Garden Source

The Tomato Pole Brandywine, ‘Lycopersicon Lycopersicum’, is considered by many to be the best tasting tomato in the world and it has won lots of taste tests. You simply cannot believe the flavor of this tomato. The Brandywine is an old Amish heirloom tomato dating back to 1885 and passed down from generation to generation. The Brandywine is a pink beefsteak type of tomato with thin skin and a rich flavor. The tomatoes will attain weights of up to 1 pound. Brandywine is an intermediate tomato which means they continue to grow indefinitely until frost. Tomatoes are generally started inside. They may also be seeded outside after the last average frost date. In warm winter/hot summer areas, tomatoes can be planted in early fall for winter harvest. Pole Tomatoes prefer well drained soil that is high in organic matter. Tomatoes need at least 1 inch of water a week. Soak to depth of 6 to 10 inches when watering. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. Prune the intermediate tomatoes in order to keep a single stem.

Check Prices at Nature Hills Nursery, Inc.

The Pepper Chile Pasilla Bajio, ‘Capsicum annuum’, is also called “chilaca” and “chile negro”. It is mainly used as a dried pod or powder. The rich, smoky, mildly hot flavor is indispensable in mole sauces. “Pasilla” is a “little raisin” in Spanish, referring to the dark brown, wrinkled dried pod. It is called “chilaca” when fresh and it adds character to red chile enchilada sauce and other salsas. The Pasilla Bayio has narrow cylindrical pods that are 6 to 10 inches long. The peppers turn from dark green to dark brown when mature. Transplant outside in the spring 3 to 4 weeks after last frost date. Note: To get a jump on the season transplant outside, use a walls-of-water or some black plastic to maintain and increase temperatures. Plant in average garden soil with sufficient organic matter. Peppers use quite a bit of water but prefer to be watered deeply and not too often. Harvest when peppers begin to turn green to dark brown.

Check Prices at Nature Hills Nursery, Inc.

The Sunflower First Light, ‘Helianthus salicifolius First Light, a Blooms of Bressingham plant, displays a solid mass of 2 daisy light yellow flowers. The fuzzy, linear green leaves make a wonderful contrast with the flowers. First Light has a plant height of 4 and a spread of 28. Helianthus should be planted in full sun with average to well-drained soils. It will grow best with moisture, but can tolerate drought. Try Helianthus as cut flowers, in the back of beds or borders, with Ornamental Grasses or Asters. Birds also love the seeds that are produced. First Light will give a stunning explosion of color to any perennial garden.

Check Prices at Nature Hills Nursery, Inc.