organic seeds. The white flesh is...
[Introduced 1987. Developed at U. of Hawaii.] Anuenue is the Hawaiian name for “rainbow” (pronounced “ahnu-ee-nu-ee”). Seed is able to germinate at higher soil temperatures (above 80oF). Resembles a crisphead...
69 days. An early maturing, widely adapted sweet corn with good flavor and dependability. Stalks average 5 ft. with 1-2 ears (6-7 in. long) containing 12 rows of yellow kernels...
[1966] Developed for hot humid coastal areas, especially Florida. Often grown in the Mid Atlantic region as well, where it reliably sets fruit at high temperatures. Red 8-oz slightly flattened...
(C. moschata) 110 days. This near-legendary butternut-type was one of the first rediscovered heirlooms that fueled the early heirloom movement. Fruit is large, to 40 lbs or more, though 12-20...
56 days [1984, AAS Winner] Extra- early. Crisp, flavorful 3 in. snap peas. Compact 2 ft. vines don’t require trellising. Also good for fall crop. Freezes well. Packet: Small packet (~123...
[Brought to the Americas from Africa during the slave trade, grown by Jefferson at Monticello.] Once the standard for southern peas, this variety is drought-tolerant and will grow in almost...
49 days. [1949, SC/AES. Possibly derived from pre-1855 Early Valentine.] The best early green bean for gardeners who desire good flavor, disease resistance, and high yield. 5½ in. long pods....
(Amaranthus viridis) [Jamaican variety, via Melissa DeSa in FL.] Tasty, quick-growing, self-sowing hot weather greens popular throughout the African diaspora, as well as in Asian cuisines. The abundant leaves are...
Spring bearing Fronteras, high yields of exceptionally delicious berries from strong plants. Expect a very heavy flush of large, conical, firm red fruit that’s tops in quality and flavor. The...
(Zinnia elegans) Large 4 in. single, double and semi-double blooms in mixed colors on 48 in. tall plants. Tolerant to alternaria and mildew. A wonderful cut flower for bouquets. Popular...
54 days. [Selected by Merlyn and Mary Ann Niedens of Illinois.] Beautiful 5-7 in. golden yellow flowers borne on 30 in. plants, perfect for borders and growing seed to feed the birds...
Stalks average 9' tall and may reach a height of 10' or more. Heads average 11" across, with some reaching 14" or more when plants are well grown. Black seeds....
(Allium schoenoprasum) 80 days. Grow indoors or outdoors for year-round onion flavoring. Use chopped leaves and young flowers to add flavor and decorative garnish to salads. Medicinal: A tonifying and...
Spotted bee balm or dotted horsemint is an herbaceous perennial that occurs along roadsides, on sand dunes, in meadows, in scrub areas, and in butterfly gardens–it is an incredible insect...