Crocus collections

heritage vegetable collection

Heritage vegetables are vegetable varieties that have stood the test of time. If a variety is still being grown over 100 years after introducing there is a good reason why. Not every new hybrid variety that may only be around a year or two is better than some of these heirloom gems. Here I have selected my top easy to grow varieties.

asparagus pea (late 1600's)
Gorgeous maroon pea like flowers followed by unusual winged pods, which should be picked young, at about 2.5cm long and eaten whole: they have a delicate flavour similar to asparagus. Great for attracting pollinating insects to pollinate your other crops.

basil 'Bolloso Napoletano' (late 1800's) Italy
This variety is found in Naples and is highly prized for it's flavour. The large leaves can be used to wrap mozzarella and are simply delicious.

beetroot 'Chioggia' (1840's) Italy
From the Venice region. Large, round red roots with alternate white and red stripes on the inside. It looks really pretty on the plate and has tasty sweet flesh. The young leaves can be eaten like spinach.

broad bean 'Crimson Flowered' (1778)
Sumptuous deep crimson flowers, making it a pretty addition to an ornamental potager. If picked very young, broad beans have the most delicate flavour and can be eaten pod and all: just top and tail and steam whole.

carrot 'Paris Market Baron' (1800's) France
Delicious tender, bite-sized, with an outstanding flavour and lovely crunchy texture. Perfect for growing in shallow or stony soils where carrots traditionally struggle.

courgette 'Romanesco' (before 1892) Italy
Small to medium sized, lightly ridged courgettes, with a nutty flavour and are highly recommended. The flowers can be eaten too - try them battered and then fried.

Lettuce 'Romaine Bionda' (before 1892) Italy
A classic Romaine lettuce with a crunchy rib and upright. It is especially good for making Caesar salads and is ideal for growing two crops a year if required.

pea 'Purple Podded' (1800's)
A beautiful pea which produces pods of deep purple. Its tall, scrambling stems will happily clamber up wigwams in the flower border, where its mauve flowers and purple pods add colour.

runner bean 'Painted Lady' (1855)
Making well-deserved comeback as gardeners rediscover its reliability, productivity and beauty as well as taste. It has bicoloured flowers in red and white.

tomato 'Black Russian' Russia
unusual mahogany brown and much prized in its native Russia for its superb smoky and complex flavour, not too sharp and not too sweet. Large and quick to mature so you'll be sure of ripening your crop even in dull summers.

Buy my heritage vegetable collection 1 packet of each of all 10 varieties for only £15 Plus £1 P&P and save over 25% the combined price of £20.40

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