Special Garden & Agronomy Seeds

(Left) Alumia Vanilla Cream Marigold; (Right top) Nebraska Red popcorn heirloom; (Right bottom) Robust 997 popcorn commercial variety.
(Left) Alumia Vanilla Cream Marigold; (Right top) Nebraska Red popcorn heirloom; (Right bottom) Robust 997 popcorn commercial variety.

Each year, 4‑H families have the opportunity to participate in a special garden project and/or special agronomy project.

The 2026 Special Garden Project is Alumia Vanilla Cream Marigold. This marigold produces creamy, yellow flowers on compact plants. This variety not only has a unique color, but it also has a very long bloom time.

The 2026 Special Agronomy Project is TWO varieties of popcorn! The first is an heirloom variety that was discovered and developed by a farmer in eastern Nebraska, called Nebraska Red. The second is a commercial variety, Robust 997. Be sure not to plant sweet corn in your garden with these to prevent cross pollination.

In March and April, Lancaster County 4‑H families may call the Extension office at 402‑441‑7180 to sign up. Seed packets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The seed packages are sponsored by Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County and one seed packet per project, per family. Seeds will be mailed after April 30.