Misc. Vegetables
A good looking edible plant with oval to heart shaped green leaves overlaid with burgundy red. The leaves are a great source of proteins, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. The leaf tastes similar to spinach and can be used in the same way. The younger leaves are milder and are ideal in salads. Harvest leaves as needed, young stems can also be eaten. 400 seeds.
A fine leafed variety of the aromatic edible chrysanthemum. The green leaves can be added to salads, pickles, sushi or soups and stews where it is added at the last moment so it retains some structure. The small orange and yellow flowers are also edible and add colour to salads or as a garnish. Runs to seed in hot weather. 300 seeds
This non-trailing, 20-30cm high, old variety is covered in scarlet-red, single flowers with attractive dark blue-green foliage. A good container plant in a warm position over summer. Flowers, leaves and young seed pods are a spicy addition to fresh salads. A frost tender annual that readily self seeds. 20 seeds
Known as ‘verdolaga’ in Spain where it used in salads, soups and stews. Purslane is a great addition to salads as it has slightly sour, lemon, salty flavour. Reported to have the highest levels of healthy omega-3 fatty acids than any other leafy vegetable. A low growing succulent annual with green fleshy leaves and red upright stems. Harvest leaves and stems as needed. 1,000 seeds. Not to W.A.
This perennial plant is famous as an organic insecticide. The daisy-like blooms are white with a yellow centre. A hardy plant, with fine grey/green leaves. Pyrethrum spray: harvest flowers in full bloom. Hang to dry and grind to a dust. Either mix 3g/1 litre of water or apply dust to plants in need. It paralyses insects and can kill beneficial insects so be careful. The active ingredient is quickly destroyed by light and heat so can be used on food plant 1 day before harvest. 60 seeds
An unusual vegetable used extensively in Europe. A root vegetable with a sweet, nutty flavour that is sometimes known as the ‘Oyster Vegetable’ as it is said to have a subtle oyster-like flavour. Easy to grow. It can be overwintered like parsnip and carrots, harvested when required. Salsify can be boiled, baked or fried or used in a gratin dish. 80 seeds.
A uniquely flavoured root crop that is little known but is truly a great vegetable. Also known as ‘Vegetable Oyster’ due to its distinctive taste, which adds amazing flavour to soups and stews or simply cook it on its own. Yields well with long roots (20+cm, 2cm wide) and has black skin and white flesh. Also a valuable ornamental plant with yellow flowers in its second summer. 50 seeds.