Back to the ’90s: 11 Seeds for a Vibrant Nostalgic Garden

If you keep an eye on trends, I’m sure you’ve noticed that the ’90s are making a big comeback. It doesn’t seem that long ago to me, but it’s clearly been long enough that nostalgia has built up around this decade, inspiring this collection.

The seeds on this list are all about bold color, intricate patterns, and making a statement. Some of them are even edible, and all are not difficult to grow from seed, even if you’re a complete beginner. If you’re looking to start a vibrant ’90s garden, these are the plants you need to make it happen.

Bring Back the 90s Bundle

Crank up the mixtape, dust off your windbreaker, and get ready to plant a garden that’s all that. The Bring Back The 90s seed bundle is a kaleidoscope of bold colors, funky patterns, and playful vibes—just like the iconic fashion of the era.

 

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Chioggia Beet

For a vegetable with retro appeal, look no further than the ‘Chioggia’ beet. These candy-striped roots scream vintage, adding a pop of patterned color to your vibrant ’90s garden.

When it comes to sowing, start your seeds outdoors about 2 to 4 weeks before your last frost date. As root vegetables, they don’t transplant well and need to be directly sown. Their unique interiors make them a conversation starter in any salad or roasted dish.

Atomic Red Carrots

‘Atomic Red’ carrots are as daring as your favorite pair of parachute pants. Their electric red hue offers something far from what you expect from a traditional carrot. And they pack the same bold flavor as they do visual punch.

Again, as these are root crops, they don’t perform well in trays. Instead, wait until 2 to 4 weeks before your last frost date to sow directly outdoors. Keep sowing new seeds every 3 weeks to provide a continuous harvest of nostalgic color.

Romanesco Cauliflower

Romanesco cauliflower is incredibly eye-catching in shape and pattern. The fractal florets look as if they belong on an old-school computer screensaver or a retro album cover. It’s a great twist on the classic vegetable (somewhere between a broccoli and a cauliflower), and just as versatile in the kitchen, too.

For best results, start seeds indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost. Direct sowing is not recommended. When transplanting, pick a spot with full sun and rich, well-draining soil to satisfy these heavy feeders.

Green Zebra Tomato

Like Chioggia beets, ‘Green Zebra’ tomatoes are all about the stripes, the perfect addition to a vibrant ’90s garden. Evident in the name, they channel the vintage vibe of animal prints and zig-zag patterns on old-school skate decks. They’re also known for their impressive flavor and heat and drought tolerance.

Start seeds indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant into a sunny spot when the weather warms (reliably above 45°F or warmer).

Artisan Bumble Bee Blend Tomato

To replicate the tie-dye tees and funky patterns of the ’90s in your garden with another tomato variety, grow Artisan Bumble Bee Blend. This colorful mix of stripes sports shades of pink, purple, and yellow, instantly brightening up your garden.

Follow the same planting steps as for the ‘Green Zebra’ tomatoes. When transplanting, add a support structure to keep the stems and fruits off the ground. They add a ’90s flair to fresh salads or homemade salsas.

Mazurkia Zinnia

‘Mazurkia’ zinnias bring back memories of a Lisa Frank sticker sheet, with graphic petals that fit right in in a vibrant ’90s garden. Their frosted tips add extra sparkle, contrasted with deep pink centers reminiscent of the ’90s love for all things colorful and fun.

Direct sow these zinnia seeds outdoors 1 to 2 weeks after the last frost. You can also start them indoors 4 to 6 weeks before frost, but they generally perform better when sown directly, and planting early doesn’t give you much of an advantage. Use in bouquets or simply let their colors pop in the garden.

Peppermint Stick Zinnia

Sticking with zinnias, another variety that screams the ’90s is ‘Peppermint Stick’. Their striped petals look just like the funky socks or spandex leggings of the era, instantly catching the eye wherever they are planted. Along with ‘Mazurkia’, you’ll have color to enjoy all summer long.

Sow seeds directly into their final spots once all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. They’ll also bring pollinators to your garden for an added buzz.

Candystripe Cosmos

While ‘Mazurkia’ zinnias have pink centers and white tips, ‘Candystripe’ cosmos has the reverse. These flowers are a nostalgic flashback to scrunchies, jelly sandals, and butterfly clips. These are making a comeback at the moment, so there has never been a better time to plant ‘Candystripe‘.

Sow these seeds directly into the garden once the frost threat has passed. The soil should be at least 60°F to facilitate germination. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. They aren’t fussy, but starting in an ideal location will deliver the best possible flowers.

Envy Zinnia

For something a little different in your vibrant ’90s garden, try ‘Envy’ zinnias. These stand out for their unique green color, something you don’t often see in flowers. It’s like the neon hues of your favorite highlighter pen, now transformed into a flower.

Follow the same steps for planting zinnias as previously mentioned. Plant them close to your home or a seating area where you can enjoy the blooms and the pollinators they attract all summer long.

Broken Colors Four O’Clock

‘Broken Colors’ four o’clocks follow the same stripey pattern as the previous flowers, but in a much less structured way. The range of hues and dots is bound to remind you of that battered flannel shirt you once wore to art class.

Four o’clocks are tender perennials often grown as annuals in cooler climates. Sow these seeds directly into the garden once the threat of frost is gone (1 to 2 weeks after). Or start them indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before if you want to get a head start, but keep in mind that they can be difficult to transplant. Their patchwork appearance makes them ideal for borders or wildflower mixes.

Pampas Plume Celosia

‘Pampas Plume’ celosia is the final statement piece in a vibrant ’90s garden. The fluffy flowers are a neon pink that shouts for attention like those inflatable chairs and power-pink hits of the late ’90s. They add impressive height and structure, ensuring they’ll never be missed, even amongst the other vibrant blooms on this list.

Start these celosias indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date, then transplant them to a sunny spot in your garden with plenty of room to grow. They grow up to 40 inches tall and look stunning in flower arrangements.