Oka Melon (Île Bizard Strain)

** CANNOT BE SHIPPED OUT OF CANADA ** The tree onion, or Egyptian onion, has been grown in Quebec for a long time. It is mentioned as early as in the 1820s, and was allegedly brought in with the first colonizers. However its true origin remains mysterious; some people claim that it comes from Catawissa, a town in Pennsylvania, while others say it comes from China. It is a perennial onion that produces, at the tip of its leaves, clusters of red grape-sized bulbils. The most commonly harvested parts are these bulbils and the bulb, but the leaves can also be used, chopped just like chives. After 2 to 3 years, the plant might start feeling a bit crowded at its base: divide the bunch, and transplant individual sections further apart. Extra ones can be eaten like green onions. The tree onion has an elongated bulb that ranges from small to medium in size. Package: About 8 small bulbils per order

Ancient corn variety introduced in the U.S. during the 1890s. The plant can reach more than 2 m in height, and produces 2 to 3 cobs of 20 cm. The long and white grains are not organized in rows, but instead in a completely irregular way. The taste is delicate and sweet. Requires a longer cooking time to fully bring the flavour out. Delicious on the BBQ. Package: 60 seeds

Crisp green lettuce with long serrated leaves. Its taste is mild and not at all bitter. Very easy to grow and self-seeding if you let it bolt. Cut and come again variety. Italian heirloom.   Package: 200 seeds

The Comtesse de Chambord bean is a very ancient variety, from the 1880's. As its name hints, it comes from the Chambord region, in France. Its small pods of exceptional quality have a very thin skin contain elongated white beans, making it a highly-valued variety. Branched plant with late maturity. Package: 30 seeds

Determinate. This Italian variety gives plenty of long yellow fruits, very sweet but not too juicy. Perfect for sauces and canning. Do not let its funny name scare you. Package: 30 seeds

Heirloom variety introduced to the Saint Lawrence River Valley by French settlers in the 17th Century. It is still eaten today and makes delicious pea soup. High yielding plants. They will need trellising and can grow up to 1 meter tall. The Potager d'Antan reports this story : « According to an old European tradition dating back from the 15th Century, Hubertus, patron saint of hunters, was associated with the pea soup. To make a long story short, during his lifetime, in the 7th Century, Hubert went astray, hunted on Good Friday, and while pursuing a stag, he had a vision in which he saw the animal with a crucifix between its antlers and heard a voice enjoining him to lead a holy life. Hubertus later performed many miracles, evangelized pagans in distant countries, and erected temples dedicated to the Lord. He died on May 30, 727. His relics were translated on November 3, 743. His feast day is November 3 in Belgium and May 30 in France. In memory of Saint Hubert, European settlers in Quebec supposedly kept the name of this pea variety, used in the preparation of the « hunting soup ». For the complete story, visit the Potager d’Antan website. This variety is very rare and is considered endangered.   Package: 30 seeds