The content you are looking for has moved or no longer exists. Try these results instead
Radish - Black Spanish 'round' - 62RW

Radish - Black Spanish 'round' - 62RW

Details   A large black skin, white flesh, winter radish, though this radish carries a recessive gene that produces a white skin as well. They can get to dinner plate size while still remaining mild tasting. Recommended not to sow before March in the South Island and April in the north as they can bolt to flower before growing its swollen stem.
Botanical name   Raphanus sativus
Grower name   Richard Watson
Date Of Seed Harvest   2017
Storage Info   frozen stored
Contains at least   50 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
Radish - Qingluobo - 104RW

Radish - Qingluobo - 104RW

Details   Known also as Green Luobo . This is a unique radish that is sweet, crispy and slightly hot. It has green flesh. The skin is green with a white tip. Sow in spring, for summer, as it won't winter over where there are hard frosts.
Botanical name   Raphanus sativus
Grower name   Richard Watson
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2022
Storage Info   frozen stored
Contains at least   50
Price per packet   $4.50
Radish - Pink Beauty - 96RW

Radish - Pink Beauty - 96RW

Details   A beautiful round pink radish that is sweet and tasty, less of a hot and spicy radish than most other summer radishes.


Richards selection work with this cultivar involves sowing earlier than normal for this summer radish, this way it helps expose the plants that want to go into reproduction in its first growing year, as they are considered a biennial , this means any plants that bolt early sees a one way trip to the cold composting heap, what plants do make it through a Amuri Plains winter without going to seed or rotting are saved for seed production the following summer

Botanical name   Raphanus sativus wood drills11
Grower name   Richard Watson
Storage Info   Seed long term stored in freezer
Contains at least   50
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock
Radish - Chinese Red Meat - 125SS

Radish - Chinese Red Meat - 125SS

Details   Chinese Red Meat Radish is a heirloom variety that hails from China. A mild radish with a slightly peppery bite, it has a white and green skin but the centre is rich pink, sure to add a delightful colour to any salad.
Propagation:
Sow seeds in the ground where you intend to grow, cover with a fine layer of soil.

Botanical name   Raphanus sativus
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2021
Contains at least   50
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock
Mustard Lettuce - 87RW

Mustard Lettuce - 87RW

Details   Has a distinct horseradish-mustard flavour. Regarded as one of the most nutritious green-leafy vegetables available around. Its lovely top greens have actually more vitamin A, carotenes, vitamin K, and flavonoid anti-oxidants than some of typical fruits and vegetables.
Botanical name   Brassica juncea
Contains at least   50
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2020
Grower name   Richard Watson
Storage Info   Seed stored in freezer
Price per packet   $4.50
Black Krim - 75SS

Black Krim - 75SS

Details   Black Krim Tomato is an heirloom tomato originating from Crimea, a Ukrainian peninsula. "Krim" is the Russian word for Crimea. This tomato is open-pollinated, and bears large flattened globe fruits that are dark reddish-purple to black with green/brown. A very good producing plant.
Propagation: Sow seeds in seed raising mix in Spring, prick out once 2 true leave appear.

Botanical name   Solanum lycopersicum
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2022
Contains at least   20 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
Black Mini Popping corn - 254ALB

Black Mini Popping corn - 254ALB

Details   Black mini popping corn is Hulless so no getting them stuck in your teeth, they pop white, they are low growing cobs grow to 6 cm in length. plant in blocks for better pollination, avoid growing near other corn to avoid cross pollination. The drier the kernel the better they pop. Heirloom
Botanical name   Zea Mays
Contains at least   50 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2023
Grower name   Alice Le Brun
Price per packet   $4.50

Japanese Black Trifele - 19NS

Details   Pear-shaped fruit that are a strange red/orange/purple colour with very good taste. Strong, vigourous plants, that should be allowed to carry 3 or 4 leaders. So put in several stakes for each plant. Excellent yields.
Botanical name   Lycopersicon esculentum
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2022
Grower name   Nev&Sue Sinclair
Price per packet   $4.50
Passionfruit - Black Beauty - 119CMK

Passionfruit - Black Beauty - 119CMK

Details  
Passionfruit has a sweet and tangy taste, great eating on its own or with ice cream or made into a jelly. When growing they appreciate soil rich in organic matter. Protect from strong winds and frost, prefers a sunny location where it can grow up a support. They like a bit of fertiliser in the spring.
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   Sep 2022
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
Only 4 in stock   Order
Black Matipo, Kohuhu - 201SS

Black Matipo, Kohuhu - 201SS

Details   Black Matipo is a pittosporum and is commonly known as kohuhu and other Maori names kohukohu and tawhiwhi. Its small, very dark purple flowers are only scented at night.  This native grows into a small shrub or tree to a height of 3-6 meters tall.  Ideal as a revegetation species or in a understory position.
Propagation: Sow Black Matipo seeds directly onto a firm bed of seed raising mix and press in well.  Cover with a light layer of mix.  Seedlings usually appear in two to three months depending on temperature.

Botanical name   Pittosporum tenuifolium
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2022
Storage Info   Seed frozen stored
Contains at least   30
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 3 in stock   Order

Black From Tula - 179RG

Details   A rare Russian heirloom known to set fruit in hot weather. Black From Tula is one of the largest black tomatoes that grows a flattened fruit which has a rich, salty, smoky flavour.
Botanical name   Solanaceae Lycopersicon lycopersicum
Contains at least   20 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2022
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Storage Info   Seed stored in freezer
Price per packet   $4.50
Out of stock
Spinach - Bower - 25RW

Spinach - Bower - 25RW

Details   Bower spinach is a scrambling short shrub that forms dense leafy patches of up to 14 m. The stems are long and trailing, often succulent and colored red or pink when young, maturing to dark green to brown-black and becoming woody. The leaves are alternate, clustered, and fleshy. The yellow flowers are solitary. Fruits are pink to dark red, succulent berries up to 8 mm long.

 

It is grown for edible leaves and can be used as food or as an ornamental plant for ground cover. As some of its names signify, it has similar flavor and texture properties to spinach and is cooked like spinach. Like spinach, it contains oxalates. Its medium to low levels of oxalates needs to be removed by blanching the leaves in hot water for one minute, then rinsing in cold water before cooking. It can be found as an invasive plant in North and South America and cultivated along the East Asian rim. It thrives in hot weather and is considered an heirloom vegetable. Few insects consume it, and even slugs and snails do not seem to feed on it.

The thick, irregularly-shaped seeds should be planted just after the last spring frost. Before planting, the seeds should be soaked for 12 hours in cold water or 3 hours in warm water. Seeds should be planted 5 to 10 mm deep and spaced 15 to 30 cm apart. The seedlings will emerge in 10 to 20 days, and they will continue to produce greens through the summer.



Botanical name   Tetragonia implexicoma
Contains at least   30
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2014
Grower name   Richard Paul Watson
Storage Info   picked fresh each year
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 10 in stock   Add to Order
Poppy - Papaver

Poppy - Papaver

Details   These seeds are a mixture of both common and opium poppies, oriental, potentially hybridised and peony poppies in red, pink, plum, mauve, black purple and lilac collected from various places in my garden. A herbaceous flowering plant which is normally grown as an annual, dying down after flowering. Very attractive to bees producing alot of pollen. The seeds are rich in oil, calcium and protein. The foliage is blue/grey and the plants are tall. These plants produce hundreds of seeds and will thrive in most soils.
Please be aware not all poppy seeds are edible.
Grower name   Sara Pepers-Hilltrop
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Contains at least   100
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock
GG - 34NS

GG - 34NS

Details   This variety was gifted to Nev which he has now grown for over 20 years. A black hilum forage pea was at the time being exported to India. They have found it to be an ideal pea for making into hummus. Grows about 30-45 cm tall and is quite productive.
Botanical name   Vigna unguiculata
Contains at least   40 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2022
Grower name   Nev&Sue Sinclair
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 4 in stock   Order
Russian Red - 45RG

Russian Red - 45RG

Details   A reliable mid size cool-climate type with good flavour,
Botanical name   Solanum lycopersicum
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2022
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Price per packet   $4.50

Leopard plant - 261SPH

Details   Dark bronze leaved variety. (specific variety unknown) Shade loving, tropical looking perennial with large dark purple/black leaves. Flowers are deep yellow, flowers late summer to autumn. Great for cutting.
Botanical name   Ligularia Reniformis
Contains at least   30 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2023
Grower name   Sara Pepers-Hilltrop
Price per packet   $4.50
Crystal - 109RW

Crystal - 109RW

Details   This climbing bean was given to Richard 2017 under the name 'Crystal', grows to 2 -3 metres tall and produces a black seed.
Botanical name   Phaseolus vulgaris
Contains at least   40
Grower name   Richard Watson
Storage Info   Seed frozen stored
Price per packet   $4.50
How to grow capsicum

How to grow capsicum

Details   Small bushy plant about 40cm high The seeds are reluctant to start germinating if temperatures drop at night. These are best sown in small trays in a warm, sheltered place: a small greenhouse if possible. Then plant out when about 10 - 12cm tall.
Capsicums are frost tender and need warmth to ripen the fruit to the brilliant reds and yellows of commercial ones. They can be used green but are not as sweet.
There are a number of colours available, chocolate, black, yellow, orange as well as red. They all start off green and change as they ripen.

Harvest in 70-90 days
Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks.
Best planted at soil temperatures between 18°C and 35°C.
Space plants: 100-150cm
True Seed Garlic (TSG)

True Seed Garlic (TSG)

Details   These bulbils have come from seven generations grown from true seed grown, this gives them a huge advantage over clove grown because when clones are replanted seasonally viruses can be transferred down reducing the new plants vigour and size. Growing from seed on the other hand breaks this virus cycle meaning much better quality bulb. Bulbs displayed in the photo are from the same true seed. It takes two growing seasons to reach this size but the wait is worth it. Best place to store garlic is in the ground, it doesn't matter when garlic is sown, garlic will emerge from the ground when garlic wants to emerge. Also the time frame when garlic emerges in one area of NZ may not be the same as other areas. Dry soil can very much slow down bulbil emergence, so water well after sowing. To date it is unknown if anyone has intentionally managed to grow their own TSG in NZ, though it would be unlikely, there have been two cases of seed grown in NZ in the 1990's but in both cases the growers of the seed had no understanding of just how unique and rare those tiny black seeds that fell out on their storing table were. Only one of these gardeners grew that seed, thus likely to have been the very first TSG sown in NZ. Thankfully this gardener did and has subsequently shared out bulbils widely. The growing of your own TSG takes about two months longer than if only growing for bulb production. Keeping garlic plants alive two extra months has been the problem as to why its been so difficult for a number of kiwi gardeners to archive there own TSG. The key is controlling allium rust which seems to be getting worse by the year More bulbils should be available Jan 2024 Info on TGS- https://www.rasacreekfarm.com/true-garlic-seed
Botanical name   Allium sativum
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2024
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Price per packet   $4.50
Turkish sage - 262SPH

Turkish sage - 262SPH

Details   Evergreen perennial. Tall and sturdy, multi tiered flower stems with whirls of butter yellow flowers in summer. Flower heads dry to brown to add much needed structure and interest to the winter garden. Plant has large heart shaped leaves. Makes an excellent ground cover, is hardy and can tolerate most soil types and dryness.
Botanical name   Phlomis Russeliana
Grower name   Sara Pepers-Hiltrop
Date Of Seed Harvest   Autumn 2023
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Contains at least   50 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
Leek - Perennial Leek - 93RW

Leek - Perennial Leek - 93RW

Details   Forms large clumps of thumb size stems which have a stronger leek flavour than standard leek though they are a bit more finicky when harvesting. Best sown in spring forming clumps by late summer/autumn, if left in the ground through the following winter the clumps will form a mass of corns meaning the perennial leek will become permanent and difficult to eradicate. Some gardeners may prefer its feature while others prefer it as a annual vegetable by insuring its harvested before winter.
Botanical name   Allium ampeloprasum
Grower name   Richard Paul Watson
Contains at least   30
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock
Broccoli - De Cicco - 170SS

Broccoli - De Cicco - 170SS

Details   De Cicco Broccoli is a traditional Italian heirloom broccoli, producing medium sized delicious main heads followed by a large yield of side shoot spears.
Propagation: Sow De Cicco Broccoli seeds in trays of potting soil in late summer - early winter, plant out when 2nd leaves have developed.

Botanical name   : Brassica oleraceae
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   2021
Storage Info   Seed frozen stored
Contains at least   50 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 10 in stock   Add to Order

Lettuce - Cooptown Italian - 182RG

Details   A heritage variety that was brought into NZ by a returning WW2 soldier and has been grown in and around Cooptown, Banks Peninsula since. A great tasty green leafy lettuce.
Botanical name   Lactuca sativa
Contains at least   50
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2022
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Price per packet   $4.50
Details   Purau Gardens is a 7 acre block of prime volcanic silt loam situated at the bottom of the Purau Valley in Lyttleton Harbour. The land was purchased by Ric and Aileen Ginders in 2005 and had been a campground for many years. Prior to that it was a market garden supplying early tomatoes, strawberries and other produce to Christchurch. Historic records show that this area has a long history of early vegetable production due to the area having a unique microclimate and very fertile soil. This also makes it a great area for specialist seed production  as it is relatively isolated. I am dedicated to producing good quality seed that thrives in our country and is a joy to grow and welcome any feedback.
Purple Snake - 234CMK

Purple Snake - 234CMK

Details   Purple snake bean is stringless, can grow to 70-80 cm long but best harvested at around 45cm long unless saving the seeds. can be eaten raw while young or steamed, stir fried or used in stews when more mature. slightly sweet flavour plant after frosts have passed, beans like the warmer weather so if still a bit chilly won’t do as well. Needs a support to grow up
Botanical name   Phaseolus vulgaris
Contains at least   30
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2023
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
Saffron

Saffron

Details   The bright crimson stigma called threads, are collected and dried for use as a seasoning as well as adding colour to dishes. Contains 30 near full sized corms plus a few extra smaller corms Hit the watch tab that way you will be sent an email informing bulbs are now available, which is normally mid summer. Due to a poor growing season remaining stock will be left in the ground till 2014
Botanical name   Crocus sativus
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Price per packet   $35.50
Watch Out of stock

Toi toi - South Island - 241RW

Details   The South Island Toi toi grows to around 1.5m with its flower stems up over 2m. Can pretty much grow in most soil types but doesn't like anywhere really dry.
Botanical name   Austroderia richardii
Contains at least   50 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2023
Grower name   Richard-Paul;Watson
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
https://herbi.nz/

https://herbi.nz/

Details  

Life starts underground: soil health

Let’s dig deeper into healthy soil to grow your best-ever plants, fruit and vegetables.

The dirt beneath our feet is a living organism, connected to healthy plants, people, and the environment. Often misunderstood or treated poorly, healthy soil is home to a complicated ecosystem. It’s teaming with microbes that support plants to grow healthy produce, and increase resilience against diseases and bad weather.

Rhubarb - 162RW

Details   Rhubarb is is a rhizomatous perennial, really easy to grow from seed and is quite vigorous growing. The plants that this seed came from were themselves seed grown. Plants love well-rotted organic matter mulched around them.
Sow seed in a seed raising in small pots and plant out once seedling are 10cm tall
 
Botanical name   Rheum x hybridum
Contains at least   30
Date Of Seed Harvest   seed refreshed yearly
Grower name   Richard Watson
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 6 in stock   Order
Larkspur - 41RS

Larkspur - 41RS

Details   The seeds need to go through a cold period before they'll be able to germinate so place in the fridge for 6 weeks before being sown. Larksur likes a free draining soil but don’t do well in dry and hot conditions, Can be prone to root rot in wet ground.
Botanical name   Delphinium Cassius
Grower name   Rachael Stott
Contains at least   30 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
Tobacco - 175RW

Tobacco - 175RW

Details   This old strain of tobacco is supposedly a Virginian strain. It had been grown by a man who lived near Kaiapoi.
This is a pink flowered variety that can grow to close on 2m and flowers from Dec till late autumn. It attracts bumble bees big time. The second year after the plants have died they become quite useful for growing peas as the stems remain sturdy in the ground. Tobacco is very good as a carbon crop given its extensive root systems
Botanical name   Nicotiana tabacum
Contains at least   approx 100
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 5 in stock   Order
Yarrow - Terractta - 238SPH

Yarrow - Terractta - 238SPH

Details   Terracotta orange coloured, aromatic flowers and fern like foilage. Flowers in mid summer to autumn over a long period, stems grow tall and dry standing.  Plant is very drought tolerant and spreads to make a nice ground cover. Yarrow is aromatic, medicinal, attracts beneficial insects and makes an excellent cut flower. Yarrow is also a compost activator and an asset to any permaculture garden.
Botanical name   Achillea Millefolium
Contains at least   50 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2023
Grower name   Sara Pepers-Hilltrop
Price per packet   $4.50
Only 6 in stock   Order
salsify - 60RS

salsify - 60RS

Details   Salsify is a common biennial wildflower, native to southeast Europe and north Africa, today in its a plant that's cultivated for its ornamental flower and edible root. The plant grows to around 1.2 m in height.
Salsify is grown similarly to that as other root vegetables such as parsnip and carrots, sow spring time and harvest roots during winter.
Botanical name   Tragopogon porrifolius
Grower name   Rachael Stott
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2024
Storage Info   Seed frozen stored
Contains at least   50
Price per packet   $4.50

Kumi Kumi pumpkin - 177NS

Details   Kumi Kumi fruit can grow to around 1kg and grow up to 30cm long. Needs plenty of space to grow as its a very rampant creeper. Immature fruit can be eaten as a courgette and tastes great. Once fruit is mature it stores well over winter but has a very hard skin.
Botanical name   Cucurbita pepo
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2022
Grower name   Nev and Sue Sinclair
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 3 in stock   Order
Maize - Sola - 79NS

Maize - Sola - 79NS

Details   The maize Sola is the name given to it by Nev, is was derived from an old maize that was commercially available back in the early 1970s when he first began growing it. Both Sue and Nev have a long history together, as plant and grower. It has changed during that lengthy association and now looks as if the sun is shining out of it. They use it principally in ground form for making what we regard as a very sustaining porridge (cooked with milk); rich and filling. Customers have also used it to create polenta and it seems to perform well used this way. Although the seed from which the original crop was grown from was possibly a hybrid (even back then) it is no longer so, and reliably produces consistent crops.
Botanical name   Zea mays
Grower name   Nev and Sue Sinclair
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2021
Contains at least   50
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 8 in stock   Order
Celtuce - 242RW

Celtuce - 242RW

Details   Celtuce is a cultivar of lettuce grown primarily for its thick stem or its leaves. The stem is usually harvested at a length of around 15–20 cm and a diameter of around 3–4 cm. It is crisp, moist, and mildly flavored, and typically prepared by slicing and then stir frying with more strongly flavoured ingredients. Grow plants about 30cm apart
Botanical name   Lactuca sativa
Contains at least   50 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2023
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
Kale - Red Russian - 51RG

Kale - Red Russian - 51RG

Details   Red Russian kale leaves are tender, sweet and mild when picked young.  The red tinged leaves are a bluish blush making them quite attractive.  The leaves are flat with toothed edges.  Usually grows to about half a metre tall but can reach up to 1m tall with a long stalk if left in the ground with enough time to grow.
Botanical name   Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2019
Storage Info   Seed long term stored in freezer
Contains at least   50 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
Tomatillo - 73RT

Tomatillo - 73RT

Details   Produces a green stalked and leafed plant around a meter tall eventually covered with an abundance of green tomato-like fruit covered in a green papery husk.  Pick when husk is filled out.  Can be eaten raw, once the poisonous husk is removed, either as a fruit in hand or blended in a food processor with coriander and a few other ingredients to make a light and refreshing tasting salsa verde.  Or roasted in the oven, and then  blended and boiled until it thickens (with stock, and other ingredients) and used as a tart but flavourful sauce for meats like chicken.  When tomatoes are blighted, the tomatillos will look fine.  Plants will fall over under the weight of fruit and are best grown surrounded by a low method of support if you prefer they don't lay on your paths or lawn.
Botanical name   Physalis philadelphica
Contains at least   30 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   2019
Grower name   Richard Tew
Storage Info   Seed long term stored in freezer
Price per packet   $4.50
Sunflowers - Giant Russian - 103RW

Sunflowers - Giant Russian - 103RW

Details   Can grow to 2.5m with large seed heads.The selection work that's carried out on this line of sunflowers is plants that produce side shoots are discarded. Then once the plants reach maturity Richard looks for those that have wide stumps which have shown to handle wind better, and seed heads that face vertically down thus making it harder for birds to hang up side down and get at the seeds.
Sow in spring in colder areas, year round in warmer locations.
Botanical name   Helianthus annuus
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Contains at least   approx 50
Price per packet   $4.50
Medbury Gardens

Medbury Gardens

Richard-Paul Watson started growing seed when he was given what was later to be renamed the Benhorn carrot.This was in the late 1980's and two years later he joined up with Kay Baxter who had only just set up Koanga Gardens, as a volunteer heirloom seed grower.

Through the 1990's he leased land in around Rangiora area which helped build his knowledge and understanding of the complexities of growing seed but it wasn't until he and his family bought 5.1 hectares in the Amuri basin that he was able to increase both the number and the volume of seed lines. In more resent years Richards interest has shifted more to developing landrace cultivars and working towards enabling clone grown cultivars to reproduce from true seed such as garlic and sweet potatoes.

Wild Chicory - 134RW

Wild Chicory - 134RW

Details   The original seed was given to Richard as part of a seed order from the UK and was said to have been sourced from plants growing wild. A perennial member of the dandelion family Asteraceae. Ideal for salad leaves or roots which can be baked, ground, and used as a coffee substitute.

Seed extraction and processing is extremely difficult and time consuming which reflects in the price of this seed
Botanical name   Cichorium intybus
Contains at least   15
Grower name   Richard Watson
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $5.50
Watch Only 3 in stock   Order
Scabiosa - Pink - 278RS

Scabiosa - Pink - 278RS

Details   Flowers normally from late spring/early summer until the first frost. Unlike the annual type, their foliage remains green year-round and will return each year.
Flowers are also larger, up to 2 ½ to 3 inches (7-8 cm.) and will normally bloom from late spring/early summer until the first frost. Unlike the annual type, their foliage remains green year-round and will return each year. Read more at Gardening Know How: Growing Conditions For Scabiosa Flowers – How To Care For Scabiosa Pincushion Flower https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/pincushion-flower/scabiosa-pincushion-flowers.htm
Flowers are also larger, up to 2 ½ to 3 inches (7-8 cm.) and will normally bloom from late spring/early summer until the first frost. Unlike the annual type, their foliage remains green year-round and will return each year. Read more at Gardening Know How: Growing Conditions For Scabiosa Flowers – How To Care For Scabiosa Pincushion Flower https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/pincushion-flower/scabiosa-pincushion-flowers.htm
Botanical name   Scabiosa caucasica
Contains at least   40 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   April 2023
Grower name   Rachael Stott
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 1 in stock   Order
Nasturtium, Alaska Collection - 183SS

Nasturtium, Alaska Collection - 183SS

Details   Nasturtium is an annual garden plant cultivated all over the world. The stem can reach 60cm long, with small almost round veined leaves. The leaves and flowers can be used in salads with other greens. It has a slightly peppery taste reminiscent of watercress. Nasturtium is a wonderful companion plant.

Nasturtium Seeds are best sown directly where to grow in a warm sunny location, should germinate in 7-14 days.
Botanical name   tropaeolum majus
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2021
Contains at least   30
Price per packet   $4.50
Orach - green - 256RS

Orach - green - 256RS

Details   Often called mountain spinach which is used  as you would do spinach. Pests seem to leave this alone. Grows to around 1.7m
Botanical name   Atriplex hortensis
Grower name   Rachael Stott
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Contains at least   40
Price per packet   $4.50
Evening Primrose - 70NS

Evening Primrose - 70NS

Details   Native to North America, this herb is now commonly found in many temperate zones around the world. It thrives in open dry areas. The roots can be eaten and oil can be extracted from the seeds which are rich in Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid. Omega-6 oils are one of the two "good" fats essential for health. Evening-primrose oil is being studied as a supplement for those who don't get enough omega-6 fat from their diet and also is showing some  promising results in reducing nerve damage caused by diabetes.
Botanical name   Oenothera biennis
Contains at least   50 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2021
Grower name   Nev&Sue Sinclair
Storage Info   Seed frozen stored
Price per packet   $4.50

Leek - Purau - 91RG

Details   Bred at Purau Gardens for many years and had adapted well to the coastal climate, this strain of leek may well suit warmer areas of NZ. Its a cross between three well known NZ varieties including Musselburgh. Suggested growing method is to aim for a long length white stem of up to 40cm, sow seed late winter/ early spring close enough together aiming for a spacing of 2cm apart, by mid summer the plants should be up to 30cm tall, dig them up trying not to damage the roots too much and place in a bucket with enough water in it to cover the roots. The soil these plants go into needs to be deeply dug over then using a rake or shovel handle poke it down into the soil as deep as 40cm, wriggle it around to make a shaft to which a leek plant is dropped down, then pour a small amount of water down, its just then a matter of insuring that the growth tip can grow up and out of the shaft
Botanical name   Allium porrum
Contains at least   50
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2021
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Price per packet   $4.50
Leek - Portage - 94RW

Leek - Portage - 94RW

Details   A young and still evolving grex/landrace variety been bred by Richard Watson and another Canadian gardener who have been mixing the seed over the last few years, so its really a collection of 15 standard leeks varieties, some grow wide large stems while others can be very tall, this is because of the strong genetic diversity.
Suggested growing method is to aim for a long length white stem of up to 40cm, sow seed late winter/ early spring close enough together aiming for a spacing of 2cm apart, by mid summer the plants should be up to 30cm tall, dig them up trying not to damage the roots too much and place in a bucket with enough water in it to cover the roots. The soil these plants go into needs to be deeply dug over then using a rake or shovel handle poke it down into the soil as deep as 40cm, wriggle it around to make a shaft to which a leek plant is dropped down, then pour a small amount of water down, its just then a matter of insuring that the growth tip can grow up and out of the shaft 
Botanical name   Allium porrum
Contains at least   50 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2022
Grower name   Richard Watson
Storage Info   Seed stored in freezer
Price per packet   $4.50
Etollbeet - 181RW

Etollbeet - 181RW

Details   Photo taken 14/7/2022 of the last 15 remaining beet plants out of around 500 that were chosen for being the healthiest and most productive. These went on to provide the 2022-23 seed crop. Etollbeet is a new cross between Detroit Dark Red, Bulls Blood and a unknown dark red large growing beetroot given to Richard by a Takaka gardener. Mixing genetics in vegetables produces wide variation in size, shape, colour as well as tastes, This crossing is also capable of unlocking traits that can go back many generations, this seed is something quite different for the home gardener and should be quite interesting to anyone who's a bit experimental. Seed packets do contain some plant material and varying size seed.  
Botanical name   Beta vulgaris
Contains at least   50
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2023
Grower name   Richard Watson
Price per packet   $4.50
Onion - Medbury Red Longkeeper - 35RW

Onion - Medbury Red Longkeeper - 35RW

Details   History knowledge of this onion is limited, was originally given to koanga by a ex-breeder from Yates, unsure it came with a name. The selection work carried out by Richard on this large red onion strain involves, 1, aiming to achieve the longest growing season possible by sowing seed late winter and harvesting when tops start to fall over late summer early autumn. 2, the best of that seasons onions are stored in autumn, some of these onion will grow shoots through winter meaning they are discarded, its the last to start growing a green shoot in early spring are then planted out for flowering/seed. 3, selecting on the shape of onion - Richard is trying to move away from flatter type shape to more of a round or even taller upward torpedo shape. the idea is that less of the onion is sitting on the soil surface.


Sow seed early spring in the South Island, North Islanders may be able to sow autumn through winter as well, feedback from customers would be appreciated


Botanical name   Allium cepa
Grower name   Richard Paul
Date Of Seed Harvest   2021
Storage Info   Seed frozen stored
Contains at least   50 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
Five Finger, Whauwhaupaku - 174SS

Five Finger, Whauwhaupaku - 174SS

Details   Five Finger is a fast growing native often found in regenerating forest.  Its leaves consist of five to seven leaflets, in winter five finger produces clusters of purple flowers at the tips of its branches creating abundant pollen and copious, rich nectar for birds and bees, the tree grows to around 8 meters.
Propagation: Sow Five Finger Seeds on a firm bed of seed mix, cover with a fine layer of mix and water thoroughly then place in a warm sheltered spot.

Botanical name   pseudopanax arboreus
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Contains at least   30
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 7 in stock   Order
Blue Hopi - Maize - 74RG

Blue Hopi - Maize - 74RG

Details  
Hopi maize is also known as Yoeme Blue, Tarahumara Maiz Azul, and Rio Grande Blue, ground it's used to make blue tortilla chips, tortillas, corn soup and cornbread. Hopi Blue grows 1.7m tall
Can be eaten as sweet corn when picked young.
Botanical name   Zea mays
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Contains at least   50
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock
Toconjoin - corn - 180RW

Toconjoin - corn - 180RW

Details   This mass crossing carried out Richard Watson used Early Gem, Golden, Bantam and as many F1 hybrids as possible, also added was another corn mix first grown back in 2001 by Peter Clarke, he had done likewise in mixing up many cultivars. Named Toconjoin as of 14/2/2023, this cultivar will continue to evolve similar to pre-1700's seed saving through the introduction of other cultivars once every 3-4 years.

Over 200 plants are first used to achieve as much cross pollination as possible. The photo shows a selection of the best cobs from that 2020/21 crop.

13/7/2022 - During the growing season of 2020/21, one singe plant produced slightly purple kennels, those seeds were separated and grown 2021/22, this crop went on to produce around 10 plants with white kennels. No other maize or corn was grown nearby, there for there would not have been any contamination from outside of the garden. By combining a large pool of genetic diversity together, it can help in releasing genes that have been locked away from expressing themself, its possible that could go back 40-50 years.

.

Botanical name   Zea Mays
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Date Of Seed Harvest   2021
Storage Info   frozen stored
Contains at least   50
Price per packet   $4.50
Pean bean (white) - 44NS

Pean bean (white) - 44NS

Details   Peans are a great all rounder with many uses. The plants climb just like a runner bean or climbing french bean and produce flat pods similar to a large mangetout pea. The pods can be picked young and used whole as a french bean or left on the plants to mature and shelled like peas, or they can be left to mature fully and dry and then used as any other dried beans. New seasons seed will be available again as soon a possible
Botanical name   Vigna unguiculata unguiculata
Contains at least   30 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2023
Grower name   Nev and Sue
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 5 in stock   Order
Seed storage

Seed storage

All the seed banks around the world freeze their seeds intended for long term storage, freezing a seed does not kill the seed, it simply suspends its development until it is thawed and germinates. That's why we at Sentinels store some of our seed this way, it helps us to hopefully provide a seed line with excellent long term germination rates. Though we do appreciate customer feed back if any germination has not been satisfactory, we will always do our best in remuneration.
Glass Gem Popping Corn - 100CMK

Glass Gem Popping Corn - 100CMK

Details   Glass Gem can be grounded into oatmeal, popped or used as a ornament. It’s a tall growing plant so choose a sheltered sight, grow in blocks for better pollination, away from other corn to avoid cross pollination. Each plant will grow 3/5 cobs. Give the kernels a chance to dry before popping the less moisture the better they will pop
Botanical name   Zea Mays
Contains at least   50
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Price per packet   $4.50
Karaka - 83RW

Karaka - 83RW

Details   This line of Celery started of as Nutty but was crossed with Utah Giant back in 2012, now a stable line thats less stringy than that of Nutty. Grow year round in warm areas and from Sep till Feb in cooler areas.
Botanical name   Apium graveolens
Contains at least   50 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2022
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Price per packet   $4.50
Czar White - dwarf runner 39RW

Czar White - dwarf runner 39RW

Details   White flowered, white seeded bush form of the Scarlet Runner bean, grows to about 40cm tall. Like all dwarf beans they are frost tender. During long periods of wet weather it can be an idea to throw a cover over to shed the rain as beans close to the ground can rot.
Botanical name   Phaseolus coccineus
Contains at least   30 seeds
Grower name   Richard Watson
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock
Cedronella - 200SPH

Cedronella - 200SPH

Details   Grows to around 1.5m tall and smells strongly of citronella and balsam. Can be made into a tea, Also grown for pot pourri. Needs to be grown in a  sheltered location away from heavy frost, but should handle light frosts. Seed best sown late spring
Botanical name   Cedronella canariensis
Grower name   Sara Pepers-Hilltrop
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2024
Storage Info   seed in flower bag
Contains at least   50
Price per packet   $4.50
Briza media - 51RS

Briza media - 51RS

Details   Known also as quaky grass, Cow Quake, Didder, Dithering Grass, Dodder Grass, Doddering Dillies, Doddle Grass, Earthquakes, Jiggle Joggles, Jockey Grass, Lady's Hair, Maidenhair Grass, Pearl Grass, Quakers, Quakers and Shakers, Shaking Grass, Tottergrass, Wag Wantons.
Briza media is a rhizomatous, creeping, warm-season ornamental grass with a clump of erect narrow green leaves, typically growing up to around 40cm tall.
Sow seed pretty much year round in warmer areas, spring to autumn in colder soils.
Botanical name   Briza media L.
Grower name   Rachael Stott
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2024
Contains at least   40
Price per packet   $4.50
Toi toi - Mini - 91aCMK

Toi toi - Mini - 91aCMK

Details   An easy care plant with lush green foliage that is drought and wind tolerant, grows well in free draining soil. Grows to around a metre tall
Botanical name   Chronochioa flavicans
Contains at least   100
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2022
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
Pea - Onward - 55RW

Pea - Onward - 55RW

Details   Another name is Marrowfat pea (if dried also used for mushy or wasabi peas) that produces thick blunt pods filled with 6-8 peas.  Matures in around 75 days.  Needs some staking to add some support.
Botanical name   Pisum sativum
Contains at least   40
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2023
Grower name   Richard Watson
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 6 in stock   Order

Silver dollar - 168SPH

Details   Alsoknown as honesty, money plant, silver dollar, moonwort, but typically known as lunaria or silver dollar
It grows to around a metre and prefers a well drained soil that's in full sun to partial shade, does do best if kept consistently moist. has iridescent "leaves" that are actually the seed pods coming after the dainty light purple flowers. Lunaria plants is a biennial which will establish a clump in its first year and the flowers and seed pods follow in the second year. These seeds or "silver dollars" are papery to the touch flat and oblong, with a short, needle-like projection that hangs down from the bottom of each seed
pod. Prefers moist neutral soils and full or part sun. In the brassica family.
Botanical name   Lunaria annua
Grower name   Sara Pepers-Hilltrop
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2024
Storage Info   seed in flower bag
Contains at least   40 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50  per packet

Tarahumara - Climbing Bean - 265SS

Details  

Tarahumara Climbing Beans are a very unusual deep purple bean, with a few grey and dark red types mixed in. A Climbing bean with dark lilac flowers and colourful pods, this bean hails from Mexico.

Propagate: Plant Tarahumara Climbing Bean seeds in spring either inside in trays for later outside transplanting or outside where you wish to grow, watch for slugs and snails.

Botanical name   Phaseolus vulgaris
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Contains at least   30 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 6 in stock   Order
Spring Onion - 61ASS

Spring Onion - 61ASS

Details   Spring onions are also known as green onions, scallions or sibies. They tend to have a milder taste than most other onions, they can be eaten either raw in salads or cooked. Sow in Spring through to early Autumn in the South Island or year around in Northern areas. Propagation - Sow seeds directly where to grow in a line or in a tray of seed raising mix in a warm sunny location, should germinate in 7-14 days.

Botanical name   allium fistulosum
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   Dec 2023
Contains at least   50 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
Why you should grow your own

Why you should grow your own

Details   If you already grow your own plants and vegetables you know how satisfying it is. Whether you enjoy the taste, smell, sight or knowledge of good healthy produce...

So maybe you're wondering if now is the time to start to grow a few for your self and see what all the fuss is about?