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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?
Kauri - 194CMK

Kauri - 194CMK

Details   Kauri trees look good planted on their own or in groups of three, seeds take 10-20 days to germinate in the right conditions, 50 years to be fully grown. Best suited to northern areas of NZ
Botanical name   Agathis australis
Contains at least   10
Date Of Seed Harvest   April 2023
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $5.50
Watch Out of stock
Lychnis - Coroaria Alba - 194SPH

Lychnis - Coroaria Alba - 194SPH

Details  

 

Lychnis coronaria ‘Alba’ has striking white flowers.
Prefers a well-drained soil in full sun. It self-seeds readily. Rich nectar and pollen and a good bee attractor.

Contains at least   50
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2024
Storage Info   seed in flower bag
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
Mullein- 250SPH

Mullein- 250SPH

Details   A medicinal plant often found on roadsides and gravelly river banks. It prefers poor, stony or gravelly dry soil. A member of the snapdragon family, this hardy biennial has greenish grey downy leaves . It grows in a rosette before throwing up a tall spike about 1 metre high with butter yellow flowers. Loved by bees this plant produces hundreds of seeds, similar to foxgloves. It is very high in nutrients and medicinal compounds, its main uses being respiratory.
Botanical name   Verbascum thapsus
Contains at least   50
Date Of Seed Harvest   Autumn 2023
Grower name   Sara Pepers-Hilltrop
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
Out of stock
Sweet Orange - Capsicum - 240CMK

Sweet Orange - Capsicum - 240CMK

Details  
Yellow and Orange peppers tastes a little less sweet than red peppers, crunchy and juicy, grow from medium to large in size. Plant grows to approximately one meter in height, they are part of the night shade family.
Botanical name   Capsicum Annuum
Contains at least   40 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2023
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Price per packet   $4.50
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
Sweet Annie - 273RS

Sweet Annie - 273RS

Details   Sweet Annie can also be known as sweet wormwood or qinghao. It’s native to China and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many centuries. The dried leaves of sweet Annie contains flavonoids, essential oils, and artemisinin and can be used for malaria treatments. Sow seed in trays and plant out after the last spring frost
Botanical name   Artemisia annua
Contains at least   40
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Grower name   Rachael Stott
Price per packet   $4.50
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
Watch Only 7 in stock   Order
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
Sweet William - 277RS

Sweet William - 277RS

Details   Also known as Bearded pink or London pride. Sweet william is a strong scented
biennial or short lived perennial with densely packed clusters of small flowers coming through in late spring/early summer. Coming in a wide range of colours, this selection includes, light and dark pink, red, white, pink/white, red/white and various other
shades. Likes full sun and rich soil, great in containers or beds and borders. Propagate by seed, cutting or division. Seeds will not breed true but you’ll still get a nice mix of colours. An old fashioned favourite, has flowers with shades of pinks all summer. Great as a vege companion.
Botanical name   Dianthus barbatus)
Grower name   Rachael Stott
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Storage Info   seed in flower bag
Contains at least   30 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
Sweet Pea, Old Spice - 47ASS

Sweet Pea, Old Spice - 47ASS

Details  
Old Spice has a wonderful colour mixture of white, pink and purple, and is heavily perfumed. Sweatpea is best sown in mid summer to late autumn, this heirloom variety will flower in 12-14 weeks.

Propagation: Soak the seeds in warm water for up to 24hrs, then sow in a tray of seed raising mix in a warm sunny position.

Botanical name   lathyrus odoratus
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Contains at least   20
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock
Onion - Red Bunching - 76SS

Onion - Red Bunching - 76SS

Details   Red Bunching Onion is an Evergreen red-skinned bunching Onion, grown and used in the same way as white Welsh Onions. Plants grow 70-75cm high, and 1.5-2cm in diameter, and have a mild sweet taste. This variety makes a welcome addition to any salad or culinary display with its bright red attractive stalks. Plant from early spring through to early autumn.  Maturity 120 days from direct sowing.
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 7-14days.

Botanical name   Allium fistulosum
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   Dec 2023
Storage Info   Seed frozen stored
Contains at least   50
Price per packet   $4.50

Melon - Tigger - 237SPH

Details   This fruit is an orange/yellow with brilliant fire-red, zigzag stripes and white flesh. They have a lovely smell and a sweet, juicy cucumber like taste. The fruit is small - reaching up to 500g approx. This heirloom originally came from an Armenian market. I have been growing them in my southern tunnel house with success and high yields.
Botanical name   Cucumis melo
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   Autumn 2023
Grower name   Sara Pepers-Hiltrop
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50

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

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

Apple cucumber - 69SS

Details   Small oval fruit are a bright, creamy white, about the size of a small apple; sweet, mild and very tender.
Botanical name   Cucurbitaceae Cucumis sativus
Grower name   Sarah Smith
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2024
Contains at least   20
Price per packet   $4.50
Kascade Korn - 85NS

Kascade Korn - 85NS

Details   The original kascade korn plants commenced life in Scargill, in the early 80s.They grow well in our climate and under our organic regime. They are open pollinated, offering the advantage of you being able to reproduce your own seed for subsequent seasons. They are not as sweet as the super sweet types that people have got used to, but are delicious and very sustaining.
Botanical name   Zea Mays
Contains at least   50 seeds
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Grower name   Nev&Sue Sinclair
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 2 in stock   Order

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
Dill - 217NS

Dill - 217NS

Details   Dill is a herb that’s used in many European and Asian cuisine. The leaves have a sweet grassy flavour but its the seeds that are more aromatic with a slightly more citrus flavour similar to that of caraway seeds.
Botanical name   Anethum graveolens
Contains at least   40
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Grower name   Nev and Sue Sinclair
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
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
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
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
Asparagus - Pacific Purple - 82RW

Asparagus - Pacific Purple - 82RW

Details   A purple variety that is sweeter and less fibrous than green asparagus. Takes three years for the crowns to grow large enough before harvesting, though a small amount of light picking can be done in the second year. Seed needs 18 to 23deg for germinating, once seedling first shows itself transplant into its own 2L pot and plant out into its permanent about 12 months later, never let the first seedling spear get frosted till fully in leaf.
Botanical name   Asparagus officinalis
Grower name   Richard Watson
Storage Info   seed renewed yearly
Contains at least   30 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
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Queensland Blue Pumpkin - 225CMK

Queensland Blue Pumpkin - 225CMK

Details   Australian heirloom pumpkin, deep bluish green in colour with deep ribbing, sweet orange flesh, can also eat the skin.
Botanical name   Cucurbits maxima
Contains at least   30
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2022
Grower name   Carla McKnight
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
Edible Chrysanthemum - 90RG

Edible Chrysanthemum - 90RG

Details   All chrysanthemum flowers are edible, but the flavour varies widely from plant to plant, from sweet to tangy to bitter or peppery. It may take some experimentation to find flavours you like. The mild flavour lends itself well to stir-fries, added to salads also
Botanical name   Chrysanthemum coronarium
Contains at least   approx 30
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Price per packet   $4.50
Waltham Butternut - 215CMK

Waltham Butternut - 215CMK

Details   Regarded as a winter squash meaning they keep well into winter time and beyond,  has a dry sweet and creamy yellow colour flesh.
Botanical name   Cucurbita moschata
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2022
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Price per packet   $4.50
Only 1 in stock   Order
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
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

Mangelbeet - 66RW

Details   .

Best eaten when small, while still sweet. Larger roots can be used as animal feed. Sow in late summer for winter harvest. They can bolt to seed if sown too early.
Botanical name   Beta vulgaris
Grower name   Richard Watson
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2024
Storage Info   Seed frozen stored bottom of freezer
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.

El Beano -138NS

El Beano -138NS

Details   This broad bean has pure white flowers. The pods enclose beans that are sweet, and which remain green once cooked and are nice eaten raw. Nev selected this cultivar from a random mutation over 35 years ago that he noticed had produced pure white flowers and so over the following years carried on selecting for that trait. he much preferred the flavour and colour.  In colder parts of the South Island and Inland North Island you don't want to sow broad beans between March and and early May. Best sown in spring to early summer.

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.

Botanical name   Vicia Faba
Grower name   Nev&Sue Sinclair
Date Of Seed Harvest   Nov 2022
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Contains at least   30
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock
Pink Raspberry - 5RW

Pink Raspberry - 5RW

Details   A sweet fruit that's less tart than the red, grows into a 1.5m bush in heavy damp soils, 1m on light land. Was found growing near the Arthurs Pass village in the 1950's by a gardener who maintained this variety in Rangiora till his death in the early 90's. Richard has grown it ever since. Raspberry seed needs stratification, which can also be done in the fridge by placing the seed in damp paper on a plate then cover the plate with cling wrap. About 6-8 weeks should be enough.

Cuttings will be available during winter, hit the watch tab and a notification will be email out. 

Botanical name   Rubus
Contains at least   20
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock
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
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
Capsicum - Soroksari - 10RW

Capsicum - Soroksari - 10RW

Details   A Hungarian sweet bell pepper that turns from yellow to red when ripe,ideal for stuffing.
Botanical name   Capsicum annuum
Contains at least   20 seeds
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Price per packet   $4.50
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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
Pumpkin - Rouge Vif d'Etampes - 208CMK

Pumpkin - Rouge Vif d'Etampes - 208CMK

Details   This pumpkin is an old French heirloom, moderately sweet, easy to grow. Plant in the spring, maturity is 95 - 105 days. Also known as the Cinderella pumpkin.
Botanical name   C. maxima
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Date Of Seed Harvest   2021
Contains at least   20
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 3 in stock   Order

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
Standard Butternut Pumpkin - 69CMK

Standard Butternut Pumpkin - 69CMK

Details   Butternut has tan-yellow skin and orange fleshy pulp with a compartment of seeds in the blossom end. When ripe, it turns increasingly deep orange, and becomes sweeter and richer. It is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium; and it is a source of vitamin A.
Botanical name   Cucurbita moschata
Contains at least   20
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2022
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Price per packet   $4.50
Out of stock
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
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
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.

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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
Early Gem - 84RW

Early Gem - 84RW

Details   Early Gem is a NZ heirloom corn that Richard continues to select for the number of cobs per plant, the size of the cobs, and the earliest plants that produce ripe seed, grows to about 1.7m tall. Regarded as a semisweet variety while being moderately starchy. 
Botanical name   Zea Mays
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Contains at least   approx 50
Price per packet   $4.50
Millet - foxtail - 247RS

Millet - foxtail - 247RS

Details   Foxtail Millet is the second-most widely planted species of millet, It is mild and slightly sweet in flavour and can be both light and fluffy or crunchy when fried. millet is propagated from seeds, they can be started inside in trays 45 days before frost and hardened to the cooler weather. It is fast-growing and will take only 60 days for the plant to go from seed to flower.
Botanical name   Setaria italica
Grower name   Rachael Stott
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Contains at least   150
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock
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
Manuka - 64CMK

Manuka - 64CMK

Details   New Zealand tea tree, naive to New Zealand and South-East Australia. Shrub like tree good for regeneration of bare land, flowers white occasionally pink
Botanical name   Leptospermum scoparium
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2022
Storage Info   Seed frozen stored
Contains at least   approx 100
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
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
Catnip - 132RG

Catnip - 132RG

Details   A pet cat's best plant, care is needed though as cats have been known to damage even full sized plants.
Botanical name   terpenoid nepetalactone
Contains at least   100
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Price per packet   $4.50
Carex Comans - 209CMK

Carex Comans - 209CMK

Details   Fine leaved tufted sedge can be planted in masse or interplanted even looks great in pots, rockery or borders, prefers a free draining soil
Botanical name   Cyperaceae
Contains at least   approx 100
Date Of Seed Harvest   Jan 2023
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Price per packet   $5.50
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
Australian Blue Oat Grass - 253CMK

Australian Blue Oat Grass - 253CMK

Details   Great for borders, containers, companion planting, or in masse. This hardy grass can tolerate most soils, easy care and very striking with its blue colour.
Botanical name   Helictotrichon sempervirens
Contains at least   approx 100
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2023
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 7 in stock   Order

Kanuka - 161RW

Details   Kanuka is similar to Manuka but is different plant, it can grow into a tree up to 30 m tall. It grows well on all soil types except water-logged soils, and is tolerant of wind, drought and frost.
Botanical name   Kunzea ericoides
Grower name   Richard Paul
Date Of Seed Harvest   March 2023
Contains at least   100 seeds
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock

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
Mitrosideros Mistral Rata - Pohutukawa Hybrid - 195CMK

Mitrosideros Mistral Rata - Pohutukawa Hybrid - 195CMK

Details   Grows to approximately 5 m can handle light frosts, tolerates coastal conditions. Great in extra large pots, border plants, hedging, or stand alone statement shrubs
Botanical name   Metrosideros robusta
Contains at least   approx 100
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Out of stock
Pohutukawa - Springfire/Mauri Princess - 124CMK

Pohutukawa - Springfire/Mauri Princess - 124CMK

Details   Grows to 5 m, sensitive to frost while still young, good as a screening or specimen tree. Grows well in coastal area.
Botanical name   Metrosideros excelsa
Contains at least   100
Date Of Seed Harvest   2021
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Price per packet   $4.50
New Zealand wind Grass - 176CMK

New Zealand wind Grass - 176CMK

Details   Grows into a dense fountain like clump about 90cm tall. Likes full sun or part shade areas from well-drained to heavy soils, will handle dry summers also.
Botanical name   Anemanthele lessoniana
Contains at least   100
Date Of Seed Harvest   Feb 2023
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Price per packet   $4.50
Pohutukawa Metrosideros exselsa - 110CMK

Pohutukawa Metrosideros exselsa - 110CMK

Details   Often called the NZ native Christmas Tree, grows to 9-10 m tall, can be used as a screen or hedge tree. Tolerates drought, wind and salt spray Easy to grow, plant in free draining soil
Botanical name   Pohutukawa Metrosideros exselsa
Contains at least   approx 100
Date Of Seed Harvest   2021
Grower name   Carla McKnight
Price per packet   $4.50
Watch Only 9 in stock   Order
Poppy - Pink Pom Pom - 191RW

Poppy - Pink Pom Pom - 191RW

Details   Grown primarily for their decorative seed pods, breadseed poppies are easy to grow and make a colourful addition to any garden.
Botanical name   Papaver spp
Contains at least   50 -100
Grower name   Richard-Paul
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
Ailsa Craig - 14RG

Ailsa Craig - 14RG

Details   An old variety, very popular in the UK originating from Scotland in 1908. Named after the island.Ailsa Craig near the mouth of the Clyde river. A vigorous grower with good disease resistance, medium size and good flavour.
Botanical name   Solanum lycopersicum
Grower name   Rick Ginders
Contains at least   20
Price per packet   $4.50
Richards mix- 129RW

Richards mix- 129RW

Details   In this mix of seed are varieties that mostly throw to the purple and purple/white fleshed, some white and red can be expected also.

Seed is best sown in autumn then transfer the tiny seedlings to pots and grow through winter in a frost free area, In areas that get frosts even green houses can freeze inside. Springtime plant out and allow each of these new varieties to grow till their tops die down late in the season, then its a matter of digging up each plant and assessing which plant has produced the best yield and for desirable shape and colours. The first year tubers are not always the largest but instead its normally when they are replanted in the second season that they will produce far greater yield. It's worth remembering that new TPS cultivars are virus free.
Red Rascal seed is the latest to be added to Richards potato gene pool

 

Botanical name   Solanum tuberosum
Contains at least   100
Grower name   Richard Watson
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
Price per packet   $4.50
Parsnip - Kralcrown - 61RW

Parsnip - Kralcrown - 61RW

Details  

Kraslcrown is the result of a cross pollination carried out by Richard in 2010 between Hollow crown and Kral, hence the name Kralcrown. 


The key to growing parsnips is using fresh seed. Many gardeners say they have no luck growing parsnips which is normally because of using old seed. Parsnip seed only remains viable for two years at room temperature. Sentinels parsnip seed is regrown every year meaning it should give great germination results.


Botanical name   Pastinaca sativa
Contains at least   approx 100
Grower name   Richard Watson
Price per packet   $4.50
Epazote - 154RW

Epazote - 154RW

Details   Epazote, once cultivated on a large scale as a medicinal herb, is now grown in few herb gardens. A roadside weed in much of North America and central and southern Europe, its herbal uses are barely recognized today outside its native Mexico and South America.
Various native peoples in the American and Mexican West today drink epazote tea or eat the plant to facilitate childbirth and ease painful menstruation as well as to expel worms and relieve gastrointestinal disorders (some of which might be brought on by the worms). Epazote leaves can be poulticed on arthritic joints, athlete’s foot, and insect bites.
Botanical name   Dysphania ambrosioides
Contains at least   100
Grower name   Richard Watson
Storage Info   Seed stock refreshed yearly
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

Purau Gardens

Rick Gender's Purau Gardens is located in Purau by the Lyttleton Harbour. Well known as an historic early market garden for Christchurch with a great climate and rich volcanic soil. No chemicals or fertilisers are required for the production of fantastic fruit and vegetables and its relative isolation makes this a great area for specialist seed production and development.

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
Watch Only 6 in stock   Order
Sara Pepers-Hiltrop

Sara Pepers-Hiltrop

Hi, Im Sara. I live in Mosgiel, Dunedin with my husband Kris and our 2 children. I have always loved plants, flowers and gardens from a very young age. My photographic memory helps with names and working in a garden center, I have access to lots of interesting plants to add to my collection. (I have a bit of a plant problem lol!)

Gardening and growing is my life. This is a picture of me in my 3 year old garden which was rank, clumpy cocksfoot grass and heavy clay in March 2020 when we moved here. I've worked really hard to build up the soil and am a firm believer in the no dig and chop and drop methods, to mimic nature. So far I’ve scoped out about an acre of food forest with fruit trees, berries, root crops, perennials, natives, shrubs, bulbs and flower gardens, vegetable beds and tunnel houses. I'm looking forward to sharing what I have grown here and spreading the love of seeds and gardening.
Carla McKnight

Carla McKnight

Details   Carla was born in Holland, moved to NZ with her family at age 9 and has always worked in gardens from a young age.
At age 15 she had at least 40 plants in her room, some rather large.
Still keen on house plants, just a few more than 40 now, she believes a house without plants is an empty shell.
 
Now married to husband Paul, together they have three grown children with seven young grand kids, on an eleven acres in the Waikato with three Clydesdales, two miniature horses and a Quarter horse x, two cats and a dog.
 
Carla has spent most of her life working in gardens, has always had a keen interest in growing indoor and outside plants especially interested in native plantings. Now has big vegetable gardens/fruit trees and a small mostly native nursery keeping her busy. Wanting to make that little bit of difference for our environment and wildlife, the more people plant trees and grow their own produce the better.

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