Welcome to the ultimate guide for the Best Heirloom Seeds of 2024! As gardening enthusiasts and sustainability advocates, we understand the importance of selecting the finest heirloom seeds for your garden. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the key factors to consider when choosing the best heirloom seeds for the upcoming year.
When it comes to heirloom seeds, variety is key. The richness and diversity of seed options offered by reputable catalogs play a crucial role in determining the best heirloom seeds of 2024. Additionally, the organic certification of these seeds is a significant factor to consider, ensuring that you are investing in high-quality, environmentally friendly products. Seed quality, including purity and germination rates, is another essential aspect to evaluate when making your selection. Moreover, the source of the seeds is paramount, with established companies known for their commitment to providing top-notch seeds. Lastly, the availability of additional resources such as growing tips, histories, and recipes can further enhance your gardening experience. Join us as we explore the top heirloom seeds that meet these criteria and more, setting the standard for excellence in 2024.
Brandywine Tomato: Best-Tasting Heirloom Tomato
Burpee Organic Brandywine Red Tomato Vegetable Seed, 1-Pack -- $2.46(Walmart)
Clovers Garden Brandywine Pink Tomato Plants- Two (2) Live Plants – Non-... -- $19.97(Amazon)
Brandywine Pink Tomato Plants | Two Live Garden Plants | Non-GMO, Amish ... -- $19.97(Amazon)
75+ Pink Brandywine Heirloom Tomato Seeds -- $4.59(Amazon)
Burpee 'Brandywine', Pink Beefseak Tomato, 90 Non-GMO Seeds -- $8.49(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Brandywine Tomato is celebrated for its rich, luscious flavor, making it a top choice among heirloom tomato enthusiasts. Its historical significance and unique taste profile have earned it a reputation as one of the best-tasting tomatoes available.
Who It's For
Ideal for home gardeners and tomato aficionados who value flavor and are willing to invest time in plant care. Not recommended for those looking for low-maintenance plants or who have limited space for staking and disease management.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Exceptional, rich flavor | ❌ Prone to diseases like blight |
| ✅ Large, meaty fruits perfect for various culinary uses | ❌ Requires staking or caging due to indeterminate growth |
| ✅ Continuous harvest throughout the season | ❌ Needs careful watering and well-draining soil |
Rainbow Blend Carrot: Best for Colorful Home Gardening
Back to The Roots Organic Rainbow Blend Carrot Vegetable Seeds, 1 Seed P... -- $2.97(Amazon)
1 Pack Rainbow Blend Carrot Seed for Planting - Packet with Instructions... -- $4.84(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Rainbow Blend Carrot seeds offer a unique and vibrant twist to traditional carrots, featuring a variety of colors such as purple, red, yellow, and white. These organic, non-GMO heirloom seeds are perfect for adding a splash of color to your garden and your plate. With detailed planting instructions included, you can confidently grow these beautiful carrots at home.
Who It's For
Ideal for home gardeners who enjoy experimenting with different vegetable varieties and want to add a colorful, nutritious element to their garden. Not recommended for those who prefer uniformity in their crops or are looking for a single harvest time, as different colors may have slightly different growth rates and optimal harvest times.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Variety of vibrant colors | ❌ Different colors may have slightly different growth rates |
| ✅ Organic and non-GMO | ❌ Optimal harvest times may vary |
| ✅ Detailed planting instructions included | ❌ Slightly higher price for the variety pack |
Dragon Tongue Bean: Best Heirloom Bean for Flavor
Dragon Tongue Bean Seed 2 ounces -- $7.75(Territorial Seed Company)
Why We Picked It
The Dragon Tongue Bean is a unique heirloom variety that stands out with its striking purple streaks and exceptional flavor. Its tender pods make it a favorite among gardeners and chefs alike, offering a delightful addition to any dish. Despite the color fading when cooked, its taste and texture remain top-notch, making it a worthwhile choice for those who prioritize flavor over appearance.
Who It's For
This bean is perfect for home gardeners, culinary enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates heirloom varieties with unique characteristics. However, it may not be ideal for those who are primarily interested in maintaining the visual appeal of their dishes, as the purple streaks fade when cooked.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Unique and striking appearance | ❌ Purple streaks fade when cooked |
| ✅ Excellent flavor | ❌ May not meet expectations for visual presentation |
| ✅ Tender pods | ❌ Limited availability in some regions |
Mortgage Lifter Tomato: Best Heirloom Tomato for Flavor and Size
Mortgage Lifter Tomato - Large Well-Shaped Fruit - 2.5" Pot -- $7.99(Walmart - Hirts Gardens)
75+ Mortgage Lifter Tomato Seeds- Heirloom Variety- by Ohio Heirloom Seeds -- $4.69(Amazon)
Tomato Seeds, Mortgage Lifter -- $3(Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company)
Burpee 'Mortgage Lifter' Heirloom, Beefsteak Tomato, 125 Non-GMO Seeds -- $8.49(Amazon)
Tomato 'Mortgage Lifter', Size 4-8' By White Flower Farm -- $7.95(White Flower Farm)
Survival Garden Seeds - Mortgage Lifter Tomato Seed for Planting - Pack ... -- $4.84(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Mortgage Lifter Tomato is a beloved heirloom variety known for its large, meaty fruits and the heartwarming story behind its name. This tomato variety is a favorite among heirloom tomato growers for its rich flavor and impressive size, making it a standout choice for those looking to grow something special in their garden.
Who It's For
This tomato variety is best suited for experienced gardeners who are willing to provide the necessary support for the large fruits and are prepared to manage potential disease issues. It's ideal for those who appreciate heirloom varieties and are looking for a unique addition to their vegetable garden.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Produces large, meaty fruits | ❌ Requires extra support for large fruits |
| ✅ Rich, delicious flavor | ❌ May not be as disease-resistant as hybrid varieties |
| ✅ Comes with a great backstory | ❌ Needs full sun and moderate watering |
Georgia Southern Collard Greens: Best Southern Cooking Staple
Georgia Southern Collard Greens -- $2.5(Trade Winds Fruit)
Why We Picked It
Georgia Southern Collard Greens are a staple in Southern cooking, known for their cold-hardiness, high yield, and rich flavor. These greens are a great addition to any garden, especially for those who appreciate traditional Southern cuisine.
Who It's For
Best suited for gardeners who have a longer growing season and are prepared to manage potential pests like aphids and cabbage loopers. Not ideal for those with shorter growing seasons or who prefer low-maintenance crops.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Cold-hardy variety | ❌ Requires a longer growing season |
| ✅ High yield | ❌ May attract pests like aphids and cabbage loopers |
| ✅ Rich flavor | ❌ Needs regular maintenance |
Chioggia Beet: Best Heirloom Beet for Visual Appeal and Sweetness
Beet Seeds, Chioggia (Bassano) -- $3.5(Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company)
Chioggia Beet - 2- 7 1/2' Seed Tapes | Zone 3-9 -- $3.59(Gurney's Seed & Nursery)
Chioggia Beet -- $2.49(Evermore Gardens)
Burpee Chioggia Beet Seeds 200 seeds -- $6.89(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Chioggia Beet, also known as the candy cane or bullseye beet, is a visually stunning and sweet-flavored heirloom variety. Its unique red and white concentric rings make it a standout in any dish, and its sweet taste is a delightful addition to salads and other recipes. This beet has been cherished since the early 1800s and continues to be a favorite for its beauty and flavor.
Who It's For
The Chioggia Beet is perfect for home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts who appreciate heirloom varieties and want to add a visually striking and sweet-tasting beet to their garden and kitchen. However, those looking for uniformity in shape and color retention when cooked might find this variety less ideal.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Beautiful red and white concentric rings | ❌ Color may fade when cooked |
| ✅ Sweet flavor, excellent for salads and dishes | ❌ Less uniform in shape compared to hybrid beets |
| ✅ Heirloom variety with a rich history | ❌ Requires regular watering and care |
Amish Paste Tomato: Best Heirloom Tomato for Sauces and Canning
Amish Paste Tomato -- $2(MIgardener)
Why We Picked It
The Amish Paste Tomato is a versatile and flavorful heirloom tomato, perfect for those who love making sauces and canning. Its meaty texture and superior taste make it a standout choice for culinary enthusiasts. Despite requiring a bit more maintenance to prevent common heirloom tomato diseases, its exceptional quality and taste make it worth the effort.
Who It's For
This tomato variety is best suited for home gardeners and culinary enthusiasts who appreciate high-quality, flavorful tomatoes for sauces and canning. It may not be ideal for those looking for low-maintenance plants or those new to gardening, as it requires more attention to prevent diseases.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Superior flavor | ❌ Requires more maintenance |
| ✅ Meaty texture | ❌ Susceptible to common heirloom tomato diseases |
| ✅ Excellent for sauces and canning | ❌ Not ideal for beginner gardeners |
Lacinato Kale: Best Cold-Hardy Nutrient-Dense Green
Botanical Interests Lacinato Kale Organic Seed 1 Gram Lacinato -- $2.69(The Grainery Greenhouse)
Survival Garden Seeds - Lacinato Kale Seed for Planting - Packet with In... -- $4.84(Amazon)
Lacinato Kale (10 oz) | Smart & Final -- $3.3(DoorDash - Smart & Final US)
Sow Right Seeds - Lacinato Kale Seed for Planting - Non-GMO Heirloom Pac... -- $4.84(Amazon)
Kale, Italian (Lacinato) -- $3.85(Box Of Good)
1000 Black Tuscan Lacinato Kale Seeds for Planting AKA Dinosaur Kale Hei... -- $5.29(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
Lacinato Kale, also known as Dinosaur Kale, is a highly nutritious and flavorful green that has been cultivated for centuries. Its unique bluish-green, bumpy leaves are not only visually appealing but also packed with vitamins and minerals. This variety is particularly cold-hardy, making it an excellent choice for winter gardening. Whether you're looking to make kale chips, add a nutritious boost to soups and salads, or grow a reliable green in colder months, Lacinato Kale is a versatile and rewarding option.
Who It's For
Lacinato Kale is ideal for health-conscious individuals, home gardeners, and those who enjoy cooking with fresh, nutrient-dense greens. It's also a great choice for gardeners in colder climates who want a reliable winter crop. However, it may not be the best option for those who prefer quicker-cooking greens, as it can be tougher and require longer cooking times.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Highly nutritious and flavorful | ❌ Can be tougher than other kale varieties |
| ✅ Cold-hardy, making it great for winter gardening | ❌ May require longer cooking times |
| ✅ Versatile in culinary uses, from kale chips to soups and salads | ❌ Not ideal for those who prefer tender greens |
Moon & Stars Watermelon: Best Heirloom Watermelon for Unique Appearance and Flavor
Moon & Stars Watermelon Seed for Planting - Packet with Instructions to ... -- $4.84(Amazon)
Moon & Stars Watermelon Seed 1 ounce -- $14.25(Territorial Seed Company)
Moon & Stars Watermelon Seeds for Planting "Van Doren" (Citrullus lanatu... -- $4.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Moon & Stars Watermelon is a rare, heirloom variety known for its distinctive and beautiful appearance, as well as its super sweet flavor. This variety is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight with its dark green skin adorned with yellow suns, moons, and stars. It offers a unique gardening experience and is perfect for those who appreciate growing rare and non-GMO plants.
Who It's For
This watermelon variety is best suited for gardeners who have ample space to accommodate its large size and are willing to invest time in its care. It is ideal for those who enjoy growing heirloom varieties and are looking for a unique addition to their garden. However, it may not be the best choice for those with limited space or who prefer low-maintenance plants.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Distinctive and beautiful rind with yellow suns, moons, and stars | ❌ Requires plenty of space to grow due to its large size |
| ✅ Super sweet, crisp red flesh | ❌ May not be as disease-resistant as some newer varieties |
| ✅ Thick rind perfect for pickling and protection during storage and transport | ❌ Needs moderate watering and full sun exposure |
Danvers 126 Carrot: Best Heirloom Carrot for Home Gardens
Danvers 126 Carrot -- $1.49(HRSeeds)
Why We Picked It
The Danvers 126 Carrot is a classic heirloom variety celebrated for its sweet flavor and versatility in different soil conditions. Its adaptability makes it a reliable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Priced at just $1.49, it offers great value for those looking to grow their own delicious carrots.
Who It's For
This carrot variety is ideal for home gardeners who appreciate heirloom vegetables and want a dependable, sweet-tasting carrot. However, it may not be the best choice for those who might forget to harvest on time, as the roots can become woody if left in the ground too long.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Sweet flavor | ❌ Roots can become woody if not harvested timely |
| ✅ Adaptable to various soil conditions | ❌ Requires regular monitoring |
| ✅ Affordable price | ❌ Not ideal for forgetful gardeners |
Thanks for exploring the best heirloom seeds of 2024! If you have any questions or need more recommendations, feel free to reach out. Happy gardening!