Flower Seeds

Perennial
1-3 feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms July to August
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 120 seeds per pack
Zones 3-9

Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) is a low-maintenance and totally stellar grass for landscaping. It is short, clump-forming and easy to grow but does not readily self-seed in the garden. Prairie dropseed can be planted around walnuts as it is tolerant to juglone. Seeds provide a food source for birds and if the foliage is not cut back, it maintains its fountain shape throughout the winter. Native to much of central North America, this tallgrass and mixed prairie species is hardy from zones 3-9.

Growing Instructions

No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing. Since prairie dropseed is a warm season grass it needs soil temperatures that are at least 70°F (21C) to cue germination and germination may take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks. Prairie dropseed germination rates can be greatly improved by starting trays on a heat mat or sowing later into the spring for warmer soil temperatures.

Perennial
2′-3′ tall
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Blooms July to August
Dry to Medium Site
Zones 3-8
Approx. 200 seeds per pack, covers 30ft2

White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida) is a beautiful clover to bring into your garden space, especially when mixed with its sister, Purple Prairie Clover. This plant will often grow in patches of 8-10 plants and can get up to three feet tall. Blooming from June through to September, this clover’s bright, white flowers start growing at the base of a cone-shaped flower, and continue to wrap upwards as the season progresses. This plant is part of the legume family, meaning it can fix nitrogen into the soil, improving growing conditions for other neighboring plants. This plant will keep pollinators and birds happy!

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
3-4 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Sun
Blooms May to July
Medium to Medium-Wet Site
Approx. 20 seeds per pack
Hardiness Zones 4-9

Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) adds a gorgeous punch of deep blue into the spring and early summer garden. The plant is long lived and slow to mature, so expect a floppy stem for the first years as the plant focuses on deep underground roots. Often in its third year the plant will develop a larger shrub like habit and begin to flower. Blue False Indigo is the host plant of the Wild Indigo Duskywing butterfly. Indigos are members of the legume family, hence they are nitrogen fixers and a great addition to the permaculture garden.

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
Full to Part Sun
Blooms June to July
Medium to Moist Site
Approx. 80 seeds per pack
Zones 3-8

Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a hardy, easy to maintain native plant and does well in a variety of poor soil conditions, from sand to rock gardens. Its shallow roots make it a good option for planting on septic beds and it also transplants very well. The yellow and orange flowers are some of the first to come up in the spring and are popular with hummingbirds.

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
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
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.

Perennial
3-6 feet tall
Part Shade to Full Sun
Blooms August to September
Medium to Moist Site
Approx. 125 seeds per package
Zones 4-9

New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) is found in moist areas in the wild but will also flourish in a garden with medium soil. Native to the eastern portion of the United States, this species is hardy up to zone 5. The species tolerates clay and acidic conditions well. It attracts butterflies and the seed heads are a food source for birds. New York Ironweed’s tall, narrow growth habit makes it ideal for placement in borders or to fill in tight spaces in the garden. The species has a naturally low germination rate, hence over-seeding is recommended.

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
3-6 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms September- October
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 175 seeds per pack
Zones 3-9

Maximilian’s Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) can grow anywhere from 3-10 feet tall and produces countless flowers throughout the late summer and fall. Maximilian’s sunflower is palatable to livestock and can be incorporated into grazing areas. This native produces a heavy crop of seed annually, which provides an important food source for birds and small mammals.

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
Full Sun
Blooms July- August
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 80 seeds per pack
Zones 3-8

Leadplant (Amorpha canescens) has a shrub forming habit and can grow up to 3 feet tall. Leadplant is native to the central parts of Canada and the U.S. and is hardy in zones 3-8. It is tolerant to a range of soil types and is happiest in full sun. Deep roots allow for drought tolerance and the ability to survive fires. Leadplant is also a member of the pea family, allowing it to fix Nitrogen, making it available to other neighbouring plants. Note, this long lived perennial may take up to 4 years to reach maturity and flower.

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
1-2 feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms June to August
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 30 seeds per package
Zones 3-9

Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) are easy to grow, and do well in rocky, sandy or poor soil. We collected our original wild seed crop off the edges of a cliff! Lanceleaf Coreopsis plants grow into somewhat orderly looking clumps and deadheading will prolong flowering.

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 feet tall
Full Sun to Part-Shade
Blooms April to June
Medium-Dry to Medium-Wet Site
Approx. 80 seeds per pack
Hardiness Zones 3-8

Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) is stunning, golden-yellow native plant that every garden should have. This plant is easy to grow and will self-seed. Golden Alexanders will tolerate a lot of shade but prefer full sun or light shade. They are adaptable to a wide range of soil types. This cheery-looking plant is important to a number of short-tongued insects that are able to easily access the nectar in the small yellow flowers. Black Swallowtail and Ozark Swallowtails caterpillars will feed on its leaves. Golden Alexanders is an early bloomer, giving the garden colour for several weeks in late spring to early summer when many other plants have not yet come into bloom.

Note: should not be confused with the similar-looking Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) which is a highly invasive biennial commonly found on roadsides and other disturbed sites. Wild Parsnip is taller than Golden Alexanders, blooms later and can cause painful skin burns.

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.

Plant Spacing: 1-2′

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
3-4 feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms August to September
Medium to Moist Site
Approx. 80 seeds per package
Zones 3-10

Dense blazingstar (Liatris spicata) the whimsical flower spikes of this Northeastern native are loved by hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Blazingstar supplies a winter food source for birds and is deer resistant. It prefers well drained sites, as the stem may rot if overwintered in waterlogged soil. An excellent accent plant, especially when planted next to natives with contrasting yellow blooms, such as green-headed coneflower, black-eyed susans and lance-leaf coreopsis.

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
3-6 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms July to September
Dry to Wet Site
Approx. 20 seeds per pack
Zones 4-8

Cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) adds a lot of wildlife value to the garden. The plant’s leaf bases form cups which provide water to birds and insects, butterflies regularly visit the flowers and birds feed on their fall seeds. Cup plant is easy to grow from seed and although it is mostly native to Southern Ontario, it does well in zones 3-8.

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′ tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms July to October
Medium to Wet Soil Site
Approx. 150 seeds per pack
Zones 3-8

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) is a must have for moist sites. It has a long bloom period, with intensely aromatic flowers that are of high value to pollinators. It is the host plant to a number of butterflies and moths including Lined Ruby Tiger Moth, Burdock Borer Moth, Three-lined Flower Moth, Blackberry Looper, Geometrid Moth and Clymene Moth. Boneset is deer resistant and will also tolerate shaded conditions. Pairs well with cardinal flower and New England aster. Plant seed densely as this species has a naturally low germination rate.

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.

A gorgeous blend of yarrow in a variety of vivid colours, including lemon yellow, peach, plum and cherry red, as well as softer, pastel shades.

How To Grow, Timing:  Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before planting out after the last frost date. Transplant or direct sow in early spring or early autumn. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 15-18°C. Seeds can take 10 to as long as 100 days to sprout, so be patient. Bottom heat speeds germination.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow on the surface of the soil, under bright lights if starting indoors. Transplants can go out while the soil is still cool and there is still some risk of light frost. Space transplants at 30-60cm apart.

How To Grow, Growing:  Ideal pH: 5.5 to 7.0   Yarrow is a tough plant that is suitable for xeriscaping, and it will adapt to pretty much any soil. For best results, grow in a loamy, well drained soil. Divide plants every 3-4 years. Cut plants to ground level in autumn.

Approx: 100 Seeds.

Papaver somniferum. Black Peony poppies feature the deepest purple flowers available, with fully double, tightly packed petals for a very striking look. The dramatic, peony-shaped flowers only open for one day, but appear from July through September. They can grow to 10cm across. The dried seed heads are very useful in dried flower arrangements, and the edible seeds can be used in baking. Black Peony is highly attractive to bees and resistant to grazing deer. Expected plant height approximately 90cm.  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: 690 Seeds.

Callistephus chinensis. The Roses Mix is a top choice for the cut flower garden. It blooms from July to October on strong, upright, multi branching stems to a height of 75cm. The mix of large and small flowers appear in rose pink and white, but all with the ruff of fully double petals. All are attractive to pollinating insects and hummingbirds, and they look magnificent in a large bouquet. Be sure to take frequent harvests of cut flowers, or at least keep the plants dead-headed to prolong and enhance the bloom time. Please follow the planting and spacing instructions closely.  Annual.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before planting out, in peat pots or similar. Otherwise direct sow outdoors after the last frost date. Just cover the seeds. If starting indoors, provide bright light and a soil temperature of 18-21°C. China Aster seedlings are very susceptible to damping off, so provide good ventilation and only water from below.

How To Grow, Growing:  Space or transplant 30-45cm apart. This spacing is key to success later  in the season, so please follow the guidance. Do not pinch back young plants. Water regularly during dry spells. This plant is particularly sensitive to over-watering, and will not thrive if over-crowded, poorly ventilated, or situated close to a heat-reflecting surface. Mulch around the plants in summer to help keep the roots cool.

Approx: 100 Seeds.

Zinnia haageana. Planting Soleado zinnia seeds in the spring results in a jubilant display of single flowers with two-tone orange petals surrounding concentric circles of mahogany and yellow. The plants are tougher than other Zinnias and will stand up to nearly any weather conditions, blooming right into fall. Plant height to 45cm. Direct sow after last frost, in April and May on the coast. Zinnias don’t transplant well, but you can try starting some indoors 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.  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:  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, 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.

Zinnia elegans. California Giants Mix Zinnia seeds form bushy plants that carry masses of huge, 12-15cm wide, double flowers in brilliant hues of red, yellow, orange, lavender, maroon, violet, and white. Growing to a height of up to 102cm, these plants have a very bold visual appeal. Plant Zinnias in big groups whenever possible, as mass plantings look fantastic. Deadhead spent flowers as needed to keep the bloom period longer. Despite their elegant look, Zinnias are fairly tough plants and are drought tolerant enough to be used in xeriscaping projects. Zinnias are, of course, notable as cut flowers.  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: 120 Seeds.

This versatile blend contains flowers that are equally beautiful in garden beds and in bouquets as they are long lasting cut flowers. This Cut Flower Blend contains annuals and perennials, so it will provide an ongoing source of flowers to brighten up any indoor space.
Recommended rate of application: 198g per 1,000 square feet.
Blend Ingredients:
[Annual Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila elegans), Bishop’s Flower (Ammi majus), Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata), China Aster (Callistephus chinensis), Clarkia (Clarkia unguiculata), Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus), English Wallflower (Cheiranthus cheiri), Gloriosa Daisy (Rudbeckia hirta), Iceland Poppy (Papaver nudicaule), Lance-Leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), Mexican Hat (Ratibida columnifera), Painted Daisy (Chrysanthemum carinatum), Perennial Lupine (Lupinus perennis), Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Rocket Larkspur (Delphinium consolida), Shasta Daisy (Chrysanthemum maximum), Sulphur Cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus), Sweet William Pinks (Dianthus barbatus)]

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