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(Vigna caracalla) Grown by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello. Beautiful, spiral shaped, pale-purple flowers with cream and yellow markings, extremely fragrant. Originally discovered growing in Caracas, Venezuela. Vines in tropical regions can reach 20’. Extremely hard to produce viable seed; this difficulty is reflected in the higher priced seed. Can also be successfully grown in pots with adequate support. Very easy to overwinter in pots and the blooms the second season are very numerous. Tender shrub grown as a perennial in the South and an annual in the North.
Sow seeds indoors, 1" deep, 4-6 weeks before last frost. Seeds will germinate 5-15 days. Transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Prefers full sun.
Seed saving: Viable seed is extremely hard to produce, but whne it does set seet, harvest when pods dry. The roots can be dug in fall in northern areas and overwintered as you would a dahlia. can also be propogated by cuttings. The bloom year 2 are more magnificent.
(Meconopsis betonicifolia) Unique, stunning blue flowers make this one of the most sought-after plants in the gardening world. Best suited for cooler climates, but success can be achieved almost anywhere with a little practice and patience. Spectacular in areas where it has naturalized such as Alaska. Acts as a biennial or short-lived perennial, 30–35" tall.
Planting Instructions: Sow in early spring in good, free draining seed compost, just beneath the surface of the soil. Place in cold-frame or sheltered area. keep moist. Light frost is beneficial. Leave cool for about 5 weeks, then bring into a warmer area, around 60-70 degrees. Plant out into moist loam in sheltered semi-shaded area.
Seed Saving Instructions: when the blooms fade, a round seedpod is formed, turning from green to brown. Once the seedpod turns brown, cut off and allow to completely dry before cracking open and removing the hundreds of small sand-like seeds.
Bred by Leon Robbins at Clemson University after eight years of careful selection. Attractive 4' plant with green leaves and burgundy stems, branches and leaf ribs. Tender 6-8" pods. 55-60 days.
Planting Instructions: Sow seeds outdoors 1/2-1" deep when soil temperature has warmed. Okra thrives in warm weather and should only be planted in full sun. Plants should be thinned to 6-8" after germination. Okra will produce abundantly if kept well picked.
Seed Saving Instructions: Okra's large decorative blossoms are cross-pollinated by insects very easily. Varieties can be kept pure by covering blossoms with cloth bags before they open, or you can isolate varieties by 1 mile from each other. Allow okra pods to turn brown and dry on the plant. Harvest before seedpods split open enough to drom seeds onto ground.
Beautiful French heirloom, truly blue-colored leaves that turn violet after a cold spell. Very large, 15-20" stalks, sweet medium-long shaft, extremely hardy. Good for short-season areas and winter harvest. 100-120 days from transplant.
Planting Instructions: Start seedlings indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting. Sow seeds in flats 1/4" deep and spaced 1" in all directions. Transplant as soon as soil can be worked in early spring.
Seed Saving Instructions: Biennial. Onions cross-pollinate and should by isolated by 1 mile from other onions going to seed. Select only the best bulbs for seed. Bulbs store 3-6 months at 32-45 degrees F. Plant out bulbs in early spring and allow them to form seed heads. when heads start to dry, cut off, dry further and thresh.
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