Quick Growing Vegetables

Summer Broccoli 'Limba' Seeds (Brassica oleracea)

Enjoy fresh, tender broccoli all summer long with Summer Broccoli 'Limba' (Brassica oleracea). This fast-growing variety produces generous heads and delicious, tender side shoots with a mild, sweet flavor. Unlike overwintering broccoli, 'Limba' thrives in warmer months, offering a steady crop of nutritious florets for your kitchen table.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds indoors in early spring or directly outdoors after the last frost.

• Use fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.

• Sow 1 cm deep and thin seedlings to 45 cm apart.

• Keep soil moist and protect from pests.

• Harvest when heads are compact and firm, cutting to encourage side shoots.

Key Features

• Quick-growing summer broccoli variety

• Produces compact heads and side shoots

• Mild, sweet, and tender flavor

• Continuous cropping through the summer season

• Nutritious and versatile in the kitchen

Ideal For

• Summer vegetable gardens

• Fresh cooking, steaming, or stir-fries

• Healthy, homegrown side dishes

• Gardeners seeking fast and productive crops

Sowing

• Best time: Early spring to early summer

• Depth: 1 cm

• Spacing: 45 cm apart

• Prefers full sun and fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Quick Tip

• Harvest heads promptly to keep plants producing fresh side shoots all summer.

Squash 'Waltham Butternut' Seeds (Cucurbita moschata)

A true garden favorite, Squash 'Waltham Butternut' is a reliable heirloom variety producing pear-shaped fruits with smooth, creamy-orange skin and sweet, nutty flesh. This vigorous plant yields consistently, storing well for months after harvest, making it a staple for soups, roasting, and winter meals.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors in late spring or directly outdoors after frost.

• Use fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny, sheltered position.

• Sow 2–3 seeds per station, 2.5 cm deep, spacing 90–100 cm apart.

• Thin to the strongest seedling per station.

• Harvest when fruits turn golden-tan and stems begin to dry.

Key Features

• Classic butternut squash with pear-shaped fruits

• Sweet, nutty orange flesh

• Excellent storage quality for winter use

• Heavy cropping, vigorous plants

• Versatile for roasting, soups, and baking

Ideal For

• Autumn and winter cooking

• Long-term vegetable storage

• Home gardens and allotments

• Nutritious, hearty meals

Sowing

• Best time: Late spring after frost

• Depth: 2.5 cm

• Spacing: 90–100 cm between plants

• Prefers rich, well-drained soil in full sun

Quick Tip

• Cure harvested squash in a warm, dry place for 10–14 days to improve sweetness and storage life.

Squash 'Uchiki Kuri' Seeds (Cucurbita maxima)

Discover the gourmet favorite Squash 'Uchiki Kuri', also known as the Red Kuri or Onion Squash. This reliable Japanese variety produces small, tear-drop shaped fruits with vibrant orange skin and rich, nutty-sweet golden flesh. Perfect for roasting, soups, curries, and baking, it’s a versatile squash that stores well for winter use.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors in late spring or directly outdoors after frost.

• Prefers fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.

• Sow 2–3 seeds 2 cm deep in small pots or stations.

• Transplant or thin to one strong plant per station, 90–120 cm apart.

• Water regularly and feed for strong growth.

Key Features

• Traditional Japanese squash with bright orange fruits

• Nutty, sweet flavor with smooth golden flesh

• Compact, manageable fruits (1–2 kg each)

• Stores well for winter use

• High-yielding and easy to grow

Ideal For

• Roasting, soups, curries, and baking

• Winter storage and long-lasting kitchen use

• Home gardeners seeking gourmet squash varieties

• Allotments, vegetable beds, or spacious gardens

Sowing

• Best time: April to June

• Depth: 2 cm

• Spacing: 90–120 cm between plants

• Position: Full sun, fertile soil

• Harvest: September to October

Quick Tip

• Cure fruits in the sun after harvest for longer storage life and enhanced sweetness.

Squash ‘Spaghetti’ Seeds (Cucurbita pepo)

Grow unique, versatile vegetables with Squash ‘Spaghetti’ (Cucurbita pepo). This climbing variety produces medium-sized, oblong fruits with pale yellow skin and stringy flesh that separates into spaghetti-like strands when cooked. Perfect for healthy, low-carb meals, it’s easy to grow in home gardens, allotments, or large containers.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after frost risk has passed.

• Use fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.

• Sow seeds 2–3 cm deep and thin seedlings to 90–120 cm apart.

• Provide support or allow vines to spread; water consistently.

• Harvest fruits when skin is hard, fully colored, and seeds are mature.

Key Features

• Medium-sized, oblong fruits with stringy, spaghetti-like flesh

• Unique and versatile for healthy cooking

• Easy to grow and highly productive

• Ideal for home gardens, allotments, or large containers

• Distinctive low-carb vegetable for culinary use

Ideal For

• Fresh cooking, roasting, and low-carb meals

• Vegetable gardens, raised beds, and allotments

• Large containers or trellis-supported vines

• Family-friendly gardening and homegrown produce

Sowing

• Best time: 3–4 weeks before last frost indoors or after frost outdoors

• Depth: 2–3 cm

• Spacing: 90–120 cm apart

• Prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil

Quick Tip

• Harvest when fully mature and allow to cool; the flesh separates easily into spaghetti-like strands when cooked.

Squash 'Marina di Chioggia' – Seeds (Cucurbita maxima)

The 'Marina di Chioggia' squash is a traditional Italian heirloom variety, prized for its rugged, dark green, warty skin and rich, sweet orange flesh. Originating from the coastal town of Chioggia near Venice, this unique pumpkin has been a staple in Italian markets for centuries and is still beloved today for its superb flavor in soups, gnocchi, risottos, and baking.

Its fruits are typically 3–5 kg, round, and deeply ribbed, with a long storage life that makes them excellent for use throughout the winter months. A true standout in the garden and kitchen alike!

How to Grow

. Sow indoors: April – May in pots, 2–3 cm deep
. Transplant outdoors: Late May – June, after frost risk has passed
. Sow outdoors: May – June, directly in the ground
. Spacing: 1 m apart in rich, well-drained soil
. Harvest: September – October, when fruits are fully ripened

Key Features

. Italian heirloom pumpkin with striking warty skin
. Fruits weigh 3–5 kg, perfect for storage
. Sweet, dense, orange flesh – ideal for roasting, soups & baking
. Long-keeping winter squash
. Traditional variety still popular in Venice markets

Ideal For

. Traditional and heritage vegetable gardens
. Chefs and home cooks seeking authentic Italian flavors
. Long-term winter storage
. Eye-catching display in kitchen gardens and autumn harvests

Sowing & Harvesting

. Sow: April – June
. Harvest: September – October

Quick Tip

For best results, feed regularly with compost or organic fertilizer and allow fruits to ripen fully on the vine for maximum sweetness.

Squash 'Ambar' Seeds (Cucurbita pepo)

Grow something unique with Squash 'Ambar', a vigorous hybrid variety that produces glossy, dark green cylindrical fruits with excellent texture and flavor. Known for its high yields and uniform fruits, this variety is a reliable choice for both home gardeners and kitchen enthusiasts. Perfect for grilling, roasting, and stuffing, ‘Ambar’ brings versatility and freshness to your summer meals.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors in April–May or directly outdoors after frost.

• Use fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.

• Sow 2–3 seeds 2 cm deep in pots or outdoor stations.

• Thin to the strongest seedling, spacing 60–80 cm apart.

• Water regularly and feed for abundant crops.

Key Features

• High-yielding hybrid squash variety

• Glossy dark green, uniform fruits

• Excellent texture and mild, delicious flavor

• Vigorous, productive plants all season

• Ideal for grilling, stuffing, or light summer dishes

Ideal For

• Home gardeners wanting reliable, heavy crops

• Summer vegetable gardens

• Fresh, healthy cooking from garden to table

• Growers looking for uniform, market-quality fruits

Sowing

• Best time: April to June

• Depth: 2 cm

• Spacing: 60–80 cm between plants

• Position: Sunny, sheltered spot with fertile soil

• Harvest: From July to September

Quick Tip

• Harvest fruits regularly when young (15–20 cm) to ensure tender texture and encourage the plant to keep producing.

Spring Onion 'White Lisbon' Seeds (Allium cepa)

A classic favorite, Spring Onion 'White Lisbon' is one of the most popular and reliable scallion varieties. It produces crisp, mild-flavored stems with bright white bases and vibrant green tops, perfect for salads, stir-fries, and garnishes. Fast-growing and hardy, it can be sown throughout the season for a continuous supply of fresh spring onions.

How to Grow

• Sow directly outdoors from early spring to autumn.

• Prefers light, well-drained soil in full sun.

• Sow thinly, 1 cm deep in rows 20 cm apart.

• Thin seedlings to 2–3 cm spacing.

• Harvest when stems reach pencil thickness.

Key Features

• Traditional, best-loved spring onion variety

• Mild, fresh flavor with crisp stems

• Quick to mature and easy to grow

• Can be sown successionally for year-round harvest

• Perfect for beds, borders, or containers

Ideal For

• Fresh salads and garnishes

• Stir-fries and Asian dishes

• Continuous cropping through the season

• Beginner-friendly gardens and containers

Sowing

• Best time: February to October

• Depth: 1 cm

• Row spacing: 20 cm

• Plant spacing: Thin to 2–3 cm

• Harvest: From 8 weeks after sowing

Quick Tip

• For tender, mild stems, sow little and often to enjoy fresh onions all season long.

Spinach 'America' – Seeds (Spinacia oleracea)

Spinach 'America' is a fast-growing, high-yielding variety with tender, dark green leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Ideal for fresh salads, sautéing, soups, and smoothies, it performs well in cool weather and is perfect for successive sowings throughout the season. A reliable choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds directly outdoors from March to July.

• Plant 1–2 cm deep in fertile, well-drained soil.

• Thin seedlings to 10–15 cm apart for optimal growth.

• Prefers full sun to partial shade and consistent moisture.

• Harvest outer leaves regularly for a continuous supply.

Key Features

• Fast-growing, high-yielding spinach variety

• Tender, dark green leaves with mild flavor

• Thrives in cool weather

• Ideal for successive sowings

• Suitable for fresh eating, cooking, and smoothies

Ideal For

• Salads, soups, and stir-fries

• Continuous harvesting from home gardens

• Raised beds, containers, and allotments

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: March to July

• Depth: 1–2 cm

• Spacing: 10–15 cm

• Harvest: May to October

Quick Tip

• Sow every 2–3 weeks to ensure a continuous supply of fresh, tender leaves throughout the season.

Sorrel 'Blonde de Lyon' Seeds (Rumex acetosa)

Brighten up your kitchen garden with Sorrel 'Blonde de Lyon', a traditional French variety producing tender, pale green leaves with a tangy, lemony flavor. Perfect for soups, sauces, salads, and omelets, this perennial herb grows quickly and provides harvests over a long season. Its sharp, refreshing taste makes it a gourmet favorite in classic French cuisine.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors in early spring or directly outdoors once soil warms.

• Prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.

• Sow 0.5–1 cm deep in rows 30–40 cm apart.

• Thin seedlings to 20–25 cm apart for strong growth.

• Harvest young leaves regularly to encourage new growth.

Key Features

• French heirloom sorrel with pale green, tender leaves

• Distinct lemony flavor, perfect for culinary use

• Perennial, reliable harvest year after year

• Early cropping and fast-growing

• Excellent for soups, sauces, salads, and garnishes

Ideal For

• Traditional French cooking

• Adding zest to salads and omelets

• Perennial herb gardens

• Home cooks and gourmet gardeners

Sowing

• Best time: Spring or early summer

• Depth: 0.5–1 cm

• Spacing: Thin to 20–25 cm, rows 30–40 cm apart

• Prefers moist, fertile soil in sun or partial shade

Quick Tip

• Cut back flowering stems to prolong leaf production and maintain flavor.