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Tomatoes for health

Tomatoes for health

Details   Tomatoes are a treasure of riches when it comes to their antioxidant benefits. In terms of conventional antioxidants, tomatoes provide an excellent amount of vitamin C and beta-carotene; a very good amount of the mineral manganese; and a good amount of vitamin E.

Brandywine Red tomato - 160RG

Details   Brandywine Red grows vigorous vines with large globe shaped rosy-red fruit, can get up to half a Kg in weight. This American heirloom beefsteak variety is one of the most popular grown in the US.
Botanical name   Solanum lycopersicum
Contains at least   20 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Price per packet   $4.50
Common companion plants to grow alongside your tomatoes

Common companion plants to grow alongside your tomatoes

Details   The following plants are often grown together to help increase pollination, distract and deter pests and generally improve the overall yield.

Borage, Chives, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Basil, Calendula, Carrots, Peppers, Sage, Onions, Garlic, Lettuce
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
Golden Light - 214SS

Golden Light - 214SS

Details   Golden Light tomatoes have been tested as having one of the highest levels of Tetra-cis-lycopene, a highly beneficial bioavailable form of lycopene. An orange teardrop fruit this variety is very similar to 'Orange Roma' which is a good producer of tasty Roma style tomatoes.
Propagation: Sow Golden Light Tomato 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   Solanum lycopersicum
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2022
Contains at least   20 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
Only 4 in stock   Order
Yellow Pear 143RG

Yellow Pear 143RG

Details   This variety dates back to the 1800s and is a vigorous indeterminate tomato producing generously with an abundance of small yellow pear-shaped tomatoes that are sweet and mild in flavour.
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
Isle of Skye (Duncan Wilson) - 12RG

Isle of Skye (Duncan Wilson) - 12RG

Details  
A great tomato with history. This tomato is a large fleshy one (up to 600 grams ) ,low in acid with very few seeds. Rick says that out of the 50 plus tomatoes he grows, this is his number one.
It was given to Duncan by an Italian sailor sometime in the 50's and grown by him for many years and eventually was forgotten. Rick attained just a few old seeds of which only two grew and have a good inventory of seeds now.
Botanical name   Solanum lycopersicum
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2022
Contains at least   20
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 8 in stock   Order

Tangella - 30SS

Details   Tangella Tomato is a very productive variety, producing beautiful bright orange fruits which have been a favourite in our salads. The small to medium-sized cherry fruits (15-50 grams) are often one of the first to ripen.
Botanical name   Solanum lycopersicum
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2024
Contains at least   20
Price per packet   $4.50

Lobella - 47NS

Details   Lobella, is yellow and hollow very like a capsicum to look at. It is a delicious cooking tomato, which can be stuffed and baked or baked only. It is a low acid tomato and a good cropper. It was bought from a NZ seed company originally but they no longer stock it.
Botanical name   Solanum lycopersicum
Contains at least   20
Grower name   Nev and Sue Sinclair
Price per packet   $4.50

Toms Yellow Wonder - 18RW

Details   A large oblate beef steak yellow skin tomato, Indeterminate that will need sturdy stakeing or caging for support
Botanical name   Solanum lycopersicum
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2020
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Storage Info   Seed frozen stored
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 6 in stock   Order
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.
Moonglow - 16RW

Moonglow - 16RW

Details   A yellow/orange mid size tomato with good to excellent taste, shown to have  highest levels of lycopene for cancer prevention
Botanical name   Solanum lycopersicum
Grower name   Richard Watson
Contains at least   20
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 3 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

Burpee long keeper

Details   A mid size tomato with red flesh and orange/ red skin, as the name suggests a slow ripening fruit which makes it ideal for end of season growing, fruit will ripen well into July.

Purau Sweet Cherry - 99RG

Details   A productive tasty, very sweet, cherry, red tomato, early to produce fruit. Vigorous grower. Has been a favorite of Ricks for over 30 years.
Botanical name   Lycopersicon esculentum
Contains at least   20
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Price per packet   $4.50

Croatian - RS

Details   Brought in to Northland from Croatia in the late 1800’s. This large red skin fruit is considered to be one of the best tasting tomatoes. Will need staking or grow over some form of frame work
Botanical name   Solanum lycopersicum
Contains at least   20
Grower name   Rachael Stott
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock
Bloody Butcher - 202ALB

Bloody Butcher - 202ALB

Details   Bloody Butcher corn is a dry corn producing beautiful rich red cobs that are quite large. These plants grow very tall, can be over 3 meters, this should be kept in mind when planting - you don't want them getting blown over in strong winds or shading out your tomato crop. The corn can be eaten fresh in the "milk stage" or left to fully mature where it has a multitude of uses from milling to make flour or cornmeal to brewing and is even used as an ornamental in flower arrangements. Alice like the rest of the Sentinels growers uses only spray free organic methods.
Botanical name   Zea Mays
Grower name   Alice Le Brun
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Storage Info   Seed frozen stored
Contains at least   50 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 2 in stock   Order
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
Oregon Spring - 97RG

Oregon Spring - 97RG

Details   Semi-Indeterminate - An early ripening tomato that produces mid to large size fruit,
Botanical name   Solanum lycopersicum
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2023
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 4 in stock   Order

Long Keeper - 20RW

Details   As the name suggests this tomato has a slow ripening fruit that keeps well into winter, a close relative to Burpee Long keeper. This is a tomato that i like to start mid summer and pick green late autumn so they slowly ripen through the winter. A mid size, dark red skinned tomato that is red inside during summer but has darker red during the cooler months.
Botanical name   Solanum lycopersicum
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2022
Grower name   Richard Watson
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 7 in stock   Order
Nev's TPS - 136NS

Nev's TPS - 136NS

Details   You won't have met many people who have propagated potatoes by any other than vegetative means; in other words from tubers from the previous crop. You may have noticed though, that some potato plants produce flowers. Still fewer of these plants go on to develop and mature small greenish fruits. They look tomato-like and contain a stiff "pulp" holding many small white seeds. These seeds can be encouraged to germinate and with some care will grow into small plants that are easily recognised as miniature  potato plants.

Even from a relatively early stage when they may only be 100mms tall, differences will be discernible  between these individuals. They truly are individuals. They may not all prosper. They will each possess their own degree of disease resistance and vigour. As a propagator you will be rewarded, by those that flourish, with crops of distinctly unique potato tubers; diverse in both form, colour, flavour, texture, maturity and keeping qualities. This is a pursuit I have been involved in for at least 20 years. It is an exciting enterprise (if you are a potato Nerd!), and can result in the coming into being of very worthwhile, totally new, delicious cultivars that you can then continue into the future via the usual system of growing from tubers. But don't forget to keep seed from the best of them and continue the exploration of potatoes from true seed.
Botanical name   Solanum tuberosum
Contains at least   100
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Grower name   Nev and Sue Sinclair
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50

Roma - 20RS

Details   The Roma tomato is known for its elongated, egg shape fruit. Its also named plum Roma in some countries, this firm small tomato is often used in producing tomato paste Indeterminate
Botanical name   Solanum lycopersicum
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2023
Grower name   Rachael Stott
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 8 in stock   Order
Yellow current - 15RW

Yellow current - 15RW

Details   A small yellow currant tomato with a pleasant fruity flavour that is not overly sweet, this heirloom came from Indiana, USA and dates back to the 1900s. It was discovered by John Hartman of Indianapolis, who found it growing in cracks in the street, and it was named for the creek that runs through the area
Botanical name   Lycopersicon esculentum
Contains at least   20
Grower name   Richard Watson
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
Marmande - 58RG

Marmande - 58RG

Details   A French Heirloom very popular in Northern Italy with great pest and disease resistance. Fast growing producing early season fruit . Harvest 12-14 weeks from sow
Botanical name   Solanum lycopersicum
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2022
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Price per packet   $4.50

Sub-Arctic Maxi - 13NS

Details   Early-cropping bush tomato, these are the earliest-fruiting tomatoes that I've ever had the pleasure of growing. No pruning, no staking; ultra easy care.
Botanical name   Lycopersicon Esculentum
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2022
Grower name   Nev&Sue Sinclair
Price per packet   $4.50

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
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?
Long Island Cheese Squash - 245CMK

Long Island Cheese Squash - 245CMK

Details   Thought to be one of the oldest domesticated squash types, Long Island Cheese is known for its smooth, string less flesh and rich flavour
Botanical name   Cucurbita pepo
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Contains at least   20
Price per packet   $4.50

Onion - Pukekohe long keeper, Mammoth Improved cross - 36RW

Details   This is a cross between Pukekoke Long Keeper and Mammoth Improved onion carried out in 2023-24. Second stage of this breeding project will see sowing of this first cross along side original Pukekoke Long Keeper and Mammoth Improved seed to insure good genetic mixing. The idea of this cross was to mix the keep ability of the Pukekoke Long Keeper and the production of the Mammoth Improved.

When growing seed from this early cross expect diversity in type.
Botanical name   Allium cepa
Grower name   Richard Paul Watson
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2024
Contains at least   100
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
Pea - Novella - 54RW

Pea - Novella - 54RW

Details   A hyper tendril shell out dwarf pea ,selected over the last 20 years to produce pods over a longer period, tendrils cling together holding the plant upright but some staking is needed .
Botanical name   Pisum sativum
Contains at least   40 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2020
Grower name   Richard Watson
Storage Info   Seed stored in freezer
Price per packet   $4.50
Pohutuwawa - Dwarf Tahitian - 120CMK

Pohutuwawa - Dwarf Tahitian - 120CMK

Details   Grow in full sun or part shade in well drained soil or in a large pot. Occasionally prune to keep it a nice shape, produces beautiful flowers that last a long time. Attractive in courtyard’s patio’s or near the house, relatively frost hardy
Botanical name   Metrosideros tahitian
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2022
Price per packet   $4.50
Kowhai, Cook Strait - 32ASS

Kowhai, Cook Strait - 32ASS

Details   The Cook Strait Kowhai is one of eight species of Kowhai found in New Zealand. It grows along the shores of Cook Strait. A small dense tree that grows to 3 meters tall bearing leaves up to 100mm long.
Propagation: Seed is best sown in Autumn after a chip has been removed from the side of the seed with something like a sharp knife or sandpaper. This allows moisture to enter and help germination. Outside of autumn, chill seed in a fridge for two monthsSow seeds in a firm bed of seed raising mix and press in, cover with a light layer of mix. Seeds should germinate in 14 days.

Botanical name   Sophora molloyi
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   June 2022
Storage Info   Seed frozen stored
Contains at least   30
Price per packet   $4.50

Parsnip - Hollow Crown - 63RG

Details   The Hollow Crown dates back to the early 1820s. A long tapered white root that has been grown and selected by Rick for over twenty years. If you wish to grow this long rooted parsnip, you will need deep soil that is stone free. If parsnips hit a stone while growing they tend to fork. They grow best in a light, deep rich soil. A generous amount of compost or humus in some other form helps develop a long edible root. Parsnip is notoriously difficult to grow for many gardeners because of parsnip seeds short lifespan, so to help with good germination all our parsnip seed is grown each year meaning seed is no more than 12 months when sold.
Botanical name   Pastinaca sativa
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Contains at least   approx 60
Price per packet   $4.50

Butterbean - 22RW

Details   Many of the older gardeners will remember the dwarf butterbean which was very popular in the 60's and 70's. This strain has been grown for over 40 years by a long time home gardener before being given to Richard so as to preserve this heirloom
This bean produces a pale yellow/cream pod in colour that grows to about 15cm in length. The complete pod is eaten although the ends can be trimmed if desired and is wonderful added to salads when small.

Seed should be back in stock 2024
Botanical name   Phaseolus vulgaris
Grower name   Richard Paul
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2024
Storage Info   Seed frozen stored bottom of freezer
Contains at least   30
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 9 in stock   Order

Cork Oak

Details   This particular seed has come off a line of young (25YO) trees that grow in a windy dry part of Canterbury, these 15 trees have grown well thanks to have originated from areas in, Africa, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. In wetter areas of NZ Cork oak wont do well if they sit in standing water for long periods, but overall they should grow well in most areas. Seed only available during late autumn and early winter, hit the watch tab and be emailed when seed to available again
Botanical name   Quercus suber
Contains at least   30
Date Of Seed Harvest   Autumn 2013
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $5.50
Watch Out of stock
Coprosma propinqua - 200RW

Coprosma propinqua - 200RW

Details   Coprosma propinqua belongs to the Rubiaceae family and the genus Coprosma. A very hardy shrub that grows to 2-3m tall that produces a blue fruit that native birds feed on such as wax eyes. Seed is best sown in autumn and wintered outside for spring germination . In warm areas 6 weeks refrigeration before sowing is recommended,


Botanical name   Coprosma propinqua
Contains at least   10
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2023
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Price per packet   $5.50
Watch Out of stock

Pea - Oregon Giant Sugar Pod - 138aRW

Details   The Oregon Sugar Pod Snow Pea produces a large crop of sweet sno peas on 1/2 - 1m tall vines. The pods are about 100 cm long. Like other sno peas they are generally resistant to powdery mildew.  Can take up to 68 days to mature and likes to be sown somewhere with full sun. Can be sown during winter in northern areas of NZ, but generally a spring/ summer sown crop in the south.
Botanical name   Pisum sativum
Grower name   Richard Watson
Date Of Seed Harvest   2018
Storage Info   Seed stored in freezer
Contains at least   40
Price per packet   $4.50
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
Sweet Cicely - 5SSPH

Sweet Cicely - 5SSPH

Details   Belongs to the celery family. Sweet cicely is a tall herbaceous perennial growing up to 2 m tall. The fern like leaves are finely divided, could be mistaken for hemlock, with the difference being the strong aniseed smell it omits. The flowers are umbel shaped with dainty creamy white with very large seeds. Grows well in fertile soils easily from seed. The leaves can be used sometimes as a herb, cooked or raw and have a strong aniseed flavour. The roots and seeds are edible.
Botanical name   Myrrhis odorata
Contains at least   50
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2023
Grower name   Sara Pepers-Hilltrop
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 8 in stock   Add to Order
Vervain - Purple Top - 249SPH

Vervain - Purple Top - 249SPH

Details   Purple-top vervain, cluster-top vervain or tall verbena is a purple herbaceous perennial. It has very tall, slender stems, irresistible to butterflies.  The flowers are an airy lavender to rose-purple in tight clusters on long stems up to 1m high, which bloom from mid-summer until autumn. Self seeds readily and is easy to grow from semi-hardwood cuttings.
Botanical name   Verbena bonariensis
Date Of Seed Harvest   Autumn 2023
Grower name   Sara Pepers-Hiltrop
Price per packet   $4.50
Only 9 in stock   Order

Ipomoea batatas - Kamote

Details  
Update 31/8/2023. First seedling up from South Island grown seed seen in the attached photo.



Known in South America where is originates as Camote, it is also known here in NZ as as Kumara or Sweet Potato in North America. This widely grown tuber crop is normally grown each year from cuttings. Camote grown from seed rather than a clone is globally rare. The government funded DSIR back in the 70's or 80's carried out a short trial but for some reason was stopped, this may have been the only Ipomoea batatas seed had grown till 2017 when Richard-Paul was gifted some seed from a passionate home gardener/breeder in the US, he then set about starting a long term breeding program with the idea crossing it with a local Kumara.
Six new cultivars were germinated from the first shipment of seed some were able to produce flowers but no seed, this following three seasons were the same till that generation of cultivars died out because they had been cloned six times.
2020 a second attempt was make where fresh seed was sent again from the US breeder and a small number of new cultivars started, but this time cutting were shared with a gardener in the North Island who managed a successful crossing and a small amount of seed was produced. This seed was gifted back and a second crop of 28 seeds was grown 2022-23 form 7 new cultivars. Plans are 2023-24 the 28 seeds will be germinated where its hopes are for at least 5 new cultivars and again more seed, maybe even enough to be made available via our website.... stay tuned by hitting the 'watch' tab

Grower name   Richard-Paul;Watson
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock

Kale - Red Ursa - 51RT

Details  
Combines the broadleaf frills of Siberian kale with the colour of Red Russian. Great raw flavour for salads. Bolting purple stems of over wintered plants are very sweet, perfect for stir frying.  

Open Source Seed Initiative Pledge: You have the freedom to use these OSSI-Pledged seeds in any way you choose. In return, you pledge not to restrict others’ use of these seeds or their derivatives by patents or other means, and to include this Pledge with any transfer of these seeds or their derivatives. https://osseeds.org/

Botanical name   Brassica napus
Grower name   Richard Tew
Date Of Seed Harvest   2018
Storage Info   Seed long term stored in freezer
Contains at least   60
Price per packet   $4.50

Kale - Red Ruffled - 51NS

Details   A red on green hues kale with oak leaf ruffled shapes.Very winter hardy and will handle temps as low as -20 deg, does best in soil pH of between 6.1 and 6.5
Botanical name   Brassica napus pabularia
Grower name   Nev&Sue Sinclair
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2018
Storage Info   Seed long term stored in freezer
Contains at least   60
Price per packet   $4.50

Borlotti - 77NS

Details   A productive vigorous climber, Long vines that will grow to 6m tall if provided support, ideal as a drying bean. Borlotti are descendants from the original Cranberry beans that originated in Colombia
Botanical name   Phaseolus vulgaris
Contains at least   30
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2022
Grower name   Nev and Sue Sinclair
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 6 in stock   Order
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
Chatreuse Green Snake - 244CMK

Chatreuse Green Snake - 244CMK

Details   The green snake bean can grow to 70-80cm long best harvested when the reach 45cm unless your saving seeds They are stringless can be eaten raw when young or more matured can be steamed or used in stews or stir fried grow on a support
Botanical name   Foeniculum valgare
Contains at least   30
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2023
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock

Kaiapoi Red dwarf - RS

Details   The history on this bean before been originally grown in Kaiapoi area since the 1870's unknown, but became widely grown throughout NZ over that time. Grows no taller that 30cm with long flat green pods.
Botanical name   Phaseolus vulgaris
Contains at least   30 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Grower name   Rachael Stott
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock
Purple Sprouting Broccoli - 242SPH

Purple Sprouting Broccoli - 242SPH

Details   This Landrace Purple Sprouting Broccoli has beautiful deep purple florets on good sized green stems. Shoots are sweet and tender. Plants can produce a very large sturdy frame. Sow from mid summer and on wards into autumn. Plants can produce over a long period. Pick the florets when they are small to golf ball sized. Prefers fertile heavy soils.
Botanical name   Brassica Oleracea
Grower name   Sara Pepers-Hilltrop
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Storage Info   Seed frozen stored
Contains at least   50 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50

Broccoli - white - 101NS

Details   This particular old strain of broccoli takes longer to grow than the modern types while also being a larger plant, so give seedlings a half meter spacing when planting out
Botanical name   Brassica oleracea
Grower name   Nev&Sue Sinclair
Date Of Seed Harvest   2020
Storage Info   frozen stored
Contains at least   50
Price per packet   $4.50
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

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
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Giant Alderman - 57RG

Details   A tall climber that can get as high as 3m, has large pods and peas, The Alderman pea variety is known to date back to 1893 and was a common site in Victorian kitchen gardens. Its long-cropping time made it ideal for using fresh and any excess crops were dried, stored and used later in the year for soups, stews and other dishes. The Americans have their own version of the Alderman variety which they call the Tall Telephone in honour of Alexander Graham Bell who invented the telephone.
Botanical name   Pisum sativum
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2022
Storage Info   Seed long term stored in freezer
Contains at least   40
Price per packet   $4.50
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Carrot - Benhorn - 60RW

Carrot - Benhorn - 60RW

Details   This original line of carrot dates back to the late 80's when a long time gardener gave Richard carrot seed that he had grown for most of his life. The name of this carrot had been long forgotten so it was named Benhorn in 2000. It is a large stumpy carrot which has been selected for its sweetness and flavour. This is done by tasting each carrot before being replanted back for flowering and later seed production. To add to Benhorn's genetics two new carrots - St.Valery and Kuroda were used in the 20016-17 season in cross pollinating.
Botanical name   Daucus carota subsp. sativus
Grower name   Richard Watson
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2023
Contains at least   approx 100
Price per packet   $4.50
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
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Perennial Sweet pea - 126RW

Perennial Sweet pea - 126RW

Details   Originally native to Southern Europe, this perennial long-lived plant is best where it can remain. Perennial Sweet Peas are not noticeably fragrant. Comes in two shades of colours.
Botanical name   Lathyrus latifolius
Contains at least   30
Date Of Seed Harvest   seed refreshed yearly
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Price per packet   $4.50
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Romaine Climber - 98RG

Details   A heritage bean of unknown origin. Good healthy climber with long green stringless pods. A heavy cropper with good taste as a fresh bean and also an exceptional dried bean.
Botanical name   Phaseolus vulgaris
Contains at least   approx 30
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Price per packet   $4.50
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Fennel - Sweet/common - 239SPH

Fennel - Sweet/common - 239SPH

Details   Sweet or common fennel is part of the Apiaceae (umbellifers) family, along with carrot, dill, anise, parsley, parsnip, celery and angelica. These plants have umbrella shaped flowers and aromatic flavours and hollow stems. Many are medicinal herbs and attractors of predator insects to the garden. Most of the fennel plant can be used. Fennel has traditionally been used for digestive, endocrine, reproductive, lactation and respiratory systems.
Botanical name   Foeniculum vulgare
Contains at least   50 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   Autumn 2023
Grower name   Sara Pepers-Hiltrop
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
Corokia Orange - 33CMK

Corokia Orange - 33CMK

Details   Corokia is ideal to grow as a hedge or stand alone, long slender leaves with the underside bring white, has orange berries, grows to 2 x 1.2 m
Botanical name   Argophyllaceae
Contains at least   20 seeds
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Price per packet   $4.50
Chard - Compactum - 21RW

Chard - Compactum - 21RW

Details   A dark green leaf and with a lighter green stem,

Feed back from a customer living near Katikati, she sowed this variety in Sep 2020 which is still growing March 2022 having not bolted to seed during this time, being a bi-annual it should have run to seed late 2021.
Botanical name   Beta vulgaris
Grower name   Richard Watson
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2019
Storage Info   Seed long term stored in freezer
Contains at least   40 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
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
Carrot - Baby Slenderette - 32NS

Carrot - Baby Slenderette - 32NS

Details   As the name suggests this carrot grows into a small root of about 8-10 cm long. Nev and Sue have selected for the sweetest tasting roots. Their garden doesn't have wild carrots growing anywhere in their district so it would be rare for any white rooted carrot to show up in the seed line.
Botanical name   Daucus carota subsp. sativus
Contains at least   60
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2022
Grower name   Nev and Sue Sinclair
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock
Brussels Sprout - Darkmar - 102RW

Brussels Sprout - Darkmar - 102RW

Details   Produces large deep green sweet and tasty sprouts over a long period, best sown mid summer for winter picking.
Botanical name   Brassica oleracea
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Date Of Seed Harvest   Nov 2022
Contains at least   50
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
Lovage - 165RG

Lovage - 165RG

Details   Lovage is a tall perennial plant that belongs to the same family as carrots, parsley, and dill. A very aromatic herb that's most often used for medicinal purposes. All parts of the plant can be used.
Botanical name   Levisticum officinale
Contains at least   30
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Storage Info   Seed frozen stored
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
Amish Rockmelon - 232CMK

Amish Rockmelon - 232CMK

Details   Smaller in size so doesn’t require as long a summer to grow unlike the bigger ones, plant in rich soil in direct sunlight once frost’s have passed.
fruit grows to 20 cm across 3 kg in weight, flesh is orange.
Heirloom
Disease resistant
Botanical name   Cucumis melo
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2023
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock

Capsicum - Botinecka Zuta - 8RW

Details   This heirloom sweet variety originates from the Balkan region, a Hungarian cheese-type. Medium-late heavy producer of yellow fruit. This is a yellow capsicum is used for paprika and stuffing, can be fully ripened to a deeper orange/red colour. The pods grow to a size of 50mm long by 60mm wide, the plant grows to a height of 60cm.
Botanical name   Capsicum annuum
Contains at least   30 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   2019
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Storage Info   Seed long term stored in freezer
Price per packet   $4.50
Curly Leaf Parsley - 88RW

Curly Leaf Parsley - 88RW

Details   Richard came across this strain in the garden of a long time gardener who used to let it self seed for over 30 years. What was notable was how thick and tightly curled the dark green leaves were.
Botanical name   Petroselinum crispum
Contains at least   40
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Grower name   Richard Watson
Price per packet   $4.50
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Kale - True Siberian - 51RW

Kale - True Siberian - 51RW

Details   A Siberian type highly productive hardy kale. Tolerates weather and water logged soil better than most other kales. Plants are vigorous and large.
 

Botanical name   Brassica napus
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2019
Storage Info   Seed long term stored in freezer
Contains at least   60
Price per packet   $4.50
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
Onion - Walsh - 37RG

Onion - Walsh - 37RG

Details   The true bunching onion is a perennial that does not form a bulb. Bunching onions are strong and enduring once established, they can supply a sharp and delicious punch of flavour to your cooking, year after year.
Botanical name   Allium fistulosum
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
Morning Glory - Crimson - 28RS

Morning Glory - Crimson - 28RS

Details   Great as a bean companion plant, grows stunning bright pink flowers in the mornings alongside runner beans are an incredible sight in the vege garden. Grows as a climber and so will need staking.
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Grower name   Rachael Stott
Price per packet   $4.50

cornflower - blue - 268RS

Details   Bee pollinators love it so it's great for borders of the vege garden. Flowers all summer long.
 
Botanical name   Centaurea cyanus
Grower name   Rachael Stott
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Contains at least   40
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock
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
Mugwort - 26RS

Mugwort - 26RS

Details   Mugwort is a perennial herb with a long history and is part of the (daisy) family. Can grow to 2m tall and is highly valued by bees.
Botanical name   Artemesia vulgaris
Contains at least   50 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   2023
Grower name   Rachael Stott
Price per packet   $4.50
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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.
Greek Gigante - 46RW

Greek Gigante - 46RW

Details   Unlike Scarlet Runners they have pure white flowers and huge white seeds. Flowers over a long period and grows up to 3m tall
Botanical name   Phaseolus coccineus
Grower name   Richard Watson
Date Of Seed Harvest   1/3/23
Contains at least   25 seeds
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
Lettuce - Arabic - 24RW

Lettuce - Arabic - 24RW

Details   A very fast growing tall lettuce with long wide leaves, cos type.
Botanical name   Lactuca sativa
Contains at least   50 seeds
Grower name   Richard Watson
Price per packet   $4.50
Rachael Stott

Rachael Stott

Rachael started seed saving at the young age of six and this has developed into a focus with my passion of gardening. 
 
She lives on a quarter acre in South Canterbury with my husband and two adult daughters and pets. They moved to there block of land in the spring of 2022 and had an amazing vegetable garden over summer. The family set about planting many different brambles along with large number of fruit trees. They were amazed by what can be grown on such a small area.
 
Rachael is also a hobbyist beekeeper and loves planting a wide range of flowers for her bees. She is strongly passionate about how best to nurture the soil through gardening using only organic methods.

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
Angelica - 26RS

Angelica - 26RS

Details  
Angelica archangelica is a biennial herb with medicinal properties. It is a member of the carrot family and prefers moist spots in the garden. It was used in Four Thieves vinegar during the plague and has a long history of use in Western herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese medicine and has a long Norse tradition. Its stems are candied and it is used to flavour food, in perfume, and as a digestive bitter. It has an affinity with the digestive system, women's hormone balance, immunity and it is considered a blood tonic and diuretic.


Botanical name   Angelica archangelica
Grower name   Rachael Stott
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2024
Storage Info   seed in flower bag
Contains at least   40
Price per packet   $4.50
Maize - Billard - 122RW

Maize - Billard - 122RW

Details   Gifted to Richard from a long time gardener who wanted his strain of maize to carry on. It produces kennels larger than other varieties of maize so can be too large for some hand grinders. Plants grow to about 2m tall and generally produce one cob per plant, some plants can produce two but these cobs tend to be smaller.
Botanical name   Zea mays
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Contains at least   50
Price per packet   $4.50
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Onion - Mammoth improved - 231RW

Onion - Mammoth improved - 231RW

Details   A super sized onion which is still sweet considering its size. This variety is one grown in the UK for competitions and can grow as heavy as 5 kgs. Seed was imported from the UK 2019 and one generation has been grown by Richard. It is a tasty onion but not a great keeper.

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

https://www.mammothonion.co.uk/product/seeds-plants/onion-family/onion/mammoth-improved-onion/

Contains at least   50
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2022
Grower name   Richard Watson
Price per packet   $4.50
Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith

Sarah lives with her husband and 2 boys on a 5 acre block in the sunny Bay of Plenty.  She has always had a love of the outdoors and in particular gardening with a passion for anything edible be it fruit, vegetables, herbs or flowers.

Sarah developed an interest in seed saving from a young age and also being a hobbyist bee keeper for 5+ years has made her more aware of the importance of flowers as a food source for our pollinators and retaining these pollinated seeds for future use.

Sarah also has a keen interest in NZ Native Plants and how they provide shelter and food for wildlife and support pollinators.  She is keen to promote the biodiversity and stewardship of our natural heritage.