Flower Seeds

These cheerful native wildflowers have a tantalizing chocolate scent that wafts through the garden as they bloom in the sun. Chocolate daisies provide a continuous show of deliciously fragrant little butter yellow blossoms, each the size of a quarter. Plants are happily deer resistant, bloom hard all season and return every spring to perfume the garden. Chocolate daisies attract pollinators and butterflies all summer long. Who knew they love chocolate as much as we do!

Approx: 24 Seeds.

Non GMO

PERENNIAL

Hardy to Zone 4
Summer Blooming
Frost Hardy

TO SOW DIRECTLY OUTDOORS

In spring, several weeks after last frost date, sow in a sunny garden spot with excellent drainage. Sow 2 inches apart and cover lightly. Keep moist but not soggy while awaiting germination. When seedlings are well established, thin to 6 inches apart so plants have room to mature.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

Start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before night temps are above 50°F (10°C). Sow seeds 2 to 3 apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover very lightly. Keep seedbed moist but not soggy while awaiting germination. When outdoor weather is warm and settled both day and night, plant seedlings 6 inches apart in a sunny, well-drained garden spot.

GROWING NOTES

Chocolate daisies, native to the mesas and plains of the Southwest, thrive in average soil, but require good drainage to thrive; if soil is heavy clay, add organic material to improve drainage before sowing. Plant in large groups in full sun near where you walk for maximum fragrance impact. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage reblooming. Blossoms are a important source of nectar for pollinators and beneficial insects. Plants die to the ground in winter, returning in spring and gaining in size over the seasons.

We’ve crafted our own custom mix of long-blooming California poppies in glowing sunset colors of rich deep red, warm carmine-rose, ruffled flame and tangerine bicolors and an occasional vanilla. These easy to grow flowers have satiny single and semi-double blossoms, many with pleated petals. Their silky blossoms glow from amongst feathery gray-green foliage. California poppies have a carefree natural ambiance, perfect in flower-beds or for covering bare or neglected garden areas.

Approx: 2000 Seeds.

Non GMO

ANNUAL

BEST TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

Sow seeds directly into a finely textured, well-drained garden bed in full sun as early in spring as the ground can be worked. Plant as early as possible in spring, as poppies can handle light frost and bloom best and longest when plants get a good start in cool weather. In mild winter climates, Poppies can also be sown in late fall to overwinter for spring bloom.

Except in very poor soil, these California poppies will grow and flower readily with no added fertilizer. Space seeds several inches apart, cover 1/4 inch deep, and firm soil gently. Keep soil moist as seedlings emerge. Weed young seedlings carefully. If seedlings come up very thickly, thin poppies early but delay final thinning until seedlings are well established in spring. Final spacing should be 6 inches apart as plants need room to grow and bloom.

GROWING NOTES

When mature, poppy plants can handle dry conditions, but they will always bloom longer if regularly watered. Poppies are pretty cut flowers if brought indoors just as buds begin to open. At season’s end, allow spent flowers to form pods and drop seed if you want poppies to self-sow for next years flowers.

his hard to find heirloom runner bean is a true antique, dating back to the early 19th century. The vines readily climb 8 to 10 feet up any vertical support, creating a flowering screen. Painted Lady’s edible blossoms are uniquely bicolored with coral and creamy pink petals, especially pretty against the deep green foliage. Let some bean pods mature and enjoy their mocha and chocolate colored bean seeds displayed handsomely in glass jars to cook with all year round.

Approx: 9 Seeds.

Non GMO

ANNUAL VINE

Summer/fall bloom with edible pods and seeds
Frost tender

EASIEST TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

In late spring once weather is warm and settled and nights stay above 50°F (10°C), plant seeds in a sunny spot. Erect well-anchored supports at planting time to support the rapidly growing vines. Poke seeds in 1 inch deep and firm soil over them. If training bean vines up poles, plant 4 or 5 beans several inches from each pole, or plant seeds 3 to 4 inches apart along a fence or trellis. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination in 7 to 10 days.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Beans don’t transplant well, so we advise sowing seeds where they are to grow. Thin seedlings to 6 – 8 inches apart.

GROWING NOTES

Always wait until weather is warm before planting seeds so beans will germinate and grow well. Keep bean vines well watered. In very hot climates, beans will flower but not set pods until weather moderates in fall. Both the crispy bean flavored blossoms and the flat green pods are deliciously edible; let some of the pretty beans mature in their pods to use for tasty dry bean recipes.

The frilly, crested, heads of this scabiosa-flowered zinnia are a charming peach hue that have hints of other colours: oranges blend into creams and roses. The blooms also have constrasting dark eyes. The strong, robust plants produce a high percentage of double-flowers that are excellent for cut flowers and border plants. These summer bloomers grow to around 65-75 cm tall.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Direct sow after last frost. Zinnias don’t transplant well, but can be started indoors, if necessary, in peat or coir pots, 6-8 weeks before planting out. Maintain a soil temperature of 21-26°C. Seeds should germinate in 5-24 days.

How To Grow, Starting:  Just cover Zinnia seeds, and aim for a final spacing of 25-30cm between plants.

How To Grow, Growing:   Depending on the variety, it takes about two months after sowing for the first flowers to appear. Take regular cuttings of Zinnia stems to enjoy indoors, starting mid-summer right into the fall. Cutting encourages the production of new flowers and seems to stimulate the plants for greater vigour. Watch for signs of powdery mildew on the leaves, usually in late summer. Try to avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew.

Approx: 20 Seeds.

apaver somniferum. The very largest poppy flowers appear in early summer followed by the very largest seed heads. The seed head of Giganthemum poppy can grow to the size of a tennis ball and they are chock full of edible poppy seeds for baking. This is an easy plant to grow, but you’ll want to give it some room in full sun, in soil that is well drained and not too fertile. Direct sow the tiny seeds on the surface of the soil, and keep the area moist until germination. They need light to germinate. The massive flower stems grow 90-120cm tall, topped by flowers around 10cm across. Bees love the dark blue pollen.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Start perennial poppies outdoors in early spring, when some chance of frost is still a possibility. Start annual varieties outdoors at the same time in Zones 3-7. In Zones 8-10, the best bet is to direct sow in the fall.

Poppies are famously difficult to transplant, so starting them indoors is not recommended. If absolutely necessary, use peat or coir pots, and maintain a soil temperature of 12°C. Seeds will sprout in 20-30 days.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow on the surface of the soil, or barely cover seeds. Thin to a minimum of 15cm apart.

How To Grow, Growing:  Poppies are easy to grow and the self-sow with abandon, without becoming weedy. Simply pull up unwanted plants (an easy task) before they bloom, or better yet, let them tell you where they want to grow. They will thrive for years at a time in surprising spots, like a crack in the driveway. Other times, they simply won’t take, no matter how much you try. Keep them moderately well watered in hot, dry weather, and do not fertilize.

For the largest heads on Papaver somniferum: Sow seeds in the fall or early winter. Thin plants to allow them some space, and keep the area weeded as plants grow larger. Grow this variety in full sun in well-drained, but ordinary garden soil. If spring and summer are cool and damp, or plants are over-crowded, expect smaller seed heads.

Approx: 670 Seeds.

Digitalis purpurea. Tubular, nodding flowers are often speckled and tumble on husky spires to 2m tall. Foxglove flowers late spring to summer and may flower again from the tops of the stems in late summer or fall. Sow indoors in late winter to transplant early spring for flowers the first year. Foxgloves thrive in moist, shady areas, but can stand full sun if they are kept watered. Each plant produces thousands of tiny seeds – to avoid self-sowing, cut the stalks down as soon as flowering has finished.  All parts of the Foxglove plant are poisonous.  Biennial.

How To Grow, Timing:  Direct sow outdoors after last frost for flowers the following year. In mild winter areas, direct sow in autumn as well. For flowers the first year, sow indoors very early, in December or January for transplanting 2-3 weeks before last frost. Seeds take 14-21 days to germinate. If starting indoors, provide bright light and a soil temperature of 15-18°C.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow on the surface. Space or transplant 45-60cm apart.

How To Grow, Growing:  Water plants deeply on a regular basis. Cut off finished flowering stems to prevent self-sowing. Otherwise, expect foxgloves to naturalize around your garden. Foxgloves will languish in periods of heat and drought, so provide extra moisture during those times. If allowed to go to seed, foxgloves tend to self sow for several generations.

Approx: 4490 Seeds.

Use Alternative Lawn Blend wildflower seeds as an alternative to lawn. It forms a low-growing, dense ground cover composed of fine fescues, flowers, and clover species, and provides a colourful and less demanding alternative to traditional grass lawns. This incredibly beautiful blend contains thirteen species that will fill in spaces fairly rapidly and return to bloom from year to year. It stays low growing like a carpet of colour, and attracts beneficial insects and butterflies over a very long bloom period. Recommended rate of application: 115g per 1,000 square feet. Hardy to Zone 4.

How To Grow, Timing:  Try to direct sow wildflower seeds during the period two weeks before, and eight weeks after, your last average frost date. Sowing when there is some risk of minor frost may improve germination. Wildflower seeds can also be sown in the autumn, but a certain percentage of seeds to may be lost to water, birds, and animals. To make the most of the annual species, direct sow in early spring.

How To Grow, Starting: 

Site Selection: If there are already no plants (including weeds) growing in the planting site, there may be a problem with the soil. Possible issues may be soil fertility, lack of drainage, or the need for soil amendments to improve texture. In such spots (eg, beneath a cedar tree), few plants will thrive, including wildflowers.

Site Preparation: Remove as much existing vegetation as possible through pulling or tilling under in order to minimize competition. Loosen the soil by scraping, raking, or tilling. Wildflower blends will not usually take if planted into existing lawn because the thatch prevents their contact with soil.

Seed Application: In small areas, seeds can be scattered by hand. In larger areas, you may want to employ a lawn spreader or some other mechanical means. We recommend adding 1-2 parts clean, dry sand to 1 part wildflower seeds which will help the seeds spread evenly. Do not use beach sand, as it usually contains salt. It may be wise to spread most of the seed, but to save some for filling in bald spots at a later date. Seeds must come into contact with the soil in order to germinate. Do not bury seeds more than 2-3 times their thickness.

Planting rates: Aim for a planting density of 70 seeds per square foot. 90g of seeds will cover 1,000 ft². Use 4kg per acre. 500g covers about 5,500 ft². If seeding an area where site preparation and weeding are not possible, double this rate.

How To Grow, Growing:  Keep the seeded area as evenly moist as possible to help the seeds germinate and the young seedlings become established. Weeds need to be kept under control. Once they are growing, most mixes will not require additional water except in long periods of hot, dry weather. All of our mixes should re-grow for several years, but will eventually benefit from re-seeding. In late summer, many of the components will produce seed heads that can be harvested and replanted the following spring.

50 Grams/packet

Calendula officinalis. Fiesta Gitana calendula seeds are a dwarf selection of double flowers in a rich, warm range of colours from deep orange to pastel cream. Plants are compact, growing to only 20-35cm tall, so they are perfectly suited for containers or edging the garden bed. The flower petals are edible, and look superb sprinkled over salads and smart drinks for your summer parties. Keep Fiesta Gitana calendula deadheaded for the tidiest look and the longest flowering period. Simply pull or snip off any flowers the day after they fade. Once established, Calendula need little care, so they make good candidates for xeriscaping. Recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit for reliable performance in the garden.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Direct sow in early spring when light frost is still a possibility, and continue to sow every two to three weeks until early summer for fall flowers. Calendula is easiest from direct sowing, but can also be started indoors late winter for transplanting once daytime temperatures are steadily above 10°C. If starting indoors, maintain darkness and a soil temperature of 21°C until germination occurs in 6-14 days, and then supply bright light to keep seedlings compact. Or direct sow in early autumn in Zones 8-10.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow seeds 5mm deep, and aim for a spacing of 15-45cm between plants.

How To Grow, Growing:  Ideal pH: 5.5-7.0.  Calendula grows easily in any regular garden soil. Pinch back young plants to encourage bushy growth. Occasional feeding is rewarded, but unnecessary. Keep plants watered, but try to avoid overhead watering as plants are susceptible to mildew. Deadhead regularly to prevent self-sowing.

Approx: 140 Seeds.

Perennial
<1 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms June to July
Dry to Medium Site
150 seeds per pack
Zones 3-7

Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum) is a unique spring flower. After pollination the deep red flowers puff out into plumes. The foliage is also attractive, turning red, orange and finally purple into the fall and winter. The plant can be arranged to form dense mats, making for an attractive ground cover and is a great option for planting on septic beds.

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 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms July to September
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 150 seeds per pack
Zones 3-9

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a member of the mint family and its leaves and petals can be used to make a delicious earl grey tea. It is undemanding but does not like being crowded by other plants. It is an important nectar source for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Growing Instructions

No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at soil surface. 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
3-6 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms August to October
Medium to Wet Site
Approx. 80 seeds per pack
Zones 3-8

Cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata), also called green-headed coneflower and wild goldenglow adds a beautiful burst of yellow at the end of the season. This taller cousin of the black-eyed susan spreads aggressively via rhizomes. Native to most Canadian provinces and much of the eastern United States.

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 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
Up to 2-6 feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms August-October
Medium to Moist Site
Over 300 seeds per pack
Zones 2-9

Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) is a native perennial plant that is found in much of Canada and the USA. It has beautiful golden-yellow, cascading clusters of small yellow flowers that appear in late summer into fall. Goldenrods spread by seed and rhizomes, so they can be aggressive spreaders. This plant prefers a soil with some clay and moist (but not wet) conditions in full sun. Bees and butterflies are attracted to the flowers so this is a great addition to pollinator patches! It has anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, and is used in herbal medicine for overall immune system support. Its leaves can be used as a tea, which tastes very similar to green tea.

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
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.

Sweet Bliss is a blend of white, pink and purple alyssum flowers, and will spread into a charming multi-hued carpet of tiny, fragrant blossoms. These excellent edging/border plants grow no more than 10cm tall. Alyssum is a great pollinator plant and it makes a fantastic companion for any flowering/fruiting vegetable. Drought tolerant and suitable for containers or hanging baskets.

How To Grow, Timing:  Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Or, direct sow while some danger of light frost still exists. It’s very easy, either way.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow seeds on the surface of the soil. If starting indoors, use a sterilized seed starting mix and maintain a soil temperature of 12-21°F under bright lights. The seeds require light to germinate, so do not cover them. They should sprout in 5-14 days.

How To Grow, Growing:  Ideal pH: 6.0-7.0.  Transplant 20-30cm apart once all risk of frost has passed. Alyssum prefers freely draining, loamy soil. It is tolerant of dry soil and hot weather, and can be used for xeriscaping. If watering is abundant, Alyssum responds by growing rapidly. If growth slows in mid-summer due to heat, shear plants back by half to encourage compact growth and a second bloom. This annual may self sow.

All perennials in this blend! These species will provide many colours for years of enjoyment. When fall planted, the flowers will blossom the following spring. When spring planted, if the conditions are right, there will be some flowering, but most will not flower until the following spring. The advantage of spring or summer planting is that the plants have a well-established root system for the following spring. Perennial Mix wildflower seeds will grow to an approximate height of 90-110cm under normal conditions. This mix blends nicely with our other wildflowers to provide a good perennial base.
Recommended rate of application: 141g per 1,000 square feet.

How To Grow, Timing:  Try to direct sow wildflower seeds during the period two weeks before, and eight weeks after, your last average frost date. Sowing when there is some risk of minor frost may improve germination. Wildflower seeds can also be sown in the autumn, but a certain percentage of seeds to may be lost to water, birds, and animals. To make the most of the annual species, direct sow in early spring.

How To Grow, Starting: 

Site Selection: If there are already no plants (including weeds) growing in the planting site, there may be a problem with the soil. Possible issues may be soil fertility, lack of drainage, or the need for soil amendments to improve texture. In such spots (eg, beneath a cedar tree), few plants will thrive, including wildflowers.

Site Preparation: Remove as much existing vegetation as possible through pulling or tilling under in order to minimize competition. Loosen the soil by scraping, raking, or tilling. Wildflower blends will not usually take if planted into existing lawn because the thatch prevents their contact with soil.

Seed Application: In small areas, seeds can be scattered by hand. In larger areas, you may want to employ a lawn spreader or some other mechanical means. We recommend adding 1-2 parts clean, dry sand to 1 part wildflower seeds which will help the seeds spread evenly. Do not use beach sand, as it usually contains salt. It may be wise to spread most of the seed, but to save some for filling in bald spots at a later date. Seeds must come into contact with the soil in order to germinate. Do not bury seeds more than 2-3 times their thickness.

Planting rates: Aim for a planting density of 70 seeds per square foot. 90g of seeds will cover 1,000 ft². Use 4kg per acre. 500g covers about 5,500 ft². If seeding an area where site preparation and weeding are not possible, double this rate.

How To Grow, Growing:  Keep the seeded area as evenly moist as possible to help the seeds germinate and the young seedlings become established. Weeds need to be kept under control. Once they are growing, most mixes will not require additional water except in long periods of hot, dry weather. All of our mixes should re-grow for several years, but will eventually benefit from re-seeding. In late summer, many of the components will produce seed heads that can be harvested and replanted the following spring.

5 grams of Seeds.

Blend Ingredients:

Lathyrus odoratus. Long vines grow 2-3m tall with sturdy stems making excellent cut flowers. Early Multiflora sweet pea seeds can be planted in early spring. Planted in the fall, it may bloom well into winter in mild or protected winter areas. This variety is an excellent candidate for forcing in the greenhouse. The abundant flowers appear in solid colours with good fragrance, and they look smashing in a bouquet. Be sure to pick off the spent flowers before they turn into seed pods in order to keep the vines flowering over a longer period. Sweet pea seeds may germinate more quickly if they are soaked in luke warm water for six hours prior to planting.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last average frost date for your area. Or direct sow outdoors in early spring, while the soil is still cool and light frost is still possible. Plants are strongest from an early, indoor sowing. Sweet peas can also be direct sown in the fall where winters are mild.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow seeds 1cm deep. If starting indoors, chip seeds or soak them in warm water for 24 hours. Use a seed inoculant for the best results. Maintain a soil temperature of 12-18°C. Seeds should germinate in 10-20 days.

How To Grow, Growing:  For best results, prepare the sweet pea bed the previous fall. Cultivate the soil to 45cm (18″) deep, incorporating a generous amount of finished compost. Also dig in bone meal. At transplant time, dig ¼ cup balanced organic fertilizer into the soil beneath each plant. Space vines at 15cm and provide trellis support. Mulch around plants to keep the soil as cool as possible, and water during dry weather. Keep plants picked to prolong the blooming period.

Approx 55 Seeds.