Flower Seeds

Rudbeckia hirta. We did a double take when we saw this remarkable Rudbeckia during the summer flower trials. Large and very attractive bronze and chocolate coloured blooms appear over a very long flowering period from mid summer to frost. Cappuccino Rudbeckia seeds are an excellent garden performer with huge, richly coloured flowers to 10cm (4″) across covering plants growing to 45-50cm (18-20″) tall. This Rudbeckia would work well in a half-barrel or other large containers, and it looks sensational in big plantings. Impressive, low maintenance, and drought tolerant for xeriscaping. Deadhead spent flowers for a longer display. In very mild conditions, this plant may survive to bloom a second, or even third year. We treat it as an annual.

Rudbeckia hirta. At 30–100 cm (12–39″) tall, this North American native annual wildflower is immediately familiar, and conjures a sense of the heat of mid-summer. Dark brown cone centres are surrounded by pure yellow petals in flowers 5-8cm (2-3″) across. Black Eyed Susan is a common name shared by many plants, but this is the annual that is native to the northeastern United States. This plant has been used by a number of First Nations as a medicinal poultice to treat a number of infections, including cold and flu. You’ll love the bright look of this plant in mass plantings or in larger containers.

Low growing annual mounds of white flowers give off a rich honey perfume. Snow Cloth is great as living mulch and attractor of beneficial insects in the veggie garden. Ideal for edging, baskets, or pots. Shear plants after first flowering for a second bloom, as late as early October. Sow Snow Cloth Alyssum seeds in groups of 8 to 10 seeds for stronger effect. Do not cover. Plants grow to 15cm (6″) tall, but they tend to spread, so keep compact by growing in full sun.

Alyssum makes an excellent cover for weed suppression and for attracting beneficial insects. Tiny predatory wasp species are attracted by the small flowers, and will feed on caterpillars, aphids, and other pests.Sow in all unused areas or between rows.

Lobelia erinus. Vivid navy blue flowers adorn this tiny, trailing Lobelia, making it ideal for stuffing between other plants as a ground cover. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. Grow Regatta Midnight Blue Lobelia seeds in window boxes or hanging baskets, and allow it to cascade over the edges of any container. In moist soil it will thrive in full sun or partial shade. This trailing Lobelia looks fabulous with Alyssum, and fills in empty corners really well. Sow the tiny, dust-like seeds on the surface of moist soil, and do not transplant outside until night time temperatures are well above 10°C (50°F). Regatta Midnight Blue is a recipient of the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.

Papaver rhoeas. A breathtaking blend of crepe papery and subtly hued poppies, from dusty roses to muddy mauves, smoky strawberries to pearl whites, as well as bicolour picotees. Flowers grow on long stems up to 40-60cm (15-25″) tall. This special blend was reportedly named by painter and gardener, Sir Cedric Morris.

Zinnia elegans. We grew a wide range of Zinnias in the summer field trials, but this one really stood out. Queeny Lime Orange Zinnias have branching stems that grow to about 90cm (36″) tall. Atop each stem is a flower of immense beauty that starts out lime green, but as its petals unfold they turn to deep peach and then orange. This colour range looks wonderful in bouquets. As cut flowers they are long lasting and luxuriant, and in the garden they are abuzz with bumble bees. The plants respond well to cutting, with more flowers forming all the time. The bloom period is from mid-summer right into September.

As organic gardeners, we believe that biodiversity begets biodiversity. Plant a wide variety of flowers, and it will attract a wide variety of pollinators. The hugely diverse flowers of the thirty flower species in the Biodiversity Blend are variously shaped, scented, and sized. Some are generous with their pollen and nectar, while others are stingier, but all were selected because of their attraction for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Even hummingbirds will become regular visitors. Several species included produce edible seeds to benefit songbirds even after the colours have faded. This blend reaches a height of about 1m (3′), and is hardy to Zone 3. It is composed of perennials and self-sowing annuals, and will bloom from late spring to first frost, changing as the seasons pass. Recommended rate of application: 185g per 1,000 square feet.

Viola cornuta. We loved this petite pansy as soon as it bloomed, and it bloomed in the first year, over a long period. Just 14 to 16 weeks after seeding, its small, very dark, and flat-faced flowers began to appear. With regular deadheading Back to Black just blooms and blooms. The foliar growth is vigorous, but the stature of the plants remains compact at about 15cm (6″) tall. It would look great in containers or window boxes, but it takes on a wonderful appearance in mass plantings. The flowers are actually very deep purple, but so deep that they appear black from a few feet away. Each delicate flower is streaked in the centre by a brush of golden yellow. The edible flower petals look amazing scattered on ice cream. Sow in early spring for summer flowers, or as late as July for winter blooms. It’s hardy in Zones 5 to 9.