Sow in February

🍅 Solanum lycopersicum Pink Tomato ‘Brandywine’ – Classic Heirloom with Exceptional Flavour

‘Brandywine’ is one of the most famous heirloom pink tomatoes, prized worldwide for its outstanding, rich and complex flavour. The large, beefsteak-type fruits are soft pink to rose-red, often slightly ribbed, with juicy flesh and a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Plants are vigorous and typically potato-leaf type, producing heavy crops of large tomatoes ideal for fresh eating, slicing, salads and sandwiches. A must-grow variety for tomato connoisseurs.

Key Features

● Large pink beefsteak tomatoes with superb flavour

● Classic heirloom variety with potato-leaf foliage

● Juicy, meaty flesh ideal for slicing

● Best for fresh use and gourmet dishes

● Popular variety among home gardeners and chefs

How to Sow & Grow Tomato ‘Brandywine’ (UK)

Sow indoors: II–III (February–March)

Transplant outdoors: V–VI (May–June) after last frost

Direct outdoors: Not recommended

Harvest: VII–IX (July–September)

Life cycle: Annual

Germination temperature: 20–25 °C (68–77 °F)

Average germ time: 7–14 days

Depth: 0.5 cm (¼ in)

Light required: Yes

Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist

Environment: Full sun

Soil type: Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter

Plant spacing: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)

Height: 150–180 cm (59–71 in)

Sowing & Growing Tips (variety-specific)

● Requires staking or support due to large fruit size.

● Best grown under cover or in a warm, sheltered position in cooler climates.

● Feed regularly once flowering begins.

● Water consistently to prevent fruit cracking.

● Harvest when fully coloured for best flavour.

Special Features

● Legendary heirloom tomato with premium taste

● Large, attractive pink fruits

● Excellent choice for gourmet and heritage gardens

Winter Savoy Cabbage 'Vertus 2' – Seeds (Brassica oleracea)

The Winter Savoy Cabbage 'Vertus 2' is a traditional, hardy variety producing large, dense, medium-green heads with attractive crinkled leaves. It is highly reliable for late autumn and winter harvests, offering sweet, tender leaves perfect for both cooking and fresh use.

This variety thrives in colder climates, with excellent frost resistance that enhances its flavor and texture. A top choice for gardeners seeking a dependable winter vegetable.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: March – May

• Sow outdoors: April – June

• Transplant/Thin: 40–50 cm apart

• Soil: Fertile, firm, moisture-retentive

• Position: Full sun

• Care: Keep soil consistently moist and protect young plants from cabbage pests

Key Features

• Traditional winter savoy cabbage variety

• Large, dense heads with crinkled leaves

• Excellent frost resistance and winter hardiness

• Sweet, tender flavor ideal for cooking

• Reliable and productive for cold seasons

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: March – June

• Harvest: October – February

Pink Thai Egg Tomato – Seeds

(Solanum lycopersicum)

Pink Thai Egg Tomato is a rare heirloom variety from Thailand known for its egg-shaped, rose-pink fruits and exceptional productivity. The smooth, glossy tomatoes grow in clusters and have a sweet, mild flavor with low acidity, making them perfect for fresh salads, salsas, and light cooking. Compact and hardy, this variety thrives in both warm and temperate climates.

Key Features

• Fruit Shape: Small, egg-shaped

• Color: Pink to rose-red

• Flavor: Mild, sweet, and low-acid

• Growth Habit: Indeterminate

• Days to Maturity: 70–80 days

• Yield: Heavy cropper with clusters of uniform fruits

Ideal For

• Greenhouses, gardens, and containers

• Fresh eating and gourmet dishes

• Heirloom and specialty tomato collections

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February – April

• Transplant outdoors: After last frost

• Harvest: July – October

• Spacing: 45–60 cm apart

• Position: Full sun, sheltered

• Soil: Rich, well-drained compost

Care Tips

• Support with stakes or cages for best yield.

• Water regularly and feed with tomato fertilizer once flowering begins.

Strawberry Stick – Seeds

(Chenopodium foliosum)

Strawberry Stick is a unique annual plant grown for its bright red, strawberry-like seeds. These edible seeds are not only nutritious but also add a decorative touch to gardens. Its upright, bushy habit makes it perfect for borders, vegetable gardens, and ornamental planting. Easy to grow and drought-tolerant, it’s both practical and attractive.

Why Grow Strawberry Stick?

• Bright red, edible seeds

• Attractive upright, bushy foliage

• Nutritious and ornamental

• Easy to grow and drought-tolerant

Key Features

• Type: Annual

• Height: 50–80 cm

• Flowers: Summer

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile

Ideal For

• Vegetable gardens and edible landscaping

• Borders and ornamental plantings

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Low-maintenance garden displays

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays

• Sow outdoors: April–May in prepared soil

• Germination: 10–14 days at 18–20°C

• Spacing: 25–30 cm apart

• Care: Moderate watering; remove weeds for best growth

Batavian Lettuce 'Canasta' – Seeds (Lactuca sativa)

Enjoy crisp and tender leaves with Batavian Lettuce 'Canasta', a traditional variety known for its red-tinted, crinkled heads and excellent bolt resistance. This semi-heading lettuce produces large, crunchy leaves with a mild, sweet flavor, perfect for fresh salads or as a base for summer dishes. Hardy and versatile, 'Canasta' thrives even in warmer weather, making it a reliable choice for gardeners.

How to Grow

. Sow indoors from February to April or directly outdoors from March to July
. Sow thinly, 0.5 cm deep, in rows 25–30 cm apart
. Thin seedlings to 20–25 cm apart to allow full head development
. Prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil
. Water consistently to prevent bitterness and promote tender leaves

Key Features

. Traditional Batavian lettuce with semi-heading form
. Large, crisp leaves with red-tinged edges
. Mild, sweet flavor perfect for fresh salads
. Excellent bolt resistance in warm conditions
. Easy to grow and high yielding

Ideal For

. Summer salads and fresh eating
. Home gardens and allotments
. Gardeners seeking heat-tolerant lettuce
. Companion planting in vegetable beds

Sowing & Harvest

. Sow: February – July
. Harvest: May – September

Quick Tip

Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continuous growth, or allow full heads to form for a crunchy centerpiece lettuce.

Cauliflower 'Romanesco Natalino' – Seeds (Brassica oleracea)

Cauliflower ‘Romanesco Natalino’ is an extraordinary Italian heirloom, admired for its striking spiral, lime-green heads with a unique fractal pattern. More than just a showpiece, this variety is nutritious, delicious, and versatile – offering a slightly nutty, delicate flavor that works well roasted, steamed, or enjoyed raw in salads. Highly ornamental yet productive, it’s a standout addition to any vegetable garden.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: February – May in seed trays or pots.

• Sow outdoors: May – June, directly into well-prepared soil.

• Transplant: Harden off young plants and set them 60 cm apart in fertile ground.

• Position: Full sun, rich, firm soil with good drainage.

• Care: Keep soil consistently moist and protect young plants from pests.

Key Features

• Stunning lime-green spiral florets

• Mild, nutty flavor – more delicate than standard cauliflower

• Traditional Italian variety

• Attractive and productive crop

Ideal For

• Kitchen gardens and allotments

• Chefs and home cooks looking for something unique

• Roasting, steaming, or eating raw

• Eye-catching centerpiece in vegetable beds

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: February – June

• Harvest: September – November

Quick Tip

For the best curds, ensure consistent watering and feed with a high-potassium fertiliser as heads develop.

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.

Savoy Cabbage 'Rocket' – Seeds

(Brassica oleracea) – Crisp, Crinkled Leaves & Fast Growth

Savoy Cabbage 'Rocket' is a vigorous, early-maturing variety prized for its tender, crinkled dark-green leaves and compact, dense heads. It delivers a mild, sweet flavor and is ideal for fresh salads, cooking, and steaming. Perfect for home gardens and small-scale cultivation.

Key Features

• Type: Biennial, grown as annual

• Heads: Medium-sized, dense, crinkled dark-green leaves

• Flavor: Mild, sweet, tender

• Harvest: Early to mid-season

• Use: Salads, cooking, steaming, stir-fries, freezing

Ideal For

• Home gardens and allotments

• Early harvest for fresh culinary use

• Succession planting for continuous supply

• Gourmet cooking and healthy meals

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April for transplanting.

• Sow outdoors: March–May for summer harvest.

• Spacing: 45–50 cm between plants, 60–70 cm between rows.

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil with added compost.

• Sunlight: Full sun for best growth.

• Harvest: When heads are firm and well-formed.

Care Tips

• Keep soil consistently moist to prevent splitting.

• Protect seedlings from cabbage root fly and caterpillars.

• Fertilize moderately for dense heads.

Sweet Pepper ‘Poupila’ – 50 Seeds (Capsicum annuum)

Sweet Pepper ‘Poupila’ is a high-yielding, early-maturing variety producing medium-sized, glossy red peppers. Known for its sweet, mild flavor, this versatile pepper is perfect for fresh salads, roasting, stuffing, or cooking. Compact and robust, it thrives in sunny gardens or containers, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Key Features

• Fruit Color: Red when mature

• Flavor: Sweet, mild, crisp

• Growth Habit: Compact and bushy

• Days to Maturity: 60–70 days

• Use: Fresh, cooked, roasted, or stuffed

• Yield: Heavy and consistent

Ideal For

• Garden beds and containers

• Fresh eating and culinary use

• Small-space or balcony gardens

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April

• Transplant outdoors: After last frost

• Spacing: 30–40 cm

• Position: Full sun, fertile well-drained soil

• Care: Water regularly; remove side shoots to encourage larger fruit