Soup & Stew Vegetables

Leek ‘Blue de Solaise’ – Seeds

(Allium porrum)

Leek ‘Blue de Solaise’ is a traditional French heirloom variety celebrated for its exceptional winter hardiness and striking blue-green foliage that turns a beautiful deep violet-blue tint in cold weather. Producing thick, tender, and flavorful stems, this leek is perfect for soups, stews, and roasting. A reliable and decorative addition to the vegetable garden, it stands well in the ground through the winter months.

Key Features

• Type: Heirloom winter leek variety

• Plant Height: 40–50 cm

• Stem: Thick, white, and tender

• Foliage: Blue-green with violet tones in frost

• Flavor: Mild, sweet, and rich

• Days to Maturity: 110–130 days

• Hardiness: Excellent frost resistance

• Harvest Period: Late autumn to early spring

Ideal For

• Winter and early spring harvests

• Cold climates and overwintering

• Home gardens and traditional kitchen gardens

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February – April

• Transplant outdoors: May – June

• Harvest: November – March

• Spacing: 15 × 30 cm

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Deep, fertile, well-drained soil

Care Tips

• Hill up soil around stems to encourage long white shanks.

• Apply mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in winter.

• Ideal for succession sowing to extend harvest.

Winter Kale – Seeds (Brassica oleracea)

Winter Kale is a hardy, nutrient-rich leafy green perfect for cold-weather gardens. This variety produces robust, dark green leaves that remain tender and flavorful even after frost. Ideal for soups, stews, sautés, or fresh salads, Winter Kale is a staple for year-round gardening and adds both color and nutrition to your plate.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds outdoors from March to July.

• Sow 1–2 cm deep in rows 30–40 cm apart.

• Thin seedlings to 20–30 cm spacing for strong growth.

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

• Can be harvested continuously by cutting outer leaves, leaving the center to grow.

Key Features

• Cold-hardy and frost-tolerant

• Nutrient-dense dark green leaves

• Continuous cut-and-come-again harvesting

• Ideal for soups, stews, salads, and sautéing

• Easy to grow in home gardens and allotments

Ideal For

• Winter and early spring harvesting

• Nutritious soups, smoothies, and salads

• Beginner and experienced gardeners alike

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: March to July

• Depth: 1–2 cm

• Spacing: 20–30 cm between plants

• Harvest: September to February

Quick Tip

• Frost enhances the flavor, making the leaves sweeter and more tender.

Watercress – Seeds (Nasturtium officinale)

Watercress is a fast-growing, nutrient-packed leafy green with a peppery, fresh flavor. Perfect for salads, sandwiches, soups, and garnishes, it thrives in moist soil or near water and adds a vibrant, tangy taste to your dishes. Easy to grow, it’s an ideal addition to kitchen gardens, herb beds, or containers.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds in shallow trays or directly in moist soil from March to July.

• Keep seeds lightly covered and consistently damp.

• Prefers partial shade and consistently moist or wet conditions.

• Transplant or thin seedlings to allow 10–15 cm spacing.

• Harvest leaves when young for the best flavor.

Key Features

• Fast-growing, nutrient-rich leafy green

• Fresh, peppery flavor perfect for salads and garnishes

• Thrives in moist soil or water-adjacent beds

• Ideal for continuous cut-and-come-again harvesting

• Easy to grow in containers, garden beds, or water troughs

Ideal For

• Fresh salads, sandwiches, soups, and garnishes

• Kitchen gardens, herb beds, and small spaces

• Health-conscious and culinary gardeners

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: March to July

• Depth: Lightly covered

• Spacing: 10–15 cm

• Harvest: April to October

Quick Tip

• Keep soil or growing medium consistently wet to maintain crisp, flavorful leaves.

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 '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.

Pumpkin 'Jack o'Lantern' Seeds (Cucurbita pepo)

Create the perfect Halloween display with Pumpkin 'Jack o'Lantern' (Cucurbita pepo). This classic variety produces medium-sized, round fruits with smooth, deep-orange skin that’s ideal for carving. In addition to being a festive favorite, the sweet, fine-textured flesh is excellent for pies, soups, and roasting, making it both decorative and delicious.

How to Grow

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

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

• Sow 2–3 cm deep, either in pots indoors or in mounds outdoors.

• Transplant seedlings or thin outdoor sowings to 90–120 cm apart.

• Water well and feed regularly for large, healthy fruits.

Key Features

• Classic pumpkin variety for carving and cooking

• Produces round, deep-orange fruits

• Medium size, perfect for Halloween lanterns

• Sweet, fine-textured flesh for baking and soups

• Decorative and edible in equal measure

Ideal For

• Halloween carving and autumn displays

• Homemade pies, soups, and roasts

• Garden beds and allotments

• Families and festive gardeners

Sowing

• Best time: Indoors late spring or outdoors after frost

• Depth: 2–3 cm

• Spacing: 90–120 cm apart

• Prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil

Quick Tip

• Harvest pumpkins when the skin is firm and orange, and cure them in a dry, sunny spot to improve storage life.

Onion 'Spanish Sun' Seeds (Allium cepa)

Bring sunshine to your garden with Onion 'Spanish Sun', a reliable, early-maturing variety that produces large, globe-shaped golden bulbs. Known for its mild, sweet flavor and crisp texture, it’s perfect for fresh salads, cooking, or storing. Easy to grow and versatile in the kitchen, this onion is a must-have for every vegetable garden.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors from January to March or directly outdoors from March to April.

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

• Sow seeds 1 cm deep in rows 30 cm apart.

• Thin seedlings to 10 cm spacing for full-sized bulbs.

• Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

Key Features

• Early-maturing, large golden bulbs

• Mild, sweet flavor with crisp texture

• Suitable for fresh use, cooking, or storing

• Reliable variety for consistent yields

• Easy to grow in most garden soils

Ideal For

• Home gardeners and allotments

• Fresh salads, soups, and everyday cooking

• Long-term storage after harvest

• Gardeners seeking early, high-quality onions

Sowing

• Best time: Indoors January–March, outdoors March–April

• Depth: 1 cm

• Spacing: 10 cm between plants, 30 cm between rows

• Position: Full sun, well-drained fertile soil

• Harvest: August to September

Quick Tip

• Allow bulbs to fully dry in the sun before storing to extend their shelf life.

Leek 'Golem' Seeds (Allium porrum)

Grow strong, reliable crops with Leek 'Golem', a hardy variety that produces thick, white stems and dark green leaves. Known for its disease resistance and excellent cold tolerance, this leek performs well in both autumn and winter harvests. Its mild, sweet flavor makes it perfect for soups, stews, roasts, and hearty winter dishes. A dependable choice for home gardeners and allotments.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors from January to March or outdoors from March to April.

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

• Sow seeds 1–2 cm deep in trays or drills.

• Transplant seedlings when pencil-thick, spacing 15 cm apart in rows 30–40 cm apart.

• Earth up stems gradually to blanch for longer white shafts.

Key Features

• Robust leek variety with thick, white stems

• Excellent cold tolerance for winter cropping

• Mild, sweet flavor perfect for cooking

• Strong disease resistance for reliable harvests

• Suitable for autumn and winter gardens

Ideal For

• Autumn and winter harvesting

• Soups, stews, roasting, and traditional leek dishes

• Gardeners seeking hardy, disease-resistant crops

• Kitchen gardens and allotments

Sowing

• Best time: January–April

• Depth: 1–2 cm

• Spacing: 15 cm between plants, 30–40 cm between rows

• Position: Full sun, fertile soil

• Harvest: October to February

Quick Tip

• Trim roots and tops before transplanting to help plants establish quickly and grow strong.

Kale 'Red Russian' Seeds (Brassica oleracea)

Bring color and nutrition to your garden with Kale 'Red Russian', a hardy variety with tender, oak-shaped leaves flushed with purple-red veins. Sweeter and milder than many other kales, it’s perfect for salads, smoothies, steaming, and stir-fries. Cold-hardy and easy to grow, it thrives from early spring to late winter, providing a long season of nutrient-rich harvests.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors in early spring or direct outdoors from spring to mid-summer.

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

• Sow 1 cm deep in rows 45 cm apart.

• Thin or transplant seedlings to 40–50 cm apart.

• Harvest young leaves for salads or allow plants to mature for larger leaves.

Key Features

• Attractive purple-red veined leaves with tender texture

• Mild, sweet flavor compared to traditional kales

• Cold-hardy and reliable through autumn and winter

• Perfect for cut-and-come-again harvesting

• Nutrient-rich superfood, high in vitamins and minerals

Ideal For

• Fresh salads and smoothies

• Stir-fries, soups, and steaming

• Year-round kitchen gardens

• Gardeners seeking hardy, reliable greens

Sowing

• Best time: March to July

• Depth: 1 cm

• Row spacing: 45 cm

• Plant spacing: 40–50 cm

• Harvest: From 6–8 weeks after sowing

Quick Tip

• Harvest young leaves regularly to promote fresh growth and sweeter flavor.