Flower Seeds

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:

Viola cornuta. These perky little flowers are old-fashioned heirloom favourites and look like miniature pansies with lavender, yellow, and white faces. Direct seed Johnny Jump Up viola seeds from April to July. Sow seeds 0.6cm deep, and they should germinate in 12-14 days. Johnny Jump Up viola seeds self sow fairly readily, but they do not take over, and can be easily raked under if unwanted. These look rather good in containers, and their flowers are edible. If you want to try your hand at making candied violets, Johnny Jump Ups are the place to start. Or simply pick some of the fresh flowers and scatter them over salads and summer meals.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Start indoors 10-12 weeks before planting out. For spring planting after last frost, that means up to 3 months growing time indoors. Otherwise, sow direct outdoors in summer to early autumn. For winter-flowering pansies in Zones 7-9, start seeds in mid to late June. For V. odorata: Direct sow in autumn or early spring. This variety benefits from a long exposure to cool soil.

How To Grow, Starting:  Even though the seeds are tiny, they need to be sown 5mm deep. Keep the soil at 18-25°C, in complete darkness until they germinate in around 14 days. Then provide bright light to keep plants compact. Space at 15-23cm in the garden. For V. odorata: Barely cover the tiny seeds. Sow in flats sunk into the ground against a north-facing wall, and cover with glass or plastic. Remove cover when seedlings emerge. Germination can take up to 50 days, so be patient.

How To Grow, Growing:  After germination, pansies and violas are easy. Fertilize once or twice in early growth and provide a mulch around plants to keep roots cool as weather warms. Deadhead to prevent self-sowing, particularly with Johnny-Jump-Ups.

For V. odorata: Transplant after last frost or in the autumn where winters are mild, spacing at 15-30cm apart. Grow in partial shade, or in full sun where summers are cool. This variety prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0. Add well-rotted manure at transplant time.

Approx: 420 Seeds.

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.

Nicotiana alata. This flowering tobacco stands regally in the garden at 1-1.5m (3-5′) tall, with a cascading head of pure white, tubular flowers that attract moths and hummingbirds. It looks splendid among other tall flowering plants such as Agastache and foxgloves. Grow Jasmine Tobacco Nicotiana seeds in a warm spot in your garden, in full sun. Pollinated by moths, this Nicotiana’s flowers become particularly fragrant after dusk, so plant some near a window and let the scent waft in during summer.

Lupinus polyphyllus. Stunning, brightly-coloured spikes create a strong feature in the early summer garden. Its pea-like flowers grow in dense spires reaching up to 90cm tall. Scatter through cottage or wildflower gardens or mass plant in borders. This variety offers all the lupine colours in one package – purple, deep blue, red, pink, yellow, cream, and white. If you want more of a certain colour, gently separate the little offset at the base of a mature plant and replant. Soak lupine seeds for 24 hours or nick the seed ends and plant. Lupines fix nitrogen in the soil.  Perennial.

How To Grow, Timing:  Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. If starting indoors, use peat or coir pots to minimize root disturbance. Lupins work equally well direct sown in early spring when some risk of frost is still possible. They can be direct sown in autumn where winters are mild.

How To Grow, Starting:  If starting indoors, scarify seeds by chipping, or soak in water for 24 hours prior to sowing. Sow shallowly, a couple of millimetres deep, and maintain a coolish soil temperature of 12-18°C. Seeds should germinate in 14-60 days. Be patient.

How To Grow, Growing:  Space or thin plants to 30-60cm apart to allow for natural spread. After flowering, cut down the stems to the base of the plant. Divide these big plants in early Spring to propagate certain colours. Self-sown plants tend to revert to pale blue.

Approx: 75 Seeds

Dwarf Pacific type delphinium perfect for small gardens. Magic Fountains attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with fantastic displays of semidouble pink, blue, lavender, and white flower spikes with dark and light “bees”, or centers. Compact plants do not need staking but should be sheltered from strong winds. Perennial plants grow 90-120cm tall.

How To Grow, Timing:  Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before planting out. Or simply direct sow in early spring, when a light frost is still possible, or early autumn. Seeds take 14-28 days to sprout.

How To Grow, Starting:  Just cover the tiny seeds. If starting indoors, vernalize seeds by planting them in trays in sterilized seed starting mix. Place these inside plastic bags and refrigerate for 2 weeks. Then place them in total darkness and maintain a soil temperature of 10-12°C until sprouted. Once sprouts appear, place below bright light. Space or thin to 30-45cm between plants.

How To Grow, Growing:  Deep, rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. For the most bloom potential, water well throughout the season, and feed once in the early spring. Remove spent flowers immediately after the first bloom, and feed again. When new growth reaches about 20cm tall, cut back old growth completely.

Approx: 50 Seeds.

Cosmos bipinnatus. Yes, it’s a Cosmos! Rose Bon Bon cosmos seeds are a new Fleuroselect Award winning variety from France, and part of the Double Click Cosmos series. Fully double flowers appear in soft rose pink on easy-to-grow, medium sized plants. Height to 1.2m . This exquisite annual makes a wonderful cut flower, with petals almost as curled as Dianthus. Rose Bonbon really stood out for us at the All American Selections flower trials this past summer in Ontario. Major “Wow” factor!

How To Grow, Timing:  Direct sow after the last frost date. Several sowings will result in a very long bloom period. Cosmos can also be started indoors in late winter for transplanting after last frost, once daytime temperatures are above 10°C. Seeds will sprout in 3-10 days. Optimal temperature for germination: 21-25°C.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow seeds very shallowly only a few millimetres deep. Thin or transplant to 20-25cm apart.

How To Grow, Growing:  Most varieties can get quite tall, and in exposed or windy gardens can benefit from staking or trellis netting laid horizontally over the bed for the stems to grow through before blooming. Deadhead and cut for bouquets regularly to extend the bloom period.

Approx: 31 Seeds.

Our charming tricolor mix of old-fashioned signet marigolds lights up your garden with single blossoms that literally cover the softly mounding plants. Great as an edging, along a narrow walkway or to decorate window boxes and planters, these flower powerhouses have an aromatic lemon verbena-like scent, unlike common marigolds. Adorn your garden all summer with the sparkle of their dainty flowers in our blend of bright paprika, rich gold and clear lemon yellow. 180 seeds, Non GMO.

ANNUAL
Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

TO PLANT OUTDOORS
Sow seeds directly into well-worked garden soil in full sun once all danger of frost is past. Space seeds 2 to 3 inches apart and cover about 1/4 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination in 5 to 7 days.

TO START EARLY INDOORS
Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of well-drained seed starting mix 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost date. Cover 1/4 inch deep, keep moist and provide a strong light source until ready to go outside. Transplant once weather warms up after gradually acclimating seedlings to outdoor conditions. Thin or transplant 8 to 10 inches apart when seedlings are large

GROWING NOTES
These compact and cheerful antique marigolds are quick to bloom, carefree and non-fussy. Their profusion of dainty blooms and feathery aromatic foliage are perfect for planters in sunny spots, or edging garden beds. Feed and water regularly especially if planting in containers. Consider a second sowing before midsummer for a long season of appealing old-fashioned flowers.

Sonata Cosmos’ compact feathery 2 1/2 to 3 foot plants are soon covered with sprays of buds that open and bloom non-stop all summer long. The blossoms’ 2 inch satiny petals in shades of magenta, clear white, soft pastel pink and pure rose surround cheerful yellow centers. Reliable and long lasting, with stems long enough for cutting lots of bouquets, free blooming Sonatas are perfect for containers, beds or borders. Butterflies and other pollinators love to visit these lovely flowers.
125 seeds
Non GMO

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender.

TO PLANT OUTDOORS

Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 1 to 2 inches apart in a sunny location in well-worked garden soil once danger of frost is past. Keep seed bed evenly moist but not soggy. Seedlings emerge in 5 to 10 days. Keep well weeded and watered while plants are young; mature cosmos can handle hot and dry conditions.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost. Cover 1/4 inch deep, keep moist and provide a good light source. Plant outdoors once weather warms up after gradually acclimating seedlings to outdoor conditions.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space 6 inches apart when seedlings are large enough to handle.

GROWING NOTES

Carefree cosmos are among the easiest and most reliable of all summer flowers. Plant well-bred kneehigh Sonata for quick bloom and manageable size. The bright silky flowers and ferny foliage combine beautifully with blue salvia, dwarf sunflowers and zinnias. Cutting Sonata’s vibrant flowers for bouquets actually prolongs the blooming season.

Right out of the crayon box of intense colors, this blend of hot shades combines scarlet red, citrus orange and golden yellow varieties for bright summer borders and sizzling bouquets of gorgeous florist quality zinnias. These award winners offer you densely petaled, fully double flowers with outstanding garden performance. The well-branched 3 to 3 1/2 foot tall plants stand up well to both summer rain and heat, yielding armfuls of flowers for eye-catching, long-lasting arrangements.

Approx: 95 Seeds.

Non GMO

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

Sow seeds in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun when danger of frost is past and weather is warm and above 50°F (10°C) both day and night. Space seeds 3 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart, cover 1/2 inch deep and gently firm soil. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

One month before last frost, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 3 inches apart in seed starting mix. Keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside when temps rise above 50°F (10°C) day and night.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space seedlings 8-12 inches apart when large enough to handle to give plants room to mature and provide good air circulation.

GROWING NOTES

To ensure sufficient air circulation and abundant blossoms, thin before seedlings get crowded; adequate spacing and regular, even watering helps keep zinnias productive and discourages mildew. Pick when flower blossoms first open and petals are tight for longest vase life. Cut long stems well back into the plant to keep plants branching low and producing best blooms for summer long bouquets.

This pretty mix of sunny yellow and warm burnished mahogany is a beautifully balanced palette of classic sunflower shades. The easy to grow plants bear magnificent big flowers that frame the summer garden with plenty to cut for perfectly contrasting bouquets of clear colors with pretty chocolate centers. After Bright Bandolier’s heat and drought tolerant flowers finish blooming, they offer nutritious seed treats for fall songbirds.

ANNUAL
Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

TO PLANT OUTDOORS
Plant in full sun in good garden soil when weather is warm and settled both day and night and all danger of frost is past. Poke seeds into well-worked soil 1/2 inch deep and 4 to 5 inches apart. Press soil firmly over seeds and keep moist until germination in 8 to 10 days.

TO START EARLY INDOORS
Several weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in individual pots of well drained seed starting mix. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outside when seedlings are large enough to handle. When weather has warmed into the 50° range, transplant carefully into the garden in full sun, disturbing the roots as little as possible.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 12 inches apart so plants have ample room to grow.

GROWING NOTES
Growing these flowers is easy and rewarding. Make several sowings, three weeks apart, to have a succession of bloom. Keep soil moist and well weeded and protect seedlings from hungry birds with netting or plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Sunflowers need room! Be sure to thin seedlings when 3 inches tall to 12 inches apart.

Cha-Cha-Cha’s fully double bright blossoms will illuminate your garden all season in festive hues of deep red, gold, cerise, orange, yellow and rose. Pick these free flowering beauties often for instant bouquets. Easy to grow, these zinnias produce large, richly colored flowers on shorter 2 to 2 1/2 foot stems, perfect for low borders, garden beds or containers. Best of all, butterflies are drawn to Cha-Cha-Cha’s masses of joyous-colored flowers from dawn to dusk.

ANNUAL
Summer/Fall bloom
Frost tender

TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
Sow seeds in well-worked soil in full sun when danger of frost is past and weather is warm and above 50°F (10°C) both day and night. Space seeds 2 to 3 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart, cover about 1/2 inch deep and gently firm soil. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination.

TO START EARLY INDOORS
Four weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 3 inches apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside when temperatures rise above 50°F (10°C) day and night.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 8 to 12 inches apart when large enough to handle to give plants room to mature and provide good air circulation.

GROWING NOTES
Zinnias grow readily in ordinary garden soil in full sun. For abundant and healthy flowers, thin before seedlings get crowded; adequate spacing and regular, consistent watering helps keep zinnias un-stressed and productive and discourages mildew. For long-lived bouquets, cut flowers in the morning when blossoms first open and petals are tight. Cut long stems well back into the plant to keep plants branching low and producing abundant blooms to attract butterflies and other pollinators.

Alcea rosea. These antique hollyhocks provide old fashioned beauty to any country-style garden. The tall stems bear mostly single blossoms in classic hollyhock colors of deep rose, pink, salmon-pink, and white. Grow as a screen at the back of the garden and watch the towering spires of pointed buds slowly unfurl to reveal chalice-shaped flowers – the dancing gowns of flower garden fairies.

BIENNIAL
Summer/fall bloom.
Frost hardy.

EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
Plant seeds in full sun in ordinary garden soil in spring after danger of frost is past. Poke seeds into well-worked soil about 1⁄2 inch deep, 6 to 8 inches apart. Keep moist until seedlings emerge in 7 to 14 days.

TO START EARLY INDOORS
Start seeds indoors about 8 weeks before last expected frost date. Sow 2 inches apart and 1⁄2 inch deep in flats or individual containers of seed starting mix. Provide a strong light source and keep mix evenly moist until germination takes place. When seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, transplant 12 to 18 inches apart after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 12 to 18 inches apart so plants have ample room to mature.

GROWING NOTES
Indian Spring will bloom the first year from seed if planted early in spring. Planted later, it will bloom the following summer. After blossoms fade, cut off the spent flower stalks just above the ground. Fertilize well and continue to water plants as needed, and roots will push another flush of enchanting flower spires that will open in fall.

Dwarf Pink Alyssum grows into a carpet of little pink, fragrant flowers. Plants grow and bloom quickly after sowing. They are excellent edging/border plants as they grow no more than 10cm (2-4″) tall. Its spreading habit makes it a useful ground cover. Alyssum is a great pollinator plant and will attract bees and butterflies. This makes it a fantastic companion for any flowering/fruiting vegetable.
Drought tolerant and suitable for containers or hanging baskets.

Love-Lies-Bleeding looks as pretty in the garden as it does in cut and dried bouquets. Long, vibrant burgundy tassels hang from tall, lush green plants. Its easy to grow these vigorous 90-150cm (36-60”) plants. Pair with Hot Biscuits and Green Tails for maximum impact.

Timing: Direct sow in late spring, once night time temperatures are steadily above 10°C (50°F). Optimal soil temperature for germination: 18-24°C (65-75°F).

Starting: Sow 5mm (1⁄4”) deep in well drained soil in full sun. Thin to 25-35cm (10-14”) apart. Seeds germinate in 4-10 days, depending on conditions.

Growing: Ideal pH: 6.0-7.5. Keep moist until germinated, and then simply keep the area weeded.

Harvest: Pick baby or mature greens as needed. Simply cut them with scissors as one would with mescluns. The leaves have an appealing, nutty flavour. If growing for seed, choose A.hypochondriacus and provide ample spacing. Seed will ripen in late summer or early fall. Rub the flower heads between your hands over a bucket or tray. Doing this into paper yard waste bags works well. If the seeds do not fall easily, leave the plants for one more week and try again.

Approx. 380 seeds

Gypsophila elegans. Grow this annual for cut flowers to fill out a bouquet or to dry on their own. Or mix some Gypsophila seeds in where grass is allowed to grow tall for a stunning ethereal effect all summer. Baby’s Breath grows to 45cm (18″) tall. Direct sow outdoors from early spring to July for continuous blooms. Cut back after flowering for a second bloom. Plants from Baby’s Breath Gypsophila seeds are drought tolerant, so suitable for xeriscaping.

Note that the Baby’s Breath one associates with bridal bouquets is grown in very controlled settings, and harvested with precision just as the flower buds begin to open, and immediately refrigerated. This is the same flowering plant, but it is difficult to predict exactly when the plants will be bouquet-ready. To grow for summer weddings, direct sow large amounts at regular three week intervals starting in early spring when there is still a risk of frost. That would be mid-March here on the coast. Keep plants relatively crowded. This is the only way to ensure that at least some of your Baby’s Breath will be at its peak for your special event. Annual.

The ball-shaped flowerheads of these long bloomers resemble small strawberries–the red blooms feature tiny yellow flecks, just like seeds on a strawberry. Virtually maintenance-free, they are heat and drought tolerant, flowering from summer through to fall. Growing to 80cm (30″), the plants have a branching habit but upright stems, making them excellent as cut flowers, both in fresh and dried arrangements. Gomphrena is also used medicinally and makes a subtly sweet tea. AGM Award of Garden Merit RHS

These bright pink “paper daisies” make cheerful fresh and dried bouquets. Pierrot Red’s petite 2.5-5cm (1-2”), slightly cupped blooms, have black or yellow centers. Compact 45-60cm (18-24”) plants grow an abundance of flowers on slender stems that are easy to cut.

Approx. 50 seeds

A single grandiflora type, Dreams petunias have a well branched, upright habit, growing 25-38cm (10-15”) tall. Large, pale pink flowers, up to 7.5-10cm (3-4”) across, bloom spring through summer. Resistant to Botrytis.

Timing: Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before planting out. Direct seeding is not recommended.

Starting: Press seeds lightly into the soil surface as light is needed to germinate. Seeds should germinate in 14-21 days at 21-27ºC (70-80ºF).

Growing: Space plants 20-30cm (8-12”) apart in full sun in soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. Seed Specs: Usual seed life: 1 year.

Approx. 25 seeds

A single grandiflora type, Dreams petunias have a well branched, upright habit, growing 25-38cm (10-15”) tall. A mix of large flowers, up to 7.5-10cm (3-4”) across, of midnight, sky blue, and white, blooming spring through summer. Resistant to Botrytis.

Timing: Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before planting out. Direct seeding is not recommended.

Starting: Press seeds lightly into the soil surface as light is needed to germinate. Seeds should germinate in 14-21 days at 21-27ºC (70-80ºF).

Growing: Space plants 20-30cm (8-12”) apart in full sun in soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. Seed Specs: Usual seed life: 1 year.

Approx. 25 seeds