The Chocolate Habanero Pepper is a prolific plant that produces lots of 2" waxy nuggets that ripen from dark green to reddish brown. Twice as hot as other Habanero peppers, with a distinct flavor. First, a smoky earthiness drives up, then a fruity sweetness hops in the car, and soon you’re off at 600,000 SHUs, entering the on ramp to Ghost Pepper territory. Use it to spice up everything from margaritas to mango salsa to marinated brisket, and yes, even chocolate.

• Very high yields
• Smoky, earthy, sweet flavor
• Hot enough to make a leopard lose its spots 
• Good for containers

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum chinense
• Pepper length: 1"-2"
• Scoville heat units (SHU): 400,00-600,000/extra hot
• Plant support: Tomato cage or stake
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 18"-24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 24"-36" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 10-30 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 5.0-6.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 85-105 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

Yellow like the sun and hot as blazes describes the Lemon Habanero Pepper. If that scares you, there’s a Yellow Banana Pepper and a cup of milk waiting for you in the nursery. Everyone else can pull up a chair to the big kids’ table. This prolific plant produces lots of 2" wrinkled, waxy fruits that ripen from bright green to bright yellow to smoky golden yellow. The fruity fragrance draws you in, the citrusy flavor sits you down, and then 200,000-300,000 Scoville heat units (SHUs) of pure heat blaze across your tongue. Where’d you say that milk is again?

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

The color orange is located between yellow and red in the spectrum of light, and that’s where you will find the Orange Horizon Pepper. The 4" blocky fruit begins to glow as it ripens and brightens from green to yellow to orange to more orange. Crispy, crunchy, sweet, and juicy with no heat. Locate this one in your garden between the Summer Crookneck Squash and the Beefsteak Tomatoes.

• High yields
• Sweet and juicy
• Harvest any color
• Good fresh and cooked

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
• Pepper size: Large
• Plant support: Tomato cage or stake
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 18"-24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 24"-36" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 75-80 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

• Large yields of orange sweet peppers that have mild flavor. Thick walls. Easy to grow. Grows well in a 5 gallon container. Perfect for culinary dishes.
• One large bell pepper contains 209 mg of vitamin C, which is almost three times the 70 mg of an average orange.

An edible ornamental, the Pretty Purple Pepper loves an audience. Compact plants produce an ensemble of 1"-2" tapered fruits that lift their tips in a glorious chorus line of mini rockets, going through several costume changes in green, purple, yellow, orange, and red. The show goes on when you bite into one. With a searing purple heat in tune with the Habaneros and the Scotch Bonnets, you’ll be singing and dancing in your own Broadway musical. Assemble several plants to choreograph a border, or give one the spotlight in a nice container/pot, and let it audition for your next spicy production.

The Purple Cayenne Pepper is just as purple and pretty, but with less drama.

• High yields
• Edible ornamental
• Harvest any color
• Good for containers

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
• Pepper length: 1"-2"
• Scoville heat units (SHU): 200,000-350,000/very hot
• Plant support: None - they support each other
• Depth to plant seeds: 1/8" deep
• Spacing between plants: 6"-12" apart
• Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 2-4 plants per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 90-120 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

Exotic and rare, the Purple Tiger Pepper draws you to its lair with foliage in variegated colors of white, green, and purple. Slowly, slowly you’re mesmerized by the 1"-2" tapered fruit that starts off green, creeping to purple with a lighter, rosy striped pattern that ripens fully to red. And then it pounces with a low growl of heat, twice as hot a jalapeño. Stuff with cream cheese for some purple poppers, or pickle a peck of them to sprinkle on nachos.

Hunting for a heat that roars? Try the Chocolate Habanero Pepper.

• High yields
• Variegated foliage and fruit
• Harvest any color
• Good for containers

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
• Pepper length: 1"-2"
• Scoville heat units (SHU): 5,000-9,000/medium
• Plant support: None
• Depth to plant seeds: 1/8" deep
• Spacing between plants: 12"-18" apart
• Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 90-100 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

The Thai Hot Pepper hits every type of cuisine with a delightful bolt of lightning. This compact plant throws out lots of slender 1"-3" fruits that grow with their tapered tips up, maturing from popping green to crackling yellow to flashing orange to sizzling red. A type of Bird Pepper, the plant grows to only about 8" tall, so you can plant several close together for a striking ornamental border and more tasty peppers, or interplant throughout the garden.

• High yields
• Drought tolerant
• Edible and ornamental
• Good for containers

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum annuum 
• Pepper length: 1"-3"
• Scoville heat units (SHU): 50,000-100,000/hot
• Plant support: None
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 6"-12" apart
• Spacing between rows: 18"-24" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 2-4 plants per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 80-90 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

• Sweet mild flavor.
  
  - Certified Organic.
  
  - These sprouts are actually larger and more flavorful than alfalfa sprouts and make a great addition to sandwiches and salads.
  
  - If you like Clover sprouts, make sure to check out Alfalfa sprouts.

Did you know? Clover contains high concentrations of isoflavones which are thought to have powerful anti-cancer properties. Clover flavor is a lot like alfalfa; mild and nutty. Sprouts last better if stored in the fridge.

• Cress is one of the healthiest and most popular microgreens available.
  
  
• Perfect for gourmet salads and many other vegetarian culinary creations.

• Very easy and quick to grow.
  
  
• Little space is required to grow cress.

See Cress Sprouts Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board

• This dwarf Sunflower that grows to a max. of 24" tall
  
  - It is an all-time favorite of home gardeners who love sunflowers without the usual massive plant height of other sunflowers
  
  - Semi-drought and heat tolerant
  
  - Grows best during mid-summer through fall
  
  
  - Easy to grow

• Plant spreads to form attractive 8 to 12 inch high mounds
  
  - Aromatic and flavorful leaves
  
  - Used to flavor meats, dressings, soups, and stews
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 80 days

Additional Details

Before the advent of modern antibiotics, Thyme was used to medicate bandages. It has also been shown to be effective against the fungus that commonly infects toenails. It can also be found as the active ingredient in all-natural, alcohol-free hand sanitizers.

The Abraham (Abe) Lincoln Tomato has an honest 100-year history of producing large 1-2 lb tomatoes. They turn deep red when ripe, with old-fashioned tomato flavor. Eat this slicer fresh with a little salt and pepper, but save a few of these juicy fruits to make ketchup, sauce, and juice.

• Meaty and juicy
• Dark red color
• Slightly acidic
• Small seed core

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning
• Tomato size: Large
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 80-90 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

The Creole Tomato produces juicy fruit with a sunny sweet flavor. Performs well in hot, humid climates. Surprisingly firm and meaty flesh is great for fresh eating, and can hold up to grilling or a cheesy tomato pie.

• Heat tolerant
• Juicy and sweet
• Good for Southern gardens
• Slow to ripen

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Solanum lycopersicum
• Growth type: Indeterminate, trellis support, regular pruning 
• Tomato size: Medium
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 36"-48" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-14 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-95F
• Soil needs: 6.0-6.5 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per 2 sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 80-90 days

Click here to view our full Tomato grow guide

Good companion plants: Basil, Borage, Onion, Parsley, Pepper

• Wormwood is a very bitter plant with a long history of use as a medicinal herb
  
  - Acts as a natural wasp repellant - many people plant wormwood as a garden border
  
  - It is valued especially for its tonic effect on the liver, gallbladder and digestive system
  
  - It is an extremely useful medicine for those with weak and under-active digestion
  
  - It is known to increase stomach acid and bile production, improving digestion along with the absorption of nutrients
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 65 days

Additional Details

Wormwood also eases wind and bloating and, if taken regularly, helps the body return to full vitality after a prolonged illness.  Use with caution, the plant should be taken internally in small doses for short-term treatment only, preferably under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. It should not be prescribed for children or pregnant women.

Yarrow, Medicinal Herb (100% Heirloom/Non-Hybrid/Non-GMO)

• Yarrow has a high reputation and is widely employed in herbal medicine, administered both internally and externally. It is used in the treatment of a very wide range of disorders but is particularly valuable for treating wounds, stopping the flow of blood, treating colds, fevers, kidney diseases, menstrual pain etc.
• Day to Maturity | 65 days

Lemon Basil, also called Hoary Basil (for its fuzzy stems), is a hybrid cross between traditional basil and lime basil.

The bright green leaves have a sweet lemony aroma and a tangy lemon-anise flavor that’s best used fresh in seafood dishes, fruit salads, lemonade, cocktails, and salad dressings. Add at the end of cooking to preserve the citrus flavor, then garnish with the edible flowers.

Harvest the leaves and stems from the top part of the plant, and pinch off edible flower buds as they appear, which prevents the leaves from turning bitter, and signals the plant to branch out and grow more leaves, making a bushier plant.

The more you harvest, the more it grows!

• Tangy lemon-anise flavor
• Culinary and medicinal
• Good for indoor gardens
• Good for containers
• Tons of medicinal benefits!

As a medicinal herb, Basil has been used internally to treat anxiety, colds, colic, cough, depression, diarrhea, fever, flatulence, flu, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal parasites and worms, exhaustion, gastric pain, gonorrhea, lactation problems, migraine headache, nausea, stomach cramps, sore throat, and vomiting, and externally to treat acne, insect bites and stings, loss of smell, skin problems, snake bites.

⚠️ Do not use medicinally while pregnant.

⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally.

As a companion plant, Basil attracts hummingbirds, pollinators, and beneficial insects, and repels asparagus beetles, cabbage moths, cabbage white butterfly, cabbage worms, carrot rust fly, flies, maggots, mice, mosquitoes, spider mites, thrips, and tomato hornworms. 

Health Benefits of Lemon Basil

Basil is a known health tonic for expecting mothers and when mixed with tea it increases lactation in mothers.  It is also a nerve tonic and young children are sometimes encouraged to chew on the leaves of basil because it stimulates brain cells and can increase memory.  

See Basil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board

Let us tell you about Lettuce Leaf Basil. It’s a lovely Italian basil that grows huge leaves as big as your hand, with a flavor that’s sweeter and less spicy than other basils. Its crinkles hold onto dressing in salads, you need only one leaf for a sandwich or wrap, and you can use the rest as you would any other basil. Save the edible flower spikes to garnish seafood dishes and cocktails.

Harvest the leaves and stems from the top part of the plant, and pinch off edible flower buds as they appear, which prevents the leaves from turning bitter, and signals the plant to branch out and grow more leaves, making a bushier plant. The more you harvest, the more it grows!

• Sweet and mild
• Huge 5"-6" leaves
• Grows 1'-2' tall
• Good for containers
• Tons of medicinal benefits!

As a medicinal herb, Basil has been used internally to treat anxiety, colds, colic, cough, depression, diarrhea, fever, flatulence, flu, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal parasites and worms, exhaustion, gastric pain, gonorrhea, lactation problems, migraine headache, nausea, stomach cramps, sore throat, and vomiting, and externally to treat acne, insect bites and stings, loss of smell, skin problems, snake bites.

⚠️ Do not use medicinally while pregnant.

⚠️ Medicinal properties are presented as information only, and are not a recommendation or prescription for use. Consult a medical professional before using any herb medicinally.

As a companion plant, Basil attracts hummingbirds, pollinators, and beneficial insects, and repels asparagus beetles, cabbage moths, cabbage white butterfly, cabbage worms, carrot rust fly, flies, maggots, mice, mosquitoes, spider mites, thrips, and tomato hornworms.

Health Benefits of Genovese Basil

Basil is a known health tonic for expecting mothers and when mixed with tea it increases lactation in mothers.  It is also a nerve tonic and young children are sometimes encouraged to chew on the leaves of basil because it stimulates brain cells and can increase memory.  

See Basil Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board

• Annual plant
• Adds great flavor and color to many culinary creations
• 3 ft. plant with strongly aromatic foliage, stems, and heads
  
• Excellent for fresh pickling
  
• Days to Maturity | 40 - 65 days
  

Additional Details

Dill has a very long history of herbal use going back more than 2,000 years. The seeds are a common and very effective household remedy for a wide range of digestive problems. An infusion is especially efficacious in treating gripe in babies and flatulence in young children. The seed is aromatic, carminative, mildly diuretic, galactogogue, stimulant and stomachic.

Other Medicinal Properties

Dill is also used in the form of an extracted essential oil. Used either in an infusion, or by eating the seed whole, the essential oil in the seed relieves intestinal spasms and griping, helping to settle colic. Chewing the seed improves bad breath. Dill is also a useful addition to cough, cold and flu remedies, it can be used with antispasmodics such as Viburnum opulus to relieve period pains. Dill will also help to increase the flow of milk in nursing mothers and will then be taken by the baby in the milk to help prevent colic.

See Dill Recipes & Growing Tips on our Pinterest Board

• Sparky Marigold flowers are bright, bold, and beautiful
  
  
• Colors range from orange, red, and yellow
  
  
• Grows only 12" - 14" tall
  
  
• Most popular for attracting butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators   
  
  
• Sparky is easy to grow and will grow all summer
  
  
• Great for cut flowers and floral arrangements
  
  
  

The Holiday Marbles Pepper is an assortment of tiny peppers with a tiny spark of heat. Compact plants cast out lots of green peppers that ripen through cream, yellow, purple, orange, and red. Shoot fresh ones onto a salad, or play for keeps and dry them whole to use like peppercorns.

• High yields
• Edible ornamental
• Harvest any color
• Good for containers

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
• Pepper size: 1/4"-1/2"
• Scoville heat units (SHU): 300-500/mild
• Plant support: Tomato cage or stake
• Depth to plant seeds: 1/8" deep
• Spacing between plants: 12"-18" apart
• Spacing between rows: 24"-36" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 90+ days

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

The Ghost Chili Pepper (Bhut Jolokia) may look like a little wrinkled whoopee cushion, but this pepper is no joke. Native to India, it’s one of the hottest peppers in the world. This 2"-3" conical fruit ripens from green to orange to red, with a sweet, fruity flavor that you’ll be able to taste for about 30-45 seconds until the heat creeps in and lights your mouth on fire. And then it gets really hot for 10-15 minutes, finally subsiding after 30-40 minutes. Take care when handling, as the thin skin tears easily. 

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum chinense
• Pepper length: 2"-3"
• Scoville heat units (SHU): 800,000-1,000,000!/smear-it-on-a-fence-to repel-wild-elephants HOT!
• Plant support: Tomato cage or stake
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 18"-24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 24"-36" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-28 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH 
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 90-110 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

• HYBRID - Open-Pollinated/Non-GMO

• Also known as: known as Cackrey, Maroon Cucumber, West Indian Gherkin, and West Indian Gourd.
  
  
• Incredibly small, cucumber-shaped fruits.
  
  
• The surface of these tiny fruits are covered with spine-like warts, while the flesh is pale green.
  
  
• Easy to grow for everyone, sells great at farmers markets!
  
  
• Can be cooked or eaten raw. The flavor is similar to that of other more traditional cucumbers. 
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 55 - 65 days
  
  

Click Here For Our Complete Cucumber Grow Guide

Carrot gets its characteristic and bright orange colour from β-carotene, which is metabolised into vitamin A in humans when bile salts are present in the intestines. Carrots are also rich in dietary fibre, antioxidants, and minerals.


 

• The Moon & Stars Watermelon dark green rind and bright yellow spots.
  
  - Yellow spots are very unique and can be small or large in size. 
  
  - All American classic heirloom watermelon.
  
  
• Deep red flesh.
  
  
• Grows over 40 lbs!
  
  
• Day to Maturity | 90 days
  
  
• Watermelons are heat-loving plants that need lots of sun. They grow on a long vine, so make sure to give them plenty of space to roam around. 

• The Moon & Stars Watermelon dark green rind and bright yellow spots
  
  - Yellow spots are very unique and can be small or large in size
  
  - All American classic heirloom watermelon
  
  
• Deep yellow flesh
  
  
• Grows over 40 lbs
  
  
• Days to Maturity | 90 days
  
  
• Watermelons are heat-loving plants that need lots of sun. They grow on a long vine, so make sure to give them plenty of space to roam around.

    

The White Habanero Pepper produces lots of small 1"-2" fruits, all of them infused with smoky, sweet flavor and a heat like white lightning. These little thunderbolts start out green and ripen to a glossy pearl. Use them to wake up a pot of white bean chicken chili or add a flash of fire to a jar of mayonnaise.

• Very high yields
• Sweet, citrusy flavor
• Hot enough to make a monkey cough
• Good for containers

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum chinense
• Pepper length: 1"-2"
• Scoville heat units (SHU): 100,000-300,000/very hot
• Plant support: Tomato cage or stake
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 18"-24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 24"-36" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 10-30 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 5.0-6.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 85-105 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

The Violet Star Artichoke is a dramatic alternative to the traditional Green Globe Artichoke. It produces a vibrant purple flower bud with a nutty flavor and creamy texture. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with lots of room for this dark beauty to grow. Artichokes are perennial plants that keep coming back bigger and more productive every year.

• Heat tolerant
• Drought tolerant
• Usually produces in 2nd year
• Perennial

Chocolate Cherry

Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) is a culinary herb with a lemony green color and serrated leaves, traditionally used to add a bold umami-type depth to Mexican cuisine. Its flavor has been described as a mix of mint and savory with a bit of camphor or turpentine thrown in. An acquired taste. As a companion plant, it attracts beneficial insects and masks the scent of other plants that suffer from pest damage. Also used medicinally to help with stomach upset and to combat intestinal parasites. Can become invasive, so best grown in a container.

• Easy to grow
• Culinary and medicinal uses
• Days to germinate (sprout): 5-7 days
• Quick maturity—only 40 days

Good companion plants: Bean, Carrot, Pea, Squash, Tomato

Green Shiso (Perilla frutescens), also called Perilla Leaf and Japanese Basil, is an herb in the mint family with large, bright green, wrinkled, serrated leaves. Not as spicy as Red Shiso. Used extensively in Japanese cuisine, it has a fresh minty-basil flavor with notes of clove and cumin, and a bitter, astringent finish. Pairs well with fish, rice, noodles, and vegetables, especially cucumbers. Also a medicinal herb with antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. Its rhizome root can become invasive, so best grown in a container.

• Mint-basil-clove-cumin flavor
• Full sun
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
• Days to maturity: 80-85 days

Good companion plants: Arugula, Basil, Bok Choy, Parsley, Tomato

Red Shiso (Perilla frutescens), also called Perilla Leaf and Japanese Basil, is an herb in the mint family with large, deep purple, wrinkled, serrated leaves. Much stronger and spicier than Green Shiso, the crunchy leaves are used mainly in salads, for pickling, and as a natural food coloring. Used extensively in Japanese cuisine, it has a fresh minty-basil flavor with notes of clove and cumin, and a bitter, astringent finish. Pairs well with fish, rice, noodles, and vegetables, especially cucumbers. Also a medicinal herb with antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. Its rhizome root can become invasive, so best grown in a container.

• Mint-basil-clove-cumin flavor
• Full sun
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
• Days to maturity: 80-85 days

Good companion plants: Arugula, Basil, Bok Choy, Parsley, Tomato

The Pasillo Beijio pepper, also known as the Pasilla de Oaxaca, is a unique variety of chili pepper that is highly regarded for its rich flavor profile and versatility in culinary applications. This pepper is native to Mexico 🇲🇽 and is often used in traditional dishes, making it a valuable addition to any garden focused on organic produce.

Characterized by its dark green to brownish color, the Pasillo Beijio pepper typically measures between 6 to 8 inches in length. When dried, it transforms into a deep, wrinkled pod that is commonly used in sauces, salsas, and as a seasoning for various dishes. The flavor of the Pasillo Beijio is often described as smoky and earthy, with a moderate heat level that ranges from 1,000 to 2,500 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). This makes it suitable for those who enjoy a mild to medium heat in their culinary creations.

In terms of cultivation, the Pasillo Beijio pepper plant thrives in warm climates and requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It is advisable to plant these peppers in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter to promote healthy development. The plant typically reaches a height of 2 to 3 feet and can produce a substantial yield, making it an excellent choice for home gardeners looking to grow their own peppers.

When growing Pasillo Beijio peppers, it is essential to monitor the watering schedule carefully. These plants prefer consistent moisture but should not be overwatered, as this can lead to root rot. Fertilization with a balanced organic fertilizer can also enhance growth and fruit production. Harvesting should occur when the peppers are fully mature, which is indicated by their dark color and firm texture.

In addition to their culinary uses, Pasillo Beijio peppers are also rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants, contributing to their health benefits. Incorporating these peppers into your diet can support immune function and overall health.

In summary, the Pasillo Beijio pepper plant is an excellent choice for gardeners interested in growing flavorful and versatile peppers. With proper care and attention, this plant can yield a bountiful harvest that enhances both the garden and the kitchen.

SEED PLANTING TIPS

• Botanical name: Capsicum annuum
• Plant support: Tomato cage or stake
• Depth to plant seeds: .25" deep
• Spacing between plants: 18"-24" apart
• Spacing between rows: 24"-36" apart
• Days to germinate (sprout): 7-21 days
• Germination soil temps: 75F-85F
• Soil needs: 6.0-7.0 pH
• Sun needs: Full sun
• Frost hardy: No
• Planting season: Spring, summer
• # of plants per sq. ft.: Appx. 1 plant per sq. ft.
• Days to maturity: 75-85 days

Good companion plants: Basil, Carrot, Cucumber, Eggplant, Okra, Rosemary, Sage, Squash, Tomato

The Velvet Queen Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a striking annual plant known for its vibrant, deep red to burgundy petals and dark centers. This variety is not only visually appealing but also serves as a valuable addition to any garden, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Understanding the optimal conditions and care required for growing Velvet Queen Sunflowers can enhance your gardening experience and yield impressive results.

To begin, it is essential to select an appropriate location for planting. Velvet Queen Sunflowers thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. The soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and have a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. A soil test can provide valuable insights into nutrient levels and pH, allowing for necessary amendments before planting.

Planting should occur after the last frost date in your area, as these sunflowers are sensitive to cold temperatures. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden bed or started indoors and transplanted later. When sowing seeds, plant them approximately 1 inch deep and spaced 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for adequate growth. If starting indoors, transplant seedlings when they are about 6 inches tall and have developed a few sets of true leaves.

Discover the beauty of Sunflower Velvet Queen Flowers in your garden. With its vibrant colors and easy-to-grow nature, you can enjoy 100% success rate in a variety of climates. Perfect for adding a touch of cheer and elegance to any outdoor space.