Flower Seeds

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

This award-winning combination of silken-petaled, double poppies features shimmering watercolor shades including cream, apricot, peach, coral, lavender, pink and bicolors and picotees. It took breeders years to develop these lustrous colors. Exquisite in the garden as the blossoms sway gracefully on nodding 3 foot tall stems above frothy gray-green foliage. These easy-to-grow and irresistible flowers are the perfect way to welcome the joys of spring and other words to fill.

Approx: 200 Seeds.

Non GMO

ANNUAL

Spring/summer bloom
Frost hardy

BEST TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

Sow seeds directly into a finely textured garden bed in full sun as early in spring as ground can be worked. To help space the fine seeds, mix with dry sand before sowing. Cover very lightly with fine soil and keep seed bed moist as seedlings emerge over 7 to 21 days.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Poppies do not transplant well so we advise sowing the seeds directly in the garden. To get good garden performance, be sure to thin crowded seedlings early; final plant spacing should be 6 to 8 inches apart, so plants have room to grow, mature and bloom.

GROWING NOTES

Plant as early as possible in spring, as poppies can handle frost and bloom best and longest when plants get a good start in cool weather. In mild winter climates, sow seed in late fall to overwinter for spring bloom. Weed and water young seedlings carefully. Mature plants can handle dry conditions but appreciate regular water in hot summer locations. Poppies make good cut flowers if cut just as buds begin to open. Allow spent flowers to form pods and drop seed if you want flowers to self-sow for next season’s bloom.

Early Call has huge showy blossoms a full 4 inches across. The luminous flowers unfurl anew each morning to greet you in a watercolor wash of pink, magenta, pearly white, chocolate, lavender and sky-blue, many encircled with a dainty white edging. They bloom continuously from midsummer atop strong climbing vines with captivating fleur-de-lis shaped leaves.

Approx: 25 Seeds.

Non GMO

ANNUAL VINE

Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

TO START OUTDOORS

In late spring once weather is warm and settled and nights stay above 50°F (10°C) plant seeds in a sunny spot in ordinary garden soil 2 to 3 inches apart and 1/2 inch deep. Firm soil over seeds.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

Sow indoors 4 or 5 weeks before last expected frost in individual pots of seed starting mix. Cover 1⁄2 inch deep and keep warm and moist. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outdoors. Transplant very carefully once nights stay above 50°F (10°C) and before seedlings get too crowded. Thin or transplant seedlings 6 to 8 inches apart. Avoid disturbing roots.

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.

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 seed.

Blend Ingredients: 

The Great Lakes region is vast and diverse, but it is united by hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Many native North American wildflower species can be found throughout the whole region, but we have selected these species for their ease, suitability, and charm. This collection includes annuals, biennials, and perennials that are both cold hardy and drought tolerant. They should return for years to come once established. The range of colours is huge, as are the number of native insects that will come to feed on them. Any area with limited biodiversity will be improved by the Great Lakes Wildflower Blend.

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:

Zinnia elegans. Fluffy, medium-sized flowerheads with long but strong stems growing up to between 30–40″ tall. The petals of Oklahoma Salmon blends warm pinks and corals to create unique blooms that pair well with a variety of other colours. The Oklahoma series is prolific and consistently produces double and semi-double blooms with a long vase life, which is why they are a favourite of professional flower farmers. They thrive in hot weather and also has high resistance to powdery mildew.  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: 145 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.

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.

Eschscholzia californica.  Lady Marmalade is a new California Poppy that was originally selected from the Mission Bells mix. Try it rock gardens, patio containers, or mass landscape plantings, and enjoy the rose shaped, semi-double blooms that appear in golden yellow with bright orange centres. The flowers are drought tolerant, deer resistant, and will often naturalize in warm, dry garden settings. Lady Marmalade grows to 35cm tall on upright stems, and blooms July through September from a direct spring sowing.  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: 150 Seeds.

Katz is an early blooming one-cut stock series with good uniformity and long stem length, prized by professional growers. Blooms are 50-60% double flowers with selection possible for a higher percentage. The Katz series produces one flowering stem on each 60-76cm plant that should not be pinched.  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°C.

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: 50 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.

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.

Helianthus annuus. This dwarf sunflower grows to a height of 75-100cm , making them suitable for beds and borders in small gardens as well as patio containers in sunny spots. This compact, multi-branched sunflower has large leaves and the 22cm blooms have rich, honey centres that are framed by cheery, yellow petals. The flowers bloom over a long season, attracting a host of pollinators. Once the blooms fade, birds will flock to them to feed on their tasty seeds. They are excellent as cut flowers too as they last a long time in vases.  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: 12 Seeds.

Lavatera trimestris. Stunning the garden, these snowy white mallows make excellent cut flowers. Gleaming white, massive 10cm wide flowers glow in the moonlight. Aptly named Mont Blanc for its profuse blooms on a compact plant growing up to 90cm tall earns this fast growing annual a place in the flower bed, front and centre. Mont Blanc Lavatera seeds are easy to grow, very hardy, and bloom from mid summer to frost. This fast growing plant works well in containers on their own, but even better in mass plantings. Try growing some at the end of your patio, where they can be enjoyed at night in the moonlight.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Start indoors in peat or coir pots 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow outdoors in early spring when light frost is still possible. If starting indoors, maintain a soil temperature of 21°C. Seeds will sprout in 15-20 days. Transplant after last frost, being careful not to disrupt the roots. If direct sowing, repeat every 2 weeks until the nights get warmer for a longer bloom time.

How To Grow, Starting:  Barely cover the seeds. Transplant or thin to 30-45cm apart.

How To Grow, Growing:  Lavatera dislikes transplanting, so do not try to move them from their permanent planting site. Grow in moist, average soil. Water well and deadhead regularly. Avoid feeding plants, as Lavatera grown in rich soil will have lush foliage and fewer flowers. It may self-sow.

Approx: 40 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.

Aquilegia canadensis. Red Columbine’s wonderful flowers appear mid-spring to early summer, with spurs at the back that are generous with nectar, luring hummingbirds, butterflies, and long tongued bees. Its distinctive red flowers dance and wobble in the slightest breeze. A hardy perennial in Zones 3 to 9, it thrives in partial shade. It can be grown in full sun, but it would benefit from even more soil moisture. The flowers are followed by decorative seed pods that dry and begin to shed their contents in late summer.  Perennial.

How To Grow, Timing:  Direct sow in autumn or mid-winter. Seeds can be started indoors, but it’s more complicated: Sow seeds in flats of moistened, sterilized seed starting mix, and place these inside plastic bags in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. Then sink the flats outdoors in the ground in a shady spot, and cover with glass. As seedlings appear, transplant them or pot them on. Germination takes 30-90 days.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow on the soil surface and transplant or thin seedlings to 30-50cm apart.

How To Grow, Growing:  Seedlings are easy to move, but delicate. Keep them out of strong sunlight, and water frequently, but gently. Deadhead regularly to prolong the blooming period. Columbine’s flowers are followed by distinctive seed pods that open on their own when the seeds are ripe. These can be removed to prevent self sowing, or for very easy harvest of the seeds. We like to harvest Columbine seeds mid-summer and spread them in any shady spot that could use some colour. Grow Columbine in humus-rich, moist, but well-drained soil.

Approx: 70 Seeds.

Callistephus chinensis. King Size Appleblossom China Asters are some of the most sensational cut flowers we know of. The large flowers are showy without being garish, and luxuriant without going over the top. They open almost pure white and blush deep coral pink as they age. The elaborate flowers open up to 8cm across, with slightly curled petals. They top stems around 102cm tall and bloom all summer. Be sure to take frequent harvests of cut flowers, or at least keep the plants dead-headed to prolong and enhance the bloom time. Please follow the planting and spacing instructions closely.  Annual.

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

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

Approx: 50 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.