seedlisting 2025

nativeseeds.org
 Tohono O'odham Hu:n (Tohono O'odham June Corn) growing at NS/S Conservation Center, Tucson AZ.

Coexisting with Mother Earth

Farming is a lifestyle, it’s spiritual, and it’s a lifelong dedication; and we care for our plants like
children. The indigenous wisdom passed down to many people in the Southwest teaches us to
respect and be mindful of nature. I was taught that as a farmer, we care for our family and neighbors,
so we should also care for the land and our brother and sister animals too. When you grow food,
they will come to eat too, and you should grow enough for everyone. Caring for the land, plants,
and animals is fundamental to many indigenous cultures. As time passes, we see how the indigenous
wisdom of coexisting with Mother Earth holds true and is important to the health of people and
all the beautiful life around us. — Helena Sakiestewa Gonzales, Seed Bank Manager

This year’s Seedlisting cover art:

Coexisting with Mother Earth

The spirit of Mother Earth meets a child who represents the world’s people. Mother Earth offers a bowl
filled with young plants that can provide nourishment, medicine, and materials for shelter and clothing.
The young child accepts Mother Earth’s gifts and the responsibility of coexisting with all nature. Mother
Earth’s robe carries symbols of insects that arrive with the monsoon rains that bring moisture to all life
forms. The child’s blanket features seed imagery, representing the promise of life. Clouds flow behind
the women as stars appear above. Water flows from a sacred vessel between the two, nourishing the
land we depend on. Below are elements of the Earth: seeds, animals, water, and minerals.
Behind the two women is a circle containing petroglyphs. Here, the Sun, the source of life, sits
prominently above all. The next petroglyph depicts two figures on their life journey together.
Surrounding the figures are animals, rain clouds, plants, and symbols of blessings past and future,
reminding us that life requires us to coexist with Mother Earth. There lies our responsibility to the
future and our appreciation for the past. — Gerald Dawavendewa, Hopi and Cherokee artist

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Dear Friends,
As our world faces increasing climate disasters and
the decline of traditional agriculture, including the
loss of heirloom crops and seeds, we feel an urgent
call to protect Mother Earth. The theme of this
year’s Seedlisting is “Coexisting with Mother
Earth.”
At Native Seeds/SEARCH (NS/S), we believe that
traditional seed-saving is about coexisting with the
land and the natural world around us. Seed-saving
is a reciprocal relationship between grower and
land, evolving through the seasons as seeds are
saved and replanted. Over time, as these seeds Table of Contents
adapt to their climate and surroundings, the bond Many Ways to Get Seeds 4
between farmer, nature, and seed deepens.
Partner Farmer Program 5
Farming rooted in Indigenous practices also About the Seeds 10–11
embodies this coexistence, drawing knowledge
Seedlisting Key 11
from Mother Earth. In this loving, reciprocal
exchange, farmers protect and enrich the land, and Seeds for Purchase 12–35
in return, she gives back gifts: fertile soil, food, Wildflowers 34–35
shade, and water. Food and Gifts 36–37
Modern, industrial farming, however, has dis- Support NS/S 33
rupted this cycle of coexistence and care between Order Form 39
farmers and seeds. Genetically uniform seeds used
Growing & Seedsaving Tips 40–45
in this farming lack the deep, generational rela-
tionship present in traditional methods. They also Native American Seed Share 46–48
lack the resilience developed over time to thrive in Native Access Seeds 49–55
a specific location and climate. In contrast, every
accession in the NS/S seed bank represents a
unique relationship between a farmer and their
seeds – seed selected for strength and flavor, and
reflecting farming traditions. The seeds stewarded
by NS/S are uniquely adapted to this region and are
resilient in conditions with low rainfall and extreme
heat.
NS/S sees its role not only as a conservator of seeds
for the future but also as a steward of the rich his-
tories and relationships — the coexistence —
between farmers and their lands. We hope you
enjoy this Seedlisting and that you’ll grow the seeds
featured within these pages. Please continue to sup-
port heirloom seed conservation through
donations, purchases, or membership, and, most
importantly, by saving your seeds!
Alexandra Zamecnik, Executive Director Mayo Guegui amaranth growing at
NS/S Conservation Center, Tucson AZ.

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Many Ways to Get Seeds
For generations, communities across the living in the Southwest region, from indigenous
Southwestern U.S. and northwest Mexico, the communities in the Southwest region, or culturally
Southwest region, have saved and cultivated seed connected to the seeds we steward. See pages 46–48 or
varieties, passing them down as part of their cultural visit nativeseeds.org/NASS for more info and order
and agricultural heritage. These seeds have not only form.
grown crops but have also nourished communities
Partner Farmer Program
and coexisted with Mother Earth. Today, this legacy is
To maintain seed availability and adaptation we
at risk of extinction as industrial agriculture
provide planting seed at no cost to farmers in
continues to replace traditional, sustainable practices,
exchange for a return of a portion of the harvest. See
eroding local food systems and biodiversity. Native
page 5 for more info.
Seeds/SEARCH offers a solution by conserving and
sharing heirloom seed varieties from farmers and Seed Donations
communities spanning from Utah to central Mexico. NS/S offers seed donations to organizations in the
Central to our mission is returning seeds to the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico focused on improving
Indigenous communities who cultivated them for seed security, seed distribution, seed saving, seed
generations as well as local, grassroots banking, and seed access within
organizations promoting food their own communities. The
security. Through collaboration and purpose of these donations is to
respect, we help these seeds return help establish and increase
home. Seed sharing is an act of populations of traditional seeds
conservation. It keeps traditional in communities who have a
varieties alive, strengthens local food relationship to the seeds in the
systems, and promotes resilience in NS/S collection. NS/S will give
the face of modern agricultural top priority to organizations that
challenges. NS/S provides access to are culturally connected to the
these seeds through our seed share seeds and who either plan to
programs: increase the seeds for their
community through growouts or
Community Seed Grants will distribute seeds or food to
Shoshone-Paiute Tribes Food
This program is for organizations in community members who are
Distribution Program in
our region working toward Owyhee, Nevada. culturally related to the seeds.
community food security, seed
sovereignty, education, and other Rematriation
For more information, visit NS/S supports seed sovereignty in
projects of collective wellbeing.
nativeseeds.org/programs communities that originated the
Priority is given to projects that
call 520.622.0830 or email seeds in the collection. NS/S
clearly support food security and [email protected]
resilience for systemically defines rematriation as the return
If you’d like to learn about our of seed to a person or tribe with a
marginalized communities. Grantees
seed stewardship, please read direct relationship to those seeds.
may request up to 30 seed packets, and
our complete Seed Policy at Upon request, NS/S will return
applications are accepted throughout
nativeseeds.org/seed-policy. original seed when available to a
the year. To learn more and apply visit
nativeseeds.org/csg. donor or descendent of a seed
donor. Tribes who have cultural connections to seeds
Native American Seed Share Program in the NS/S collection may request that NS/S restrict
We provide 15 seed packets at no cost (other than distribution of particular seed varieties or return
shipping) to Native American individuals that are substantial seed to the tribe. For more information
on rematriation, visit nativeseeds.org/rematriation.

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Partner Farmer Program
Grow seeds with NS/S!
We are seeking experienced growers to
help maintain the health, adaptation, and
availability of seed varieties we steward.
Who Can Participate?
Southwest-based growers with crop
production and seed-saving experience.
We prioritize partnerships with
Indigenous growers in an effort to connect
seeds to communities with cultural and
historical ties to the seeds.
What is involved:
A Grow-out list of priority seeds is shared
and crop selection is based on farmer
interest, experience, and available land.
Seed saving guidelines are provided.
Program Options
Navajo Robin’s Egg corn from
partner farmer Mike Benally.
Seed Exchange
We provide growers with planting seed at
no cost, and in exchange ask that they
return half of their seed harvest to NS/S.
We ask Native American farmers of the
Southwest to return a smaller portion of
their harvest so that more seed can remain
in Indigenous hands and communities.
Seed Contract
Growers also have the option of making a
contract arrangement to be paid for
returning larger quantities of seed.
Benefits:
Participating farmers are free to use, share,
and save remaining seed however they Field Preparation on partner farmer Jose Galindo’s
family farm in Tuxcacuesco, Jalisco, Mexico.
would like (the provided seed or their
progeny are not to be used for commercial breeding purposes). Partner
Farmers help to promote the health of the NS/S seed collection and help to
ensure seed availability to other farmers, communities, and future generations.
How to Participate:
To learn more or become a Partner Farmer, please contact us at 520.622.0830
ext.115 or email [email protected].

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Community Seed Grant Spotlight:
Casa de los Cirios in Tecate, Baja California
Casa de los Cirios is a traditional education group in “At Casa de los Cirios, we feel truly privileged to have
Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. They teach their your unwavering support. It is an honor to grow
community about traditional and ancestral cooking almost exclusively varieties provided by you. As a
techniques, tools, and recipes. community center, we cherish the unique
partnership we share with you, as you are
“Part of Mexico's food culture is
our sole source for seeds. We deeply value
tied to the mastery of
this relationship and look forward to
agricultural techniques and
many more successful growing
domestication of certain
seasons together.”
varieties of seeds. It’s
important for us to show how “I’m also excited to share some
cooking and transforming wonderful news: the San Ildefonso
your food to meals is just as fava beans thrived so well this year
important as growing and that we now have enough to plant
safeguarding your seeds.” three entire beds. This will bring us an
abundance by the end of the winter
“This year has been a remarkable
growing season. The same success goes for
period of growth in our garden. We’ve
our Amaranth and Ki:kam Hun Corn, along
deepened our connection with the
with several other varieties you’ve provided.”
community, welcoming over 150 visitors through
various workshops and classes where we shared our “Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.
passion for sustainable agriculture.” We couldn’t have done it without you.”

Photos are from Casa de los Cirios community garden in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico.

6
Voices of Community
Seed Grant Recipients
“Using these seeds was so important for us as a community
that has had our specific native seeds replaced largely with
commercial seeds through displacement and colonization.
Knowing we could use seeds that were either from our tribe
(Caddo peyote gourds) or from Indigenous regions as close as
possible to ours, such as those in New Mexico, Mexico, and
Arizona (we are Indigenous to Texas and are currently located in
Oklahoma), was such a restorative comfort and blessing. Our
community was familiar with many of the seed varieties that we planted
and had stories to share about those plants. Our elders were so happy to
see us young people planting seeds they had once planted. They shared
with us how they used to process and save seeds. I believe planting Native
seeds really gave the kids an understanding of who they are in the context
of their ancestors and community.” —River Whittle, Caddo Nation of
Oklahoma Childcare, Binger OK
“The biggest win was reconnecting our Native inmates and students
with ancestral foods.” At Chief Ignacio Justice Center, Towaoc, CO, “the
inmates were attached to the plants and even after being released asked
about the garden. The facility was able to have them come and pick up
produce, thereby getting it out into the Towaoc community.” In Wingate,
NM, "Fort Wingate High School harvested corn pollen for prayer and
the students were able to do this. Further, the staff harvested lots of
squash and corn and have been able to utilize the produce to enhance the
school lunch menu.” — Casey Cavenaugh with BIA Indigenous Food
Hubs, at Chief Ignacio Justice Center in Towaoc, CO, and at Wingate High
School in Wingate, NM

“The awe of picking and eating our veggies was tremendous.” "Wow!
I didn't know they grew like that!", "Wow! They're so big!" Students
seeing their food grown was a big first step. Some took seeds home for
their parents and them to start container
gardens, spreading sustainability into their
communities. Also finding multiple ways to
use the food they grow has been active and
awe inspiring. Such great giggles, laughter
and conversations occurred that don't
normally happen in the regular classroom
when they’re learning. True inspiration and
authentic, experiential learning brought
many smiles, and warmed my own heart.” —
Melany Coates, Sunnyside High School
Collaboration with University of Arizona’s From top: Tully Elementary Magnet School, Tucson AZ. Davis
Noyce Borderlands Master Teacher Fellow Bilingual Magnet School, Tucson AZ. Hermosa Montessori
Program, Tucson, AZ Charter School, Tucson AZ. Sunnyside High School, Tucson AZ.

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Welcome Seeds!
Thanks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and especially our partner farmers, we’ve been
able to expand our seed offerings and introduce two new varieties now available to the public!
All of the seeds in our Collection have a long history and are uniquely adapted to the cultures
and climates of the Southwest region. With over 1,800 varieties in our seed bank that require
regeneration, it’s challenging to grow each one frequently enough to keep them consistently in
stock. However, through our collective efforts and your support, we are able to share more of
these seeds with communities culturally and historically connected to them, as well as to all
the food growers and gardeners of the Southwest. Remember to save and replant your seeds to
help them further adapt to your local environment and soils. A big thank you to everyone, who
contributes to preserving and sharing traditional, regional, and heirloom seeds!

Colorado Pea — Q013 Casados Blue Corn — ZL071

Purchased in the early 90s at a market in A beautiful deep blue flour corn with 8–10"
Espanola, NM; this traditional Spanish long ears. Great for making chicos, masa,
soup-pea variety came from Colorado. and pinole. Originally collected at the
This lush vining pea has petite white Casados Farm in El Guique, New Mexico in
flowers and 2” long pods. The dry peas are 1994; this seed has been in this farming
mostly smooth, and tan or pale green. family for generations. This high desert
They grow well in the low desert winter. variety is about 70 days to flowering and
See page 27. about 170 days to dry harvest. See page 20.

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Coexisting
Any single breath
may draw deep inside us
dust that once danced over the Sahara
corn pollen, or pine, or sequoia
a rainbow sliver of insect wing
ocean mist
mushroom spore
bee fuzz
owl breath
star powder
and of course
Tassel shedding pollen from Tohono O'odham Hu:n
oxygen (Tohono O'odham June Corn) at NS/S Conservation
Center.
made by a plant
out of sunshine and rain.
Our bodies are built
of the bodies of others
animal vegetable mineral.
How can we think ourselves
separate
from the rest?

— Sheryl Joy, Seed Conservation Specialist

Emerging silks from Tohono O'odham Hu:n (Tohono

O'odham June Corn) at NS/S Conservation Center.

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About the Seeds for organic certification. Please contact us if you have
questions about the specific growing conditions of
NS/S is committed to conserving agricultural any seed offered by NS/S. All of our seeds are
biodiversity and to providing the highest quality seed untreated and allowable for use in certified organic
available. With these values in mind: programs.
Open Pollinated Varieties NS/S provides only OP Safe Seeds and GMOs NS/S is a member of the Safe
varieties. Seed saved from the parent plant will grow Seed Initiative. We do not buy, sell, or use genetically
with the same characteristics if care is taken to modified seeds. Our seeds can be considered GMO-
prevent cross pollination. free and we work to ensure that they are not
Southwestern and Native American Heirlooms cross-pollinated by GMO or hybrid seed stock. For
Seeds from the NS/S Seed Bank Collection (shown more information, contact the Council for
with the symbol S) are adapted and culturally Responsible Genetics, sponsor of the Safe Seed
significant to what's currently the Southwestern U.S. Initiative.
and northwest Mexico, the Southwest region. The No Patents on Seed We support free access to crop
majority of the heirlooms in the collection are the diversity and support the rights of indigenous
cultural property and relatives of Indigenous nations. communities (and all farmers) to benefit fairly from
These seeds are not only uniquely adapted to the the crops and associated knowledge they developed.
environments they come from, but have been shaped Seeds obtained from NS/S are not to be used for
by the Indigenous people who have cared for them commercial breeding purposes with a patent
since time immemorial. NS/S is committed to outcome unless there are written agreements with
stewarding them in partnership with Tribal the originators of the seeds in the NS/S collection.
authorities and seed keepers so that they remain
viable well into the future.
Cultural Varieties Some of our squash,
melons, and other crops exhibit a diversity of
fruit types within a population. Although it
may appear that a grower has allowed varieties
to cross-pollinate, and did not maintain the
purity of the strain, this generally represents a
different approach to growing. Traditional
gardeners and farmers sometimes
intentionally grow a mix of fruit types to add
variety to their harvest and diet. When saving
seeds from a diverse planting, gardeners can
continue to select for desirable fruit types. Save
seeds from the best-tasting squash, the
healthiest plants, fruits that stored well, and
other plants with the characteristics you want.
Organic Growing Practices Seeds in our
Seed Bank Collection are grown out at our
Conservation Center in Tucson or by partner
farmers in the region. While we are not USDA-
certified organic, our current growing
practices meet and often exceed the standards
Texas Hill Country Red okra growing at NS/S Conservation
Center.

10
O’odham Ha:l grown at NS/S Conservation Center.

Seed Bank Collection to ensure that Southwest region Native communities

who have cultural and historical connections to these
Native Seeds/SEARCH maintains a regional seed
seeds are prioritized. Native Access seeds may be
bank with approximately 1,800 accessions from over
selected through the Native American Seed Share
100 species of wild crop ancestors and domesticated
Program, Partner Farmer Program, Community
crops used as food, fiber, and dye. These accessions
Seed Grants, or rematriation programs.
represent part of the rich agricultural heritage of the
region. NS/S works to ensure that these
resources remain viable and available to
farmers for generations to come. Varieties with
Seedlisting Key
declining germination rates are regrown in
isolation to maintain genetic purity. We make
this diversity available to farmers and
gardeners when new crops of healthy seeds
result in more than we need to maintain viable
HIGH Desert: >3,500’ or LOW Desert <3,500’ The
samples in the seed bank.
plants in our collection are adapted to many different
Native Access growing conditions around the Southwest region. For best
success, choose varieties coming from elevations similar to
Native Access is a list of seeds collected from your location.
Indigenous farmers in the U.S. Southwest and SEED Bank Varieties that are formally conserved in the
Mexico that are currently limited in quantity. NS/S seed bank. They are considered open pollinated heir-
At this time, they are prioritized for Native looms or crop wild relatives with a long historical
communities and are not available on our connection to the Southwest region.
online store. Once these seeds have been NON Collection Seed Open pollinated varieties that are
grown out and are abundant again, we will not from our Seed Bank collection. Unlike our Seed Bank
offer them again to the public through our offerings, these varieties do not have a history specific to
the Southwest region (see page 16).
online store. The purpose of Native Access is

11
Buy Seeds
Amaranth Amaranthus spp. $3.95
Approx. 0.3g/300 seeds per packet.

Chacari–Mano de Obispo Celosia cristata. Bishop's Hand. This ornamental

cockscomb from the Mayo decorates graves for Dia de los Muertos (Day of
the Dead). Flowers are magenta, occasionally golden, and have a wide
range of shapes. This variety sometimes produces wide, flat, fluted stems. A
very unusual plant! C010 HLS
Chihuahuan Ornamental A. cruentus. From the heart of the Chihuahuan
desert in Mexico, it is called Sangre de Castilla, the "Blood of Noble Spain."
The black seeds are edible and the leaves are used as greens. Tall plants with
Chacari
rich red blooms. C001 H L S
Guarijío Guegui A. hypochondriacus x A. hybridus. From the Rio Mayo in
Sonora, Mexico, a white-seeded grain used by Guarijío people for tamales,
pinole or popping. Lovely red inflorescences, some white. C005 H L S
Huatl A. cruentus. Alegria. From Cuatla Market in Tulyehualco, a Nahua area
outside Mexico City. Produces mostly blond inflorescences sometimes
tipped with pink. Seed used for the traditional central Mexican confection
known as Alegria. Greens are edible. Grows to 9 ft. with multiple flower
heads. C008 H L S
Marbled A. cruentus. The inflorescences are predominantly red but marbled
with green. Some all red and all green as well. The green to pink leaves
sometimes have light red venation, sometimes white. Originally collected
Chihuahuan Ornamental at Huazulco Pueblo in the state of Morelos, Mexico. C016 H S
New Mexico A. hypochondriacus. These variable inflorescences yield edible
golden seeds. Young leaves are edible also, as with all amaranth. From a
dooryard garden near Rinconada, NM. C006 H L S
Okite A. cruentus. Brilliant red flowers and black seeds on stems rising 4 to
6 feet. Collected in Rarámuri (Tarahumara) country near Batopilas, a town at
the bottom of the Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon). C015 H L S
Rio San Lorenzo A. hypochondriacus. A good choice for variety of colors:
blond, pink, marbled, and occasional red blooms. From Durango, Mexico,
the blond seed is used as a grain. C007 H L S
Weywi Cupeli A. cruentus. An amaranth from Alamos in southern Sonora,
Mexico. The leaves are green with red-tinged veins and the flowers are a
Huatl bright fuschia. Seeds are black. C019 H L S

New Mexico Okite Weywi Cupeli

12 High Desert Low Desert Seed Bank Non-Collection

 All seeds are open-pollinated and non-GMO

Bean — Common Bean Phaseolus vulgaris $3.95

Approx. 15g/50 seeds per packet.

Delores De Hidalgo Frijol Negro A medium-sized black bean from central

Mexico. The pole bean has dark lilac flowers and purple mottled pods. Sweet
flavor and smooth texture; also a great green bean. PC016 H S
Kokoma Mountain Pima Ojo de Cabra or Goat's eye. Produces beautiful
large seeds with dark stripes over both light tan and blue-gray backgrounds.
Fast-maturing but day-length sensitive, so not good for northern latitudes.
PC021 H L S
Muniki Sitakami Rarámuri Bakámina. Rare. Semi-pole plants produce tiny,
burgundy, kidney-shaped beans. Pods are quite long and make excellent
green beans. PC034 H S
New Mexico Bolitas Pinkish-beige rounded pole beans grown for centuries
by traditional Hispanics in northern NM. Faster cooking than pintos. Early-
maturing, high-yielding. PC024 H S
Ojito Bolita From high elevation Ojito, New Mexico (7,500’). Super produc-
tive in a recent growout by our partner in southern Colorado. Originally
collected in 1999. Quick cooking but not as round as older-style bolitas.
PC108 H S
Provider An early maturing heirloom bush bean, proven over decades to
be a consistent producer, even in unpredictable, adverse conditions. Com-
pact plants dependably yield light-green, 5" pods. TS302 H L N
Rarámuri Azufrado Medium-sized, egg-shaped, sulfur & beige colored
seeds. Pole bean. A staple at many locations in the Sierra Madre. Distinctive
flavor and smooth texture. Day-length sensitive, not suitable for planting in
northern latitudes. PC033 H S
Rarámuri Canario Elongated yellow/cream beans collected throughout
Rarámuri country. Bush beans, a tasty staple of the mountains. Plant in early
spring or late summer in the low desert. PC038 H L S
Rarámuri Ojo de Cabra Goat's Eye. High-yielding pole bean. Large,
diversely-colored beans. Dark stripes on speckled background. Sweet mild
Sierra Madre staple. Day-length sensitive, not suitable for planting in north-
ern latitudes. PC054 H S
Rattlesnake A drought-tolerant pole bean. 7–8" pods are dark green with
purple streaks. Harvest early for very sweet snap beans. TS305 H L N
Sawaroame Rarámuri Frijol Amarillo Large gold high-yielding staple. Vigor-
ous pole bean producing flavorful beans with creamy texture. Day-length
sensitive, not suitable for planting in northern latitudes. PC047 HLS
Vayo Blanco A vigorous, high-yielding pole bean from Durango, Mexico, at
about 6,200'. Day-length sensitive, not suitable for northern climates. Large
light-tan seeds with an orange ring around the hilum. PC064 H S
Vayitos Bolas Frijol de Sinaloa. Medium-sized, light-tan and sulfur seeds with
visible veins. Pole bean grown out from collections from the Mountain Pima
people in eastern and southern Sonora. High-yielding. Day-length sensitive,
not suitable for planting in northern latitudes. PC069 H L S
Walter Brandis Pinto High desert pinto bean saved and grown by Walter
Brandis at his family farm outside of Flagstaff since 1945. A semi-vining bean,
it will send out runners but can be grown in field settings with nothing to
climb. Productive heirloom treasure. PC206 H S

13
Buy Seeds
Bean — Common Bean continued

Wepegi Mu:n O’odham Pink. A pink bean from the desert borderlands of
Sonora and Arizona. Fast-growing, the plants will sprawl and produce in
early spring or late fall in the low desert. Delicious and creamy-textured.
White flowers. PC063 H L S

Bean — Fava Bean Vicia faba $5.95

Approx. 16g/15 seeds per packet.

Cuarteles This fava was very productive in a summer crop at our former
Patagonia, AZ farm… and also in our recent winter grow-out in Tucson! Pick
when young for fresh shelling, or use as dry bean when seed is allowed to
fully mature. Excellent for soups or hummus. Originally collected north of
Española in Cuarteles, New Mexico. FV022 H L S
Ojito Haba Green and tan seeds are up to 3/4" long and 1/2" wide. From
Ojito, south of the Spanish village of Chamisal, NM, at 7800'. Good for cool
season growing in the low desert or plant in early spring at higher eleva-
tions. FV006 H L S
San Luis From the little town of San Luis in far south-central Colorado, this
fava was collected from a local farmer in 1995. Plump pale green and tan
seeds, quite productive in our Tucson winter grow-out. FV024 H L S

Bean — Garbanzo/Chickpea Cicer arietinum

Approx. 6g/25 seeds per packet. $3.95
Delores Hidalgo From near the city of Dolores Hidalgo in Guanajuato, cen-
tral Mexico. The pretty plants are prolific in the low desert winters,
producing small beans. Chickpeas prefer arid growing conditions and tol-
erate light frost. U002 H L S
Garbanzo del Norte From farmers in Vadito in Taos County, New Mexico.
Though from a high elevation (8,000'), they also do well in the low desert if
planted in late fall or late winter. Beans are larger than some of the others
in our collection. U004 H L S

Bean — Lentil Lens esculentus $3.95

Approx. 1g/25 seeds per packet.

O’odham Lentil Flat gray-brown to tan seeds borne on pretty little plants,
these seeds were collected on the Tohono O'odham Nation; originally intro-
duced to the region by the Spanish. Larger seeds than the Rarámuri variety.
LE001 L S
Rarámuri Pinks The small round pinkish-tan seeds are borne in tiny pods
on small attractive plants about a foot tall. A cool season plant in the low
desert. Very productive in our 2022 winter-spring growout in Tucson. Orig-
inally collected from Chihuahua, Mexico. LE002 H L S

14 High Desert Low Desert Seed Bank Non-Collection

 Find more varieties at nativeseeds.org

Bean — Tepary Bean Phaseolus acutifolius $3.95

Approx. 7g/50 seeds per packet.

Blue Speckled Unique and beautiful tan beans with navy blue speckles.
From highland areas of southern Mexico, this variety is a Mayan folkrace.
Does not tolerate low desert heat, but is otherwise prolific. Delicious. PT079
HS
Cocopah Brown Early-maturing medium-sized flattened orange-tan and
orange speckled beans originating from along the lower Colorado River in
Sonora. Very productive in our Tucson grow-out. PT107 L S
Pinacate Originally obtained from the most arid runoff farm in Mexico, in
the Sierra El Pinacate Protected Zone. Tan beans with slight mottling. PT074
LS
Rock Corral Canyon Wild Phaseolus acutifolius var. tenuifolius. Originally col-
lected in the Wild Chile Botanical Area in southern Arizona, home to other
crop wild relatives including chiles, cotton, devil's claws, and squash. Reseeds
freely – pods easily pop open and scatter seeds when dry. PW103 L S
S’oam Pawi Menager’s Dam Brown. A red-brown bean from Menager’s
Dam, a Tohono O’odham community near the Arizona–Sonora Border.
PT119 H L S
Santa Rosa White From the village of Santa Rosa on the Tohono O’odham
Nation, halfway between Tucson and Ajo. White beans, extremely drought
tolerant. PT111 H L S
Yoeme Brown Colorful mixture of medium-sized tan-brown and pink-
brown beans. Early-maturing, with both white and lilac flowers. Originally
from a traditional Yoeme village on southern Sonora's coastal plain. Very pro-
ductive in our 2022 growout in Tucson. PT078 H L S

Bean Common Mosaic Virus

Bean-Common Mosaic Virus (BCMV) is a plant disease that can
affect all New World beans (Phaseolus spp.), including common
beans, teparies, limas, and scarlet runners. It is not harmful to
humans or other animals, but can cause decreased yield or death
in beans.
Tepary beans may be “carriers” of BCMV, as they tolerate the disease
with only minor symptoms if grown in arid regions. Because
teparies may carry BCMV, do not grow teparies near other species
of beans that are more susceptible to the virus — especially those
to be saved for seed. Signs of the virus include stunted plants,
downward curling and puckering of leaves, and yellow-green mot-
tling of leaves.
BCMV is a seed-borne disease, and seeds saved from infected plants
can pass the virus on to future crops. Healthy plants can be infected
by aphids spreading the virus from diseased to healthy plants, by
infected leaves touching healthy ones, or by gardeners handling
healthy plants after working with diseased plants. Diseased plants
should be carefully rogued (removed) and discarded.

15
Buy Seeds
Non-Collection Seeds
Many vegetables, like lettuce, carrots, and broccoli, don’t have botanical origins or deep cultural roots
in the Southwest region and thus are not a part of our collection. To accommodate interest in growing
them, NS/S offers selected heirloom seed varieties from outside of our region. These seeds are marked
in the catalog with an N for “Non-collection seeds”. Since all are open-pollinated varieties, if grown to
avoid crossing, you can save seeds that will grow true to type the next year. We have chosen N vari-
eties that are relatively heat- and drought-tolerant or that have a shorter growing season, so they are
more adaptable to growing in the Southwest. As much as possible, we purchase from sources that pro-
duce seed organically and/or using sustainable agricultural practices. When you purchase from Native
Seeds/SEARCH, you financially support our work of conserving the NS/S treasure of regional heirloom
seeds.

Beet Beta vulgaris Approx. 2.5g/200 seeds per packet. $3.95

Detroit Red A true heirloom dating back to 1892. The Early Wonder Selected about 100 years ago from
standard in canned beets for more than 100 years. Does Crosby Egyptian for earliness and vigorous, lush top
surprisingly well in the desert. Deep-red, 3" globes store growth, making it a great choice for early beet greens.
well. Delicious, 12-15" dark-green tops. TS025 H L N Produces deep-red 3–4", exceptionally sweet globes.
45–50 days from planting. TS020 H L N

Broccoli Brassica spp. Approx. 0.5g/70 seeds per packet. $3.95

Sorrento Broccoli Raab B. rapa (Ruvo Group). Much Waltham 29 B. oleracea. Delicious and dependable
faster to grow than broccoli, harvest in as early as 40 broccoli bred to withstand especially cold weather.
days! Harvest tender leaves and stems as well as Short 20" plants produce medium-large heads and lots
unopened flower buds. TS035 H L N of side shoots. TS033 H L N

Cabbage Brassica oleracea Approx. 0.5g/150 seeds per packet. $3.95

Golden Acre One of our favorite cabbages for winter Red Acre Beautiful, red version of the famous Golden
desert gardens. Solid, round, 3–4 lb. grey-green heads Acre with larger, 2–3 lb. heads. Red Acre takes 2 weeks
on short-stemmed, erect plants. White interior with more to mature, but stores better and longer in root cel-
tightly folded leaves. High yields. TS058 H L N lars or refrigerators. TS059 H L N

Carrot Daucus carota Approx. 1g/600 seeds per packet. $3.95

Dragon A striking variety with bright purple skin and tip. Strong, bushy tops are effective for competing with
orange interior. Best flavor of all purple varieties; even weeds and make for easy pulling. TS068 H L N
more nutritious than orange carrots. TS062 H L N
Scarlet Nantes A timeless heirloom favorite. Bright-
Red Cored Chantenay Our farm crew all rated it at or orange, very sweet, slightly tapered, 6–7" roots with
near the top for eating quality, whether fresh or cooked. characteristic nantes rounded tip. A good keeper. Excel-
An excellent performer in heavy and loamy soils; broad lent for juice. TS061 H L N
(1.5–2") shoulders, 4–6" long roots that have a a blunt

16 High Desert Low Desert Seed Bank Non-Collection

 All seeds are open-pollinated and non-GMO

Chile/Pepper Capsicum annuum $3.95

Approx. 0.1–0.3g/25 seeds per packet.

Abiquiu Medium to hot thin-walled chiles, 3-6" in length. When red ripe
they have a nice tart-fruity flavor. An Abiquiu family worked with a chile vari-
ety from Santa Clara Pueblo and adapted it to this short season area where
chiles are rarely grown. (j) D062 H S
Anaheim Nu-Mex Heritage 6-4 The result of many years of chile breeding
at New Mexico State University. High yield, dependable heat, and that tra-
ditional New Mexican chile flavor. This is one of the popular chiles grown in
Hatch, NM. Medium heat. 6–8" long. (j) TS320 H L N Abiquiu
California Wonder Bell An exceptional strain of this treasured heirloom
bell pepper from the 1920s. Vigorous, 24–48" plants produce thick-walled,
blocky 4" green fruits which turn red if allowed to mature fully. TS325 H
LN
Caribe From southern Chihuahua. Medium-hot, sometimes increasing after
a few seconds to hot. 2–3" long. (a) D055 H S
Del Arbol de Baja California From an ejido (communal farm) south of
Guerrero Negro. Plants can grow 3 to 4 feet tall! Bright red and thin, yet
round chiles. 4" long. (g) D056 H L S
Escondida From Escondida, New Mexico, at 5,000' but it is no longer grown
there. This productive native chile has medium heat and is slow to heat in
the mouth. 3" long. (h) D032 H L S Anaheim Nu-Mex Heritage
Habanero Capsicum chinense. Extremely hot with a fruity, citrus-like flavor!
Orange, lantern-shaped fruits on plants that prefer warm, moist growing
conditions. Handle with care! TS328 H L N
Jalapeño Produces 3", fleshy peppers that are generally medium-hot. Usu-
ally picked when dark green, but will ripen to red if left on the plant. Earlier
than most jalapeño varieties; prolific harvest. (h) TS327 H L N
Poblano Called an Ancho when dried, a Poblano when fresh. Pick when
green for a mild flavor or wait until red for increased medium-hot heat level.
Plants grow 2–3' tall. (k) TS323 H L N
San Felipe Planted in mid-May by many farmers at San Felipe Pueblo. Pop-
ular for making ristras. Medium to medium-hot. 3–4" long. (j) D007 H L S
San Juan Tsile A native New Mexico type chile grown by elder farmers in Caribe
San Juan Pueblo. Early maturing. Mild to medium heat. 3–5" long. (j,b) D024
HS

Del Arbol de Baja California

17
Buy Seeds
Chile/Pepper continued
Sinahuisa From a Mayo ejido (communal farm) in Sonora, Mexico. The pods
are 1.5–2 inches long and very fleshy. Similar to serranos. Good for container
gardening. Our 2022 crop kept bearing through winter (with frost protec-
tion) and through 2023! (e) D006 L S
Tabasco Capsicum frutescens. Hot, prolific, and hardy, this is the famous
ingredient in Tabasco sauce. Yellow or orange narrow 1" fruits mature to red.
(e) DF001 L S

San Felipe
Chiltepin Capsicum annum $5.95
Approx. 0.1g/25 seeds per packet.

Hidalgo Hails from Hidalgo in east-central Mexico in a warm, almost sub-

tropical region. Found growing in washes, canyons, and rocky terrain in
light, medium, and heavy shade. Grows as a perennial shrub in frost free
regions. The long, narrow fruits are typically bright red at maturity, and
about half an inch long. DC005 L S
Sonoran Original seed for this accession was wild-harvested from central
Sonora, Mexico. These small, round, very hot wild chiles were grown at our
Conservation Center in Tucson. DC080 H L S

San Juan Tsile

Saving Seeds in the

Southwest
96 pages packed with seed saving
techniques and info on crops for
Southwestern gardens. Useful for both
beginner and experienced seed savers.
English (2nd edition) $14.95 PB2017
or Spanish (1st edition) $9.95 PB2019

Sinahuisa

Hidalgo Sonoran

18 High Desert Low Desert Seed Bank Non-Collection

 Find more varieties at nativeseeds.org

Corn/Maize Zea mays $3.95*

Approx. 10–18g/50 seeds per packet. *Unless otherwise indicated

Dent Corn
Hard endosperm surrounds soft sugary layer in dent corn types. The
soft starch shrinks as it dries, creating a dent in the top of the kernel.
Ears are typically hefty and plants tall and strong. Dent varieties can be
roasted in the milk stage, ground for a fine cornmeal, or nixtamalized
for tortillas and tamales.
Bachiachi Rarámuri Conico. Widely grown throughout the Sierra Tarahu-
mara, the medium-size ears have mostly white or yellow kernels that are
often dented. Many other kernels have pointed beaks. Plants grow 5-8’ tall.
ZD067 H S

Flour Corn
Kernels are composed of soft white starch. Color is found in this outer
layer that has a dull opaque appearance. Flour corn can easily be
ground into a fine meal for bread, piki, or atole. Flour varieties
harvested at milk stage are used for chicos and elotes. Flour types are
the best for parching as they are not too hard. Dried kernels can be
nixtamalized for posole.

Concha White A lovely white flour corn from Northern New Mexico, this is
basically a Pueblo type corn but doesn't have roots in one particular Pueblo.
Good for making a fine corn meal, or for chicos and elotes. TS369 H N
Mohave From Parker AZ on the CRIT reservation. This fast-growing corn is
traditionally used for boiling and cornmeal. Similar to Tohono O'odham
60–Day, possibly even faster to mature. Short plants and deep roots. ZF010
LS
Navajo White Navajo seed saver Zach Ben remembers his family growing
this corn in the Shiprock area since he was a child. Beautiful plump white
kernels are traditionally pit roasted right on the cob then dried for multiple
uses. Very tasty! ZF014 H S
Rarámuri Multicolor A beautiful and diverse mix of blue, white, and red
chinmark kernels. Some ears single colors and some mixed. From a farmer
near Creel, Chihuahua, over 7,500’ elevation. First time listed in the catalog!
ZF205 H S Seed Saver Size available
Rosari An all-purpose corn, used primarily for grinding into flour. Fat round
kernels, predominately white with a few yellow-, purple-, or blue-speckled
kernels. From high in Rarámuri country, above 7,000'. ZF020 H S
Santo Domingo Rainbow Gorgeous, multicolored corn with red, yellow,
pink, blue, purple, orange, pearl, speckled, and striped kernels. A very soft
corn that is wonderful for parching and easy to grind. ZF032 H S
Smoik Hu:ñ Tohono O'odham 60–Day. Extremely fast desert-adapted corn
traditionally grown with summer rains in floodwater fields. Short (6–10")
ears with white kernels on short stalks. Roasted and dried in the milk stage. *One ear can’t represent
Occasional blue and pink kernels. ZF016 L S this diverse variety; visit
Velarde Blue Recently grown by a partner farmer in Velarde who was glad www.nativeseeds.org to see
to see this corn return to the Espanola Valley in New Mexico after a long the range of color and shape.

19
absence. These floury kernels are blue, black and turquoise on ears from
6–12" long. ZF025 H S Seed Saver Size available
Buy Seeds
Flour/Flint Corn
Diversity present in these varieties prevents them from fitting into
distinct categories. They have kernels with a majority soft endosperm
like flour types but still retain some flint endosperm characteristics
within some kernels. These types can be used just like flour and
flint/popcorn types. With careful selection, seed savers can promote
desirable traits within the future generations.
Casados Blue A beautiful deep blue flour corn with 8–10" ears. Great for
making chicos, masa, and pinole. Originally collected at the Casados Farm in
El Guique, New Mexico in 1994; this seed has been in this farming family for
generations. ZL071 H S
Casados Multicolor A beautiful and productive mix of red, white, blue, yel-
low, orange and chinmark kernels on medium (11") length ears. Great for
making chicos, masa, pinole, or polenta. Originally collected at the Casados
Farm in El Guique, New Mexico in 1994. ZL072 H S Seed Saver Size avail-
able
Gila Pima Al Hu:ñ Cream-colored flour-type and clear flinty kernels on
smallish cobs. Matures quickly and with minimal irrigation. From the Gila
River Indian Community in central Arizona. Ears are relatively resistant to
fungal damage. In terms of balance between flour and flint kernels, this lies
in between Smoik Hu:n (99% flour-type kernels) and Ki:kam Hu:n (80% flour-
type kernels). ZL060 H L S
Ki:kam Huun Pima 60–Day. A traditional corn grown by Ramona Farms on
the Gila River Reservation. Very fast-maturing and similar to Tohono O'od-
ham 60–Day. About 20% flinty kernels and 80% flour kernels, the perfect
texture for making the Pima corn dish Ga'ivsa. ZL152 L S Seed Saver Size
available
Onaveño An ancient grinding corn used for pinole, cornmeal, and tortillas.
Also very flavorful (but not sweet) when grilled as green corn. From along
the Rio Mayo in Sinaloa. Flinty, cream colored kernels with occasional pink
and purple kernels on tall plants, ca. 8-10 feet. Pollination in this variety can
succeed in spite of very high temperatures. ZT111 H L S
Rarámuri Pepitillo From 7,000' and higher in Rarámuri country. Part of the
Conico race of maize with pearly white kernels, some with floury caps. Ker-
nels are often pointed or beaked. Small cobs (4–9”) on 6’ plants. ZL036 H S

Popcorn
The slightly translucent kernels are hard and have a soft endosperm
that expands and turns the kernel inside out when heated. Popcorn is
a subtype of flint corn. Most often used as popcorn, but can also be
ground for polenta and pinole.

Glass Gem Gorgeous popcorn selected by Carl Barnes and his student Greg
Schoen from many traditional Native corn varieties. Produces translucent,
jewel-colored ears, each one unique. The kernels may be ground into corn-
meal or popped. ZP103 H L S Seed Saver Size available

*One ear can’t represent Reventador Old-fashioned pinole corn with translucent white kernels once
this diverse variety; visit grown in Arizona with irrigation. Originally from central Sonora, Mexico. It
www.nativeseeds.org to see makes a very flavorful, hardy, crunchy popcorn when popped. Requires a
the range of color and shape. long growing season, so it is not recommended for northern climates. Plants
grow 6–8' tall. ZP092 H L S Seed Saver Size available

20 High Desert Low Desert Seed Bank Non-Collection

 All seeds are open-pollinated and non-GMO

Seed Saver Size Packets

Corn is a unique plant and requires seed savers to grow many more
plants than an ordinary seed packet provides. These special foil
packets contain 250 seeds for a genetically healthy population, as
well as growing and saving info. Currently available for 5 varieties,
this size counts as 5 packets in the Native American Seed Share
Program. $15.50 per packet.
Casados Multicolor ZL072.SS Glass Gem ZP103.SS
Ki:kam Hun ZL152.SS Rarámuri Multicolor ZF025.SS
Reventador ZP092.SS Velarde Blue ZF025.SS

Sweet Corn
High sugar content in sweet corn types are due to genes that control
conversion of sugar to starch. The sugars are distributed throughout
the kernels rather than in a layer. Dry mature kernels have a wrinkled
appearance. Kernel color develops as the ears ripen past the milk
stage. Typically sweet corns are harvested and eaten in the milk stage.

Golden Bantam Improved Genuine old-fashioned corn flavor. The origi-

nal strain of this legendary variety was introduced in 1902, and this
improved strain produces even larger, more tender ears on tall plants. Vig-
orous, early growth, approx. 80 days to maturity. 100 seeds/packet. TS360
H L N $5.95
Stowell’s Evergreen Popular across the country for more than 160 years.
“King of All White Sweet Corn Varieties”. Sweet, 10” ears on 7' stalks. 90+
days. 100 seeds/packet. TS361 H L N $5.95

Cowpea Vigna unguiculata $3.95

Approx. 5g/25 seeds per packet.

Caje Muni Also called Guarijio Muni Café. A gray speckled bean from Tor-
rero near the Rio Mayo in Sonora, Mexico. V007 L S
Mayo Speckled The pinto bean of cowpeas! A colima variety with pinto
bean mottling over light beige seeds. From Los Capomos, Sinaloa. V015
HLS
Rarámuri From a remote village in Batopilas Canyon (part of Copper
Canyon) in the Sierra Madre, Chihuahua, Mexico. The seeds are predomi-
nantly cream to beige with occasional brick or black-colored seeds. V019
HLS
Tetapeche Gray Mottled These speckled seeds look like wild beans. They
are pea-size with white eyes. From a market in Sonora, Mexico. V005
HLS
Tuk Wupoikam Also called Mun Poso. The small white beans have black
and brown eyes, and the name means "black eyes it has". Originally from the
Pima Bajo living near the Rio Yaqui in Onavas, Sonora. V009 H L S
U’us Mu:n Tohono O’odham. A gorgeous black and white bean with vari-
able mottling, may be all black (occasionally brown) or splotched on white.
Excellent for green beans in the low desert. Fast maturing. V006 H L S

21
Buy Seeds
Cotton Gossypium hirsutum $5.95
Approx. 1.5g/25 seeds per packet.

Davis Green G. hirsutum x G. Barbadense. An intentional cross between a

Pima cotton and a Louisiana green cotton; selected by the Davis family in
Albuquerque for richer color and longer fiber. Growing in a warmer climate
increases the green tint of the fiber, as does boiling and washing after
weaving. H005 H L S
Hopi Short Staple Originating in Central America and traded north, this
variety was prehistorically grown by the Hopi. It has a relatively short grow-
Davis Green ing season (100 days). H001 H L S
Sacaton Aboriginal Grown by the Akimel O'odham for food and fiber until
1900. Padre Kino noted extensive cotton fields and use of the fiber for
weaving into clothing and blankets. This variety, related to Hopi cotton, was
maintained by the Field Station in Sacaton for many years under the name
Sacaton Aboriginal. H002 L S

Cucumber Cucumis sativus $3.95

Approx. 0.8 g/30 seeds per packet.

Armenian Long Botanically actually a melon (Cucumis melo), this unusual,

12–18" long “cuke” has pale green, thin ribbed skin, and a mildly sweet fla-
vor and hearty crunch. Thrives in hot weather. TS318 H L N
San Carlos Apache
Beit Alpha A crisp, delicious, thin-skinned cucumber, great for both salads
and pickling. Middle Eastern heritage makes this a heat tolerant and pro-
ductive plant. Pick fruit when small, 6–8". TS319 H L N
Lemon Round 3-inch yellow fruits with white flesh. Delicate flavor, good
crunch, and easy to digest. Great sliced or pickled. Good for short seasons.
TS317 H L N
Marketmore 76 This classic heirloom variety consistently produces
through hot and cool weather. 8–9", slicing cucumbers. Disease resistant.
Organically grown. TS315 H L N

Devil’s Claw Proboscidea parviflora var. hohokamiana

Santo Domingo Approx. 1.5 g/150 seeds per packet. $5.95
Colorado River White-seeded variety with long, 12" claws. Collected from
Needles, California west of the Colorado River. Used in traditional basket
weaving. R019 L S
San Carlos Apache Domesticated Moderate-sized claws and white seeds.
Collected from plants growing in a field of blue corn on the San Carlos
Reservation in 1978. The claws are typically used in basketry. R016 L S

Gourd Lagenaria siceraria $3.95

Approx. 1.5–3.5g/15 seeds per packet.
Santo Domingo Dipper gourds with short handles, though a few long-
handled types may also appear. From Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico.
(j,g) M008 H L S

22 High Desert Low Desert Seed Bank Non-Collection

 Find more varieties at nativeseeds.org

Greens Packet sizes vary, see info under each entry. $3.95

Atlixco Quelite Chenopodium berlandieri. This is a cultivated race of a pop-

ular and nutritious wild green and has exceptionally good rich flavor. Also
known as huazontle, pitseed goosefoot, or lambs' quarters. Originally from
Atlixco, Mexico, southeast of Mexico City. Approx. 0.5g/150 seeds per
packet. GR009 H L S
Bloomsdale Longstanding Spinach Spinacia oleracea. An heirloom treas-
ure introduced in 1826. Sweet, rich flavor and good texture have assured its
popularity. Tender, large, thick, crinkled, deep-green leaves on upright
stems. Approx. 4g/325 seeds per packet. TS200 H L N Atlixco Quelite
DiMeglio Arugula Eruca sativa. Grown in Tucson for 35+ years by an Ital-
ian family who brought the family seed with them to the U.S. in the 1920s.
A variable strain with both deeply lobed "salad" leaves and simpler "pizza-
type" leaves. Flavorful and very heat tolerant; can be grown all year long in
the low desert, though flavor is stronger in hot weather. Approx. 0.5g/250
seeds per packet. GR018 H L S
Georgia Collards Brassica oleracea. An heirloom favorite with great big,
tender, mild-flavored leaves. Plants can grow up to 36" tall and are quite pro-
ductive. Approx. 0.7g/150 seeds per packet. TS099 H L N
Golden Purslane Portulaca oleracea var. sativa. Verdolagas in Spanish. This
is a domesticated variety similar to wild purslane. Its leaves are much larger,
and it stays more upright, making it easier to pick the succulent leaves.
DiMeglio Arugula
Approx. 0.1g/250 seeds per packet. TS203 H L N
Lacinato Kale Brassica oleracea. Ready 50–60 days from transplanting. Dark
blue-green savoyed leaves. Highly adaptable and can be grown almost year-
round in many locations. Tender, succulent, and sweet as steamed greens.
Approx 0.5g/150 seeds per packet. TS107 H L N
Magdalena Acelgas Beta vulgaris. Acelgas is Spanish for chard. A family
heirloom from Magdalena, Sonora, donated by Jesús Garcia. Shorter stems
than modern chard varieties, it grows well through winter and into the sum-
mer in the low desert. Approx 2g/100 seeds per packet. GR016 H L S
Molokhia Corchorus olitorius. Also known as Egyptian Spinach or Jute Mal-
low, these plants are easy to grow and love the summer heat, even in the low
desert. Grown widely in Africa and Asia, and used as food since the ancient
Egyptians. Young leaves can be eaten raw, and older ones cooked as you Magdalena Acelgas
would spinach. Approx. 0.2g/100 seeds per packet. TS138 H L N
Rainbow Mix Swiss Chard Beta vulgaris. Beautiful mix of colors. Dark green,
savoyed leaves. Enlarged stems with crisp and delicate flavor. Plant early and
often. Approx. 4g/200 seeds per packet. TS211 H L N
Rarámuri Mequasare Brassica campestris. Also called espinaca but it is
really a wild mustard with tender, mild flavored leaves. Use in salads or as
cooked greens. Plant in fall in the low desert. Approx. 0.2g/100 seeds per
packet. GR004 H L S
Rarámuri Mostaza/Mocoasali Brassica campestris. Old World introduc-
tion; this wild mustard is often found in fields in Rarámuri country. Tender,
slightly spicy leaves are harvested when young to be used in a salad or
cooked. The flowers also have a wonderful light spiciness. Plant in the fall
in the low desert. Approx. 0.2g/100 seeds per packet. GR005 H L S Rarámuri Mostaza

23
Buy Seeds
Greens continued
Red Russian Kale Brassica oleracea. Dark green oakleaf-cut leaves with
pretty purple/pink stems. Red and purple hues intensify after cool season
frosts, giving way to tender and sweet rich dark green kale when cooked.
Also good raw. Very disease resistant. Organically grown. Approx. 0.5g/150
seeds per packet. TS105 H L N
Sacramento Mountains Spinach Atriplex hortensis. From Mescalero
Apache territory in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico. This orach
is more drought tolerant than regular spinach and has a milder but slightly
salty flavor. It can be used like spinach, either fresh or cooked. Approx.
Sacramento Mtns Spinach 1g/50 seeds per packet. GR019 H L S

Herbs Packet sizes vary, see info under each entry. $3.95

Epazote Dysphania ambrosioides. Aromatic foliage has a distinct and deli-

cious flavor used to season beans, soups, shellfish, and other dishes. It
reduces the flatulence caused by beans. Use only the long, lanced leaves.
Its strong scent can also help repel insects in the garden. Approx. 0.1g/200
seeds per packet. HB015 H L S
German Thyme Thymus vulgaris. Thyme is one of the most popular culinary
herbs. Aromatic leaves and small, pink flower spikes on a short, creeping
plant. Thyme has a long history of medicinal use: thyme oil is antiseptic,
Guarijío Conivari thyme tea is mineral-rich, anti-spasmodic. Approx. 0.1g/100 seeds per
packet. TS522 H L N
Guarijío Conivari Hyptis suaveolens. A cooling drink is made from the
jelled, chia-like seed which has high-fiber mucilage. Mayo Indians use it for
an eye remedy and to control diarrhea. For summer gardens. Plant seed with
the summer rains about 1/4" deep. Approx. 0.5g/50 seeds per packet.
HB008 H L S
Italian Large Leaf Basil Ocimum basilicum. Larger leaves mean more pesto
in a hurry! Sweet and spicy leaves grow to 3-4 inches and are great for sal-
ads, including Caprese. Approx. 1g/200 seeds per packet. TS537 H L N
Mrs. Burns’ Famous Lemon Basil Ocimum basilicum. This famous basil
variety was grown for 60 years in southeastern New Mexico by the mother
of NS/S co-founder Barney Burns. Readily self-seeds. Amazing lemon flavor.
Mrs. Burns’ Lemon Basil Heat and drought tolerant. Plant seed in spring or with the summer rains
about 1/4" deep. Approx. 0.2g/50 seeds per packet. HB003 H L S
Rarámuri Chia Salvia tiliafolia. A plant native from southeastern Arizona to
South America. The cute flowers and foliage make it an attractive landscape
plant, unexpectedly lush for summer desert gardens. Gathered and used
medicinally by the Rarámuri. Plant seed with the summer rains about 1/4"
deep. Approx. 0.2g/50 seeds per packet. HB007 H L S
True Greek Oregano Origanum vulgare hirtum. Taste the best strain of any
oregano we have found- deep, genuine, oregano flavor! Pinkish-white flow-
ers decorate this herb that doubles as a perfect ground cover. The plant has
soft gray-green leaves, and the branches tend to spread rather than remain
upright. Approx. 0.1g/200 seeds per packet. TS516 H L N

Rarámuri Chia

24 High Desert Low Desert Seed Bank Non-Collection

 All seeds are open-pollinated and non-GMO

Indigo Indigofera suffruticosa $5.95

Approx. 0.2g/50 seeds per packet.

Chihu (Mayo Indigo) From a Mayo village near Navajoa, in coastal Sonora,
Mexico, where it grows along irrigation canals and on sand bars in the Rio
Mayo. Frost sensitive at high elevations, indigo can be kept as a perennial
in frost-free areas. Grows approximately 4-6 feet tall. Prefers a warm and
humid environment. Instructions to use Mayo Indigo as a dye are included
with each packet of seeds. ID001 L S

Lettuce Lactuca sativa $3.95 Chihu

Approx. 1g/700 seeds per packet.

Black-Seeded Simpson Looseleaf Sets the standard by which to measure

all looseleafs. Large, light-green, broad, frilled leaves with exceptionally
crisp, fresh flavor. TS120 H L N
Jericho Romaine Large heads of bright green romaine have excellent fla-
vor and keep their sweet crispness well into early summer. TS126 H L N
Lettuce Mix This diverse mix of lettuce varieties contains equal proportions
of 5 varieties: Black Seeded Simpson, Jericho, Oakleaf Looseleaf, Red Salad-
bowl, and Summer Bibb. A beautiful blend of colors, tastes, and textures.
TS255 H L N
Red Saladbowl Looseleaf The beauty, flavor, and tenderness of Saladbowl Chimayo
with solid red color, fuller head, and slightly more compact shape. Delicious.
Withstands hot weather as well as the green saladbowl. Excellent flavor!
TS127 H L N
Summer Bibb Beautiful and mild flavored wide green leaves with that
wonderful bibb softness. Summer Bibb grows quickly in cool weather.
TS123 H L N

Melon Cucumis melo $3.95

Approx. 1g/25 seeds per packet.

Chimayo Spanish heirloom cantaloupe from northern New Mexico. Oval

fruits have netted skins and sweet, orange flesh. F003 H S
Esperanza de Oro
Esperanza de Oro A “Native” melon, interbred for years with Crenshaw mel-
ons and selected for size and sweetness in Corrales, New Mexico. A rich
musky/melony flavor with sweetness ranging from mildly sweet to very
sweet. F017 H L S
Hopi Casaba Two distinct fruit types within this collection: (1) wrinkled,
round, yellow-green fruits; and (2) smoothly elongated, yellow-green fruits.
Both have pale green to orange flesh. Juicy with a mild flavor. Tasty with
chile, salt, and lime. Good keeper if unbruised F011 H L S
Isleta Pueblo Very diverse ribbed fruit shapes, some orange- and some
green-fleshed; from Isleta Pueblo, New Mexico. Tolerates heat. F004 H L S
Mayo Minol A sweet, yellow-to-orange fleshed melon dry-farmed by a
Mayo grower in El Saneal, Sonora. Collected in the mid 1980s. Very tasty!
F001 H L S Hopi Casaba

25
Buy Seeds
Melon continued
Melon de Castilla A deliciously sweet melon with pale yellow, smooth skin.
From the Sierra Madre Mountains in Chihuahua, Mexico. F016 H L S
O’odham Ke:li Ba:so A favorite of Tohono O'odham and Pima low desert
farmers. Fruits are casaba type with light green flesh; skin turns yellow when
ripe. Sweet and tasty! F005 H L S
San Felipe Typical Puebloan melons with a variety of shapes from long,
smooth skins to round casaba-types. Some with netting, others with
smooth skin. F007 H L S
Mayo Minol Santo Domingo Native Typical of melons grown for centuries in New Mex-
ico pueblos. Fruit are oblong, ribbed, and mostly smooth, with some netting
or “cracking.” The flesh is orange and tasty. F018 H S
South Valley Collected on the outskirts of Albuquerque, NM, this is a typi-
cal native melon common to the pueblos. Fruits are oval to oblong, ribbed
and smooth-skinned. Occasional light netting or cracking. Tasty orange
flesh. F022 H S

Okra Abelmoschus esculentus $3.95

Approx. 2g/25 seeds per packet.

Beck’s Gardenville An heirloom from San Antonio, Texas. A vigorous, very

O’odham Ke:li Ba:so productive, and drought-tolerant plant with green, short, stocky ribbed
pods that are tender up to 3" long. Indeterminate producer that can be har-
vested over several months. OK002 H L S
Eagle Pass From the Carrizo Springs/ Eagle Pass area of Texas. Good in
gumbo or cut and fried. Not slimy/stringy when cooked. Large pods on
plants up to 5'. OK004 H L S
Texas Hill Country This attractive heirloom has colorful bronze-red stems,
and red-tinged fruit when sun-exposed. Produces well in summer heat on
5–6' plants. Slender pods can be eaten raw or cooked. “Really strong pro-
ducer!” say the folks at Tucson Village Farm. OK003 H L S
Yuma Red An NS/S volunteer received these seeds in the 1980s from a fam-
ily who had grown them in Yuma for many years. They have since thrived in
varied locations in AZ and NV. Productive plants with beautiful red stems
Santo Domingo Native and tender red pods. Low in mucilage. Tasty! OK006 H L S

South Valley Beck’s Gardenville Texas Hill Country

26 High Desert Low Desert Seed Bank Non-Collection

 Find more varieties at nativeseeds.org

Onion Allium cepa $3.95

Packet sizes vary, see info under each entry.

Evergreen Hardy Perennial Perennial. A delicious bunching onion. Leave

some in the garden. Evergreen is a true multiplier onion and will divide itself
perennially. Resistance to thrips, smut, and pink root rot. Approx. 1g/425
seeds per packet. TS140 H L N
I'itoi Sivol These wildly popular and prolific multiplier onions were likely
an early introduction to southern Arizona by the Spanish. Mild shallot-like
bulbs and slightly spicy greens. Very easy to cultivate. In the low desert,
grow from monsoon through late spring. In cooler regions their growth is
in summer. The name I’Itoi signifies the Elder Brother, who is the creator
Yuma Red
deity in Tohono O’odham cosmology. Seasonal availability only, beginning
mid to late summer; substitution is TS140. Approx. 10 bulbs per packet.
B001 H L S
Texas Early Grano The mother of modern super sweet onions like Vidalia.
Short-day variety. Large globe, white flesh, nice flavor. Resistant to pink root
rot. Approx. 1g/250 seeds per packet. TS143 H L N
White Sweet Spanish A. cepa. Intermediate day variety. Large bulbs with
glistening white skin and mild sweet flesh. Best when eaten fresh. Medium
keeper. Performs well in the Southwest. Approx. 1g/250 seeds per packet.
TS141 H L N

Panic Grass Panicum sonorum $3.95 I'itoi Sivol

Approx. 0.5g/500 seeds per packet.

Sagui Panicum sonorum. A rare grass from Guarijío villages in Sonora, Mex-
ico, collected by NS/S co-founders Gary Nabhan and Barney Burns during a
2-day burro trek. The small golden seed is rich in lysine. Attractive plants are
fast-growing and heat-tolerant. Birds love it! O001 HLS

Pea Pisum sativum $3.95

Approx. 10g/50 seeds per packet.

Colorado A Colorado-grown crop that we purchased in Espanola New Panic Grass

Mexico in the mid 90s. Mostly smooth tan and pale green soup peas. Q013
HLS
Cumpas Green A very productive
smooth green pea from Cumpas in
central Sonora, once home to the
Opata people. The dried peas are
used in soups. Q024 H L S
Oregon Sugar Pod II Snow pea (edi-
ble pods). Famous for its sweet, mild
flavor. Delicious raw, in stir-fries or
steamed “al dente.” Tall, 24–30" vines
bear smooth, 4" pea pods. Resistant
to both pea enation virus and pow-
dery mildew. TS186 H L N Cumpas Green Colorado

27
Buy Seeds
Pea continued
Salt River Pima From the Salt River Pima – Maricopa Indian Community in
Phoenix, where they are grown in the cool season. The fresh peas are nice
and sweet when picked young before the peas fill the pod. The dried peas
are good in soups and stews. The large seeds are tan and smooth. Hardy in
low desert winters but also performed well in spring at our former farm in
Patagonia. Q009 H L S
Sugar Ann Snap The earliest snap pea. Short 2' vines need no support.
Both pods and peas develop well and are exceptionally sweet. Eat fresh in
the garden! TS182 H L N
Apache Red

Radish Raphanus sativus $3.95

Approx. 4g/475 seeds per packet.

Easter Egg What colors will you find when you harvest these fast-growing
radishes? Tasty pink, purple, white, and red roots make for an underground
treasure hunt, great for the kid in everyone! TS191 H L N
French Breakfast The best home garden variety for fresh eating. Crisp, red
roots are 3" long with tidy white tips. Flesh is white, crisp and only mildly
pungent. Plant early and often. TS194 H L N

Gila River Caña Sorghum Sorghum bicolor $3.95

Approx. 2g/75 seeds per packet.

Apache Red Sugar Cane The beautiful red seedheads attract birds, and the
stalk is chewed like candy when the red seeds are ripe. From San Carlos
Reservation, Arizona. S001 H L S
Gila River Caña Collected from Sweetwater on the Gila River Indian Reser-
vation. Grown for the sweet cane. Cut stalks into small pieces, split open and
suck the juices out. Bees harvest sugars off the leaves! S014 L S
Onavas Red The stalks produce many tillers and are sweet and juicy, with
burgundy red seeds. From the Pima Bajo village of Onavas, Sonora, Mexico.
S004 H L S
Texas Black Amber Texas Black Amber Molasses An heirloom from Waco, Texas. The sweet
canes can be used for molasses and silage, and birds love the seeds. Grows
to 6 feet or more. S006 H L S
Gila River Caña and Texas Black Amber also
available in 2oz size (±2100 seeds) for $15.50

Squash Cucurbita spp. $3.95

Approx. 4.5g/15 seeds per packet unless noted otherwise.

Big Max Pumpkin C. maxima. Grow Big Max for the big carved pumpkins
or delicious pumpkin pie. Not unusual to harvest 20", 100 lb. giants. Feed
left overs to the chickens for deep orange yolks. TS330 H L N
Carrizo

28 High Desert Low Desert Seed Bank Non-Collection

 All seeds are open-pollinated and non-GMO

Squash continued
Carrizo C. moschata. The orange fruit are butternut-shaped and tasty.
Makes a great soup or puree. From Carrizo, Sinaloa, south of the Sonoran
border. Common in southern Sonora. EM029 H L S
Grey Zucchini C. pepo. A great summer squash for western regions. Stores
well and has an excellent flavor. Approx. 2g/20 seeds per packet. TS332
HLN
Magdalena Big Cheese C. moschata. Among the oldest types of cultivated
squash. These large vines produce large, ribbed fruits with a flattened
pumpkin shape. Sweet, bright orange flesh. A staff favorite! EM031 H L S Magdalena Big Cheese
Mayo Blusher C. maxima. The fruits are round to elongated in shape and
the white skin blushes pink when fully ripe. The apricot colored flesh is firm
and slightly sweet. Good keepers. From Mayo farmers near the Gulf of Cali-
fornia in Sonora. EX001 H L S
Papalote Ranch Cushaw C. argyrosperma. Small, dark green cushaws with
varied shapes. Tasty and versatile. Good keeper with very thick skin. Origi-
nally from Mexico. EA021 H L S
Silver Edged C. argyrosperma. Grown for the tasty seeds, which are large
and white with a silver edge. (Squash flesh is flavorless). Seeds are roasted
for pepitas or used in pipian sauce. EA015 H L S
Yoeme Segualca C. moschata. Collected from the Yoeme village of Vicam,
Sonora near the coast of the Gulf of California. Fruit are large, muted-orange Mayo Blusher
colored, and fluted with a flattened shape. Excellent taste. Requires a long
growing season. EM040 H L S

Sunflower Helianthus spp. $3.95

Approx. 2g/25 seeds per packet unless noted otherwise.

Chi’gona Yehinna Apache Brown Striped or Na Lidi Chu. White with brown-
ish stripes on medium-sized heads (to 10”). Plants can grow over 10’ tall.
From the San Carlos Reservation, Arizona. I001 H L S
Conservation Farm Mix An open-pollinated mix of NS/S varieties planted
at the Conservation Farm to attract pollinators and beneficial insects as well
as for windbreaks and shade. Heads reach up to 12" in diameter and 8' tall. Yoeme Segualca
Includes single flower heads as well
as branched diversity with multiple
small- to medium-sized heads. Grow
for the wonderful, edible seeds! A
mix of seed sizes will be black, white,
or striped. I050 H L S
Havasupai Striped From the bot-
tom of the Grand Canyon. Long
narrow seeds. Plants grow quite tall,
8 feet or more, some with multiple
flowerheads and some with large
single heads. Their height makes
them susceptible to wind damage in Conservation Farm Mix Chi’gona Yehinna
the low desert. I002 H L S

29
Buy Seeds
Sunflower continued
Mexican Sunflower Tithonia rotundifolia. Vigorous plants thrive in hot, dry
weather. Can grow up to 72” tall, and produces showy bright orange flowers
on branching plants. Occasional plants with yellow or red flowers. Blooms
midsummer to first hard freeze. Attracts beneficial insects. Approx. 1g per
packet. WF051A $3.00
Rarámuri White This rare variety with solid gold flowers has all-white
seed hulls. Medium-large sized heads, ca. 8" across. Plants 6-10’. Canadian
Mennonite in origin but grown by the Rarámuri in Chihuahua for more
than 40 years after some Mennonites relocated to Chihuahua. Occasional
Havasupai Striped
striped seeds. I005 H L S

Tobacco Nicotiana rustica $5.95

Approx. 0.1g/125 seeds per packet.

Punche Mexicano From northern New Mexico. This variety was brought
to the region from Mexico by early Spanish settlers in the late 1700s and
early 1800s. Used for smoking and trading until the 1930s. Said to be strong
but mellow. Leaves about 8" long. Yellow flowers. N001 H L S

Mexican Sunflower Tomatillo Physalis philadelphica $3.95

Approx. 0.1g/25 seeds per packet.

De Milpa From a strain that grows wild in Mexican farm fields on big
sprawling plants. The 3/4" husked fruits blush purple near or after harvest
time. Stronger in flavor than store-bought, these are great for salsa. TS351
HLN
Mountain Pima The husked fruit are small and plants are somewhat
sprawling. Commonly used in salsa. From Mountain Pima territory in the
highlands of west-central Chihuahua. TM011 H S
Tepehuan Small green fruits with husks on weedy plants collected in
Nabogame, Chihuahua, Mexico, a remote mountainous region. Our seed
Rarámuri White collectors were served these tasty fruits with their beans for breakfast.
TM002 H L S
Toma Verde An early bearing (60–70
days) green tomatillo with medium
to large fruit. The tart fruits become
sweeter as they ripen. Organically
grown. TS350 H L N

Punche Mexicano Tepehuan

30 High Desert Low Desert Seed Bank Non-Collection

 Find more varieties at nativeseeds.org

Tomato Solanum lycopersicum $3.95

Approx. 0.1g/125 seeds per packet unless noted otherwise.

Chiapas Wild S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme. From southern Mexico, the

fruits are sweet and flavorful. Fruit size is typically half an inch in diameter,
borne on sprawling bushes. Self-seeding. Indeterminate. TM004 H L S
Chichiquelite S. melanocerasum. Not actually a tomato but a solanum
cousin. Collected from a Mayo community in Sonora, Mexico. Commonly
called the garden huckleberry, the leaves are cooked and the shiny black
berries are edible. Delicious for pies, jellies, and jams but do require more
sweeteners than other berries. Do not eat unripe green berries or raw leaves. Chichiquelite
Originated in western Africa. Approx. 100 seeds per packet. GR012 H L S
Ciudad Victoria S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme. Vigorous vines produce
ample leaves to shade the ½” diameter fruit. No shade cloth needed even
in the midst of Tucson summer. Abundantly productive with bright, slightly
acidic, classic tomato flavor. From dooryard gardens in Ciudad Victoria,
Tamaulipas. Indeterminate. TM005 H L S
Flamenco A cross between Silvery Fir Tree for earliness and feathery foliage
and Floridade for heat and disease resistance. The result is a semi-determi-
nate 4' bush loaded with highly flavored, red, 2"-round fruits. Nice
acid/sweet balance and great flavor. (We have noticed that there may be
some instability in this cross, as foliage sometimes has the look of one or
the other parent varieties). TS340 H L N
Nichols Heirloom Sent to us by the Nichols family in Tucson. Volunteer Flamenco
seeds that just kept coming up, have been maintained by the family patri-
arch for over 50 years. This variety is well adapted to the desert, is
heat-tolerant, and prefers full sunlight. These red - to - pink cherry tomatoes
are prolific producers, and are mild in flavor without a lot of acidity. They
make a very sweet and tasty tomato sauce! TM014 H L S
Texas Wild Cherry All that we really know is that seed of this tomato was
collected from a patch of apparently “wild” tomatoes in southern Texas.
Sprawling plants produce tons of small, tasty, cherry-type tomatoes. Early-
maturing and very productive! Indeterminate. TM012 H L S
Wickenburg-Prescott Born and bred in Wickenburg, and grown in
Prescott, Arizona for over 50 years. Smallish plum tomatoes borne on inde-
terminate plants that keep bearing until frost. Well balanced and delicious
for fresh eating, they also make a rich and tasty sauce. 75 days to maturity in Nichols Heirloom
Chino Valley AZ. TM013 H L S
Yellow Pear A bright yellow, pear-
shaped cherry tomato, sweet but
with a tart, tangy zing. A great addi-
tion to salads. Many gardeners have
had good success with this variety in
Tucson. Thick skin resists cracking.
Indeterminate. TS343 H L N

Wickenburg-Prescott Texas Wild Cherry

31
Buy Seeds & Seed Saving Supplies
Watermelon Citrullus lanatus $3.95
Approx. 1.5g/15 seeds per packet.

Crimson Sweet Bright red color, fewer and smaller seeds, and an above-
average sugar content. An oblong member of the “picnic” family of
watermelons. Commonly weighs 20–30 lbs. Resistant to anthracnose and
fusarium wilt. Highly adaptable. TS263 H L N
Mayo Originally collected from Mayo farmers in Los Capomos, Sinaloa. Pro-
lific vines produce round and oblong melons of various rind colors all
summer. Red flesh is sweet. G005 H L S
Mayo O’odham Soam Miliñ A high yielder of green oval fruit with sweet and
crisp yellow to orange flesh. Fruit can be up to 35 lb. Originally collected at
Queenswell, Arizona. Definitely a Tucson favorite! G003 L S
Rio San Miguel Solid green fruits are small and round with flavorless flesh.
The Rarámuri grow this variety for the plentiful edible seeds which are black,
red, and mottled. Originally from an isolated area near Polanco, Chihuahua,
Mexico. G007 L S

Wheat Triticum aestivum $3.95

Approx. 28g/700 seeds per packet.v

O’odham Soam Miliñ Baart The southwest’s leading variety of wheat in the early 1900s. Tall heir-
loom spring wheat introduced from Australia by the AZ Ag Experiment
Station. Kernels are white, semi-hard, and excellent for milling. WH002
HLS
Pima Club Once grown in great quantity by the Akimel O'odham on the
Gila River Reservation. Seed heads are short, beardless, and club-shaped.
Easily dehulled white kernels are soft and used as wheat berries and to pro-
duce flour used for cookies and pastry. WH003 H L S
White Sonora A beardless soft spring wheat. Brought to the U.S. from Mag-
dalena in northern Sonora, where it has been grown since around 1770.
Common among the Pima and Yuma after 1820. Highly adaptable, nutri-
tious, delicious, and versatile in the kitchen. WH001 H L S

Pima Club

Get your seed supplies!

Gardeners and farmers play an
important role in conserving
agricultural biodiversity by growing and
saving seeds. Check our website at
nativeseeds.org/ss-supplies for tools
needed to save and store your seeds:
Self-sealing seed packets, blossom bags,
corn ear shoot and tassel bags, and foil
packets for long-term storage.
White Sonora

32 High Desert Low Desert Seed Bank Non-Collection

 Seeds at Risk: Every Gift Counts
Dear Friend,
Imagine a world where you can’t choose the seeds you want for your
garden. Where what you plant is limited — just one variety of tomato
to choose from, only two types of melon.
Every year crop varieties are lost.
Heirloom seed diversity is vanishing at an alarming rate.
You can change that. Even a modest gift will help protect these
endangered seeds. Seeds like the Punta Banda Tomato, or Melon
Mexicano — heirloom fruits and vegetables that have thrived for
generations need your support.
Don’t let them vanish —
Your gift could be their future.
Please donate today. Use the envelope on page 28, or give securely
online at nativeseeds.org/donate.
With deepest appreciation,

Lissa Marinaro
Marketing & Development Director

33
 Arizona poppy pollen on Protoxaea gloriosa

Desert Wildflower Seeds

Wildflowers are a wonderful addition to any garden. They provide splashes of color and are a food source for
bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Unless otherwise noted, the packets are $3, are 1–1.5g, and
cover approximately 30 square feet. Note: Wildflowers are not part of the NS/S seedbank collection.
Culture: Most desert wildflowers are planted in fall/winter in the low desert, early spring in cooler climates.
Planting instructions are included on the packets of these lovely native Southwestern desert wildflowers.
Seedsaving: Allow flowers to fully mature, dry and drop their seeds in place. Or collect the dried pods by
hand, crush the pods and winnow away chaff before storing.

Arroyo Lupine Lupinus succulentus. An annual wild- Desert Bluebells Phacelia campanularia. Low growing,
flower with blooms ranging from blue to purple in the blue-violet flowers with yellow stamens look like little
spring. The largest of the annual lupines, 1–2 ft tall. bells. Plant fall to early spring. WF019A
Found in areas below 2,000’ in elevation. Prefers moist Desert Chia Salvia columbariae. These beautiful, spiky
clay or heavy soils in full sun. WF017A wildflowers bloom in the spring, grow to about 2 ft and
Butterfly Weed Asclepias tuberosa. Beautiful orange- readily reseed themselves. Chia flowers are an impor-
flowered milkweed, high in nectar for many pollinators, tant source of nectar for bees and butterflies. Many
from 0.5 to 3 ft tall, blooms in the third year, May-Sept. species of birds, small mammals, and insects eat the
Larval host for Monarch and Queen butterflies. Histori- seeds. WF031A
cally used by many tribes for fiber. Found between Desert Globemallow Sphaeralcea ambigua. A peren-
3,000–8,000’ in the West. WF053A nial shrub, blooms March through April. The nectar is a
California Buckwheat Eriogonum fasciculatum. great source for honey bees. The plants are 2–4 ft tall
Shrubby plants grow up to 3'. Lovely white and just-pink and are equally wide. The abundant flowers are apricot
globes of florets above curvy foliage. Flowers March- to orange. Plant in fall to early spring. WF015A
June. WF048 Desert Marigold Baileya multiradiata. Lemon-yellow
California Poppy Eschscholzia californica. An annual flowers on long stems with gray-green foliage. Blooms
wildflower with showy, 1–3 inch, four-petaled flowers mainly in the spring and after summer rains. Plant fall
open only on sunny days in the spring. Orange to yel- to early spring. WF016A
low in color. Drought tolerant, self-seeding, and easy to Desert Senna Senna covesii. This upright shrubby yel-
grow in gardens. Prefers full sun. Plant in Fall. WF001A low wildflower is a summer bloom that attracts birds
Common Sunflower Helianthus annuus. Also known as and butterflies. Drought tolerant. Senna makes a nice
Annual Sunflower or Wild Sunflower. A wild ancestor of addition to a cactus garden and is a perennial whose
domesticated sunflowers with multi-branched plants growth will return in the spring, but it also reseeds
bear 2 inch wide flowers on stalks growing 3–6 ft tall. freely. WF008A
Birds love the seeds. WF037A

Desert Bluebells Desert Globemallow Mexican Evening Primrose

34
Firewheel Gaillardia pulchella. Has 2" diameter daisy- shaped flowers. Plant in fall to early spring. Native only
like flowers that are deep red with yellow tips. Blooms to Arizona. WF012A
March through September. Plant in Fall. WF014A Summer Poppy Kallstroemia grandiflora. This hand-
Mexican Evening Primrose Oenothera speciosa. Low some summer wildflower superficially resembles
growing perennial with bright pink, cup-shaped flow- poppies but is not related. In Arizona it is most com-
ers. Plant anytime. WF018A monly found in desert grasslands below 5,000'. It is a
Mexican Gold Poppy Eschscholtzia mexicana. The handsome sprawling plant (up to 3' across) with showy,
most popular, most photographed, golden desert wild- orange, five-petal flowers that sport a bright red center.
flower. Plant fall to early spring. An annual, this flower Plant before humidity begins to rise in the summer.
will readily reseed. WF035A WF003A

Mexican Hat Ratibida columnifera forma pulcherrima. Tahoka Daisy Machaeranthera tanacetifolia. aka Prairie
The colorful 1.5" sombrero-shaped flowers generally Aster. A purple, thin-petaled flower with a brilliant yel-
appear April to November. Easily grown from seed. low center. Open spreading plants to 40". We see them
Plant fall to early spring. WF036A bloom year-round with rain or a sprinkle every now and
then. Very readily reseeds. Likes open places and along
Parry's Penstemon Penstemon parryi. A favorite of streams, washes and roadsides. Flowers March-October.
hummingbirds, this tall perennial has rose colored, bell WF041

Desert Native Bee Spring Wildflower Mix Spring

Desert Wildflower Blends is high season for desert native bees. This mix of
Desert Native Bee Monsoon Wildflower Mix This adapted annuals is chosen for its early blooms and
mix of arid-adapted annuals addresses the special then continued Spring flowering, plus diverse colors
needs of late season desert native bees and will and alternate heights. At least 12 wildflower types,
attract other pollinators in a period of often limited including Goodings Verbena, California Buckwheat,
desert blooms. Plants included provide continued and Rocky Mountain Bee Plant, are included. While
flowering through late Fall with a mix of colors and observing the many desert native bees attracted,
heights. At least 12 wildflower types, including Tan- also watch for hummingbirds and butterflies.
syleaf Aster, Arizona Poppy, and Red Mexican Hat, are BN001
included. The Fall wildflowers produced by this mix Backyard Full of Butterflies A mix of nectar produc-
are also important as a food source for migrating ing and larval-food species. 16 flowers: Bahia Bebbia,
monarch butterflies. BN002 Desert Marigold, Desert Senna, Desert Sunflower,
Desert Tortoise Mix A mix of Southwest native wild- Indian Blanket-Flower, Fairy Duster, Brittlebush, Silver-
flowers favored as food by desert tortoises. Includes 10 bells, Prairie Coneflower, Parry's Agave, Owl's Clover,
species including Summer Poppy, Desert Marigold, Bladderpod, Wild Oregano, Dyssodia, Desert Chia,
Evening Primrose, and Globemallow. WF009 Gooding's Verbena, and 6 grasses: Blue, Sideoats &
Rothrock Gramas, Sand Dropseed, Arizona Cottontop,
Summertime Mix A blend of southwest wildflowers
Indian Wheat. $2/1g pkt WRA043 $12/0.33oz pkt
that bloom in the late summer months. 6 blooms in hot
WRB043
colors, including Desert Marigold, Arizona Poppy, Yel-
low Mexican Hat, and Firewheel. WF010 Southwest Native Mix This colorful annual and peren-
nial mix contains 13 summer and spring blooming
Happy Hummingbirds Designed to draw humming-
wildflowers native to the Southwest, including Desert
birds to your garden. Includes 5 different colorful desert
Bluebells, Arroyo Lupine, Firewheel, Yellow Mexican Hat,
Penstemons, as well as Lemon Beebalm and Gooding’s
California Poppy, and two Penstemons. WF011
Verbena. $2/0.5g pkt WRA008 $12/0.25oz pkt
WRB008

Firewheel Desert Chia California poppy and Lupines

More Desert Wildflower seeds are available at nativeseeds.org 35

Food and Gifts
All of our merchandise and seeds are available online at nativeseeds.org

NS/S sells art by Indigenous artists of the Southwest, including; Tohono O'odham basketry,
hand crafted jewelry, Oaxacan wood carvings, and Mata Ortiz pottery. In doing so, we
promote traditional arts and crafts of the Native communities from which many of the
NS/S collection seeds originated. Your purchases not only support these artists, but also
generate resources for our seed programs and conservation efforts. Shop online at:
nativeseeds.org.

From the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, Oaxacan

wood carvings, known as Alebrijes, are
whimsical sculptures that depict animals and
imaginary fantastical creatures painted with
vibrant colors and intricate patterns which
express the beauty of creativity, nature, and the
spirit world. Native Seeds/SEARCH is pleased to
present this new collection and to represent work
created by these talented artists.

36
Chiles NS/S Mesquite Baking Mixes
Pasilla de Oaxaca Whole Chiles Golden Mesquite Pancake Mix JM016 $12
This is a smoky, dark red chile that has a wonderful Golden Mesquite Cookie Mix JM013 $12
aroma and pungent fruit flavor. Excellent when cooked
with beans and posole. Staff favorite! 1.5oz. pkg Mesquite Poppy Seed Scone Mix JM006 $12
FD088 $7
Pasilla Negro Whole Chile
These chiles have a mild heat with pungent, tangy and
long lasting deep rich flavor. Excellent addition to
salsas, adobo sauces, and enchiladas. 1.5oz. pkg
FD110 $4
Ancho Whole Chiles
This dark rich mahogany chile has a mild, fruity flavor
with notes of plum, raisin, tobacco and a slight
woodiness. 1.5oz. pkg FD092 $4
Chipotle Flakes
Move over old pedestrian chile flakes! This smoky
mellow heat is wonderful in both sweet & savory
dishes.
4oz. pkg BSP130 $6
8oz. pkg BSP130.8oz $10
More Traditional Foods
Chiltepines and Molinitos
Los Chileros Posole, Organic Blue
Chiltepines are dried and ready to use to add a
kick to any dish. These chiltepines come from
Corn
our local supplier, Chilttepica. The name refers 12 oz. package. LC007 $7
to the kind of hot that instantly jump-starts your Masa Harina from Guelaguetza Mix
taste buds the way a flame ignites dry paper. for Corn Tortillas GG003 $18
1/4oz. bag CS009 $7 Tepary Beans From Ramona Farms.
1oz. bottle CS012 $20 White 24oz. pkg FD261 $16
Don't forget your molinito! Handmade from Teas From Desert Decadence.
Ironwood, perfect for crushing this fiery little Prickly Pear Cactus FD320 $6
chile before adding to any dish.
Chile-shaped Chiltepin Grinder
(Molinito) CS004 $24

Prices and availability subject to change 37

 Important Ordering Information
Please put item number, item name, and quantity on your order form.
Keep a copy of your order. If you have missing items or problems, it helps if
you can identify your order. Please retain your Seedlisting for reference.
We accept checks or money orders drawn on U.S. Banks. For your own safety,
please do not send cash. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American
Express. Our toll-free number is 1.866.622.5561 x 113. Please note we are
closed on weekends and major holidays.
We are a nonprofit organization promoting seed conservation. Your
dollars support our mission. We do not charge tax on any orders.
We have limited quantities of some seeds and it may be necessary to
substitute seed varieties.
Maximum of 40 seed packets per any order;
Order no more than 3 packets of any Collection variety.
We typically ship via the United States Postal Service (USPS).
We ship nationwide and to Canada — email [email protected] for
shipping rates to Canada OR if you are unsure about your shipping charges.

Shipping & Handling Charges

Domestic Shipping Rates
Shipping & handling charge for seed-only orders:
15 packets or less $4.95
15–30 packets $7.95
Shipping & handling charge for food, books, or other items:
We will always choose the least expensive shipping
option. Here are two common sizes and their prices:
Medium Flat Rate Box 11" x 8.5" x 5.5" $18
Large Flat Rate Box 12" x 12" x 5.5" $24
As USPS says, “If it fits, it ships!”
Are you sending a gift? Please feel free to write a
short note and we will include it in your package.

38 Many more products are available at nativeseeds.org

 Catalog Order Form
toll-free: 1.866.622.5561 x113 fax: 520.622.0829 online at our secure website: nativeseeds.org
____________________________________________________ Shipping Address (if different):
Full Name
____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Street Address Full Name
____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
City/State/Zip Street Address
____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Daytime Phone City
____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________
Email State/Zip

Catalog # Item Description Quantity Unit Price Total

C010 (example) Chacari 2 $ 3.25 $ 6.50

Please read Important Ordering Information SUBTOTAL ___________

on page 38 for details about shipping. Are you a NS/S member? Don’t forget your 10% discount! ___________
Shipping & Handling (see page 38) ___________
Total enclosed: ___________
Payment method
m Check m Money order m Visa m MasterCard m Discover m American Express
Card no.: _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ Exp.: _ _ / _ _
Print name as shown on card: ____________________________ Security Code: _ _ _
Billing address (if different from above): _______________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

39
Growing & Seedsaving Information
When you save seeds from your garden or farm, share seed with others and maintain the traits of
you make a vital contribution to crop biodiversity the variety. If you want to save a rare variety over
and seed security. Following the basic guidelines the long term, or do crop improvement, popula-
below will help maintain distinct varieties and tion size should be even larger.
produce good quality seed. Visit nativeseeds.org
for more information on seed saving and seed Save Seed
saving workshops. See page 32 for seed saving
supplies and the helpful guide Saving Seeds in the Preventing Cross Pollination
Southwest. Growing more than one variety of the same species
at a time may result in crossing. Planting the seeds
Plant from crosses may produce something entirely
different than you’re expecting — which is how we
Growing healthy seed got all this wonderful diversity to begin with!
Plant healthy, non-diseased seed. Thin plants to a However, if you want to get the same crop you did
recommended distance within and between rows last year yet maintain a healthy amount of genetic
— most plants simply do better with a little diversity, then you may need to prevent cross-
breathing room and good air circulation can help pollination from occurring and learn the optimum
prevent disease (see individual crops for recom- number of plants to save seeds from. For this it is
mended planting distances). Rogue out (remove) important to know whether the crop is self-
plants that are diseased or otherwise unhealthy pollinating or cross-pollinating.
looking. If you’re trying to keep pure seed lines, Self-pollinating crops (such as tomatoes, peppers,
also rogue out plants that don’t appear true-to- and beans) are generally the easiest to save seed
type (what you know the plant to look like) from; they require less isolation from other vari-
before they flower. eties, no hand-pollination, and seeds may be saved
Days to maturity from just a few plants. Cross-pollinating species
We do not list days to maturity for seed varieties (such as corn, squash, and melons) thrive with
because we often don't have reliable information. greater diversity, and their seeds must be saved
Number of growing days can vary greatly based from many more plants for the population to
on where seeds are grown. Moreover, many of remain healthy. Also, because they depend on the
these crops reach maturity in different lengths of activity of insects and wind for pollination, expo-
time depending on when they are planted — e.g., sure to pollinators needs to be controlled or they
in the spring or with the summer rains. must be hand-pollinated to ensure parentage.
There are several ways to do this:
Population Size
Spacing Plant different varieties at a suitable dis-
The reproductive strategy of different crops deter- tance to ensure insects or wind cannot effectively
mines how many plants are needed to produce carry pollen from one variety to another; see indi-
seed with the genetic diversity to remain healthy. vidual crop descriptions in this listing for
With each crop type, we list a suggested mini- recommended distances. In general, wind-polli-
mum population size for saving seed. The lower nated crops (e.g., corn) and crops visited by insect
number is the recommended minimum. pollinators capable of traveling some distance (e.g.,
(Though you may save viable seed from a smaller carpenter bees, honeybees) should be grown a mile
number of plants, the seed may not retain enough or more apart from each other. Self-pollinated
genetic diversity to remain healthy for more than crops (e.g., beans) may require as little as 20',
a couple seasons of re-planting.) The high num- depending on what’s grown in-between or the
ber is the preferred size for those who want to

40
This chart is intended as a rough guideline… climate change is creating more extreme weather variations,
and differences in local microclimates make precise instructions for planting impossible. Gardening
means being willing to experiment: fail or succeed, learn, and try again. Take into account important
conditions in your own garden, like shade, soil temperature and composition, etc.

abundance of insect pollinators present—the want to be sure that neither the flower being polli-
more insects, the more likely pollen may find its nated nor the one used as the pollen source have
way from one plant to another. But don’t be afraid been previously pollinated.
of pollinators, they are part of a healthy agricul-
Harvesting
tural system.
Remember to mark the specimens you're saving
Timing The simplest way to prevent crossing is to seed from, and allow them to reach their full matu-
only plant one variety within a species in each rity before harvesting. For most crops, this means
season (for example, only blue flour corn one leaving them in the field to dry — corn, beans,
year, only sweet corn the next year.) Or, plant dif- gourds, okra, devil’s claw, peas, chiles, etc. Some
ferent varieties of the same species at different crops require after-ripening (e.g., squash) or fer-
times so that they are not flowering at the same mentation (tomatoes).
time. This may involve an early and late planting.
Be sure there is enough time at the end of the sea- Cleaning & storing seeds
son for the late planting to mature before the first Remove all plant material, including chaff, stems,
frost. or flesh from seeds and allow to dry thoroughly.
Isolation cages Physically prevent insects from Use sealable plastic bags, paper envelopes, jars with
visiting one variety or another by constructing good lids or any airtight container to store seed
screen cages and placing them over one or more from one year to the next. Spread wet seeds from
varieties. This is best used for non-sprawling squash, melons, tomatoes, etc. on clean dish tow-
crops, such as tomatoes, beans, okra, cotton, and els. We do not recommend paper towels (they
chiles. stick) or newspaper (toxic print). Once seed is dry
use sealable plastic bags, paper envelopes, lidded
Hand-pollinating Manually transfer pollen from jars or any airtight container to store seed. Store
one flower to another. Hand pollination will dif- seed containers in a cool, dry place, such as your
fer depending on the crop but essentially you hall closet or freezer.

41
 How to Plant How to Save Seeds
in Low in High Depth Distance Gardening Edible Pollination Minimum Isolation Seed Saving Tips

42
Crop Type Desert* Desert* (in.) (in.) Tips parts* method* population (ft.)
Amaranth LSp, M LSp 1/4” Thin to Add compost for W, S 1–20 800’ or Crosses with wild amaranth; bag
10–15” taller plants bag seedheads to isolate & protect from birds

Arugula F, ESp Sp 1/4” Thin to Cool season I 20–50 800– Harvest dry pods before
6–8” leaves are milder 1,600’ they split and drop seeds

Basil LSp, M LSp, Su 1/4” 6” Shade beneficial I 1–5 800’ or Harvest seed stalk when lower capsules turn tan;
in low desert bag cut stalk & dry before crushing to release seed

Bean: LSp, M LSp 1” 6” S, I 5–10 10’ Harvest pods when

Common dry and brittle

Bean: F, LW ESp 1” 8” Few pollinators? S, I 10–25 160’ Harvest after pods

Fava Shake flowering plants are turning black

Bean: F, LW ESp 1” 6” Likes dry air & well- S, I 5–10 20’ Harvest when pods
Garbanzo drained, P-rich soil are tan and dry

Bean: F, LW ESp 1/2” 1”, S, I 5–10 20’ Stop watering when pods
Lentil thin to 6” have started to dry

Bean: LSp, M LSp 1” 6” Trellis for easy S, I 10–25 150’ Harvest dry pods
Lima harvest throughout the season

Bean: M LSp 1/2” 4” Overwatering will S, I 5–10 150’ Harvest dry pods before
Tepary reduce harvest they split & drop seeds

Beet F ESp 1/4–1/2” 4” W, S 20–50 800– Will cross with

1,600’ Swiss Chard

Broccoli F ESp 1/4–1/2” 4–6”, I 20–50 800– Require 10–12 weeks below
thin to 24” 1,600’ 50° to trigger flowering

*Planting Key: ESp Early Spring p LSp Late Spring p Su Summer p M Monsoon p F Fall p W Winter p LW Late Winter
*Edible Key: Seed p Leaf p Flower p Fruit p Seedpod p Root *Pollination Key: I Insect p S Self p W Wind
 How to Plant How to Save Seeds
in Low in High Depth Distance Gardening Edible Pollination Minimum Isolation Seed Saving Tips
Crop Type Desert* Desert* (in.) (in.) Tips parts* method* population (ft.)
Broccoli F, ESp ESp 1/4–1/2” 4–6”, 20–50 800–
Raab thin to 12” 1,600’

Cabbage F ESp 1/4–1/2” 4–6”, I 20–50 800– Require 10–12 weeks below
thin to 24” 1,600’ 50° to trigger flowering

Carrot F ESp 1/8” Thin to Keep seeds moist I 20–50 800– Require 10–12 weeks below
3–4” until they germinate 1,600’ 50° to trigger flowering

Chile / LSp, M LSp 1/4” 12–16” Seeds require warmth S, I 5–20 50’ or Harvest when fruit fully red or dark brown;
Pepper to germinate bag thin-walled types can dry on plant

Chiltepin LSp, M LSp 1/4” 12–16” May take 3+ weeks to S, I 5–20 50’ or Let fruit ripen on plant til
germinate, keep warm bag dark red and mostly dry

Cilantro F, W ESp 1/4” 6” I 20–50 800– Harvest when seeds

1,600’ dry and turn tan

Corn/ ESp, M LSp 1” 10–12” Plant in block to W 100–250 1,600’+ You’ll need 15–30 plants minimum
Maize promote pollination to get decent pollination

Cotton LSp LSp 1/2” 12–18” Needs long S, I 5–10 500’ Harvest as bolls dry and mature;
warm season remove fibers before storing seed

Cowpea LSp, M LSp 1” 6” S, I 10–25 150’ Harvest dry pods before

they split & drop seeds

Cucumber M LSp 1” 6” Trellis for I 5–10 800– Harvest when over-ripe & soft; use
easy harvest 1,600’ fermentation process to clean seeds

Devil’s M LSp 1/2” 24–28” Peel seed tips & soak I 25–40 800– Let pods dry fully on
Claw overnight before planting 1,600’ plant before harvest

*Planting Key: ESp Early Spring p LSp Late Spring p Su Summer p M Monsoon p F Fall p W Winter p LW Late Winter
*Edible Key: Seed p Leaf p Flower p Fruit p Seedpod p Root *Pollination Key: I Insect p S Self p W Wind

43
 How to Plant How to Save Seeds
in Low in High Depth Distance Gardening Edible Pollination Minimum Isolation Seed Saving Tips

44
Crop Type Desert* Desert* (in.) (in.) Tips parts* method* population (ft.)
Dill F, ESp ESp 1/4” 6” I 20–50 800– Harvest seed stalk when brown
1,600’ and dry but before seeds drop

Gourd LSp, M LSp 1” 36” Give lots of room & water; trellis I 5–10 800’ Fully dry gourds til lightweight & seeds rattle when
for straight handles on dippers shaken; open gourds outside & remove seeds

Kale/Collards F, ESp ESp 1/4” Thin to I 20–50 800– Require 10–12 weeks below
/Mustards 16–24” 1,600’ 50° to trigger flowering

Lettuce F, ESp ESp 1/4” 2–15” Stagger planting S 1–10 10’ Handpick seedheads as they
for steady supply turn dry and feathery

Melon LSp, M LSp 1/2” 24–36” Enrich soil I 5–10 800– Harvest when over-ripe & soft; use brief
with compost 1,600’ fermentation process to clean seeds

Okra LSp LSp 1/2” 12–24” Likes rich I 5–10 800– Harvest dry pods before
soil 1,600’ they split & drop seeds

Onion F, W LSp 1/4” 6” I 20–50 1,600’ + Require 8–10 weeks below

Bulbs 54° to trigger flowering

Onion: LSu, F LSp Seed: 1/4” 6” W 5–25 1,600’ + Harvest when seed bracts
Bunching Bulb: 1” Bulbs turn light tan and dry

Orach LF, ESp ESp 1/2” Thin Prefers cool temps S, I 5–10 20’ Stop watering when pods
to 24” for germination have started to dry

Panic M LSp 1/8” Broad- Protect germinating W 25–40 Unlikely to be other Protect seedheads from
Grass cast seed from birds varieties to cross with birds by bagging

Pea F, W ESp 1/2” 6” Some varieties S 5–10 10’ Harvest as pods turn
need trellising dry and brittle

*Planting Key: ESp Early Spring p Sp Spring p LSp Late Spring p Su Summer p LSu Late Summer p M Monsoon p F Fall p LF Late Fall p W Winter p LW Late Winter
*Edible Key: Seed p Leaf p Flower p Fruit p Seedpod p Root *Pollination Key: I Insect p S Self p W Wind
 How to Plant How to Save Seeds
in Low in High Depth Distance Gardening Edible Pollination Minimum Isolation Seed Saving Tips
Crop Type Desert* Desert* (in.) (in.) Tips parts* method* population (ft.)
Radish F, ESp Sp, Su 1/4” 1”, thin to 6” I 20–50 800– Stomp on dried seedpods to
for seed saving 1,600’ crush, winnow off chaff
Red Malabar M LSp 1/4” 6” Needs warmth to S 5–10 Scrub to remove fruit flesh
Spinach germinate; trellis from seed, then dry
Sesame M LSp 1/4” Thin to Prefers humidity S, I 5–10 800– Harvest dry pods before
12–15” of monsoon season 1,600’ they split and drop seeds
Sorghum LSp, M LSp 1/2” 10” S, W 10–25 100– Bag seedheads to
Stems 200’ protect from birds
Spinach F, ESp ESp 1/4” Thin to W 20–50 1,600’ + Day-length and temperature sensitivities
6–8” make seed saving unlikely in the low desert
Squash LSp, M LSp 1” 36” Likes rich I 5–25 800– Let fruit mature on vine until stem turns brown,
soil 1,600’ after-ripen 30 days before removing seeds
Sunflower LSp, M LSp, Su 1” 12” S 5–25 800’ Protect maturing seedhead from
birds with bag/pillowcase
Tobacco LSp, M LSp 1/8” 1” Needs warm, moist I, S 5–10 800’ Seeds will drop when capsules are dry;
soil to germinate harvest capsules as they dry and crush into bowl
Tomatillo LSp, M LSp 1/4” Thin to Need at least two I 2–10 800– Harvest when paper husk is dry and fruit
15” plants for fruit set 1,600’ pulls easily from stem; wet processing
Tomato ESp, M LSp 1/4” 12–18” Start indoors to S, I 1–10 10–50’ Harvest when fully ripe; wet processing
extend season and fermentation necessary
Watermelon LSp, M LSp 1/2” 24–36” Needs rich soil I 5–25 800– Scoop seeds from fully ripe fruit;
1,600’ wash to remove sugars & then dry
Wheat W ESp 1/4” Broadcast S 5–10 10–20’ Wrap dry seedheads in tarp; stomp/beat
to remove seeds & winnow off chaff
*Planting Key: ESp Early Spring p LSp Late Spring p Su Summer p M Monsoon p F Fall p W Winter p LW Late Winter
*Edible Key: Seed p Leaf p Flower p Fruit p Seedpod p Root *Pollination Key: I Insect p S Self p W Wind

45
Native American Seed Share
Roughly two-thirds of the seed varieties in the Native included with each order, but other wildflowers may
Seeds/SEARCH collection originate with Native not be requested through the program.
American communities in the Southwestern U.S. and We also strongly encourage recipients to save seeds
northwest Mexico, the Southwest region. The seeds from the plants they grow to continue the cycle of
would not exist if these communities hadn't saved giving and improve food security. Save the seeds,
them and passed them down for generations. Our share them, keep them alive in the community. For
seed share programs are intended to benefit and more information on saving your own seeds, please
provide access to communities connected to the see pages 40–45.
seeds. One way we do this is through the Native
American Seed Share Program.
p Native American and/or Indigenous individuals
and families who either live in the U.S. Southwest
or northwest Mexico or belong to tribes from this
same region are eligible to request up to 15 free
seed packets per household each year (Jan–Dec).
Additional packets may be purchased at regular
price in a separate order.
p The Southwest region is defined as Arizona, New
Mexico, Utah, Colorado, western Oklahoma,
western Texas, southern California, Nevada, and
northwest Mexico. We are unable to ship seeds to
Mexico at this time.
p Native American identity for this program is self-
reported and no tribal identification card is
required.
p No more than 3 packets of any one seed variety
per request.
p Native Access seeds on the following pages are How to Order Seeds
in low supply and are available ONLY through There are several ways to place your Native
this NASS program. However, your request may American Seed Share order—please, only
include seeds from any part of the catalog except one order per household. Shipping charges
wildflowers. requested are $4.95 per request for up to 15
p Seed Saver Size packets (page 21) may be packets.
requested, but each counts as 4 packets. If you are p You can order seeds directly through our
interested in larger quantities of corn, please website! Visit nativeseeds.org/NASS to
consider our Partner Farmer Program (page 5). register
Given that a goal of this organization is to promote p Mail the order form on the opposite page
and conserve traditional arid-adapted crop seed, we to 3584 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85718
encourage recipients to order seeds from the Seed
Bank Collection (marked with an S in this catalog). p Call 520.622.0830 x113 — or toll-free at
However, any crop seeds available from NS/S may be 866.622.5561 x113 — 10am to 5pm,
requested through this program. A complimentary Monday through Friday
packet of southwest native wildflowers will be p Email your request to
[email protected]

46
Native American Seed Share Form
This program is open to Native American and/or Indigenous individuals and families who
either live in the U.S. Southwest or northwest Mexico or belong to tribes from this same
region.
We are unable to ship seeds to Mexico at this time.

__________________________________________________________________________________
Full Name
__________________________________________________________________________________
Street Address
__________________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip
__________________________________________________________________________________
Daytime Phone
__________________________________________________________________________________
Email
__________________________________________________________________________________
Tribal Affiliation * (required)

Shipping Address (if different):

__________________________________________________________________________________
Full Name
__________________________________________________________________________________
Street Address
__________________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip

A Native Seeds/SEARCH membership is available free with this request. As a member,

you’ll receive a catalog, newsletter, and 10% off most retail purchases.
m Yes, please sign me up for a free NS/S memberhip.
m No, I am not interested in a membership with NS/S.
m Please add me to the NS/S email list for garden updates and more.

* Native American identity for this program is self-reported and no tribal identification card is
required. This is part of an effort to be inclusive to the indigenous nations not federally
recognized by the U.S. government, as well as those residing in northwestern Mexico.

Turn to the next page

to request your seeds…

47
Native American Seed Share Form continued
Please mail, fax, or email completed form to: 3584 E River Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85718
Fax number: 520.622.0829 Email: [email protected]
Phone inquiries: 1.866.622.5561 ext 113
To find seeds that are culturally important to your tribe, or seeds adapted to your location and climate
conditions, please check this Seedlisting, our online store at nativeseeds.org, search ADAPTS at
nativeseeds.org/get-seeds/adapts, or call the NS/S Conservation Center at 520.622.0830 ext 113.

Seed Variety* Catalog Number Quantity Price**

Limit 3 per variety 15 pkts free; add’l
Example: Chacari C010 pkts full price

* Substitutions may be necessary depending on supply. SUBTOTAL ___________

** Check page 46 for eligibility rules. Shipping & Handling*** ___$4.95____
*** We ask that recipients pay the cost of shipping: $4.95 for Total enclosed: ___________
up to 15 packets

Payment method
m Check m Money order m Visa m MasterCard m Discover m American Express
Card no.: _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ Exp.: _ _ / _ _
Print name as shown on card: ____________________________ Security Code: _ _ _
Billing address (if different from above): _______________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

48
Native Access Seedlisting Key
Native Access is a list of seeds collected
from Indigenous farmers in the U.S.
Southwest and Mexico that are currently
limited in quantity. At this time, they are
HIGH Desert: >3,500’ or LOW Desert <3,500’ The
prioritized for Native communities and are
plants in our collection are adapted to many different
not available for purchase. The purpose of growing conditions around the Southwest region. For best
this conservation program is to ensure success, choose varieties coming from elevations similar to
access for Southwest region Native your location.
communities who have cultural and SEED Bank Varieties that are formally conserved in the
NS/S seed bank. They are considered open pollinated heir-
historical connections to these seeds. looms or crop wild relatives with a long historical
Native Access seeds may be accessed connection to the Southwest region.
through the Native American Seed Share NON Collection Seed Open pollinated varieties that are
Program, Partner Farmer Program, not from our Seed Bank collection. Unlike our Seed Bank
offerings, these varieties do not have a history specific to
Community Seed Grants or Rematriation
the Southwest region (see page 16).
programs.

Apache
Apache Giant [Squash] Cucurbita argyrosperma. Pear-shaped fruits with
firm orange flesh from San Carlos Apache reservation. Fruits can grow up to
40 lbs. Approx. 4.5g/15 seeds per packet. EA010 H S
See also San Carlos Apache Domesticated Devil’s Claw p 22, Sacramento
Mountain Spinach p 24, Apache Red Sugar Cane p 28, Chi’gona Yehinna p
29, more available online

Guarijío
Chuchuni Sunu [Corn–Flour/Flint] Zea mays. Guarijio Maiz Amarillo. Col-
Apache Giant
lected in 1986 from a Guarijio farmer in Sonora, Mexico. A dry-farmed,
semi-flint corn with yellow and some white kernels. Used for tamales, atole,
pinole and as elote. Approx 14g/50 seeds per packet. ZT045 H S
See also Guarijio Guegui p 12, Caje Muni p 21, Guarijio Conivari p 24, Sagui
p 27, more available online

Hopi
Sikya mori [Bean–Common] Phaseolus vulgaris. Hopi Yellow bean. Large
bronze seeds, common in Hopi country, may be dry farmed or irrigated.
High-yielding pole type, good as a green bean. Approx 20g/50 seeds per
packet. PC019 H S
Maasi Hatiqo [Bean–Lima] Phaseolus lunatus. “Hopi Gray Lima.” Light beige
Chuchuni Sunu
beans, plain or mottled with black. Seeds sometimes sprouted and used in
ceremonies. May have good resistance to Mexican Bean Beetle. Approx
18g/25 seeds per packet. PL080 H L S
Sakwapu [Corn–Flour] Zea mays. “Hopi Blue.” Deep-rooted, drought-toler-
ant plants. Blue kernels are ground to make ceremonial piki bread.
Dry-farmed below the Hopi mesas. Plants tend to be short (less than 5 ft.
tall with tassels). Approx 14g/50 seeds per packet. ZF029 H L S

Seeds pages 49–55 available only through Native American Seed Share Program
49
Native Access
Tsoqa’qawu [Sunflower] Helianthus annuus. Hopi black dye. Also called
Tceqa’ Qu’ Si or A:Qaw’u by the Hopi. The blue/black hull is used tradition-
ally for wool and basket dye. The seed is also edible. Flower heads about 7”
across, plant height variable 5–8’. Approx 2g/25 seeds per packet. I003
HLS
See also Hopi Short Staple Cotton p 22, Hopi Casaba p 25, more available
online

Mayo
Chapalote "Pinole Maiz" [Corn–Popcorn] Zea Mays. A stunning corn vari-
ety that at one point was widely grown from southern Arizona to Sinaloa,
Sakwapu
Mexico. One of the most ancient races of corn. A gorgeous deep brown
corn, ranging to a light tan color. Small kernels, with slender ears. Plants are
very tall (10–12 ft) and late-maturing. Approx. 10g/50 seeds per packet.
ZP090 L S
Mayo Warty Bule [Gourd] Lagenaria siceraria. Grown in Piedras Verdes,
Sonora, Mexico. Unique gourds, used for canteens or water jugs, have
"warts" or pebble-like knobby growths around the bulbs. (shapes d,h: see
diagram on p 22) Approx. 3g/15 seeds per packet. M028 L S
Papante [Tobacco] Nicotiana rustica. Tall plants (over 5') with large, deer-
eared shaped leaves, lovely bright pink flowers, and large seed capsules.
From Piedras Verdes, Sonora. Our Tucson 2021 growout during a very wet
(for Tucson) summer produced plants to 8' tall! Approx. 0.1g/125 seeds per
packet. N008 L S
Tsoqa’qawu
Mayo Sandia [Watermelon] Citrullus lanatus. Small, sweet, red-fleshed
melons from a Mayo farmer in Piedras Verdes, Sonora, Mexico. Traditionally
dry-farmed and planted with the rains in June/July. Approx. 1.5g/15 seeds
per packet. G006 H L S
See also Chacari p 12, Sinahuisa p 18, Mayo Speckled p 21, Onaveño p 20,
Chihu p 25, Mayo Minol p 25, Mayo Blusher p 29, Chichiquelite p 31, Mayo
Watermelon p 32, more available online

Mountain Pima
Mountain Pima Cristalino de Chihuahua [Corn–Flour/Flint] Zea mays.
From the Sierra Madre in Chihuahua,Mexico. Large, slender ears with pearly
white kernels. An all-purpose corn, makes good tortillas. Approx. 16g/50
Mayo Warty Bule seeds per packet. ZT030 H S
Totahu:n [Corn–Flour/Flint] Zea mays. Mountain Pima Maiz Ancho. Also
called Komlya Huna or Li’i To A Huun. A white flour corn from the Mt. Pima
who live in mountainous areas of Sonora and Chihuahua. Kernels are
mostly floury, flat and wide (ancho). Approx. 18g/50 seeds per packet.
ZL056 H S
See also Kokoma p 13, Vayitos Bolas p 13, Onavas Red p 28, Mountain Pima
Tomatillo p 30, more available online

Papante

50 High Desert Low Desert Seed Bank Non-Collection

 Seed varieties are listed here by tribe. Visit nativeseeds.org/NA to see
all available Native Access varieties listed in order by crop type

Navajo/Diné
Navajo–Ute Mountain Blue [Corn–Flour] Zea mays. This blue flour corn has
been grown by the Ute Mountain Utes in the Four Corners region since the
1920s. The seed originally came from the Navajo near Many Farms, NM.
Approx. 12g/50 seeds per packet. TS368 H N
Dineh Bi Danescone [Melon] Cucumis melo. Navajo. Fruit have green to
yellow skin. Shape ranges from banana to football to round. The flesh color
is mostly white. Collected at a market in Shiprock, New Mexico. Approx.
1g/25 seeds per packet. F026 H S
Navajo Mix [Melon] Cucumis melo. Obtained from a melon entered in the
Navajo Nation Fair in Shiprock, New Mexico. Produces three fruit types: Cristalino de Chihuahua
ribbed, smooth ovals, and elongated. Mild flavored flesh is pale green to
light orange. Approx. 1g/25 seeds per packet. F009 H L S
See also Navajo White p 19, more available online

O’odham
Bauf [Bean–Tepary] Phaseolus acutifolius. Pima Beige & Brown. Originally
collected in the mid 1970s from Santan, AZ, on the Gila River Indian Reser-
vation. A lovely mix of shades of beige, gold, tan and speckled. Approx.
10g/25 seeds per packet. PT086 L S
S’oam Baw – Santa Rosa [Bean–Tepary] Phaseolus acutifolius. A heat- and
drought-tolerant bean, originally collected in 1981 from the Tohono O'Od-
ham village of Santa Rosa. PT120 H L S Navajo–Ute Mountain Blue
S’oam Pawi [Bean–Tepary] Phaseolus acutifolius. “Tohono O'odham Brown.”
Medium-sized tan-brown beans from the Tohono O'odham Reservation. Tra-
ditionally planted in flood-water fields. Early maturing. Approx. 7g/50 seeds
per packet. PT075 H L S
S’toti Pawi–Big Fields [Bean–Tepary] Phaseolus acutifolius. White beans
from the Tohono O’odham village of Big Fields. Approx. 7g/50 seeds per
packet. PT109 L S
O'odham Small Bilobal [Gourd] Lagenaria siceraria. Smallish gourd (6–10"
long) with small upper and larger lower chamber. Used for rattles, bird-
houses. From New Fields on the Tohono O'odham Nation. (shape c: see
diagram on p 22) Approx. 5g/15 seeds per packet. M021 L S
Wapko [Gourd] Lagenaria siceraria. O’odham Dipper, from Topawa on the
Tohono O’odham Nation. Long-necked with a bulb at the base, these gourds Navajo Mix
range from 8” to 18” long. (shape g: see diagram on p 22) Approx. 2.5g/15
seeds per packet. M020 L S
Tohono O’odham Ha:l [Squash] Cucurbita argyrosperma. A very heat toler-
ant and rapidly maturing squash from the Tohono O’odham Nation. Prized
for the immature fruits, Ha:al mamat (children), used like zucchini. Mature
fruits have light orange flesh, mild flavor, a starchy texture, and store well.
Approx. 2.5g/15 seeds per packet. EA014 L S
See also Wepegi Mu:n p 14, O’odham Lentil p 14, S’oam Pawi p 15, Santa
Rosa White Tepary p 15, Gila Pima Al Hu:ñ p 20, Smoik Hu:ñ p 19, Ki:kam
Huun p 20, U’us Mu:n p 21, Sacaton Aboriginal Cotton p 22, Ke:li Ba:so p
26, I’itoi Sivol p 27, Salt River Pima Pea p 28, Gila River Caña p 28, O’od-
ham Soam Miliñ p 32, Pima Club Wheat p 32, more available online
S’toti Pawi–Big Fields

Seeds pages 49–55 available only through Native American Seed Share Program
51
Native Access
Paiute
Paiute [Amaranth] Amaranthus cruentus. From a garden on the Kaibab
Southern Paiute Reservation in southern Utah. Edible seeds and leaves. Red
inflorescences with long trailing branches. Red stems with leaves from deep
green-red to re. Approx. 0.3g/300 seeds per packet. C009 H S
Paiute Mixed [Bean-Tepary] Phaseolus acutifolius. Originating from the Shiv-
wits Paiute Reservation in Utah. This beautiful mixture of colors includes
chocolate-brown, speckled-tan, and burnt-orange. Early-maturing, and
among the most northerly tepary beans in the NS/S collection. Approx.
0.3g/300 seeds per packet. PT099 H L S
Tohono O’odham Ha:l Paiute [Devil’s Claw] Proboscidea parviflora. A white-seeded domesticated
variety grown on the Shivwits Paiute Reservation in southwest Utah. From
a higher latitude than other devil's claw varieties in our collection. Approx
1.5g/25 seeds per packet. R005 L S
More available online

Pueblo
Jemez Blue [Corn-Flour] Zea mays. Lovely deep blue kernels borne on red
cobs and white cobs. This beautiful blue corn from Jemez Pueblo was grown
at the farm of Bidii Baby Foods LLC, a Navajo owned and operated business
on the Navajo Nation. Approx. 12g/50 seeds per packet. ZF116 H N
Nambe White [Corn–Flour/Flint] Zea mays. Collected from a traditional
farmer in the mid 1990s from Nambe Pueblo in New Mexico above 6,000'
O'odham Small Bilobal elevation. Long slender ears (6–10") with white to pearly kernels. Approx.
14g/50 seeds per packet. ZL079 H S
Jemez [Melon] Cucumis melo. Oval, ribbed, mostly smooth-skinned typi-
cal native melon from Jemez Pueblo. Orange flesh and sweet flavor. Approx.
1g/25 seeds per packet. F021 H S
Acoma Pumpkin [Squash] Cucurbita pepo. Round, thick-fleshed fruits have
dark and light green stripes; some turn orange when fully ripe. This variety
is available only to members of Southwestern Indigenous communities.
Approx. 4.5g/15 seeds per packet. EP045 H S
Isleta Pueblo [Tobacco] Nicotiana rustica. From the pueblo south of Albu-
querque, New Mexico. Plants grow to 4.5', including flowers. Approx.
0.1g/125 seeds per packet. N006 H S
Paiute

Paiute Mixed Paiute Nambe White

52 High Desert Low Desert Seed Bank Non-Collection

 All seeds are open-pollinated and non-GMO
Sá [Tobacco] Nicotiana rustica. Traditionally grown by San Juan Pueblo eld-
ers in small secluded patches. Leaves are used ceremonially. Plants have
small, tubular yellow flowers. Approx. 0.1g/125 seeds per packet. N005
HS
Santo Domingo Punche [Tobacco] Nicotiana rustica. A cultivated annual
grown in irrigated gardens by various Puebloans. Used in rain ceremonies.
Approx. 0.1g/125 seeds per packet. N003 H L S
Toa Ke Tsi Tokia [Tomatillo] Physalis philadelphica. The small sweet fruit
has been semi-cultivated by the Zuni for more than a century. Can be
roasted in an oven, then blended with garlic, onion, chile, and cilantro as a
hot sauce delicacy. Approx. 0.1g/25 seeds per packet. TM003 H L S
T' Uwi' In [Watermelon] Citrullus lanatus. Collected from an elder in San Jemez
Juan Pueblo. The fruits are sweet and productive. Fruits are variable: skin
may be light to dark green, and solid or striped. Flesh may be red or yellow,
with white or black seeds. Approx. 1.5g/15 seeds per packet. G008 H S
See also: San Felipe Chile p 17, San Juan Tsile p 17, Concha White p 19,
Santo Domingo Rainbow Corn p 19, Isleta Pueblo Melon p 25, San Felipe
Melon p 26, Santo Domingo Native Melon p 26, more available online

Rarámuri (also called Tarahumara)

Chihuahua Ojo de Cabra [Bean—Common] Phaseolus vulgaris.
Brown/tan-speckled ojo de cabra (goat’s eye) pattern on large kidney-
shaped beans. From north-central Chihuahua. High-yielding pole bean.
Day-length sensitive, not suitable for northern latitudes. Approx. 17g/50
seeds per packet. PC083 H S
Acoma Pumpkin

Frijol Gringo [Bean–Common] Phaseolus vulgaris. Bright white medium-

sized beans. Originally collected from a Rarámuri farmer within the Barranca
del Cobre (Copper Canyon). Late maturing. Approx. 14g/50 seeds per
packet. PC098 H S
Rarámuri Mantequilla [Bean–Common] Phaseolus vulgaris. "Butter." Dark
brown and beige pinto from the Sierra Rarámuri of Chihuahua. Medium-
high yielding, late-maturing pole bean. Day-length sensitive, not suitable
for northern latitudes. Also called Frijol Burrito. Approx. 15g/50 seeds per
packet. PC051 H S
Kori Sitakame [Chile] Capsicum annuum. Produces 3” long thin-walled
smooth-skinned triangular fruit that are almost translucent when dry.
Medium to hot spice level. From highlands in Chihuahua. Approx. 0.3g/25
Santo Domingo Punche
seeds per packet. D033 H L S

Chihuahua Ojo de Cabra T' Uwi' In Toa Ke Tsi Tokia

Seeds pages 49–55 available only through Native American Seed Share Program
53
Native Access
Ordoño [Chile] Capsicum annuum. A beautiful ornamental producing
small fruits that change through purple, yellow, orange, and red. Hot, edi-
ble. From Batopilas Canyon in Chihuahua. Approx. 0.2g/25 seeds per packet.
D009 H L S
Rarámuri Tuxpeño [Corn–Dent] Zea mays. Productive medium to large
ears with white, dented kernels. Collected around 5500’ elevation but usu-
ally grown a bit lower within the canyons of the Sierra Tarahumara. A
general purpose corn used for elotes, tamales and tortillas. Approx. 19g/50
seeds per packet. ZD090 H L S
Rarámuri Chiquita [Corn–Flour/Flint] Zea mays. Onaveño land race with
Reventador traits, from a remote part of the Sierra Madre. Long slender ears.
Frijol Gringo Kernels are yellow or white (occasionally purple), flattened and smooth.
Approx. 14g/50 seeds per packet. ZT041 H S
Rarámuri Chomo [Corn–Flour/Flint] Zea mays. Similar to Rarámuri Chiquita
but from a neighboring village in the Sierra Madre. Beautiful Onaveño land
race with yellow or white kernels on long, slender cobs. Approx. 13g/50
seeds per packet. ZT035 H S
Rarámuri Maiz Caliente [Corn–Flour/Flint] Zea mays. So named because
the Rarámuri plant it at the hottest time of the year. Includes dent, flour, and
flint-type kernels borne on 8-foot plants. Approx. 16g/50 seeds per packet.
ZT039 H L S
Rarámuri Small Bule [Gourd] Lagenaria siceraria. Small round or pear-
shaped gourds with short necks. Used for small hand rattles, tobacco
containers, or small canteens. (d) Approx 2.5g/15 seeds per packet. M047
Rarámuri Mantequilla HLS
Rarámuri El Cuervo [Tobacco] Nicotiana rustica. From a very isolated area
of Batopilas Canyon, Chihuahua. Smoked traditionally by older Rarámuri.
Approx. 0.1g/125 seeds per packet. N004 H L S
See also Okite p 12, Muniki Sitakame and other beans p 13, Rarámuri Mul-
ticolor Corn p 19, Rosari p 19, Rarámuri Cowpea p 21, Rarámuri
Mostaza/Mocoasali p 23, Rarámuri Mequasare p 23, Rarámuri Chia p 24,
Rarámuri White Sunflower p 30, Rio San Miguel p 32, more available online

Kori Sitakame

Ordoño Rarámuri Tuxpeño Rarámuri Chiquita

54 High Desert Low Desert Seed Bank Non-Collection

 Seed varieties are listed here by tribe. Visit nativeseeds.org/NA to see
all available Native Access varieties listed in order by crop type

Yaqui/Yoeme
Alvaaka [Basil] Ocimum basilicum. Collected at the New Pascua Yaqui Reser-
vation in Tucson. The leaves make a tea that is “good for the stomach and as
a general tonic.” The plants have a strong licorice aroma. Plant in spring and
summer. Approx. 0.2g/50 seeds per packet. HB013 H L S
Yoeme Vayo [Bean–Common] Phaseolus vulgaris. An early maturing, pro-
ductive pole bean from a Yoeme village in Ures, Sonora. Medium size beige
seeds with vein pattern. Approx. 15g/50 seeds per packet. PC097 H L S
See also Yoeme Segualca p 29, more available online

Maiz Caliente

Yoeme Vayo Alvaaka Rarámuri El Cuervo

“Seeds are a direct connection to our culture and our past. Seeds that have been
preserved and passed down from generation to generation carry not only the genetic
blueprint to grow into life-giving food for those that cultivate them, but they also
carry the fingerprints of those that worked the seeds from as far back as memory can
go. Teosinte, the ancestor of today’s corn had to be identified and then worked for
generations by those before us to create the multitude of corn varieties we see today.
Seeds were most often traded among neighboring communities and thus made a
journey throughout a region if not across a continent as in the case of corn. The
plants that grew from seed provided food, medicines, and tools from which the
people used to survive and grow. Some of these very seeds remain today,
unadulterated and preserved to be grown and used for food, medicines and tools
just like their relatives in the past. So, in our seeds we have a direct connection to our
history, our culture, and with today’s changing climate, possibly our future.”
— Tudor Montague, NS/S Board Member, Fort Quechan Tribe

Seeds pages 49–55 available only through Native American Seed Share Program
55
 Non Profit Org
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