There’s something uniquely rewarding about growing heirloom vegetables, especially in the fall garden. These varieties have stood the test of time, passed down through generations for their incredible flavors, resilience, and rich histories. If you’re anything like me, you’ll love the idea of preserving a little piece of history while also cultivating delicious, unique produce that you just can’t find in the grocery store. Plus, fall is an ideal time for many heirloom varieties that thrive in cooler temperatures, offering a chance to extend your harvest season.
I know how challenging it can be to make the most of a fall garden, especially when you’re competing against shorter days and cooling temperatures. But trust me, heirloom vegetables can make it an adventure worth taking! Not only do they add diversity to your garden, but they also help support biodiversity and contribute to sustainable gardening practices. Let’s explore some of the most delightful heirloom vegetables to grow this fall, and how you can get started right away!
Heirloom Kale: ‘Red Russian’ and ‘Lacinato’
Kale has become a superstar in recent years, but heirloom varieties like ‘Red Russian’ and ‘Lacinato’ (also known as Dinosaur Kale or Tuscan Kale) are true garden treasures that go way beyond the standard curly types. ‘Red Russian’ kale, with its tender, flat, purple-veined leaves, is a cold-hardy variety that actually becomes sweeter after a light frost. I find it so satisfying to pick these beautiful leaves when the temperatures dip — they look like they were made for a winter wonderland! This variety is originally from Siberia, which explains why it’s so tough and thrives in chilly weather.
‘Lacinato’ kale, with its dark, savoyed leaves, has been grown in Italy for centuries, prized for its robust flavor and texture. It’s perfect for soups, stews, and sautéing, and it’s a real performer in the fall garden. Both varieties are non-invasive and can be harvested over a long period, which makes them perfect for those of us who love to cook with fresh ingredients all season long. Plus, they attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help keep pests like aphids in check. If you’ve ever been frustrated by less hardy greens wilting in the cold, these heirloom kales are a game-changer!
Heirloom Radishes: ‘French Breakfast’ and ‘Black Spanish’
Radishes are a quick-growing delight in the fall garden, and heirloom varieties like ‘French Breakfast’ and ‘Black Spanish’ bring a unique twist to this humble root vegetable. ‘French Breakfast’ radishes, with their elongated, pink-and-white roots, are a mild and crunchy addition to salads and sandwiches. They were popular in Victorian England and France for breakfast spreads (hence the name!), and I adore their peppery flavor that adds a bright note to any dish. They grow quickly, maturing in as little as 25 days, which makes them perfect for a fast fall harvest!
‘Black Spanish’ radishes, on the other hand, are a bit more mysterious and dramatic with their dark, almost black skin and spicy white flesh. Native to the Mediterranean, they’ve been grown since the 16th century and are known for their robust, earthy flavor and ability to store well over winter. These radishes do well in cooler weather and can even be left in the ground until needed. If you’ve ever been bored by the same old radishes, these heirloom varieties are sure to spice up your garden and your plate! And don’t worry about them taking over — radishes are non-invasive and easy to manage.
Heirloom Carrots: ‘Dragon’ and ‘Parisian’
Carrots are a must-have in any fall garden, and heirloom varieties like ‘Dragon’ and ‘Parisian’ offer something a little different from the ordinary orange fare. ‘Dragon’ carrots are a striking variety with deep purple skin and bright orange flesh. This ancient variety, likely originating from Afghanistan, not only looks stunning but also has a complex, sweet flavor with hints of spice. I love pulling these beauties out of the soil — it’s like unearthing buried treasure! They’re high in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant, which makes them as nutritious as they are beautiful.
The ‘Parisian’ carrot, also known as the ‘Thumbelina’ carrot, is another fantastic heirloom option for fall planting. These cute, round carrots were popular in 19th-century France and are perfect for shallow or rocky soils where standard carrots might struggle. If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by carrots that just won’t grow straight, this little variety will be a revelation! Their small size makes them perfect for container gardening, and they mature quickly, adding a burst of sweetness to fall dishes like soups and stews. Both varieties are non-invasive and bring a delightful diversity to your root vegetable collection.
Heirloom Beets: ‘Chioggia’ and ‘Golden’
Beets are another staple of the fall garden, and heirloom varieties like ‘Chioggia’ and ‘Golden’ offer unique flavors and colors that are sure to impress. ‘Chioggia’ beets, also known as Candy Stripe beets, hail from Italy and feature striking concentric rings of pink and white. They’re sweet, tender, and less earthy than common red beets, which makes them a favorite in my kitchen for raw salads and pickles. Plus, they add such a vibrant color to any dish! If you’ve ever been hesitant to try beets because of their strong flavor, ‘Chioggia’ is a great gateway variety.
‘Golden’ beets, with their brilliant yellow-orange flesh, offer a milder, sweeter flavor that is perfect for roasting or blending into soups. Originally from Europe, they were prized for their beautiful color and unique flavor. I love how they hold their color even after cooking, unlike some red varieties that can bleed. Both ‘Chioggia’ and ‘Golden’ beets are non-invasive, and they’re fantastic for attracting beneficial insects to the garden. If you’ve been put off by the idea of beets in the past, these heirloom varieties are sure to win you over with their beauty and versatility.
Heirloom Lettuce: ‘Forellenschluss’ and ‘Buttercrunch’
Lettuce is a cool-season favorite, and heirloom varieties like ‘Forellenschluss’ and ‘Buttercrunch’ are perfect for fall planting. ‘Forellenschluss,’ also known as Speckled Trout or Freckles lettuce, is an Austrian heirloom that has been grown for centuries. Its gorgeous, speckled green leaves are dappled with red spots, making it a standout in the garden. This variety is known for its buttery texture and mild flavor, which stays crisp even in cooler temperatures. I love growing ‘Forellenschluss’ because it adds such a unique visual appeal to my garden beds!
‘Buttercrunch’ lettuce is another heirloom gem that has been treasured for its tender, sweet leaves. This variety, developed in the U.S. in the mid-20th century, has a soft, buttery texture that’s perfect for salads and sandwiches. It’s heat-tolerant but thrives in cooler fall weather, making it an excellent choice for a late-season harvest. Both of these lettuces are non-invasive and relatively easy to grow, so they’re great for beginners or anyone looking to extend their growing season. If you’ve ever felt let down by bland, store-bought lettuce, these heirlooms will change the way you think about salads forever!
Heirloom Cabbage: ‘January King’ and ‘Golden Acre’
Heirloom cabbages like ‘January King’ and ‘Golden Acre’ are perfect for adding a bit of old-world charm to your fall garden. ‘January King’ is a semi-savoy variety that hails from 19th-century England, known for its stunning green and purple leaves that form a compact head. It’s incredibly hardy, able to withstand frost and even light snow, which means it’s perfect for fall and winter harvesting. I find this variety particularly rewarding because it’s so robust and resistant to pests compared to more modern cultivars.
‘Golden Acre’ cabbage, on the other hand, is a smaller, faster-growing variety that’s ideal for small gardens or tight spaces. It produces tight, round heads with tender, pale green leaves, perfect for coleslaw, sauerkraut, or stir-fries. Native to Europe, this heirloom has been a garden favorite for generations thanks to its quick maturity and delightful flavor. Both ‘January King’ and ‘Golden Acre’ are non-invasive and make a great addition to any cool-season garden. If you’ve ever struggled with growing cabbage in unpredictable fall weather, these heirlooms will bring you a satisfying harvest!
