FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Sow now for a happy new year of flavours. Sown through December, these will grow steadily on a windowsill or settle in nicely in a coldframe or greenhouse, giving you the promise of plenty to come. It is a lovely way to get your growing off to a flying start and begin the new gardening year with purpose. When the days are cold and short you can still look forward to a flush of fresh flavour just when you need a lift.
Amaranth Passion – each fresh green leaf liberally doused with a rich plum red which makes this a true bi-colour.  You can add the leaves to a salad, but in the colder months you might prefer to steam, stir-fry or add them to soup or saag. (100 seeds)
Lettuce Barba Dei Frati – dark green tufts of long lobed leaves reminiscent of oakleaf and very versatile. This Italian variety is sometimes termed as a radichetta variety and can be tossed in olive oil and roasted or you can wilt it in a pan for a warm salad. (75 seeds)
Mizuna Red Empire F1 – striking deep red variety and the darkest of Mizunas.  It can be grown and enjoyed all year round.  It adds a little flare of peppery tang to your salads, or you can steam it, stir fry it or use the leaves in soups. (100 seeds)
Mustard Leaf Wasabina – with a hot and spicy wasabi like flavour, use from baby leaf to full size   Those baby leaves will add a kick to salads.  The large, tender, mature leaves are ruffled with curly edges and are best cooked.  Stir fry them or use for ohitashi or tsukemono. (100 seeds)