Broccoli - De Cicco - 170SS
Propagation: Sow De Cicco Broccoli seeds in trays of potting soil in late summer - early winter, plant out when 2nd leaves have developed.
Dill - 217NS
Coriander - 117NS
Coriander can be used for digestion problems including upset stomach, loss of appetite, hernia, nausea, diarrhea, bowel spasms, and intestinal gas. It is also used to treat measles, hemorrhoids, toothaches, worms, and joint pain, as well as infections caused by bacteria and fungus.
pepper - Trinidad Moruga Scorpion - 171RW
Tobacco - 175RW
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
Kumi Kumi pumpkin - 177NS
Cabbage Tree - 173RW
Propagation: sow seed outside in autumn for spring germination. In warmer areas place seed in a damp paper and keep in the fridge for two months, then sow in trays. Transplant in to pots as soon as they show their first leaf.
New seed will be available again in Feb
Lettuce, Freckles - 172SS
New Zealand wind Grass - 176CMK
Five Finger, Whauwhaupaku - 174SS
Propagation: Sow Five Finger Seeds on a firm bed of seed mix, cover with a fine layer of mix and water thoroughly then place in a warm sheltered spot.
Black From Tula - 179RG
Kowhai dwarf - 145RW
Pittosporum - Karo - 157CMK
Manuka - 64CMK
Jarriahdale - 156CMK
Flax harakeke - 218RW
Indigenous to New Zealand and Norfolk Island. Grows in a wide range of locations from lowland and coastal areas to mountain forest, will grow happily in very dry spots also. Seed needs stratification either by sowing in autumn in areas that get frosts, or 6 weeks in the fridge in frost free areas.
Flax will cross pollinate with other cultivars, Richard has only one cultivar so this seed will grow true to type.
Fennel - Bronze - 271CMK
Tussock swamp twig rush - 216CMK
Pohutuwawa - Dwarf Tahitian - 120CMK
Cabbage - 'Tette Noire' 4RW
Scottish - 38RW
Ribbon Wood - 153CMK
Musquee de Provence - 114CMK
Kaka Beak Rosea - red - 159CMK
St John's wort - 25RS
Love Lies Bleeding - 259RS
Long Island Cheese Squash - 245CMK
Kaka Beak - white - 196CMK
Coprosma propinqua - 200RW
Wormwood - 269RS
Sweet Orange - Capsicum - 240CMK
Pea - Greenfeast - 52RW
Thalictrum - 68SPH
Ngaio - 121RW
Spinach - Bower - 25RW
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.
Aquilegia - Mixed colours - 56SPH
Popular perennial in the cottage garden, sending out large clusters of flowers between spring bulbs and summer perennials. A great cut flower, that self-sows easily. Ideal for attracting beneficial insects to the garden. Great space filler. Cold stratification needed for germination – seeds germinate easily. Seed pods contain alot of seeds.
This selection of seeds include a mixture of red and yellow, pink and yellow, dark and light purples, whites, pinks, dark red, purple and whites.
Poppy - Papaver
Please be aware not all poppy seeds are edible.
Sweet Cicely - 5SSPH
Morning Glory - Miniature - 280RS
Rudbeckia - dwarf - 275RS
Apple of Peru - 107RG
Ipomoea batatas - Kamote
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
Kowhai, North Island - 203SS
Kauri - 194CMK
Oi Oi / Jointed Rush - 152CMK
Cabbage Tree - Three Kings - 212CMK
Regal Lily - 149RW
Richard was fortunate to be given two bulbs from an old strain of highly fragrant Regal Lily that produces compact flower heads that all open at about the same time. All bulb production will be grown from seed and not from cloning scales or splitting up of the bulbs. He will be able to do selective breeding from the best performing plants.
Black Mini Popping corn - 254ALB
Orach - red - 29RG - Red
Catnip - 132RG
Sweet Annie - 273RS
Pittosporum - Wrinkled Blue - 210CMK
Chervil - 67RW
Purple Snake - 234CMK
Moonglow - 16RW
Saffron
Chatreuse Green Snake - 244CMK
Major cook - 123RW
https://herbi.nz/
Life starts underground: soil health
Let’s dig deeper into healthy soil to grow your best-ever plants, fruit and vegetables.
The dirt beneath our feet is a living organism, connected to healthy plants, people, and the environment. Often misunderstood or treated poorly, healthy soil is home to a complicated ecosystem. It’s teaming with microbes that support plants to grow healthy produce, and increase resilience against diseases and bad weather.
Purple Sprouting Broccoli - 242SPH
Toi toi - North Island - 264CMK
Carex Comans - 209CMK
Larkspur - 41RS
Fennel - Florence - 86RW
Yarrow - Terractta - 238SPH
Australian Blue Oat Grass - 253CMK
salsify - 60RS
Salsify is grown similarly to that as other root vegetables such as parsnip and carrots, sow spring time and harvest roots during winter.
Red Matipo, Mapou - 184SS
Candytuft - 270RS
Carrot - Benhorn - 60RW
Crown Pumpkin - 226CMK
Corokia - Yellow wonder - 190CMK
Corokia - Red wonder - 48CMK
Ake ake - purple - 167CMK
Lettuce, Rocket - 187SS
Propagation: Sow seeds directly where to grow or in a tray of seed raising mix in a warm sunny location, should germinate in 7-14 days.
Asparagus - Pacific Purple - 82RW
Maize - Sola - 79NS
Celtuce - 242RW
Radish - Black Spanish 'round' - 62RW
Perennial Sweet pea - 126RW
Queensland Blue Pumpkin - 225CMK
Alexander - 92RW
Fennel - Sweet/common - 239SPH
Alice Le Brun
She was first introduced to seed saving by watching her mother collect seed each season for the next. As an adult she realized the value of the skills her mother had given her and continued the practice. Alice aims to preserve heritage and heirloom varieties as well as developing new strains.
Crystal - 109RW
Kale - Red Russian - 51RG
Corokia Orange - 33CMK
Kowhai - South Island - 207RW
Seed is best sown in autumn to allow for stratification, or this can be done by placing in the fridge for 6 weeks, then a chip removed from the side of the seed with something like a steak knife, this allows moisture to enter helping germination, .
Waltham Butternut - 215CMK
Cape Gooseberry - 81RW
Cherokee Trail of Tears - 42RW
cosmos white - 272CMK
Ake ake - green - 192CMK
Sweet William - 277RS
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.
Corn Salad - 68RW
Chives - Standard - 31RG
Spinach - New Zealand - 128RW
Soaking seeds in warm water for two to eight hours prior to sowing may help soften the seed coat and improve germination results, spinach seeds need lots of heat to germinate so start inside or wait until summer time. Plants can be wintered over indoors and planted outdoors after frosts have past.
Onion - Mammoth improved - 231RW
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/
Calenduleae - orange - 41RS
Lychnis - Coroaria Alba - 194SPH
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.
Anise Hyssop - 164NS
Sunflowers - Giant Russian - 103RW
Sow in spring in colder areas, year round in warmer locations.
Elecampane - 59SPH
Elecampane grows best in part shade but will tolerate full sun in soils that are well drained. The plants can tolerate a range of soil types, from sand to clay, moist, semi fertile loam are ideal.
If sowing seed in the garden, plant them after all danger of frost has passed.
Teasel - 7RG
Sarah Smith
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.
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.
Nev's TPS - 136NS
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.
El Beano -138NS
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.
Pigeonwood, Porokaiwhiri - 166SS
Propagation: Sow Pigeonwood seeds directly on to a firm bed of seed raising mix and press well in, cover with a light layer of mix. Seedlings will come up in Autumn.
Pink Raspberry - 5RW
Cuttings will be available during winter, hit the watch tab and a notification will be email out.
Swan Plant - 221CMK
Chard - Compactum - 21RW
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.
Mitrosideros Mistral Rata - Pohutukawa Hybrid - 195CMK
Yellow current - 15RW
Wild Chicory - 134RW
Seed extraction and processing is extremely difficult and time consuming which reflects in the price of this seed
Scabiosa - Pink - 278RS
Valerian - 59SPH
It produces umbrella shaped flowers of pure white borne on tall hollow stems with thick fern like foliage. Valerian has been used medicinally for centuries by many different cultures as a sedative and nervous system relaxant. Harvest roots in the winter during dormancy. Grows naturally in damp grasslands but can tolerate a wide range of soils. Flowers in late spring early summer.
Pohutukawa - Springfire/Mauri Princess - 124CMK
Passionfruit - Black Beauty - 119CMK
Muehlenbeckia astonii - 252CMK
Nasturtium, Alaska Collection - 183SS
Nasturtium Seeds are best sown directly where to grow in a warm sunny location, should germinate in 7-14 days.
Parsley - Italian or flat leaf - 72RW
Orach - green - 256RS
Evening Primrose - 70NS
Lamb's Quarters - Magenta Spreen - 279RS
Pohutukawa Metrosideros exselsa - 110CMK
Brussels Sprout - Darkmar - 102RW
Pumpkin - Rouge Vif d'Etampes - 208CMK
Lovage - 165RG
Etollbeet - 181RW
Spilanthes - 71RW
Given it is an annual native to the tropics care is needed against frost. Flowers from Dec through to winter.
Read more at Gardening Know How: Spilanthes Herb Care: How To Grow Spilanthes Toothache Plant https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/spilanthes/growing-spilanthes-plants.htm
Read more at Gardening Know How: Spilanthes Herb Care: How To Grow Spilanthes Toothache Plant https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/spilanthes/growing-spilanthes-plants.htm
Read more at Gardening Know How: Spilanthes Herb Care: How To Grow Spilanthes Toothache Plant https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/spilanthes/growing-spilanthes-plants.htm
Amish Rockmelon - 232CMK
fruit grows to 20 cm across 3 kg in weight, flesh is orange.
Heirloom
Disease resistant
Curly Leaf Parsley - 88RW
Poppy - Pink Pom Pom - 191RW
Amaranth - Pygmy Torch - 276RS
Standard Butternut Pumpkin - 69CMK
True Seed Garlic (TSG)
Egyptian walking tree onions
Breeding work on the onion is currently being done. The Egyptian Walking tree onion is a F1 clone which is a cross between the Walsh and a standard brown onion. Through bulbil removal and hand pollination 13 seeds were produced in 2015, from those 13 only 5 seedlings germinated, one of those later died. During that summer the four remaining plants grew and divided giving me 23 new base onions. These were then replanted out separately and it is hoped they will produce more seed. The goal is to develop an open pollinate walking onion that is grown from seed and not bulbils.
Bulbils will be available again Jan 2024
NZ Iris, Libertia - 189SS
Propagation: Seed scarification is recommended; place seeds in a cup of warm water, leave to cool for 24hrs then sow seeds directly on to a firm bed of seed raising mix and press well in. Cover with a light layer of mix.
Morning Glory - Crimson - 28RS
Pak Choi, Kwang Moon - 188SS
Propagation: Pak Choi Seeds are best sown directly where to grow, in rows or scattered sections, should germinate in 7-14 days.
Gooseberry - Yellow Central Otago - 112RW
Crownchestnut - 90aRW
Radish - Pink Beauty - 96RW
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
Toconjoin - corn - 180RW
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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Mugwort - 26RS
Richards mix- 129RW
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
Pean bean (white) - 44NS
Glass Gem Popping Corn - 100CMK
Mini Bell Peppers - 211CMK
Golden Rod - 25RS
Globe Artichoke - 89RG
Cedronella - 200SPH
Briza media - 51RS
Briza media is a rhizomatous, creeping, warm-season ornamental grass with a clump of erect narrow green leaves, typically growing up to around 40cm tall.
Sow seed pretty much year round in warmer areas, spring to autumn in colder soils.
Toi toi - Mini - 91aCMK
Grandus 115RW
Plant autumn for northern areas, South Island sow spring and summer.
Grows up to 2 metres
Lettuce - Mescher - 25RW
Angelica - 26RS
Lavender - Avonview - 116SS
Propagation: Sow seeds in a tray of seed raising mix in a warm sunny location, should germinate in 14-21 days.
Spring Onion - 61ASS
Millet - foxtail - 247RS
Pittosporum Lemonwood, Tarata - 185SS
Propagation: Seed is best cold treated in the fridge for 6 weeks. Sow seeds directly on to a firm bed of seed raising mix and press in, cover with a light layer of mix. Sow in Autumn sow in pots outside and seedlings should appear in spring.