UBC Farm Seed Catalogue
Buy seed grown and developed at the UBC Farm
Here at the UBC Farm, we are committed to preserving our seeds as certified organic, open-pollinated, regionally adapted, held in the public domain, and GE-free.
One of our core beliefs is that seed sovereignty is an essential part of sustainable bioregional food systems. That is why we are dedicated to our seed trials research with FarmFolkCityFolk, and are founding members of BC’s very own Eco Seed Co-op. If you are looking for ecologically sound seeds for your garden or farm, and want to support research for the public interest, consider growing your farm or garden with our seeds.
Our seeds are available to buy online at the BC Eco Seed Co-op
Did you know? The CSFS at the UBC Farm is a founding member of the BC Eco Seed Co-op: a producers’ co-operative growing and providing 100% BC-grown seed that is ecologically grown and certified organic, open-pollinated, regionally selected, and GE-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I buy UBC Farm seeds? We currently have UBC Farm seed packets in our retail partners: the UBC Bookstore and the UBC Botanical Garden shop. You can also purchase them at our markets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays - Market times and info here!
- What should I grow indoors, in low light, or in small spaces? We recommend growing plants that are faster from planting to harvest date, such as radishes, lettuce, arugula, and parsley!
- What should I plant to attract pollinators? Plant things that flower at different times of year to provide food for pollinators! Lupin, phacelia, calendula, anise hyssop, and bachelor buttons are flowers you can plant these into your landscaping that will come back every year if you let some of the plants to seed.
- Which seeds are great for growing sprouts or microgreens? Arugula, radish, kale, sorrel, and pea are all make tasty sprouts and microgreens.
Visit the UBC Farm Seed Hub page to learn about seed saving research.
UBC Farm’s Digital Seed Catalogue, available for spring 2023.
The UBC Farm produces seeds of 20 to 30 different crop varieties each year from 15 to 20 different crops, including an array of vegetable, bean, flower, and herb species. Seed crops are produced as part of integrated cropping systems at the Farm and are harvested and processed using small-scale equipment.
Root Vegetables
Golden Chioggia
BeetDirect sow anytime from mid-April to early August. Sow 1cm deep, 5 apart with 30cm between rows. For larger beets, thin beet seedlings to 7-15cm apart when seedlings are 5cm tall. Harvest when beets are between golf ball and apple size. Min. germination rate: 75%.
A mixed population bred at UBC Farm from crossing a striped Chioggia beet with a golden beet. Beet flesh ranges from scarlet to coral with light striping. Strong, tasty tops and good size make this a must-try for beet aficionados.
Touchstone Gold
BeetDirect sow anytime from mid-April to early August. Sow 1cm deep, 5 apart with 30cm between rows. For larger beets, thin beet seedlings to 7-15cm apart when seedlings are 5cm tall. Harvest when beets are between golf-ball and apple size. Min. germination rate: 75%.
The classic golden yellow beet. Those who are not fond of the earthy flavour of red beets should try touchstone gold – they are sweeter and milder tasting than their red counterparts.
French Breakfast
RadishDirectly sow from March to April with successive crops every 2 weeks. Plant seeds 1 cm deep and with a spacing of 3cm apart. Radish can be harvested once reaching maturity after approximately 27 days. Min. germination rate: 80%.
A rounded cylindrical shape with vibrant scarlet rose at the top that fades into white tips. Breakfast radishes are crisp and delicious with a mildly spicy kick when eaten raw, roasted or baked to soft silky perfection.
Raxe
RadishDirectly sow from March to April with successive crops every 2 weeks. Plant seeds 1 cm deep and with a spacing of 3cm apart. Radish can be harvested once reaching maturity after approximately 27 days. Min. germination rate: 80%.
A plump, golf ball sized, cherry-red radish. Breakfast radishes are crisp and delicious with a mildly spicy kick when eaten raw, or roasted or baked to soft silky perfection.
Leafy Vegetables
Astro
ArugulaSow seeds directly 5 cm apart in rows 45cm apart between April- August every four weeks. Baby greens can be harvested after 21 days, and larger leaves after 28 days. Plants can be harvested multiple times before bolting, though planting in successions. Min. germination rate: 80%.
Nutty, peppery flavour with a rounded leaf shape.
Surrey
Arugula (Discontinued)Sow seeds directly 5 cm apart in rows 45cm apart between April- August every four weeks. Baby greens can be harvested after 21 days, and larger leaves after 28 days. Plants can be harvested multiple times before bolting, though planting in successions. Min. germination rate: 80%.
A leafy green with ruffled leaves to add loft and peppery zest to any salad.
Angustana
Celtuce (Discontinued)For direct sowing space 20 cm apart, from May to June. Baby greens may be ready for harvest 35 days after planting, while stems may be ready after 3-4 months. Min. germination rate: 70%.
Celtuce can be grown and prepared like Romaine lettuce, with a similar flavour. Once matured the crisp bolting stalk can also be cooked similar to celery.
El Dorado
ChardSow directly between mid-April and early August, 1 cm deep, 30cm apart in rows 45 cm apart. Harvest mature stalks after 60-65 days. Min. germination rate: 75%.
Golden stems and dark, succulent, green leaves distinguish Eldorado from other chard varieties. A hardy variety that can over-winter in our climate.
Black Magic
KaleSow directly 45cm apart from March to mid-July for summer and winter harvesting (55 days to maturity). Tasty shoots can be harvested the following spring. Min. germination rate: 80%.
Also known as lacinato or dinosaur kale - a beautiful variety with dark green, deeply ribbed leaves. Produces ample edible flower shoots in the spring after wintering.
Nash’s Green
KaleSow directly 45cm apart from March to mid-July for summer and winter harvesting (55 days to maturity). Tasty shoots can be harvested the following spring. Min. germination rate: 80%.
Strong and productive with curly green leaves. Great for overwintering and has good resistance to powdery mildew. Produces ample edible flower shoots in the spring after wintering.
Scarlet
KaleSow directly 45cm apart from March to mid-July for summer and winter harvesting (55 days to maturity). Tasty shoots can be harvested the following spring. Min. germination rate: 80%.
Curly leaves ranging from purple to scarlet. A productive and cold-hardy kale.
Grand Forks Siberian
KaleSow directly 45cm apart from March to mid-July for summer and winter harvesting (55 days to maturity). Tasty shoots can be harvested the following spring. Min. germination rate: 80%.
Leaves are large and flat with ruffled edges with a tender, mild flavour. Plants are known for extreme winter hardiness.
Winter Rainbow
KaleSow directly 45cm apart from March to mid-July for summer and winter harvesting (55 days to maturity). Tasty shoots can be harvested the following spring. Min. germination rate: 80%.
Delicious curly leaves in a rainbow of blues, greens and purples. This hardy variety is especially tasty in the late fall and spring.
Melaton
LeekPlant in March, sowing seeds in flats indoors, 1 cm deep and 1 cm apart. Transplant 15 cm apart. Harvest in early-late fall when plants reach desired size. Min. germination rate: 65%.
Bred here at the UBC Farm and registered with the Open Source Seed Initiative. The shanks are tender with a slight sweetness, while the darker, rougher upper portions of the leeks can be cooked for soup stocks.
Panisse
Lettuce (Discontinued)Direct sow anytime from Mid-March onwards, or start indoors a few weeks earlier. Lettuce will not germinate if temperatures get too hot. Sow 5mm deep 15cm apart. Cut leaves above the growing tip for repeat harvests or entire head at the ground for a single harvest. Min. germination rate: 70%.
A bright green, mid-sized oakleaf lettuce. Great for container and balcony growing.
Spretnak
Lettuce (Not available for 2023)Direct sow anytime from Mid-March onwards, or start indoors a few weeks earlier. Lettuce will not germinate if temperatures get too hot. Sow 5mm deep 15cm apart. Cut entire head at the ground for a single harvest. Min. germination rate: 70%.
A small, compact romaine variety with deep green leaves and blanched hearts. Great for container and balcony growing.
Rumex acestosa
SorrelDirect sow anytime from early March until the end of summer. Cover lightly with soil, and sow 1cm apart in a block for salad greens, or 30cm for mature sorrel plants. Divide crowns every two years. Min. germination rate: 65%.
A perennial leafy green grown for its distinctive lemony flavour. Young leaves are good for eating raw, older leaves are best cooked in soups and stews.
Flowers
Ammobium
Winged EverlastingFor transplant (recommended), sow shallowly indoors 6 weeks before last frost, cover seeds lightly. Min. germination rate: 50%.
Small, elegant flowers with papery white petals and a yellow center. Used for dried flowers but also great for fresh-cut flowers, gets its name from the flattened stems of the flowers appearing like wings.
Ammi Dara
FlowerStart in trays four weeks before you intend to plant. Wait until after last frost for your first planting and harden your plants off. For better germination chill your seeds for a week before seeding. Space plants 30cm (one foot) apart.
'Dara' produces beautiful umbel type flowers, similar in appearance to Queen Anne's lace, but in an array of whites, pinks, reds and burgundies. 'Dara' is a great cut flower for mixed bouquets or as a standalone. Hang upside down to dry and have flowers in your house year round!
Bachelor’s Buttons
UBC Farm MixAfter the last frost, sow seeds directly, spreading them thinly with 6 seeds per foot, 6mm deep, 15cm apart. Flowers harvested halfway open last longer in bouquets. Min. germination rate: 60%.
Our choice mix of blue, white and red papery blossoms. Bachelor buttons are a beautiful garden edition that can be used in bouquets, dried, and even eaten!
Bupleurum
Green GoldStart in trays six weeks before you intend to plant. Harden off before planting, and plan to plant after the last frost. Space plants 25cm apart.
This low growing golden flower with round, green foliage makes an excellent border plant, as well as lending beautiful colour and texture to bouquets! Stays compact and can grow well in pots also.
Calendula
UBC Farm MixDirect sow after the last frost. Seeds should be 6mm deep and spaced 15cm apart. Harvest flower heads once halfway open. Min. germination rate: 65%.
Bright, beautiful, and edible orange blossoms add a burst of colour to any setting--from gardens to salads. Great for pollinators. Self-seeds readily in our climate.
Cosmos
Bi-colour Violet (Not available 2023)Seed directly after the last frost, with soil lightly covering. Seeds should be in thin rows, with 30cm spacing. Harvest just as flowers begin to open. Min. germination rate: 65%.
Tall purple to white flowers with full double blooms. Vigorous plants benefit from heavy harvesting and deadheading. Long stems make for great mixed or single-type bouquets.
Lupine
UBC Farm MixBegin sowing indoors between mid to late February or mid-March for direct sowing. Plant only 3mm deep. Lupine flowers should bloom after 2 months if sown in the spring. Min. germination rate: 65%.
Tall and vibrant with pearl-like flowers, lupine makes a beautiful addition to any garden with nitrogen-fixing benefits. Flowers range from white to red. Very attractive to bees and other pollinators. A hardy perennial that can be cut back entirely each fall and will flower annually in June.
Persian Jewel
NigellaStart indoors 6 weeks before last frost or direct sow after last frost. Cover seeds lightly with soil, and aim for a final spacing of 30cm. Min. germination rate: 55%.
Beautiful delicate blue and white flowers surrounded by lacy foliage that eventually form unique seed pods perfect for fresh or dried bouquets.
Phacelia tanacetifolia
PhaceliaDirect sow anytime from last frost until mid-June. Sow 5mm deep, 10cm apart. Min. germination rate: 65%.
Also known as Purple tansy, this plant is a heavy producer of beautiful blue to purple flowers. One of the best all-around pollinator attractors. Very long bloom period and can self-seed easily in our climate.
Strawflower
Sultane MixSow directly onto the soil surface beginning in mid-April or indoors in mid-February, spacing 30 cm apart. Min. germination rate: 60%.
A variety of flower colours ranging from dark red to orange. Stiff paper-like petals that are excellent for dried flower bouquets.
Strawflower
UBC Farm MixSow directly onto the soil surface beginning in mid-April or indoors in mid-February, spacing 30 cm apart. Min. germination rate: 60%.
Our choice mix has flowers with petals ranging from dark red to pink, white, and peach with stiff paper-like petals that are excellent for dried flower bouquets.
Sweet Pea
UBC Farm Mix (Not available for 2023)Begin sowing indoors at the beginning of February or directly in early spring. Seeds should be 1 cm deep. Min. germination rate: 75%.
Our choice mix of bubblegum pink, cream and sky blue flowers is perfect for producing sweet-smelling bouquets all summer long. Annual climbers that can reach up to 2 meters high along a trellis.
Herbs
Chives
HerbBegin planting indoors February to May and transplant or sow directly in the late spring. Sow seeds 5mm deep and space 15cm apart. To harvest, cut the whole plant at ground level. Divide crowns every two years. Min. germination rate: 65%.
A versatile, hardy perennial herb with stems and flowers that can be eaten for a subtle onion flavour, cooked or fresh.
Hilmar
ParsleyFor transplant (recommended) sow seeds in 1 in containers, allowing 3 weeks for germination. For direct seeding, begin in May, sowing seeds 5mm deep with 3 seeds per 2.54 cm in a single row. Thin plants later to be 20cm apart. Min. germination rate: 55%.
Flat leafed Italian parsley for bright, flavorful garnishes. Its robust growth and cold tolerance means the same plant can be harvested again and again well into the winter months.
Bouquet
DillDirect seed after last frost. Thin seedlings to 7.6cm apart. Seed more dill every few weeks for harvest throughout the spring, summer and fall.
This flavourful classic herb is often paired with fish, potato salad and pickles. In addition to growing a nice tasting baby leaf, 'Bouquet' also grows large flowers, which are great for use as a garnish for in pickling.
Beans
Bingo
BeanSow 2cm deep and 5 cm apart. Requires trellising to climb, and plants can climb to 2m. The pods can be harvested when deep red over a cream background, at approximately 85 days, with continuous harvest for several weeks. Min. germination rate: 80%.
A “Cranberry” or “borlotti” type pole bean known for its red and white speckled pods and beans. Bingo beans are quite productive and can be used as fresh shelling beans or allowed to dry on the plant.
Calypso
BeanFrom the end of May to early June, directly sow beans 2 cm deep and 5cm apart with rows 60cm apart. Beans can be harvested after approximately 80 days when pods are crispy dry and beans inside are hard. Min. germination rate: 80%.
A dry bean with an iconic black and white “orca” pattern. Plants grow as compact, short bushes for easy harvest and are versatile when cooked with a delicious creamy texture--excellent for soups and stews.
Hunter
BeanDirectly sow seeds from mid-May to mid-June, spacing seeds 30 cm apart and 3.5cm deep, providing support for them to climb. Pods are ready for harvest while 2cm wide and flat, before they get fibrous. Harvest regularly to continue the production of new pods. Min. germination rate: 80%.
A high-yielding Romano-type pole bean with flattened pods for fresh eating or cooking.
Kenearly Yellow Eye
Bean: From the end of May to early June, directly sow beans 2 cm deep and 5cm apart with rows 60cm apart. Beans can be harvested after approximately 80 days when pods are crispy dry and beans inside are hard. Min. germination rate: 80%.
These rich, creamy dry beans with their distinct yellow streak are excellent as baked beans and hearty stews. Bush plants are sturdy and tall, keeping their pods off the ground for easy harvest.
Rocdor
BeanSow seeds directly between mid-May to early-July, 5cm apart, in rows 60cm apart. Young pods are best when pencil-thin and tender. Harvest frequently to promote more bean production. Min. germination rate: 80%.
Yellow snap beans on bush plants, high yielding, early, and delicious. Great fresh or cooked.
Provider
BeanSow seeds directly between mid-May to early-July, 5cm apart, in rows 60cm apart. Young pods are best when pencil-thin and tender. Harvest frequently to promote more bean production. Min. germination rate: 80%.
Green snap beans on bush plants, high yielding, early, and delicious. Great fresh or cooked.
Tiger’s Eye
BeanFrom the end of May to early June, directly sow beans 2 cm deep and 5cm apart with rows 60cm apart. Beans can be harvested after approximately 80 days when pods are crispy dry and beans inside are hard. Min. germination rate: 80%.
Productive dry bush bean are ochre-coloured with burgundy stripes. Creamy in texture, rich in flavor, and are great for stews or re-fried.
Vegetables
Cascadia
Pea (Not available for 2023)Plant early to mid-March until as late as early August for a fall and winter harvest (performs best in spring/early summer). Plant peas 2-5cm deep (deeper plantings if the soil is warmer and drier), 5cm apart. Benefits from some structural support. Min. germination rate: 75%.
The classic snap pea of the west coast. Plump pea pods are crisp, sweet and very productive when harvested frequently.
Jolene
Pepper (Not available for 2023)Sow indoors in trays in March-April. When transplanting, space 30cm apart. Can be eaten green, but requires full sun and a long season to reach deep red. Min. germination rate: 65%.
The taste is sweet and mild. Large, glossy “Italian Bullhorn” type, red peppers that taper to a point.
Padron
PepperStart in trays six weeks before you intend to plant. Harden off before planting, and plan to plant after the last frost. Space plants 25cm apart
A Spanish heirloom pepper, bred to be pan fried and eaten whole. Picked green, one in ten of these peppers will be spicy, turning dinner into an exciting game!
Purple Striped
TomatilloSow indoors in April-May. Transplant 60cm apart. Harvest once the husks begin to split and fruits are plump. Min. germination rate: 50%.
A cross between green and purple tomatillos, this variety is an early starter with distinct purple stripes against its dark green background. Bred here at UBC Farm and registered with the Open Source Seed Initiative. Tomatillos are the key ingredients in salsa verde.