HSL catalogues

The Heritage Seed Library 2008 catalogue arrived on Saturday morning.

The HSL is a member’s only catalogue – a way of getting round European legislation that insists only seeds registered on a national list can be sold. As registration costs money, the seed companies only keep their most profitable varieties on the list – and crop biodiversity suffers as a result.

The HSL aims to keep some of the ‘heritage’ varieties alive by distributing seeds among their members. Many of these de-listed varieties are more appropriate for gardeners anyway.

The catalogue is always published in December, and members have until the end of March 2008 to make their choices. Each member is allowed to choose 6 packets of seed each year. As there is a limited supply, it pays to make your choices early. You are allowed to make up to 12 choices (of which they will send you the first 6 that are available) and you can opt in to receive a ‘lucky dip’ packet as well.

I have lots and lots of seeds, far too many, so it was difficult to make my choices this year. I have settled for:

  • The African Horned Cucumber (kiwano), which will have to grow in the grow dome
  • A white carrot variety, Blanche a Collet Vert Hors Terre
  • Two peppers – Soror Sarek and Trifetti. I think Soror Sarek is sweet and Trifetti is hot (but very ornamental)
  • And two lettuces (as the chickens will always eat spare lettuce!) – Emerald and Bronze Arrow.

I’m posting my request form today. I’ve only chosen 6 varieties, but I’ve ticked the box that says they can send substitutes if my chosen varieties are out of stock. The seeds themselves are likely to arrive early in the new year.