Flower Seeds

The Queeny Series offers a step above the standards with their elegant colour combinations. Queeny Lime with Blotch has pale yellow to chartreuse petals with a pop of pink in the center. Mostly double and semi-double blooms with a small percentage of singles, yielding multiple cuts throughout the season. Plants are 75-100cm 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: 25 seeds.

A High yielding mix that produces large, densely petaled flowers for multiple cuts over the season. Benary’s Giant is the standard zinnia for cut flower growers for its vigorous growth and long-lasting blooms in multiple colours including red, coral, lime, wine, pink, white, purple, and yellow. Widely adapted. Grows to 100-125cm.  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: 25 Seeds.

Under the Sea is beautiful blend of ivory, coral, magenta zinnias. All of them are varieties recommended for bouquets so they make excellent cut flowers. Strong sturdy stems, growing up to between 30–40″ tall. They are highly attractive to butterflies and other pollinators.  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: 45 Seeds.

Eschscholzia californica. The Thai Silk Formula is a special blend of California Poppies featuring semi-double flowers with fluted petals and a very agreeable silken appearance. The petite plants only grow to 20cm tall, with their delicate looking flowers contrasting nicely against muted, grey-green foliage. The flowers themselves can be as wide as 8cm, and they work well in patio containers, rock gardens, and flower beds. California poppies are drought resistant, so they are suitable for xeriscaping, and they’re also deer resistant. These poppies are known to be toxic to deer, horses, cats, and dogs.  annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Direct sow outdoors in spring after the local last frost date. Otherwise direct sow in autumn. It can be started indoors, but does not like being transplanted.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow seeds 5mm deep, spaced 20-25cm apart. Seeds should sprout in 14-21 days.

How To Grow, Growing:  Grow in any average, well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly to prevent self sowing. California poppies are very likely to self sow when conditions are favourable.

Approx: 175 Seeds.

Unique azalea type snapdragon with double-petaled blooms that are ruffled and full. Madame Butterfly Mix Includes white, magenta, pink, yellow, rose, red, and bronze flowers that create a lush bouquet when cut. 66-89cm plants can be grown in a greenhouse or in the open field and garden.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Start snapdragons indoors, 8-10 weeks before planting out. Transplant out after last frost. Direct sowing is less reliable. Provide bright light and a soil temperature of 12°C. Seeds should sprout in 10-21 days.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow on the surface of a sterilized seed starting mix. To avoid damping off (to which snapdragons are somewhat prone), increase ventilation, use a layer of vermiculite on top of the soil, and water only from below. Transplant out once daytime temperatures are consistently above 10°C and space 30cm apart.

How To Grow, Growing:  Grow these easy sub-shrubs in rich, soil with a neutral pH. Pinch back young plants once 6 leaves have appeared for bushier mature plants. Feed lightly twice, before any flowers appear. Deadhead often. If flowering seems to subside, cut back dramatically, and then feed and water generously.

Approx: 50 Seeds.

With so many to choose from and only so much space in the garden, Tall Blend sunflower seeds will allow you to enjoy a mixed planting. This package combines varieties of tall sunflowers to brighten up the back of the garden. Grow a forest of giants that attract pollinators to your garden and also feed the birds once the flowering show is over. All plants in this collection will grow to 2-4m.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Direct sow repeatedly after the last frost date. Starting indoors is possible, but does not gain much time. If sunflowers are allowed to get root-bound, they will lack stability at transplant time, and will require staking. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 21-30°C. Seeds should sprout in 10-14 days.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow seeds 5mm-1cm deep. Space dwarf varieties 15cm apart, but give the giants lots of room at 1m between plants.

How To Grow, Growing:  To grow really big plants with really big flowers, enrich the soil with organic matter and incorporate 2 cups of balanced organic fertilizer per 3m of row, and irrigate regularly. When the plants are 30cm tall, dissolve 5ml (1 tsp) of borax (for boron) in 350 ml of water and spread the solution over 5m of row. Be careful not to over-apply this solution. This application of boron will produce bigger seeds and flower heads. Do not apply boron to other garden plants. When the back of the flower head turns yellow, it is ready to be cut from the plant.

Salvia longispicata x farinacea. This impressive Salvia was a show stopper in our field trials, with tall spikes of true blue flowers that attracted bumble bees and other bees from mid-summer to the first frost. It bloomed right into late October in our trials. The deep green foliage beneath the flowers is thick and lush and totally trouble free. Big Blue Salvia is an interspecific hybrid, and the first of its type to flower from seed in the first year. No deadheading or further care is needed. It performs best in full sun, but will tolerate dappled shade, and grows 60-90cm tall in beds or large containers. Space the burly, drought tolerant plants 40-45cm apart.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Start indoors late winter to early spring. Transplant out or direct sow starting two weeks after the last frost date. Starting indoors may be more reliable, particularly if using bottom heat and maintaining optimal soil temperature at 15-21°C. Seeds should sprout in 2 to 3 weeks.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow seeds 3mm deep, and keep soil just moist, not wet. Thin to 40-45cm apart.

How To Grow, Growing:  Prior to transplanting, work the soil to a depth of 30cm to improve drainage. If transplanting to a container, add a quantity of grit or perlite to achieve the same end.

Approx: 5 Seeds.

Helianthus annuus. Lemon Queen is a wonderful, medium tall sunflower with brilliant light lemon yellow flowers that are typically 10-13cm wide. with chocolate brown centres. This sunflower develops numerous branches, and each bears multiple flowers. Grow some for cut flowers and enjoy the bright colour indoors. Lemon Queen grows to about 1.8-2m tall. Direct sow sunflower seeds in full sun in well drained soil once it warms up from April to June. Plant more seeds at three week intervals for a much longer bloom period. This sunflower begins flowering about 90 days after sowing.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Direct sow repeatedly after the last frost date. Starting indoors is possible, but does not gain much time. If sunflowers are allowed to get root-bound, they will lack stability at transplant time, and will require staking. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 21-30°C. Seeds should sprout in 10-14 days.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow seeds 5mm-1cm deep. Space dwarf varieties 15cm apart, but give the giants lots of room at 1m between plants.

How To Grow, Growing:  To grow really big plants with really big flowers, enrich the soil with organic matter and incorporate 2 cups of balanced organic fertilizer per 3m of row, and irrigate regularly. When the plants are 30cm tall, dissolve 5ml (1 tsp) of borax (for boron) in 350 ml of water and spread the solution over 5m of row. Be careful not to over-apply this solution. This application of boron will produce bigger seeds and flower heads. Do not apply boron to other garden plants. When the back of the flower head turns yellow, it is ready to be cut from the plant.

Approx: 20 Seeds.

Linum grandiflorum. This annual flowering flax grows to only 50cm tall, with cup-shaped flowers appearing in red, white, salmon, and lilac throughout the season. The real trick with Linum is to direct sow the seeds multiple times for an extended bloom period. Sow Linum Charmer Mix at two week intervals from mid-March to the end of May for a full summer of brightly coloured flowers. This mix looks great in containers, but even better in mass plantings. Linum grandiflorum is native to Algeria and some other parts of north Africa, and is relatively drought resistant. Water regularly if growing in containers.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Direct sow after last frost date. Sow more seeds every two to three weeks for successive blooming. If starting seeds indoors is absolutely necessary, use peat pots and harden off seedlings carefully to avoid transplant shock.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow seeds by barely covering them to a depth of 5mm. Seeds germinate in 20 to 25 days. Thin seedlings to 15cm apart.

How To Grow, Growing: Ideal pH: 5.0-7.0. Cut back about half of the flowering stems in early summer to extend the blooming period. Grow in any well-drained soil and avoid fertilizer and manure. Rich soil reduces blooming. Linum dislikes root disturbance, so it is not suitable for transplanting – it’s better to simply sow more seeds.

Approx: 40 Seeds.

Tagetes patula. Enjoy mounds of tawny oranges and yellows from mid-summer to first frost (and sometimes beyond). As a companion plant, Sparky Mix marigolds are the variety that will suppress ‘bad’ nematodes in your soil. Be sure to plant around the vegetable garden! They can also be used as a cover crop for weed suppression. Plant these marigold seeds in full sun, and deadhead (remove spent flowers) to prolong the bloom period. These marigolds work well in containers and they are surprisingly drought resistant, so can be incorporated in xeriscaping schemes. This little plant reaches a height of 30cm.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow 2 weeks before last frost. If starting indoors, just cover the seeds with vermiculite and provide a soil temperature of 21-25°C. Seeds should sprout in 4-14 days at that temperature.

How To Grow, Starting:  Marigolds are somewhat prone to damping off. As a precaution, just cover the small seeds with vermiculite, water from below, and provide ventilation in the room. Space plants in the garden 30-45cm apart. Dwarf varieties can be spaced 15cm apart.

How To Grow, Growing:  Pinch the growing tips to encourage branching. This prevents tall, spindly plants. Dead head regularly throughout the growing season.

Approx: 150 Seeds.

Matthiola longipetala. Spindly and insignificant by day, it is potently fragrant at dusk! Single, four-petalled flowers are a pale lilac. Best grown either in out-of-the-way spots or with Virginian Stock to combine their complimentary growing habits, colours, and fragrances. Shear back once for continuing scent from July until frost. Stocks prefer cool temperatures, but need full sun to perform well. Once the soil heats up in summer, plants tend to die back. Provide ample water, but very well drained soil. Sow Evening Scented stocks seeds on the surface of the soil. Many sources still use the previous Latin name for this plant, M. bicornis. If given some support, this branching plant will grow to 45cm tall. If grown in containers, it will probably not grow upright.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after last frost. Seeds take 3-20 days to germinate at an ideal soil temperature of 12-18°.

How To Grow, Starting:  Stocks are highly susceptible to damping off. Sow on the surface of vermiculite under bright light, with some ventilation nearby. Water only from below. Pot on into sterilized potting soil once plants are large enough to handle, and space them in the garden at 15-23cm apart.

How To Grow, Growing:  Moist, well-drained, fertile soil is best, with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Pinch out side shoots for taller plants. Crowding plants encourages earlier blooming. Water regularly and feed lightly every month.

Approx: 550 Seeds.

This romantic blend of pretty pink, rosy red, ivory/blush cornflowers are sure to charm. Many flowers feature two shades, lighter and darker. Some have white tips on each petal, giving the blooms a frosted appearance. These summer bloomers grow to 80-100 cm tall. Excellent in borders and bouquets. They can also be used as garnishes in dinners and desserts. Fleuroselect Novelty 2011.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Direct sow starting just before last frost, and again every two weeks until end of spring. Centaurea can be direct sown in autumn as well. Starting indoors is not necessary, but can be accomplished by keeping seed trays in the dark at the optimal soil temperature of 15-21°C. Move under bright lights once germination occurs, and transplant out in late spring, after all risk of frost has passed.

How To Grow, Starting:  Just cover the small seeds. Thin or space to 15-30cm apart.

How To Grow, Growing:  We acknowledge that Centaurea cyanus sometimes appears on lists of invasive species. In our experience, for the back yard or balcony gardener, this is not an issue, and the plants are easily controlled. They are short rooted, and can be pulled up with little effort. Unlike some plants, its seeds simply drop locally if allowed to mature, and do not eject, and they do not spread by underground rhizome. We respectfully ask that gardeners who live in threatened or sensitive ecosystems take this into consideration when planting Centaurea, just like any other type of seed.

Approx: 200 Seeds.

ynoglossum amabile. Simple, tiny, indigo blue flowers are massed in clusters on well behaved, bushy plants. Direct sow Chinese Forget-Me-Nots Cynoglossum amabile seeds in the fall or early spring, and the fast growing plants will put on a show very early in the season, blooming from April to June. Cut the seed heads after flowering is finished, or this plant will self sow enthusiastically. It’s okay if this happens, as the spring show is so welcome, and afterwards the plants die back and are hardly noticeable. This variety resists mildew well and grows to 45cm tall. It works well in containers and window boxes and will bloom even in partial shade.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Direct sow in early spring when a light frost is still possible. Otherwise start indoors 6-8 weeks before planting out. Direct sow again in autumn. Seeds will sprout in 5-10 days, particularly if maintained at their optimal soil temperature of 18-24°C.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow seeds shallowly at 5mm deep, and thin or space to 20-30cm apart. If starting indoors, keep seeds in total darkness until they sprout, and then provide bright light.

How To Grow, Growing:  Ordinary, well-drained garden soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH range will work well. Weak plants result from rich soil. This species is well suited to xeriscaping. Deadhead to avoid self sowing.

Approx: 130 Seeds.

Leucanthemum x superbum. Madonna sets a new standard for Shasta daisies. It was a shining star in our flower seed trials, and the winner of a Fleuroselect Gold Medal for 2020. This new hybrid forms a blanket of incredibly uniform flowers that keep coming all summer, with new flowers emerging over the faded ones. Just about 15% of the flowers have petals that are frilled at the tips. The result is a mounding habit that makes a stunning show in containers, raised beds, or borders. Madonna is a first-year-flowering perennial that is hardy to Zone 3. It is vigorous, and compact at only 20-25cm tall. It’s even deer resistant.  Perennial.

How To Grow, Timing:  Start indoors in late winter to mid-spring, and transplant or direct sow starting around late May. They can also be direct sown in mid-September to October.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow seeds on the surface of a sterilized starting soil. Provide bright light and use bottom heat to keep soil at 18-21°C. Seeds will germinate in 10-14 days. Space transplants at 25-45cm apart.

How To Grow, Growing:  Grow in a rich, well-drained, evenly moist soil in full sun. Good drainage in winter is essential. Pinch back young plants to keep them bushy. Deadhead regularly. Taller plants may require staking.

Approx: 20 Seeds.

This lovely wildflower blend is a sight for sore eyes and a scent for sore noses! The multi-colour blooms in this blend provide a range of perfumes all season. Scents range from sweetly floral to citrus to anise.
Recommended rate of application: 142g per 1,000 square feet.

Annuals and Perennials.

Blend Ingredients:
[Calendula (Calendula officinalis), Chinese Pinks (Dianthus chinensis), Dahlberg Daisy (Thymophylla tenuiloba), Dianthus ‘Rainbow Loveliness’ (Dianthus hybridus), Elegant Lupine (Lupinus elegans), Evening Scented Stock (Matthiola bicornis), Four O’Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa), French Marigold (Tagetes patula), Iceland Poppy (Papaver nudicaule), Johnny Jump-Up (Viola cornuta), Lemon Mint (Monarda citriodora), Purple Giant Hyssop (Agastache rugosa), Siberian Wallflower (Cheiranthus allionii), Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima), Sweet Mignonette (Reseda odorata), Sweet William Pinks (Dianthus barbatus), Virginia Stock (Malcolmia maritima)]

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.

25 Gr / packet

Asclepias tuberosa. Butterfly Bush Milkweed seeds, sometimes called Orange Milkweed, is a hearty perennial intensely attractive to butterflies and other beneficial garden insects. It is highly drought resistant, so useful for xeriscaping. Unlike other members of the Milkweed family, Butterfly Weed does not issue a milky sap when broken. Waxy green stems to 70cm tall are topped by vivid orange flower clusters. Grown in small clusters, this plant attracts butterflies like no other, even in urban gardens. Flowers are followed by exotic looking fruits that release easy-to-harvest seeds. All milkweeds are useful, nectar rich food plants for butterflies, including the Monarch butterfly.

This is not the milkweed species that is used as a food plant by the Monarch caterpillar. That plant is A. incarnata, or Swamp Milkweed. Download our Butterfly Milk Fact Sheet.

NOTE: All parts of the plant are harmful if swallowed. Asclepias leaves can be toxic to chickens, so plant out of range of foraging flocks.  Perennial.

How To Grow, Timing:  Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date and transplant towards late spring. Milkweed requires cold stratification to break dormancy. Sow the seeds in damp soil in 18 cell plug inserts and place in a refrigerator for two weeks or place outside in early spring. Transplant when the seedlings are 5 cm tall. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 10-25°C. Seeds should sprout in 7-35 days.

How To Grow, Starting:  Barely cover the small seeds using sterilized seed starting mix. Space transplants 30-60cm apart.

How To Grow, Growing:  For many years several Asclepias species were listed as invasive weeds because of their sometimes aggressive spreading by underground rhizomes and their giant, dandelion-like seeds. The seeds emerge from very conspicuous pods which are easily removed before they dry and crack. As the population of wild Asclepias diminished, so did the populations of many butterflies that depend on them as food and nursery plants (including the endangered Monarch). Now that they have been de-listed, we encourage home gardeners to grow them with the advance knowledge that they can spread. Try growing them in a large container like a half barrel, and be conscious of the seed pods as they develop. In short, please be responsible with Asclepias species.

Note: All parts of the plant are harmful if eaten. Flowers are not edible.

Approx: 50 Seeds.

Asclepias speciosa. Native to western and central North America (including BC’s Okanagan region), Showy Milkweed is the plant at the center of Monarch butterfly conservation efforts. This is the particular species of milkweed that the Monarch caterpillars feed on after hatching, so it is highly prized by egg-laying adults. The flowers are notoriously generous with nectar, so they attract a host of other butterfly species, as well as bees, hummingbirds, and many other pollinators. The plants grow to around 90cm tall, with greyish green foliage topped by spherical clusters of pink flowers. Once the seed pods form, they can be cut and dried to good effect. Plant Showy Milkweed seeds anywhere to help with pollinator conservation.

Note: This species spreads by self-seeding as well as spreading its rhizomatous roots. In favorable settings, it can spread aggressively. For this reason, we recommend it for larger containers or for areas where it can be controlled through regular pruning. To avoid self-sowing, simply cut the seed pods off before they mature.

Showy Milkweed also happens to be pretty much deer-proof.  Perennial.

How To Grow, Timing:  Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date and transplant towards late spring. Milkweed requires cold stratification to break dormancy. Sow the seeds in damp soil in 18 cell plug inserts and place in a refrigerator for two weeks or place outside in early spring. Transplant when the seedlings are 2 inches (5cm) tall. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 10-25°C. Seeds should sprout in 7-35 days.

How To Grow, Starting:  Barely cover the small seeds using sterilized seed starting mix. Space transplants 30-60cm apart.

How To Grow, Growing:  For many years several Asclepias species were listed as invasive weeds because of their sometimes aggressive spreading by underground rhizomes and their giant, dandelion-like seeds. The seeds emerge from very conspicuous pods which are easily removed before they dry and crack. As the population of wild Asclepias diminished, so did the populations of many butterflies that depend on them as food and nursery plants (including the endangered Monarch). Now that they have been de-listed, we encourage home gardeners to grow them with the advance knowledge that they can spread. Try growing them in a large container like a half barrel, and be conscious of the seed pods as they develop. In short, please be responsible with Asclepias species.

Note: All parts of the plant are harmful if eaten. Flowers are not edible.

Approx: 35 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
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
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
1-3 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.