West Indian Gherkin Seeds (Cucumis anguria). Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.The 'gerki'n, which bears many small, cucumber-like fruits covered in blunt spines, was a common crop in the Monticello vegetable garden. Thomas Jefferson recommended it to his brother, Randolph, in 1813: "the season being over for planting everything but the Gerkin. It is that by which we distinguish the very small pickling cucumber". This was likely the West Indian Gherkin (Cucumis anguria), a native of Africa brought... - West Indian Gherkin Seeds (Cucumis anguria).
Anne Arundel Muskmelon Seeds (Cucumis melo cv.). The Anne Arundel Muskmelon was grown in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, as early as 1731, and was prominent in many still-life paintings of the famous Peale family of Philadelphia early in the 1800s. Anne Arundel appears to be a cros... - Anne Arundel Muskmelon Seeds (Cucumis melo cv.).
Zatta di Massa Melon Seeds (Cucumis melo cv.). Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.Zatta di Massa Melon is an ancient melon depicted in 17th-century still life paintings. This aromatic melon has strongly ribbed skin and extremely sweet, orange flesh. In 1774 Thomas Jefferson planted 18... - Zatta di Massa Melon Seeds (Cucumis melo cv.).
Noir des Carmes Melon Seeds (Cucumis melo cv.). Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.Noir des Carmes Melon is a beautiful and rare French heirloom variety with dark green, deeply ribbed skin and flavorful orange flesh named for the Carmelite monks who preserved them. This true European c... - Noir des Carmes Melon Seeds (Cucumis melo cv.).
Valencia Winter Melon Seeds (Cucumis melo var. inodorus cv.). Harvested from the gardens at Monticello! The Valencia Winter Melon is a dark green-skinned melon with creamy white flesh that keeps well in winter storage. It was listed by American seedsmen by the 1830s. Similar to the Malta Melon grown by Jef... - Valencia Winter Melon Seeds (Cucumis melo var. inodorus cv.).
Four O'Clock Seeds (Mirabilis jalapa). Harvested from the gardens at Monticello.In July of 1767 Thomas Jefferson observed the blooms of his Four O'Clocks: "Mirabilis just opened, very clever." In 1811 he noted planting seed sent by Andre Thouin of the Parisian Jardin des Plantes in ... - Four O'Clock Seeds (Mirabilis jalapa).
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).