For a free 2019 catalog – due for publication next month – visit Cecropia tree evokes the Tropics Although known as purveyors of heirloom vegetables (many of which had largely disappeared), Baker Creek also carries seeds of the best varieties modern plant breeders have developed. Plants are available locally, and seeds and plants are often sold online.Īre you thinking about seeds for your autumn and spring gardens? Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds offers organic, non-genetically modified seeds of nearly 2,000 vegetables, herbs and flowers. Propagate by divisions, seeds and stem cuttings. A tender plant, red buttons is damaged when temperatures drop below 30 degrees.

Thereafter, only annual replenishment of mulch is required, though a shovelful of composted manure around the root zone is recommended. It pays to install plants on sheltered, mulched sites heavily enriched with organic matter. Remarkable in its ability to flower in conditions ranging from full sun to heavy shade, red buttons is at its best in bright, filtered light. Also known as Indian-head ginger, the species, which can grow 9 feet tall, is native to Central America. From each cone a series of edible yellow blossoms emerges, adding extra color to the landscape as well as to salads. A more-or-less dwarf form of the species, red buttons grows just 2 to 4 feet tall, flaunting bright-red, cone-like inflorescences most of the year. You may recall Red Buttons as an Oscar-winning actor who appeared in movies such as ‘’Hatari!’’ And ‘’The Longest Day.’’ But the red buttons ginger (Costus woodsonii) is even more memorable.

Red button ginger plants