Seed Details

Learn more about the seeds that will be available at the Fall Open Garden

BUCKWHEAT: Fagopyrum esculentum is my favorite pollinator attracting plant! Contrary to its name this is not related to wheat at all, and in fact is not even a grass. The species is actually more closely related to rhubarb, which famously does not thrive in the heat of the southeast. It will begin to flower within 3 to 6 weeks after direct sowing and flower continuously for several weeks. Buckwheat grown for beneficial bugs should be allowed to flower for at least 20 days.

Buckwheat is planted in the northeastern United States and Canada in the summer, and in the southeastern United States in early spring or fall. Buckwheat can germinate and grow in temperatures as low as 45 degrees, but optimal growth occurs at or above 55 degrees. Buckwheat is frost sensitive and does not survive even light frosts.

Buckwheat should be planted at least 60 days before the first expected frost date or before the hot and dry season. A well-sown buckwheat will out-compete weeds. Buckwheat is also seldom damaged by insects or diseases. This fall into the “chop and drop” cover crop category, meaning you mow it in place at the end of the season to allow the organic matter to decompose in place adding nutrients and organic material to naturally improve your soil.

CRIMSON CLOVER: Trifolium incarnatum is one of the most colorful nitrogen fixing cover crops to include in your spring or fall garden. This is a great self-sowing (once established) cool season annual with an erect growth habit and a shallow taproot system. I love pairing it in full sun borders with buckwheat, as both attract a wide array of pollinators.

In zones 6-8 I recommend a mid-fall or early spring direct seeding to maximize its time during the cooler weather. Crimson clover plants are grown as an annual cover crop and, like other members of the legume family, they fix nitrogen in the soil. What sets crimson clover apart from other clover cover crops is their quick establishment and maturation, their cool weather preference, and their ability to grow in poor, dry, sandy soils where perennial clovers do not establish well.

This falls into the “chop and drop” cover crop category, meaning you grow it and then cut it down allowing the green matter to decompose in place, adding organic matter and nutrients to your soil.

Crimson clover is native to the Mediterranean region and has been used as a cover crop in the United States since the mid-1800s. Today, it is the most common legume cover crop and forage plant for livestock in the U.S. Although it is not a native species, crimson clover is an important source of nectar for honeybees and other pollinators.

DAIKON RADISH: Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus is perhaps the most important cover crop to improve compacted soil. The Daikon Radish is easy to grow any time of the year in zones 6-8! Simply scatter the seeds directly in any open areas of your landscape and garden and allow to germinate in place. Because the Daikon Radish is so hardy, it can thrive in almost climate and will continue to thrive even as winter temperatures set in. It will also tolerate summer heat, truly making this a year-round plant!

The large root leaves behind a significant cavity in the soil, making it an optimal option for breaking up soil, including heavy clays, for those who wish to plant new crop options in years to come. Studies have shown that this taproot leaves more than 6 to 10 inches of effect on soil compaction. The word "Daikon" actually translates to "big root" in Japanese! 

Daikon Radish have been a popular as a form of sustenance for residents of Southeast Asia for thousands of years. Thanks to its mild taste, it has found new audiences across the world in more recent years. Daikon Radishes can be stored for weeks, even without their leaves, if they are stored in a cool place. In Japanese cuisine, they are often pickled.

PEANUTS: Arachis hypogaea are yet another “must grow” plant for the summer! Peanuts are too easy to grow not to try them at least once.  Developing into 24" masses, the yellow flowers are attractive all summer.  Their drought tolerance makes them practical even in landscapes with no irrigation.  Being a legume, they naturally fix nitrogen in the soil providing nutrients for the plants surrounding them.   

They are easy to grow from a raw (unroasted) seed.  When the soil temperature is consistently warm (above 65F), thumb a single nut into the ground 1-2" deep about 8" apart.   They will germinate in 6-10 days and grow through the warm season.  As the temperatures get cool and the days grow shorter the foliage will begin to turn yellow.  This is your sign that it is time to harvest.  First, check the weather report.  Peanuts will need a few days to bake in the sun once removed from the soil.  Harvesting is fun and easy... You literally yank the plants out of the ground and the nuts will have formed on all of the root nodules.  An average plant can have 12-25 nuts making a foundation landscape edge an abundant resource for homegrown, organic peanuts.   

CLEMSON SPINELESS OKRA: Clemson Spineless Okra is an allopolyploid of uncertain parentage. However, proposed parents include Abelmoschus ficulneus, A. tuberculatus and a reported “diploid” form of okra. The geographical origin of okra is disputed, with supporters of South Asian, Ethiopian and West African regions. Okra was introduced to the Americas by ships plying the Atlantic slave trade by 1658, when its presence was recorded in Brazil.

Okra grows best at temperatures between 75 and 90 °F. When planting okra check to make sure the soil temperature is warm enough so that seeds germinate and begin to grow, as cool soils can lead to slow growth and seedling diseases. The optimum soil temperature for seed germination lies somewhere between 70 to 95 °F, so gardeners will want to check the soil temperature at a depth of 4 inches before planting. If soil temperatures are less than 65 °F, at a soil depth of 4” WAIT until soil temperatures are warmer. The crop can be grown on all soil types, although sandy loam soils high in organic matter are the most desirable. Plant in full sun for best productivity.

REX RICE: Oryza sativa is probably the most “shocking” plant you can grow through the summer season. Every visitor is always fascinated when they see rice growing in pots right on my back porch or driveway!

Grow rice in a pot with no drainage holes for the easiest experience. No, you won’t grow enough to never buy it from the store, but you will have an authentic experience and inspire others! The variety ‘Rex’ typically matures in 75 days with an abundance of seed.

Rice grows best in wet conditions, hence my recommendation for growing in a pot with no drainage holes. It also is best for FULL SUN, which is why I often have my rice pots situated in my driveway. Remember, rice is a tropical plant that thrives in heat. No need to plant early- nights below 40 will cause injury. I always wait to direct seed my rice in pots until mid-May- the end of June!

When planted in early June by directly scattering the seed in a container (no transplanting needed) you can expect to see flowers by mid- late August. The seed will mature over a period of weeks and can be harvested for ornamentation, de-hulled and processed for eating, and left to feed local birds.

SEMINOLE PUMPKIN: Seminole pumpkins are a cultivated variety of Cucurbita moschata, a heat tolerant species which includes butternut squash. In contrast, the traditional jack-o-lantern pumpkin is Cucurbita pepo. As with all plants, the knowing the species makes a big difference!

They grow in a variety of different shapes and colors with mature fruits growing 6-12lbs! Yes, they are edible! There is nothing wrong with pumpkins for decoration, but if you are going through the “trouble” of growing them, why wouldn’t you at least try to eat one?! These have orange flesh and taste like an extra sweet butternut squash.

Young, green fruits can be harvested and eaten like a zucchini! I plan to harvest most of my immature fruit to make a delicious stir fry. The large yellow flowers are also edible, and can be eaten raw, stuffed, or fried.

The productive vines grow 25 + feet- I swear mine are close to 50’. The Seminole people planted the vines below trees which served as natural trellises, which is exactly what has happened in my garden!

Disease and insect free, including root knot nematodes and squash vine borer, these plants require little maintenance and do not suffer from disease and pests the way other squashes and pumpkins do. I direct seed these in June-July here in zone 7 for an abundant fall harvest.

WHITE SEEDED SESAME: Sesamum indicum also called “Benne” is a tall-growing, annual seeding crop that will achieve 3 to 5 feet in height at maturity. Blooming all summer, like a foxglove, sesame benefits many pollinators including bees and butterflies. After blooming, the Sesame seed pods will provide ample food for passing birds! Yes, you CAN grow your own bird seed, and it is beautiful! Seed production will occur in approximately 90 days after emergence. 

This HEAT and DROUGHT tolerant summer annual is an ideal addition to any sunny landscape and garden. I like to pair it with sunflowers, sorghum, and zinnias to maximize the pollinator activity.

I first encountered sesame growing at Monticello and was blown away by its beauty! I’ve grown it ever since and am never disappointed by this low maintenance, easy to grow plant!

WGF SORHGUM: Sorghum has long been a favorite of mine for heat and drought tolerance through the summer season. There are many varieties of sorghum to include in your garden, including this short variety called WGF. “Wild Game Food” plot sorghum is also known as milo. This early-maturing Sorghum seed thrives in the heat of the summer and begins to bloom at about 40 to 50 days after emergence. As it stands in the weather, it loses tannic acid and becomes more and more palatable to birds through the fall. The WGF Sorghum has a life cycle of 90-120 days.

This variety only reaches 2-3’ tall at maturity and grows best in FULL SUN- yes, 8+ hours of direct light. Though you can grow it in some shade, it may not set as much seed for the local birds to enjoy!