Flower Seeds

Perennial
1-3 feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms July to September
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 50 seeds per pack
Zones 3-10

Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata) is a great wildflower for new gardeners. It is easy to grow from seed, requires little maintenance once established, is drought tolerant and thrives in poor soil. This wildflower is native to Western portions of Canada and the United States where it is found in dry prairie habitats. Blanketflower has a long bloom period and attracts butterflies.

Growing Instructions

No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.

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
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
2-5 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms July to September
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 30 seeds per pack
Zones 4-8

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is popular with bees, hummingbirds and butterflies and seeds are a fall and winter food source for birds as well. It makes excellent cut flowers, is easy to grow and will spread in the garden. Native to the central and eastern United States and naturalized in much of Ontario, purple coneflower is hardy up to zone 3. Leaves and flower petals are edible, which many make into a tea to benefit from its many medicinal qualities.

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
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
1-2 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Zones 2-6
Blooms June to August
Medium to Moist Site
Approx. 200 seeds per pack

Wild Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) has edible berries that burst with their signature sweet flavour and ripen from June to August depending on your region. Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, these berries are definitely a must-have for your garden (or forest garden) if your conditions are right. Blueberries do best in acidic soils with the optimum soil pH being 4.5 to 5.0, but plants usually do fine a little above or below this range. If pH is above 5.5, leaves become chlorotic and plants lose vigor. Very acidic soils (pH < 4.0) can also reduce growth, particularly those with significant amounts of clay. These plants will benefit from the addition of compost, leaf litter, and pine needles. Note that it may take 3 years for the plants to produce fruit. 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
2-5 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
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.

Perennial
3-5 feet tall
Full to Part Sun
Blooms June to September
Dry to Medium
Approx. 40 seeds per pack
Zones 3-8

Oxeye Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) is native to the prairie habitats of central Canada. It is not a true sunflower, but rather the flowers resemble a smaller version of the yellow sunflower. Oxeye sunflower is easy to grow from seeds, maintenance is undemanding and it does well in clay rich soil.

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
1-1.5 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
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
Medium to Moist Site
Over 200 seeds per pack
Zones 3-8

New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) is a pioneer of natural succession sites and does well in a variety of conditions. This under-valued native provides an important nectar source for pollinators from late summer until frost. Its roots can be divided annually and the flower colour can range from white, to pink to blue-purple. New England Aster is the host plant of the Pearl Crescent and several checkerspot butterflies.

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 soil surface. 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
2 feet tall
Full Sun to Part-Shade
Blooms June to September
Medium to Dry Site
Approx. 100 seeds per pack
Hardiness Zones 3-8

Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta) is a gorgeous prairie native that is more compact and than its more popular relative Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata). Hoary vervain is the host plant of the Common Buckeye butterfly and its seeds are an important food source for small mammals and birds. While it self-seeds readily, hoary vervain does not compete well against more aggressive wildflower varieties and tall native grasses. Note, 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.

Perennial
3-6 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms July to September
Dry to Wet Site
Over 200 seeds per pack
Zone 3-9

Grey-Headed Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) can be recognized by its drooping yellow petals. It is a favourite of bees and caterpillars of the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly and Wavy-Lined and Common Eupithecia moths feed on it as well. This native is palatable to livestock and can be used for grazing. It can be identified from other coneflowers by the licorice scent released by rubbing the flower’s central disk.

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.