Garden Organic - Heritage Seed Library...2 Heritage Seed Library - 2021 Seed List 2021 Seed List -...

Rare and unique heritage varieties available exclusively to members

of the Heritage Seed Library

Heritage Seed LibraryThe

2021 Seed List

149 varieties to choose from

18 new varieties for 2021

64 certified organic varieties

2021 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - 3 2 Heritage Seed Library - 2021 Seed List

Welcome to the 2021 Seed List – I hope it finds you well in what has been an extremely challenging year. Despite disruption throughout the season we are pleased to be able to offer you as close to normal service as possible.

This year’s list has 149 varieties to choose from, including 18 new, rediscovered heritage varieties. Amongst the new are “Angel” climbing French bean, with its mysterious seed markings, and Arancia Chard, with its beautiful yellow-orange stems.

To help us build up our seed supplies for future years after the disruption to this year’s growing plans, we have had to drop the ‘lucky dip’ option for this year. We hope this doesn’t cause too much disappointment.

To give you as much choice as normal, we have included varieties with very limited stock. If you would like any of the limited stock options I urge you to get your request in quickly, using the online form if possible as it will reach us quicker.

The online form is available at hsl.gardenorganic.org.uk. We will need to have your email address on record with us before you can submit your request online. If we don’t already have it please let us know by contacting [email protected] quoting your membership number or postcode.

If you are sending a postal request, don’t forget to include a second and third choice - and of course your details! Remember that we can only offer one packet of a single variety – this is to ensure as many members as possible can enjoy them. If you have a particular favourite, why not have a go at saving your own seed – take a look at how at www.gardenorganic.org.uk/seed-saving-guidelines.

Our heritage varieties can be grown in exactly the same way as modern ones. If you’d like any growing

instructions you can access information online at hsl.gardenorganic.org.uk/growing-instructions or contact us using the details below and we will send you a printed copy.

A big thank you to our fantastic team and volunteers who have helped make the seed list

possible this year. Seed has been checked, tested and packed by hand over the last few months – all carried

out with social distancing in place and mostly from home. Rest assured we have the plans in place to safely process and send your seed requests. Please allow a little more time than usual for us to answer any queries and for your seeds to arrive with you.

Finally, thank you for your ongoing support as a member of HSL. We are extremely grateful that so many choose to give an additional donation to support our work. Last year we were able to use these extra funds to, amongst other things, improve the automatic irrigation on site – absolutely essential to keeping our valuable veg well looked after while we were away.

With best wishes for a successful growing year from myself and the team,

TO THE 2021 SEED LIST

Welcome

Catrina FentonHead of the Heritage Seed Library

Important information for those living outside of the UK or in Northern Ireland - At the time of printing there is no deal negotiated that enables the EU and UK to continue to move seed across borders as before. Similarly, for those in Northern Ireland, there continues to be uncertainty about implications of new border arrangements from 1st January 2021. For this reason, we cannot guarantee to be able to fulfil seed orders from outside of the UK or from Northern Ireland after 31st December. To ensure you don’t miss out, please ensure you send your request to us before Monday 14th December. If the situation changes we will let you know.

Tel. 024 7630 [email protected]

We are operating with skeleton staff in the office so it may take a little

longer to respond to queries. Thank you in advance for your patience.

contact us


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beetroot

broad bean

ACHOCHALimited Stock - This is a prolific and rampant climber reaching 3-4m, so will need supporting with trellis or a frame. The small, cucumber-like fruits have a fresh flavour, a cross between a minty cucumber and a green pepper. Eat raw or in stir fries when young; when mature they have tougher skins so stuff with meat, fish or cheese, and then bake or make an achocha curry. Can also be used pickled or as a base for chutney. The flowers are also attractive to pollinating insects.

CRETIANOur donor obtained the seeds when holidaying in Crete. Growing to around 60-75cm in height his plants produced around 1kg of beans from a 1.25m x 1.25m plot, he says, and blackfly appeared not to be interested in the plants. Don’t expect huge pods: four beans in each is normal, but they are produced in abundance. The tasty beans are perfect eaten raw, as they do in Greece.

AVON EARLYOne of a series of innovative breeding lines from the former National Vegetable Research Station at Wellesbourne (now Warwick HRI, part of Warwick University), it remained a stalwart variety amongst gardeners for many years. An early, prolific and fast-growing round-rooted type; Lawrence Hills states in The Vegetable Finder that it matures in about 10 weeks. Excellent sweet flavour; both juicy and crunchy when young.

DRIMA ORGANICNEW for 2021 - This prolific and easy to grow variety has a compact habit, making it ideal for small gardens. Seed guardian Adam Alexander says, “very tasty too. I will include this in my favourites list for culinary use!” Let us know what you think.

UKRAINIAN ORGANICThis beetroot was donated to us by Unwins Seeds in 1992. It has tender flesh which is easy to peel so is the perfect choice for salads. It is also great for making a tasty Borscht: cabbage, beetroot and tomato soup.

GEORGE POTTS NEW for 2021 Limited Stock - Donated by one of our volunteer guides at Ryton, who originally obtained the seed from one of his old friends, George Potts. The seed was handed down to Mr Potts by his father who had grown them since the early 20th century in Manchester. They seem to be resistant to pests and disease and produce a heavy crop of delicious beans.

achocha


cabbage

PADDY ORGANICA very large heirloom variety developed by an unknown Irish allotment holder, who saved seeds from his largest specimen and shared them with his allotment neighbours. Spring sown for late summer/autumn use, it is a vigorous grower, producing large firm heads that stand well until late autumn/early winter. Delicious raw, very crunchy with a spicy flavour. Retains both its texture and flavour when cooked. One HSL member commented, “The best autumn cabbage I have grown in 60 years of cultivating.”

SILSDEN BOMB WHITE ORGANICNamed after the locality in which it is thought to have originated, Silsden, near Keighley, Yorkshire. Said to have been bred by Jonnie Watson, an old gardener from the town; our donor acquired it in 1980 from “a chap” who had grown it for 12 years. Only one of his seeds germinated, but since then seeds of the variety have been saved and shared around the whole district! Apparently all of the horticultural show growers wanted it; our donor has won first prize with his specimens. Produces small heads with distinctive white-veined, blue-green leaves.

CATSKILL ORGANICLimited Stock - An ex-commercial variety developed by Arthur White from the small hamlet of Arkport, New York State in 1941. It is thought to have been named after Catskill Park, a forested and mountainous region in New York State which fringes Arkport. Still very popular in the USA, this robust heritage variety grows to around 50-75cm in height and produces richly flavoured sprouts around 5cm in diameter. Great for eating fresh or for freezing.

brussels sprout

MRS MCGHIE ORGANICThis typical Jamaican variety produces waist-high plants with large pale green leaves and long, drooping, lime green, tassel-like flowers. Grown by many Jamaican allotment holders for a wide range of culinary uses: stir fried with coconut milk and tomatoes, in soups and steamed with fish.

TOWER HAMLETS ORGANICDonated by the WEN, Tower Hamlets, London, although the seeds originally came from Bangladesh. The plants have purple stems and taste like chard when eaten raw. The leaves may be eaten at any stage and can be cooked like a chard or spinach. A welcome addition to the greens selection.

callaloo

BRADFORD BOMB ORGANICNEW for 2021 - Our donor acquired these seeds from a guest speaker at his local gardening club. The speaker, Mr Lockwood, was in his 80s and had given up his allotment after years of saving his own seed. Sow in March under glass for an August/September harvest. Bradford Bomb is a compact, white cabbage and great for showing. As Mr Lockwood was a judge at local horticultural shows we should probably take his word for it!

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chardceleriac

ARANCIA ORGANICNEW for 2021 - The vivid yellow-orange stems of this chard make it a very attractive addition to both the bed and the salad bowl. The very young leaves are ideal for use as a baby leaf in a salad mixture.

TELLUS ORGANICAlso known as ‘turnip-rooted celery’, which describes the shape and flavour of this vegetable perfectly. Suttons say, “A quick growing, smooth, round-rooted type with a beautiful white flesh which does not discolour after boiling”. Seed Guardian Sandra Slack adds, “Sweet and nutty, makes a lovely soup.” Also invaluable diced or grated raw as a tasty addition in winter salads.

carrot

JOHN’S PURPLE ORGANICNamed after our donor who, in the 1970s, developed a pure line of purple carrots from four he found amongst a bag given to him for his rabbits by an allotment neighbour. He passed on some of his seeds to Horticulture Research International, now part of Warwick University, for their long-term preservation. With John’s consent, some were released to us. John describes them as “crisp and flavoursome”.

AFGHAN PURPLE ORGANICEgyptian cave paintings dating back to around 2000BC show what is thought to be purple carrots; the orange varieties we are familiar with today were not developed until the 16th century. Donated by the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, Virginia, USA, this purple carrot produces 20-25cm roots that, when sliced, reveal a bright yellow core. They have a more pronounced ‘carroty’ flavour than orange varieties, and also show some resistance to carrot root fly.

LONDON MARKET ORGANICOriginally from Finland, this traditional early ‘short horn’ type carrot has very wide, stumpy roots which are deep orange-red in colour. Guardian Anne St. John notes that they are good boiled or steamed, or freshly grated in salads and have a mild flavour. They freeze (un-blanched) and store well.

climbing french bean - coloured pod

BLUE BEANS Limited Stock - These cream seeded beans were brought to the UK from France at the end of WWII. Compact (1.2m) for a climber. Thought to be frost resistant and less attractive to slugs than most French beans. Produces beautiful purple flowers followed by dark purple, 12-18cm, plump, flat pods. Seed guardian Mrs Jane Durston says, “Lovely hot, or blanched in salads. Good crisp texture and nutty flavour.”

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O’DRISCOLL ORGANICThese bicoloured beans were given to our donor, Mr O’Driscoll, by his father, who had grown and saved them for many years. A vigorous and prolific variety, it is earlier than many French beans. Seed Guardian Ian Thomas describes them as “a pleasure to grow”. Flat, green pods flecked with purple follow mauve flowers. Can be eaten as whole pods when young, or left to mature and shelled.

DISTRICT NURSEOur donor was given these beans by her step-daughter, a district nurse who had originally been passed them by an elderly lady in Cardiff. She describes it as, “A delightful bean! Pretty lilac flowers are followed by dramatically coloured pods, green splashed with navy blue.” Our Seed Guardians appear to experience very few pest and disease problems with this variety.

CHEROKEE TRAIL OF TEARSThis variety derives its name from its dramatic history. The Cherokee nation was displaced by settlers in 1838 and set off on an infamous march that became known as the Trail of Tears. They were only able to take their most precious possessions with them, one of which was this bean. Vigorous vines are prolific producers of succulent young pods that can be eaten raw or cooked, and freeze perfectly. However, this variety is principally for drying, and the small, black beans come into their own in winter stews and soups.

BONNE BOUCHEOriginating in the city of Rouen, capital of the Normandy Region in France, in the 1950s, this vigorous (1.8-2.4m) ex-commercial variety looks beautiful grown on a wigwam support with its pairs of delicate white flowers and large green leaves. The long green pods have a slight red stripe and are tender and flavoursome when young. When mature the podded beans are delicious.

GEORGE’SThought to have originated in Poland, this variety produces creamish-white flowers followed by very attractive pods that, when mature, are green flushed with red. Can be used fresh as a succulent, stringless green bean, ideal for salads. Alternatively, the half white and half red, sometimes mottled, dried beans make an attractive addition to soups and stews. Seed Guardian Jackie Newey thinks that they are “amazing!” and grows some every year.

MRS LEWIS’S PURPLE PODOur Leicestershire-based donor acquired these seeds from her neighbour who, in turn, had been given them by a cousin, Mrs Lewis from Suffolk. Mrs Lewis said that this bean could not be bought commercially any more and believed it to be ‘Purple Pod’, mentioned in a 1979 Percy Thrower book. Grows to 1.8m with purple stems and very dark leaves. The small purple flowers are followed by bright, shiny, flat purple pods which, when young, are delicious steamed. The dried beans have a lovely nutty flavour.

KEW BLUE Originally from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, this variety has been handed down for at least three generations in our donor’s family. The purple-pink flowers are complemented by purple-tinged leaves and stems, and followed by flat purple pods. A healthy and vigorous vine producing a prolific crop of tender pods. Perfect for eating fresh or freezing, and when dried the beans have a rich, nutty flavour.

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POLISH CLIMBINGOriginally from Poland, though acquired by our donor at a Belgian seed swap. Lilac flowers are followed by slender, ‘snake-like’ pods, bright green streaked with black. Matures quickly; use fresh, rather than as dried beans, as the pods are tasty and stringless. Seed Guardian Ann Rutter was suitably impressed, she says, “They wouldn’t look amiss in the flower garden.”

POLISH PURPLE STRINGLESSThought to be of Polish origin, this bicoloured bean was given to a friend of our donor, HSL volunteer Rob Croft, who passed some on to us. Grown since around 1960 on the allotments in Broughton Astley, Leicestershire, and before that at Wigston Lane Allotments, Aylestone, Leicestershire. It produces tall plants (>2m) with purple flowers followed by purple and green mottled, stringless pods with a great flavour. Seed Guardian Ms Della Cannings QPM says that they are a “superb performer. From a small number of seeds we had a huge crop”.

TUSCANThe tall plants (up to 2.4m) produce white flowers followed by green, carmine-splashed, stringless pods. Seed Guardian Ken Pawson found that they remained stringless even when the pods were allowed to get large; Guardian Justine Gallaccio agrees. Ken describes them as “very tasty, excellent beans”; let us know what you think.

WILLIAMS’ TIGER BEANOriginally passed to our donor’s sister by a friend who had in turn been given them in the late 1960s by a retired British War Graves Commission gardener. Produces vigorous, very tall plants: up to 3.5m has been recorded. The curled, green pencil pods have purple ‘tiger stripes’ which disappear when cooked. The beans themselves have a full, hearty flavour.

VIOLA DI CORNETTI Limited Stock - Thought to be an ex-commercial variety, the tall (>2m), attractive vines have purple stems and purple flowers. It is also prolific; the long, slim, purple pods are produced in abundance. These pods can reach 30cm in length and turn green when cooked but still remain stringless!

RED AND WHITE Limited Stock - This tall variety (>2m) produces yellow-green foliage and creamish-white flowers. The pods are green when they first set, but become red and white as the seeds inside start to form. The young beans are delicious when eaten fresh and the mottled, dried seeds have a lovely rich and creamy ‘butter bean’ flavour.

For the latest stock levels and to order online visit

hsl.gardenorganic.org.uk.

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climbing french bean - green pod

ALICE WHITIS PINK ORGANICDonated by John Yeoman, formerly of The Village Guild. This 1930s heirloom was originally grown and saved by Alice Whitis in Acorn, Kentucky, USA. It produces vigorous 2-2.5m plants with white flowers and tender pencil pods that are at their best if eaten when young and stringless. Also, a good drying bean.

ANGEL ORGANICNew for 2021 - Our donor was given seeds of this variety as a gift from a friend in Germany. It is so named as the pattern around the hilum of the seed resembles an angel. In Germany it is also known as the Monstrance Bean, as these markings also bare some similarity to the shape of the sacred vessels used by the Roman Catholic church. The legend suggests that, during WW1, a French pastor planted beans above his buried artefacts to prevent their discovery. The beans produced by these plants bore the marks we now see. They produce beautiful orange-red flowers followed by flat, green pods packed with the pretty beans, which are perfect for use dried.

BOB AND MARYThis tasty and prolific bean was donated by Seed Guardian Liz Ramsay, who was given the seeds by her sister’s partner, a native of British Columbia, Canada. His family have grown this variety since the beginning of the 20th century. It is thought that the family received the beans as payment for help repairing farm equipment for a Ukrainian neighbour. Liz says, “The pods can be eaten at all stages: juicy and young, tender and mature or even as a dried bean.”

CYPRUS Limited Stock - This bean has been grown, selected and saved in its native Cyprus for many years and was given to our donor by an allotment neighbour whose father lives on a small farm there. With very sparse foliage, it produces white flowers followed by an impressive crop of crisp and slender pencil-type pods full of juicy green beans. It also crops over a long period of time.

JACK EDWARDS Limited Stock - A vigorous pea bean with beautiful white flowers followed by lumpy-looking but succulent, tender and stringless pods. Best cooked straight from the plant when young. However, the bicoloured white and brownish-purple dried beans store very well. If you are looking for quality of flavour, not quantity of yield, this is the bean for you. A delicious bean!

MAJORCAN PEA BEANThis pea bean was donated by a member, who discovered them in a Majorcan market during the late 1980s. The seeds are the typical bicolour of pea beans; however, the maroon half is additionally striped with brown. Produces tall (up to 2.5m), strong vines and a good yield of tasty pods, but can be a little stringy if used fresh, and is best used as a drying bean.

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climbing french bean - green pod

MOUNTAINEER WHITE HALF RUNNERSyn. Dutch Half Runner. This white seeded variety originates with the settlers of the Dutch Fork Section of South Carolina, USA. Growing to around 1.2m in height it produces white flowers and short, straight, pale green pods over a long season. When eaten young the pods are stringless and tasty, although the beans are equally delicious dried.

PERCY PARKER New for 2021 -Our donor was given these seeds by a friend who had been given the beans by Percy Parker himself. Percy had grown this variety since WWII in Barcombe, East Sussex. Unfortunately, Percy passed away, but his name lives on in this lovely bean. The strong and productive plants have white flowers followed by long, straight, flat, stringless green pods containing small, white beans.

STRIPED BUNCH A rarity! It is claimed that these beans can be found only in ‘one hollow’ in Right Beaver Creek, Knott County, Kentucky. Growing to 1.2-1.5m in height, the pale apricot flowers are followed by flat, green pods which are tender and tasty when young. Let us know what you think of this one.

RYDERS TOP O’ POLE ORGANICOur donor has grown this ex-commercial bean for at least 30 years and originally obtained the seeds from Ryder’s of St Albans just before the firm was sold on in the 1970s, when all of its varieties were discontinued. Produces tall vines (up to 2.5m) and white flowers followed by flat, green pods. The 1970 Ryder’s seed catalogue describes it as “a heavy bearer, absolutely stringless and of delicious flavour, may be sliced or cooked whole.”

SUCCOTASHNew for 2021 - This American heirloom is unusual in that the very deep-purple/black seeds are almost shaped like a kernel of corn. The lilac flowers are followed by green pods each containing around six beans. Primarily a drying bean, perfect for use in the Native American dish consisting of corn, beans and peppers - hence its name. A late bean that appears to perform better for our growers in the South of England, possibly due to the warmer temperatures and longer growing season.

SAN ANTONIOLimited Stock - Produces tall, vigorous vines (>2.5m) with dark green, almost black, foliage. The leaves contrast beautifully with the green pods that harbour big, white seeds. The seeds are most curious, as each is marked with a solitary saint-like figure dressed in monk robes. Vigorous and hardy, the young beans are lovely eaten fresh and they freeze well, retaining their rich flavour. Can also be used dried.

VEITCH’S CLIMBINGAchieved an RHS first-class certificate on its introduction in 1885 and at one time the most widely grown climbing French bean in England. Probably synonymous with Tender & True and Guernsey Runner, neither of which are now commercially available. A good cropper, covered in straight, long, delicious flat pods from top to bottom. Stringless when young, but makes a really attractive and tasty dried bean too.

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dwarf french beans - coloured pod

HOPI BLACKNamed after the Hopi people, a Native American tribe of north-east Arizona who used the black beans both for food and as a dye. The compact (35-50cm) but prolific plants produce dark lilac flowers followed by a generous crop of flat, greenish-yellow pods. These can be eaten fresh when young, or allowed to mature when the dried beans are great in chillis or as refried beans. Also thought to show some drought resistance. Sow to harvest 90 days (approx.)

ICE/CRYSTAL WAXDating back to at least 1882, this Dutch-bred variety was used by the English as a forcing bean for hothouses. Produces compact plants (30-50cm) with white flowers followed by green pods that lighten with age to almost a silver-white giving, with a little imagination, the impression of icicles. Great fresh; either raw in salads when very young, or lightly steamed. Good flavour and texture when cooked after freezing, also dries well for use as a pulse. Sow to harvest 50-70 days (approx.)

MR BROOKS’ BLUE BEANGrown by Mr Brooks in the 1960s, but passed to us by his neighbour, who has grown the beans since 1969. The buff-coloured seeds produce 50-60cm plants and very attractive mauve and lilac flowers followed by slim, flat, purple pods. Best picked when young as pods become a little stringy as they mature. Sow to harvest 70 days (approx.)

cucumber

ARMENIA ORGANIC Limited Stock - Produces squat fruit with rounded ends and pale green skin that is slightly bumpy. Not especially vigorous, but the fruit produced have a fresh, crunchy texture even when very ripe. The flavour is pleasing, reminiscent of melon, but not quite as sweet.

IZJAŠTŠNÕI ORGANICLimited Stock - An Estonian ridge type cucumber with short, plump, prickly fruits borne on compact bushes. It tolerates poor treatment and cool temperatures, though requires a nitrogen-rich compost to perform well. The juicy flesh has excellent flavour, and is perfect for pickling, but remove the spiky skin first!

KHEERA ORGANIC Limited Stock - Originating from Bangladesh, this pleasantly mild-flavoured, mid-sized cucumber has a triangular cross-section when cut. Remove the male flowers to avoid bitterness in the fruits, which will begin to appear in July from an April sowing. For eating pick fruits when over 15cm long: they grow squat and stout rather than conventionally long and thin. Be sure to let the fruit fully ripen (to yellow or brown) or you won’t tell the difference between this and a normal cucumber, but grown under cover it’s easy, fruitful and relatively trouble free.

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dwarf french beans - green podded

EMPEROR OF RUSSIASyn. Longfellow. Donated to us by Harlow Carr Botanic Garden, Harrogate. This fine haricot bean produces neat plants with white flowers followed by slim and crisp pencil pods, which are stringless when young. Seed Guardian Bill Dale comments, “I probably shouldn’t say it but in the many years I’ve grown it, no disease or other problems. A crisp and crunchy treat when eaten fresh and young. A good, no-nonsense bean!”

PIRATA Limited Stock - Our donor’s father inherited these beans in the 1970s from a previous gardener at his place of work. Several Guardians have commented on the drought tolerance of this variety. The crisp, flavoursome pods do not get stringy, even when mature, so the cropping period is longer than for most French beans. When dried the dark brown beans with cream speckles are really tasty too.

ERNIE’S BIG EYEDonated in the early 1980s by an American member, this selection of the ancient ‘Trout’ variety produces pale-green, luscious young pods, or, if allowed to dry, tasty white seeds speckled with burgundy. Carries pods high on the compact plants so may need staking later in the season. Found by Seed Guardians to be particularly disease resistant.

ROYAL REDBred at Prosser, Washington State, for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), this variety was developed for its disease resistance. Its popularity was limited as its dark purple, almost black, beans were too plump and large for canning, despite having a lovely rich, beany flavour. Produces strong and prolific plants which may require some support.

SHIROKOSTRUCZKOVNIAOne of the many varieties donated by Harlow Carr Botanic Gardens. Roughly translated the name means broad or wide-podded. Large white seeds produce compact plants, though these will require staking. White flowers are followed by broad, flat pods produced in profusion. Best eaten as a young green bean; string free and delicious. One of the earliest varieties to mature and shows some frost tolerance.

dudi

kale

MO SAYED ORGANICOriginally collected from the Highfields area of Leicester, and named after the donor. Mo acquired the seeds from a friend whose family save their own seeds on their farm in India. This dudi is slightly later than some, but will produce fruit the size of a small child!

SPIS BLADENE ORGANIC(Brassica oleracea) An old Danish variety whose name simply means “eat the leaves”. A particularly tall kale reaching a magnificent 2m in height, so may require staking. The leaves are broad and glaucous, and are slightly peppery to taste. If picked young the leaves are delicious in salads.

All our varieties can be grown in the same way as modern

ones, but if you’d like a copy of our growing instructions please let us know when you order, or visit hsl.gardenorganic.org.uk/

growing-instructions.

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leek lettuce

lettuce

SIM SEGER ORGANIC Limited Stock - Named after our donor’s neighbour, Sim Seger, who grew this variety for many years because they did particularly well in his locality of Malton, North Yorkshire. A hardy leek, which appears to be disease resistant too. Guardian Jenny Rogers says, “Large plants with good firm, white stems. Lovely flavour, excellent!”

AMISH DEER TONGUEThis semi-open, cos type lettuce is very hardy and slow to bolt. It has distinctively shaped triangular leaves, perfect for use as baby salad greens. Mild flavoured with a buttery taste and soft leaves.

BATH COSListed in James Carter’s Catalogue of a Choice Collection of Floricultural, Vegetable and Agricultural Seeds of 1842, this variety was described by a contributor to The Gardener (1867); “This sort ought to be in every garden. No other variety can surpass it.” Thought to be synonymous with Brighton Cos; the large, dark green leaves have a rust-coloured tinge and are flavourful, crisp and juicy.

BLACK SEEDED SAMARAA light green, loose-leafed, summer butterhead lettuce that stands up well to drought. The soft leaves have a mild flavour and fine texture. So named because it produces black seeds. Seed Guardian Mike Wicken says, “An excellent variety with good flavour when young.”

BLOODY WARRIORAn ex-commercial variety of cos-type lettuce that has crisp, green leaves speckled with red. Our donor suggests planting out in autumn and overwintering with protection; the lettuces will heart up for early summer harvesting. Lovely, slightly bitter flavour, perfect in a mixed leaf salad.

kale

TALL GREEN CURLED ORGANIC(Brassica oleracea) Seed merchant JL Clucas Ltd describe this variety in their 1953 catalogue as “one of the most useful vegetables grown for a supply of greens from about October to the end of April. Sow seed in March, and plant out as soon as plants are large enough to handle, allowing 3 feet between the rows and 1.5 feet between the plants.” It produces very curly leaves on compact plants 30-45cm in height and around 30cm wide.

UNCLE BERT’S PURPLE(Brassica oleracea) Our donor’s family has grown this variety for several generations and found it to be “the nicest tasting of all kales.” Grown extensively before WWII, but seems to have disappeared soon after. Large and prolific; it is both hardy and resilient to pests and diseases. Delicious too, with a slightly nutty flavour.

lablab bean

YING’S LABLABA Chinese lablab with lovely scented mauve flowers and pretty pods – lime green, often with a reddish-purple edge. Flowering should start by July from an April sowing. This is the type called liva in Gujerati which produces broad flat pods and mild-flavoured beans.

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lettuce melon

BRONZE ARROWA beautiful, productive California heirloom, popular in the USA but was almost unknown here. A large, non-hearting lettuce; the attractive, arrowhead-shaped leaves have a distinctive bronze tinge and mild flavour. Drought and cold hardy, so ideal for autumn sowing and overwintering; it’s also less popular with slugs. The merits of this variety have been recognised by commercial seed companies and it is to be included on the National List under its synonym Bronze Beauty. Although now it can be considered safe, we will continue to make it available to members for as long as our stocks last.

BURPEE’S ICEBERGOriginally bred by W Atlee Burpee Company, USA, and introduced in 1884. Our donor found seeds in an allotment shed in the 1990s, left behind by a previous tenant who had grown them for 30 years. Described by Burpee as having “medium-sized compact heads with heavily ruffled leaves and crisp, tender hearts.” A classic, crisphead lettuce, thinnings make delicious extra-early salads. 85 days from seed to harvest (approx).

GREEK MAROULLI COSA compact cos lettuce with beautiful, tasty, large-bladed leaves, lovely when added to a mixed salad. Their size makes them perfect for window boxes or containers.

LILLERA huge, cabbage-headed lettuce that can weigh anything up to 500g. The unusual pink tinge on leaf margins is temperature-dependent, apparent on planting out the young plants in the spring but disappearing as they start to mature. Leaves are large, full and smooth, ideal for adding to a sandwich.

BROWN BATH COSThis is one of the oldest of the cos lettuces and considered one of the hardiest of its type, suitable for summer or autumn sowing. It is exceedingly crisp and well flavoured. The leaves are large, broad and scooped around the margins. When exposed to sunlight these become a brownish-bronze, hence the name.

BUNYARD’S MATCHLESSDonated to HSL during the 1980s, this unusual, open-hearted cos-type lettuce can be grown all year round; robust enough for autumn or spring sowing. The thick, juicy, dark green leaves have a distinctive, nutty flavour, a real lettuce-lover’s lettuce.

CANTALUNOriginally from the Vilmorin Seed House, this Charentais type melon produces round fruits, approximately 12-15cm in diameter and just under 1kg in weight. The orange flesh is sweet and juicy; one member was so keen to praise it that she contacted us immediately after sharing it with a friend, describing it as, “utterly delicious, the nicest melon we have ever eaten.”

GREEN NUTMEG‘Nutmeg’ was the name of one of the oldest melons known and, though it once referred to a definitive type, years of cultivation provided numerous variations. Cucurbits of New York (1935) states that Green Nutmeg is one of the earliest of these variations and the description they offer matches the one in the HSL Collection. When fully ripe the fruits have yellowish-brown skin with greenish-brown ‘netting’ and soft-textured, juicy, pale green flesh with a fantastic aroma. Does well in a cold frame or polytunnel, and outdoors in warmer areas.

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peas

BULLROYD BEAN PEA Our donor was given the seed by his neighbour, who in turn had acquired them from a past member of the Bullroyd Allotment Association, Bradford where the pea had been successfully grown for many years. Dense plants reach 1.5-1.8m in height, producing pink and purple flowers and pods full of large, tasty peas. Guardian Michael Blake enjoyed their “old-fashioned” flavour and found them particularly tasty in a pea and cauliflower curry.

CARTERS BATTLESHIP ORGANIC New for 2021. Bred by British seedsmen Carters, of Raynes Park, London. The 1.5m plants produce masses of white flowers followed by pods borne in pairs. Don’t let their relatively small size put you off, they are packed with peas! Let us know what you think of the flavour.

CAMBRIDGE MULTIPOD New for 2021. This variety dates back to at least 1945 and was sent by Allman Brothers Ltd, Nurseries, to Wisley for trial in 1947. A maincrop, dwarf variety growing to around 45cm in height. Produces white flowers and blunt, fibrous pods containing 4-5 seeds in each. Wonderfully sweet straight from the pod, and tasty when cooked too.

mustard - indian

peas

mustard - vietnamese onion

GUPTA’S INDIAN MUSTARD ORGANICAlthough originally from India this has been grown by our donor on the St Mary’s Allotments in Leamington Spa – a multicultural hotch-potch of vegetable growing. It is the most productive of the Indian mustards trialled in our Sowing New Seeds project, producing large, mild-flavoured leaves.

CLARKE’S BELTONY BLUE Limited Stock - This heirloom variety has been grown on our donor’s great grandfather’s farm in Co. Tyrone since at least 1850 (but possibly as far back as 1815). This tall (around 160cm), prolific and vigorous pea produces beautiful pale pink and rich maroon flowers followed by a heavy crop of purple pods. The peas have a sweet and smooth flavour, becoming even sweeter when cooked. Sow to harvest 100 days (approx.)

MR HONG’S ORGANICVietnamese mustard can be stir-fried or mixed with other salad leaves. Worth growing for its flavour. It is sweet with a peppery kick, but not quite as ferocious as winter mustards. Before the flowers open the buds form tiny, broccoli-like, lime green florets, which are great for adding flavour and texture to salads.

BATUN ORGANIC Limited Stock - This Russian variety forms clumps, similar to multiplier onions, of thumb-sized, purple tinged, crescent-shaped bulbs. Sow from spring through until early autumn; this perennial variety can be left in the ground all year round and propagated by allowing to seed (which it will in its second year) or by dividing the clumps. The mild flavoured bulbs are ideal for salads, soups and stir fries.

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peas

CUKOR BORSI KOSAI ORGANIC New for 2021. One of the many varieties donated by John Yeoman, the name of this variety translates from the Hungarian as sugar peas. It produces medium-sized plants, 1-1.4m in height with white flowers and pods containing up to 8 peas. Let us know what you think of the flavour.

JEYES Thought to have originated in Gayton, Northamptonshire and developed from Knights Tall Green Marrow. According to Peas of New York (1928) some seeds made their way to Northampton-based seed merchant Messrs Jeyes, who marketed the variety as Jeyes Conquerer. A tall pea (1.8-2.1m) producing white flowers and a heavy crop of large, sweet, solid peas tightly packed in their pods. Delicious fresh, but will also freeze very well, maintaining their flavour.

KENT BLUE Limited Stock - Our donor’s grandfather was given this pea in the 1940s in Sevenoaks, Kent, and the family have grown it ever since. Its attractive bicoloured flowers start off maroon/pink, turning blue on maturing, and are followed by small, crisp, sweet pods, perfect for eating as mangetout or allowing to develop a little more and using as sweet fresh peas. Pauline Pears says, “The best pea I have ever grown.”

GLADSTONE Limited Stock. Syn. Maincrop Marrowfat. This late, maincrop variety was bred and introduced by WG Holmes in 1895. The vigorous plants grow to about 1.2-1.5m in height, are reliable and hardy and show real drought resistance, no signs of mildew either. White flowers are followed by long pods packed with very sweet, tender peas (8-11 per pod).

HOLLAND CAPUCIJNERS ORGANIC Traditional pea unique to the farm communities of the Northern Netherlands. The name is derived from the Capuchin monks, who are said to have developed this type of pea in the 1500s. This compact variety (approximately 1m) has pretty, fragrant bicolour pink and violet flowers and large, starchy peas, perfect for drying and using as mushy peas.

EPICURE Thought to have been introduced in 1893 this vigorous pea can grow to 2-3m tall and carries large foliage, so will need sturdy supports. The large, blunt pods can be eaten as mangetout when immature, but are best when the pods are just full, yielding large sweet peas that freeze well.


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peas

MAGNUM BONUM Our donor passed seed to HSL during the 1980s as his friend’s family had grown the variety in Devon for many years. Dating back to at least 1845 this strong, reliable and vigorous maincrop variety grows to more than 2m in height and produces an abundance of thick pods well-filled with large, juicy, sweet and flavoursome peas that can be picked over several weeks.

MR BETHELL’S PURPLE PODDED This vigorous, tall pea (>2m) produces bicoloured pink and maroon flowers followed by large purple pods, easy to find amid the light green foliage. If picked young the pods are delicious as mangetout; when mature the peas taste deliciously sweet straight from the pod, retaining their flavour when cooked.

MAYOR OF LEICESTER New for 2021. Listed in Harrisons of Leicester Garden Seeds and Sundries catalogue of 1919, who state “Height up to 3 feet. Highly Commended, Royal Horticultural Society 1909”. Produces white, green-veined flowers followed by blunt, chunky green pods packed with sweet, juicy peas.

MUMMY’S PEA This variety has been grown in Durweston, near Blandford, Dorset for as long as local memory goes. There was a suggestion that they originally were found in a tomb. There is thought to be a link between a local landowning family (the Portmans) and the 1922 expedition that unveiled Tutankhamun’s tomb. A tall (>1.5m), white flowered variety, producing well-filled pods of sweet peas.

LATVIAN LARGE GREY CHRISTMAS PEA ORGANIC The term grey peas is given to older forms of pea, and refers to those that can be eaten fresh, without cooking. Originating in Latvia and thought to be at least 100 years old, this is a vigorous, tall and productive pea. It has thick stems, large fleshy leaves and bicoloured purple flowers followed by pods containing large, well flavoured peas. Great fresh but also good for drying and using as mushy peas or pease pudding.

LATVIAN ORGANIC Called ‘peleks zirnis’ in Latvian, meaning ‘grey peas’, this type of pea is grown across Latvia and traditionally eaten with fried fatty pork and onions. Our sample was brought back from Riga on a tourist coach! After soaking overnight use the dried peas as an alternative to chickpeas. The bicoloured flowers are particularly large and as attractive as ornamental sweet peas.

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peas

PARSLEYAn unusual variety with white flowers and edible tendrils that resemble curled parsley and are a perfect addition to salads. The plants grow up to a metre in height, but will need tying to pea sticks as the tendrils will not cling to supports like other peas. The plump pods produce 6-7 sweet flavoured peas which are delicious cooked and even better straight from the pod.

SUTTON’S ACHIEVEMENT This tall (1.8-2.4m), second early variety is a heavy cropper so benefits from sturdy supports. Introduced by Sutton & Sons in the early 1950s when it won an RHS First Class Certificate. The 1954 catalogue states, “A distinct type and possesses many superb qualities.... a quality pea both for culinary and exhibition purposes.” Our Seed Guardians agree! Sow to harvest 80 days (approx.)

SUTTON’S PURPLE PODDED Probably introduced by Suttons in the 1960s, it is listed in their 1970s catalogue as a “Continental Variety”. Growing to 1-1.5m in height the strong, sturdy and productive vines have beautiful bicoloured pink and magenta flowers followed by plump purple pods solidly packed with sweet green peas. Seed Guardian Judith Reid comments “lovely flowers and a full-bodied pea. Well worth growing!” Sow to harvest 110 days (approx.)

PURPLE POD Donated by the Seed Savers Exchange, Iowa, USA. A tall pea (>2m) producing beautiful pale and dark pink bicoloured flowers that are attractive enough for the ornamental border. Let us know what you think of the flavour.

NUTTING’S BERNET HERO New for 2021. Limited Stock - Thought to have been developed by Nutting and Sons Seed Merchants, who began trading in London during the 1860s following the dissolving of Mr Nutting’s former partnership with fellow seedsman, Mr Flanagan. This ex-commercial variety produces compact (


TABLE TALK Our donor was given this by a Yorkshire relative in 1940. He has been growing it ever since. A vigorous, thick-stemmed pea, known to climb 2.4-3m (sturdy supports are essential!), with attractive marbled foliage and white flowers. Capable of producing a lot of peas in quite a small area. Broad, pale green pods are filled with extremely sweet peas, even when mature. Also excellent for freezing.

TINC A FLEUR BLANC ORGANIC New for 2021.This pea was part of a collection of seeds sent to us back in 2009 and believed to be an ex-commercial variety; however, we have been able to find very little information on the history of this variety. Produces tall plants (>1.75m) and white flowers followed by long, straight pods each containing 6-7 peas.

VICTORIAN PURPLE PODDED ORGANICA tall pea (1.5-2m) producing beautiful pink and claret flowers followed by an abundance of purple pods. The plants are vigorous and dense, but the pods stand out clearly, making picking easy. Both beautiful and productive, the perfect ‘edible ornamental’!

peas

peppers

SOROR SAREK Our donor picked up seeds of this variety in Croatia and passed on a sample to us. The large, heart-shaped, crunchy fruits start off pale jade (white when cooked) changing through pink, orange-red and eventually scarlet when mature; and produced in abundance. Equally tasty cooked in stir fries and raw in salads.

LONG GREEN BUDDHA Bushy, compact plants (up to 1m) produce white flowers followed by 12-20, long (9-12cm), conical fruits per plant. The name may be something of a misnomer as these fruits are at their best when they are left to ripen to a bright and shiny red. Not for hot chilli lovers, but rich flavoured and productive and easy to grow. Sow to harvest 70 days (approx.)

NARDELLO This true Italian heirloom has been grown by the Nardello family since the 19th century. The Nardellos took the pepper seeds with them to the USA in 1887, and when Jimmy Nardello passed away in 1983 some were donated to the Seed Savers Exchange. Prolifically produces slender, twisted fruits, slightly fatter than chillies, that become very juicy and sweet when red. Perfect for roasting, frying, making pasta sauce and in salads.

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radish

CRIMSON GIANT ORGANIC Limited Stock - Dating back to around 1910, this is a conventional-looking radish, but with larger (3-4cm diameter), round roots. The solid white flesh is firm, crisp and mild. Hardy, attractive and quick to mature, so perfect for successional sowing. It is also reluctant to become pithy or hollow, even when large. Sow to harvest 29 days (approx.)

RAT’S TAIL ORGANIC Limited Stock - Syn. Serpent’s Tail. Grown for its long edible seed pods rather than its roots. Thrives in hot weather. First mentioned in this country in Carter and Son’s Vade Mecum (which eventually became known as their ‘Blue Books’) of 1868, which stated “It is a native of Java where it is known under the name ‘Mongri’ or snake radish, and is much used in some parts of India for salading etc”. Pick the pods at around 10-15cm when they will be crisp and tender with a strong, peppery flavour. Can be eaten fresh, cooked in stir fries or even pickled.

FRENCH GOLDEN ORGANIC Limited Stock - Noted as being quick to grow and slow to go woody. It produces 5-8cm long radishes with ochre-coloured skin and crisp, mild-flavoured, white flesh.

HAILSTONE ORGANIC Thought to date back to 1908, this fast-growing white variety is suitable for spring or autumn growing. The globe-shaped, white-skinned roots should be harvested when they reach about 2.5cm in diameter. Produces firm, juicy flesh which stays crisp once harvested and has a mildly spicy flavour. Seed to harvest 30 days.

WHITE TURNIP ORGANIC The earliest reference we can find for this radish is in Johnson’s Gardeners’ Dictionary of 1842; it also appeared in John Forbes’ Catalogue of Vegetable and Flower seeds in 1892. Produces slightly flattened, globe-shaped white radishes with excellent flavour. Fast growing. Let us know what you think of this one.

runner beans

BLACKPODThis heirloom has been grown by our donor’s family in Bridgnorth, Shropshire for at least 100 years. It was passed to her by her aunt, who still grew a few beans in her garden when she was in her 90s. The scarlet flowers and violet/black seeds may not be unusual; however, many of the short (≈20cm), broad pods are tinged purple, growing darker when mature. They are also stringless when young.

ERNIE COOPERLimited Stock - Ernie Cooper claimed to have bred this variety during the 1950s or 1960s. It was passed to nurseryman, Vincent Cooper, who eventually gave seeds to our donor. Mr Cooper claimed that it produced pods up to 60cm in length! We didn’t quite achieve that, but the plants were very productive and the pods stringless.

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shark fin melon sorrel spinach

JOE DALGLEISH ORGANIC Widely used in South Central America and Asia, shark fin melon is so named because it is, traditionally, made into a broth that resembles shark fin soup. This variety produces 4 to 5 dark green fruits per plant. These fruits have mild-flavoured, cucumber-like flesh.

SHCHAVEL A hardy, early, prolific and disease-free Russian variety (‘Shchavel’ means ‘sorrel’ in Russian). The succulent and lemony-sharp leaves really lift a mixed salad, but it can also be used in sauces, soups, quiches and stir fries. A truly multipurpose vegetable.

KING OF DENMARK ORGANIC An early Danish summer variety originating in the early 20th century and best known for not running to seed in hot conditions, offering an extended harvesting period. Produces substantial plants with large, dark green, thick and heavily crumpled leaves with great flavour. Let us know what you think of this one.

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LUBENHAMNew for 2021. Our donor began developing this variety from Unwins Enorma back in 1971, and it has been grown in the village of Lubenham, Leicestershire, by himself and several other residents, for more than 25 years. He recommends that the beans are sown direct on 14th May and harvested regularly while the long, green pods are sweet and tender.

MONTACUTE RUNNERS New for 2021. Named after the village in Somerset, it is thought that this variety has been grown in the county since the late 19th century. Seed Guardian, Adam Alexander, describes this as “a very fine bean; heavy cropping and reliable with good flavour.” Let us know what you think.

SUNSET ORGANICThe one and only, truly original pink-flowered runner bean, deleted from the National List in the early 2000s. While not the heaviest cropping or earliest of varieties, ‘Sunset’ most certainly deserves to be grown for its pink flowers. Add to this the crisp, succulent and stringless pods then we have a winner! This variety is now commercially available once more, so this will be the only time we include it on the HSL Seed List.

Choose six varieties to receive for free as part of your

membership. Group HSL members can choose up to twelve.

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squash

swede sweetcorn

QUEENSLAND BLUE(Cucurbita. maxima). Australian variety dating back to at least 1930. Produces vigorous vines that can grow up to 8m so, as with all squash of this species, give them plenty of room to ramble. The deeply furrowed, blue fruits may show some variation (green-blue or grey-blue), which is usual for the variety. This contrasts superbly with the vivid orange flesh. Perfect for stuffing, and great in soups or boiled and mashed with butter. This variety is now widely commercially available, so this will be its last appearance in the HSL Seed List.

GUL SVENSK ORGANICTranslated means “yellow Swedish”; this very old variety, commercially available since the 1800s, was lost during the 1960s, but the Swedish Seed Savers, SESAM, have conserved it since then. The yellow roots are green-topped and have a slightly oval shape. Found to have good resistance to club root.

SUMMER SUN ORGANIC (C. pepo). Deserving of its name, this sprawling, bush type produces a proliferation of small, sunny yellow patty pans. The succulent, scalloped fruit, often seen in expensive imported supermarket packs, are excellent sliced and steamed and when mature make great individual stuffed dishes. Cheers up the veg patch no end! This variety returned to the National List in 2020 and will be commercially available again, so this is the last time we will be offering it.

KELPER GIGANTIC ORGANIC Limited Stock - Originally from Stanley, Falkland Islands, but passed to HSL via Chase Organics who thought the variety would be of interest to us. It has been grown in Stanley since the 1940s, always organically, and it is believed that they were originally supplied by Bees Seeds, Liverpool. It produces round bicoloured roots with crisp, orange-yellow flesh.

ZAPALLITO DE TOSCANA ORGANIC(C. maxima). This is a bush, rather than trailing, variety which reliably produces fruit for the summer or winter use, as it eventually develops a hard, waxy rind. The tennis ball sized, dark green to purple fruits have orange flesh, which smells like melon but has a more savoury flavour.

RAINBOW SWEET INCA Limited Stock - Developed by pioneering plant breeder and founder of Peace Seeds, Dr Alan Kapuler, during the 1970s in southern Oregon, USA. Alan selected for coloured kernels, then for shorter plants (up to 2.5m). The ears contain kernels of yellow, red, purple and blue. Can be eaten young as sweetcorn, or left to mature and used for tortilla flour or in soups.

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tomato - red varieties

ARARAT FLAMED ORGANIC Limited Stock - Indeterminate. Cordon. Originally from Debrecen in Hungary this variety is known as Ararat Geflammte, ‘geflammte’ meaning ‘flamed’ in German. When unripe the fruits are clearly flamed with dark green around their tops. This becomes less visible once they have ripened to a deep red. A heavy cropper with good-sized, tasty fruits.

PEACEVINE CHERRYIndeterminate. Cordon. This American variety was bred by Dr Alan Kapuler, Yale graduate, sustainability champion and founder of Peace Seeds, Oregon. It has a very high amino acid content which has a reported calming effect, hence the name ‘Peacevine’. It also contains high levels of Vitamin C. Produces long tresses of bright red fruit, about 2-3cm in diameter with a delicious sweet and tangy flavour. Good blight resistance too.

RUSSIAN RED ORGANICIndeterminate. Cordon. This tomato was bred in New Zealand in 1943, where it became the most popular ‘home grown’ variety. Hardy and productive, yielding large trusses of more than six, scarlet-red, round, medium-sized fruits. This variety performed well in our taste tests, being described as “rich, sweet & tasty”, “firm, but juicy” and “lovely home grown taste”; let us know what you think. If seed saving isolate from other tomatoes that have flowers with protruding stigma.

PEREMOGAIndeterminate. Cordon. This early variety, originally from Estonia, produces large, bright red, irregularly shaped, juicy tomatoes with a tangy flavour and few seeds. Some fruits can reach 500g (1lb) in weight, so plants will require sturdy supports. A number of HSL members found that this variety shows some resistance to blight.

BEST OF ALL ORGANICIndeterminate. Cordon. Originally known as ‘Sutton’s Best of All’, it was introduced by Suttons in 1895 and was available commercially until the late 1980s. It is thought that it was used to develop the popular ex-commercial variety ‘Potentate’. Donated by Michael Ritchie, who keenly pursued the variety and acquired seed directly from Suttons, on our behalf. It produces round, red tomatoes 5-7cm in diameter and in their catalogue of 1938 Suttons described it as “an immense cropper... excellent for culture indoors or in the open.”

PIGEON EGG ORGANICNew for 2021. Indeterminate. Cordon. This variety was passed to us by the Seed Savers Exchange (SSE), Iowa, USA, in 1992. As we have very little information regarding the history of this tomato, we have not offered this variety before. However, SSE no longer conserve it and we are its sole guardians, so we thought it was time to share it with you! Produces generous trusses of 8 or 9 golf-ball sized, round, red fruits. Let us know what you think of the flavour.

CAVENDISH ORGANIC Limited Stock - Indeterminate. Cordon. An ex-commercial variety available in the 1950s. Comments from the donor and our Seed Guardians make us wonder what it must have done wrong to be dropped from the National List! A strong and heavy cropper; the fruits are dark red and around 5-6cm in diameter and when fully ripe have a delicious, rich tomatoey flavour. Great fresh but also perfect for using in stews, casseroles and soups.

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tomato - red varieties

tomato - yellow varieties

tomato - yellow varieties

TEXAS WILD ORGANICDeterminate. Bush. This variety was first cultivated in the 1900s, allegedly from a patch of wild tomatoes growing in southern Texas, USA. Produces sprawling bushes that appear to crop better if kept in pots rather than grown in the ground, where they tend to produce foliage at the expense of fruits. The abundant crop of small, red, sweet-flavoured fruits is perfect in salads, or just eaten fresh. Grows well outdoors or under glass.

WILD TOMATE 1 COLUMBIANUM ORGANICDeterminate. Bush. Donated by Arche Noah, an organisation similar to our own based in Austria. A tumbling type with small, red, round fruits with a pointed blossom end. Produces around 15 soft, juicy, sweet and fruity tomatoes per truss. Let us know what you think of this variety. Will grow outside or under glass.

ESTONIAN YELLOW MINI CHERRYIndeterminate. Cordon. Our donor obtained the seed from an elderly Russian lady at the covered market outside Tallinn, Estonia. We found it to be high yielding and visually quite spectacular. It produces flowers in clusters that look like golden chandeliers, giving rise to a profusion of small, bright yellow, sweet and thin-skinned fruit that, reportedly, “Taste like sunshine!”.

MORDEN YELLOW ORGANICDeterminate. Bush. This tomato was the first vegetable to be introduced by the Morden Experimental Station, Manitoba, Canada. It was selected in 1932 as a cross of Bestal and Round Smooth, but not named Morden until 1942; both parents of this variety were red, unlike their offspring. The fruits are slightly ribbed and golden yellow, often with a slightly pinkish blush at the blossom end, becoming orange if left to mature on the vine. They have excellent flavour; mild, sweet and very tasty.

SUNRAY GOLDIndeterminate. Cordon. Thought to date back to before 1950, the seeds came to us in a packet from White Rose Seeds, Unionville, Ontario, Canada. Vigorous plants need little space to produce a large crop, on trusses so heavy that they may require some support. The huge, golden-yellow, round, slightly ribbed fruits can weigh more than 500g each and are perfect fresh for slicing, in salads and also tasty when cooked.

WHIPPERSNAPPER ORGANICDeterminate. Bush. Commercially available until the 1980s, this very early variety produces sprawling, but compact, plants perfect for containers or hanging baskets. Yields an abundance of attractive, small, oval, pinkish-red fruit with a fabulous sweet flavour.

WLADECK’SIndeterminate. Cordon. Originally brought from Poland after WWII by our donor’s neighbour, Wladeck Neitzgoda, and named after him. This prolific variety can be grown outdoors or under glass. The heavy trusses require ingenuity to support. Produces large beefsteak-type fruits with fantastic flavour and aroma. Great for slicing in salads, but also cooks well and makes delicious soup. If seed saving isolate from other tomatoes that have flowers with protruding stigma.

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tomato - yellow

tomato - other varieties

YELLOW PLUM-FORMEDIndeterminate. Cordon. Donated by American author William Woys Weaver, this variety was introduced in the USA in 1967 by Thorburn and Company of New York, but is originally an English variety. The American publication ‘The Magazine of Horticulture, Botany & all Useful Discoveries & Improvements in Rural Affairs’ (1867) describes this tomato as “very handsome”. It is a prolific producer of small, juicy, yellow, oval-shaped fruits with a lovely sweet and mild flavour.

DARBY STRIPED RED/ YELLOW ORGANICIndeterminate. Cordon. Another variation on the variety produced when our donor saved seed from striped tomato fruit passed to him in the mid-1960s by Dr Lewis Darby of the Glasshouse Crops Research Institute, Littlehampton. This variety produces heavy trusses of red fruits with golden orange streaks. Does best under glass.

YELLOW DROP ORGANICIndeterminate. Cordon. Produces hardy, vigorous, pest and disease free vines laden with small, yellow, pear-shaped fruit. Burpee’s catalogue describe this USA heirloom as their “best tasting yellow mini tomato, sweet and mild.” Let us know what you think.

BURPEE’S JUBILEEIndeterminate. Cordon. Bred by the W Atlee Burpee Seed Company, this variety was an All American Selection (AAS) winner in 1943. It produces uniform, medium-sized, orange fruits with a thin skin and meaty flesh without acidity. Seed Guardian Pauline Atkinson made a delicious orange tomato paste with hers; perfect with pasta and basil. If seed saving isolate from other tomatoes that have flowers with protruding stigma.

CAPE TEASER ORGANICDeterminate. Bush. Originally known as ‘Orange’, but we decided that it was so good it needed a more befitting moniker, so we launched a competition to find it! Produces sprawling plants that bear pale orange cherry tomatoes in profusion. Their intense flavour is delicious when eaten raw, but also makes them perfect for a tasty tomato puree.

DARBY STRIPED RED/GREEN ORGANICIndeterminate. Cordon. Our donor saved seed from striped tomato fruit given to him in the mid-1960s by Dr Lewis Darby of the Glasshouse Crops Research Institute, Littlehampton. The vigorous plants produce an abundance of attractive fruit, which are striped dark red and dark green with thin skins when mature, ideal for cooking and making tomato sauces.

other varieties

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tomato - other varieties

GIANT TREE TOMATOIndeterminate. Cordon. Vigorous 3-5m plants produce very attractive vines with strong stems and heavy thick leaves, but will require space and sturdy supports. The flattened, ribbed fruits can get quite large (>250g) and have a sweet but mild flavour with few seeds. Great for eating fresh and for cooking. If seed saving isolate from other tomatoes that have flowers with protruding stigma.

SANDUL MOLDOVAN ORGANICIndeterminate. Cordon. This Moldovan heirloom was originally taken to the USA by the Sandul family and offered through the Seed Savers Exchange, Iowa. The beefsteak-type, orange-red fruits are around 8-10cm in diameter and are noted for their exceptional flavour, a perfect balance of sweet and acid. Ideal for slicing in salads and sandwiches.

SUNDROP ORGANICIndeterminate. Cordon. A tomato introduced by the American Seedsman, W Atlee Burpee Co. This variety produces small, oval, juicy, orange fruits weighing up to 35g. It is very productive and has good resistance to splitting. Ryton staff comments included “beautiful colour”, “tangy and sweet” and “perfect lunchbox tomato”.

WHITE QUEEN ORGANICNew for 2021. Limited Stock - Indeterminate. Cordon. Introduced by Livingston’s Seed Company, Ohio in 1882, who describe the creamish-white, 170-200g fruits as “fragrant, fruity & intensely sweet”. Let us know what you think.

SUGAR ITALIAN PLUMIndeterminate. Cordon. Best grown under glass, this variety produces horn-shaped, orange-red fruits that are very fleshy with few seeds. The tomatoes taste best when fully ripe and, as the skins can be easily peeled, are really good for cooking or bottling.

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Heritage Seed Library taste feedbackWe’re always keen to hear what you think of these varieties. Let us know by completing and returning this form to

HSL, Garden Organic, Wolston Lane, Coventry, CV8 3LG or email [email protected]. We welcome your photos too so do please email us any that you’re happy for us to use.

Heritage Seed Library taste feedback

We’re always keen to hear what you think of these varieties. Let us know by completing and returning this form to HSL, Garden Organic, Wolston Lane, Coventry, CV8 3LG or email [email protected] We welcome your photos too so do please email us any that you’re happy for us to use.

1. Vegetable:……………………………………….................... Variety:…….……………………………………………………………

2. How did you prepare it for eating - ate raw / cooked in a particular way?

3. What did you think to the vegetable’s appearance? Please underline as appropriate.

Excellent Very good Good Satisfactory Disappointing V. disappointing

Any other comments on the appearance - attractive / ugly / unusual, etc?

4. How did you find the flavour?


Any other comments on the flavour - bitter / sweet / sour, etc?

5. How did you find the texture?


Any other comments on the texture - crunchy / chewy / stringy / hard / soft, etc?)

6. Did appearance/flavour/texture change when prepared for eating, eg. did it change colour when cooked?

7. What did you think of it overall - would you choose this variety again?

8. Can we use your comments in our published variety descriptions and promotional material?

Yes, but use anonymously. Yes, my name is:………………………………………………............. No, use for reference only.

9. Please provide your contact details in case we need to clarify any information with you. We will not share these or use them for any other purpose. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Thank you!

Any other comments on the appearance - attractive/ugly/unusual, etc?


The Agreement between usThe agreement printed below is not a legal document but aims to secure your agreement in spirit to undertake to help us safeguard the seeds. We have no wish to be restrictive in our treatment of the seed and certainly do not have any issues with the sale of plants at fundraising or charitable events, or the exchanging of seed at Seed Swap events or with friends. Our main intention by this agreement is to protect the Heritage Seed Library from commercial exploitation of our seed. We are not suggesting that exploitation is wrong, simply that we would like that to be through discussion and agreement with us.

Your submission of a seed request will be taken as agreement to these terms. We need to draw attention to the possibility that you may inadvertently pass the seed to someone who then exploits it with no benefit to us. We claim no ownership of the seed ourselves and think no one else should either. But we do claim that without our efforts the seed would not be available at all. We are keen for seed swapping to continue, but hope that you will help us by ensuring that any swapped seed goes to gardeners for their personal use rather than a commercial enterprise.

Agreement for supply of material Garden Organic’s Heritage Seed Library (HSL) holds all HSL members in trust to observe the spirit of this agreement in order to protect the future of the collection. We ask you to respect the following conditions:

1. You will use the material and any progeny or derivatives thereof for your own non-commercial purposes only.

2. You may transfer the material to a third party for non-commercial and personal use only. This includes the exchange or sale of plants.

3. You will discuss with Garden Organic fair and equitable sharing of any benefits arising from any commercial use of the material, including research results and publications, but excluding sale of plants for charitable purposes.

4. You will not transfer the material or any genetic parts of it to any third party for any commercial use (including research and breeding) without written agreement between Garden Organic and the third party.

5. You will not claim ownership of any material received its progeny or derivative of the material.

‘Non-commercial use’ means use solely for your own interest or for personal food production, research and trials. This includes any sale of plants or produce raised from HSL seed for charitable or fundraising events.‘Commercial use’ includes sale of the seed supplied or plants or produce derived from HSL seed (except for charitable and fund-raising events), regeneration of the seed variety for sale, breeding or use of genetic parts for breeding and distribution for promotional purposes.‘Fair and equitable recompense’ – this will be a mutually agreed arrangement.

We are extremely grateful for your membership subscription, which provides vital support towards the continuation of the Heritage Seed Library. However, there is always more we can do. If you would like to make an additional donation towards this work, please complete the form below and return it with your request. Alternatively, donations can be made online at www.gardenorganic.org.uk/donate. Thank you for allowing us to continue to protect and share these wonderful varieties.

I would like to make a donation of to support the work of the Heritage Seed Library.

I have enclosed a cheque/postal order/CAF cheque made payable to Garden Organic.

I would like to set up a regular Direct Debit donation. Please call me to arrange on tel

Please debit my credit/debit card (details below)

Card number

Valid from Expiry date Issue no. (maestro only)

Security no.

Signature Date

I would like an acknowledgement of my donation

Terms and conditions

Making an additional donation to the Heritage Seed Library

Thank you

/

/ /

(last 3 digits on the signature strip)


2021 Seed Swap EventsSaturday 30th January Bridport Seed SwapRopemakers Pub, West Street, Bridport. DT6 3QP10 - 12pmAdmission Free. Donations to HSL and a local charity

Saturday 6th February

Seedy Saturday LewesLinklater Pavilion, Lewes Railway Land, Railway Lane, Lewes, BN7 2FG For more information and updates: www.commoncause.org.uk/seedy-saturday

Hereford Seed Swap10am - 2pmCourtyard Theatre, Edgar Street, Hereford, HR4 9JRAdmission freeFor more information contact Keith Arrowsmith on: [email protected]

Sunday 7th February

Bristol Seed SwapThe Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NWFor more information Twitter @SeedSwapBristol or bristolseedswap.wixsite.com/seedswap


The 13th Bletchley Seed SwapFreeman Memorial Methodist Church Hall, Buckingham Road, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK3 5HH 10am - 2pmSunday 14th February

Community Rise Up Seedy SundayMount Pleasant Eco Park, Chapel Hill, Porthtowan, Cornwall, TR4 8HL11am - 4pmAdmission, donations appreciated

Foxhole Community Garden Seed SwapFoxhole Community Garden, Dartington Estate, TQ9 5EA10am - 1pmFor more information: www.foxholecommunitygarden.org.uk


Canton Community Gardens Seed SwapChapter Arts Centre, Market Road, Cardiff CF5 1QE11am - 1pm

Sustainable Devizes Seed SwapSt Andrew’s Church, Long Street, Devizes, SN10 1NJ10am - 12pm (provisional)For more information: www.sustainabledevizes.org.uk/or www.facebook.com/sustainabledevizes/

Seed Swap ShaftesburyTown Hall, High Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset SP7 8LY9.30am - 12.30pmFor more information: www.beansandherbs.co.uk

Every Friday in February

The Pop-Up Eco Supermarket Seed SwapOdcombe Village Hall, Old Rd, Odcombe, Yeovil BA22 8XP1pm - 2pmFor more information www.facebook.com/thepopupecosupermarket/ Instagram: the.pop.up.eco.supermarket, [email protected] or 0779 6620189

Saturday 6th March Kilmartin Community Seed SwapLocation TBA Mid Argyll11am - 3pmAdmission freeFor more information email Sally Wilkin [email protected]

Sunday 7th March

Incredible Edible Barnet Seed SwapNew Ground, 5b Union Street, High Barnet, EN5 4HY2pm - 4pmAdmission freeFor more information [email protected] or www.facebook.com/IncredibleEdibleBarnet

Saturday 10th April

Malvern’s 9th Annual Seed and Plant SwapLyttleton Well, 6 Church Street, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 2AY10am - 3pmAdmission free


Cabbage Paddy M FardellCarrot London Market Carol BaxterClimbing French bean Cherokee Trail of Tears Jane RickerbyClimbing French bean Mrs Lewis’s Purple Pod Isabeau Meyer-GraftClimbing French bean Percy Parker Simon SmewingClimbing French bean Red and White Jane PayDwarf French bean Emperor of Russia Adam AlexanderDwarf French bean Royal Red Sandra SlackLablab bean Ying’s Katie Butler Lettuce Bronze Arrow Isabel IsherwoodLettuce Burpee’s Iceberg Adam WoodMelon Cantalun Katie Butler

Melon Green Nutmeg Katie Butler Pea Clarke’s Beltony Blue Leslie LonghurstPea Gladstone David & Judith BrooksPea Latvian Neil Munro Pea Magnum Bonum Fresh Food GardenPea Mr Bethell’s Purple Podded Catherine Goss and Maurice PennancePea Parsley David BrooksPea Purple Pod Mr John WilsonPea Victorian Purple Podded Cressida HaughtonSwede Gul Svensk Järna BageriTomato Peacevine Cherry Andrea JonesTomato Peremoga Fresh Food Garden

Photo Credits

Celebrate the work of the Heritage Seed Library withour beautiful 2021 calendar

Available exclusively from the Organic Gardening Catalogue. Order via the enclosed catalogue or buy online atwww.organiccatalogue.com/2021-calendar

Featuring 12 vegetable varieties that are all either currently in the HSL collection or are now available widely thanks to the work of the HSL.

Every calendar sold supports the work of Garden Organic’s Heritage Seed Library.

Garden Organic is the working name of the Henry Doubleday Research Association. Registered Charity in England and Wales (no. 298104) and Scotland (SCO46767).

har

g Catalogue. at

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June

June in your organic garden• Harvest comfrey leaves to make your own liquid feed.

• • Inspect strawberry fruits for grey mould & remove any that are infected.

• Top-dress plants growing in containers with compost.

• Check your houseplants for moisture levels regularly & water as required.

Dewings Early Blood Turnip beetroot - this variety is over 200

years old. ‘Blood turnip’ was a common, albeit unappetising,

term for beetroot varieties bred specifically for garden use.

1

e

MondayTuesday

WednesdayThursday

Friddadayayddaay

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252

June in your organic garden• Harvest comfrey leaves to make your own liquid feed.

•• Inspect strawberry fruits for grey mould & remove any that are infected.

• Top-dress plants growing in containers with compost.

• Check your houseplants for moisture levels regularly & water as required.

11

2021 Calendar

Celebrating the

Heritage Seed

Library


Please use the space below to make any notes as you grow your varieties. We always love to hear how you get on growing, cooking and eating them so please do share your feedback with us at [email protected]

2021 Seed List - Heritage Seed Library - PB 32 Heritage Seed Library - 2021 Seed List

In 2020 we have faced challenges on a scale that we could never have previously imagined. At Garden Organic we began to work on our ‘alternative’ plan for the year at the beginning of March, and for most of the staff that meant working from home.

In HSL we had our crops to consider; we certainly didn’t want to forfeit an entire year of growing, but realised that we simply could not grow the number of varieties we usually cultivate at Ryton each year. Any varieties that were already in place were tended by the automatic irrigation; which now works perfectly thanks to generous donations from our members. Those that were not planted or sown were taken home by HSL staff to be grown in their gardens or allotments. Thankfully, the Ryton-grown varieties did, by-and-large, do fine by themselves, and the home-grown varieties did their best for us too.

It is during the most challenging of times that our volunteers really shone. Our Seed Guardians took on more orphans than they had in previous years. Our harvest will, without doubt, be smaller in 2020, but with the support of Guardians we have, at least, not lost that year of growing that we at first feared we might. We are always looking out for experienced seed savers who would like to use their skills to support our work, to find out more about supporting us as a Seed Guardian please go to our website

at www.gardenorganic.org.uk/seed-guardians. Alternatively, drop us an email at [email protected], or a note to us at Garden Organic, Ryton Gardens, Wolston Lane, Coventry, CV8 3LG.

Fast forward to late summer, and staff were back on site on a rota basis; social distancing and lots of hand washing were our ‘new normal’. Of course, we had to cope with the terminal break-down of the cooling system in our cold store on our return. Once again, our wonderful and generous members came to the rescue, and an emergency appeal raised the funds required to replace it in almost no time at all.

Our regular Ryton-based volunteers, who would usually have been helping harvest and clean seeds and then sort and packet them ready for dispatch, also adjusted the way they work with us. We prepared trays of pre-stamped packets and batches of seeds for volunteers to collect and take home. A week later they would reappear filled and sealed. As always, they have been invaluable to us, ensuring that we could bring this seed list to you and offer you the diverse range of vegetables and varieties we have always done.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you all sincerely. Your support makes every area of our work possible, conserving vegetable varieties that would otherwise be lost. We hope that you continue to enjoy them.

Garden Organic, the working name of the Henry Doubleday Research Association, is a registered charity in England and Wales (no. 298104) and Scotland (SC046767).

With grateful thanks

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