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Heirloom Collection-Dr. David Bradshaw

We are very happy to offer seed of several non-hybrid vegetable varieties from the collection of Dr. David Bradshaw (Retired) Horticulture Dept., Clemson University . Professor, researcher, speaker and avid gardener, Dr. Bradshaw has been collecting heirloom varieties for many years. Most of the varieties in his collection are grown at the display garden area of The South Carolina Botanical Gardens, Clemson , SC. Guests are invited to visit the gardens when in the area. The garden lies 11 miles from I-85 via US Highway 76 and is open to the public 365 days per year from sunup to sundown. For more information call 864-656-3405. A portion of the funds collected from seed sales will be used to support Dr. Bradshaw's efforts.

Supplies for some varieties are very limited and we expect to sell out quickly. Check our web page for updates on availability. With the increased interest in heirloom varieties we are happy to assist Dr. Bradshaw's efforts to preserve these irreplaceable garden seeds. If you have an heirloom variety of your own and would like to share it with Dr. Bradshaw, please call 864-656-2520, email <dbrdshw@clemson.edu> or write to: Dr. David Bradshaw, C/O SC Foundation Seed Assoc., 1162 Cherry Road, Clemson, SC 29634 .

NOTE: PKT (--) indicates packet and (number of seed).

Colored Willowleaf Butterbean - Source: John Coykendall, Knoxville , TN (originally from Dr. James Wolf) Small-seeded willow leaf type butterbean with varying colors & mottling. Hardy & prolific. Pole habit. PKT (25) $2

Johnny's Red Butterbeans – Seeds of this very prolific sieva pole bean have a dark red color mottled with small black speckles and spots. Adapted to both the Carolinas and Virginia where it originated, this butterbean seems to thrive with low fertilization. Later in the season runners should be pruned to stimulate greater pod production. With adequate moisture during the heat of the summer this bean should remain productive right up until frost. PKT (25) $2

Griggs Butterbean - From the garden of Gene Griggs , Lugoff , SC. This is a very tasty sieva pole butterbean type. A rampant grower and prolific producer, it should not be crowded in the row. Plant two feet apart and expect beans until frost. PKT (25) $2

Loudermilk Butterbeans – Another of my favorite butterbeans is also very colorful. I have seen a similar butterbean called ‘Snow on the Mountain'. It is half snow white with the remainder spotted in sharp contrast with black. This too is a prolific producer and remains in production until frost in the fall. New growth runners later in the season could be sheared to increase pod set. Pole habit. PKT (25) $2

Lynch Collection Butterbeans - Source: Dr. Chris Inhulsen, Montezuma , GA. The most distinctive feature of the Lynch butterbean is the vast array of colored patterns on the seed. The typical growth habit and heavy production of this sieva pole bean type is characteristic. The surprise comes with shelling each pod as they reveal their myriad of colors. They are best eaten fresh cooked from the garden, but also can be blanched and frozen. Dried seed can also be soaked overnight and cooked as dried beans. PKT (25) $2

Red Calico Butterbeans - Source: John Coykendall, Knoxville, TN. Maintained by the Thweat family since 1794, this variety came by way of Seed Savers Exchange in 1992. A hardy and prolific variety with dark burgundy seed coat. Pole habit. PKT (25) $2

Shantyboat Butterbeans - Source: John Coykendall, Knoxville , TN. This is a very prolific and colorful butterbean. With mottled white and red seed coats, this bean gets its name from the fact that it was grown near river banks by people living on shanty boats during the Great Depression. Pole habit. PKT (25) $2

Willow Butterbeans - Source: N.C. Winstead, Sedley , VA. This running butterbean variety has been in the family of Dr. Bradshaw for 150 years. Unlike most butterbeans, the leaves of this variety are very slender and willow shaped. This makes picking the beans easier and also discourages the Mexican bean beetle. Pods often produce four beans, and sometimes five beans per pod. Late summer sidedressing with nitrogen and irrigation will stimulate a vigorous fall crop. A stout trellis is recommended for this vigorous bean which produces right up to the first frost. Flavor is preserved best when prepared fresh or frozen. PKT (25) $2 Organic PKT (25) $3

Black Cornfield Beans - Source: Edward & Grace Kay, Easley , SC. These snapbeans are believed to have originated in Germany . The shiny black seeds are the most distinctive feature about this variety. An aggressive vining type, this bean does well when grown in a cornfield or trellised. PKT (25) $2

Blue Tip Beans - Source: Lonnie Davis, Sparta , NC . This climbing string bean doesn't have a trace of blue on it, but resembles recently developed string bean varieties with its white seeds and round pods. These blue tip beans have been in Mrs. Davis' family for many generations. Pole habit. SOLD OUT PKT (25) $2

Calypso Beans - From the garden of Ms. Violet Prine , Waynesville , NC by way of her sister in Michigan who brought them from Vermont . A deep burgundy seed with one quarter white with a speckled eye, this is a lovely seed. Needs a trellise and 70 days for picking as a stringbean or 90 days for dried beans. PKT (25) $2

Davis Black Beans - Source: Lonnie Davis, Sparta , NC . The name "Black Bean" here may be confusing when you see the three different colors of individual seeds; black, brown or white in about equal proportions. I segregated these by color and grew them out only to find all three colors were produced from each plot. I use the fresh beans for consumption and the dried seeds for a colorful addition to my twelve bean soup mixture. Pole habit . PKT (25) $2

Fatboy Beans - Originally from the garden of Jim Knotts in Kentucky , this variety traveled and grew with Lee Sliman in Ohio and later in Oregon before coming to us. This is an excellent tender snap bean that is very prolific. White seeds can also be dried and stored for winter consumption. SOLD OUT PKT (25) $2

Greasy Cut Short Beans - Source: Dick Baird, Pickens , SC. Cut Short beans are said to have derived their name because the seeds grow so closely together in the pods that the seed ends are flattened or "cut short". This variety has a slick or"greasy" pod. An excellent heirloom for fresh consumption, but in earlier times it was a favorite for drying as "leather breeches beans". Often seen strung like peppers on a string hanging on the porch, the beans were soaked in water overnight to reconstitute before cooking slowly for hours with a ham hock for flavoring. Trellis this variety. PKT (25) $2

Griggs Black Bean - This is another prolific producer with black seeds. A vigorous vining snap bean, this variety should be trellised or planted among your corn for a living trellis. Use dried black beans for soup and green snap beans for canning or fresh consumption. PKT (25) $2

Jennings Pole Bean - grown by the Jennings family in Campbell Co., Tennessee for many years. This is an unusual variety with brilliant burgandy seeds and light violet flowers. Can be eaten fresh as a snap bean or the seeds can be dried for winter storage. PKT (25) $2

Juanita Smith Beans - Source: Oliver Ridley, Mountain Rest, SC Mr. Ridley grew this bean for almost 50 years after receiving it from Juanita Smith, who had grown it for 50-60 years before. He often planted them among his field corn to provide them a trellis. Plants produce an abundant crop of medium sized round beans with black & white appaloosa speckled seed. Tender round pods are useful in French style bean recipes and bean salads. PKT (25) $2

Old Timey Beans - Source: Jessie Lee Hicks, Central, SC. This heirloom offers the most diversely colorful array of seeds of any we grow. This hardy variety of climbing string beans must be provided a trellis for support. They produce an abundance of 4-5 inch round-podded snap beans which are appropriate for French style snap bean recipes when harvested young. Mature dried seeds can also be used in crafts or excellent for twelve bean soup. PKT (25) $2

Old Time Golden Stick Bean - Source: John Coykendall, Knoxville , TN. (originally from Fentriss County , TN area where it has been grown for many generations.) This is an early producer and cans well. Pole habit. PKT (25) $2

Paterge Head Bean - Source: John Coykendall, Knoxville , TN (originally from Don King, Fentriss County , TN )This pole snap bean gets its name from the seed coat patterns resembling the markings on a partridge's head. Grown in Fentriss County since the early 1800's, this is a popular canning variety. PKT (25) $2

Rattlesnake Beans - Source: Jessie Lee Hicks, Central, SC. This bean probably derived its name from the dark brown and light brown to cream mottling on the seed reminiscent of a rattlesnake's color. It also has striking purple striped markings on the growing pods, which will disappear when the bean is cooked. Good for both fresh consumption and for canning, this bean is esteemed by people who enjoy a "shelly bean". The pods remain tender even after seeds are developing within the pod. It is a vigorous grower and a prolific producer when provided a sturdy trellis and sufficient water. PKT (25) $2

Striped Cornfield Beans – Source: Lonnie Davis, Sparta , NC . This variety is favored for growing among corn as a natural trellis. When using a natural trellis, plant the corn about two weeks ahead of the beans so it will have a head start. Frequent harvests will stimulate continued production. These striped beans are excellent for fresh eating, canning, freezing, and useful in crafts. PKT (25) $2

Tender Frost Beans - Source: Lonnie Davis , Sparta , NC . If you like a smaller bean, you'll like this one. The white seeds are noticeably smaller than other varieties. This is not a "shelly bean" type, meaning they are grown primarily for their 4-5 inch round pods for fresh consumption. May also be used in dried bean soups. Pole habit. SOLD OUT PKT (25) $2

Turkey Gizzard Beans - Source: Mr. and Mrs. Joe Newton, Clemson , SC. This bean has a most intriguing history. In 1802 a settler in Kentucky killed a wild turkey. While cleaning the turkey, he discovered two unusual seeds in the gizzard. Curious to see what they might produce he planted them. Very vigorous growing, the turkey gizzard bean should be provided a sturdy trellis and planted early. Large coarse leaves and heavy vines characterize this variety. This bean is well suited to canning and has a tasty nutty flavor when cooked. Attractive marshmallow cream and brown appaloosa pattern seeds are attractive for crafts.Crop Failure

White & Green Hull Beans - Source: Lonnie Davis, Sparta , NC . This vigorous growing string bean has the unusual characteristic of producing both white to pale yellow pods and green pods adjacent on the same stem. Immature white pods are also tinted with pink along the midrib. Suitable for both fresh consumption and for canning, this should be a reliable standby. Pole habit. PKT (25) $2

White Hull Pink Tip Bean - This unusual variety came from Greene County, Tennessee and has light ivory yellow pods that turn yellow-white with pink tips as they mature. Somewhat of a half runner type this bean sets most of its pods at once. Pods turn a pinkish purple as they dry. Attractive throughout the season.SOLD OUT PKT (25)  $2

Cheyenne Pencil Corn - Another white corn variety, grown by Indians of the Southwest for a very long time and used as a flour corn. Stalks are quite tall and should be given ample room to spread. Grow in isolation to prevent crosspollination and preserve genetic purity.
PKT (50) $2 - Organic PKT (50) $3 - Jumbo Organic PKT (200) $10

John Haulk Corn – Source: Oliver Ridley, Mountain Rest, SC. This hardy heirloom corn has been grown in the foothills of SC for over 100 years. Mr.Ridley donated the seed to the Botanical Garden in 1992 and had grown this corn for over 50 years. He obtained his seed from John Haulk who had grown it for over 50 years in the same area. A hardy corn which grows to 15 feet tall, it is suitable for table use, excellent for grinding for corn meal, and also makes an excellent animal feed. It is very resistant to both insects and to damage by molds, rot, etc. Dr. Bradshaw has grown this corn several years and especially enjoys grinding it for corn meal. Plants should be spaced two feet apart and hilled up to prevent lodging during high winds.
PKT (50) $2 - Organic PKT (50) $3 - Jumbo Organic PKT (200) $10

Choppee Okra – Source: Anne Diedre Jacobs, Georgetown , SC. This okra has been maintained in the Jacobs family since the mid-1800's. As the name implies, it has been grown in the Choppee area of South Carolina near Georgetown . This area is named after Native Americans indigenous to this area. Because okra readily cross pollinates, it should not be grown in close association with other okra varieties.
PKT (50 ) $2 - Organic PKT (50) $3 - Jumbo Organic PKT (200) $10

Whitfield Butter pea – First selected as a rogue off-type from other garden vegetable seeds in 1950 by the late Mr. Levis Whitfield of Anderson, SC, this variety was passed on to his son, Donnie Lane Whitfield. Donnie Whitfield grew them until his death in the 1990's. Since that time they were preserved in a home freezer until his niece, Deborah, shared them with us. We found them to be very prolific and quite tasty. A running vine type, this variety needs to be trellised. For best results, plant about two feet apart. PKT (25) $2

African Field Peas - Source: Unknown. This variety of southern cowpea has been grown along the coastal barrier islands since long before the Civil War. They are thought to have come to us from Africa with some of the early slaves. Tiny seed make excellent wild game food and may naturalize areas where they are broadcast and left unharvested. Usually harvested as dried peas for human consumption because they are too tedious to shell fresh. PKT (25) $2

Janie Forrester Field Peas - From the garden of Hazel Killibrew , Highlands , NC. these seeds came originally from the Tom Cabe farm on Turtle Pond. A prolific southern field pea type with creamy white seeds with a light brown eye. PKT (25)  $2

Paw's Old Gray Peas - Source: John Coykendall, Knoxville , TN. Grown in Washington Parish, LA since 1900. Originally brought from Missouri by Albert Lang who grew large quantities of seeds and provided neighbors their annual growing stock. PKT (25) $2

Piggott Pea - Source: John Coykendall, Knoxville , TN. This variety of southern field peas dates back to the 1850's in Washington Parish, LA. For many years it was guarded by the Piggott family who would not allow anyone to have seeds of what they considered the very best tasting field pea. I tend to agree with their assessment. PKT (25) $2 Organic PKT (25) $3

Red Ripper Field Peas – Originally from the garden of Ed Lipscomb of Ware Place, SC , this variety was donated by Louise Powell of Greenwood . This is an excellent variety of southern field pea with long straight pods that turn a bright burgundy red when they are mature for picking. Easily shelled from the pod, they yield generously with good flavor. Dried seeds are a dark burgundy color and with a smooth skin. Perform best when provided ample trellis or when planted in a corn patch for support. PKT (25)  $2

Texas Longhorn Field Peas - From the garden of R.W. Bradshaw , Molton , Alabama . A very prolific southern field pea can be broadcast seeded or planted with corn or trellised. Long purple pods are easy to shell. Tasty. PKT (25)  $2

Toni's Red Field Pea – Source: Dan Bailey, Oakway , SC. Mr. Bailey's great, great grandfather grew this red and white field pea variety before the Civil War. The color pattern of this variety is much the same as the Lazy Wife Bean – half creamy white and half rose red but seeds are significantly smaller. PKT (25) $2

Turkey Crowder Pea - From the mountains of East Tennessee, the seed came from the Dyke family in Cocke County , Tennessee . Generally grown as a fall pea in the corn field. Good when consumed as a fresh green field pea or dried for winter storage. Much like the gray crowder pea. PKT (25)  $2

Vegetable Peas – Joe Grandy of Batesburg , SC shared this family favorite with us. One of the varieties known by some growers as Lady Crème peas, this is a field pea with small creamy brown seeds that are full of flavor. Personally, I prefer to let them dry on the vine for easy shelling and then cook them as a dry field pea during the winter months. A ham bone and some onion in the pot add the finishing touch! PKT (25) $2

Whippoorwill Pea - Source: John Coykendall, Knoxville , TN (originally from Lowery Langston in Jefferson County , TN ) The Langston family broadcast the seeds in the cornfield for a fall crop and for animal forage. Seeds are good eaten green or dried for winter storage. PKT (25) $2

Yardlong Pea - Source: Seed Exchange. Another southern cowpea variety but with uniquely slender pods up to 2 feet long. Frequently the long tender pods are harvested in the immature stage and stir fried in oriental dishes. They may also be allowed to mature and the seeds harvested and cooked as "dry peas" with a piece of ham hock. Wait to plant until at least the first week in July for more vigorous growth and less chance for insect damage. Prefers the hottest summer days and produces prolifically in late summer-early fall. Pole habit.
PKT (25) $2

Turtle Peas - Source: J.E. Hernandez family, Lexington , KY. This black-seeded variety came from the Pinar del Rio Province in western Cuba to Kentucky with Mr. Hernandez over 75 years ago. It has been in his family for well over 100 years. The mature dried seeds are harvested and used primarily for the tasty Cuban dish "black beans and rice". Needs no trellis and is a prolific producer . PKT (25) $2

African Surprise Pepper - This is an exciting new one for me from Gabon , Africa where it is grown as a staple in the diet of most people. In addition to being quite hot and prolific. Grow in a flower border for its attractive array of colorful and ornamental fruit.Sold out

Georgia White Hot Pepper - Source: Fincannon family, Central, SC. As this pepper ages, it becomes more pungent and takes on a lighter white color. Shaped like a cayenne pepper, it is mild enough to eat with vegetables in the early stages of growth. Later, it changes from white, to orange, to dark red in sharp contrast to the deep green foliage. May also be planted in a flower bed as an ornamental.Sold Out

Neck Pumpkin - Source: Dr. Chris Inhulsen, Montezuma , GA. This variety may actually be another accession of the African Winter Squash but called by another name. However, this fruit may develop with attractive curves and loops. The flesh is cooked much like butternut squash. The foliage is green with silvery variegations. PKT (15) $2

Seminole Pumpkin - Source: Mr. and Mr. J. Nicholson, Anderson , SC. As the name implies, the Seminole Indians of southern Florida perpetuated this pumpkin. Small pumpkins the size of a basketball with a light salmon pink rind develop in late summer and fall. A much smaller inner cavity contains very flat seed. The foliage has interesting silvery variegations. Thick, beige flesh excellent for pies. PKT (15) $2

German Aboveground Sweet Potato – This interesting winter squash gets its name from the fact that it is shaped somewhat like a sweet potato. It can be grown either on a trellis or it can be allowed to run over the ground in a large unrestricted area. Eighteen inch fruit are six inches in diameter and tapered at both ends like a sweet potato. The squash will keep for months at room temperature and are very tasty in a number of holiday dishes. Sold Out

African Winter Squash - Source: Bub Burns, Koininia , GA. This squash was transported from Zaire in 1980 as an heirloom. It is a very hardy and disease resistant variety. It especially tolerates damage by the squash vine borer because it will root into the ground all along the runner stems. This allows the plant to continue to feed and uptake water despite stem damage at other locations. The long neck is solid flesh inside, and the bulbous bottom portion has a very small cavity about the size of a tennis ball. It will grow to be about 15-18 inches long. Firm flesh similar to the consistency of butternut squash. Long storage life in a protected root cellar . PKT (15) $2

Gold Striped Cushaw Squash - Source: Dr. Chris Inhulsen, Montezuma , GA. Give this vigorous vine lots of room to spread. The very large, attractive, green and gold striped fruit store for long periods. Flesh can be baked or roasted, or used in pies and soups . PKT (15) $2

White Cushaw - Source: Dr. Deno Curris, former Clemson President. This one could easily be called the giant white cushaw. I grew a 45 pound fruit this year. Very prolific, my vines produce from 6-10 fruits on one plant. Give it lots of room . PKT (15) $2

Flat Tan Field Pumpkin - Source: John Coykendall, Knoxville , Tenn. Grown in mountain and low-ground cornfields since early pioneer days, these pumpkins were used for both stock feed and for human consumption. They show a rich diversity of size, shape and coloration. I have found that they do not store so long as many other winter squashes and pumpkins. In the past they have been dried for winter storage. PKT (15)  $2

Healing Squash - Source: Edith & Bill Gambrel, Clayton , GA. Although the common name of this vegetable is "squash", it is an edible gourd. It originally came from Italy and has been maintained in the family almost 200 years. Like most other gourds, they are rampant growers and enjoy a stout trellis for best growth and fruit development. However, they will run freely over the ground. When young fruit are 15-18 inches long, half the fruit can be cut off for eating as other squash. The remainder of the fruit will heal itself and continue to grow, hence the name "healing squash". Mature fruit may reach 4 feet long and much larger than a baseball bat. When trellised on a stout arch, the pendulous fruit are quite striking. PKT (15) $2

Luffa Sponge Gourd - Source: Edith & Bill Gambrel, Clayton , GA. Luffa sponge gourds have been grown for many generations to provide natural sponge-like scouring pads suitable for scrubbing floors, automobiles, and are even used as shower sponges and for facials. The immature 5-6" fruits are edible and may be cut up and fried much like okra. Sponges obtained from the mature dried fruits will last for many years. This is a very aggressive vine and should be provided with a sturdy trellis in full sun. The aggressive vine shows off rich green foliage with contrasting bright yellow flowers late into the season making this an attractive ornamental vine to screen off unsightly views. PKT (15) $2

Plumgranny Melons - Source: Edith and Bill Gambrel, Clayton , GA. Local gardeners grow these interesting little melons primarily to bring fragrance into the kitchen. I am told by old timers that the rind can be made into excellent preserves or pickles similar to watermelon rind pickle. This is a very virorous growing melon producing numerous fruits the size of a small tennis ball. SOLD OUT PKT (25) $2

Ornamental Egg Gourds – This delightful little ornamental gourd has been grown by Dr. Bradshaw over forty years. It has a vigorous habit of growth with rich green foliage, and it flowers prolifically. Displayed on a large trellis, its many snow white, egg-shaped fruit appear in marked contrast to the foliage. The dried gourds are almost indistinguishable from brown hen eggs and are quite useful for arts & crafts. SOLD OUT PKT (15) $2

Cherokee Ceremonial Tobacco - This is the original Nicotiana rustica used by the Cherokee Indians during various ceremonies, rites of passage, etc. A small growing tobacco, it grows about knee high with several stalks arising near the crown. Each stalk terminates with a large cluster of flowers. A rather pervasive pungent odor is released from the leaves during times of high humidity. PKT (50) $2

Velvet Beans - Note: NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION. This is a legume that was widely grown up until about 1900 as a summer cover crop. Vigorous plants produce a mass of foliage that shades out bermuda grass and nutsedge in just one summer. Hardy, vigorous, and virtually pest free, it helps break the nematode cycle and adds much nitrogen and organic matter to the garden. Plant seeds 3 ft. apart.
PKT (15) $2 -- JUMBO PKT (100) $10