North Carolina Heirloom Cucumber Seeds

120 days. Lagenaria siceraria. Open Pollinated. Bushel Gourd. The plant produces gigantic gourds. This popular gourd variety is prized for its large, round-to-oblate fruits. Gourds can grow up to 5 feet in diameter, the size of a bushel basket, and weigh as much as 100 lbs. The thick, hard shell cures to a durable tan-brown surface suitable for crafts, baskets, storage containers, bowls, birdhouses, instruments, or decorative pieces. Perfect for making crafts. Impress your neighbors by growing a giant gourd. Also known as Bushel Basket Gourd. An excellent choice for home gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 642040. A variety from the USA.

65 days. Cucumis anguria. Open Pollinated. West Indian Gherkin Cucumber. The plant produces heavy yields of 1 to 2" oval cucumbers. They have been used for centuries to make small pickles and relishes. It can be cooked and added to soups. It was grown by Thomas Jefferson at the Monticello vegetable garden between 1812 and 1824. They do well in hot, humid regions. Also known as Burr Gherkin Cucumber or Burr Cucumber. It is believed to have originated in Africa and was later brought to the West Indies through the slave trade. The heirloom was introduced into the United States in 1792 via Jamaica by Minton Collins of Richmond, Virginia, USA. An excellent choice for home gardens. United States Department of Agriculture, NSL 5769. A variety from Africa.

68 days. Citrullus lanatus. (F1) Yellow Baby Doll Watermelon. This early-maturing, semi-compact plant produces good yields of 7 lb icebox watermelons. It has very sweet, bright yellow flesh. The family will love this variety. This icebox watermelon is perfect for refrigerators. It is one of the earliest yellow varieties on the market. Also known as Yellow Doll Watermelon, Baby Doll Watermelon, and Yellow Petite Watermelon. Suitable for small gardens. Try growing yellow, red, pink, and white watermelons for a beautiful gourmet fruit salad. Always a great seller at Farmer’s Markets. An excellent choice for home gardens and specialty market growers. A variety from the USA.

85 days. Solanum lycopersicum. Open Pollinated. Ananas Noir Tomato. The plant produces heavy yields of 1 to 1 ½ lb bicolored dark purple and green beefsteak tomato with pink red splotches and a touch of yellow. The interior color is a mix of pink, red, green, and yellow. They are very sweet, meaty, juicy, and flavorful. It has a rich, full tomato flavor. Perfect for salads, slicing, culinary creations, and tomato sauce. Also known as Black Pineapple Tomato. Excellent choice for home gardens. This tomato was introduced by Pascal Moreau, a Belgian horticulturist, in 2005. Indeterminate.

55 days. Cichorium endivia. Open Pollinated. Witloof Chicory Seeds. The plant produces excellent yields of 12 to 18" tall light green chicory. A European delicacy is now popular in America. It is very sweet and delicious. Adds color and flavor to mixed salad. Also great when lightly cooked. Also known as Belgium Endive. Excellent choice for home gardens and specialty market growers. United States Department of Agriculture, PI 265138. An 1800s heirloom variety from Belgium.

85 days. Capsicum annuum. Quintisho Pepper. Open Pollinated. The plant produces good yields of ¾" round hot peppers. It is a rare heirloom hot pepper variety originating from Bolivia. They are small, round peppers, and resemble tiny cherry tomatoes. Great for making hot sauces, chili pepper flakes, chile powder, pickling, and fresh use. Peppers are hot and turn from green to red when they mature. The plant has green stems, green leaves, and white flowers. The pepper resembles a tiny cherry tomato. Excellent choice for home gardens. A rare variety from Bolivia.