Heirloom Seeds

All these varieties have been passed down through multiple generations of gardeners because of their outstanding qualities, whether that's amazing flavor, beautiful looks, disease resistance, storability, or vigorous growth and high yields. There is some debate in the seed world about what qualifies as an "heirloom" - at Sow True, we define "heirloom" as having been developed before the advent of industrial agriculture. All the varieties in this collection have been around since 1950 or earlier. Many of them date to the 19th century, and a few are even older!  Did you know that all heirloom seeds are open-pollinated, but not all open-pollinated seeds are heirlooms? Some great OP varieties were developed very recently.

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Eggplant Seeds - Kopek, ORGANIC

Solanum melongena HEIRLOOM. This very rare eggplant variety was collected by the USDA in South Africa in 1956, but we suspect it is likely much older and may have originated...

Eggplant Seeds - Rosa Bianca

Solanum melongena HEIRLOOM. This Italian heirloom produces enticing lavender fruits with white blushing, adored by chefs and home gardeners alike for their creamy texture and no bitterness. Harvest when softball...

Onion Seeds - Bianca di Maggio

Allium cepa HEIRLOOM. An Italian classic, this white cipollini onion has a well-balanced flavor suited to any variation of pickling, roasting, or grilling. Enjoy them fresh since they don't hold...

Sweet Corn Seeds - Country Gentleman

Zea mays HEIRLOOM. Bucking convention, the kernels form in a random pattern, as opposed to the usually tidy rows found on most other ears of corn. An old timey shoepeg...

Swiss Chard Seeds - Fordhook Giant, ORGANIC

Beta vulgaris ORGANIC. HEIRLOOM. Huge, thick, tender leaves with heavy yields, even in hot weather. Very easy to grow by direct seed or transplant. Eat like spinach or beet greens....