Roselle is a fast growing annual hibiscus whose calyxes are used to make a delicious tea that is popular in the Caribbean, and other tropical areas. It gets to about six feet tall. The plant is high in calcium, and the calyxes are high in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Soil: Tolerant of most soil conditions, but [...]

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This lettuce has been grown in the community garden at UF by people who brought it from Asia. It grows well in the winter and tolerates frost from a young age. To plant, sprinkle seeds densely in a small trench. The seedlings are ready to transplant when they have two leaves. Next, prepare the bed [...]

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May be grown in your vegetable or herb garden or as a potted specimen. The leaves of this succulent herb are fleshy and strongly aromatic. Leaves are often used Caribbean cooking and also as a substitute for sage. The leaves are used medicinally in India as a cure for coughs.

Soil & Water: No special soil [...]

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Amaranth species are commonly grown for their spinach-like leaves, or for their grain-like seeds. Wild species, usually called pigweeds, are the second most damaging weed to agriculture, next to nutsedge. Our Callaloo grows well if cared for, but is unlikely to become a problem. Some native varieties excel as a potherb, specifically A. australis, but [...]

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This herbaceous annual is native to the Mediterranean region. It has been cultivated since Roman times and is considered an aphrodisiac. The leaves are rich in vitamin C and iron. Arugula hosts certain species of butterfly, including Garden Carpet.

Soil: Tolerates dry, poor soils. For optimum harvest, plant in well-composted, loose soil. Prefers mildly acidic pH, [...]

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Arrowroot is a small, attractive, shade-loving plant that produces an edible tuber. The white, bract covered tubers grow as long as a medium size sweet potato, but are much more narrow. Dig up the tubers in the winter when the plant has gone dormant. Store them in a cool dry place until use. Plant some [...]

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This small Florida native is a shrubby tree with beautifully crooked growth habits. It is covered in white blooms in the spring. Its fruits are a bit larger than a cooked garbanzo bean, and sour, sometimes bitter. Our plants are seedlings of one of the best tasting trees around, and not at all bitter.

Soil: Well [...]

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The Seminole pumpkin is actually closer related to butternut and calabaza, than a real pumpkin. They usually grow in a more pumpkin-like shape than butternuts. The vines are aggressive and fast growing, achieving lengths of 20 feet or more. They like to climb, but the fruits usually pull them down.

Soil: Prefers rich soil with lots [...]

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The red mulberry is native to the Eastern states, including Florida. Small trees can grow very fast, sometimes exceeding 5 foot a year, but sometimes they need a year to get settled. We propagate a few varieties, but the “6th Street” is generally our preferred. It has large and good tasting berries that are [...]

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This is a native vine that inhabits sunny areas in all local soil types. It spreads underground and may appear where you had not planned for it to be. It emerges from underground in the spring and flowers with large ornate purple blossoms. The vines grow and produce better in some spots than in others. [...]

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