10 Heirloom Vegetable Seeds to Direct Sow This Spring

By: Ashleigh Smith for True Leaf Market

Spring is here and it is time to get growing! While indoor seed starting is the focus of the winter and early spring season, April and May are the perfect time to sow heirloom vegetables directly into the garden. In fact, directly sowing seeds outdoors can encourage healthy plant development without subjecting your seedlings to transplant shock. Below we have included 10 of our favorite heirloom varieties we think every gardener should grow this spring.

What Are Heirloom Seeds?

Heirloom seeds are special in that they have proven their reliable performance over many years. All heirloom seeds are open-pollinated, however the exact definition of what an heirloom seed is varies depending on who you talk to. The most widely accepted definition is that heirloom seeds are open-pollinated vegetables, herbs, or flowers that have been available for 50 years or more. Some groups use 30 years as a benchmark, while others use open-pollinated and heirloom interchangeably without a time specification. While hybrids offer many benefits, open-pollinated seeds remain the tried and true choice for those who wish to prioritize stability and reliability in their gardens.

Open-pollinated seeds offer genetic stability from generation to generation, making them the right choice for anyone who wants to save or store their own seeds. Hybrids have too much variability in their expressed genetics from generation to generation. This means the fruit grown from seeds saved from hybrid plants may not look, taste, or smell exactly like the original hybrid plant. Whereas open-pollinated and heirloom selections will continue to yield a harvest with the expected color, texture, flavor, scent, etc. from generation to generation. In a way, heirlooms act as a bridge between generations. When you enjoy the timeless beauty and flavors of heirloom seeds, you get to share in the same experiences of your grandparents or younger self.

Must-Grow Heirloom Vegetable Seeds:

1. Sugar Snap Peas - Nothing beats a fresh snap pea bursting with sweet flavor, and that is exactly what this variety offers. Sugar snap peas are the standard for snap peas with pods that are 2-3 inches long, stringless, crisp, and tender. As a national gold medal All-America Selections 1979 winner, you can trust this is a must-have in your heirloom garden!

2. Contender Bush Beans - Bush beans are perfect for those who are growing in containers or plan to succession plant. This Contender variety is one of our most popular beans because it is quick to mature and tolerates the summer heat better than other selections.

3. Viroflay Spinach - This French spinach has crisp, rich-green leaves and is quick to mature in 40 days, or as little as 20 when harvested as baby leaves. Its flavor is sweeter than other varieties and may be harvested as needed or all at once.

4. Oakleaf Lettuce - Lettuce is perfect for directly sowing in the spring months as it prefers cool growing conditions and matures quickly. Oakleaf lettuce is not only productive, but also attractive with shapely leaves and a mildly sweet flavor. Harvest at the mature, baby leaf, or microgreen stages of growth.

5. Black Beauty Zucchini Summer Squash - This dark green zucchini is quick to mature in only 60-70 days, making it the perfect seed for directly sowing outdoors. Because of its quick root development zucchini often performs better when directly sown rather than started indoors and transplanted. Once fruits start to develop be sure to check them daily, as zucchini is known to grow as large as 18-24 inches but are best harvested around 6-8 inches. 

6. Waltham Butternut Winter Squash - This classic heirloom has a delightful velvety texture that works well in any recipe calling for butternut squash. In fact, this variety is the most popular butternut variety as it has a uniform shape, few crook necks, and no stringiness. Don’t forget to include this classic winter squash in your summer garden. Plant now for a plentiful summer and fall harvest.

7. Purple Plum Radish - This bright purple radish has a crisp and sweet white flesh that is never pithy. We recommend enjoying both the roots and shoots of this attractive spring radish as the entire plant is edible. Radishes also make for great microgreens.

8. Bright Lights Swiss Chard - This heirloom not only boasts vibrant colorful stems, but is also an All-America Selections winner. This distinguished award is given to specific varieties known to stand out and perform well within or across different regions. Bright Lights Swiss Chard is a national winner.

9. Extra Dwarf Pak Choi - This extra small variety of pak choi is perfect for growing between vegetables that take longer to mature for a quick and delicious spring harvest. Ready in as little as 30 days, you don’t want to miss this must-have compact vegetable. Plus, they are a great selection for container and indoor gardeners!

10. Purple Carrots - Carrots are great for spring planting as they are ready to harvest in about 2 months. While you may be familiar with the traditional orange varieties seen in grocery stores, you can diversify your harvest with this unique purple variety. The outer skin of the long carrot has a bright purple tone while the inside remains the traditional orange color. Not only do they have an attractive appearance, but they are also sweet and tender.

About the Author:

Ashleigh Smith is the Managing Editor at True Leaf Market with a bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University - Idaho. True Leaf Market is a nationally certified organic, non-GMO seed and horticultural company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The True Leaf Market staff specializes in supplying a large selection of conventional, heirloom, and organic seeds to home gardeners everywhere. Learn more about our seeds, supplies, and other growing ideas: www.trueleafmarket.com.

All articles are copyrighted and remain the property of the author.

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