Seeds

Perennial
2-5 feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms August to October
Dry to Medium Site
Appox. 45 seeds per pack
Zones 3-9

Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium) adds so much character to the garden! It belongs to the same family as celery and carrots and the stem has a carrot like fragrance when crushed. Rattlesnake master is native to the Central United States, but is hardy up to zone 3 and its range is projected to expand North as a result of climate change.

Growing Instructions

Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.

OR

Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.

Perennial
2-3 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms June to August
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 100 seeds per pack
Zones 3-9

Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera) has a unique shape and is easy to grow from seed. The plant is a native of the Canadian Prairies but grows well in zones 3 to 10. Prairie coneflower’s deep taproot allows it to survive well in dry conditions. Flowers may exhibit yellow, red or mixed coloration.

Growing Instructions
No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at 1/4 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.

Perennial
1-1.5 feet tall
Full to Part Sun
Blooms July to August
Medium to Moist Site
Approx. 40 seeds per pack
Zones 3-8

Nodding Wild Onion (Allium cernuum) is an edible, unique addition to the garden. A native member of the Allium family, which includes onions and garlic, its stems can be used much like chives and the bulbs are also edible. A ball of white/purple star-shaped flowers blooms at the end of the summer and are pollinated by native sweat bees. Note that first year plants may look a bit like grass at first. It is in their second year that stem girth increases and flowering occurs. Plants can also be propagated by splitting off the bulb-lets which develop on the side of the main bulb.

Growing Instructions

Wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.

Perennial
1-3 feet tall
Part Sun to Shade
Blooms July to September
Medium to Moist Site
Over 200 seeds per package
Zones 3-9

Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) is a great option for planting near ponds, along lakeshores or rain gardens. It prefers cool, moist conditions and does not tolerate drought at all. The dainty blue flowers are a lovely end of season addition to the garden.

Growing Instructions

Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.

Perennial
3-4 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Zones 4-8
Blooms June to July
Medium-Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 200 seeds per pack

Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) has beautiful white to pink tubular flowers that attract long-tongued bees, including honeybees, bumblebees, Miner bees, Mason bees, and hummingbirds. This plant can adapt to many light conditions: full sun to part shade such as clearings within forests, or along tree-lined yard edge. Prefers rich, acidic soil.

Growing Instructions:

Wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.

Perennial
3-5′ tall
Full Sun
Blooms June to October
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 120 seeds per pack
Zones 3-9

Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) are known for their lemon-scented, large yellow flowers and vibrant leaves. It is an easy to grow drought tolerant native, that will do well in a range of soils. The flowers bloom continuously from early summer to fall, opening in the evening until late morning and are pollinated by night-flying moths and bees in the early morning. Seeds are also an important food source for birds.

Growing Instructions
No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.

Perennial
1-3 feet tall
Part Sun to Full Shade
Blooms July to August
Medium to Moist Site
Approx. >200 seeds.
Zones 4-9

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is easily distinguished by its vibrant red flowers. Cardinal flower attracts hummingbirds and pairs well with other lobelias and beardtongues. Overpicking of this flower has resulted in its scarcity in some areas, so it is an excellent choice for any garden. Note- seeds are very small.

Growing Instructions

Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.

Perennial
1 foot tall
Full Sun to Partial Sun
Blooms May to June
Medium-Wet to Medium Site
Approx. 30 seeds per pack
Zones 3-8

Canada Anemone (Anemone canadensis) is your go-to for a short, hardy native ground cover. Overcrowded clumps can be divided in the fall to maximize flowering. The spring flowers are whimsical and abundant and the remaining foliage is attractive right into the fall. Canada anemone can be aggressive, so plan its position in your garden carefully. Do not confuse Canada Anemone with other low growing edible plants, as all parts of this plant are toxic.

Note, as many other woodland plants, Canada anemone can be challenging to germinate from seed. This species requires double dormancy, or double cold moist stratification. When planted in the fall, the plant may require 2 seasons to germinate, or if stratification is done indoors, the cycle should be followed twice (see below).

Growing Instructions

Double wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Remove from refrigerator and store at room temperature for 6-8 weeks. Put seeds back in refrigerator for a second 6-8 week cold moist stratification. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.

OR

Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter for two seasons.

Perennial
3-6 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms September- October
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 90 seeds per pack
Zones 3-9

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a an important native prairie habitat grass species, that is popular in restoration and ornamental applications. Little Bluestem forms blue-green clumps in the summer and in the fall it turns beautiful shades of red and copper, which remain throughout the winter. Little Bluestem has very high value for wildlife, its seed are eaten by songbirds and it is the host plant of several butterflies including the Dusted Skipper, Cobweb Skipper, Ottoe Skipper, Indian Skipper, Swarthy Skipper and Crossline Skipper.

For larger stands of Little Bluestem, sow at a density of 3.5-4 KG/acre or 1 KG/ 11,000 square feet.

Growing Instructions

No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at 1/4 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.

Perennial
4 feet tall
Full Sun to Partial Sun
Zones 3-9
Blooms June to July
Medium-Wet to Dry Site
Approx. 20 seeds per pack

White Wild Indigo (Baptisia alba) has beautiful, pea-like blossoms on long spikes that bring a showy pop to any garden space. Popular with pollinators, bumblebees and caterpillars of butterflies feed on nectar and the foliage. A quick-growing plant, the new shoots can be mistaken for asparagus in the spring. Looks stunning around garden borders. Part of the legume family.

Growing Instructions:

Wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.

OR

Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.

Perennial
4 feet tall
Full Sun to Part-Shade
Blooms August to October
Dry to Medium Site
Zones 3-9
Approx. 325 seeds per pack

Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) has leaves that are smooth to the touch, distinguishing it from most other Aster varieties. The stem also often takes on a shade of blue. This is a non-aggressive plant that is slow to spread so it is a nice one to have in the garden with companions. The beautiful purple-blue flowers attract many different pollinators and the plant is host for the Silvery Checkerspot and Pearl Crescent Butterflies.

Growing Instructions

No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.

Perennial
1-3 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms May to July
Dry to Moist Site
Approx. 75 seeds per pack, covers 20ft2
Zones 3-8

Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana) is a great spring plant with delicate white and yellow flowers. After flowering the seed heads add a lot of personality to the garden, they resemble elongated thimbles that persist into the winter.

Growing Instructions

Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.

OR

Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.

Perennial
2-5 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms August to September
Medium to Wet Site
Approx. 75 seeds per pack
Zones 3-9

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), like all milkweeds is a host plant to the monarch butterfly, but has the advantage of being less toxic than it’s more popular cousin Common Milkweed. Swamp milkweed thrives in moist sites and is an important species for wetland restoration. It is easy to grow from seed, will thrive in wet clay-rich soil and its brilliant pink flowers are loved by bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.

Growing Instructions

Wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.

Perennial
1-2′ tall
Full Sun
Blooms July to August
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 125 seeds per pack
Zones 3-8

Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea) is both beautiful and practical. The plant is very easy to grow, drought tolerant and grows well in a variety of soil conditions including rock gardens. A member of the clover family, purple prairie clover fixes nitrogen, hence enhancing the soil for other neighbouring plants. The unique bright purple flowers and the plants clump forming habit make for a beautiful addition to the garden.

Growing Instructions

No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at 1/4 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.

Perennial
3-8 feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms August- September
Dry to Wet Site
Approx. 25 seeds per pack
Zones 4-8

Prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum) is just as desirable for its foliage as it is for its flowers. The plant has huge fan-like basal leaves that are a nice addition to the garden throughout the year, then in late summer sends up clusters of bright yellow flowers on delicate stocks. The flowers are popular with bees and the seeds are eaten by finches and other songbirds. Note prairie dock can grow to be over 8 feet tall and requires adequate space.

Growing Instructions

Wet and cold stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.