Juneteenth 2026
In collaboration with True Love Seeds and Lineage Seeds by invitation of Vital Spaces, the Mother Nature Center is offering a Commemorative Seed Packet for this year’s Juneteenth event in Santa Fe, celebrating the deep resilience and resistance of the African Diaspora community. The restoration of people's connection to land, seed, and healthy lifeways has been central to MNC's mission since day one. Our article, “Collaborations in Love, Land, and Life,” in Seedbroadcast’s agri-Culture journal, shares some of that story. This year’s seed packet collection includes 11 species of food plants of the African Diaspora with cultural and culinary significance. Our seed packet graphic is also available as a coloring page and can be downloaded here.
Johnson-Su Compost was also gifted alongside the seeds for its powerful action in restoring the soil microbiome, with initial research showing that this biological inoculant doubles the growth of plant roots, shoots, fruits, and even doubles the speed at which we can restore topsoil. Check out our Johnson-Su Compost Project Page for more info.
The Juneteenth Seed Packet includes seeds sourced from Food Sovereignty projects around the country. We have chosen seeds that grow well in New Mexico and seeds that are deeply intertwined in the African Diaspora. Below the seed descriptions are links to the projects where these seeds were sourced.
Growing up in New Mexico, we have been deeply inspired by the NM Food and Seed Sovereignty Alliance. Our projects have aligned with the orientations and documents produced by this group, which we’d highly recommend checking out.
ETHIOPIAN BLUE MUSTARD GREENS
Brassica carinata
Deliciously tender, blue-tinged mustard with a flavor similar to Lacinato Kale. Harvest the young main shoot with 8–10 leaves, and harvest again and again.
60–90 days to maturity
Lineage: TRUELOVE SEEDS
CLEMSON SPINELESS OKRA
Abelmoschus esculentus
Vigorous 3–5 foot plants produce plentiful, green, spineless pods. Best harvested when tender at 3 inches long. Was an All-American selection in 1939 and the most popular since.
50–65 days to maturity
Lineage: THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHARD PROJECT
EWEDU (NIGERIAN JUTE LEAVES)
Corchorus olitorius
Yoruba variety of shiny, green, palmate-shaped Jute leaves used to make Ewedu Soup. Serve with West African Red Stew and Fufu.
70 days to maturity
Lineage: TRUELOVE SEEDS
EFO SHOKO (LAGOS SPINACH)
Celosia argentea
Celosia leaf, also called Lagos Spinach, is eaten like spinach in soups, stews, and side dishes in parts of West and Central Africa and parts of South and Southeast Asia.
30–60 days to maturity
Lineage: TRUELOVE SEEDS
RED CALLALOO (TETE PUPA)
Amaranthus spp.
Round, heart-shaped green leaves with burgundy red veins. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it is cooked down into a delicious savory stew that is central to cuisine across the Diaspora. 7 seeds
50 days to maturity
Lineage: SOUL FIRE FARM
CHICAGO CALLALOO
Amaranthus spp.
Hues from sage green to deep forest served with magenta–pink undertones, delicious at all stages. Leaves can be sauteed or stewed and are a wonderful addition to any pot of greens! 7 seeds
30 days to maturity
Lineage: URBAN GROWERS COLLECTIVE
Florida Broadleaf Mustard Greens
Brassica juncea
A classic southern mustard that is reliable and long-bearing with large, flat, green leaves. Harvest greens when small and tender for fresh eating, or large and broad for cooking. 7 seeds
50 days to maturity
Lineage: SANKOFA FARM AT BARTRAM’S
Carolina Broadleaf Mustard Greens
Brassica juncea
Large, wrinkled, wide leaves with a spicy kick and much-needed resistance to bacterial blight. 16–24" tall plants are great for salads and cooking. 7 seeds
42 days to maturity
Lineage: SISTAH SEEDS
ALABAMA BLUE COLLARDS
Brassica oleracea
Sweet and tender heirloom collards from Alabama. Has smaller green to blue leaves that are both cold and heat-tolerant. Cooks up real nice! 7 seeds.
75 days to maturity
Packed for 2026
Lineage: SEEDED FARM
Seven Top Turnips
Brassica rapa
The standard amongst lovers of Turnip greens throughout the Southern US. Dates back to the 1830’s in VA. Harvest up to 2” for cooking greens, or when young, for salads. 7 seeds
45–75 days to maturity
Lineage: PINEWOOD SPRINGS FARM
'KASSABY' SORGHUM
Sorghum biolor subsp. bicolor
Kassaby’ is a traditional white sorghum from the Shilluk people of Malakal, South Sudan, valued for drought resilience and versatility as popped grain, flour, cooked grain, or syrup.
100-120 days to maturity
Lineage: LINEAGE SEEDS