Vegetables For Heirloom Crops Collection RHS Seeds

 

Reconnect with the roots of vegetable gardening through this heritage rich collection of six heirloom varieties.

 

Cultivated and cherished for generations, these crops offer reliable yields, robust flavours, and a nostalgic growing experience  allotments, and kitchen plots.

 

Included in this pack:

 

Egg Plant 'Long Purple' (Solanum melongena) – A classic aubergine producing elongated purple fruits with excellent texture and flavour.

Seed Quantity: 50 seeds

 

Cabbage 'Langedijk 4' (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) – A rounded autumn/winter cabbage with firm heads and traditional flavour.

Seed Quantity: 250 seeds

 

Swede 'Jaune à Collet Vert' (Brassica napus var. napobrassica) – A high-yielding French variety with yellow flesh and green shoulders. Excellent for roasting or mashing.

Seed Quantity: 375 seeds

 

Beetroot 'Cylindra' (Beta vulgaris) – An old-fashioned variety with large, cylindrical red roots. Easy to slice and ideal for pickling or roasting.

Seed Quantity: 150 seeds

 

Parsnip 'Hollow Crown' (Pastinaca sativa) – Creamy white roots with a mild, sweet flavour. A reliable crop for autumn and winter harvests.

Seed Quantity: 250 seeds

 

Tomato 'Marmande' (Solanum lycopersicum) – A large beefsteak variety with bright red fruits. Suitable for indoor and outdoor growing in Irish conditions.

Seed Quantity: 40 seeds

 

Sowing Instructions:

Sow seeds indoors from February to April in trays or pots filled with moist, well-drained compost. Scatter seeds thinly on the surface, cover lightly, and maintain a temperature of 15–20°C. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle and harden off before planting outdoors after the last frost.

 

Sow outdoors from March to May depending on the variety. Root crops like beetroot, parsnip, and swede can be sown directly into well-prepared soil. Leafy crops and tomatoes benefit from early indoor sowing and transplanting.

 

Thin or transplant seedlings to 20–50 cm apart depending on the variety. Root vegetables can be spaced 10–20 cm apart, while cabbage, aubergine, and tomatoes need more room to thrive.

 

Most varieties prefer full sun and moderately fertile soil. Water regularly during dry spells and feed with a balanced organic fertiliser to support healthy growth. Harvest from summer into late autumn depending on the crop.

 

This heirloom collection is ideal for gardeners who value flavour, tradition, and resilience. Whether you're growing for the table or preserving seed heritage, these varieties offer a rewarding and nostalgic growing experience.