Sale is this weekend, Sat., May 18, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sun., May 19, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
By: Molly Gaines CSU Extension-Denver Master Gardener since 2019
If you’re like me, you probably have a go-to list of must-have vegetables for your garden: tomatoes, cucumbers, jalapenos, kale, zucchini, carrots, beets, basil, parsley and more. And while I love the predictability of tried and true varieties, each season I love planting something different and unusual. This helps me hone my vegetable gardening skills and keeps my garden fresh (no pun intended!) and interesting.
This year, find something old and something new at the Denver Master Gardeners (DMG) plant sale. We have a lengthy list of varieties that are new to the sale. See a full list of what will be offered here. It’s shaping up to be a perfect weekend for the sale! Come shop for all of your garden needs on Sat., May 18, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Sun., May 19, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The sale takes place at 888 E. Iliff Ave., in Denver’s Harvard Gulch Park.
Veggies and herbs that are new to this year’s sale include: Kakai Pumpkins, Romanesco Cauliflower, Ace Bush Tomato, Tulsi Holy Basil, Ultra Cool Hybrid Watermelon, Hokus Cucumbers, Angel Hair Spaghetti Squash, Nasturtium, Dazzling Blue Kale, Haku Cabbage, Hale’s Best Cantaloupe, Taxi Yellow Low-Acid Tomato, Petite Yellow Watermelon, NMSU Scotch Bonnet Pepper, and Pueblo Chile. While we can’t cover them all in detail here, I’m going to share a little more about five of these new offerings for some planting inspiration.
Romanesco Cauliflower
You’ve probably seen Romanesco Cauliflower at the grocery store or farmer’s market and marveled at its striking beauty. Get this plant in the ground ASAP, as it prefers cooler temps and takes 75-100 days to mature. Aphids and cabbage worms love Brassicas, including Romanesco. Consider companion plants, such as marigolds or basil, to fend off these unwanted pests. For more tips on growing Romanesco Cauliflower, visit here.
Ace Bush Tomato
Ace Bush Tomatoes are a great choice for our Denver climate as the fruit ripen early and can tolerate cooler temperatures. This tomato variety is determinate, which means the fruit will all ripen within 1-2 weeks, versus continuously producing fruit. Tomatoes in general are heavy feeders, and the Ace is no exception. For optimal growth and harvest, fertilize throughout the season. Here is a very helpful, comprehensive explanation of growing tomatoes in Colorado. It’s also worth checking out this interesting article about the best tomato and pepper performers for Colorado’s short growing season.
Nasturtium
Okay, I know nasturtium is a flower, not a vegetable. But no veggie garden of mine feels complete without this peppery, edible flower. The traditional varieties produce bright yellow and orange blooms. Deadhead to keep them rigorous throughout the summer months. I like to plant them in the corners or in front of my raised beds, as they spill beautifully over the top. They are not difficult to grow, but perform best in well-drained soil and full sun – minimum 6 hours. Provide these plants with good air circulation to fend off pests, such as aphids and caterpillars. For more on edible flowers, including nasturtium, visit here. I was surprised to learn how many edible flower varieties there are!
Petite Yellow Watermelon
Petite Yellow Watermelons are particularly well-suited for space-constrained gardeners. They are smaller than traditional watermelons, typically weighing between 2 to 4 pounds. This watermelon variety has a vibrant yellow flesh that tastes milder than red watermelon, but is juicy and sweet. These melons like it hot and sunny, so plant in full sun. Give plenty of space between plants, 2-3 feet, and fertilize regularly.
Pueblo Chile
Hailing from Colorado’s very own city of Pueblo, Pueblo Chile’s versatility make them a favorite among those who love peppers. They are mild to medium in heat and smoky in flavor. Plant seedlings in a full-sun location, 18-24 inches apart. They like well-drained soil. Keep soil moist and water at the base versus overhead as this can lead to fungal diseases.
We hope to see you at this weekend’s sale! If you can’t make it to our sale, keep these varieties in mind when you visit your local gardening center. As always, we invite you to visit the CSU Extension Yard and Garden website for more plant and gardening tips and to support you throughout the growing season. Feel free to reach out to the Colorado Master Gardener’s office with any gardening or yard questions: 720.913.5270.
Denver Gardeners 