Seed Annual by The Diggers Club

All about growing heirloom vegetables, fruits and flowers for the home garden

Diggers Garden Magazines Editor: Clive Blazey Publishing Manager: Caroline Trevorrow Art Director: Gordon Clarke Designer: Panage Kontos Circulation: 78,600

Orders and enquiries Phone: Fax: Web: E-mail: Mail: ABN:

03 5984 7900 03 5987 2398

www.diggers.com.au info@diggers.com.au PO Box 300 Dromana 3936 VIC

95 112 026 383

Gardens, shops and cafés Heronswood 1864 105 Latrobe Parade Dromana 3936 VIC Garden Shop: 03 5984 7321 Heronswood Restaurant: 03 5984 7318 St Erth circa 1860 189 Simmons Reef Road Blackwood 3458 VIC Garden Shop: 03 5368 6514 Fork to Fork Café: 03 5368 6520 (Thu-Mon) Cloudehill 89 Olinda-Monbulk Road Olinda VIC 3788 Garden Shop: 03 9751 0584 Adelaide Botanic Garden Schomburgk Pavilion, North Terrace Adelaide 5000 SA Garden Shop: 08 8232 8671

Diggers started as a mail order seed supplier in 1978 specifically to by-pass the major supermarket chains who prevented small operators like us from offering (what was then out of fashion) heirloom seeds. By selling via a mail order catalogue rather than through supermarkets and nurseries we never needed to contact the dominant chain store buyers and we could make a living with just 4-5 staff. About 5 years ago a cooperative of family seedling growers in all states asked if they could become distributors of our heirloom vegetable varieties such as Tommy Toe, Green Zebra etc. through nurseries and Bunnings. Some of our club members felt that because of our anti-GM stand that offering our products through the dominant corporate player (now Bunnings) was a sort of betrayal of our ethics.

Now this is a controversial subject which will concern some of our members. Is Diggers task to ensure we preserve our heirlooms and garden inheritance or to fight the powerful corporations?

2 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Wow! Did you get to see Digger's show-stopping pumpkin mountain at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show? Now you can create your own pumpkin stack with this mix of Turk's Turban, Potimarron, World's Largest, Futsu, Blue Ballet, Australian Butter, Buttercup, Dutch Crookneck, Wrinkled Butternut, Lakota and Autumn Wings gourd.

Should Diggers sell heirlooms into Bunnings?

However this year during the highly publicised Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, Bunnings contacted us directly for the first time so we asked them to participate in our heirloom tomato taste and they expressed a wish to list Diggers heirloom vegetables nationally.

TO HERONSWOOD

Pumpkin Mountain Mix

New and exclusive to Diggers!

Can a garden minnow like Diggers really take on big corporates? For example, if the preservation of our heirlooms is our highest priority then distribution of these precious heirlooms through Bunnings will be vastly enhanced by supplying these seeds via United Seedling growers.

If our task is to fight all large corporations who threaten ownership of our food supply like Monsanto, isn't the supply of our heirlooms to Bunnings actually a victory in the sense that every sale of our publicly owned heirloom seed replaces the corporate ownership of hybrid or potential GM seed? Does this also preserve our gardening inheritance? You may not be aware that The Diggers Club, which pioneered the preservation of heirloom seeds in Australia, is owned by the Diggers Garden and Environment Trust. Our profits go towards preserving our best vegetables and plants from the past; and if Bunnings asks us to be their preferred supplier of heirlooms this furthers our mission. It also helps us preserve the historic houses and gardens of Heronswood and St Erth. Is Diggers in conflict with our values? Please let us know your views so we can share them with our members in our Dear Diggers column.

RETAIL

$6.95

25 seeds

Tomato Artisan Mix

25 seeds

$5.95 S1792

COLLECTION Edible flowers bring colour, flavour and vitality to the garden and to your plate. The selection we offer here are all fun and easy to grow too! The collection includes Borage for sensational ice cubes for summer Pimms, Calendula for the soft orange petals to spark up salads, Nasturtium for its warm spicy leaves, Marigold for bite-size anise flowers, Cornflower to sprinkle on top and Violas for the sweetest flavour of any flower.

$3.95 CODE

CODE

Edible Flower

Taste sensation Pink Bumble Bee now has more “bumbles” with Sunrise Bumble Bee and Blush providing the best mix of colour and flavour, a musthave addition to your summer salads. Grow these heirlooms of the future today and help us get the best tasting, open pollinated varieties into more Australian gardens. CLUB ONLY

CLUB

S2375

RETAIL

$22.50

CLUB

$14.95

CODE

S916

Clive Blazey is the founder of The Diggers Club

Footnote. 1. This of course means our Diggers Heirlooms are available to a far greater number of gardeners not just members: but it also furthers our membership. 2. In our latest book, There is no excuse for ugliness, we have criticised the big box warehouses for the lack of greenery and their high carbon footprints; being constructed of steel, bitumen and concrete. This greenery was an endearing feature of the traditional nurseries but which is almost nonexistent now that box warehouses have replaced these nurseries. We of course have our Diggers Garden Shops on sites where 95% of the site is in a garden setting and only 5% of the site is for commerce. This is a feature for which we don't apologise.

COOL climate CODE SBEGC

Chilli Maui Purple

A stand out in our latest trials, impressing with its beauty and extraordinary yields. Vibrant green, purple-tinged foliage forms a neat compact bush, making it perfect for growing in a pot. Midnight black chillies turn red when they are ripe, and hot enough to turn into mouth tingling salsas. Produces fruit right through to winter. 40 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S0702

Wildflowers for Bees

Vital in food production, bees pollinate about two thirds of our food crops in Australia. Their populations are under threat due to loss of habitat but we can help by planting more flowers! This mix of annual ‘bee magnets’ includes Cornflowers, Dill, Poppies, Flax, Salvia, Pincushion and Coriander. Help save the bees! Covers 2.5m2. 2000 seeds

RETAIL

$5.95

CLUB

$4.95

CODE

SWBEE

WARM climate CODE SBEGW

HOT climate SBEGH

CODE

Garden Starter Pack

New to gardening or struggling with seeds? Here are the basics for success! Includes a Soil Thermometer so you know you are sowing seeds at the correct time, a Seed Sowing Guide poster (choose the code above for your climate zone), a Bottle Top Waterer, and 4 packs of Easy-to-Sow Seeds, of Beans, Peas, Zucchinis and Nasturtiums. find your ZONE on page 10 RETAIL $49.90 CLUB $24.95

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 3

Melbourne's great tomato taste test!

Tomato taste test winners!

Tomato taste-testing took centre stage at the Diggers Club display garden at the 2015 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show in late March, where forty judges were invited to put their taste buds to the test. Members of the food and garden media as well as super-palates Matt Wilkinson from Pope Joan in East Brunswick, Cameron Smith from Triple R’s Eat It program and Rita Erlich, former Epicure editor at The Age, led the scoring. The tomatoes were divided into 4 categories – cherry, salad, slicing and saucing – with each variety named, so that judges could differentiate between cooking tomatoes and those best appreciated fresh from the garden.

Pink Bumble Bee Rated number 1 for flavour at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, Pink Bumble Bee deserves a place in every vegie garden. The fruits are harvested throughout the summer months and are unbeatable in salads. Part of the Artisan Tomato range, this open pollinated variety sets the standard for ‘heirlooms of the future’. Holds on the vine for an extended period without cracking but is best picked and eaten early and often! Fruits 10 weeks from transplant, yields 2.5-3kg fruit per plant.

And the winners are... With a tied score of 72 the win was shared between one of our oldest varieties Tommy Toe and a “new” variety Pink Bumble Bee. Following close behind were other favourites Green Zebra on 71, Red and Black on 70 and Wapsipinicon Peach on 69. Supermarket tomatoes were last again!

WINNER! TOMMY TOE

RETAIL

$4.95

$3.95

CLUB

CODE

Jaune Flammé

S2372

This jewel-coloured heirloom from France produces fruit in just 7 weeks from transplant. With large amounts of carotene, orange tomatoes have almost as much beta-carotene as carrots. Yields 6.5kg per plant. RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

Score /100

1993 test ranking

2013 test ranking

2014 test ranking

Pink Bumble Bee

Tommy Toe

Red

Green Zebra

Green

Red & Black

Red/black

Salad

Variety

Colour

Category

Type

Intro date

Pink

Cherry

Heirloom

2014

Salad

Heirloom

1993

Salad

Heirloom

1991

Heirloom

2015

Wapsipinicon Peach

Yellow

Salad

Heirloom

2005

Sunrise Bumble Bee

Red/orange

Salad/Cherry

Heirloom

2015

Jaune Flammé

Orange

Salad

Heirloom

2001

Black Cherry

Black

Cherry

Heirloom

2011

Green Grape

Olive

Cherry

Heirloom

2007

Blush

Yellow

Salad/Cherry

Heirloom

2015

Mini Amish

Red

Cherry

Heirloom

2005

9 =10

Grosse Lisse

Red

Slicing

Heirloom

c. 1930

=10

Costoluto

Red

Cooking/Saucing

Heirloom

c. 1500

=10

Gold Berries

Yellow/black

Cherry

Heirloom

2015

=10

Blue Berries

Red/black

Cherry

Heirloom

2015

Wild Sweetie

Red

Cherry

Heirloom

1994

Amish Paste

Red

Cooking/Saucing

Heirloom

1992

Black Russian

Black

Salad

Heirloom

1992

Supermarket Truss

Red

Salad/Cherry

Hybrid

Supermarket Cherry

Red

Cherry

Hybrid

Supermarket Roma

Red

Cooking/Saucing

Hybrid

Supermarket Field Grown

Red

Slicing

Hybrid

S241

4 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

RETAIL

Tommy Toe Winner of our taste test in '93 and equal 1st again in 2015, Tommy Toe grew from mislabelled Seed Savers stock to rave reviews around the world. Fruits in 10 weeks from transplant, yields 11kg per plant. RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S290

5 packets of heirloom seed! For over 30 years Diggers have been trialling and tasting tomatoes and we now have the tastiest range on offer in Australia. The following selection rated tops in the largest taste test we have ever run at this year's Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. This tasty collection includes one pack each of Tommy Toe, Pink Bumble Bee, Jaune Flammé, Wapsipinicon Peach and Green Grape.

VIP Tomato Taste Test Results, March 2015 2015 test Ranking

$3.95

COLLECTION

Delicious olive-green fruit with a refreshing lemon zest are produced in abundance on this compact plant. Harvest in 10-12 weeks, yields 4.9kg per plant. RETAIL

CLUB

Taste Test Winners

Green Grape

WINNER! PINK BUMBLE BEE

$4.95

CODE

S240

Strong, vigorous plant aptly named for its dark, sweet, juicy flesh that looks just like cherries. Harvest in 9 weeks from transplant, yields 7.5kg per plant. $3.95

CLUB

$14.50 save 35%

CODE

S263

Wapsipinicon Peach

Black Cherry

CLUB ONLY

$22.50

CODE

S380

Tricky to pronounce but tastes as good as Tommy Toe. Cream fruit are covered by a fine fuzz that seems to deter fruit fly. Fruits in 10 weeks from transplant, yields 6kg per plant. RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S237

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 5

Diggers heirloom legends Our lives have become so hectic we have entrusted the growing of our food to market gardeners and farmers. Plant breeders convinced themselves that ‘new equals improved’, so the older standard varieties disappeared as new hybrids took over. In contrast to these industrial hybrids, heirloom varieties are a gardener's inheritance. They pre-date the industrial age and their story can be traced back through the generations. Bean Lazy Housewife is a fine example of a Diggers Heirloom Legend. It was listed in Burpee’s 1888 Farm Annual, but disappeared from the mainstream market in the 20th century. From a handful of seeds given to us by a member, we grew out Lazy Housewife and now offer it to all members Australia wide. The flavour of heirlooms are superior to modern seeds, which is glaringly obvious when it comes to tomatoes. In our 2014 Sydney Tomato Festival taste test, there were 15 varieties of heirlooms that surpassed the supermarket Roma variety. Heirloom varieties are not fragile or exclusive, but available to all. We encourage you to grow them and become part of a vital preservation campaign. You will be growing not only the tastiest vegetables but retaining control of your food.

Cool season sowing Cool zone

Feb-Sep

Warm zone

Hot zone

Mar-Aug

Feb-Jun

Heirloom Radish Mix

Heirloom Lettuce Mix

A kaleidoscope of healthy bright round radishes, from golden Helios to scarlet Round Red, to add a spicy punch to salads and sandwiches.

A splendid mix of colour and flavour. Includes Tennis Ball, Rouge d’Hiver, Freckles, Tango and Red Leprechaun.

90 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S1921

190 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

Cool zone

Sep-Feb

Warm zone

Jul-Dec

Lazy Housewife Bean

Watermelon Moon and Stars

Heirloom Carrot Mix

The poster child of the heirloom seed movement, the buttery moons and constellations of stars are awe-inspiring and unique among watermelons. Thick skin enables storage throughout winter. Harvest from 14 weeks. Yields 3-4 fruit (25kg) per plant.

This exclusive Diggers mix explodes with colour! Succulent and sweet, these carrots hold their colour when cooked, adding an exciting dimension to meals and salads. Includes Chantenay, Purple Dragon, Belgian White and Lobbericher Yellow.

25 seeds

Tuscan Kale

Golden Podded Pea

The most beautiful of broccolis, with spiralling lime green heads and a delicate flavour but without the side shoots of other Italian varieties. Best in cool climates. Harvest in 10 weeks from transplant. Heads up to 1kg.

With the highest antioxidants of any vegetable, this classic Italian kale is the staple ingredient in Tuscan cooking and is fantastic in soups and casseroles. Harvest in just 8 weeks.

A rarity found in a market in India, it is one of the few yellow podded peas that can be eaten raw. The beautiful bi-colour pink and purple flowers make it a stand out in the vegie patch. Yields 230g per plant.

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S051

120 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S121

20 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

Feb-Nov

S137

Broccoli Romanesco

RETAIL

Hot zone

See page 10 for more on growing zones

RETAIL

$4.95

$3.95

CLUB

CODE

S2511

Tomato Mortgage Lifter

100 seeds

Diggers pioneered the rescue of heirloom vegetable seeds in Australia in 1992. Enjoy growing these proven classics, for what’s new is old!

Warm season sowing

CODE

500 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S074

Pumpkin Bohemian

This is our oldest climbing bean and dates back to 1802. Described in Burpee’s 1888 Farm Annual as being “broad thick and very fleshy and entirely stringless ... and being peculiarly luscious ... it derived its name which seems discourteous from its immense productiveness”. Yields 1kg per plant. 10 seeds

CLUB MEMBERS ONLY

$3.95

CODE

S019

Corn Golden Bantam

A classic beefsteak tomato, Mortgage Lifter fruits An Australian re-discovery with dense flesh, coveted by This is the ‘corniest’ of sweet corn with true flavour. in 12 weeks from transplant. Yields 16kg per plant pumpkin lovers for its outstanding flavour and beauty. Rich yellow cobs on 1.5m stalks. Heirloom favourite with 400g fruit. Stores well. Harvest in 119 days, 9.2kg per plant. since 1902. Non-hybrid. Not for NT/TAS/WA. 25 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S292

20 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S178

35 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S113

S167

Silverbeet Five Colour Mix Our Five Colour Silverbeets are the ultimate ornamental edible – dazzling, colourful and extremely nutritious. Midribs of red, orange, yellow, pink and white make this the perfect fountaining accent plant for any flower or vegetable garden. Listed in Vilmorin’s Vegetable Garden in 1888 and also called Rainbow Chard, Diggers originally grew this for its introduction into the US where it became a best seller and a signature plant for the heirloom movement. 45 seeds

RETAIL

550 seeds RETAIL

6 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

$4.95 $19.95

CLUB CLUB

$3.95 $14.95

CODE CODE

S2091

S2091F

Heirloom Beetroot Mix

Heirloom Bean Mix

Green and red ribbed leaves make a colourful addition to salads, while their roots provide a unique sweet taste. This 4-colour heirloom mix includes Chioggia, Bull’s Blood, Golden and White Blankoma. 100 seeds 2000 seeds

RETAIL RETAIL

$4.95 $19.95

CLUB CLUB

$3.95

$174.95

CODE CODE

S035

S035F

Nothing says heirloom more than this mix of our most beautiful beans. Includes the stunning pole beans Speckled Cranberry and Frost, which keeps producing even when the nights are cool, plus the distinctive black and white bush bean Calypso (aka Yin Yang), which is perfect for baking and soups. 30 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S0142

Capsicum Seven Colour Mix Why grow plain green capsicums when you can grow a rainbow of colours! These varieties are the best heirlooms for colour and sweetness. Mix includes Sweet Chocolate, Purple Beauty, White Diamond, Yellow Marconi, Chinese Giant, Red Cubanelle and Orange Bell. 40 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S064

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 7

Legends of Italian cuisine!

Favourite Australian heirlooms It was Chef-to-the-Pope Bartolomeo Scappi (an Italian, not a Frenchman) who wrote the first cook book 500 years ago. The Italians also adopted tomatoes hundreds of years before the rest of Europe and created revolutionary cuisine from the basic ingredients of wheat, olive oil and tomatoes. Italian pastas and pizzas have swept the world because they are simple, delicious and affordable.

Basil Fino Verde

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

Eggplant Listada di Gandia

$3.95

CODE

S3031

550 seeds

RETAIL

$19.95

CLUB

$14.95

CODE

COLLECTION Australian Heirlooms

Australians have always been great vegie gardeners and this selection of tried and true favourites will keep your backyard productive and abundant. Includes one packet each of Australian Butter bean, Richmond Green Apple cucumber, Australian Yellow Leaf lettuce, Australian Brown onion and Ironbark pumpkin. But look out for other Aussie icons helping themselves to your fresh garden produce! RETAIL $22.50 CLUB $14.95 CODE S2724

The perfect herb for pots with neat, compact growth This fine Italian heirloom is early to fruit, productive and small, tender, aromatic leaves with a sweet basil and exquisitely beautiful. The 15-20cm fruit are almost taste and a hint of spice. Continual harvest for an seedless with fine textured flesh. Yields 3.6kg per plant. extended period as it resists bolting until winter frosts. 40 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S1171 320 seeds

Australian Butter Bean

S1171F

A climbing Butter Bean that ticks all the boxes. The long, round beans are golden-yellow and have the taste, texture and appearance of having already being daubed with butter. The mauve flowers and deep-purple seeds make a sensational contrast to the pods. Prolific and producing for months, this one is a real winner. RETAIL

$4.95

20 seeds

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S0112

Carrot Western Red

We are thrilled to be able to offer you seeds from the original strain of this reliable true blue Aussie carrot. It was the most popular variety for Australian market gardeners for many decades due to its high yield and long tapering roots.

COLLECTION

500 seeds

Zucchini Tromboncino

Bean Italian Romano

Italian Vegetables

The zucchini with outstanding flavour that doesn’t get too big too soon. Train the quick growing vines up a trellis so it hangs straight. Fruit can reach 1.5m but is best picked at 25cm long. Huge yields, fruits for months.

From Seed Savers’ collection of 2000 beans, these are farm manager David Cavagnaro's favourite. Delicious as a green bean and in casseroles and soups. 9 weeks to harvest. Yields 210g per plant. See page 13 for bulk code.

Enjoy the best of Italian cuisine with one packet each of Italian Romano bean, Italian Fryers Mix capsicum, Lollo Mix lettuce, Sweet Basil plus Periforme and San Marzano tomatoes.

18 seeds

CLUB ONLY

$3.95

CODE

S192

45 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S011

RETAIL

$22.50

CLUB

$14.50 save 35%

CODE

S264

Tomato San Marzano

Tomato Costoluto Genovese

Lettuce Italian Lollo Mix

“The tomato” that launched a whole cuisine. Superior for peeling, preserving, sauce, paste, pizza and pasta. Coreless, cylindrical and so productive you’ll never eat an out-of-season hybrid again! Harvest in 12-14 weeks.

Enjoyed since the 16th century and a must-have for all cooks, the meaty ribbed texture is ideal for preserving and sauces, or just enjoy it sliced and eaten fresh. Fruits 13 weeks from transplant, yields 300g fruit per plant.

The ruffled leaves of these varieties make a spectacular salad of lime green, pinks and red. We use this mix in Heronswood’s vegetable parterre to create tapestries of colour.

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

8 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

CODE

S367

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S364

350 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S135

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S078

Cucumber Richmond Green Apple

We would like to pay tribute to the late Reg O'Connor from Natimuk (aka Reg the Veg) for donating these seeds to Diggers and allowing us to keep his superior selection in cultivation for our members. Reg and his wife Hazel were well known in Victoria's Western District for their magnificent organic vegie garden, and Hazel recommends Western Red as a good, sweet all-rounder that's excellent for juicing.

Onion Australian Brown This strain was selected from a popular market garden variety, grown near Colac, Victoria in the 1940s. The best for the BBQ and a sausage in bread, its thick, brown skin also makes it one of the best varieties for storing. 380 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S155

Lettuce Australian Yellow Leaf We are proud to be a part of the re-introduction of this Australian heirloom. Unique lime-yellow leaves are beautiful in the garden and on the plate. 300 seeds

CLUB ONLY

$3.95

CODE

S125

An Australian heirloom with plump round green ‘apples’ with crisp, white flesh that is incredibly juicy with a refreshing tang. An incredibly prolific producer with around 10 kilos per plant. 30 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S087

Pumpkin Ironbark An iconic Australian heirloom that is as thick skinned as Joe Hockey, making it our best storing pumpkin. Dense bright orange flesh is sweet and delicious when baked – always popular at our in-house taste tests. 15 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S184

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 9

When, what and how to sow

Vegetable seeds

A guide to the growing zones, instructions and symbols used in this Annual Here at Diggers we’ve divided Australia and New Zealand into three simple sowing zones — Cool, Warm and Hot — by using the number of growing weeks above 15°C. This tells you at a glance what time of year to sow your seeds for the best results in your area. For example, some annuals like beefsteak tomatoes need 16 growing weeks to flower and fruit – this means they will struggle when grown outdoors in Hobart, which only has 13 growing weeks.

Our vegetable selections are almost entirely heirlooms from the rich gardening traditions of Italy, France and America as well as here in Australia. Through years of trialling in our gardens and the backyards of our club members, we present the very best heirlooms. Disease resistant from standing the test of time, they all have exceptional flavour, high yields and long harvest seasons. All vegetable seeds require full sun and constantly moist soil.

POTS!

Great for

This icon indicates a plant that is ideal for growing in pots on balconies, verandahs and in small yards.

Aquadulce

broad bean

S009

GROWING WEEKS

Imperial Star (PVP)

Growing weeks

Weeks above 15°C / Growing zones

Edible

9-20 weeks / Cool zone 21-38 weeks / Warm zone 39+ weeks / Hot zone 36 Weeks above 15°C by city

flowers!

This icon indicates flowers you can eat – you'll be surprised how many there are!

Reading the flower & herb key

Sunlight needed

How to sow

Water needed Sep-Nov Mar-Sep May-Jul

Plant type

H 104 weeks Y 12 spears/plant Weeks until Yield per harvest plant

Height of 30cm 1.5m mature plant Plant spacing

Sunlight needed Water needed

When to sow by season

Plant type

Aut-Spr Plant spacing

Attracts pollinators

25cm

50cm

3 months

Height of mature plant Attracts predators

Months until flower

When to sow

Sow directly into soil (see page 47).

Sep-Nov

Grow seedlings to transplant later (see page 48).

Mar-Sep

Sowing months in the Warm zone. 21-38 weeks of 15°C+ temperatures.

Hardy Perennial: Frost hardy roots. Flowers each year.

Grow seedlings, then pot on to transplant later.

May-Jul

Sowing months in the Hot zone. Over 39 weeks of 15°C+ temperatures.

Tender Annual: Frost sensitive. Flowers, fruits and dies in 1 year.

Minimum distance between seeds/seedlings when planting.

Growing information Weeks until harvest from sowing/transplant. Amount of produce yielded per plant. Height of mature plant.

Flowering Months from sowing to flowering.

10 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Sunlight needs Full sun.

Part sun / part shade.

Shade only.

Watering 1 drip. Drought tolerant when established. 2 drip. Seasonal watering as necessary. 3 drip. Thristy plant, perpetually moist soil. Organic listings are Australian Certified Organic (Diggers Certification Code 10482W).

Hardy Annual: Frost hardy. Flowers, fruits and dies in 1 year.

Tender Perennial: Frost sensitive. Flowers each year.. Biennial: Needs a cool winter to induce flowering in spring.

S0072

Chocolate Flowered broad bean S0082

Phaseolus coccineus — Also known as Seven Year Beans as they die back in autumn to re-emerge the next spring. They are climbers and will need support.

Mar-Sep

May-Jul

30cm

Sep-Nov

Jul-Oct

H 25 weeks Y 20 buds per plant

1.5m

Oct-Jan

1.6m

Sep-Feb

N/A

H 15 weeks Y 2kg per plant

Imperial Star (PVP) organic

Sweet Purple (F1)

6-8 large buds per plant in the first year, then cut Scarlet Runner With a 20% higher sugar content than the green back after flowering for increased yields in following Brilliant scarlet-orange flowers, followed by pods for asparagus this purple asparagus has a wonderful mild years. Offsets can be divided to propagate new plants. eating fresh or steamed – pink seeds can be used as dried winter beans. Crops heavily in late summer and autumn. Delicious flavour with smooth buttery texture. earthy flavour when cooked or eaten raw. 20 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S0072

15 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S0011

Purple

Fat Bastard (F1)

Has fatter spears than other varieties and a much higher yield. Allow 2 years for the crown to develop then enjoy this early spring treat. CLUB ONLY

$3.95

CODE

S0071

30 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

400 seeds

RETAIL

$19.95

CLUB CLUB

$3.95 $14.95

CODE CODE

S024 S024F

This Italian violet artichoke produces fat fleshy hearts Runner Bean Mix that are considered both decorative and good eating. 2-3 Grow this mix over a trellis or fence for a glorious display buds per plant in the first year and 16-32 the next year. of flowers throughout summer and autumn. The flowers 30 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S032 are edible so can be used for garnish on summer salads. Our mix includes Painted Lady, Scarlet Runner and Sunset Runner.

Broad beans

NEW!

15 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S0263

Vicia faba — A high protein, cool season, nitrogen fixing legume, best shelled for steaming or eaten raw when young. Early sowings need wind protection, so support the stems. Sets pods once the temperature reaches 18-20°C. Mar-Aug

Purple

artichoke

S032

Apr-Jun

Apr-Jul

20cm

H 15-20 weeks Y 250g per plant

1.5m

Chocolate Flowered

Deep chocolate flowers that radiate rich purple tones in the sunlight. A stunning plant that yields classical broad bean pods containing their precious bounty.

Deciduous.

F1 – 1st generation of breeder controlled pollination. Cannot save seed. GM – Genetically Modified. Transfer of genes cross species. Corporately owned. Heirloom (op) – Open Pollinated. True to type garden varieties. Publicly owned. Can save seed.

asparagus

Cynara scolymus — Plant this perennial in a separate bed. It can also be grown as an ornamental plant.

Tropical: Suitable for the tropics. Evergreen.

Sweet Purple

Asparagus officinalis — Plant in a separate bed with lots of organic matter dug in. A light yield of tender spears in 2 years, increasing for the next 20 years.

Plant types

Sowing months in the Cool zone. Less than 21 weeks of 15°C+ temperatures.

S0071

Runner beans

20 seeds

How to sow

asparagus (F1)

Artichokes

H 104 weeks Y 12 spears per plant

Reading the vegetable & culinary herb key How to sow

Fat Bastard

S0011

Asparagus

Sep-Nov

All growing zone information, instructions and symbols are © The Diggers Club 2015.

When to sow by growing zone

artichoke

10 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S0082

Aquadulce Scarlet

runner bean

S024

A heavy cropping early strain with fragrant black and white flowers and wonderful emerald green beans. 30 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S009

Runner Bean Mix S0263

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 11

Beans Phaseolus vulgaris — Whatever you call them – French, Pole, String, Snap or Bush Beans – they all have the same origin and are definitely not just green. Beans are ideal to plant after the hungry cool season crops of brassicas, as their roots can fix nitrogen to enrich the soil. Climbing beans outcrop bush beans, producing three times the yield, but they require extra trellising for support and wind protection. These fast growing annuals should be direct sown or planted out after all risk of frost. Mulch around your beans thoroughly – they are shallow rooted and easily damaged – and pick daily for highest yields.

Climbing beans Oct-Jan

Sep-Feb

All year

15cm 2m

Three Colour Bean Mix

This handy mix includes Blue Lake, Golden Wax Pole and Purple King beans. Harvest in 10 weeks and pick for almost three months. Why settle for just green beans? RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S013

Purple King

Ornamental dark pink flowers followed by crisp purple beans. Harvest in 13 weeks. 50 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

800 seeds

RETAIL

$19.95

CLUB CLUB

$2.95 $14.95

CODE CODE

S021

S021F

Snake yard long

These extraordinarily long thin beans have a flavour similar to asparagus. A sought after variety for Asian cuisine, they look fantastic in any dish. Harvest in 17 weeks. 20 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

bean

S019

Speckled Cranberry

CODE

S027

Our oldest climbing bean dates back to 1802. Described in Burpee’s 1888 Farm Annual as being “broad thick and very fleshy and entirely stringless ... and being peculiarly luscious”. What more can you say, except they suit house-husbands just as well! Yields 1kg per plant. 10 seeds

CLUB ONLY

$3.95

CODE

S019

Rattle Snake

A deep green bean splashed with purple. Tender, tasty and reliable. 11 weeks to harvest. 20 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

600 seeds

RETAIL

$19.95

$2.95

CLUB CLUB

$14.95

CODE CODE

S020

S020F

See page 9 for Australian Butter Bean.

Giant of Stuttgart organic

This giant from the Continent produces a bumper harvest. The stringless beans are long, straight and lose none of their fleshy tenderness as they continue to grow ... and grow, reaching 30cm long! Ready to harvest in 10 weeks, yields 1.5kg per plant. 20 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

bean

S0172

Sun Baby

Speckled Cranberry

Lazy Housewife Bean

H 9-19 weeks Y 1-2kg per plant

20 seeds

Lazy Housewife

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S016

A stunning pole bean that has graced the pages of American cookbooks as far back as 1796 and can be used as a fresh, dried or shelling bean. It is a must-have bean for the summer garden. 20 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S0172

Blue Lake

This bean received an exceptional rating in our taste test. Long fat pods that can be harvested for over 3 months. 9 weeks to harvest. Yields over 1kg per plant. 60 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

1000 seeds

RETAIL

$19.95

CLUB

$14.95

CODE CODE

S017

S017F

Haricot

Just like ‘champagne’, this gourmet bean has been awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) so it can’t be called by its original name, ‘Haricot Tarbais’, unless it is grown in a specified region of France. The plump, creamy white beans are a key ingredient for the classic cassoulet and the young beans can be eaten fresh and green – but leave plenty on the vine for harvesting, shelling and drying! Soak for 6-8 hours before cooking. Yields 1.5kg per plant. 30 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S0152

bean

S0101

Dragons Tongue

Sep-Feb

All year

15cm

H 9 weeks Y 210-536g per plant

S010

Sex Without Strings

40cm

It’s easy to see why these are always a favourite! Crisp succulent beans are ready to eat in 9 weeks and keep on coming for over 2 months. Yields 500g per plant.

$4.95

RETAIL

1000 seeds

RETAIL

$19.95

CLUB

$3.95

CLUB

$14.95

S010

CODE CODE

S010F

Borlotti bean S022 An old Italian favourite for using as dried beans 50 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S015 from late summer to winter. Perfect for minestrone Heirloom Bean Mix 1000 seeds RETAIL $19.95 CLUB $14.95 CODE S015F soup! A semi climber that’s ideal for growing up Nothing says heirloom more than this mix of our teepees and trellises. most beautiful beans. We have included Speckled Sun Baby 55 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S022 Cranberry, a stunning pole bean that has graced the pages of American cookbooks as far back as 1796 and Attractive round and stringless beans, just as productive 650 seeds RETAIL $19.95 CLUB $14.95 CODE S022F can be used as a fresh, dried or shelling bean. Frost as they are tasty. Crops continuously from 30cm tall or Pea bean is a dual purpose pole bean that, as the bushes. Harvest in 10 weeks. Yields 350g per plant. name implies, keeps producing late in the season even Frost 45 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S0101 A very rare semi-climbing bean well regarded by when the nights are cool. Perhaps the most endearing British and American gardeners since the 1790's for of them all is Calypso (aka Yin Yang) with its Italian Romano its cold tolerance – it keeps producing well into late distinctive black and white markings. A tall bush bean that is the absolute best for baking and soups. From Seed Savers’ collection of 2000 beans, these are the autumn, thus the name Frost. It is known as a pea 30 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S0142 bean for its versatility as a shelling and drying variety. favourite of farm manager David Cavagnaro. Delicious as a green bean and used dried in casseroles and soups. One of the most beautiful seeds – white painted with 9 weeks to harvest. Yields 210g per plant. striking maroon. 45 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

1000 seeds

RETAIL

$19.95

CLUB

$14.95

CODE CODE

S011

S011F

Borlotti

20 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S0181

Sex Without Strings organic

The description from an old seed catalogue reads Succulent and sweet seeds can be eaten like fresh peas or “Sensuous and tender, the golden curves of this dwarf left to dry for hearty winter soups. Harvest in 9 weeks. butter wax bean are available to all – with no strings Semi-climber to 1.2m, 500g per plant. attached.” Yields 310g per plant. 50 seeds

Haricot

bean

S0152

12 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Giant of Stuttgart

Rattle Snake

bean

S020

bean

S016

Purple King

Snake

bean

S021

yard long bean

Blue Lake

S023

An extremely beautiful bush bean with wide succulent pods of pale lemon streaked with purple. Delicious as both a fresh or dried bean. Harvest in 9 weeks. Yields over 250 grams per plant. 20 seeds

Stringless Pioneer

Flageolet Flagrano

Three Colour Bean Mix S013

bean

Dragons Tongue

Bush beans Oct-Jan

bean

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S018

40 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S023

Heirloom Bean Mix S0142

S027

bean

S017

Flageolet Flagrano

bean

S018

Stringless Pioneer

bean

S015

Frost

bean

S0181

Italian Romano

bean

S011

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 13

Beetroot

Broccoli

Beta vulgaris — Delectable sweet roots topped by tasty leaves to toss into a salad or cook just like spinach. In five colours, just like silverbeet, Beetroot prefers a rich soil with well decomposed manure dug in. Drainage is important, as is a pH of 6.5-7.0, so add some lime or dolomite while you’re at it. They also tolerate salty conditions. In mild, frost free areas avoid sowing in autumn as they may run to seed prematurely. Seed can germinate in 12°C soil but does better at 20°C. Thin the seedlings, as they can be used in salads.

Brassica oleracea — Heirloom Broccoli has succulent stems, easy-to-harvest heads and better yields than those pick-all-at-once, thick stemmed varieties. This most deserving of crops is nutritious, delicious and loaded with antioxidants. They perform best in cooler weather, below 29°C, which is also the best time to avoid cabbage moth. See page 22 for more varieties.

Sep-Feb

Jul-Mar

Apr-Jul

Mini Gourmet

Feb-Sep

30cm

Heirloom Beetroot Mix S035

Heirloom Beetroot Mix

Bull's Blood

Bull's Blood organic

$19.95

CLUB

$14.95

CODE

S035F

beetroot

Brassica oleracea — Best grown in the cooler months to avoid cabbage moth! Nov-Jun Dec-Apr

Chioggia organic

Jan-Apr

20-30cm

H 18-25 weeks Y 6-9kg per metre

50cm

Concentrically eccentric, this was traditionally grown outside Venice where it has been part of the cuisine since Mini Mini beetroots are great for roasting whole. An early 1583. 60g roots at 8 week harvest. Harvest early for pure white compact heads. Can be variety that is intensely flavoured. More compact foliage 120 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S033 planted closer at 20cm. allows closer planting. 40g roots at 8 week harvest. 90 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S081 80 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S042 Cylindra A uniform and uniquely elongated beet that is perfect Green Macerata for bottling. Just as sweet to eat as its round companions, With a lime green head that glows in the garden and an Burpee's Golden organic Exceptionally sweet roots and leaves, ideal for salads and and ideal for closer spacing as the roots grow down earthy pea taste, this classic cauliflower deserves a place messy eaters as it doesn’t bleed like red varieties. 60g instead of swelling out. 50g roots at 8 week harvest. in any kitchen potager, and on any dinner plate! roots at 8 week harvest. 200 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S034 45 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S080 RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S039

The most popular of sweet roots for roasting or pickling. 80g roots at 8 week harvest. RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S036

An Italian heirloom with brilliant purple heads that shine in the vegetable garden and on the plate. A delight to grow and eat, this cauli is packed with antioxidants.

... to the soil and maintain moist growing conditions to enjoy the tastiest Cauliflowers.

50 seeds

RETAIL

60cm

Purple Sprouting

broccoli

S050

Traditional Italian sprouting broccoli. Harvest the central head first to promote vigorous side shoots for up to 6 months. Taste test winner. Harvest in 9 weeks from transplant. Yields 1.1kg per plant. 280 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S044

Romanesco

De Cicco

100 seeds

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S079

Waltham

broccoli

S044

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S051

Purple Sprouting

broccoli

S049

Romanesco

broccoli

S051

Cabbages

Brussels sprouts

Brassica oleracea — The best yielding leaf crop, our varieties will suit every cuisine and taste. Protect from cabbage moth in summer.

Brassica oleracea — Best in frosty areas. Grow through summer for autumn and winter harvest and to avoid white cabbage butterfly attacks in spring. Remove the leaves, as the sprouts form from the base up, and stake well. These heirloom varieties produce smaller, more delicately flavoured sprouts than those large green bullets you buy in the shops!

Aug-Mar

Feb-Sep

Apr-Aug

30cm

H 14-22 weeks Y 1.3-6.8kg per head

Beautiful spiralling lime-green heads with a wonderful taste and texture. Harvest in 10 weeks from transplant. Heads up to 1kg.

50cm

Early Jersey Wakefield

A classic American heirloom that's been a favourite with commercial and home gardeners since the mid 1850s. A great space saver for smaller gardens. Can be harvested when small or left to develop into larger 2-3 kilo heads.

The ultimate cut-and-come-again vegetable. Delicious, 70 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S0592 full of antioxidants and visually spectacular with its wondrous spires of deep purple florets. Harvest in Red Drumhead 10 weeks from transplant, yields 1kg per plant. Magnificently ornamental and loaded with antioxidants. 300 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S050 A favourite for edible landscapes. Heads of ~3.3kg.

Green Sprouting Calabrese organic

Purple of Sicily

Add some lime ...

Globe organic 120 seeds

S045

De Cicco organic

Mini Gourmet

90 seeds

broccoli

Feb-Jun

40cm

S037

Cauliflowers

Green, yellow and red ribbed leaves make a colourful Remarkably sweet roots with deep purple leaves. Useful addition to salads, while their roots provide a unique for creating a decorative border, as well as for the table! sweet taste. This heirloom mix includes Chioggia, 90g roots at 8 week harvest. Bull’s Blood, Golden and White Blankoma. 90 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S037 100 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S035 RETAIL

Mar-Aug

Green Sprouting

H 6-10 weeks Y 1-1.3kg per plant

10cm

H 7-20 weeks Y 3kg per metre

2000 seeds

S042

beetroot

150 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S059

Oct-Feb

N/A

50cm

H 20-25 weeks Y 60-70 sprouts per plant

80cm

Ruby

Buttons of burgundy-red nutty sprouts with lavender-blue leaves. Sprouts turn an intriguing caviarblack colour when cooked. In windy gardens the plants will need to be staked as they become top heavy. Not for WA/NT. 70 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S055

An Italian variety, the blue-green head is followed by Mini Long Island Improved side shoots for up to 3 months. Harvest 9 weeks from The fastest cabbage to form neat, crisp heads in just Cropping over a long period, this was the sprout to transplant, yields 1.3kg per plant. 18 weeks. Slow to bolt. Heads of ~1.3kg. 20cm spacing. grow before hybrids took over. 190 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S045 60 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S061 70 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S056

Waltham organic

Waltham forms large, nutritious heads. The side shoots can be picked for up to 3 months, with a harvest of over 1kg per plant. 350 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S049

Easier to grow ... Burpee's Golden

beetroot

Green Macerata

S039

cauliflower

Cylindra

S080

14 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

beetroot

S034

Purple of Sicily

Chioggia

cauliflower

S079

beetroot

S033

Globe

Mini

beetroot

cauliflower

S081

S036

... than cauliflower, plant the sprouting Broccoli varieties and harvest continually for up to 3 months.

Mini

cabbage

S061

Early Jersey Wakefield

Red Drumhead

cabbage

S0592

S059

Ruby

brussels sprouts

Long Island Improved

S055

brussels sprouts

S056

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 15

Capsicums

50cm

H 11-16 weeks from transplant

Mini Sweet Mix

capsicum

S065

50cm

40 seeds

Seven Colour Mix

White Diamond

capsicum

RETAIL

$4.95

S064

CLUB

$3.95

White Diamond

CODE

S065

capsicum

Mixed Italian Fryers

40 seeds

S0643

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

RETAIL

$4.95

Alma Paprika

CLUB

capsicum

$3.95

CODE

S0625

S071

30 seeds

Padron

capsicum

RETAIL

$4.95

S0662

CLUB

CODE

S0632

30 seeds

Quadrato d'Asti Giallo S0632

Sep-Feb Jul-Mar Feb-Nov

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

California Wonder

CODE

capsicum

S0662

S0625

10cm

H 8-18 weeks Y 2-3kg per metre

25cm

Mixed Italian Fryers capsicum S066

Alma Paprika

$3.95

Daucus carota — Plant in well drained, weed free, fine tilth soils. Thin seedlings when young and water evenly to prevent splitting. Harvest young sweet roots in 10 weeks or leave for another 3 weeks to mature.

S064

Definitely the prettiest of all of our capsicums, changing The best of the long sweet Italian varieties including Beloved by Hungarians, this thick fleshed capsicum is from a warm creamy white to beautiful golden peach red Jimmy Nardello, green Lombardo and golden great fresh or dried. Grind to make the best paprika. finally turning red when fully ripe. Grow with Sweet Bull’s Horn. 45 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S071 Chocolate or Purple Beauty and you'll have all of 50 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S066 the colours in the capsicum rainbow in just two plants! Padron NEW! 40 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S0643 Quadrato d'Asti Giallo A favourite for tapas, traditionally served sautéed in This Italian sweet pepper is huge and blocky, ripening olive oil and salted. But beware – 1 in 20 of the green California Wonder A classic variety with huge sweet bells of emerald green slowly from green to yellow as it becomes sweeter. ones are seriously hot! The heat increases as they turn ripening to ruby. Bred in 1928, and still the largest Thick, crisp and chunky – the biggest we’ve ever grown red so harvest them when still green and only about one to two inches long. 80 fruit per plant, 30 grams per fruit. at Diggers. 15 fruit per plant, 250 grams per fruit. open pollinated heirloom available. 40 seeds

Carrots

Why grow plain green capsicums when you can grow a rainbow of colours! These varieties are the best heirlooms for colour and sweetness and look great in the garden and the Mini Sweet Mix kitchen. Mix includes Sweet Chocolate, Short stocky plants covered in sweet yellow, Purple Beauty, White Diamond, red and chocolate heirloom mini capsicums. Yellow Marconi, Chinese Giant, Red Munch the jewel-like fruit straight off the bush. Cubanelle and Orange Bell.

Capsicum annum — Capsicums need warmer summers to ripen than tomatoes, but they grow similarly, without the need for staking. Sep-Nov Aug-Dec Apr-Sep

Seven Colour Mix

All Capsicums start green, with a change of colour reflecting optimum sweetness.

Atomic Red

Heirloom Carrot Mix S074

Heirloom Carrot Mix

carrot

S0752

Purple Dragon

Paris Market

This exclusive Diggers mix explodes with colour! Small, round roots grow well in pots, shallow soil and Succulent and sweet, these carrots hold their colour heavy clay. Best eaten when young. when cooked, adding an exciting dimension to meals RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S075 and salads. Includes Chantenay, Purple Dragon, 800 seeds Belgian White and Lobbericher Yellow. Atomic Red organic 500 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S074 Carrots are one of the oldest cultivated vegetables and Atomic Red is the deepest red, non-hybrid variety we Purple Dragon The 3-coloured Afghan carrot from which orange have found. Red carrots contain the highest levels of the colours developed, with superior antioxidants and cancer fighting antioxidant lycopene. Eat one a day to keep the doctor away. carotene. A subtle and sweet, yet spicy flavour. 850 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

St Valery

CLUB

carrot

$2.95

CODE

S073

580 seeds

S077

RETAIL

$4.95

Paris Market

CLUB

$3.95

carrot

CODE

S0752

carrot

S073

Baby organic

Delicious finger length carrots in 8 weeks or grow to 20cm in another two months. Good for heavy soils. 500 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S072

St Valery An 1885 French heirloom held in high esteem by 19th century French market gardeners. Its broad neck and long tapering orange-red roots will make it a favourite in your kitchen too! Can be harvested early for baby carrots or left in the ground to reach full length. 500 seeds

S075

RETAIL

$3.95

Baby

CLUB

carrot

$2.95

CODE

S077

S072

Chillies Capsicum sp. — Life needs spice and the Diggers range of chillies gives you plenty! Heat rated from 1-5, with 5 being the hottest. Chillies must have warm soil to ripen well and mulching keeps the heat in. Regular harvesting improves the productivity and vigour of the bushes. Sep-Nov

Aug-Dec

Apr-Sep

50cm

H 10-18 weeks from transplant

Heat rating

Hellfire Mix

If you like heat then this mix of flaming beauties will set your mouth on fire! Our exclusive mix includes the Mexican favourite Jalapeño, knock-your-socksoff Habanero, fiery Red Cap Mushroom and Yellow Fatalii. Worth planting for their ornamental value alone. They make the perfect pot plant. 40 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S093

16 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

5/5

50cm

Hellfire Mix

chilli

Fatalii

A relative of the Habanero with a punchy chilli hit. The flavour is complex, starting off as fruity with a citrus-like tang then progressing gradually to the really hot stuff. Very attractive bright yellow fruit that look great in a pot and in the garden. Yields 500g fruit per plant. 40 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S0942

5/5

S093

Fatalii

chilli

S0942

Red Cap Mushroom

Gorgeous squash-shaped chillies that ripen from lime green to bright red. A very attractive plant that produces masses of fruit over a long period. Great in a pot on the balcony. The fruit is aromatic and hot. Perfect for those who want a bit of extra spice in their lives. Can grow as perennial in frost free areas. 40 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S0912

4/5

chilli

S0912

Joe's Long Cayenne

Maui Purple organic

A stand out in our trials, impressing with its beauty and extraordinary yields. Vibrant green, purpletinged foliage forms a neat compact bush, perfect for growing in a pot. Midnight black chillies turn red when they are ripe and hot enough to turn into mouth tingling salsas. Produces fruit right through to winter. 40 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S0702

3.5/5

chilli

S070

Mild Mannered Mix

chilli

Joe's Long Cayenne organic

Classic long, red chilli, ideal for those who like a bit of heat, but not too much. Mild flavour when the seeds are removed – the heat cranks up a notch if they are left in. We use this show-stopper in our pot displays at events and festivals, then pick the fruit and hang it to dry. Harvest in 15 weeks, yields 1kg per plant. 40 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S070

3/5

S0932

Maui Purple

chilli

S0702

Mild Mannered Mix

A mix of chillies that will bring some welcome warmth to your cooking without blowing your socks off! We've included the slightly warm Alma Paprika for drying, the prolific and reliable Joe's Long Cayenne, the ever so subtly spicy Padron and our taste test favourite for its sweet and heat combination – Sante Fe Grande. 40 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S0932

3/5

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 17

Cucumbers Cucumis sativus — The fastest and easiest of vegetables to grow. Natives of Asia and Africa, they were grown by the Greeks from where they spread to the rest of Europe. Traditionally a sprawling vine, they can also be grown vertically up a teepee or trellis. Cucumbers need a rich soil that does not dry out and has a pH above 6.5. Seeds sprout readily at soil temperatures of 20°C. They do best in a well ventilated and sunny spot. Pick regularly as soon as they are an edible size to encourage flowers and fruit for 2 months. Cucumbers are divided into regular and burpless varieties. The burpless cucumbers don’t need peeling, perfect for gardeners who want to maximise their antioxidant intake. All our varieties except Spacemaster and Double Yield are burpless, which means that you will only taste them once! Jul-Oct

S101

Vine to 1m

Spacemaster (bush) organic

Spacemaster

cucumber

S102

Sweet and Striped

A compact 60cm vine that won’t overrun your garden. Our sweetest cucumber that can grow to 1 metre long. Produces deep green 20cm fruits ideal for slicing, but Elegantly curled, ribbed and striped. Yields roughly is our only variety that isn’t burp-free. Yields roughly 12 fruit per plant. 30 fruit per plant. 50 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S101 55 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S102

Mini White organic

Parisian Pickling

The Seed Savers Exchange in the US have over 250 The best known pickling variety in the 1890s that can be cucumbers in their collection and Mini White is one eaten fresh or used for gherkins. 50-60 days for pickling, of the most popular. Grow it for yourself and see why. the French describe as Cornichons. 70-80 days for Eat fresh or pickle the 10cm long fruit. Best picked when young. Yields 35 fruit per plant. eating fresh. RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S1051

40 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S099

Celery and celeriac

Jul-Nov

Jan/Jun

S099

Japanese Climbing organic

Produces early, fine flavoured fruits for fresh eating or pickling. The long burpless cucumbers are prolific – the more you pick, the more it will produce! Yields 28 fruit per plant.

$2.95

Dorato d'Asti

celery

cucumber

S097

Double Yield

30 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

$3.95

CLUB

CODE

S097

Little Potato

Little Potato has a texture of aged alabaster, the colour of pomme de terre and a zesty lemon burpless flesh. We think this is the gourmet cucumber par excellence. Harvest in 12 weeks. Yields 3kg per plant. 40 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

$3.95

CLUB

CODE

S088

CODE

S0911

600 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S0892

Lactuca sativa var. asparagina — Chinese, Stem or Asparagus Lettuce is a delicacy we enjoy in a 5 star restaurant. Grow in loose soil with plenty of organic matter to retain moisture. Harvest the young leaves as a lettuce then cut the succulent stems when they run to seed, reaching 30-40cm high. All year

All year

20cm

H 5-11 weeks

70 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

30cm CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S089

S0892

18 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Stringless

celery

S088

cucumber

Mexican Sour Gherkin

Double Yield organic

Well named, this was the highest yielder in our summer trials with a whopping 17kg per plant! The growth is compact and the fruit just keep on coming. Best picked when young. 30 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S0961

Mexican Sour Gherkin

This heirloom micro-sized climbing cucumber tastes both sweet and sour, just like a gherkin without the work! Prolific fruiting and a first rate screening plant. May self seed. Not for NT/WA. 30 seeds

S0961

Lebanese Mini Muncher S104

Suyu Long

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S103

cucumber

S103

Armenian yard long cucumber S096

Lemon

Lebanese Mini Muncher organic

cucumber

S100

This Chinese variety grows up to a foot long! Sweet flavoured fruit for up to two months make it one of the most productive. Grow up a trellis to keep the fruit straight. Yields around 8 kilos per plant. 40 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S100

Pat Mooney

“Control over seed is the first link in the food chain because seed is the source of life. When a corporation controls seed, it controls life, especially the life of farmers.

“The Terminator is a group of genes that can be spliced into any crop plant, sterilising all of the plant’s seeds, the resulting suicide seeds cannot be replanted, forcing farmers who used to collect their own seeds back to the company. In the United Nations it is being debated as ‘Terminator Technology’. This is technology that offers absolutely no agronomic benefit to farmers – all it does is stop them from being seed savers. That’s all it does. And it guarantees that the company will control the farmers. There are 1.4 billion human beings on this planet who depend for their food on the ability of farmers to save seed. Those farmers save their seed – not just to replant it, but to breed from it – to develop new varieties from it, because they know no-one is breeding seeds for them. It comes down to control of technology.” Photo by Wolfgang Schmidt

Patents on seed are illegitimate because putting a toxic gene into a plant cell is not creating or inventing a plant. These are seeds of deception.”

David Cavagnaro “A world that protects cultural diversity will inevitably protect biological diversity.”

S105

Lemon organic

Armenian

Suyu Long

Dr. Vandana Shiva

Through patents on seed, Monsanto has become the “Life Lord” of our planet, collecting rents for life’s renewal from farmers, the original breeders.

cucumber

No need to peel this classic Mediterranean smooth skin A prolific bearer of tangy fruit that never turn bitter variety. Perfect for salads, pickling or combining with like Crystal Apple does. Yields roughly 43 fruit yoghurt for a traditional tzatziki. Yields approximately per plant. 43 fruit per plant. 40 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S105 55 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S104

Who wants GM seeds?

DR VANDANA SHIVA

CLUB

Japanese Climbing

Little Potato

Celtuce

A stringless strain with crisp, earthy flavoured, 40cm Verona celeriac S0911 stems, ribbed in light green. High in potassium, it's great eaten raw or cut into winter soups and stews. Dorato d'Asti 700 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S090 Easier to grow than other varieties, remaining crisp and juicy without the need for blanching. Snap off Celeriac Verona the lime-green stems from summer through to autumn Grow this versatile relative of celery for its knobbly and winter. Feed and water well for the most succulent swollen roots that can be used in soups, salads or gratins. stems. Harvest in 15 weeks, yields 1.1kg per plant. $3.95

cucumber

20cm

Stringless organic

RETAIL

Mini White

Plant the seedlings in blocks for the best result. Self-blanching types like Dorato d’ Asti are less work, as other varieties are best when the stems are wrapped in cardboard a few weeks before harvest.

50cm

H 21-24 weeks Y 3 bunches per metre

700 seeds

S1051

Planting celery

Apium graveolens var. dulce — With shallow roots that dry out, they need constant moisture and a thick layer of mulch. Aug-Dec

cucumber

70cm

H 7-9 weeks Y 30-40 fruit per plant

30 seeds

Parisian Pickling

DAVID CAVAGNARO

LATE Sep-Jan

cucumber

PAT MOONEY

LATE Oct-Dec

Sweet and Striped

Cucumis melo — Pale burpless fruit with a refreshing flavour. Drier flesh stores up to one month. Kids boast about its yard-long size but it's best picked when about 30cm in length. Sets fruit well in hot climates. Yields approximately 7kg per plant. 50 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S096

We take our Seeds for granted.

After all, 95% of the food we eat is grown for us on huge farms, thousands of miles away, in a single sowing that we call mono-culture. We have disconnected from our food – in fact, no other animal that has still survives! Clive Blazey

Safe Seed Pledge Seeds are the basis on which our lives depend. We will promote their diversity and free availability, and fight all attempts to own or destroy our garden inheritance of open pollinated heirloom seeds. We oppose genetically engineered and hybrid seeds that promote the use of chemicals.

S090

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 19

Corn

Kale

Zea mays — Growing your own is the only way to experience the true taste of sweet Corn. Most gardeners want to grow supersweet corn with their higher sugar levels than heirlooms and less critical harvest time. The massive yield increases in modern corn came from closer planting and a huge increase in fertiliser use. Cob size and the number of cobs per plant have hardly changed. Corn needs rich soil and ample water. Sow in blocks of a minimum 16 plants to assist cob setting. F1 = Hybrid corn (seed may be fungicide treated) SE = Sugar enhanced OP = Open pollinated (heirloom)

Brassica sp. — One of the highest levels of antioxidants, extremely decorative and more tolerant of heat and drought than other brassicas. Grow during cooler months to avoid cabbage moths.

Oct-Jan Sep-Feb

Open pollinated, traditional real sweet corn flavour. Sugars convert to starch rapidly so it is vital to eat within hours of picking.

Painted Mountain organic

Saved from extinction by Montana farmer, Dave Christensen, this ancient corn was once widely cultivated by native American Indians. Painted Mountain is very cold hardy and is known in the US as the “corn that grows where no other corn grows”. It can be roasted, ground for flour or dried for popping. Otherwise it can be grown purely to enjoy the rich tapestry of colours found in every cob. Not for NT/TAS/WA. $4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S119

True Gold

Traditional, open pollinated corn is getting harder to find as sweeter hybrids become more popular. Don’t be deterred – this is corn as it should be – crisp, buttery and with true corn flavour. Not for NT/TAS/WA. 35 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

kale

S122

Tuscan Kale cavolo nero S121

$3.95

CODE

S110

Painted Mountain (OP)

S119

corn

Golden Bantam (OP)

Golden Bantam organic This is the ‘corniest’ of sweet corn with true flavour. Rich yellow cobs on 1.5m stalks. Heirloom favourite since 1902. Non-hybrid. Not for NT/TAS/WA. 35 seeds

RETAIL

Dwarf

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S113

(F1/SE)

Our most cold tolerant sweet corn and one of the earliest to fruit. The dwarf cobs have higher sugars and tenderness and can be eaten raw. 1.5m tall. 50 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S111

Baby Corn/Popcorn (F1) For Baby Corn, harvest continuously before the silks appear and grow up to 6 cobs per plant. Fresh Baby Corn is the most delicate of delicacies and makes sophisticated stir-fries. Never put up with the tinned variety again! For Popcorn, simply leave the cobs on the plant to mature, then dry the kernels. 50 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S106

corn

Breakthrough (F1)

corn

S114

20 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

60-80cm

Honey and Cream

So sweet it doesn’t need cooking, with plump yellow and white kernels. 11 weeks to harvest. 50 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S114

Breakthrough

Twice as sweet as ordinary corn and keeps its flavour for up to 10 days. 50 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S108

White

The shiny white kernels are super sweet and so rich they taste like they are already buttered. Plump yellow and white kernels like this cannot be found in the shops. 50 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S109

corn

S108

White (F1)

corn

S109

120 seeds

Dwarf (F1)

corn

S111

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S1223

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S121

Red Russian organic

An excellent vegetable for the cold months. The reddish grey foliage and purple stems are delicious steamed or in hearty winter soups. Long Purple

eggplant

S115

Slim Jim

eggplant

S118

Rosa Bianca

eggplant

S1152

Heirloom Eggplant Mix

Thai Long Green

A kaleidoscope of eggplants never seen in supermarkets. Plump Rosa Bianca, Violetta di Firenze, Slim Jim and Listada di Gandia. 40 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S116

A prolific producer of long, pale green eggplants that are perfect for Thai dishes. The mild tender flesh absorbs spicy flavours making this the perfect addition to curries. It's also a great one for frying and was a winning contender in our 2013 taste tests. 40 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S1153

Listada di Gandia organic

This early maturing, delicately striped eggplant is yet another classic example of a fine Italian heirloom. The Long Purple organic 15-20cm fruit have fine flesh and almost seedless fruit. Purple oval fruit to 20cm long. This heirloom fruits Yields 3.6kg per plant. almost 3 weeks before the industry standard hybrid. RETAIL CLUB CODE 40 seeds $4.95 $3.95 S1171 10 weeks to harvest. Yield 3.5kg per plant. 550 seeds

RETAIL

$19.95

CLUB

$14.95

CODE

S1171F

100 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S115

Rosa Bianca organic

Slim Jim

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S118

One of our most beautiful eggplants, this Italian heirloom is popular with chefs and heirloom vegetable connoisseurs alike! Plump round white fruit blushed with rosy pink. Rotund and sumptuous! 40 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

120 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S1152

CODE

Solanum melongena — Eggplants, or Aubergines, require more heat than tomatoes but similar conditions. Being slow growing, they require a long, hot growing season. Originally from tropical Asia, they thrive in hot humid weather. In frost-free areas Eggplants can be treated as perennials, producing fruit for a few seasons. Their stiff branches will need staking. For maximum yield, pick the fruit as soon as it is ripe – when the skin is easily indented when light pressure is applied. 50cm

H 9-15 weeks Y 2-5kg per plant

40-70cm

Florence Fennel Foeniculum vulgare dulce — A versatile ornamental vegetable with edible leaves, seeds and swollen base. The refreshing mild anise flavour is perfect in salads or served with seafood. Grows best in the cooler months. Yields 650g per bulb. Not for TAS. Feb-Sep

Jan-Oct

Feb-Aug

20cm

H 12 weeks Y 5 bulbs per metre

180 seeds

Listada di Gandia eggplant S1171

Thai Long Green

eggplant

S1153

S122

Eggplants

Sep-Nov Aug-Dec Mar-Aug

Baby Corn/Popcorn (F1) S106

Think inside the square when you are planting Corn. Corn plants do best planted in blocks rather than rows because they are wind pollinated. Planting in a square gives the pollen from the male flowers more of a chance to pollinate the female flowers. Poor pollination will result in less kernels, so give block planting a try!

$3.95

An outstanding winter foliage plant, this classic Italian kale has slate grey leaves and is very high in antioxidants. Fantastic in soups and casseroles. Harvest in 8 weeks.

Supersweet hybrids (F1) With the highest sugar levels and a long storage life, full sweetness is maintained up to 10 days after picking. Will not produce super sweet flavour if they cross pollinate, so isolate by sowing 10 days later. Need more water to germinate than SE or OP.

RETAIL

Tuscan Kale cavolo nero

S113

Blocks, not rows!

Honey and Cream (F1)

30cm

H 7-15 weeks Y 2.5kg per plant

S1223

120 seeds

40 seeds

corn

kale

Mar-Jul

Tightly frilled leaves are a deep purple colour of extraordinary beauty, making this one of our favourite additions to the parterre garden at Heronswood.

Rich, purple cocktail-sized fruits and ornamental purple leaves, ready to pick 13 weeks from transplant. Slice and grill on the BBQ or dice up for a delicious ratatouille. Yields 2.4kg per plant.

True Gold (OP)

Red Bore

Feb-Jun

Red Bore f1

20cm

Open pollinated (OP)

RETAIL

Red Russian

1.5-2m

All year

H 11-14 weeks Y 2-3 cobs per plant

30 seeds

All year

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

40cm CODE

S313

Heirloom Eggplant Mix S116

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 21

Garden greens

Baby Broccoli HAPPY RICH (F1)

Brassica rapa — Harvest the stems, flowers and leaves for use in stir-fries or steam as broccoli. Prolong the harvest by picking before the flower buds open. Yields 780g per plant.

Picked straight from your garden these Greens make the healthiest and tastiest stir-fries. Grow in a well-manured soil and provide regular water. Some of the quickest crops to grow from seed.

All year

Tokyo Bekana

150 seeds

Brassica rapa — A superb addition to any winter garden, with stunning bright green leaves that can be picked again and again. The delicate texture and mild mustard flavour show no sign of bitterness, so you can eat it raw as well as in a stir-fry. Best eaten straight off the plant, so you'll never find this one in the shops. All year

All year

240 seeds

$3.95

40cm

$2.95

CLUB

CODE

S164

Pak choy Brassica rapa — Better suited to hotter weather than European cabbages. Jul-Mar

All year

10cm

All year

H 8 weeks Y 110g per plant

20cm

Broccoli Raab

Thick, curved succulent leaves are a must for stir-fries and Asian soups. Grow quickly in a rich, moist soil to harvest in about 8 weeks. Yields 110g per plant. $3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S161

Pak Choy Red (F1)

Beautifully contrasted crisp white stems and striking deep red leaves which are rich in antioxidants. Great in salads or Asian dishes. 180 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S1610

$3.95

RETAIL

Aug-Oct

SESSANTINA GROSSA Brassica rapa — This Italian style broccoli is eaten leaves, stem and all, either fresh or steamed. Beloved by the Italians for its earthy, mustard flavour and popular for its continuous harvest, it grows well over the cool months. Unlike other raabs, this produces larger broccoli-like buds. All year

Mar-Aug

Feb-Jun

30cm

H 8 weeks Y 780g per plant RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

50cm

$2.95

CODE

30cm

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S043

Brassica narinosa — Tatsoi or Chinese Flat Cabbage has deep green spoon-shaped leaves with a rich flavour. Eaten young in salads or steamed when older. Harvest continually from 6 weeks. All year

All year

20cm

H continually from 6 weeks

200 seeds

All year

40cm

H 9 weeks Y 930g per plant

150 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

60cm

$2.95

CODE

S2972

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

20cm

$2.95

CODE

S215

Sow greens ... ... every 2-3 weeks to ensure you can harvest them year round. Protect seedlings from snails and feed regularly with liquid fertiliser to encourage growth.

Feb-May Feb-May Mar-May

CLUB

$3.95

All year

30cm

H continually from 4-8 weeks

20cm 40cm

$4.95

All year

40-60cm

Mizuna Red and Lime Streaks

H 11 weeks RETAIL

Watercress S326

Mizuna/mustard

All year

Brassica pekinensis — A baby Chinese cabbage with crisp, almost white heads to use in Asian salads, stirfries or pickled for kimchi. Best grown with plenty of water and in a rich soil for optimal results. Quicker to harvest than other cabbages.

50 seeds

French Sorrel Large Leaf S336

Brassica rapa — Packed with antioxidants, iron and folate, these are the handy salad greens with a hint of spice!

Mini Wongbok

Tatsoi

All year

Jul-Sep

S052

Pak Choy

150 seeds

20cm

Brassica oleracea — Long, succulent stems topped with compact broccoli heads that open to white flowers. All parts, even the leaves, are good eating. Can be planted close together as its upright narrow habit grows well en masse.

Pak Choy S161

300 seeds

RETAIL

Feb-Jun

Kailaan

30cm

H continually from 6 weeks RETAIL

Mar-Aug

H 8 weeks Y 750g per plant

CODE

S060

This vibrant two-tone mix has delicate feathery lime green and deep-red leaves that add a spicy tang to garden salads. Sow frequently to keep up a supply of young leaves with a distinct mustard taste. Pick in just 4 weeks. 500 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S143

Mustard Mizuna organic

400 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S146

Mustard Giant Red organic For those that like it hot! The huge bronze-green leaves with striking white midribs add structure to the vegetable garden. A first rate, quick growing ornamental. Spice up stir-fries or flavour sandwiches – whatever you do it is sure to add a zing. Harvest when young for salads, as it gets hotter with age. 300 seeds Pak Choy Red (F1) S1610

Baby Broccoli

happy rich

(F1) S043

22 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Tokyo Bekana S164

Tatsoi S215

Broccoli Raab

Kailaan S2972

sessantina grossa

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S148

Red and Lime Streaks mizuna S143

Vitamin Green

Mini Wongbok

Brassica rapa — Velvety dark green leaves and crisp white stems taste so fresh, they must be good for you! Leaves can be harvested again and again without compromising the flavour. Tolerant of both cool and hot conditions.

All year Mar-Aug Feb-Jun

20cm

H continually from 7 weeks

40cm

150 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S297

Watercress Nasturtium officinalis — One of the highest antioxidant levels of any vegetable and a mild peppery flavour. Grows easily in soil or by water. Jun-Dec

Mounds of beautifully filigreed, mild flavoured leaves with just a hint of pepper. A very vigorous cut-andcome-again mustard green, ready to pick in just 6 weeks. Yields roughly 500g per plant.

Vitamin Green S297

May-Dec

30cm

May-Aug

H 5 weeks

400 seeds

RETAIL

20cm

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S326

French Sorrel LARGE LEAF

Feb-May Feb-May Mar-May

20cm

H 11 weeks

50 seeds

RETAIL

40cm

$4.95

CLUB

Asian Green

$3.95

CODE

S060

MIX

A vibrant healthy mix of all of the essential ingredients for a good stir fry. With white stemmed Pak Choy, Tatsoi, the slightly peppery Tokyo Bekana, crisp, fresh Vitamin Green and the superbly fragrant Coriander. All year Mar-Aug Feb-Jun

400 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S2154

Rumex acetosa — Slightly tangy lemon flavour adds zest to salads. Especially good with fish and to make French Sorrel soup. Long wavy light-green leaves and greenish-yellow to red flowers in mid-summer Feb-Sep

Feb-Aug

Apr-Jul

30cm

H 11 weeks

200 seeds

RETAIL

40cm

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S336

S052

Mini Wongbok S060

Giant Red

mustard

S148

Mustard Mizuna S146

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 23

Lettuce

Cos lettuce

Lactuca sativa — Use these colourful and decorative leaves instead of bedding plants and grow a display you can eat! These lettuce selections, alongside pansies and violas, are regular features in our vegetable parterre at Heronswood. Best grown in cooler weather to minimise bolting to flower, but choose slow bolting head lettuce for summer. Quick growing mini varieties are great to plant with slower growing vegetables like broccoli and cabbages, or plant them beneath pea teepees – the lettuce matures for harvest before the peas grow up the teepee and block out the light!

Long, crisply ribbed leaves thrive in both winter and spring. Harvest all at once or pick as needed.

All year

Mar-Aug

H 5-11 weeks

The Australian Vegetable Garden

Baby Cos organic

No Caesar salad would be right without Cos lettuce! This sweet and crunchy baby variety is ideal for saving space in the vegie garden and is also suitable for pots. 250 seeds

$4.95

RETAIL

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S127

Crispmint

An outstanding variety with excellent flavour and crisp, minty green leaves. Seed Savers in the US have over 200 varieties of lettuce and rate this as one of their best.

20cm

150 seeds

20-30cm

Goldrush

Heirloom Lettuce Mix

S131

loose leaf

S137

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S1271

Rouge d’Hiver organic

Known in France as Red of Winter due to the elegant deep brown-red leaves that blend to green near the heart. A great performer over winter but also proven as reliable in our summer trials. Harvest in 6 weeks. 200 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S142

Freckles Bunte organic

The light texture of butter lettuces are a popular choice for gardeners and chefs alike. The most beautifully patterned butter lettuce we know. Amish Deer Tongue loose leaf S134

Royal Oakleaf

With soft leaves that soak up salad dressing, Loose Leaf Lettuce varieties offer a wonderful diversity of colour and have a longer harvest period. When 5 to 6 leaves appear, you can start picking the outer leaves, then just keep going as needed.

Tennis Ball organic

One of our best butterhead lettuces, made even more endearing when we discovered it was one of Thomas Jefferson's favourite! A true heirloom with soft pale green leaves forming small loose heads. The best for dressing or braising for warm winter salads. CLUB ONLY

$3.95

S141

Red Velvet

loose leaf

Heirloom Lettuce Mix

Loose leaf

250 seeds

loose leaf

CODE

S1321

Amish Deer Tongue two-in-one Amazing two-in-one lettuce that can be cooked like spinach or used like lettuce, so you have a hot or cold vegetable to suit the season! Repeat harvest makes it a highly productive choice for space saving gardens. Harvest from 5 weeks. 350 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S134

S144

Italian Lollo Mix

loose leaf

S135

Royal Oakleaf

Italian Lollo Mix

First listed in 1771, the thick sweet midribs withstand The ruffled leaves of these varieties make a spectacular salad of lime green, pink and red. the heat better than any other loose leaf lettuce. RETAIL

$3.95

2500 seeds

RETAIL

$19.95

$2.95

CLUB CLUB

$14.95

CODE CODE

S141

S141F

350 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S135

Mesclun Provencal Mix

A superb, spicy mix of Roquette, Oakleaf Lettuce, Endive, Mache and Chervil. A family heirloom named for an American Civil War veteran, this beautifully soft butter lettuce has bronze- 800 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S269 tinged leaves. Slow to bolt, so ideal for summer salads.

Grandpa Admire's

NEW!

300 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S1352

Red Velvet

One of the most ornamental loose leaf varieties with rich velvety maroon leaves. A favourite in our parterre garden at Heronswood where we grow it for contrast alongside bright green varieties such as Tango. 200 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S144

Sow often... ... to pick often! The best tasting Lettuce is grown fast. It loves plenty of nitrogen, so plant it in beds that have just grown beans or peas and prepare the soil with plenty of compost and well rotted manure. Sow lettuce seed every couple of weeks so you can pick fresh salad leaves year round!

loose leaf

S1352

24 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Tennis Ball

loose leaf

S1321

Mesclun Provencal Mix

loose leaf

S269

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S130

RETAIL

$29.95

CLUB

$24.95

CODE

AAUVH

Revised & updated second edition

Over 140,000 copies sold!

Less flavour but more crunch than Leaf or Cos and the longest shelf life.

Great Lakes

A traditional ice-berg lettuce with crunchy, succulent leaves that even the kids love. A favourite with gardeners too as it grows well in summer when other lettuces shy from the heat and run to seed. 200 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S132

Red Iceberg

Forms a dense head of crisp, crunchy red leaves in just one month from transplanting. 400 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S136

Crispmint

cos lettuce

S1271

Freckles Bunte cos lettuce S130

Roquette Apollo Eruca sativa — This is an easy, fast growing crop when sown in rich soil. Large rounded fleshy leaves will keep producing right through the cooler months, and are easy to pick. All year

All year Mar-Aug

20cm

H 3-30 weeks

180 seeds

Grandpa Admire's

RETAIL

Head lettuce

Lettuce Goldrush

Bring heirloom colour and flavour from the garden to The curled and crinkled foliage adds a unique look and the table with Red Velvet, Tennis Ball, Rouge texture to salads. Goldrush doesn't bolt to seed as d'Hiver, Freckles, Tango and Red Leprechaun. quick as other varieties, so there is more time to enjoy it. 190 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S137 190 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S131

250 seeds

200 seeds

There is no other book in Australia or overseas that comes close! This new edition is fully revised, incorporating another 12 years of the best tasting and yielding varieties into our selection first published over 15 years ago. Learn to create your own mini-plot with plans to be self sufficient in just 10 square metres – that’s less than a small car garage! A complete A-Z, from asparagus to zucchini, including herbs, watermelons that ripen in cold climates and over 35 tomatoes. This classic book started the heirloom vegetable revival and provides comprehensive data from our Diggers trials such as yield, days to harvest and comparisons of heirlooms to hybrid varieties. We include in-depth discussions on the best fertilisers, common pest problems and solutions, sowing guides for all Australian climates and we explain why the key to success in growing vegetables comes from an understanding of each crop’s specific temperature needs – rarely seen in other books. This hardcover edition cannot be found in the bookshops and includes a Sow What When poster on the back of the dust jacket. With 160 colour pages this is “the best book ever on vegie gardens”.

RETAIL

20-40cm

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

Rouge d'Hiver

cos lettuce

S142

Baby

S132

Red Iceberg

cos lettuce

S127

S003

Great Lakes

head lettuce

S136

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 25

Microgreens It's not just chefs that have discovered the delicate flavours of microgreens. Home gardeners are also adding a special gourmet touch to dishes and you don’t even need a garden! We sow our microgreens in punnets and seed trays and, after about 4 weeks, the trays are brought into the kitchen and the microgreens are snipped as needed. Sow microgreens every few weeks for a continuous supply.

SUPER FOOD, SUPER EASY!

A great alternative to lettuce for fresh eating over the cooler months. This mix contains Red Russian Kale, Tatsoi, frilly Endive, and deep red Beetroot. They combine to produce an earthy, warming sensation. Use as a stand alone vegetable dish, or as a garnish to winter soups or stews. 4000 seeds

RETAIL

$6.95

$5.95

CLUB

CODE

S391

Baby Leaf Gourmet Mix

Tatsoi, Mizuna, Roquette, Beetroot and Red and Green Leaf Lettuce — a beautiful sweet delicate mix of different textures, colours and flavours that balance superbly when cut as baby leaves. 4700 seeds

RETAIL

$6.95

$5.95

CLUB

CODE

$6.95

CLUB

$5.95

CODE

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

CLUB

$9.95

CODE

S274

$40.00

CLUB

$29.95

Spicy Sprout Mix organic

Broccoli Green Sprouting Seed organic

RETAIL

$6.95

CLUB

$5.95

CODE

S370

Healthy Sprout Mix

This mix of Mung Bean, Broccoli, Radish and Alfalfa is a fantastic source of vitamins B, C, A and D as well as many minerals and amino-acids. An all round tonic for good health and wellbeing. Not for TAS/WA.

This kit has everything you need to get your sprouts going. We’ve combined the nutritious Shoots ‘n’ Sprouts Collection with the Glass Sprouting Jar which provides the optimum growing conditions for perfect sprouts. Comes with instructions on how to grow all kinds of sprouts. Not for TAS/WA. RETAIL

Spicy Sprout Mix S370

CODE

1700 seeds

S373

CLUB

$5.95

CODE

S371

RETAIL

$26.50

CLUB

$21.20

CODE

Mung Bean Shoots organic

A popular sprout, full of B complex vitamins and other essential elements. Not for TAS. 500 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S149

Fenugreek organic

A robust crunchy and aromatic sprout displaying hints of a sweet curry flavour. Used since ancient times as a medicinal herb, Fenugreek is ideal for cleansing the system of all kinds of ailments 1500 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

Broccoli Green Sprouting Seed S046

S340

Pea Shoots

If you’re looking for a way to jazz up a dish then pea shoots are for you! Add them to stir-fries or try them tossed with mint and topped on your favourite Alfalfa Sprouts summer salad. You’ll be doing your health a favour Packed full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, alfalfa too – they’re packed full of vitamin A, C and folic acid. Not for TAS. sprouts are a traditional super food. 3500 seeds

Avoid slimy sprouts for good! This glass sprouting jar is the perfect kitchen utensil to ensure your sprouts germinate evenly and develop in the ideal conditions. With drainage holes in the lid, a sturdy stand and detailed instructions on how to start off all kinds of sprouts, this is a must for any health buff. Once your sprouts are ready, simply rinse and eat straight away or store them in the fridge!

S394

$6.95

Crisp and quick to grow, the zesty radish flavour really spices up salads and sandwiches. Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, they also stimulate the immune system and aid digestion.

Glass Sprouting Jar

S374

RETAIL

Radish Sprouts organic

HSPTC

Healthy Sprout Mix S371

Radish and Mustard to stimulate the taste buds An all-time favourite, well known for its very high and clear the sinuses, and Broccoli sprouts tone nutritional value. down the heat. High in vitamins, minerals and 1500 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S046 essential trace elements. 7200 seeds

Not only are they high in vitamins A, B, C and E, they are seriously delicious. The soft textured leaves are full of flavour and can be added to salads, sandwiches, stir fries and soups. RETAIL

$15.00

Complete Sprouts Kit

Sunflower organic

700 seeds

Sprouts are the super foods of the vegetable world! Full of essential vitamins, they are ready to eat in just seven days and deserve a place on every window sill. Keep them in a glass jar and rinse twice daily for a week.

RETAIL

Chervil, Endive, Roquette and Baby Lettuce — hints of pepper and aniseed and the bitter sweet combination of baby lettuce and endive. The complexity of flavours is reminiscent of Provence. RETAIL

COLLECTION

4 Packets of seed. Not for TAS/WA.

Baby Leaf Provencal Mix

13000 seeds

Sprouts

A collection of sprouts and shoots to add to sandwiches and salads. Sprouts are highly nutritious and are ready to eat in a matter of days. Includes Mung Beans, Alfalfa, Broccoli and Pea Shoots. A quick and easy way to healthy eating.

Members, login for a fact sheet on growing microgreens

Winter Mix

Shoots ‘n’ Sprouts

RETAIL

22000 seeds

$4.95

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S377

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S301

200 seeds

RETAIL

$6.95

CLUB

$5.95

CODE

Pea Shoots S163

S163

HSPT

Fenugreek S340

Alfalfa Sprouts S301

Mung Bean Shoots S149

Radish Sprouts S377

Sprouting times for some common seeds

Sunflower S394

Baby Leaf Gourmet Mix S373

26 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Winter Mix S391

Baby Leaf Provencal Mix S374

Variety

Nutrients

Health benefits

Days to harvest

Radish

Vitamins A, B and C, iron, potassium, calcium.

Lowers cholesterol, regulates blood pressure, digestive support.

5 to 7

Fenugreek

Vitamins A, D and B. Rich in iron and phosphorus.

Reduces cholesterol absorption, improves digestion and bad breath.

5 to 7

Mung Beans

B group vitamins, protein, iron, zinc, magnesium.

Boosts immune system, increases metabolism, lower the risk of heart disease.

7 to 10

Broccoli

Calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamins A, B C, E and K.

Reduces the risk of cancer, lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke, combats anaemia.

7 to 10

Alfalfa

Vitamins A, B, C and D, iron, magnesium, amino acids.

Reduces risk of cancer and heart disease, boosts immune system, lowers cholesterol.

7 to 10

Green Peas

Vitamins A and C, folic acid.

Steadies blood sugar and energy levels, assists in weight loss.

7 to 10

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 27

Melons

Heirloom Melon

COLLECTION

When you try one of our heirloom Melons that you have grown in your own backyard, fully ripened by the summer sun, you will be blown away. The flavour and aromas are so sublime, they will leave you drooling!

Whet your appetite with our best selection of delicious heirloom melons! 5 Packets — This collection includes the classic watermelons Cream of Saskatchewan and Moon and Stars plus the juicy, fragrant rockmelons Ananas, Prescott Fond Blanc and Delice de la Table.

With an estimated 90% of heirloom melons now lost from cultivation, help ensure the survival of these tasty treasures by growing them in your garden. Sep-Jan Apr-Jul

H 10-20 weeks Y 5-15kg per metre

Trailing vine

late

Oct-Dec

late

Watermelons Citrullus lanatus — Grow these melons as far south as Melbourne, planting in deep, fertile, warm soil.

Blacktail Mountain organic

The most cold tolerant of watermelons and, as the name suggests, this is the one for cooler mountain climates. Yields glassy, dark, cannon ball-like 5kg fruit with sweet, succulent red flesh. The colour contrast of rich red flesh and near-black skin is picture perfect. 15 weeks to harvest. 4 fruit per plant, 5kg per fruit. 30 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

S249

CODE

Sugar Baby compact variety

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S280

CLUB

$12.95

CODE

S408

Cream of Saskatchewan organic

Moon and Stars organic

Bite into this juicy, champagne coloured flesh and you’ll never want to try another melon! It is so sweet and early, its skin splits and it will never reach the market. It is just for you and your family. 10 weeks to harvest. 4 fruit per plant, 4.5kg per fruit.

Moon and Stars needs plenty of water and nutrients while growing. Thick skin enables storage throughout winter, and its buttery moons and constellations of stars are awe-inspiring. Harvest from 14 weeks, yields 3-4 fruit (25kg) per plant.

25 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S250

25 seeds

“If you like watermelon, then you will love Cream of Saskatchewan. A gourmet’s delight. Despite lots of rain and humidity here in Queensland, I’ve had a great crop, so quite easy to grow. Thanks to Diggers for making these seeds available. Out of this world!” Bill M

35 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S2511

Most Melons need plenty of heat to fully ripen and grow best in deep sandy loam that has been enriched with compost or well rotted manure. However, some Melons can ripen in cold climates in only 1012 weeks! Try heirlooms like Sweet Siberian, Golden Midget and Blacktail Mountain for cooler regions. Like pumpkins, Melons are best sown on mounds, 1m apart. Sow 3 or 4 seeds where you want one plant, to ensure you get that – then any excess seedlings can be pinched out.

S252

Some melon trial results! Variety Ananas

rockmelon

Sweet Siberia Ha-ogen

watermelon

rockmelon

Cream of Saskatchewan Moon and Stars

watermelon

Blacktail Mountain Cream of Saskatchewan

Blacktail Mountain

watermelon

S250

S249

28 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Golden Midget

Sweet Siberian

watermelon

S252

Taste/100

Yield per plant

Fruit per plant

Days to harvest

9.5

113

12.5

101

23kg

104

101

Moon and Stars

watermelon

S2511

Sugar Baby

rockmelon

S204

Sweet Granite

watermelon

S280

rockmelon

S2011

Ananas

Melons of the World Mix

Rockmelons Cucumis melo — Our heirloom Rockmelons are sweet and juicy! These luscious, fragrant melons need full sun and heat to fruit. Plant as advanced seedlings in areas with less than 17 weeks above 15°C (most of the Cool Zone). In the Warm and Hot Zones, sow 3-4 seeds to ensure you get at least one plant. When ripe, the melons will change colour and the skin will depress easily, but not break.

Eden’s Gem organic

Growing melons

This 1950s heirloom has a compact growth habit that won’t take over your garden, and produces an abundant crop of sweet, red fleshed melons. Harvest in just Sweet Siberian organic 10 weeks – making it our earliest yet. The tough outer Our earliest to fruit is sweet and fragrant with juicy skin resists cracking and its compact 15cm fruit fits orange flesh. Good for cooler climates. Harvest in just perfectly in the fridge. 4 fruit per plant, 3kg per fruit. 10 weeks. 5 fruit per plant, 4kg per fruit. 30 seeds

$19.95

French Charentais

A selection of our best tasting melons that are as easy to grow as zucchini. Plant directly into warm soil in late spring and you will be harvesting drool-worthy melons at the end of summer! 50 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S207

Prescott Fond Blanc organic

35 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S197

Minnesota Mini Melon organic

This space saver is the earliest to fruit with sweet, rich flesh. A compact and prolific 1m vine holds up to 18 fruit per plant, at 550g per fruit. Harvest from 14 weeks. 30 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

300 seeds

RETAIL

$19.95

CLUB CLUB

$3.95 $14.95

CODE CODE

S202

S202F

Minnesota Mini Melon space saver rockmelon S202

Eden's Gem

rockmelon

S199

S197

French Charentais

As delicately scented as the finest wine. “It’s the one the French adore above all others” says melon guru Amy Goldman. Harvest in 15 weeks. 18 fruit per plant and 500g per fruit. 70 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

350 seeds

RETAIL

$19.95

$2.95

CLUB

$14.95

CLUB

CODE CODE

S204

S204F

A French heirloom with delectable, dense, fragrant flesh Petit Gris de Rennes concealed by the deeply furrowed and bumpy skin that An heirloom first noted in a bishop's garden in Rennes, gives this beauty an antique look. Harvest in 14 weeks. France over 400 years ago. Still popular today because of 8 fruit per plant, 1.5kg per fruit. its sublime flavour and fragrance, we found the vine to be 30 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S203 compact and the fruit small, perfect for most suburban gardens. Performs well in areas with cooler summers.

Sweet and refreshing, this cool climate variety produces Ha-ogen Melon compact bush 17 fruit per plant in less than 14 weeks! 450g per fruit. The shiny smooth yellow skin is subtly striped with RETAIL CLUB CODE 30 seeds $4.95 $3.95 S199 tinges of green hinting at the sweet green flesh within. Regularly rating 90-100% in taste tests, its origins are most likely from the rich melon growing traditions of Ananas Hungary. A very prolific melon with up to 14 fruits A wonderfully sweet and fragrant heirloom melon borne on a single compact vine. Harvest in 14 weeks, reminiscent of the taste of pineapple. A staff favourite that provides excellent yields over a long period. Harvest 900g per fruit. from 16 weeks. 8 fruit per plant, 1.25kg per fruit.

rockmelon

25 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

240 seeds

RETAIL

$19.95

CLUB

$2.95

$14.95

CODE

S206

S206F

Watering melons While Melon vines are growing, they need plenty of water, however, once the fruit has set, too much water can lead to watery, tasteless fruit!

30 seeds

Prescott Food Blanc

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S2042

Delice de la Table

A rare French heirloom that was first listed in 1885. Mouth watering sweetness, beautifully ribbed skin and pale orange flesh that rated tops on our 2009 taste test. Harvest in 17 weeks. 5 fruit per plant, 1.6kg per fruit. 30 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

$2.95

CLUB

CODE

S205

Sweet Granite organic

This is the best rockmelon to grow in areas with cool summers. It is highly productive over a short period of time, producing masses of fruit on compact vines. A classic rockmelon with sweet orange flesh that kids are familiar with and are sure to love. Harvest in 12 weeks. 12 fruit per plant and 600g per fruit. 50 seeds

Ha-ogen Melon compact bush rockmelon S206

Melons of the World Mix S207

RETAIL

$4.95

Delice de la Table

rockmelon

S203

CLUB

$3.95

rockmelon

Petit Gris de Rennes

CODE

S2011

S205

rockmelon

S2042

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 29

Onions

Peas

Allium cepa — Cultivated by the ancient Egyptians, Onions rejoice in rich, open soil and moist conditions. The tasty leaves grow prolifically which, in turn, feeds the formation of the bulb. Direct sown seed must be weeded and thinned — sowing seedlings and transplanting is easier! Transplant the seedlings when they are about half as thick as a pencil, planting them no more than 2.5cm deep. It's essential to keep onions weed free.

Pisum sativum — Peas are a cool weather crop and enjoy soils that have just grown tomatoes or potatoes. They return nitrogen to the soil, making them a vital part of crop rotation. Remember to make a wish if your pods have 9 or more peas in them!

Not for TAS unless stated.

Jan-Oct

Red Marksman

late onion

S1562

Barletta

early onion

S151

Purple Podded

pea

S166

Golden Podded

Early varieties

Leeks

Spring onions

Best grown in cooler climates as bulbs won't form in the tropics. Late sown varieties tend to store better than the early onions.

Early sown varieties can be grown throughout Australia. These are the best for the tropics — grow in a well drained, open soil.

Allium ampeloprasum — The tastiest Leeks grow in nutrient-rich soil. Transplant seedlings into holes to ensure a long shank or hill up the soil around them as they grow. Leeks run to flower in spring, detracting from their eating qualities.

Allium cepa — Grow year round and trim tops continuously, then pick the sweet stems when required. Not for NZ.

Jul-Sep

N/A

H 18 weeks Y 30 bulbs per metre

Red Marksman

10cm

Mar-Jul

Mar-Aug

Feb-May

10cm

30cm

H 11-20 weeks Y 30 bulbs per metre

30cm

Sep-Mar

Aug-Apr

Jan-Mar

30-50cm

This late planting variety stores exceptionally well Lift early for pickling at 7 weeks or leave a further for a red onion. The white flesh is crisp and juicy and 9 weeks to mature and harvest as a versatile white salad Jaune du Poitou has a sweet, fruity flavour, making it perfect for salads or cooking onion. This French heirloom from the province of Poitou has or stir-fries. RETAIL CLUB CODE 580 seeds $3.95 $2.95 S151 wide shanks and fan-like, yellow-green leaves that look great in the garden. 300 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S1562 Sweet Domenica 55 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S126 Cream Gold The sweetest onion we list, with huge flat round bulbs A classic, versatile garden favourite that stores well. and light brown skin. The layers are crisp, succulent and King Richard juicy, making this a perfect choice for salads and stir- The King of Leeks! An excellent early variety. Produces Harvest when the leaves wither and collapse. extra long shanks (can reach a foot long in good soils!) 380 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S1531 fries. Yielding up to 500g per onion in only 11 weeks. with a creamy texture that's just right for slicing. RETAIL CLUB CODE 300 seeds $3.95 $2.95 S147 Australian Brown 70 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S1251 This strain was chosen from a popular market garden Leek Mammoth Blanch Storing onions variety grown near Colac, Victoria in the 40s. Thick brown skin makes it one of the best storing varieties. Awarded the RHS Award for Garden Merit in 2011, this If you want to grow onions for leek is a real show stopper. Long, thick white shanks are storage, as a rule of thumb brown 380 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S155 onions store better than white onions. sweet, tender and tasty – described as "the perfect leek" Onions can be harvested at any time for use as for cooking. Can be picked early or left in the ground to Long Red Florence spring onions, but are fully mature when the extend the harvest period and produce huge exhibitionEqually as good with a roast or in a salad due to their stems turn brown and collapse. Once dug up, worthy specimens. Resistant to bolting. mild sweet flavour. bulbs should be dried for several weeks. RETAIL CLUB CODE 400 seeds $3.95 $2.95 S154 70 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S124

Sweet Domenica

early onion

Jaune du Poitou

S147

leek

S126

30 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Cream Gold

late onion

S1531

King Richard

Australian Brown

leek

S1251

late onion

S155

Long Red Florence

Mammoth Blanch

leek

late onion

S124

S154

All year

5cm

H 9-15 weeks Y 1kg per metre

10cm

H 12-20 weeks Y 18 shanks per metre

Barletta

All year

S167

Novella

pea

S1632

Golden Podded Pea

Late varieties

Jul-Sep

pea

30-40cm

Mar-Jul

4cm 30-40cm

Purple Podded Dutch Pea Capucijner

Golden yellow pods are best picked when young and Definitely our most beautiful pea, the pretty pink eaten pod and all. Yields 230g per plant. flowers are followed by dark bluish-purple pods that 20 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S167 conceal the bright green, plump peas. Also known as Capucinjer Peas, these are a favourite amongst the Dutch. Believed to have been grown by Capuchin Novella A dwarf variety of sweet plump shelling peas with a monks in the 16th century, they are the best variety for web of tendrils that cling on to each other for support, drying, for using in soups or for any recipe requiring fat peas. Yields 280g per plant. meaning no staking is necessary. A prolific producer! 70 seeds

Evergreen Bunching organic

Feb-Aug

H 9-15 weeks Y 1kg per metre

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S1632

20 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

$3.95

CLUB

CODE

S166

A versatile easy-to-grow vegie that can be used in a range Yukomo giant snow pea Greenfeast of dishes from salads to stir fries. Add a touch of heat This Japanese selection is the longest and tallest snow An easy and rewarding crop for new and experienced without making your eyes water like their other onions. pea. Pods up to 14cm long from beautiful purple gardeners alike. Traditional, sweet juicy peas for shelling. 300 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S159 flowers. Ornamental and tasty. Edible pods. Yields 300g per plant. OK for TAS. ✓ 90 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S169 90 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S165

Red

Brilliant crimson bulbs, rich in antioxidants. Grows into Sugar Snap climbing organic bulbs that can be used like shallots if left in the ground. We can now offer you organic seed of the ultimate pea. 250 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S158 Dual purpose, sweet and succulent- you can eat pods and all straight from the vine or let the peas plump up for shelling. Yields 230g per plant. Edible pods. Shallot Roderique (F1) 100 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S1742 Allium cepa — A true shallot from seed! Genuine 1250 seeds RETAIL $19.95 CLUB $14.95 CODE S1742F shallots have a very delicate flavour and are used in the finest of cuisines. Roderique has good yields Sugar Snap dwarf and stores well. Use whole in a stir-fry or leave to shell full size peas later on. Dwarf peas are easy to train up a short garden trellis Jul-Sep Jul-Sep N/A 10cm or teepee. Edible pods. H 20-22 weeks Y 1kg per metre

70 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

Snow Pea climbing S168

CLUB

$2.95

dwarf S171

Evergreen Bunching

spring onion

30cm

CODE

S157

100 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

1250 seeds

RETAIL

$19.95

Sugar Snap climbing S1742

S159

CLUB CLUB

dwarf S177

Red

spring onion

$2.95 $14.95

$19.95

CLUB

$14.95

CODE

S165F

Snow Pea climbing

Crisp, sweet pea pods to stir-fry, steam or eat raw. Yields 200g per plant. Edible pods. 120 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

1250 seeds

RETAIL

$19.95

$2.95

CLUB CLUB

$14.95

CODE CODE

S168

S168F

Snow Pea dwarf

At only 60cm tall, these need little support to produce tasty pods. Yields 130g per plant. Edible pods. OK for TAS. ✓ 120 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

S177F

1250 seeds

RETAIL

$19.95

Yukomo giant snow pea S169

S158

RETAIL

S177

CODE CODE

1250 seeds

CLUB CLUB

$2.95 $14.95

Greenfeast

Roderique (F1)

shallot

pea

CODE CODE

S171

S171F

S165

S157

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 31

Pumpkins Curcubita sp. — Pumpkins need a long warm season, deep organic soils and plenty of water through their growing season. Soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.8 are ideal, as is plenty of mulch and some extra potash. Pumpkins are ready to harvest when the stems turn woody and brittle. When harvesting fruit, it is advisable to snip them off with secateurs rather than breaking the stem. Harvest with at least 5cm of stalk attached to the stem.

Wrinkled Butternut

H 15-20 weeks

25 seeds

Trailing vine

C. pepo Can be planted with 1m spacing Wee B Little compact variety

The wee pumpkin for kids to grow and use as a table decoration. Cute softball-sized pumpkins with a compact growth habit. Roast whole to enjoy the sweet, golden flesh or stuff for a real gourmet treat. 12 weeks to harvest, 9 fruit per plant, 4kg per plant. 30 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S085

RETAIL

$6.95

CLUB

$5.95

CODE

S179

Grow your own hull-less seeds, or pepitas, for a nutritious snack. Simply scoop out the seeds and eat raw or roast in the oven. Compact vines. Harvest in 18 weeks, 5 fruit per plant, 250g of seed per fruit. RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S1821

Delicata Mini Sweet Bush organic

Buttercup

pumpkin

Australian Butter

S1801

Wrinkled Butternut

C. moshata

Huge butternut pumpkins over 6kg are great fun to grow and won’t fail to impress in the vegie garden. The seed is all in the base so they are easy to prepare and Waltham Butternut organic provide loads of deliciously rich, dense flesh. Harvest in A prized heirloom butternut that sets the standard by 15 weeks, 20kg per plant. which other pumpkins are judged. Classically shaped with a small seed cavity for more usable pumpkin. 15 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S1832 Soft yellow flesh and great nutty flavour. Harvest in 19 weeks, yields 6kg per plant. 20 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S1851

C. maxima

Pennsylvania Dutch Crookneck

Kakai

10 seeds

Lakota

pumpkin

S1852

We lead the world in pumpkin selections and this mix is a great place to start your heirloom adventure. Includes Triamble, Jap, Ironbark, Queensland Blue and Australian Butter.

Jul-Oct

S1832

Australian Heirloom Pumpkin Mix

Our standard for selection is that they must equal or exceed the flavour of butternut. late Oct-Dec late Sep-Oct

pumpkin

Amazingly curved ancestor of the butternut with the sweetest of flesh. Ideal for cooks as the seeds are all stored down one end, meaning less fuss and more flesh. Harvest in 19 weeks. 15 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S1721

Japanese Futsu

Smooth skin with fluted creasing, ripens from dark Non-running bushes provide fruits with green and green-black to a deep dusty-orange. The flesh is the yellow striped skin. Best picked when young. Harvest sweetest ever and the flavour improves with storage! in 13 weeks, yields 7kg per plant. Harvest in 18 weeks, 4-5 fruit per plant, 2kg per fruit. RETAIL CLUB CODE 40 seeds $4.95 $3.95 S188 10 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S1843

Rouge Vif D'etampes

Called the Cinderella pumpkin due to its bright red colour and traditional shape, this French variety is a true heirloom, mentioned in Burpee's seed catalogue back in 1883. Harvest in 17 weeks, fruits of 10kg. NEW!

14 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S1731

Buttercup organic

Rich, sweet and dense flesh from a pumpkin that is not only delicious, but the perfect size for an average household. Tops in our taste tests. Harvest in 17 weeks, yields 7.5kg per plant. 20 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S1801

pumpkin

S180

Potimarron

Turk’s Turban

pumpkin

S186

Galeux D' Eysines

Australian Butter

pumpkin

S182

Lakota

A curiously shaped fruit, striped with orange, white and Pale orange skin with fine-flavoured sweet flesh that is Shouldn't all good eating pumpkins also be decorative? green — no two are the same! Tasty and decorative. simply delicious when roasted. Harvest in 19 weeks, These bright-orange pear-shaped pumpkins have yields 9kg per plant. Harvest in 19 weeks, yields 6kg per plant. striking dark-green markings and sweet 2-5kg fruits, RETAIL CLUB CODE RETAIL CLUB CODE 17 seeds $3.95 $2.95 S181 15 seeds $3.95 $2.95 S180 not too big for table displays and ideal for storage. An heirloom that pre-dates the colonisation of the Lakota Sioux Indians. Yields 5 fruit per plant. Blue Ballet organic Anna Swartz organic Smooth-skinned, blue-grey fruits are a convenient size Rich sweet flesh with excellent storage quality. Harvest 10 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S1852 for the home kitchen. Our clear favourite in our trials in 19 weeks, yields 8kg per plant. with flavoursome orange flesh of smooth fibreless Potimarron RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S1841 consistency. Stores well. Harvest in 13 weeks, yields 15 seeds A rare French pumpkin named for its rich chestnut 6kg per plant. Triamble flavour. Produces 1-2 kilo fruits with edible skin and can 15 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S086 A rescued Australian favourite that has three distinct be planted with 1m spacing. Harvest in 13 weeks, yields lobes, thick blue skin and rich sweet orange flesh. 7kg per plant. Harvest in 19 weeks, yields 14kg per plant. 10 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S186 Saving pure seed Cross pollination will only occur between varieties within the same species – when pollen from the male flower of a variety (e.g. Triamble, a C. maxima) is transferred to the female flower of a variety in the same species (e.g. Buttercup, also a C. maxima).

8 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S175

World’s Largest

Galeux D' Eysines

Hailing from the Bordeaux region of France, this Dill’s Atlantic Giant cultivar with orange fruit of popular pumpkin has rich orange flesh that is commonly prize winning size. Fruit over 6 feet in diameter weighing used for soups — but we have found it to be very good over 900 kilos are recorded – harvest when you dare! for roasting and steaming too. Harvest in 14 weeks. 8 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S183

15 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S182

Diggers Decorative Gourd Mix We've come up with this beautifully bizarre mix of weird and wonderful gourds for striking table decorations. They can also be painted and used in all manner of arts and craft projects. Rouge Vif D'etampes

Wee B Little

pumpkin

S1731

compact bush pumpkin

Pennsylvania Dutch Crookneck S1721

S085

32 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Kakai

Japanese Futsu

edible seeds pumpkin

S1821

pumpkin

S1843

Waltham Butternut

Delicata Mini Sweet Bush

pumpkin

S1851

S188

40 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S187

Anna Swartz

Blue Ballet

pumpkin

S086

S1841

Turk’s Turban

Triamble

pumpkin

S175

pumpkin

S181

World’s Largest

pumpkin

S183

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 33

Radishes

Parsnip

Pastinaca sativa — A smooth skinned variety that’s been a favourite since the 1820s. The flavour improves if stored in the soil over winter. Best sown during spring in colder climates and during autumn in warmer climates.

Raphanus sativus — The quickest and easiest of all root crops. High in vitamin C and a great way to teach kids how to sow seed. You can over sow carrots and beetroot which emerge in days and can be harvested in 3-4 weeks as the others germinate.

Sep-Feb

All year

20cm

French Breakfast

Oblong, rose-scarlet radishes with crisp white flesh. Mildly pungent flavoured roots. Harvest in just 35 days when roots are still small. RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S194

Round Red organic

The most outstanding brilliant red. 4cm round, harvest in 35 days. 200 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

200 seeds

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S196

French Breakfast

radish

S194

Heirloom Radish Mix S1921

$4.95

CLUB

Petroselinum crispum — A two-in-one vegie. Use the tops just like continental parsley and prepare the roots as you would parsnip to discover the complex sweet and savoury flavour. A real treat! Don’t harvest too many leaves or the roots will be thin. Sep-Mar

Jul-Apr

Feb-Nov

5cm

H 10 weeks

540 seeds

30cm

RETAIL

$3.95

$2.95

CLUB

CODE

S3202

$3.95

CODE

S1921

This variety resembles a mini-watermelon with a white ‘rind’ surrounding a bright pink interior. Deliciously flavoured! 70 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S1941

CLUB

30cm

$2.95

CODE

S160

Salsify Mammoth SANDWICH ISLAND

Tragopogon porrifolius — Easy to grow, like parsnip, gorgeous in the garden and extremely versatile in the kitchen. This rough looking white root vegetable is wonderful baked, steamed or used in a gratin.

100 seeds

Aug-Apr

Mar-Sep

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

H 7-11 weeks Y 10 roots per metre

30-40cm

Swede Laurentian

Sep-Feb

RETAIL

25cm

50cm

Five Colour Mix organic

The perfect fountaining accent plant for any flower or vegie garden, with dazzling and extremely nutritious midribs of orange, red, yellow, pink and white. 45 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S2091 550 seeds

RETAIL

$19.95

CLUB

Sugarbeet

Fordhook organic

Beta vulgaris — Vilmorin perfected sugarbeets in Europe 150 years ago and replaced tropical sugar cane. With 20% sugar content it is both a roasted sweet beet or dessert as top chefs have proven. Yields 600 gram tubers.

Perpetual Spinach

Sep-Feb

Jul-Mar

Apr-Jul

10cm

H 13 weeks

180 seeds

RETAIL

30cm

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S372

$14.95

CODE

S2091F

Traditional and reliable with delicious deep-green leaves and white stems. 60 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S208 Delicious spinach/silverbeet cross flavour. Harvest again and again. Grows well over summer and autumn without bolting. Harvest in 10 weeks. 50 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S210

Five Colour Mix

silverbeet

S2091

Tender round white roots that store well. Crisp, beautiful well-shaped rounds, ideal for the turnip lover. Harvest in 7 weeks. 180 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S247 Fordhook

S350 Laurentian

Apr-Aug

silverbeet

Perpetual Spinach

S208

silverbeet

S210

swede

S084

New Zealand Spinach

Bloomsdale

Tetragonia tetragonioides — Easy-to-grow ground cover and long lived perennial substitute for spinach in salty coastal areas. Cook to remove oxalates.

Spinach oleracea — Held on a compact plant, the thick, crinkled dark green leaves are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Continually pick the outside leaves.

Sep-Mar

Aug-Feb

All year

H 5-8 weeks Y 300kg per metre

20 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

15cm CODE

S212

Feb-Oct

ORGANIC

Apr-Jul

20cm

H 5-8 weeks Y 370g per plant

150 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

20cm CODE

S211

Red Malabar Basella rubra — A heat loving, highly decorative screening plant with twining red stems and succulent leaves for stir-fries. Oct-Jan Sep-Feb

All year

20cm

H 8-11 weeks

20 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

Climber CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S213

20cm

H 9 weeks

34 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

5cm

Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes — A cool climate fast growing vegetable that tastes like cabbage but grows like a turnip. Harvest the swollen stems and steam or add to soups and stews.

50 seeds

S1973

Feb-May

30cm

RETAIL

Aug-Jan

radish

Sep-Dec

Apr-Jul

H from 8 weeks

Brassica rapa — Swedes and turnips need to be grown quickly, like radishes, to ensure mild, sweet roots. Thin seedlings to 10cm spacings. Serve cooked like beetroot or add to soups and stews. All year

Jul-Mar

10cm

Kohlrabi S196

Beta vulgaris — Silverbeet should be in every home garden, as there are few vegetables that require less care. A spring sowing will maximise picking before it runs to seed the following spring. It is tolerant of varying conditions, even part shade and if a few plants are allowed to go to seed, it will happily self-sow.

Turnip Mini White

H 14 weeks

Black Spanish Round

$3.95

S1941

Beautiful lilac and white uniform roots, best eaten in stews, soups or roasted whole – delicious! Easy to grow and ready in just 8 weeks. 200 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S368

Sep-Feb

radish

Turnip Purple Top

The radish our chefs prefer, this unique black-skinned radish displays a delicate black circle around the pure white flesh when sliced. Can also be pickled. 100 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S1973

Watermelon

A full flavoured earthy swede with a savoury aftertaste. Under-rated as a vegetable, its smooth and creamy texture is a welcome surprise in our restaurant. 250 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S084

Black Spanish Round

Round Red

RETAIL

Swedes and turnips

Parsley/Parsnip

A kaleidoscope of colours from golden Helios to scarlet Round Red. RETAIL

10cm

Silverbeet

Aug-Feb

Heirloom Radish Mix 90 seeds

Feb-Nov

5cm

H 4-8 weeks Y 20 roots per metre

120 seeds

Jul-Mar

H 19 weeks Y 2-3kg per metre

Grow Radishes with plenty of water and nutrients as hot, dry weather causes hot, pithy roots. All year

HOLLOW CROWN

40cm

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S1221

Purple Top

turnip

S368

Mini White

turnip

S247

SPINACH

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 35

Garden workshops Dig a bit deeper at a Diggers Garden Workshop! Each month our four Garden Shops offer a range of topics, so whether you are a beginner starting your first vegie garden or an expert wanting to expand your knowledge, there is something for you.

Join the Diggers Club

Order form

As well as helping you grow flowers and raise healthy and organic fruit and vegetables from seed, we will help you create beautiful pictures by planting. You can achieve this when you join! We have inspirational gardens for you to visit to show you a living catalogue of our plants that are in harmony with nature. We can provide all the information and advice you need through our magazines, website, books and we offer personalised gardening advice from our staff at our four shops, by phone and online. Finally you can join us at one of the many festivals, events, workshops and masterclasses we run to celebrate and educate our members about gardening.

Australia's most popular garden magazine Members now receive eight magazines annually, full of advice to help you succeed and be inspired, because it only takes 5 hours work each week to create your own beautiful garden.

n w8 iassou yeaers

FREE OFFER FOR MEMBERS! Select one free Seed Sowing Guide poster for your growing zone

The Diggers Club PO Box 300, Dromana, VIC, 3936 Phone: 03 5984 7900 Fax: 03 5987 2398

(find yours on page 10)

when you order over $85. Valued at $12.95, this is the perfect companion for the garden! Hurry, order now! Offer ends 14th August 2015 or while stocks last.

ORDER ONLINE For all this magazine's products and more, shop securely at our website anytime and beat the mail order rush!

ORDER BY MAIL 1 Enter the product details on the form below, including code, name, quantity and amount. 2 Calculate the Postage & Handling – it could be A, B or both. Add all subtotals plus quarantine fee (if applicable). 3 Fill in your address and payment details and pop it in the post – if paying by cheque, don’t forget to include it! Code

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We’ll send out reminders of upcoming workshops if we have your email address, or you can find out what's coming up at Each workshop runs for around 1.5 hours and is hosted by a garden expert. Be sure to book in early for the popular berry, backyard chicken and vegetable garden workshops as these sell out quickly. Bookings are taken through our Garden Shops. Heronswood 03 5984 7321 105 Latrobe Parade Dromana VIC 3936 The Garden of St Erth 03 5368 6514 189 Simmonds Reef Road Blackwood VIC 3458 Cloudehill 03 9751 0584 89 Olinda-Monbulk Road Olinda VIC 3788

Members discounts and exclusive offers Plant your 8 free packets of seed and take advantage of our discounts for members as well as our special free product offers.

Delivery direct to you Orders are carefully packed and posted anywhere in Australia.

Visit three outstanding gardens Entry to three of Australia's finest gardens is free for members! Be inspired by the gardens of Cloudehill and the organically certified St Erth and Heronswood, where you can also bring a guest to dine in our historic house restaurant. ST ERTH

CLOUDEHILL

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HERONSWOOD

36 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

PRODUCT subtotal CLUB MEMBERSHIPS For gift memberships, please attach recipients’s name and address 1 year New Renewal Gift $49.00 $69.00 2 year New Renewal Gift $159.00 5 year New Renewal Gift Lifetime New Renewal Gift $1000.00 Postage & Handling for gift memberships only $6.50 MEMBERSHIP subtotal Postage & Handling B STANDARD (S, H, B, T & A product codes) $6.50 $9.95 Discounted post for seed only orders $8.95 $19.95 Any order inc. seeds, hardware, books, bulbs or potatoes Postage & Handling B subtotal Quarantine fee for plant and bulb orders to TAS, WA and the NT $4.00

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Add ALL subtotals for ORDER TOTAL YOUR DETAILS: Name ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Adelaide Botanic Garden 08 8232 8671 Schomburgk Pavilion, North Terrace Adelaide SA 5000 We also offer a range of online workshops including seed sowing and composting. Watch these at any time at

PRODUCT subtotal DISCOUNTED BOOKS FOR CLUB MEMBERS Save on RRP! There Is No Excuse For Ugliness The Australian Fruit & Vegetable Garden The Australian Vegetable Garden All About Tomatoes (paperback edition) Seed Sowing Guide Cool Warm Hot BOOKS subtotal Postage & Handling A PLANTS ONLY (P, W & R product codes) 1-10 plant pots 11+ plant pots Postage & Handling A subtotal

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Prices in 2015/16 Seed Annual supersede all previous magazines

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 37

Diggers heirloom tomatoes Of all the vegetables grown in Australian gardens the Tomato is easily the king. Its popularity is due to the ease with which it's grown, its versatility of use and our dissatisfaction with hard, tasteless supermarket hybrids. Sow tomato seeds 5-6 weeks before you want to plant out your seedlings in the ground. Seed is best sown in punnet, jiffies or coir pots. Our heirloom varieties will fruit from January to April – their lateral branches keep growing and will need support. Packets contain 25+ seeds unless marked otherwise. Sep-Dec Aug-Dec Mar-Jun

All About Tomatoes Clive Blazey's ultimate guide to heirloom tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants and other edible solanums is now available in paperback. Takes you beyond the backyard into hydroponics, compares GE, hybrid and open pollinated heirlooms and much more!

RETAIL

$14.95

CLUB

$12.95

CODE

Tommy Toe

Salad tomatoes

Winner of our taste test in '93 and equal 1st again in 2015, Tommy Toe grew from mislabelled Seed Savers stock to rave reviews around the world. Fruits in 10 weeks from transplant, yields 11kg per plant.

Tired of supermarket tomatoes that bounce off the floor? We guarantee every heirloom tomato will beat supermarket hybrids for flavour and texture. Slice and dice these spectacular heirlooms for the most colourful salads ever!

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S240

Black Russian

This variety makes the most of the short seasons with heat absorbing black skin. Our seeds of this charcoal-fleshed fruit were passed through Seed Savers to the world. Green Zebra organic Bred by the creator of hundreds of “modern heirlooms”, Fruits in 11 weeks from transplant, yields 7kg per plant. Tom Wagner, Green Zebra has an in-built colour RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S284 marker that produces yellow stripes indicating when it is ripe. The firm, crack-resistant fruits have zingy flavour. Tigerella it ripens early and the colour confuses the pests. One The best yielding tomato we've ever grown, producing of the most beautiful modern heirlooms, it's already enormous crops of delicious red-yellow striped tomatoes considered a classic. Fruits in 11 weeks from transplant, with exceptional flavour. Fruits 10 weeks from transplant yields up to 13.6kg per plant. and yields for months, up to 20kg of fruit per plant! RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S227

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

Red and Black

AABTP

CODE

S239

salad

Granny's Throwing Tomato

S2993

Red and Black As black as a blackberry but with juicy red flesh. Unlike any other tomato, its indigo-blue skin ripens to jet black and is packed full of anti-oxidants. This most striking heirloom brings tomatoes closer to the nutrition of blueberries and lifts their plate appeal, just as blueberries balance the red of strawberries. 5 seeds

CLUB ONLY

$3.95

CODE

Green Zebra

salad

S227

salad

S239

Purple Russian

salad

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S2212

Purple Russian organic The purplish-black plum-shaped fruit of Purple Russian rarely split, thus keeping their good looks throughout the season. This Ukrainian heirloom can be used for salads or preserving. Fruits in 7 weeks from transplant, yields 3.5kg per plant. RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S242

Tommy Toe Gen Y

Jaune Flammé organic

Tigerella

RETAIL

S2993

The ‘tom-a-toe’ with the best garden genetics that wins all the taste tests has given birth to a new generation. Tricky to pronounce but tastes as good as Tommy Toe. This jewel-coloured heirloom from France produces Same size, same flavour but now in deep speckled bronze Cream fruit are covered by a fine fuzz that seems to fruit in just 7 weeks from transplant. With large (Violet Jasper), golden (Topaz) and light pink deter fruit fly. Fruits in 10 weeks from transplant, yields amounts of carotene, orange tomatoes have almost as (Rose de Berne). A beautiful collection of colours for 6kg per plant. much beta-carotene as carrots. Yields 6.5kg per plant. the salad bowl. RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S237 RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S290 RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S2213

Wapsipinicon Peach organic

Perfect for throwing at politicians or mining magnates like Gina and Clive. This is Italy’s favourite tomato (like our Grosse Lisse) and is used in salads and pastas and for hurling at old lechers like Silvio Berlusconi. Known as Coeur de Boeuf or Beefheart in France, its heavily ribbed flutes can curve in the air like a Warney wrong ‘un. Productive, early and subversive.

S242

Wapsipinicon Peach

salad

Salad Mix Make a stand for heirlooms at your next dinner party with these varieties that look their best on a plate. Includes Tommy Toe, Jaune Flammé, Tigerella, Black Russian and the striking Green Zebra. RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S2361

S237

Mortgage Lifter

slicing

S292

Grosse Lisse

slicing

S288

Big Rainbow

Slicing tomatoes No summer BBQ or picnic would be complete without these huge, meaty Beefsteak tomatoes that can cover a burger or sandwich in a single slice!

Mortgage Lifter

The yellow flesh is suffused with red at the base, creating rainbow slices of yellow, pink and red from top to bottom on a single tomato. Fruits in 16 weeks from transplant, yields huge 350g fruit. RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S285

Brandy Wine Pink

The quintessential large American beefsteak. Fruit is pinkish rather than red and is juicy and meaty, beating Tomato expert Amy Goldman tells the origins of this supermarket hybrids hands down. A late cropper that popular tomato. A mechanic by trade M.C. Byles aka loves a long, warm summer. Fruits in 11 weeks from Radiator Charlie “...bred this tomato by crossing four transplant, yielding 8.5kg per plant and 350g fruit. beefsteak varieties ... to supplement his income in the CLUB $3.95 CODE S225 1940s, and help pay off his $6000 mortgage, Byles sold RETAIL $4.95 his tomatoes for a dollar a plant, and he paid off most of his loan within six years...” Fruits in 12 weeks from Black Krim After black tomatoes became the rage, Diggers tested transplant, yields 16kg per plant with 400g fruit. them all and settled on this meaty black with multiRETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S292 coloured fruit black from the Crimea. With a smokey flavour it's early for a beefsteak – fruiting in 13 weeks, Grosse Lisse yielding 7kg of fruit per plant, average fruit size of 250g. Australia's standard home grown variety was the most RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S224 popular until our '93 taste test, where it rated it well but still behind favourites such as Tommy Toe. The name Ananas Noir means “large and smooth” which reflects our preference Huge, exceptionally delicious fruit that's unbelievably for “big reds”. Fruits in 12 weeks from transplant, yields early and productive. As luminous as a neon light that 16.4kg per plant, average fruit size 200g. changes slowly to black as it sweetens. RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

Brandy Wine Pink

slicing

CODE

S225

S288

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

Big Rainbow

slicing

CODE

S2211

S285

Tony's Big Whopper Budgie smuggler Tony rolled out this whopper at budget time, scaring the daylights out of students, retirees and the unemployed. So grow it at home as a protest because it's a delicious, honest-togoodness, golden-yellow beefsteak with just the faintest red politician's blush. Tommy Toe

salad

S240

38 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Black Russian

salad

S284

Jaune Flammé

salad

S290

Tommy Toe Gen Y

salad

S2213

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S2302

Black Krim

slicing

S224

Ananas Noir

slicing

S2211

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 39

Cherry tomatoes

Determinate tomatoes

Cherry and grape-sized sweet tomatoes are ideal for salads and for popping straight into your mouth from the garden!

All the other heirloom tomatoes we list are Indeterminate varieties that keep growing and producing their crop until the cold weather shuts them down. The Determinate selections below are more compact and tend to produce all of their fruit at once, making them the perfect choice for drying, bottling and saucing, or for smaller gardens. They are less vigorous than indeterminate varieties and so need less support.

Pink Bumble Bee

Black Cherry

cherry

Black Cherry S380

S2372

Aptly named for their dark, sweet, juicy flesh which makes them look just like cherries, that we all adore. Purple-black, round and exceptionally sweet fruit that is above even the Tommy Toe flavour standard. Very good disease resistance results from a strong and vigorous plant. Harvest in 9 weeks from transplant, yields 7.5kg per plant. CLUB ONLY

$3.95

CODE

S380

Pink Bumble Bee organic

Brown Berry organic

Trusses of love heart-shaped fruits appear a month before Valentine’s Day to celebrate the Roman god of love. 10-14 fruit per truss that begin early in the season and are a stand out compared to all others. Harvest in 10 weeks from transplant, yields 4kg per plant. RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S2822

Christmas Grapes

cherry

S235

Beams Yellow Pear

cherry

S244

Red Fig

cherry

RETAIL

S232

RETAIL

$19.95

CLUB

$14.95

CODE

S232F

Broad Ripple Yellow Currant

Thousands of golden globes keep producing when others have ended. Yields 5.4kg per plant. RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S221

Lemon Drop We will have Diggers staff queuing up to get this reintroduction! A prolific tomato with a refreshing zing. RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

Wild Sweetie

The world’s smallest and sweetest tomato. Hundreds of exquisite flavoured fruit ripen in mid summer to late autumn. Fruits 9 weeks from transplant, yields 4.4kg fruit per plant. RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S228

cherry

Valentine

S2217

cherry

S2822

40 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Lemon Drop

cherry

S231

Wild Sweetie

Brown Berry

cherry

S228

cherry

S231

Like bunches of red grapes, this tomato is early enough for a Christmas day treat. Clusters of 10-20 currantsized fruit that ripen evenly with excellent, sweet flavour. Fruits 7 weeks from transplant, yields 6-10kg per plant. RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S235

Mini Amish Paste

Broad Ripple Yellow Currant

cherry

$3.95

CODE

Tiny Tommy Berry Mix

These cherry delights are perfect for growing in pots, on a balcony or near the back door for easy picking. A mix of our favourite dwarf cherry tomatoes including Tiny Tommy, Red Pygmy and Yellow Pygmy. A very early combo that fruits in just 8 weeks from transplant. RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S218

Legend

With good blight tolerance this is a legend of our time – an open-pollinated conventional red with exceptional yields from a compact plant. Similar to Rouge de Marmande with superior flavour to supermarket rock hard hybrids. Harvest in 10-12 weeks, 250g per fruit. $4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S2992

Stupice

cool climate If you only have a short season in which to grow your summer vegies then this is the tomato you'd put your money on! Whatever adverse growing conditions you are up against, give Stupice a go and be impressed with the bountiful harvests of golf-ball sized fruits. A compact indeterminate variety so can be grown in small spaces and pots if required. $4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S2401

S221

S241

This dwarf variety has low sugar, seed and moisture content, making it ideal to sun dry. Small fruit of 2.5cm crop all at once for easy batch processing. Fruits in 13 weeks and yields 5 kg per plant. RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S294

RETAIL

Christmas Grapes

S217

CLUB

Principe Borghese

Beams Yellow Pear

The red brother to Beams Yellow Pear takes its Golden yellow with a shiny skin and firm flesh that name from the similarly shaped long-neck and fig- preserves well and enlivens a salad bowl! Fruits in shaped form. They store well, plus look good in salads 7 weeks from transplant, yields 8.6kg fruit per plant. and on the bush. Fruits in 8 weeks from transplant and RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S244 just keeps on going for months! Yields 6-10kg per plant. 1000 seeds RETAIL $19.95 CLUB $14.95 CODE S244F RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S232 550 seeds

$4.95

RETAIL

Violet Jasper

S218

Green Grape

determinate

S241

Delicious olive green fruit with a refreshing lemon zest are produced in abundance on this compact plant. Harvest in 10-12 weeks, yields 4.9kg per plant.

550 seeds RETAIL $19.95 CLUB $14.95 CODE S231F Highly sought after cherry-sized, purple, brown and Mini Amish Paste organic black tomatoes with a depth of flavour and sweetness. Violet Jasper organic An early variety that fruits in 8 weeks from transplant With trusses of perfectly round, dark-red fruit streaked This bite size tomato is sweet enough for salads and and crops for months on end. Yields 6-10kg per plant. with commando green stripes, you could grow this large perfect for sauces – if you only have room for one cherry just for its looks! Yields up to 10kg per plant. tomato then this dual purpose variety is the one for you. RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S217 RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S2217 RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S2401

Valentine

determinate

Green Grape

Red Fig

Rated number one for flavour at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, Pink Bumble Bee deserves a place in every vegie garden. The fruits are harvested throughout the summer months and are unbeatable in salads. Part of the Artisan Tomato range, this open pollinated variety sets the standard for ‘heirlooms of the future’. Holds on the vine for an extended period without cracking but is best picked and eaten early and often! Fruits 10 weeks from transplant, yields 2.5-3kg fruit per plant. RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S2372

Tiny Tommy Berry Mix

determinate

cooking

S365

Legend

Saucing and cooking tomatoes The flavour components of tomatoes are contained within the juice, which is characteristically absent in the cooking tomatoes. These varieties have plenty of flesh and it is this ‘meaty’ consistency that makes the best passata, pastes and sauces.

determinate

S2992

Amish Paste World heirloom expert David Cavagnaro rates this 100% like Grange wine! It has rich, sweet flavour for salads but the shape and hearty texture for sauces and pastes. Is there any other so versatile? Fruits in 12 weeks from transplant, yields 15.7kg per plant, approximately 150 grams per fruit. RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S219

Costoluto Genovese

The oldest tomato derived from Pomo Doro Rosso Grosso – it is the Grosse Lisse tomato for Italian Periforme Abruzzese gardeners. A must-have for all cooks, the meaty ribbed An exquisite, pear-shaped, saucy tomato as bottom texture is ideal for preserving and sauces, or just enjoy heavy and thin waisted as Sophia Loren. Its juicy fruit it sliced and eaten fresh. Fruits in 13 weeks from and luscious flavour put it among the all-time greats, transplant, 300g per fruit. voluptuous or not! RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S364 RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S365

San Marzano

Hungarian Heart

“The tomato” that launched a whole cuisine. Superior Sourced near Budapest this variety is huge, productive to all others for peeling and preserving for sauce and and far more reliable than other pink ox hearts. Its paste, pizza and pasta. Coreless and cylindrical, it is bonus is slices of very tasty pink fruit. Fruits in 16 weeks so productive you'll never need to eat an out of season from transplant with fruit up to 500g. hybrid again! Yields 1.7kg per plant. RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S2171

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

Amish Paste

cooking

S219

San Marzano

cooking

S367

CODE

S367

S2264

Costoluto Genovese

Periforme Abruzzese

S294

Hungarian Heart

cooking

S364

S2171

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 41

Squash

Discount seed collections

All zucchinis have edible flowers!

Cucurbita pepo — A most prolific and easy vegetable to grow. Sow just like pumpkins in warm soil and mulch well. The Italian zucchini (meaning ‘baby marrow’) replaced the watery English vegetable marrows and ushered in a transformation of Mediterranean foods and cooking. Our heirlooms are ready to pick in just 60 days when they are small and tender – pick often for the table and they will produce all summer! Oct-Dec Sep-Dec All year

Members

save 35%

Trailing vine

Tromboncino

Jaune et Verte

Picked young, the flesh is sweet and buttery. The tender skin cooks to lime green. Compact variety producing scalloped fruit over a long period. This French heirloom created much excitement amongst those of us who have never been convinced about the merits of growing squash! Harvest from 7 weeks, yields 3kg per plant. 30 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

Looking more like a melon than a squash, this fruit can be boiled or roasted. Cut it open and the flesh shreds into ready made pasta, without the extra carbs! Try it with feta and a sprinkling of fresh herbs for a gourmet treat that is so easy to prepare. Pick when yellow. Harvest in 15 weeks, yields 5 fruit per plant.

zucchini

S192

Tri Colour Mix

Zucchini

Oct-Dec

Sep-Dec

All year

80cm

H 6-10 weeks Y 5-24 fruit per plant

zucchini

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S189

Collection includes zucchini Tromboncino, broccoli Green Sprouting, capsicum Chinese Giant, cucumber Mini Muncher, pea Greenfeast, pumpkin Delicata, broad bean Aquadulce and tomato Tommy Toe. Substitutes may apply.

S254

Train the quick growing vines up a trellis so they grows straight, not curved. The outstanding flavoured fruit can reach 1m but best is picked at 25cm. Huge yields, fruits for months. 18 seeds

CLUB ONLY

$3.95

CODE

S192

Long Florence

Picked with its flower attached “before it’s out of the cradle”, this olive-green ribbed zucchini from Italy is the Pick flowers for stuffing or leave fruit until it is 15cm best selection for long harvest (4 months). The flowers of this zucchini are by far the biggest we have seen, with long. Produces more fruit than the standard hybrid plenty of room for your favourite summer fillings. Black Jack. Just 9 weeks to harvest. 15 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S3752 15 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S253

Black Beauty organic

Golden Zucchini

Costata

Definitely one of the quickest and easiest vegies you can The star for slicing! A standout Italian heirloom with grow. Sow the seed of these sunshine yellow zucchinis heavily ribbed fruit that look like stars when sliced and on a warm spring day and in just 9 weeks you will Gem Squash served. Firm flesh is perfect for steaming, stir-fries or harvesting and barbecuing these healthy summer treats. This South African Gem is a semi-trailing vine grilling. Harvest in just 6 weeks, 25 fruit per plant. NEW! 20 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S2543 producing grapefruit-sized squash that can be eaten fresh or stored as a mini-sized pumpkin for roasting. 20 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S2541 Sometimes called Cannonball Squash due to Help zucchinis ... their size and shape, they are sweet when small and Tri Colour Mix ... pollinate by carefully transferring savoury when larger. A prefect variety for growing Golden yellow, rich green and cool white zucchinis are pollen from a male to a female flower easy to grow. Only 9 weeks from sowing to harvest! up a trellis. when they open early in the morning. RETAIL CLUB CODE RETAIL CLUB CODE 20 seeds $3.95 $2.95 S1901 25 seeds $4.95 $3.95 S254 RETAIL

8 Packets — Recreate the popular Diggers mini plot in your own backyard with these high yielding varieties. This collection is perfect for those just starting out and those who want to grow a bumper harvest! Grow the broccoli, broad beans and peas over autumn and winter, and when the weather warms up sow zucchini, capsicum, cucumber, pumpkin and tomato.

Tromboncino

Cucurbita pepo — Fast, easy to grow and very productive, these ‘baby marrows’ are delicious when picked young!

S2542

Spaghetti Squash

15 seeds

Mini Plot Vegie Kit

70-80cm

H 7-17 weeks Y 5-24 fruit per plant

Three Sisters

RETAIL

$39.95

CLUB

$24.95

CODE

S277

Heirloom Legends

Field of Sunflowers

6 Packets — If you are just starting out with heirlooms or simply can’t decide what to grow, then this collection of our iconic heirlooms is for you! Includes one pack each of Lazy Housewife Bean, carrot Purple Dragon, tomato Tommy Toe, corn Golden Bantam (Pumpkin Ironbark instead for TAS/WA residents), watermelon Moon and Stars plus our Five Colour Silverbeet.

4 Packets — Nothing says summer quite like the happy round faces of sunflowers. Easy to grow from seed and are an ideal way to get kids into the garden. Why not share some seeds with your friends and family and have your own tallest sunflower competition? This selection of multi-headed and single stemmed varieties includes yellow, burgundy and red sunflowers – one packet each of Van Gogh, Moonwalker, Giant Russian and Evening Sun. Substitutes may apply.

RETAIL

$22.50

CLUB

TAS & WA only

$19.95 CODE

CODE

S281WA

MEMBERS SAVE 10%

S281

RETAIL

$19.95

CLUB

$12.95

CODE

Jaune et Verte

S253

squash

Long Florence

S2542

42 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

zucchini

S3752

Spaghetti

Costata

squash

S189

zucchini

S2541

Golden

Gem

squash

zucchini

S1901

S2543

3 Packets — This planting combination was one of the first sustainable gardening practices developed by native Americans. The strong stalks of the Golden Bantam corn (Honey & Cream corn for NT/TAS/WA) provide a support for the climbing Rattlesnake beans, and in return the beans stabilise the corn in strong winds. The beans also fix nitrogen into the soil and this is then available for the corn and squash. The large leaves of the Wee B Little pumpkin act as a mulch and so suppress weeds and prevent water evaporating from the soil. So plant the Three Sisters today and feel connected to the gardening pioneers from many centuries ago! RETAIL

$12.50

CLUB

$9.95

CODE

S2612

code below for NT/TAS/WA orders only RETAIL

$12.50

CLUB

$9.95

CODE

S2612Q

MEMBERS SAVE 35%

Organic Seeds

Low Income Special!

zucchini

(Pumpkin)

S780

Budget Breaker

Black Beauty

Corn, Beans & Squash

Grow 2 tonnes of food for just $19.95! Make a limited income stretch further with this collection of our highest yielding varieties. This collection has helped thousands of Aussie battlers and the unemployed get started. 13 Packets — Grow 120kg of pumpkins, 824kg of tomatoes (2pkts), 268kg of cucumbers, 22kg of peas, 21kg of beans, 560 lettuces (195kg), 560 carrots (42kg), 200 parsnips (115kg), 840 onions (2 pkts), 247 broccoli heads and 60 bunches of silverbeet (157kg). Available to Health Care Card holders only. 13 packets of seed for just $19.95

CODE

These seeds have been grown by certified organic growers which means you can confidently grow truly organic food in your own backyard. With the popularity of organic vegetables still on the rise, these varieties will always be in demand. 11 Packets — Collection includes lettuce Baby Cos, carrot Atomic Red, eggplant Long Purple, melon Eden’s Gem, broccoli Green Sprouting, capsicum Sweet Chocolate, bean Sex Without Strings, zucchini Black Beauty, tomato Green Zebra, tomato Legend and cucumber Mini Muncher. Substitutes may apply. MEMBERS SAVE 40% RETAIL

$49.95

CLUB

$29.95

CODE

S256

S260

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 43

Diggers books by Clive Blazey

There Is No

Excuse For Ugliness Clive Blazey explains why our modern suburban garden approach fails and helps you create a garden that is aesthetically pleasing and cool and refreshing during the hottest of Australian summers.

diggers flo er guidw over e4 to pl nt50 varia eties

Heirloom legends for the kitchen

Strawberry Bush Alpine

Bean Flageolet Flagrano

Mexican Sour Gherkin

The caviar of beans and the French favourite for fresh shelling, these succulent, sweet seeds can be eaten like fresh peas or left to dry for winter soups. Harvest in 9 weeks, yields 500g per plant.

This heirloom micro-sized climbing cucumber tastes both sweet and sour, just like a gherkin without the work! Prolific fruiting and a first rate screening plant. May self seed. Not for NT/WA.

50 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S018

30 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S103

Far superior in fragrance and flavour to plumped up supermarket hybrids, this variety has been bred from wild strains collected in European woodlands. The small runnerless plants make this an ideal edging plant for your vegie garden. Aug-Mar

Jul-Apr

All year

30cm

H 20 weeks

300 seeds RETAIL

$3.95

30cm CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S214

We’ll show you how to create beautiful garden pictures by planting tried and proven plants that survive drought, heat waves and extreme cold. It's Diggers basic guide to flower gardening, with over 100 colour pictures of beautiful gardens across Australia and Europe, featured to show you how easy it is to do in your own backyard. Following 36 years of trialling garden plants with The Diggers Club, we've chosen the best to become features at the Diggers gardens of Heronswood and St Erth and seen in the finest gardens at Cloudehill and botanic gardens. The Plant Selector is a complete list of herbs, perennials, roses, bulbs, annuals, trees and shrubs that are anything but commonplace and includes the most comprehensive growing descriptions yet published in Australia. This is a book for both beginner and the experienced gardeners that explains the basics of garden botany for gardening success as well as Australia’s most comprehensive Plant Selector. 162 pages in hardcover, with 600 colour pictures. RETAIL

$29.95

CLUB

$24.95

CODE

ANEU

Edible Flower

The Australian

COLLECTION

Fruit & Vegetable Garden This 142 page, full colour hardcover is written by Clive Blazey in easy to follow format. Every fruit and vegetable is pictured with over 300 colour photographs. Other features include: ◆ How to grow all your fruit and vegetables in a space no greater than your front lawn. ◆ How to grow full sized fruit on dwarf rootstocks – easier to pick, prune, spray and water. ◆ Which fruit trees suit your climate from Cairns to Hobart. ◆ Simplifying pollination and fruiting, and how to control pests without spraying. ◆ An A to Z of 188 deciduous or evergreen sub-tropical fruits such as apple, avocado, cherry and custard apple, raspberries, strawberries, tree tomatoes and macadamias. ◆ A vegetable and herb section with almost 250 vegetables described as well as sections on starting your first vegetable garden. ◆ Includes free Sow What When wall chart inside the jacket. RETAIL

$39.95

CLUB

$34.95

CODE

AAUFV

Over 40,000 copies sold

6 Packets — Edible flowers tick all the boxes. They bring colour, flavour and vitality to the plate and to your garden. The selection we offer here are all fun and easy to grow too!

Celtuce Chinese, Stem or Asparagus Lettuce is a delicacy we enjoyed in a 5 star restaurant. Grow and harvest young leaves as a lettuce then cut the succulent stems when they run to seed, reaching 30-40cm high. Harvest in 21-24 weeks. 70 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

44 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Rainbow Beefsteak Mix

RETAIL

$15.95

CLUB

$12.95

CODE

COOL climate

$15.95

CLUB

$12.95

CODE

ASOWC

CODE

ASOWH

$15.95

CLUB

$12.95

CLUB

$14.95

CODE

S916

Culinary Herb

TOMATO

RETAIL RETAIL

$22.50

COLLECTION

WARM climate HOT climate

RETAIL

S089

Seed Sowing Guides New this Season! We've revised and revamped our popular Sow What When posters with a new colourful design and easyto-read information for each of Australia's three growing zones. From artichoke to zucchini, find out what months to sow, seed spacing and weeks to harvest, it contains all the information you need to become a seed sowing expert. You'll always be sure of the correct time to plant your seeds with this A2 sized (42x59cm) poster, matt laminated for longevity. See our growing zone map on page 10 to choose the right guide for you!

The collection includes Borage for sensational ice cubes for summer Pimms, Calendula for the soft orange petals to spark up salads, Nasturtium for its warm spicy leaves, Marigold for bite-size anise flowers, Cornflower to sprinkle on top and Violas for the sweetest flavour of any flower.

ASOWW

These amazing colours are the ultimate in heirlooms – multi-coloured (Ananas Noir), green (Aunt Ruby), red and yellow (Big Rainbow) plus Black Krim and Mortgage Lifter. Harvest late for maximum ripeness and flavour. Yields 7-16kg per plant. 40 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

5 Packets — Herbs can turn an average dish into something special, and they lift the health ratings too. Our chefs at Heronswood include herbs in all their culinary creations and this collection includes some of their favourites. Perilla or Shisho from Japan is used to flavour Asian dishes and has hints of cloves and mint, Lemon Balm brings a zesty freshness to salads and cool drinks, Chervil with its mild anise flavour combines perfectly with fish and poultry, and Coriander Confetti and Thai Basil are the staples for stir fries and fragrant Thai cooking. RETAIL

$22.50

CLUB

$14.95

CODE

S911

S2214

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 45

Green manures to improve your soil Soil is at the root of nearly all gardening problems. Gardeners who neglect what happens beneath the surface of the soil are invariably disappointed with the development of the foliage, the formation of fruit and the eventual harvest. Planting a green manure crop has many benefits: ◆ It improves the organic content of the soil. ◆ It adds valuable nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous. ◆ It increases the soil’s water holding capacity. ◆ It increases healthy microbial populations. And best of all, it is the cheapest and easiest way to improve the overall health of your soil, meaning your plants will be stronger and healthier for seasons to come.

SOW EASY! Seed sowing made simple!

Clever Clover Kit This clever kit developed by the CSIRO contains all the green manure crops you need for a healthy garden. Kit includes separate packets of Bio Mustard, Clover Trikkala, Clover Dalkeith and Lucerne plus full instructions on when to sow and how to grow. Not for NT/WA. covers 40m2

RETAIL

$19.95

CLUB

$17.50

CODE

SCLC

Snail Trap HSNT & HSNT6

Bottle Top Waterers HBOTW3

Diggers Garden Labels

Lucerne spring sowing SCLS

Buckwheat spring sowing S392

Chickpea spring sowing S395

Summer Green manure mix SGMS

SPRING SOWING

AUTUMN SOWING

SPRING SOWING

Lucerne

Bio-mustard

Chickpea

Medicago sativa — Lucerne has much deeper roots than vegetable plants. It taps into, and makes available, the nutrients and water that vegetables can’t access. Dig in at 13 weeks or cut down when it starts to flower for use a mulch in your garden. Available in 100gms (covers 50m2) and 400gms (covers 200m2). Not for WA.

Brassica juncea, B. napus — Mustard acts as a bio-fumigant. As the plant breaks down it releases compounds that reduce the growth of soil-borne fungal diseases such as tomato wilt. Dig in around 21 weeks.

Cicer arietinum — The perfect multi-purpose crop. This spring planting legume makes a great drought tolerant, nitrogen fixing green manure. Tips and leaves can be pinched off to use in salads and stir fries. Plants that are left to mature will produce pods containing delicious and nutritious chickpeas which can be eaten green or left to dry and used in your own truly home made hummus. Harvest dry peas in 15 weeks.

Scatter

100gms 400gms

RETAIL RETAIL

60cm

$4.95

CLUB

$15.00

CLUB

12 weeks

$3.95 $9.95

CODE

SCLS

SB301

CODE

Summer Green Manure Mix Fagopyrum esculentum, Vigna radiata — Buckwheat and Mung Beans combine to make the ideal green manure for warm climates, or for planting in spring in cooler areas. Buckwheat grows fast enough to suppress any weeds and it flowers in just four weeks, providing a fast source of pollen for foraging bees. Scatter

600 seeds

RETAIL

60cm

$5.95

CLUB

Scatter covers 50m

CODE

SGMS

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

20 weeks

$3.95

CODE

SCLBF

Comfrey Symphytum officinale — Its deep root system brings up nutrients from the subsoil, making them available to shallow rooted plants, and the leaves make a good compost ‘tea’. 60cm

18 seeds

RETAIL

1.2m

$4.95

CLUB

21 weeks

$3.95

CODE

S310

Autumn Mix Phacelia tanacetifolia — Pea, Oat and Vetch make a vibrant, enriching green manure, complete with innoculant to boost nitrogen fixing legumes.

8 weeks

$4.95

30cm covers 50

m2 RETAIL

60cm

$19.95

40cm

30 seeds

RETAIL

$17.50 CODE S387

$3.95

CLUB

16 weeks

$2.95

CODE

S395

Buckwheat

Seed Sowing Dial

You’ve spent time sowing your seeds, now don’t forget An ever popular item, the Seed Sowing Dial is a to label them! With Diggers Garden Labels great tool for helping gardeners sow small, fiddly seed you can keep track of the date the seeds were sown into punnets or directly in the garden. and what was planted. Every good gardener will tell CLUB $5.30 CODE HSSD you it’s important to keep records and these make RETAIL $7.50 the job ever so easy. Perfect for labelling bulbs and Bottle Top Waterers perennial plants too. Made from recycled plastic. The ideal waterer that won’t blast your delicate 25 labels RETAIL $9.95 CLUB $7.95 CODE AGL25 seedlings out of their punnet. Just add them to an old 50 labels RETAIL $19.95 CLUB $14.95 CODE AGL50 plastic bottle for the most gentle way to water. 3 pack

Copper Slug and Snail Tape

46 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Comfrey autumn sowing S310

CLUB

$4.95

CODE

Scatter

300 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

60cm CLUB

4 weeks

$2.95

CODE

Autumn Mix autumn sowing S387

Seed Sowing Dial HSSD

HBOTW3

A simple solution to protect precious plants from Snail Trap slugs and snails. A small electric shock created naturally from the copper adhesive tape deters these Don’t rely on chemical pellets or sprays. Fill this trap garden pests. Run around garden edges or pots. with beer or diluted juice for an effective and long lasting snail and slug trap. Non-toxic and available in two lengths. 4m roll

RETAIL

$12.00

10m roll

RETAIL

$22.00

CLUB CLUB

$9.95

$19.95

HCSST4

1 unit

HCSST10

6 pack

CODE CODE

RETAIL RETAIL

$8.50

$45.00

CLUB CLUB

$7.50

$40.50

CODE CODE

HSNT

HSNT6

Copper Slug and Snail Tape HCSST4 & HCSST10

Sowing seed directly The easiest sowing method of all! All root crops should be sown with the direct method to avoid misshapen roots. It’s perfect for large seeds like beans, peas and zucchinis too.

Prepare the soil to an even, crumbly texture.

Sow large seed evenly at recommended spacing.

S392

Bio-mustard autumn sowing SCLBF

$7.95

RETAIL

Fagopyrum esculentum — Plant as a leafy cover crop to suppress weeds then turn into the soil for an excellent green manure. Can be sown in frost free climates during autumn and in frost prone areas during spring. Buckwheat flowers are fragrant, attract bees and are a wonderful addition to tall flowering wildflowers. Covers 5m2.

9 weeks CLUB

50cm

Diggers Garden Labels AGL25 & AGL50

Sow small seed twice as deep as seed width.

Begin by removing weeds and preparing the soil – break up any big clumps and evenly add some well rotted organic matter or blood and bone. Don’t let small seed dry out in the first 10 days (until you see some green leaves).

Cover the seed and gently water in.

Thin seedlings to recommended spacing.

You can use shade cloth or hessian to keep the sun off but make sure this is removed after the seeds have germinated. Try sowing in 10cm wire mesh – sowing is easy and the birds won’t steal your seeds!

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 47

Premium Variable Temp. Propagation Kit HNPROP

Easy Propagator Kit HCP4056

Small Propagation Kit with 10 pellets

The variable temperature control of this unit allows precise temperature settings between 12°C and 28°C, and the auto reset feature automatically returns the unit to its previous setting after any power loss. Sturdy and durable, with an energy efficient 50 watt heater and 52 x 42 x 28cm dimensions, this kit also includes 2 seed trays and 10 flower pots. RETAIL

Small Propagation Kit

with 10 pellets

HSPK

$276.00

CLUB

$230.00

CODE

HNPROP

It’s sow easy! Place the seed into the indentation on the coir pellet, add water to expand the pellets, pop on the lid and place the kit in a warm area. Top up with water as required and give the growing seedlings adequate light. Once they've grown 4-6 leaves, you can avoid root damage by planting the whole pellet into the ground. NEW!

RETAIL

$10.50

CLUB

$8.50

CODE

HSPK

Biodegradable Pot Propagator Kit

This kit contains 12 regular and 24 large, fully biodegradable coir pots, 4 litres of seed raising mix, Essential Electric Propagator a durable plastic lid and a strong propagation tray. With a long-life economical heater to maintain a Derived from sustainable coconut palm fibre, coir pots constant soil temperature and non-thermostatic, simple can be planted whole, preventing transplant shock. on/off control, simply plug this unit in and forget. This RETAIL $52.95 CLUB $48.95 CODE HCCPR unit is made from rigid ‘Thermoform’ plastic with a clear lid and adjustable vent. Unit dimensions are Diggers Propagator Lid 38 x 24.5 x 19.5cm. Clear, UV stabilised lids to fit our propagation trays. RETAIL

$88.50

CLUB

$78.50

CODE

HEPROP

Basic Propagator Kit

RETAIL

$13.00

CLUB

$9.00

see hprb pic CODE

HPRL

Easy Propagator Kit

The basic unit of a sturdy propagation tray and clear Includes a seedling tray, a 56 cell propagation unit which plastic lid with four adjustable vents. Use to germinate fits into the tray, a bag of Diggers seed raising mix and seeds or cuttings. 56 coir pots (40mm) which fit into the cells.

Essential Electric Propagator HEPROP

RETAIL

$17.95

CLUB

$13.95

CODE

HPRB

RETAIL

$44.95

CLUB

$41.95

CODE

HCP4056

Raising seedlings Many seeds need to be started in punnets or pots before they can be planted out in the garden.

Fill your punnet or pot with seed raising mix.

Fill to the brim and firm down the surface.

Sow seeds carefully. Cover with fine layer of seed raising mix.

48 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Gently water in.

This is the best unit for people who travel, or are forgetful when it comes to regular watering of seed and seedlings! A 40 cell, insulated, self watering unit with lid and reservoir with a reversible base to ‘pop’ out the seedlings for minimal root damage at transplant. Re-usable for many seasons, this unit makes germinating seed a breeze. How it Works 1. Capillary matting draws up water like a wick to prevent under or over watering. 2. Greenhouse cover holds in heat and moisture for fast germination. 3. Insulated sowing tray maintains even temperature for strong vigorous roots. 4. Pegboard stand supports sowing tray and reverses to eject plants. 5. Reservoir automatically supplies water for up to a week.

Biodegradable Pot Propagator Kit HCCPR

Premium Variable Temperature Propagation Kit

Place in a well lit position.

Coir Jiffy Pellets

Self Watering Progagation Kit

SOW EASY! Start sowing with a propagation kit

RETAIL

$41.50

CLUB

$37.00

CODE

Most seeds will germinate quicker when they are introduced to ‘bottom heat’. This method uses sealed electrical elements to raise the seed raising mix temperature to a level that promotes the rapid germination of the seeds. Our heated propagation kits make this possible.

One Tray Heating Mat

CLUB

$8.80

$4.20

CLUB

$3.70

CODE

HJIPC15

42 pellets RETAIL

$11.60

CLUB

$9.50

CODE

HJIPC42

168 pellets

$46.60 CLUB $33.90 CODE HJIPC168

RETAIL

HPROP

These markers will last longer than your memory! Keep track of what’s what in the garden with these spade and boot proof markers. Available in two sizes. SMALL – 6 x 2.4cm LABEL / 26cm TALL 10 small RETAIL $16.95 CLUB $14.90 CODE HPLM10 CLUB ONLY $70.00 CODE HPLM50 50 large LARGE – 10 x 4cm LABEL / 30cm TALL 10 large RETAIL $26.95 CLUB $22.95 CODE HPLML10

CLUB ONLY $95.00 CODE HPLML50 50 large This simple, effective mat creates a surface temperature of 30-35°C. There is no controller so increase the Biodegradable Coir Pots spacing between the mat and the tray to adjust the soil Coir is a natural coconut palm fibre, so it's completely temperature. 35cm x 25cm, one tray unit. biodegradable – you can plant your seedlings, pot and RETAIL $55.00 CLUB $45.00 CODE HHMAT all, directly into the ground with no transplant shock. By choosing these pots you can grow strong heirloom Seed Raising Mix seedlings while also contributing to a sustainable Specially formulated to Diggers specifications by Debco, industry that improves the lives of Sri Lankan villagers. 4 litres of sterilised seed raising mix with the perfect balance between water holding capacity and good SMALL RETAIL $11.50 CLUB $9.50 CODE HCPS12 drainage ensuring excellent seed germination. MEDIUM RETAIL $16.50 CLUB $13.50 CODE HCPM12

$9.90

15 pellets

Plantsman’s Markers

Feeling the heat!

RETAIL

Made from sustainable coconut fibre, these pellets have improved water retention over other jiffy pellets. Full instructions on the packet.

CODE

HSER

LARGE

RETAIL

$17.50

CLUB

$14.50

CODE

HCPL12

Basic Propagator HPRB

also shows propagator lid

Seed Raising Mix HSER

Use this indirect sowing method to get an early start on the season, especially if you live in a cooler climate with shorter summers and want to grow tomatoes, eggplants and capsicum. Make sure you use clean punnets or quick pots. Jiffy pellets and coir pots can be planted directly into the garden, without disturbing the roots, where they will break down over time.

Transplant when they have grown their 2nd set of leaves.

Seeds that can be sown successfully as seedlings include tomatoes, eggplants, capsicum, broccoli, onions, celery, leeks, stevia, parsley and small flower seeds like foxgloves, echiums and delphiniums.

Plantsman’s Markers

various codes

Biodegradable Coir Pots

various codes

One Tray Heating Mat HHMAT

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 49

Build your soil from the ground up

Heirloom fruit trees

SELF-POLLIN

ATING

Grow a year’s supply of fruit in just 12m2 when you choose fruit trees with dwarfing rootstocks. Our pears and apples can be trained to an espalier or grown as handsome small backyard shade trees. To fruit reliably, apples and pears need pollinating partners (listed with each variety).

Dwarf Apple Tropical Beauty lowchill

Malus domestica — An apple for all climates, this low chill variety (>300 chill hours) will fruit reliably in subtropical areas and temperate areas further south. A self-pollinating apple that produces crisp golden fruit streaked in orange and red. HZ 1-7 CZ 7-10 RETAIL

Organic Veggie & Herb Fertiliser HDOVH

Biochar Soil Conditioner

Biochar is full of natural nutrients for use as an environmentally beneficial, nutrient bonded, carbon sequestering soil conditioner. Its sponge-like structure will improve soil’s capacity to share nutrients and moisture, with roots creating stronger and healthier plants. 2 kgs covers 10m2. RETAIL

$35.00

$29.95

CLUB

CODE

HBIOC

Rockdust Fertiliser

A natural mineral fertiliser that helps conserve up to 30% more moisture, making plants healthier and more drought tolerant. With up to 100 minerals and trace elements it produces better tasting and more nutritious fruit and vegetables, that are more resistant to pests and diseases. Specially formulated for The Diggers Club, the 2 kg bag covers 40m2. RETAIL

$35.00

CLUB

$30.00

CODE

HRDUS

Renew Mineral Fertiliser

RETAIL

$38.95

CLUB

$31.95

CODE

HRENEW

Organic Flower & Bulb Fertiliser HDOFB

Organic Fruit & Citrus Fertiliser

A BFA registered organic fertiliser, developed in conjunction with Neutrog, specifically for growing organic fruit with boosted levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) that enhances fruit quality. Suitable for all flowering and fruiting plants, this fertiliser should be applied in all seasons including winter. 2kg tub covers 20m2. Not for WA. RETAIL

$29.95

CLUB

$25.95

CODE

HDOFC

Organic Flower & Bulb Fertiliser

An Australian Organic registered product that has been specifically designed to aid flower development and quality, with boosted levels of potassium not normally found in an organic fertiliser. Can be applied to natives and is perfect for all flower beds and potted colour, perennials, annuals, bulbs, flowering trees and shrubs. 2kg tub covers 20m2. Not for WA. NEW!

RETAIL

$29.95

CLUB

$25.95

CODE

A BFA registered organic fertiliser, specifically developed for growing organic vegetables and herbs. Applying an organic fertiliser during bed preparation and throughout the growing period allows your vegetables and herbs access to the nutrients they need for optimum performance, providing you with healthy and tasty produce from your garden. 2kg tub treats 20 square metres. Not for WA. $29.95

CLUB

$25.95

CODE

HDOVH

$32.00

$25.00

CODE

HDE

$29.95

CLUB

$24.95

CODE

WAPTB

pear

WPEFL

LOW CHILL

WAPTB

Pyrus communis — Pale yellow green fruit ripens with a warm russet blush on the sunny side. Low chill (>350 chill hours) and self-pollinating, but you can increase the harvest with Corella, the low chill cocktail pear. HZ 1-7 CZ 7-10 Apr-May RETAIL

$29.95

CLUB

$24.95

CODE

WPEFL

UNIVERSA POLLINATOL R

Low chill fruit

Apr-May

Jonathan

dwarf apple

WAPJO

Red Fuji

Dwarf Apple Jonathan

$29.95

CLUB

$24.95

CODE

WPECOD

Dwarf Apple Red Fuji

Malus domestica — These crisp, juicy apples, ripening with a red blush, have become an Australian favourite. Pyrus communis — Australia's most popular pear variety Raised in Fujisaki during the 1930s, Fuji are the sweetest is the best for eating fresh and cooking. Pollinated by apples around, with a brix reading of 18%. Pollinated by Cripp's Pink, Jonathan or Snow. HZ 1-7 CZ 7-10 Conference and Williams. HZ 1-6 CZ 7-10

Pear Packhams Triumph

Feb-Mar

Biochar Soil Conditioner HBIOC

Flordaholm

LOW CHILL

Pear Flordaholm low chill

RETAIL

100% pure, totally organic and safe, "DE" is made from fossilised shells and works by puncturing an insect's exoskeleton and absorbing its body fluids. Apply it directly to crops to repel pests including snails, slugs, caterpillars, mites, fleas and many others. Also works as an insect repellent for animals. 2kg bag. CLUB

dwarf apple

Malus domestica — First described in the US in 1826, this is an intensely flavoured apple with crisp yellowish flesh and a spicy fragrance. Mid-to-late season harvest. A universal pollinator, Jonathan will pollinate all Dwarf Pear Conference Pyrus communis — Introduced in 1885, this self-fertile other apples in the Diggers range. HZ 1-6 CZ 7-10 pear bears elongated golden fruit with sweet, juicy flesh. Apr 2m 2m A mid season ripener that stores well. HZ 1-6 CZ 7-10 RETAIL $29.95 CLUB $24.95 CODE WAPJO

Diatomaceous Earth

RETAIL

HDOFB

If you live in a warmer, sub-tropical climate try pear Flordaholm and apple Tropical Beauty. They successfully produce fruit in warm areas as they don’t need as much winter chill as other varieties.

Organic Veggie & Herb Fertiliser

RETAIL

Renew is a natural mineral liquid foliar fertiliser which promotes long term sustainable fertility, improving uptake of vital nutrients resulting in better growth. To nourish your plants feed them once a month. To kick start a special project or boost sick plants, feed weekly for a month. Suitable for all plants including natives. ½ capful per watering can. 250ml capped recycled plastic bottle. Certified organic and non-toxic. NEW!

Organic Fruit & Citrus Fertiliser HDOFC

Mar-Apr

Tropical Beauty

RETAIL

$29.95

6m CLUB

Mar-Apr

$24.95

CODE

WPEPA

RETAIL

$29.95

2m CLUB

Malus domestica — The crisp, juicy flesh of this old American variety makes it an all time favourite. This partially self-fertile variety regularly produces abundant crops making it one of the best choices for the home gardener. Plant with a cross pollinator to increase yields. Best pollinator is Granny Smith. HZ 1-7 CZ 7-10 Mar-Apr RETAIL

$29.95

WAPFU

2m CLUB

$24.95

CODE

WAPRD

Dwarf Apple Five Crown

Malus domestica — Also known as London Pippin, the large chartreuse fruit ripens to a soft orange blush, with a distinctly formed crown of five ribs at the base. Pollinated by Jonathan and Fuji. HZ 1-7 CZ 7-10 Apr-May

$24.95

WAPFU

Dwarf Apple Red Delicious

2m CODE

dwarf apple

RETAIL

$29.95

2m CLUB

$24.95

CODE

WAPFC

SELF-POLLIN

ATING

Renew Mineral Fertiliser HRENEW

50 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

All Natural Diatomaceous Earth HDE

Rockdust Fertiliser HRDUS

Red Delicious

dwarf apple

WAPRD

Conference

dwarf pear

WPECOD

Five Crown

dwarf apple

WAPFC

Packhams Triumph

pear

WPEPA

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 51

Asparagus crowns

Plants for the vegie garden

Asparagus officinalis — The earliest of spring vegetables, nothing beats the taste of freshly cut Asparagus straight from the garden!

Asparagus

COLLECTION

HZ 1-6 CZ 7-10

◆ 9 plants ◆ This collection is a sound investment, rewarding with crops of tender spears for the next 20 years! Nothing can beat the flavour of freshly cut asparagus straight from the garden. Collection includes three plants each of Purple, Mary Washington and Fat Bastard.

Asparagus Mary Washington Fat Bastard (F1)

asparagus

PASFA

$59.95

CLUB

$45.00

CODE

A popular variety thanks to its slender green spears, produced in abundance throughout spring, and its resistance to rust diseases. One year old crowns will start to produce spears in their second spring. 75cm 30cm Orders close 11th September 2015. RETAIL

MEMBERS SAVE OVER 20% RETAIL

Sep-Nov

$6.95

CLUB

$5.95

CODE

PASM

Asparagus Fat Bastard (F1)

PASCO

High yielding, green spears with good rust resistance. F1 hybrid that produces fatter than normal spears. Allow a couple of years for the crown to establish and produce the thickest spears. 1m 30cm RETAIL

$6.95

CLUB

$5.95

PASFA

CODE

Asparagus Purple Mary Washington

Rhubarb

asparagus

PASM

COLLECTION

Tender spears of royal purple that delight the eye and the palate. A light cutting of spears in the second year is followed by increasing harvests for the next 20 years. 75cm 50cm RETAIL $6.95 CLUB $5.95 CODE PASPU

Asparagus Knife

Combine the two most popular methods of cutting asparagus with a serrated blade to saw through stems and a sharpened tip to slice through spears under the surface of the soil. Forged from high carbon steel for durability and edge retention, with a hardwood handle and leather hanging thong.

◆ 6 crowns ◆ Harvest fresh rhubarb all year. With summer varieties Cherry Red and Big Boy for the warmer months and abundant short day cropping from Winter Wonder you can grow all your rhubarb needs for the year in 5m2. This collection includes two bare root crowns of each variety.

RETAIL

MEMBERS SAVE OVER 30% RETAIL

$69.95

CLUB

$49.95

CODE

PRHCO

$38.00

CLUB

$32.00

HAKN

CODE

Rhubarb crowns Purple

asparagus

PASPU

Rheum spp. — Plant Rhubarb crowns in winter, ensuring the root system is well spread out and the crown is just below the soil surface. HZ 1-6 CZ 7-10 Orders close 11th September 2015

Potatoes

Tatey Bags

Potatoes are one of easiest vegetables to grow. They are best planted in spring so that the emerging growth appears after the last frost. Enjoy the superior flavour of home grown spuds particularly those European and creamy fleshed heirlooms that most chefs adore. We only sell certified seed Potatoes that are screened to be disease free, unlike those sold in the supermarket. 8 tubers per bag, each tuber will yield approx. 10 potatoes. HZ 1-7 CZ 8-10 Not for NT/TAS/WA. Packed under license from ViCSPA. Dec-Mar

40cm

Diggers Club Potato Combo

COLLECTION No room left in the garden? Don’t despair, with Diggers Tatey Bags you can still enjoy home-grown spuds! Choose from the rich, sweet flesh of Nicola, the creamy gourmet Kipfler or the heirloom King Edward – all so easy to grow! Just plant in these sturdy, UV-stable grow bags using a free draining compost or potting mix with some straw mixed in. Each collection includes 8 tubers, 2 grow bags and a planting guide. Not for NT/TAS/WA. NICOLA

RETAIL

$23.95

KIPFLER

RETAIL

$23.95

CLUB

$15.95

CODE

TBAG2

KING ED.

RETAIL

$23.95

CLUB

$15.95

CODE

TBAG3

Pontiac

CLUB

$15.95

CODE

TBAG

Maris Piper

COLLECTION ◆ 48 tubers ◆

For a bumper crop of home grown spuds try our handpicked collection of gourmet potatoes. Includes one bag each of all rounders Nicola and King Edward, Kipfler for salads, old favourite Dutch Cream for mash, Royal Blue for great baked potatoes and Bintje for an extended harvest. Separately labelled. Substitutes may occur. Not for NT/TAS/WA.

MEMBERS SAVE OVER 30% This UK classic is hailed by Jamie Oliver and Heston Blumenthal as the best potatoes for chipping and RETAIL $59.70 CLUB $39.95 CODE TCOSC roasting. Crunchy on the outside, fluffy and buttery on the inside. But you won't find these potatoes on the shelf of your local supermarket, you'll just have to Ruby Lou RETAIL $9.95 CLUB $7.95 CODE TPON Bred in Victoria, this creamy white fleshed potato tastes grow them yourself. fantastic! An excellent potato for roasting, mashing and Pentland Dell NEW! RETAIL $9.95 CLUB $7.95 CODE TMAR even salads. High yielding, with shiny skin and shallow A traditional English potato bred by the Pentlandfield eyes, this homegrown gem looks as good as it tastes. Breeding Station in the 1960s. Highly regarded for Burgundy Blush CLUB $7.95 CODE TRUL its fluffy texture, it makes the perfect mash or jacket A reliable yielder with light and fluffy flesh that is suited RETAIL $9.95 potato. Matures early to mid-season, producing large to mashing and boiling. The burgundy colour holds Toolangi Delight oval shaped tubers that are white skinned with a through the cooking process and is sure to impress creamy white flesh. Good natural resistance to most Delicate purple skin makes this ‘home grower’ unsuitable dinner guests! The foliage is tinged pink throughout for supermarkets. Great for chips and mash with good pests, most notably slugs. the growing season, adding another dimension to this all purpose attributes. Early to mid season. RETAIL $9.95 CLUB $7.95 CODE TPED unique variety. RETAIL $9.95 CLUB $7.95 CODE TTOD RETAIL $9.95 CLUB $7.95 CODE TBUB Sapphire A classic all rounder with blush pink skin and bright white flesh. Pontiac matures a little earlier than other varieties, which helps to lengthen your harvest. A reliable variety that is popular with potato growers.

The most spectacular purple potato with delicious rich purple flesh that maintains its colour when cooked. Keep the kids amused with purple mash or impress your guests with a purple potato salad! RETAIL

$9.95

CLUB

$7.95

CODE

TSAP

Pink Eye

Baking & chips

Potato salad

Boiling & mash

All rounder

A beautiful cream and purple potato that was recorded in Tasmania in 1944. The waxy yellow flesh is ideal mashed or boiled as ‘new’ potatoes. RETAIL

$9.95

CLUB

$7.95

CODE

TPIE

Rhubarb Winter Wonder

This variety stands up proud in the cooler months when most other rhubarbs are ready to be chopped back in preparation for their spring flush. Deep red at the base with smaller, pointed leaves. Winter Wonder

rhubarb

PRHWB

Asparagus Knife HAKN

All year RETAIL

80cm

$11.95

1m CLUB

$8.95

CODE

PRHWB

Rhubarb Big Boy

Toolangi Delight TTOD

Pink Eye TPIE

Ruby Lou TRUL

Maris Piper TMAR

Sapphire TSAP

Pontiac TPON

Pentland Dell TPED

Burgundy Blush TBUB

Originally a Queensland market garden variety, this is the variety to grow if you want to win the ‘best in show’ at your local fete. Aug-May RETAIL

$11.95

1m CLUB

$8.95

CODE

PRHB

Rhubarb Cherry Red

Exclusive to Diggers, these large cherry red stems are much sought after by chefs at local farmers markets. Aug-May

Cherry Red

rhubarb

PRHCR

52 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Big Boy

rhubarb

PRHB

RETAIL

$11.95

80cm

1m CLUB

$8.95

CODE

PRHCR

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 53

Kitchen herbs for every garden

Sweet Basil S303

Fino Verde

basil

S3031

Coriander Confetti S3081

Garlic Chives S315

Coriander S308

Basil

Sweet Majoram

All year

Mar-Jun

40-80cm

Siam Queen

Sweet Basil organic

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S303

thai basil

Chives

With brilliant green leaves and white flowers, this is the true basil favoured by continental cooks. Grow half a dozen plants and you will have enough to fresh pick all summer and to make pesto that you can freeze for quick pasta dishes in the winter. 300 seeds

Oct-Mar Sep-Apr

S302

600 seeds

Common Chives S3061

All year

10cm

12 weeks

40cm

Common Chives

organic Stevia rebauduana var. Bertoni — The leaves of this natural sweetener can be eaten fresh or dried to use as an organic alternative to refined sugar. Frost sensitive. Sep-Nov

Aug-Oct

All year

Sep-Nov

H 20 weeks

Basil Lettuce Leaf S305 Lemon Basil S334

S319

54 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Curlina

Aug-Oct

All year

25cm

H 12 weeks

200 seeds

parsley

RETAIL

S318

30cm

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

30cm

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S331

S317

Oregano S317

Curlina

H 4-12 weeks

Chervil

Thyme

80cm

Anthriscus cerefolium — This anise flavoured leaf adds piquancy to salad greens. Ideal for growing during the short day lengths of the winter months but just as happy in the warmer months in a shady, moist position. Its white flowers are like a delicate Queen Anne’s Lace. Harvest in 9 weeks.

Thymus vulgaris — A low growing herb that does well situated on the edges of vegetable beds where it is easy to pick. A classic herb used with winter roasts, soups and stews. Beneficial insects flock to the sweet purple flowers.

Aug-Dec Jun-Mar

Stevia S325

Apr-Jul

25cm

H 8 weeks

350 seeds

RETAIL

40cm

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S311

Mar-Jun

Anethum graveolens — Soft, feathery leaves transform simple dishes and the seeds add flavour to vinegars and pickles. Aug-Jan

All year

25cm

H 12 weeks

400 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

Chervil S311

CODE

S312

organic

Apr-Jul

N/A

25cm

H 24 weeks

100 seeds

Sage

Dill

Sep-Oct

Enhances savoury dishes and its tightly curled foliage makes a decorative contrast to flower beds. 600 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S318

25cm

60cm

Coriander organic

25cm

Oregano

Also available at

RETAIL

Stevia

organic

Parsley

parsley

25cm

Coriandrum sp. — The flavour of coriander is the cornerstone of cuisines from the Middle East, India, South East Asia and China. Fast growing, it’s a ‘must have’ for any kitchen garden as all parts of the plant are edible – use the leaves fresh, the seeds can be ground or dry-fried and roots are essential for that nuance of Thailand. It also makes an invaluable addition to the summer border with its delicate white flower heads! Oct-Dec & Feb-Apr Aug-Nov & Feb-May All year

Allium schoenoprasum — The leaves have a delicate 15 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S325 Fino Verde organic onion flavour and are used to enliven dishes of eggs, Neat, compact growth makes this the perfect potted potatoes, salads and soups. The purple orbs of flower are herb for the balcony. Leaves are small, tender and also edible and look a treat in the garden. organic aromatic with a sweet basil taste and a hint of spice. 200 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S3061 Continual harvest for an extended period as it resists Petroselinum sp. — One of the most popular and bolting until winter frosts. Garlic Chives easiest herbs to grow. 320 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S3031 Allium tuberosum — Strappy leaves with a mild garlic Jul-Dec Jul-Dec May-Aug 25cm flavour. Ideal for stir-fries. An autumn flowering companion plant in the vegetable garden. Siam Queen thai basil H 24 weeks 20-40cm The best basil for bringing that fresh anise flavour to 90 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S315 Thai green curries and Vietnamese soups. Shiny green Continental leaves contrast with the dark purple stems and flowers Flat leaf Italian style variety with a slightly milder flavour – an attractive addition to the summer garden. than the Curlina. Origanum vulgare var. hirtum — A spicy flavour for 150 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S302 220 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S319 pizza or pasta with antioxidant properties.

Continental

All year

H 20 weeks

25cm

H 12 weeks

Apr-Jul

Coriander

organic

Origanum majorana — Sweeter than oregano, every kitchen garden should have this herb which is used in many Italian and continental dishes. With attractive white flowers and lime green leaves, it’s a useful ground cover in tough, sunny spots..

Ocimum basilicum — A famous companion plant to tomatoes both in the garden and the kitchen, basil demands full sun, good drainage and a neutral to alkaline pH. Protect from frost and damp, to avoid fungal problems, and pinch out flowers to encourage leaf production. Start advanced seedlings indoors to maximise length of harvest. Oct-Dec Sep-Feb

Thyme S360

RETAIL

30cm

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

Coriander grows rapidly in the cooler months. Eat the leaves fresh, dry-fry the seeds and use the roots for that nuance of Thailand in a stir-fry or curry. 80 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

$3.95

CLUB

CODE

S308

Coriander Confetti

This cut leaf coriander has higher yields than flat leaf types, is slower to bolt and much easier to cut. 100 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S3081

S360

organic

Salvia officinalis — The thick felted grey leaves are as beautiful in the border as they are versatile in the kitchen. Use to flavour poultry, cheese and bean dishes. Performs well in poor soils. Mar-Jun

Apr-Jul

N/A

25cm

H 24 weeks

50 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

30cm CLUB

$3.95

Sweet Marjoram S331

CODE

S324

Sage S324

Dill S312

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 55

German Chamomile

Herbs for teas

Flower power! Join the revolution!

Matricaria recutita — Chamomile has been used for centuries to assist with all manner of health complaints, from insomnia and anxiety to stomach complaints and migraines. The essential oils from the flowers are also used to treat skin conditions. Tea infusions can be made with fresh flowers or store them for use when dried. Spring

Sweet Mace S335

2300 seeds

20cm

$3.95

RETAIL

50cm CLUB

12 weeks

$2.95

CODE

S3101

Sweet Mace organic

Tagetes lucida — Fragrant leaves are reminiscent of a mix between tarragon and anise. Ideal for making herb vinegars or dry the leaves for a warming herbal brew. The long-lasting clusters of small yellow flowers are a magnet for bees. Also known as Mexican Tarragon. Spring

100 seeds

Herb Gardens can be decorative too!

German Chamomile S3101

RETAIL

20cm

70cm

$4.95

CLUB

12 weeks

$3.95

CODE

S335

Aut-Spr

270 seeds

RETAIL

Spearmint

30cm

60cm

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

12 weeks CODE

S314

Spring

1000 seeds

30cm RETAIL

$3.95

40cm CLUB

16 weeks

$2.95

CODE

S338

Spring

1400 seeds

30cm RETAIL

$3.95

40cm CLUB

3000 seeds

3 months RETAIL

$3.95

25cm CLUB

$2.95

Lemon Balm S314

Lawn alternatives

$2.95

CODE

Lawn Thyme

Thymus serpyllum — Tiny lavender flowers cover the fragrant foliage over spring and summer, perfect for attracting bees. Available August 2015. covers 1m2

10cm RETAIL

20cm

$3.95

Tagetes patula — A relaxed and free-flowering French Marigold with a pleasing blend of buttery yellows, bright oranges and bi-colour flowers. As much at home as a dependable gap filler in a flower border, as it is a companion for the vegetable garden (see growing info page 64). 100 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S647

$2.95

CODE

Aut-Spr

S7182

CODE

1000 seeds

RETAIL

Aut-Spr

4 months

RETAIL

$3.95

30cm CLUB

$2.95

covers 5m

Lawn Thyme S875

Lawn Chamomile S866

20cm

25cm

$3.95

RETAIL

$2.95

CODE

S875

S866

Dichondra repens — An Australian native popular in Southern California during the 50s and 60s as a grass lawn substitute. Ideal for light traffic areas, it never needs mowing! Grows in part shade but thrives in full sun. Also know as Kidney Weed for it kidney-shaped leaves, it has beautiful white flowers during the warmer months. Aut-Spr

Scatter RETAIL

2cm

$5.95

3 months CLUB

$4.95

CODE

S863

Meadow Daisy

Bellis perennis — Grows best in part shade and makes a useful edging plant, with a carpet of stars from winter to spring. Just scatter the seed and keep it moist – then just mow them after flowering each year. May naturalise in cooler climates. Aut-Spr

Dichondra S863

56 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Meadow Daisy S869

covers 5m2

Scatter RETAIL

$3.95

8cm

4 months CLUB

$2.95

Beneficial Insect

S869

COLLECTION

Honesty Variegated Lunaria annua — Silver edged leaves are a spectacular feature in the garden, highlighted with purple or white flowers and followed by lunar-like, translucent seed heads. Perfect for drying and decoration, and much sought after by florists. Biennial, self seeding. Aut-Spr

CODE

S595

There Is No Excuse For Ugliness

Dichondra

covers 10m2

$3.95

S348

3 months CLUB

CLUB

60cm

65cm CODE

Chamaemelum nobile — Tough and hard wearing ground cover with white and yellow daisy flowers, keep clipped to maintain density. Available August 2015. 2

$4.95

30cm

Reseda alba — A long time favourite with cottage gardeners for its beautiful old world scent. It used to be planted in pots with stock to provide sweet fragrance during day and night, or placed on window sills to mask some of the more unpleasant odours of Victorian times.

Lawn Chamomile Aut-Spr

4 months

Mignonette

500 seeds

1 year CLUB

60cm

S337

Peppermint S337

Aut-Spr

Helichrysum bracteatum — We grew these Everlastings in our spring trials last year and sowed the seed straight into the ground in late September. We had a continuous supply of long lasting flowers in gorgeous pastel shades from mid December until the end of April – perfect for the vase!

12 weeks

Marigold Citrus Mix Spearmint S338

Helichrysum Tom Thumb Mix

Clarkia unguiculata — Cheering up your garden this spring! Warm shades of cerise pink and purple glow like a summer sunset and add to the colour spectrum spectacularly. Easy to grow and long flowering, they deserve a place in any spot requiring a colourful lift. Aut-Spr

Peppermint

Mentha x piperita — Commonly used as a flavouring in tea, ice cream, biscuits and sweets, it can also be used Melissa officinalis — The strongly scented leaves make Mentha spicata — Spearmint is used to flavour a delicious and soothing tea to calm the nerves. Lemon- roast lamb and other meats, sweets, oils, jellies, drinks to scent shampoos, soaps and lotions or as a natural scented foliage repels mosquitoes. Can be perennial in and tea. It also is an attractive, spreading ornamental pesticide and insect deterrent. The flowers produce large amounts of nectar and attract bees. some areas and may self-seed. ground cover.

Lemon Balm

Garland Flowers

10 seeds

RETAIL

6 months

$3.95

70cm CLUB

$2.95

40cm CODE

S610

6 Packets — The best flowers for valued garden guests, including Queen Anne’s Lace and Alyssum for winter and spring, Dill, Borage and Cottage Salvia for summer and White Cosmos for autumn. RETAIL

$22.50

CLUB

$14.95

CODE

S905

In his latest book Clive Blazey explains why our modern suburban garden approach fails and helps you create a garden that is aesthetically pleasing and refreshing during the hottest of Australian summers. Learn how to create beautiful garden pictures by planting tried and proven plants that survive drought, heat waves and extreme cold. It's the Diggers guide to flower gardening, with pictures of beautiful gardens across Australia and Europe featured to show how easy it is to do in your own backyard, and our Plant Selector – a complete list of herbs, perennials, roses, bulbs, annuals, trees and shrubs that includes the most comprehensive growing descriptions yet published in Australia. A book for both the beginner and the experienced gardener. 162 pages in hardcover, with over 600 colour pictures and diagrams. RETAIL $29.95 CLUB $24.95 CODE ANEU

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 57

Flowers for good bugs

Let nature do the work for you!

Beneficial Insect

COLLECTION

Grow these beautiful flowers in the backyard and increase the yields from the kitchen garden!

6 Packets — Provide the best yearround accommodation for these valued garden guests. Includes Queen Anne’s Lace and Alyssum for winter and spring, Dill, Borage and Cottage Salvia for summer and White Cosmos for flowers well into autumn.

It’s true, these favourite annuals and perennials will attract bees to pollinate your vegetables and fruit trees as well as beneficial insects to feast on bad bugs like aphids and thrip. Attracts pollinators Attracts predators

RETAIL

$22.50

CLUB

$14.95

CODE

S905

Plant these beautiful wildflowers in winter-spring in a bed near the vegie patch to bring pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden, or even dig up the front lawn and create a meadow for the whole neighbourhood to enjoy! Sow into a fine soil, as you would for carrots. Sowing in wavy S-like rows aids weed control.

Wildflowers for every garden

Summer Meadows An exclusive mix of meadow flowers formulated by Diggers own seed manager, Evette. It provides a riotous mix of colours throughout spring and summer. Includes colourful Zinnias, Californian Poppies, Cornflower, Cosmos, Flax and Rhodanthe offset by Dill and Barley. Spr-Sum covers 5m2

Scatter

$6.95

RETAIL

1.2m CLUB

$5.95

3 months CODE

Cornfield Wildflowers SWFIE

SWWBR

Wildflower Companions

Bergamot Panorama S330

Coneflower Purple S548

Coneflowers Aut-Spr

40cm

Coneflower Magic Box S555

10 months

Coneflower Magic Box

Aut-Spr covers 2.5m2

Bergamot

Pest repellents

80cm

A combination of wildflowers, green manures and herbs. Plant under fruit trees to bring health and happiness to your garden and your soul! Baby blue Flax and sky blue Cornflower, along with fragrant Buckwheat, white Coriander and feathery blue-green Dill.

Grow your own garden warriors! By adding these pungent herbs to the garden you’ll be keeping pesky bugs like flies and ants at bay. You can even make your own natural insecticide.

Monarda didyma — Upright whorls of pink, red or white are a calling sign to the insect world – bees, lacewings and hoverflies are all drawn to these vibrant flowers. Highly aromatic foliage is reminiscent of Lemon Verbena.

Echinacea purpurea — Echinacea is a popular Aut-Spr 50cm 1.2m 6 months wildflower in the prairies of USA where its nectar is a RETAIL CLUB CODE 50 seeds $3.95 $2.95 S330 source of food for butterflies and the seed heads provide winter food for birds. Here the cones are a magnet for all kinds of beneficial insects. This warm mix of sunset Lobularia maritima — This quiet achiever is one colours will keep the birds and the bees flocking to your of the best additions to your garden, renowned for Tanacetum vulgare — The camphor-like scent of garden from summer through to winter. its beneficial insect attracting qualities and its honey Tansy leaves repels ants and flies. Yellow buttons of RETAIL CLUB CODE scented blooms. 80 seeds $3.95 $2.95 S555 long lasting flowers are held above ornamental ferny 2 months foliage – as stunning as it is beneficial!. Aut-Spr 30cm 15cm

Sweet Alyssum

Coneflower Purple

Echinacea purpurea — Purple, upright flowers are not only a magnet for bees but a first class perennial for garden borders. An excellent cut flower. 200 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

Plant flowers ...

... in amongst your vegetables - it not only attracts beneficial insects, it confuses the bad bugs!

S548

2000 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

Tansy

$2.95

CODE

S454

Aut-Spr

1000 seeds

Borage

35cm RETAIL

$3.95

1m CLUB

6 months

$2.95

CODE

S357

Pyrethrum

Borago officinalis — Slate-grey leaves topped by panicles of blue. Flowers and leaves can be added to summer Tanacetum cinerariifolium — Ferny grey foliage with drinks. The blue flowers are a magnet for bees, making it white daisy flowers that can be dried and ground to an invaluable addition to the kitchen garden. make the natural insecticide. Not for TAS. Aut-Spr

45 seeds

RETAIL

40cm

$3.95

80cm CLUB

$2.95

4 months CODE

S3051

Aut-Spr

40 seeds

RETAIL

20cm

$3.95

40cm CLUB

$2.95

6 months CODE

S354

Scatter

$5.95

RETAIL

1.5m

$4.95

CLUB

4 months CODE

SWCOM

Cornfield Wildflowers Forget straight edges and hard landscaping – bring the romance back with this combination of reliable classics including Field Poppy, Corn Marigolds, Cornflower, Barley and Corn Cockle. Aut-Spr

Scatter

covers 2.5m

RETAIL

$5.95

1m CLUB

Wildflowers for Bees SWBEE

4 months

$4.95

CODE

SWFIE

Wildflower Meadow Mix Enjoy your own flower meadow with Flanders Field Poppy, Californian Poppy, Cornflower Dwarf Blue, Silene Pink, Queen Anne’s Lace and Alfalfa. Not for NT/WA. Aut-Spr cover 10m2

Scatter

RETAIL

cover 100m2 RETAIL

1.5m

4 months

$5.95

CLUB

$4.95

CODE

SWWIM

$39.95

CLUB

$29.95

CODE

SBWIM

Cornflower Dwarf Blue Centaurea cyanus — Rich deep blue double flowers with silvery foliage. Flowers are ideal for cutting. Plant en masse for a bold display. Autumn cover 5m

Scatter

RETAIL

$5.95

40cm CLUB

$4.95

Cornflower Dwarf Blue SWCOD

Summer Meadows SWWBR

Wildflower Meadow Mix SWWIM

Wildflower Companions SWCOM

4 months CODE

SWCOD

Wildflowers for Bees Bees are the most important organism on the planet when it comes to food production, but their populations are under threat due to loss of habitat and the use of agricultural chemicals. As gardeners we can help by planting more flowers, so we've formulated this mix of annual flowers that we know are a magnet for bees – Cornflowers, Dill, Poppies, Flax, Salvia, Pincushion and Coriander. Help save the bees! Spr-Sum

Sweet Alyssum S454

58 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Borage S3051

Pyrethrum S354

Tansy S357

cover 2.5m2

RETAIL

Scatter

$5.95

1.2m CLUB

$4.95

3 months CODE

SWBEE

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 59

Spring garden delights

Summer garden delights

Celebrate the end of winter with these easy, fast growing annuals that flower from 2 months!

Flanders Field

Jelly Beans

poppy

Champagne & Roses californian poppy S473

SWPO

californian poppy

Shirley Poppy Mix SWSHP

S464

Aut-Spr

30cm

4 months

Angels Choir

Papaver rhoeas — One of the prettiest members of the poppy family with silky petals in soft pastel shades. Beautiful, easy to grow and a magnet for bees – the perfect addition to the spring garden. Snip them early in the morning for truly beautiful cut flowers. 1500 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S7312

Nigella damascena — Feathery foliage and delicate flowers. Beautiful rosy pink flowers and ornamental balloon shaped seed heads after flowering. Aut-Spr

150 seeds

RETAIL

Scatter

50cm

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

17 weeks CODE

S632

Corn cockle Aut-Spr

Scatter

S7312

Cleome S502

Cottage Blue

Californian poppies

Mulberry Rose

60cm

poppy

Love-in-a-Mist Mulberry Rose S632

Love-in-a-Mist

Poppies

Angels Choir

80cm

3 months

Shirley Poppy Mix

All year

30cm

20cm

8 weeks

Jelly Beans Eschscholzia californica — As sweet as a bag of lollies, this long lasting floral display looks spectacular in drifts around the garden or grown in pots for splashes of colour. 120 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S464

Champagne and Roses

Eschscholzia californica — These quick flowering semiPapaver rhoeas — A cottage wildflower with chalices of Ocean Pearl double fluted petals in elegant colours are one of the white, pink, lilac and red. Agrostemma githago — Pale silver flowers dance easiest flowers to grow from direct sowing. Long lasting gracefully in the summer breeze. Combines beautifully covers 10m2 RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE SWSHP flowers and ferny foliage thrive even in poor soils. with other cottage annuals such as cosmos and 2 RETAIL covers 100m $39.95 CLUB $19.95 CODE SBSHP cornflowers and makes a stunning long lasting cut flower. 150 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S473 90 seeds

Flanders Field

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S518

Cerinthe

Papaver rhoeas — Always one of the first spring blooms Purple on the battlefields of France, these famous single red Agrostemma githago — Combine these bold cerise-pink Cerinthe major — Heronswood's visitors are spellbound flowers with glossy black stamens create a spectacular flowers on tall, willowy stems with blue cornflowers or by these purple-blue bells that last for months. The foliage is also appealing, turning from grey to mauve. blast of colour. red poppies. One of the easiest wildflowers to grow, sow 2 RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE SWPO Aut-Spr 35cm 70cm 4 months in autumn, spring, or all year round in warm climates. covers 10m covers 100m2 RETAIL

$39.95

Ocean Pearl

CLUB

$19.95

corn cockle

CODE

S518

60 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

SBPO

150 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

Purple

CLUB

corn cockle

$2.95

S517

CODE

S517

15 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

Cerinthe S498

CODE

No summer garden is complete without the cheerful blooms of Cosmos, Lupins, Salvias, Hollyhocks and Zinnias. Combine the cool colours of white Cosmos and blue Salvia to calm the heat. They attract the bees and other beneficial insects so are invaluable to both ornamental and vegetable gardeners. All are easy to grow from seed.

S498

salvia

S755

White

Cool blue Salvias combine beautifully with pink and white Cosmos and elegant Italian White sunflowers. Bees are attracted to the blue flower spikes, making them a valuable addition to the vegetable garden too. 30cm

S529

Picotee

cosmos

S520

Pinkie

Agastache Licorice Blue

Salvia

Spring

cosmos

4 months 30cm-1m

Agastache rugosa — Long cultivated in Asia where the fragrant anise leaves are infused in tea and used in cooking. The violet-blue spikes last for weeks! Attracts butterflies and bees. Spring

230 seeds

50cm RETAIL

$3.95

60cm CLUB

CODE

Cosmos bipinnatus — Brighten up your summer with these easy-to-grow annuals. Spr-Sum 30cm

S327

Zinnia California Giants

S523

Cosmos

3 months

$2.95

cosmos

3 months 1.2m

Pinkie

A very pretty mix of Cosmos in delightful shades of Zinnia elegans — A rainbow of colours to uplift the soul and to lure ladybirds and butterflies to your pink over fern-like foliage. Blue Monday Salvia horminum — Forget the gaudy fire-engine red garden. Bright blooms of coral pink, vivid orange, reds, 100 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S523 bedding salvias and discover the beauty of this long- yellows and purples are not at all bothered by the heat of lasting annual. Growing to 30cm high, the blue bracts summer. Flowers for months and lasts for ever in a vase. White stand proud and put on a spectacular display, and also Spr-Sum 30cm 75cm 4 months Beautiful bright white flowers combine perfectly with old fashioned favourites such as Sweet Peas, Salvias make an ideal cut flower. 90 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S851 and Hollyhocks for cottage garden appeal. NEW! 100 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S757 120 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S529

Cleome

Cottage Blue

Salvia farinacea — Salvias thrive in the Australian sun with cool blue flowers which are a vital element to cottage gardens. The lavender-like spikes of Cottage Blue last for months and combine well with cosmos. A favourite with the bees. 170 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S755

Blue Monday

salvia

S757

Cleome hassleriana — Delicate pink spider flowers Picotee with strong foliage. The delicate whiskered flowers Picotee is a reminder of how cottage gardens used to belie their tough constitution. Great for the back of be – wild, romantic and colourful. Step back in time the summer cottage border. with these starry white and pink blooms that dance Spring 1m 2m 4 months above fern-like green foliage. 200 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

California Giants

$2.95

zinnia

S851

CODE

S502

150 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

Licorice Blue

CLUB

$2.95

agastache

CODE

S520

S327

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 61

Sweet peas

Heirloom flowers

Lathyrus odoratus — Sweet Peas are one of the easiest and most exquisitely fragrant flowers to grow from seed. Try repeat sowings from September through to May and enjoy their heavenly scent for up to 9 months of the year.

Beautiful gardens can only be created with the finest plants. Unadulterated open-pollinated flowers work best in cottage gardens as they are free flowering and come in varying shapes and sizes.

Flowers for the vase

Sow tender annuals ( ) in late spring and summer and hardy annuals ( ) in autumn and early spring. Biennials ( ) and hardy perennials ( ) are best sown in autumn and may flower the following spring, but are more likely to flower in the second year after sowing.

30- 50cm

5 months Sep-May

1-2m

Heavenly Scented Mix Matucana

sweet pea

S796

Heavenly Scented Mix

sweet pea

This is a delightful mix of our most fragrant, oldfashioned favourites. We've included Lord Nelson with handsome flowers in dark blue, Dorothy Eckford iis pure white, Flora Norton a very pretty pale mauve and the famously striped Spencer Ripple. All are sweetly scented and combine beautifully in a vase.

S814

20 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S814

sweet pea

S799

High Scent

sweet pea

Possibly the most sweetly scented of all heirloom sweet peas, some even say the most fragrant in the world! The striking pink and purple flowers always feature in our spring gardens.

S816

20 seeds

4 Packets — Flowers play such an important role in the garden and in our lives, so bring some of the beauty from the garden into your home with Cosmos, Pincushion Flower, Sweet Pea and Queen Anne's Lace. Beautiful heirlooms that are all easy to grow and that make outstanding cut flowers. Enjoy! CLUB

$12.95

CODE

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S796

20 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S799

High Scent A favourite during our trials for its antique cream flowers and superb fragrance. The delicate flowers belie its hardiness and the long stemmed flowers continued right through the height of summer. Bred by renowned plant breeder Dr Keith Hammett of New Zealand. 20 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S816

S910

Rudbeckia Indian Summer

Pincushion Flower Mix

Cornflower Pink & Blue

Rudbeckia hirta — From the prairies of the American mid-west comes this long-flowering Black-eyed Susan. Huge yellow daisy blooms with dark centres are held on sturdy branches from summer through to autumn. A wonderful cut flower and fantastic in pots.

Scabiosa atropurpurea — Shades of white, blue and purple. Enjoy thousands of Pincushions in dry, hungry ground from December through to February. The frilly flowers also last inside as a perfect cut flower. Covers 2.5m2.

Centaurea cyanus — We've combined the perfect match of pink and blue cornflowers so you can have a wonderful display in the garden and also for picking bunches for inside the home. Best planted en masse as the plants will support one another.

Spr-Sum

120 seeds

RETAIL

50cm

$3.95

Indian Summer

1m CLUB

4 months

$2.95

rudbeckia

S749

62 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

CODE

S749

Aut-Spr

1500 seeds

30cm RETAIL

$6.95

1m CLUB

4 months

$5.95

Pincushion Flower Mix S716

CODE

S716

Autumn covers 2.5m

Campanula medium — One of the prettiest of any cut flowers, Canterbury Bells is an old-fashioned biennial grown in cottage gardens through mid summer. Aut-Spr

Scatter RETAIL

70cm RETAIL

$4.95

Pink & Blue

40cm CLUB

$3.95

cornflower

30cm

$3.95

4 months

$2.95

CLUB

CODE

Queen Anne's Lace

Hollyhocks Alcea sp. — As essential as Foxgloves in spring, no summer cottage border should be without Hollyhocks!

S483

Russell Lupins

Aut-Spr

30cm

6 months

25 seeds

50cm

RETAIL

$3.95

1.2m CLUB

$2.95

9 months CODE

S638

Love-in-a-Mist Blue Nigella spp. — Masses of soft blue flowers provide colour for months. An easy care annual that self seeds and reappears each year. Covers 10m2 (available in bulk for 50m2 coverage). Aut-Spr

Scatter

50cm

4 months

7500 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

SWLO

75000 seeds

RETAIL

$39.95

CLUB

$29.95

CODE

SBLO

Black

This rare, deep maroon-black hollyhock revels in hot and dry positions. Plant amongst lower annuals and perennials for vertical impact. 30 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

Ammi majus — Tall umbels of lacy white flowers from early summer to autumn. A favourite for beneficial insects. Covers 5m2. Aut-Spr

1200 seeds

RETAIL

50cm

$4.95

1.5m CLUB

$3.95

9 months

SWQU

CODE

Delphinium Butterfly Mix

Cottage Single Mix

Lupinus polyphyllus — Spires of mixed colours provide With colours ranging through pure white, primrose a dazzling display over dissected fan-like foliage. Not pink and deep maroon, these cottage favourites with only ornamental – being a member of the pea family graceful spires epitomise the joy of gardening. they will improve the soil as well. Not for TAS. 120 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S608 Autumn

The very first sweet pea bred by plant enthusiasts in the mid-18th century and it’s still a favourite for gardeners today. The most fragrant of them all, with pink and white blooms and strong stems for cutting.

COLLECTION

$19.95

$4.95

Painted Lady

Cut Flower

RETAIL

Delphinium Butterfly Mix S544

Canterbury Bells Blue

650 seeds

Matucana

Painted Lady

Russell Lupins S638

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S607

For the best effect... ... try sowing 3-5 flower varieties en masse, in clumps or drifts, and set your inner artist free!

The quintessential cottage garden perennial that is still much adored by gardeners today. Dark, light blue and white spires of D. belladonna, D. bellamosum and D. casablanca add vertical contrast to the garden border. Best planted in clumps. No need to stake. Aut-Spr

150 seeds

RETAIL

35cm

$4.95

70cm CLUB

$3.95

5 months CODE

S544

Viola Heartsease Viola tricolor — The true Johnny-Jump-Up, also known as Heartsease for its use in treating a range of ailments throughout the ages. We like to grow it purely for its endearing, face-like flowers and its ability to self seed. Aut-Spr

150 seeds

20cm RETAIL

$3.95

20cm CLUB

$2.95

4 months CODE

S598

4 months CODE

SWCOPB

Viola Heartsease S598

Love-in-a-Mist Blue SWLO

SWCOPB

Canterbury Bells Blue S483

Cottage Single Mix

hollyhocks

S608

Black

hollyhocks

S607

Queen Anne's Lace SWQU

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 63

Flowers for the vegie patch

Sunflowers

Add a splash of colour to the vegie garden! Some of these flowers, like the calendula and nasturtium, are also edible. The best place for these bright beauties is amongst your vegetables and herbs, creating a rich tapestry of colours, attracting pollinators and increasing the biodiversity in your garden.

Helianthus annuus — Sunflowers are the easiest seeds to sow, the quickest to flower and a magnet for bees. Get your children started in gardening by sowing Giant Russian seeds to see how tall they grow and how big the seed heads are! All of them make spectacular cut flowers and Italian White lasts well in the garden for a long display. Spr-Aut 3 months

Diggers Trials Manager Ian Magnus collecting Sunflower data Red Marietta

marigold

Spring

Zinnia Red Beauty

25-30cm

Spr-Sum

90 seeds

Red Marietta

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

Naughty Marietta

S641

30cm

RETAIL

$3.95

75cm CLUB

Aut-Spr

30cm

Aut-Spr

$2.95

CODE

S855

60cm

2 months

Green Heart Orange

20cm

Trailing Mix

Tropaelum majus — Perfect for those gardeners beginning their flower adventure because these are just so easy to grow. A brilliant mix of reds, yellows and oranges look wonderful cascading from hanging baskets and over garden edges. 60cm trails. 20 seeds

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S664

Calendula officinalis — For brilliant sunny colour on Tagetes patula — This French marigold is the naughty grey winter days, Calendula is always reliable. Use Empress of India companion to dainty Marietta, with mahogany stars the bright orange petals as a gourmet treat on salads. T. minus — Dramatic dark green leaves are the on single yellow flowers that last all summer. Striking, One of the best companion plants. delicate and appealing, especially compared to the 25 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S462 perfect foil for brilliant red flowers. modern ‘neon light’ American types. 15 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S657 130 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S642 Pacific Apricot Calendula officinalis — Cultivated for their medicinal Alaska Scarlet and culinary attributes for centuries, the warm pastels T. minus — Green splashed white saucers of leaf make The flowers of Borage, Chives of Pacific Apricot blend more harmoniously with great foliage contrast even before they flower in post and Sage look good and can be other garden colours than standard bright orange variety. box red. eaten too! 40 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S465 20 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S658

Naughty Marietta

marigold

Empress of India

S642

nasturtium

Pacific Apricot

S657

64 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

calendula

S465

Trailing Mix

Green Heart Orange

nasturtium

S664

calendula

S462

Red Beauty

Alaska Scarlet

zinnia

nasturtium

S855

S658

multi-head long flowering

single head

Prado Red

Italian White

Giant Russian

Exclusive to Diggers. Large velvety mid-red, to firey An enchanting branching sunflower with dark hocolate The original sunflower has huge golden yellow heads orange fading to yellow. Up to 10 heads per plant that centres and white petals. These multi-headed flowers up to 50cm across. The best variety for edible seeds and dazzle gardens for up to 2 months. Height to 1.5m. last for 2-3 months in the garden. Height to 1.4m. chooks love them too. Height to 3m. 25 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S798 40 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S789 15 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S788

25cm

4 months

Calendulas

Tagetes patula — A cheeky French marigold with bright red and yellow flowers that keep bad bugs at bay. An ideal edging plant for vegie gardens, one of the best companion plants for tomatoes. $3.95

Nasturtiums

Zinnia elegans — Truly stunning brilliant red flowers with contrasting golden ringed centres. Masses of blooms will keep you smiling for months.

15cm

2-3 months

RETAIL

50cm-3m

S641

Marigolds

130 seeds

30cm

Lemon Queen An abundance of beautiful, pale butter yellow sunflowers stand tall in the summer sun. Natural variance may occur. Height to 2m. 25 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

S791

Teddy Bear Fluffy spheres of deep gold on a strong branching plant. Flowers for up to two months. The dwarf flowers are a favourite with kids! 50cm tall. 25 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

CLUB

$3.95

CODE

Van Gogh’s Landscape

Moonwalker A tall multi-branching sunflower with very pretty butter-yellow flowers that fade to a pale lemon as they age. The height and width make it a good summer screening plant. Some natural variation occurs within this variety. Height to 2.5m. 15 seeds

CLUB MEMBERS ONLY

S800

$3.95

CODE

S794

Create the perfect Van Gogh landscape with these tall, statuesque single stemmed plants. Large traditional gold flowers with strongly curved petals. 75 days to flower, 6 days vase life. Height to 1.5m. 20 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S792

Sunny snacks Leave the heads of Giant Russian sunflowers to dry out and you’ll be able to harvest your own sunflower seeds to snack on. Great with a bit of soy sauce!

Van Gogh’s Landscape single head S792

Lemon Queen multi head S791

Giant Russian single head S788

Italian White multi head S789

Teddy Bear multi head S800

Prado Red multi head S798

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 65

Australian wildflowers

COLLECTION

Celebrate the diversity of Australia’s wonderful native flora by bringing a bit of the bush into your own garden.

covers 5m

20cm

cover 50m2 RETAIL

60cm

4 months

$6.95

CLUB

$5.95

$39.95

CLUB

$29.95 CODE SBNA

RETAIL

$12.95

CLUB

$9.95

CODE

S669

Helipterum Pierrot

Rhodanthe chlorocephala sp. rosea — Our famous everlasting mix. Dappled shades of pink and white are so easy to raise. Naturalises and perfect for drying as ever-lasting flowers. Aut

RETAIL

CODE

SWNA

Flannel Flower

Helipterum roseum — These brilliant white flowers Actinotus helianthi — Australia’s answer to Edelweiss has white star-like flowers and grey foliage glow in the garden and can be dried for indoors. to suit a dry garden. Needs sandy soils, and smoked Aut-Spr 25cm 50cm 2 months water aids germination. Spr-Sum 45cm 90cm 6 months 180 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S600 180 seeds

Blue Lace Flower

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S566

Waltzing Matilda Mix

covers 2.5m2

Swainsona formosa — Named for Captain Charles Sturt who noted its “splendid blossom” while exploring South Australia in 1844, this icon from Uluru can be grown in poor sandy soils. Rapid growing annual with a tap root so sow in position or transplant carefully. Aut-Spr

25 seeds

15cm

RETAIL

$3.95

30cm CLUB

$2.95

2 months CODE

S811

RETAIL

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

CODE

S556

Billy Buttons Pycnosorus globosus — Also known as Drumsticks, his unique Australian native is a one of our most popular cut flower exports. Perfect spheres of butter yellow rise above slender silver foliage through spring and summer. Aut-Spr

400 seeds

RETAIL

20cm

50cm

$3.95

CLUB

$2.95

Moon Calendar

Backyard Bees

Weed Forager's Handbook

This is a perpetual Moon Calendar which will last for years and take the guess work out of successful gardening. By setting the wheel indicator to the new moon for each month you know when to weed, when to sow, when to prune, when to prepare your soil, when to fertilise and even when to go fishing! First released in our garden shops with huge success, you can learn more by searching for the “Moon Planting” article on our website.

Just about anyone can keep bees and Backyard Bees explains everything you need to know about hosting a bee hive in your own backyard. If you have ever been interested in having these important pollinators that work your vegie patch in your own space, then read on to see just how easy it is. Written by New South Welshman Doug Purdie, this is the ultimate guide to installing and maintaining a hive. Softcover, 208 pages.

Ever wondered about the cars parked along the green verges of the highways, and the occupants out nearby, sorting and collecting greens? Just what were they were doing? These plants we call weeds have been used for decades as food plants and for medicinal uses. Use this book to identify these incredible edible plants that you may already have growing in your own backyard, and learn about their connections to human history. Softcover, 166 pages.

RETAIL

$21.50

CLUB $18.00 CODE HRMOON

RETAIL

$35.00

3 months CODE

Sturt’s Desert Pea S811

Flannel Flower S566

Wicking Bed Kit Components ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S730

◆ ◆ ◆

Water inlet pipe components Tank outlet parts Agricultural drain pipe Custom made, heavy duty PVC waterproof bed liner Geotextile to line the bed Batten screws for the framework Explanatory and construction booklets

All the ‘fiddly’ hard-to-source components are included – you supply the timber plus the scoria and soil to fill the bed. Waltzing Matilda MIx S556

66 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

Billy Buttons S450

Blue Lace Flower S459

CLUB

$32.00

CODE

HBEE

RETAIL

$22.95

CLUB

$21.95

CODE

HWFH

Garden Pests, Diseases & Good Bugs Victorian Based Denis Crawford gives us a most comprehensive look at pests and diseases, along with the beneficial insects that are in Australian gardens. For those wanting to create a healthy and thriving garden this book is a must-have reference. With over 750 amazing photographs of incredible detail, and a wealth of easy-to-follow advice, this is the ultimate guide. Softcover, 464 pages. RETAIL

$40.00

CLUB

$39.00

CODE

HGPD

Wicking bed kit

S450

retail $3.95 club $2.95 code S730

Helipterum Pierrot S600

1500 seeds

RETAIL

Trachymene coerulea — Powder blue lacy umbels that look like an old fashioned pin cushion. Best grown in Brachyscome, Craspedia, Helichrysum, warm sunny well drained soil in a native garden or cut Ammobium and Rhodanthe bring back the bush for indoor vase. Easy from seed! and explode in a riot of colour including blue, pink, Aut-Spr 25cm 50cm 3 months white, yellow, orange and red. 120 seeds RETAIL $3.95 CLUB $2.95 CODE S459 Aut-Spr Scatter to 50cm 4 months

Sturt’s Desert Pea

1500 seeds

View our full range of gardening books at

“Most of the modern garden books published are repeats of someone else’s original ideas and the old titles are out of print, but the books listed below are the foundation stones for serious gardening success.” Clive Blazey

4 Packets — Celebrate the diversity of our native flora with this botanical collection that includes Billy Buttons, Flannel Flower, Sturt's Desert Pea and Blue Lace Flower. An ideal gift for nature lovers, garden enthusiasts or friends overseas.

Adapted to survive nutrient poor soils, hot summers and drought conditions, these varieties have been selected for their outstanding garden worthiness — and most even make long-lasting cut flowers!

Native Everlasting

Books for keen gardeners

Australian Native

RETAIL

$354.00

CLUB

$295.00

CODE

HWICKING

EL NINO is back! Be prepared and save water, space and time with our tried and tested Wicking Bed Kit. Wicking beds allow you to save up to 90% of your water, compared with a traditional raised bed garden, making them perfect for gardeners conscious of water use, especially those of us on tank water only. This kit is perfect for temporary gardeners, or those who have no ground to grow in; you can assemble one directly onto concrete, bitumen or compacted clay. There are many flawed wicking bed designs out there, so get it right the first time with this kit. We’ve engaged the services of two wicking bed experts to design a Fit-out Kit that steps you simply through the process of making your own 2.4m x 1.2m wicking bed. You supply the framework timber and the soil/scoria and we’ll send you all the other hard-to-source components. The kit contains 2 booklets – one with the how and why of water wicking, the other with detailed, step-by-step instructions for construction. A simple, easy DIY project!

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 67

Tools for heirloom gardeners

FIGO Connectors for Bamboo Canes HFIGO

Vegetable Net

We use these nets to great effect in our kitchen gardens, keeping cabbage moth off our early brassica plantings. 5m x 2.87m in size, these nets have a fine mesh that will keep out even the smallest bug and a density that protects crops from both frost and sunburn. Can be simply laid over crops, or used with stakes, FIGO frames or poly piping to create a box or tunnel. RETAIL

$23.95

CLUB

$19.00

CODE

HVEGN

Insectrap

Galvanised Garden Sieve HGGSV

A non-toxic trap that lures Diptera insects including Mediterranean and Queensland fruit flies and citrus gall wasp. Simply remove the twist top and hang the yellow cylinder in your fruit tree (two traps for 2m tall trees, four traps for larger trees). Use throughout the year for fruit fly and from Sep-Nov for citrus gall wasp. Replace after three months for maximum effect. RETAIL

$7.95

CLUB

$6.95

CODE

HITRAP

Vegetable Net HVEGN

68 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

FIGO Connectors for Bamboo Canes

You won’t find these craftily designed utility connectors anywhere else in Australia! Presented as a box set, the FIGO Universal Frame Connectors will grip a wide range of cane thicknesses (8-16mm diameter) firmly and securely so you can build strong, sturdy and stable frames anywhere in the garden. The flexible connector arms twist to virtually any angle allowing you to create almost any frame shape. Each kit contains 6 three-way and 4 four-way connectors. RETAIL

$37.95

CLUB

$33.95

CODE

HFIGO

FIGO Combo Kit

Includes a packet of Diggers exclusive FIGO Universal Frame Connectors, a pack of 34 bamboo canes (1m lengths) and a fine mesh vegetable net which covers an area of 1 x 3 metres with plenty of overhang. RETAIL

$76.95

CLUB

$62.95

CODE

HFIGOC

Animal Away

Diggers Knees

Insectrap HITRAP

Insect House HIH

Diggers Knees HDKN

FIGO Combo Kit HFIGOC

These pads offer ultra-cushioning memory foam with an We've trialled this in our Heronswood gardens and outer layer of water resistant durable neoprene. Durable members have used it successfully in their gardens and washable, they really ease the pressure on your knees! too. The ultrasonic noise and strobe light keep pesky cats, possums, rats and other unwelcome visitors from RETAIL $45.95 CLUB $39.95 CODE HDKN tramping, marking and digging in the garden. Covers up to 85m2 and runs on two 9V batteries (not included). Galvanised Garden Sieve The best possum deterrent yet! This beautiful potting sieve is the ideal tool to create RETAIL $99.00 CLUB $92.95 CODE HAWAY a fine tilth for seed germination. Small (200mm diameter) and lightweight (350g), it's easy to use over pots and seedling trays to lightly cover your seeds with Animal Away Transformer fine compost. 4mm sieve aperture. Steel and heavy wire A 240/12 volt transformer for Animal Away. This allows you to plug into a 240 volt power supply. mesh is hot dip galvanised to ensure long life. NEW!

RETAIL

$33.50

CLUB

$27.50

CODE

HGGSV

RETAIL

$23.95

CLUB

$17.95

Animal Away HAWAY

CODE

HAWAY2

Heirloom Gal Watering Can HBBWC

Insect House

The perfect home for beneficial insects. Without these creatures, our gardens would be devoid of flowers and fruit. Hang in your citrus trees to help control the citrus gall wasp and other garden nasties. 20cm wide, 27cm high and 13cm deep, with lots of ‘hotel room’. RETAIL $34.95 CLUB $25.95 CODE HIH

Stealth Hoe

Gas Weeding Wand HGWW

Heirloom Gal Watering Can

To last a lifetime – this 9 litre watering can has been hot gal dipped for durability. There's no more twisting of your back thanks to the ergonomic handle, which slips easily through the hand as gravity tips the can forward into the pouring position. A removable brass rose allows for fine or rapid watering and the oval shape gives knees a wider berth – a beautifully designed gardening accessory.

RETAIL $105.00 CLUB $95.00 CODE HBBWC In the time it takes to mix up a toxic weed spray you could have your weeding done, it's that quick! Made in DeWit Fork and Spade Australia from hardened carbon steel, it has a razor sharp A Diggers exclusive, these superb tools are handmade edge on the three sides of the blade. Some assembly from Swedish boron steel, hardened to sustain a sharper required fitting handle to head. edge for longer. The handles are fashioned from FSCRETAIL $75.00 CLUB $55.00 CODE HHOE accredited European ash for comfort and strength and the steel heads carry lifetime guarantees. This Fork Korean Ho-Mi is the best we have ever used and the Spade is well Korean designed gardening tool for “opening the soil”, balanced and perfect for digging in any soil. Assembly seedling transplant, weeding and bulb planting. First required to affix handle to head (2 screws are supplied). made over 5000 years ago during the Bronze Age, HoMi is pronounced Hoe-Mee and means “Little Ground FORK RETAIL $166.00 CLUB $156.00 CODE HDDF Spear”. A handmade tool with a durable and sustainable SPADE RETAIL $176.00 CLUB $166.00 CODE HDDS rubber tree handle. Like all tools this requires cleaning, oiling and storing out of the elements. Gas Weeding Wand NEW!

RETAIL

$29.95

CLUB

$25.00

CODE

HHOMI

Long T Handle Trowel

This wooden Long 'T' handle trowel is 750mm long which means less bending down to prepare your beds for planting or tilling. Australian made from high carbon steel, heat treated for maximum strength and sharpened to a knife edge. The light-weight handle is made from spotted gum. RETAIL

$49.95

CLUB

$42.95

Korean Ho-Mi HHOMI

CODE

HDWTL

Long T Handle Trowel HDWTL

A lightweight flame wand with auto-ignition, ideal for killing all weeds in a variety of situations, including gravel or paved paths, patios, garden beds and lawns. It burns weeds at a safe distance, so no need for nasty chemicals – our gardeners control weeds this way at our organically certified gardens. Gas cartridges are easily available at any hardware store and will last for hours. You need to just cause the weed to ‘collapse’, not totally ‘burn’ for a more economic control. Wand only. RETAIL

$98.00

CLUB

$88.00

Stealth Hoe HHOE

CODE

HGWW

DeWit Spade HDDS

DeWit Fork HDDF

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 69

Botanicus organicus

Your support helps us do amazing things

Himalayan Poppy

In a world of genetically modified seeds and hybrid supermarket tomatoes it is increasingly important to return to our botanic heritage — a heritage we find in all our botanic gardens but not in our nurseries or box warehouses, where species are so often distorted for commercial gain.

Meconopsis betonicifolia — Is there any flower as desirable as this poppy from Tibet? Planted en masse this legendary blue poppy is a breath-taking sight to behold. For cool climate gardeners with moist soils and summers below 30°C.

Your membership of The Diggers Club helps fund the activities of the Diggers Garden and Environment Trust and allows us to shine the spotlight on multinational seed ownership of our food supply, deterioration of our soils and promote how gardeners can help alleviate climate change. We are a club of passionate gardeners determined to lead sustainable lifestyles, bring our climate back into equilibrium and live in harmony with nature as we do in our gardens.

Win-Spr

Here is a collection of botanic legends that grow naturally — Botanicus organicus.

16 months 25cm

All are grown from seed so they can be sent around the country as inexpensive gifts.

English Primrose S557

20cm

150 seeds RETAIL

CODE

$4.95

Moonflower S650

Moonflower

CLUB

S458 $3.95

Edelweiss S452

Edelweiss

Miracle Tree

Spring NEW!

20 seeds

English Primrose

50cm RETAIL

2-3m

$4.95

CLUB

5 months

$3.95

CODE

S725

Aut-Spr NEW!

100 seeds

20cm RETAIL

20cm

$4.95

CLUB

8 months

$3.95

CODE

Loofah

Boab

Luffa aegyptiaca — Grow your own bath sponge and, for the truly adventurous, harvest some of the fruit while still young and try eating them! Train up a support and screen out your neighbours with this novelty climber.

Adansonia gregorii — An iconic tree from the top end of Australia. Its gigantic swollen trunk stores water and one was even hollowed out for use as a prison! Handsome pink flowers are followed by big shady leaves.

Aut-Spr

10 seeds

RETAIL

50cm

$4.95

2m CLUB

$3.95

4 months CODE

Loofah S1872

70 • Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16

S1872

Spring

5 seeds

RETAIL

$4.95

10m CLUB

$3.95

Miracle Tree S411

CODE

Club members have free entry to three gardens!

HERONSWOOD

Leave a legacy We are fortunate to have anonymous benefactors generously gift their estates to the Trust, for the purpose of assisting the Trust's mission to educate gardeners and preserve our historic buildings, plants and important gardens.

S557

Boab image courtesy of Kings Park and Botanic Garden

Kiss Me

Our Trust promotes garden education, preserves heirloom plants and seeds, restores the historic buildings of Heronswood and St Erth, and maintains two of Australia's finest gardens which members can visit freely any day. We are establishing our third garden – a boutique garden in Dromana – to preserve our finest summer perennials.

Kiss Me Over The Garden Gate S725

Ipomoea alba — Spectacular deliciously scented white Leontopodium alpinum — The most sought after Moringa oleifera — Only just becoming well known blooms glimmer like a full moon. Soak in hot (not alpine wildflower that draws visitors up the mountains in the west, the Miracle Tree lives up to its name. boiling) water until seed coat splits before sowing. every summer. Easy to grow in a partly shaded spot. Every part of this fast growing tree is edible and all parts provide more of our daily requirements than any other Spring 3m 1m 4 months Spring 20cm 25cm 1 year food plant. It is high in calcium, magnesium, iron and 10 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S650 1000 seeds RETAIL $4.95 CLUB $3.95 CODE S452 vitamins A and C – all of which help to boost energy levels and moods, lower blood pressure and improve the function of our immune system. Easy to grow from seed over the garden gate Persicaria orientalis — A true old-fashioned favourite Primula vulgaris — How do you know when spring has but protect from frost. for its bright-pink Princes Feather type flowers, the arrived? Check to see if your English Primrose has Oct-Dec Sep-Dec Jul-Oct 2m 8m tall plants are a real feature in the summer garden, and started blooming! The scented, pale yellow flowers are a RETAIL CLUB $4.95 $3.95 CODE S411 the birds go crazy for the seeds in autumn. A wonderful sure sign that spring is just around the corner and always 10 seeds cut flower. Soak seed for 24 hours before sowing. something to celebrate on a green thumb's calendar.

HERONSWOOD

S449

We are emboldened to seek further support, whether it be your continuing membership of The Diggers Club, your encouragement of others to join us or something more substantial. Please email me at cliveb@diggers.com.au for further information.

CLOUDEHILL

Chair, Diggers Garden and Environment Trust ST ERTH

Boab S449

Diggers Seed Annual 2015/16 • 71

If undeliverable please return to: The Diggers Club PO Box 300 Dromana Victoria Australia 3936

Visit us at our Garden Shops

Heronswood Dromana Wander amongst the living catalogue of fruit trees, vegetable gardens and flower beds at the home of The Diggers Club. Our team in the Garden Shop will help you to get your garden growing with seeds, flowers, fruit trees and the best advice. Enjoy lunch, morning or afternoon tea in historic Heronswood House.

The Garden of St Erth Blackwood Discover a secret garden nestled in Wombat State Forest, just 30 minutes from Daylesford! Once a thriving gold-rush town, the garden now features an extraordinary range of espaliered fruit, drought tolerant flowers and shrubs and colourful displays of spring bulbs. Shop for the complete Diggers range in our Garden Shop before enjoying the best local wine and produce in the cafĂŠ.

Cloudehill Olinda Our newest Garden Shop is part of these internationally acclaimed gardens and stocks a full range of your favourite plants, heirloom seeds and garden hardware. Lose yourself in the gardens, which feature the best garden traditions, planting combinations and contemporary designs. Stay for lunch at Seasons restaurant.

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PP 100001782

POSTAGE PAID AUSTRALIA

Adelaide Botanic Garden

Monthly gardenin workshopgs at each location!

Visit the Diggers Garden Shop located in the ABG's Schomburgk Pavilion and ask our helpful staff for gardening advice. Pick up your heirloom flower and vegetable seeds, seasonal bulbs, books and garden hardware.

For more details on our shops, special events and workshops, visit www.diggers.com.au