Complete Gardening
Last spring, a journey through time unfolded in my garden as I planted 17 vintage varieties. Each one held its own charm and history, but one stood out, transforming my view on gardening. Here’s a look at five of these unique plants, with one that truly changed everything.
1. Burgundy Okra
Rich with history, the Burgundy Okra adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Its deep red pods not only captivate the eye but also offer a delicious treat. Picture this: a summer afternoon, the sun casting golden rays, and the sight of these vibrant pods swaying gently in the breeze.
Unique in color and texture, this variety is also a favorite for chefs seeking something extraordinary. Not just a feast for the palate, but also a feast for the eyes, Burgundy Okra is a delightful addition to any culinary creation.
2. Moon and Stars Watermelon
With a name that evokes wonder, the Moon and Stars Watermelon is a celestial delight in the garden. Its unique speckled skin resembles a night sky dotted with stars, making it a conversation starter at any gathering.
Imagine slicing open its thick rind to reveal sweet, juicy flesh that’s perfect for a refreshing summer snack. This variety not only delights taste buds but also sparks curiosity and admiration, bridging the gap between earth and sky in the most delicious way possible.
3. Blue Hubbard Squash
Commanding attention with its hefty size and rugged appearance, the Blue Hubbard Squash is a remarkable garden presence. One cannot help but marvel at its blue-grey hue and unique texture.
Known for its excellent storage qualities, this squash is a beloved choice for winter meals. Imagine the satisfaction of a warm, hearty soup made from its rich, flavorful flesh as winter winds howl outside. Its historical significance and culinary versatility make it a treasured heirloom in any gardener’s collection.
4. Glass Gem Corn
A true spectacle, Glass Gem Corn dazzles with its radiant, multicolored kernels. Each ear tells a story, with colors ranging from deep purples to vibrant oranges. It’s like holding a piece of art.
This corn is not just about looks; it offers a rich, traditional flavor when ground into cornmeal. Imagine the cultural heritage and the joy of watching these gems grow in your garden, each kernel a testament to nature’s artistry and diversity.
5. Mortgage Lifter Tomato
Famously known for saving a farmer from bankruptcy, the Mortgage Lifter Tomato is as robust as its backstory. Each fruit is packed with juicy flavor, perfect for sandwiches or sauces.
Imagine the anticipation of picking these hefty tomatoes, knowing their history of resilience and prosperity. Their size and taste make them a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike. This tomato isn’t just a crop; it’s a legacy of hope and deliciousness growing right in your backyard.
6. Brandywine Tomato
The Brandywine Tomato, with its richly flavored fruit, is a gardener’s delight. Known for its perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, it stands out in any dish.
These tomatoes trace their roots back to the 19th century, often hailed as one of the best-tasting varieties. Their large, beefy texture makes them ideal for sandwiches or salads.
Every bite of a sun-ripened Brandywine is a taste of summer. It’s a reminder of simpler times when tomatoes were grown for flavor, not just for shelf life.
7. Pink Banana Squash
Pink Banana Squash brings a touch of whimsy to the garden with its elongated shape and pastel hue. Originating in South America, it’s been a staple for centuries.
This squash is as versatile as it is beautiful, perfect for soups, casseroles, or roasted delights. Its mild flavor complements a variety of dishes, making it a kitchen favorite.
Growing Pink Banana Squash is like cultivating a piece of history, with each plant telling a story of ancient agricultural practices and culinary traditions.
8. Scarlet Runner Bean
Scarlet Runner Beans are not just a feast for the eyes but also for the palate. Their vibrant red flowers attract pollinators, while the beans provide a nutritious harvest.
This bean variety is perfect for adding height and color to any garden structure. Its versatility extends to the kitchen, where the beans can be used fresh or dried.
With a rich history in Central America, Scarlet Runner Beans are a testament to nature’s beauty and bounty, bridging the gap between ornamental and edible plants.
9. Dragon Carrot
The Dragon Carrot is a visual and culinary delight, boasting a deep purple exterior and a sweet orange center. Its unique color makes it a standout in any dish.
Originating from the Middle East, this carrot has a long history of cultivation and is celebrated for its flavor and nutritional benefits.
Harvesting Dragon Carrots is like unearthing a treasure. Each pull from the soil reveals a vibrant root, ready to add color and taste to salads, roasts, and more.
10. Lemon Cucumber
Lemon Cucumbers, with their round shape and bright yellow color, are a delightful surprise in the garden. They are crisp and mild, perfect for fresh salads.
Despite their appearance, these cucumbers do not taste like lemons but offer a refreshing crunch. They’re a unique heirloom, bringing diversity and interest to any vegetable patch.
Cultivating Lemon Cucumbers is both fun and rewarding. Their unusual look and pleasant taste make them a cherished addition to the garden, blending novelty with tradition.
11. Black Spanish Radish
Black Spanish Radishes add drama to the garden with their stark black skins and crisp white centers. They’re as bold in flavor as they are in appearance.
Originating in Europe, these radishes have been cultivated since the 1500s, valued for their peppery taste and robust health benefits.
Whether sliced thin in salads or roasted to mellow their bite, Black Spanish Radishes offer versatility. Each harvest is a step into the rich tapestry of European culinary heritage.
12. Purple Podded Pea
Purple Podded Peas captivate with their striking color and sweet flavor. Their vivid purple pods stand out against the green foliage, making them a visual delight.
This variety is perfect for those who appreciate both aesthetics and taste. The peas inside are tender and sweet, ideal for fresh eating or cooking.
Growing Purple Podded Peas is like painting a garden canvas with color. They tell a story of traditional gardening practices and bring a sense of artistry to the vegetable plot.
13. Amish Paste Tomato
Amish Paste Tomatoes are synonymous with homemade sauces and rich flavors. Their large, meaty fruits are perfect for cooking, preserving the taste of summer all year long.
Cultivated by the Amish community, these tomatoes are a piece of living history, embodying simple, sustainable farming methods.
In the kitchen, they transform into thick, flavorful sauces, reminiscent of gatherings around family tables. Their heritage and taste make them a beloved choice for heirloom tomato enthusiasts.
14. Rattlesnake Pole Bean
Rattlesnake Pole Beans swirl up garden supports with their intriguing mottled pods. Known for their adaptability, they thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions.
This bean variety has a firm texture and a delightfully nutty flavor, making them a versatile kitchen ingredient.
Their name, inspired by the rattlesnake-like appearance of the pods, adds a playful touch to any garden. Growing them connects gardeners to a tradition of resilience and creativity.
15. Golden Midget Watermelon
Golden Midget Watermelons, with their petite size and golden rinds, offer a sweet surprise. Perfectly suited for small gardens, they mature quickly, ready to delight.
Their flavor is traditionally refreshing, with a sugar-sweet taste that embodies the essence of summer.
This watermelon variety is a testament to the joys of heirloom gardening, where uniqueness and taste go hand in hand. It’s a little burst of sunshine, perfect for picnics and family gatherings.
16. Mammoth Russian Sunflower
Mammoth Russian Sunflowers stand tall in the garden, their giant blooms a beacon for pollinators. Known for their height and abundant seeds, they offer both beauty and utility.
Originating from Russia, these sunflowers were cultivated for their seeds, rich in oil and nutrients.
A single flower head can provide ample seeds for snacks or future planting. Growing them is an exercise in awe and wonder, as they stretch towards the sky, embodying the grandeur of nature.
17. Paris Market Carrot
Paris Market Carrots charm with their small, round shape and sweet flavor. Perfect for containers or small spaces, they’re a nod to urban gardening.
These carrots have their roots in the markets of Paris, where their unique shape made them a favorite among chefs.
Harvesting them is a gardener’s delight, with each carrot offering a crisp, sweet bite. They represent the blend of practicality and flavor, showcasing the diversity of heirloom varieties.