An heirloom plant is one that was being grown at least half a century ago, though some species are hundreds of years old. They are usually hardier than today’s hybrids, and easier to grow. The flowers may not be as large or as brightly colored as those currently seen in catalogs and garden centers, but usually have a stronger scent. These old fashioned plants used to be found in gardens on old homesteads, abandoned properties, or even old cemeteries, but are now widely available through mail order companies. Listed here are just a few of the best heirlooms to start out with.
Outhouse Hollyhocks
For so many gardeners, these hollyhocks bring back memories of helping grandma in her flower beds. Grown in the 1700’s, where they were planted around outhouses, they lost popularity over the years. They have made a much deserved comeback. This variety produces single flowers growing up stalks that can reach six feet or more, in a wide variety of colors. Bowles Black is a favorite, but is actually a gorgeous dark purple. Hollyhocks are biennials, meaning they produce leaves the first year, and will flower the second. When planted for a few successive years, they will seem like perennials because there will be flowers every year.
Harlequin Marigold
A most unusual marigold, the harlequin is nothing like those seen in today’s gardens. It was popular in the late 1700’s, and all but disappeared over the years. Still hard to find, it is worth locating. Like all marigolds, this one is ridiculously easy to grow. The tall, bushy plants contain countless yellow and red striped flowers. Harlequin marigolds require lots of room, as each plant can grow as wide as 3 feet.
Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate
Truly an heirloom, this annual dates back to Thomas Jefferson, who grew it in his garden. Growing up to 7 feet in height, it produces long, showy clusters of flowers that can grow as long as 4 inches. Flowers may be red, pink or white. The leaves are heart shaped and very pretty in their own right. It often reseeds itself.
Woodland Tobacco
Called star flower years ago, this is one of the most fragrant flowering plants around. The tubular shaped white flowers grow at the top of a tall stem, and smell similar to jasmine. Large, sticky green leaves grow near the ground. While the flowers are the most fragrant at night, they stay open the entire day. Offered by Park Seed all the way back in 1904, it has remained popular over the years. It is a tender perennial that is often grown as an annual.
There are several good catalogs that sell heirloom seeds. Seed Savers Exchange, Select Seeds, and Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds all have a great selection, and all have online catalogs.
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