Sometimes I almost wished that they would stop offering free shipping. There are enough different kinds of seeds in my collection to keep me busy but the April Fool’s Day offer was another difficult one to resist. These are the seeds that arrived today (in no particular order):

Oriental Poppy. At the last house I lived in, my immediate neighbor had a cluster of these growing in his garden. They looked amazing and seeing them assured me that they will grow in my area. I tried my hand at growing these and purchased seeds (from a seed company different than the current). It took a few tries before there was successful germination. In fact, it was not until I moved to my current house did I see poppy seedlings. The seedlings grew happily in a pot until one day to my horror I found that they had been mowed down by a cut worm. To say I was heartbroken would be an understatement. Afterward and as I had hoped, they regrew. I believe that was three years ago. The surviving plant is about 8-inches in diameter and it has yet to flower.

That plant may never flower so I hope to get a new start. This time I will also direct sow the seeds as it is written that they prefer that over being transplanted.

Watermelon Mantanghong Radish. I have yet to plant radishes (other than Daikon) for the first time. Even though there are other types of radishes in my seed library to grow, I am drawn to this one. I really like the contrast between the skin of radish and the rest of the inside bits.

Red Cored Chantenay Carrot. Carrots are a easy, fun, and practical crop to grow. I have been growing carrots year round for a few years now. The pragmatist in me likes how they can be left in the ground and harvested when they are needed. Not having to make a trip to the market when a dish calls for carrots makes cooking more enjoyable.
I started carrot growing with the ‘Scarlet Red’ variety and this year I am planting Japanese and French heirloom varieties.

Night and Day Snapdragon. Like the Watermelon radish, I fancy the red and white two-tone colors. Snapdragons are fun Spring flowers to have in the garden. They also practically grow themselves.

Holy Basil (Tulsi). There are four types of holy basil. This is the first Tulsi offering by Botanical Interests; and I am planting these out of curiosity as to what type they are putting in their seed packets. It is difficult to guess from the illustration. Its identity will be revealed soon enough.

Italian Roma Bush Tomato. It is long time goal of mine to grow enough Roma to make enough pasta sauce for a meal. Perhaps these seeds and a little more tending to will be the key to realizing that goal.

Shiso. I might have been caught up in the seed buy frenzy as I could have gotten these seeds from my mom. Though she won’t have the seeds inside as nice a seed packet as this one.

Aunt Ruby’s German Green Tomato. For some reason, I enjoy growing tomatoes more than I enjoy eating them. This green variety put my sister-in-law in mind. She prefers the green beefsteak tomatoes from my garden. Sure, it is not the color but the hard texture she is after. Green tomato, why not?

Black Dragon Coleus. As I look for plants to fill the shade garden, this particular one has my name written all over it. Blacks and purples are somewhat rare in nature. Since they tend to be uncommon, I am drawn to plants with hues so deep that they appear black. Then put “dragon” in the plant name and you will have me lining up. Don’t ask me why, I couldn’t tell you.

Hidcote Dwarf Lavendar. Along with sage, I enjoy collecting the different varieties. Lavender is used in a landscape application in my front yard. Most importantly of all, their beautiful blue flowers provide food for the bees that visit.