Category Archives: Special Use Garden Plants

Rostov is a traditional sunflower variety from Russia. It produces edible seeds and was quite productive here in Northern Indiana. The greatest difficulty I am finding with sunflowers is the increasing frequency of summer rainfall and high humidity. This can prove challenging … Continue reading →

This black seeded variety is a favorite in Thai cooking. It has a very nutty flavor. It is also used in Japanese dishes and used to make the condiment “goma”. Sesame prefers warm and dry conditions. I managed to get … Continue reading →

Gossypium hirsutum                115 – 120 days Definitely not a traditional crop for Northern Indiana, yet you can grow cotton in our region with a little extra care. Egyptian Green Cotton is a 115 – 120 day variety, whereas most commercial cotton grown in … Continue reading →

Linum usitatissimum               90 – 105 days This variety of flax has been bred for it’s fibers which are spun into linen. Of all the fiber crops I have trialled for here in Northern Indiana, Fiber Flax seems the most logical … Continue reading →

Sesamum indicum               85 days Sesame prefers warm and dry conditions. I managed to get a fair yield of quality seed during a cooler than normal and extremely wet summer (2014), here in Northern Indiana. Sesame is one of the oldest … Continue reading →

Camelina sativa               85 – 100 days This crop is raised for the oil (high in omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin E) that is pressed from the seeds. I am planning to use my Piteba hand crank oil press this winter with camelina, ( it … Continue reading →

Gossypium hirsutum          120 days Definitely not a traditional crop for Northern Indiana, yet you can grow cotton in our region with a little extra care. Red Foliated White Cotton is a 120 day variety, whereas most commercial cotton grown in the … Continue reading →

Hibiscus cannabinus          120 daysKenaf is grown as a source of fiber for making bags, paper, rope, and cloth. Its leafy greens are also used as a food source for both livestock and humans. Cultivated for more than 3000 years, this … Continue reading →

Cucurbita pepo          90 daysThis pumpkin was developed in the province of Styria in Austria. It is grown for its high quality hulless or “naked seeds”.  Pumpkin seeds are very nutritious and a great source of protein. This pumpkin is widely … Continue reading →