Are heirloom varieties passed down directly from Thomas Jefferson planted in the White House Kitchen Garden?
No. These are unavailable. But, the garden does have a “Thomas Jefferson bed,” which includes documented Jefferson varieties, donated to the White House by the Monticello Foundation and head gardener Peter Hatch. The bed includes Arrow Peas, Prickly-seeded Spinach, Tennis Ball Lettuce, Brown Dutch Lettuce, and Savoy Red Choux di Milan Cabbage. A Marseilles fig tree was also planted. More Jefferson varieties will be planted in the garden over time. Monticello’s website can be found here.
