Cow's Horn Okra Seeds (Abelmoschus esculentus cv.). Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.Okra was frequently grown at Monticello after Thomas Jefferson's retirement in 1809, and often as a companion plant to "tomatas." Jefferson family recipes include various types of okra stews in which okra was blended with tomatoes and other tangy vegetables. A member of the Mallow family, okra is a highly ornamental vegetable with large, tropical leaves and handsome yellow flowers. 'Cow's Horn' is a southern heirloom variety with distinctive... - Cow's Horn Okra Seeds (Abelmoschus esculentus cv.).
Sunset Hibiscus Seeds (Abelmoschus manihot). Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.Sunset Hibiscus was introduced into Europe from East India by 1712 and listed by Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon in his 1806 American Gardener's Calendar. This herbaceous temperennial (often grown as a... - Sunset Hibiscus Seeds (Abelmoschus manihot).
Strawflower Seeds (Helichrysum bracteatum). Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.Strawflower, a half-hardy annual that withstands light frosts, was introduced from Australia to England in 1799, and has since been treasured for its everlasting flowers that are ideal for dr... - Strawflower Seeds (Helichrysum bracteatum).
Heliotrope Seeds (Heliotropium arborescens). Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.In 1786, as he was serving as Minister to France, Thomas Jefferson sent a collection of seeds and plants home to friends, including the lovely purple-flowering Heliotrope: "To be sowed in spr... - Heliotrope Seeds (Heliotropium arborescens).
Sesame Seeds (Sesamum indicum). Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.Thomas Jefferson planted Sesame, or "Benni", for many years at Monticello in order to press a salad oil from the seeds. He wrote in 1811, "I did not believe there existed so perfect a substit... - Sesame Seeds (Sesamum indicum).
Larkspur Seeds (Consolida ajacis). Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.Jefferson noted Larkspur blooming at Shadwell in July 1767, thought it suitable for naturalizing at Monticello "in the open ground on the west" in 1771, and sowed seed around his winding flower bor... - Larkspur Seeds (Consolida ajacis).
Champion of England Pea Seeds (Pisum sativum cv.). Harvested from the gardens at MonticelloMoney Plant, or Honesty, is a self-seeding biennial named for it's showiest feature--its 2-foot stalks of silvery, coin-shaped seedpods, which are attractive in dried arrangements. It wa... - Champion of England Pea Seeds (Pisum sativum cv.).