Flower Seeds

Rudbeckia hirta. At 30–100 cm tall, this North American native annual wildflower is immediately familiar, and conjures a sense of the heat of mid-summer. Dark brown cone centres are surrounded by pure yellow petals in flowers 5-8cm across. Black Eyed Susan is a common name shared by many plants, but this is the annual that is native to the northeastern United States. This plant has been used by a number of First Nations as a medicinal poultice to treat a number of infections, including cold and flu. You’ll love the bright look of this plant in mass plantings or in larger containers.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow about 2 weeks before last frost. If starting indoors, provide bright light and maintain a soil temperature of 21-25°C. Expect germination in 5-21 days.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow seeds on the surface of the soil. Thin or transplant to stand 30cm apart. In hot summers, some afternoon shade is appreciated.

How To Grow, Growing:  Top dress with a thin layer of well rotted manure once a year. Keep watered in hot weather, and deadhead regularly. Plants may self-sow, which should be encouraged.

Approx: 670 Seeds.

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.

Poppy lovers will rejoice in this gorgeous mix of tall, antique, double-flowering varieties we import from a fine old French firm. The Carnation or Feather Poppy has deeply cut, fringed 4 inch blossoms. The Peony Flowering Poppy, like its namesake, opens into huge glamorous poufs of softly ruffled petals. The graceful stems with nodding buds unfurl and glow in shades of scarlet, pink, salmon, violet, purple, deep red and white. Grow these statuesque flowers for unparalleled late spring beauty.

Approx: 700 Seeds.

Non GMO

ANNUAL

Spring/summer bloom
Frost hardy

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

Plant poppies either in late fall or very early spring. (Fall-sown seeds will overwinter and germinate when soil warms in early spring.) If spring planting, sow in a fine-textured garden bed in full sun as early as ground can be worked. Sprinkle seeds as thinly as possible, or in rows 8 to 10 inches apart. Rake in gently or lightly cover seeds 1/8 inch deep. Keep seedbed moist. Seedlings emerge in 7 to 14 days. If seedlings come up very thickly, thin poppies early but delay final thinning until weather is settled in spring.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Poppies don’t transplant well, so sow directly in the garden. Thin early if crowded, then again to final spacing 8 to 10 inches apart.

GROWING NOTES

Sow seeds early if spring planting, as poppies can handle frosts and bloom best when plants get a good start in cool spring weather. To help space the tiny seeds, try mixing them with a little dry sand before sowing. Weed and water young seedlings and thin carefully to final spacing once they are well established as plants need proper room to grow and develop. Prolong bloom by removing spent flowers.

A blend of wildflowers that are not preferred food sources for deer or are resilient to being foraged. In times of weak grazing, deer may still nibble on these plants, but the contents of Deer Resistant wildflower seeds were chosen for their resilience to deer. Great for planting on the Gulf Islands and BC Interior, where deer can be a real nuisance. The mix will also work in any other North American setting, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, but foiling marauding deer. Recommended rate of application: 115g 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 seed.

Blend Ingredients:

The Great Lakes region is vast and diverse, but it is united by hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Many native North American wildflower species can be found throughout the whole region, but we have selected these species for their ease, suitability, and charm. This collection includes annuals, biennials, and perennials that are both cold hardy and drought tolerant. They should return for years to come once established. The range of colours is huge, as are the number of native insects that will come to feed on them. Any area with limited biodiversity will be improved by the Great Lakes Wildflower Blend.

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:

Polar Bear Zinnias bear gorgeous, creamy white flowers atop straight, upright stems that grow 75-100cm tall. The 10cm wide flowers appear from summer to fall, attracting butterflies, bumblebees, and other pollinators. Polar Bear Zinnias make exceptionally nice cut flowers, and that adds value to any farm stand or CSA program. Zinnias are a great addition for market growers, and can bring in premium prices as farm stand bouquets. The plants are resilient, and will keep producing new stems and blossoms over several weeks.

Plant this striking flower in mass plantings, or use them in larger containers that will balance the tall stems. Keep cutting zinnia stems, and more flowers keep coming.  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: 145 Seeds.

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.

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
2 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Sun
Blooms June to September
Medium to Wet Site
Over 300 seeds per pack
Zones 3-9

Square Stemmed Monkey Flower (Mimulus ringens) is a compact plant with delicate blooms that are a wonderful addition to the wildflower garden. The flowers are generally pale blue-violet but occasionally pink or white and attract butterflies, bumblebees and other pollinating insects. This plant grows best in wetter patches in the garden and occurs naturally in wet meadows, swamps, and stream and pond borders.

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
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
1-3 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
3-6 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
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.

Perennial
2-5 feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms July to September
Medium to Moist Site
Over 200 seeds per pack
Zones 3-8

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) is a unique, eye-catching beauty in any garden. It grows quickly from seed and requires little care to maintain. Blue vervain will survive in dry sites, however the plant will be smaller and bear fewer flowers. Note that seeds are very small.

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.