Flower Seeds

Helianthus debilis. Like freshly churned butter, the petals of Italian White sunflowers are the palest yellow, almost white. They surround a dark chocolate-brown disk, bringing an appealing high contrast effect to flower borders and cut flower bouquets. The flowers appear on multi-branching stems over a long period in summer atop stems that can reach just over 2m (7′) in height. This classic heirloom is drought tolerant and thrives in poor soils. Annual.

Sonja is a quintessential sunflower with its 10cm (4”) blooms of bright yellow/orange petals with dark centres. 96-106cm (38-42″) tall branching plants produce 8 or more flowers on long, strong stems. A day-length neutral variety that produces pollen loved by bees.

Plant Solar Power sunflower seeds in mass plantings if you have the room because the flowers are so striking. They look great on their own as well, or mixed in with other medium-tall varieties. Striking bi-coloured petals are mahogany with bright yellow tips around a dark brown centre for amazing contrast on 1.7m (5.5′) tall plants. Solar Power has thick, strong stems, but it is surprisingly nice as a cut flower, dominating any bouquet with its large size and flashy colour. All sunflowers are attractive to honeybees and other wild pollinators, and they can act as a kind of beacon to draw pollinators towards crops that require pollination like squash and pumpkins. Hardy Annual (HA).

Large bicolour blooms the colour of a desert sun in reds, golds, and yellows. Large 12.5-18cm (5-7”) pollenless blooms have strong, straight stems, creating sturdy, dramatic bouquets. Desert Sun’s vigorous, branching plants are 175-200cm (5.5-6.5’) tall.

Helianthus annuus. Creamy, nearly white petals surround a honey-coloured central disc atop a stem that can reach 2m (6′) tall. ProCut White Lite is a pollenless hybrid sunflower for the professional florist trade. As a cut flower it leaves no mess, but it still bears nectar that will attract and feed bees and other pollinators from far and wide. Harvest the blooms just as they begin to open for the longest vase life, or enjoy them in the field where they look incredible in mass plantings. The day-length neutral flowers grow up to 15cm (6″) wide on single stems. Annual.

Easy to grow single stem sunflower with strong stems and 10-15cm (4-6”) pollenless blooms. ProCut White Nite has cream, nearly white petals with a contrasting dark center, loved by professional cut flower growers. Harvest just as flowers begin to open to protect from insect damage. 120-180cm (4-6’) plants.

This mix of annuals and perennials blooms freely in the sun with little or no care once established. Beginning in the early spring and continuing through the summer this blend provides a changing show of colours and textures. Pacific Northwest wildflower seeds are a magnificent blend. Sow in March and April for best results, or plan a fall sowing. Break up the soil in the area you want to plant and scatter the seeds lightly. Be sure to keep the planted area moist until germination. This is usually not hard to accomplish in the rainy Pacific Northwest. Annuals and Perennials.

With the increase of wildfires, properties that border wildlands prone to fires need to become firewise. Plant this special wildflower blend as part of a fire mitigation plan. Create a buffer zone with these compact, fire resistant, annual and perennial flowers that have higher moisture content and lower amounts of volatile oils than common landscaping plants.
Recommended rate of application: 170g per 1,000 square feet. Annuals and Perennials.

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.

Benary’s Giants are the zinnias of choice for professional cut flower growers. Fully double, 10-15cm (4-6”) lime-green flowers have an excellent vase life. Vigorous plants perform well through the summer allowing for multiple cuts. Keep cutting for continuous blooms. 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 (70-80°F). Seeds should germinate in 5-24 days.

How To Grow, Starting: Just cover Zinnia seeds, and aim for a final spacing of 25-30cm (10-12″) 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

Papaver somniferum. Frosted Salmon Peony poppies are crowned by dramatic, fully double flowers in bright red to salmon pink. As the day passes, the petal edges fade slightly, giving the flowers a frosted appearance. They can grow to 10cm (4″) across. Hardy annual.

How To Grow, Timing: For best results, direct seed outdoors in the early spring, when the soil is cool and there is still some risk of frost. Three plantings at six weeks apart will prolong the blooming season. Or direct sow in the fall for blooms the following summer.

How To Grow, Starting: Since the seeds are very fine, barely cover with soil, and keep moist until germination.

How To Grow, Growing: Thin plants 20-25cm (8-10″) apart and deadhead flowers to prolong blooming. Poppies prefer a rich and well-drained soil but are highly adaptable to many growing conditions. Grow in full sun to light shade and for maximum impact, cluster plants in a border.

Approx. 550 seeds

Papaver rhoeas. Growing to 40-60cm (15-25″) tall, these delicately silky, white poppies with yellow anthers are stunning as they sway in the breeze, especially when grown in free-flowing drifts. The large saucer-shaped flowers bloom in early summer, attracting birds and pollinators. These poppies are deer resistant. Fleuroselect Novelty 2008. Hardy 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 (55°F). 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 (6″) 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. 895 seeds

Papaver oreintale. Pizzicato poppy seeds produce a superb semi-dwarf mix of red, scarlet, orange, salmon, mauve, rose, pink, and white. The large, cup-shaped flowers are 15-20cm (6-8″) in diameter. Expect up to twenty flowers per plant, followed by attractive seed pods from which seeds can easily be harvested. Pizzicato oriental poppy seeds are best direct sown in fall or mid-winter, and grow to a height of 50cm (19″). The flowers appear on stiff stems that stand up well in windy areas. This Oriental poppy mix blooms in June and July, after spring bulbs have faded, but before the arrival of summer flowers. After flowering, seed heads dry and the foliage fades away entirely, returning with autumn rains. This poppy is a good choice for xeriscaping, and it’s deer resistant to boot. 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 (55°F). 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 (6″) 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. 350 seeds

The high performing Potomac snapdragon series was selected for stem and flower quality for production during long summer days. Tall, strong stems have long, refined spikes of ivory white flowers. 80-120cm (32-48″) tall plants can be grown in the field and garden, or in a greenhouse. 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 (55°F). 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 (50°F) and space 30cm (12″) 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. 25 seeds

Our own blend of tall, large flowering single sunflowers that grow like sunny beacons, mixed with slightly shorter, branching sunflowers that offer clusters of bright flower faces in many color combinations. The effect is literally like a forest with flower faces of all heights, shapes and colors.

These flowers will brighten your garden and heart all summer long and provide a sustaining feast for many types of pollinators. After the flowers are spent, seed heads form to sustain the birds.

Approx: 755 Seeds.

Non GMO

ANNUAL

Spring/summer bloom
Frost tender

EASIEST TO PLANT OUTDOORS

Plant in full sun in good garden soil only when weather is warm and settled, all danger of frost is past and both days and nights are evenly in the 50°F (10°C) range. Poke individual seeds into well-worked soil about 1/2 in. deep, 4 to 5 in. apart. Press the soil firmly over the seeds and keep the seedbed evenly moist until seedlings emerge in 8 to 10 days.

Important: when the seedlings are well-established, carefully thin them to a final spacing of 1 foot apart; this way they will have enough room to develop sturdy stalks that won’t blow over and big clusters of flowers. Any extra seedlings you need to remove can be transplanted elsewhere in the garden or potted up and given to friends.

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 seedlings are well established and ready to plant outside. Transplant carefully, disturbing the roots as little as possible. Space seedlings 1 foot apart so plants will have room to grow and mature.

GROWING NOTES

Growing these colorful sunflowers for pollinators and bouquets is both easy and rewarding. Make several sowings several weeks apart and you’ll have a succession of flowers in full bloom. Keep soil moist and well weeded. Protect very young seedlings from bird predation by covering the bed with bird netting held tautly well above seedlings by supports. Or use plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded.

Attract and enjoy enchanting garden butterflies, “the flowers of the air”. Our large Bonus Pack contains three different inner packets of easy to grow butterfly flowers whose ample nectar will bring butterflies to the garden all summer long. Includes carefully written, complete planting and growing instructions and butterfly garden design suggestions.

These flowers offer an ideal combination of different blossoms and vegetation at varying height levels, providing your intended visitors with a choice of where to feed, rest and roost. By providing flower food, warmth, shelter and water, your butterfly garden enables you to enjoy butterflies wing patterns up close and play a role in the conservation of these precious species.

Includes one pack of each: Zinnia ‘Persian Carpet;’ Cosmos ‘Purity;’ Sunflower ‘Chocolate Cherry’

Non GMO

TWO DESIGN IDEAS

Plant your butterfly garden in a rectangular bed or border with tall, medium and low flowers from back to front, OR in a circle with tall flowers in the center, surrounded by the middle and then lower growing varieties.

For the back of the border in dramatic rows, OR planted in a circle garden as a central spiral, tall, branching Crimson Queen sunflowers offer both a convenient meal and a windscreen for your winged visitors.

At mid-level, Purity Cosmos’ abundant snow-satiny white flowers with sunny centers dance and sway all summer, a magnet for air-waltzing butterflies.

At front of the border OR around the outer edge of the circle, low-growing Persian Carpet zinnias offer a beautiful tapestry of warm shades and provide nectar for many species.

CREATING BUTTERFLY HABITAT

Butterflies are attracted to blossom shapes and colors, so it’s important to plant in mass blocks instead of a few isolated plants here and there. Planting these flowers behind each other produces an ideal combination of different flowers at varying heights, offering your visitors a choice of where to feed and rest.

These flowers provide flower nectar for nourishment and fuel butterflies need for flying. Flowers unique personal attributes of color, scent and shape lure butterflies and ensure pollination. With each sip from the heart of a blossom, tiny grains of pollen gather on the butterfly’s body and then it helps to pollinate the garden as it flutters among flowers.

Sunny days in the garden are synonymous with a busy freeway of flying butterflies. The sun warms their wing muscles, enabling them to dart, soar and fly seeking nectar and pollinating your sun loving flowers. On gusty summer days, the taller cosmos and sunflowers offer comfortable protection from the wind. Offer butterflies a convenient drinking spot with a shallow bird bath or decorative stone water container.

Our vibrant color combination includes bicolored sunflowers with mahogany petals that taper to golden tips and others with sunny yellow faces and gorgeous deep, dark-red flower faces. Carefree Royal Flush produces showy sunflowers early on strong branching stalks. Perfect for a dancing garden show and abundant summer bouquets. This beautiful blend comes from our favorite California sunflower breeder who specializes in varieties that both shine as cut flowers and offer great garden performance.

Approx: 28 Seeds.

Non GMO

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

EASIEST TO PLANT OUTDOORS

Plant in full sun in good garden soil when weather is warm and settled, all danger of frost is past and both days and nights are evenly in the 50°F (10°C) range. Poke seeds into well-worked soil about 1/2 inch deep, 4 to 5 inches apart. Press soil firmly over seeds and keep moist until seedlings emerge in 8 to 10 days. When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin seedlings to final spacing of 1 foot apart so these tall plants will have ample room to grow. Extra thinned seedlings can be transplanted easily.

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 seedlings are well established and ready to plant outside. Transplant carefully, disturbing the roots as little as possible. Space seedlings 1 foot apart so plants will have room to mature.

GROWING NOTES

These handsome branching flowers are easy and rewarding to grow. Make several sowings a few weeks apart to have a succession of flowers in full bloom. Keep soil moist and well-weeded. Protect very young seedlings from birds with netting or plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded.

For wonderful bright color in the garden, Mighty Lion offers intense orange-red, fully double, 4 to 5 inch blossoms with multiple layers of petals that remind us of a lion’s mane. These easy to grow, sun loving plants are literally covered with big glowing blossoms that attract butterflies and other pollinators and make a lively statement in the garden. The sturdy branching plants are exceptionally long blooming and their vibrant flowers make striking indoor bouquets.

Approx: 65 Seeds.

Non GMO

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 prefer well amended soil in full sun. For large and abundant flowers, 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.

Our improved heirloom selection offers fully double, big blossoms on long-stemmed plants. State Fair Gold Medal zinnias are both free flowering and long-blooming in coordinating shades that add glowing color and beauty to summer beds and borders. You can cut armfuls of these pretty flowers for bouquets all season long; the more you pick, the more flowers will develop. Butterflies and many other pollinators flock to zinnias all summer long.

Approx: 90 Seeds.

Non GMO

ANNUAL

Summer/Fall bloom
Frost tender

TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

Sow seeds in well-worked soil in full sun after frost danger is over and temperatures are above 50°F (10°C) both day and night. Space seeds 2 to 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

Four weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 3 inches apart in seed starting mix. Keep warm and moist. Provide a strong light source. Wait until temperatures are above 50°F (10°C) day and night before planting in full sun.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

When 2-3 inches tall, thin or transplant 12 inches apart, giving these large framed plants good air circulation and room to mature.

GROWING NOTES

Zinnias are easy to grow, but for abundant, healthy flowers, thin before seedlings get crowded; adequate spacing and consistent watering keeps zinnias stress-free 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/pollinators.

These giant flowering cactus zinnias have jolly 4-5 inch flower faces with curved and twisted narrow petals like quilled chrysanthemums. Raggedy Anne’s branching plants grow 3-4 feet tall and bloom merrily, lighting up the garden for weeks on end. We’ve custom mixed and coordinated the radiant shades of canary and golden yellow, orange, crimson, scarlet, coral, carmine rose, lilac rose, pink and white – you will have dozens of glowing bouquets of these exuberant old fashioned flowers.

Approx: 60 Seeds.

Non GMO

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

Sow seeds in a well-worked seedbed in full sun when danger of frost is past and weather is warm and settled. 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

One month before last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 3 inches apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant out. Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions before transplanting.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space seedlings 10 to 12 inches apart to give plants room to mature.

GROWING NOTES

Zinnias grow effortlessly in ordinary garden soil in full sun. For large and abundant flowers, thin before seedlings get crowded; adequate spacing and regular even watering will ensure free flowering and discourage mildew. Pick flowers often by cutting long stems well back into the plant to keep them branching from below and producing best blooms for bright summer-long bouquets.

This carefree bedding and border zinnia weaves an intricate garden tapestry in sparkling south of the border color combinations of cream, gold, chestnut, orange, burgundy and pale yellow with petal tips and circled centers in contrasting shades. A bed of the rounded starry blooms in their cheerful mosaic patterns brightens up any leafy corner, and bouquets of the fiesta colored blossoms are charming on a patio supper table. Butterflies delight in Persian Carpet’s nectar and summer-long display.

Approx: 155 Seeds.

Non GMO

Helianthus annuus. This selection of our loveliest short-growing sunflower seeds brings a mix of variety and spontaneity to the sunflower patch. Ideal for small city gardeners, they can also be grown in containers. The Short Blend Sunflowers contain a variety of field grown sunflowers ranging from 60-120cm tall. Plant and enjoy all these lovely, height-challenged sunflowers. Even when they’re small, sunflowers are extremely attractive to pollinators, so they are perfect for the edge of the organic vegetable garden, and will bring in scores of honeybees and other beneficial insects. Though their tiny seeds are, in theory, edible, they make better food for the wild birds that will frequent the garden in late summer.  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.

1 gram of seed.

The Sunrich series of hybrid sunflowers was bred with the florist trade in mind. These are highly uniform annuals that mature in 60 to 70 days from direct sowing, producing a single, upright stem, about 1.2-1.5m tall. The flowers are very round with dense numbers of petals, but the flowers produce no pollen, so they won’t make a mess when they’re cut and brought indoors. They make really excellent, long-lasting cut flowers, with blooms 10-15cm across.

Sunrich Blend combines all four exciting colours: Orange, Gold, Lemon, and Lime, in equal quantity. It makes for a stunning display in the summer, and has huge potential for the cut flower market. Become a flower farmer and start with the Sunrich Blend.  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.

Rose-Pink sweet peas are a lovely shade of bubble-gum pink with highlights of white. Exceptionally fragrant blossoms from the popular Royal Family series. We are excited to offer this series as individual colours so you can plant your favorites. Large 2″ flowers bloom over a long period. Provide a trellis for the 152-182cm vining plants.  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 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: 65 Seeds.

Tithonia rotundifolia. Mexican Torch seeds produce exceedingly bright orange flowers atop massive plants that grow to 1.8m in just a few months. Tithonia does not produce edible flowers, and is not a true sunflower. Grown in large containers (3-5 gallons minimum), plants will stay more compact, growing only to 60cm tall. Tithonia is highly attractive to pollinators, including hummingbirds, and looks great when planted in big clumps or rows. The seeds are easy to collect and dry for future planting, and the massive stalks from the plants can be used for trellising peas or pole beans the following year. Mexican Torch won an AAS Award in 1951.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, and transplant out once night time temperatures are reliably above 10°C. Seeds germinate in 5-14 days

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow seeds on the surface of the soil under bright lights, and maintain a soil temperature of 21°C. Seeds can be direct sown outdoors in spring, but well after last frost, and only where winters are mild.

How To Grow, Growing:  Stake plants, particularly in windy areas, and water only during prolonged dry weather. Plant in full sun, allowing 60cm between plants. Any light soil will work.

Approx: 90 Seeds.