Unusual Veg To Grow This Summer

Summer is the perfect time to get adventurous with your vegetable patch. While tomatoes, courgettes, and lettuce have their place, why not add a touch of the extraordinary? Growing unusual veg not only provides a fascinating talking point at BBQs but also rewards you with unique flavours, stunning aesthetics, and sometimes even easier maintenance than the usual suspects. So, if you’re looking for something special, here are some fantastic, unusual vegetables to grow this summer.

Kohlrabi

What is it?

Kohlrabi, sometimes called the “space vegetable” due to its alien-like appearance, is a bulbous member of the brassica family. It comes in shades of pale green and deep purple, with a flavour somewhere between a mild turnip and a crisp apple.

When to Plant

Kohlrabi can be sown from spring to midsummer, making June a great time to plant. It thrives in cooler weather, so later sowings will provide an excellent autumn harvest.

How to Use?

Use it raw in salads, spiralise it for slaws, roast it like parsnips, or even mash it as a low-carb alternative to potatoes.

Shop Kohlrabi Seeds

Drying Corn Glass Gem

What is it?

If you’ve ever dreamed of growing corn that looks like it belongs in a jewellery store, ‘Glass Gem’ is the variety for you. This stunning multi-coloured corn isn’t for eating fresh but is perfect for popping or grinding into cornmeal.

When to Plant

Sow in late spring to early summer in a sunny, sheltered spot. Corn thrives in warm soil, so June is still a great time to get these going.

How to Use?

Harvest the dried kernels to make your own popcorn, or use them for decorative displays and crafts.

Shop Glass Gem Seeds

Pumpkin Atlantic Giant

What is it?

If you fancy winning a village fete with an enormous pumpkin, ‘Atlantic Giant’ is the way to go. These giants can reach sizes that require a wheelbarrow to move!

When to Plant

Sow in late spring to early summer for a perfect autumn harvest. Ensure they have plenty of space and rich soil.

How to Use?

Besides making the ultimate Halloween display, these pumpkins can be used for soups, pies, and roasting.

Shop Atlantic Giant Pumpkin Seeds

Dwarf Bean Dragon’s Tongue

What is it?

This beautiful Dutch heirloom bean is pale yellow with striking purple streaks. It has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavour.

When to Plant

Sow directly in the ground from late spring to mid-summer.

How to Use?

Use fresh in salads or cook lightly to retain its beautiful colouring. It also works well as a dried bean in soups and stews.

Shop Dragon’s Tongue Dwarf Bean Seeds

Cauliflower Sicilian Violet

What is it?

A vibrant purple cauliflower that looks as good as it tastes. Unlike white cauliflower, it’s packed with anthocyanins, making it extra nutritious.

When to Plant

Sow from late spring to early summer for an autumn harvest.

How to Use?

Roast to enhance the natural sweetness, steam for a colourful side dish, or blend into a stunning purple mash.

Shop Cauliflower Sicilian Violet Seeds

Microgreens Red Cabbage

What is it?

Microgreens are tiny, nutrient-packed versions of their full-grown counterparts, and red cabbage microgreens bring a pop of colour and a mild peppery flavour.

When to Plant

You can grow microgreens year-round, but summer warmth speeds up germination, meaning you can harvest in as little as 7-10 days.

How to Use?

Scatter over salads, sandwiches, or soups for a burst of flavour and nutrients.

Shop Red Cabbage Microgreens Seeds

Buy Your Heirloom Seeds Ready for Summer Planting

Whether you want giant pumpkins, jewel-like corn, or the freshest microgreens, now is the perfect time to get sowing. Try something new this summer and make your garden as exciting as your plate!