Flower Seeds

Perennial
2-3 feet tall
Full Sun to Part-Shade
Blooms June to September
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. >200 seeds per pack
Hardiness Zones 3-9

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a widely distributed native plant with so much going for it. It is drought tolerant, the fresh and dried foliage has a pleasant fragrance, it is a popular nectar source for butterflies and is the host plant of many native moths and beetles. Yarrow spreads via rhizomes and will proliferate readily in the garden. Note, seeds are very small.

Yarrow has a unique and often confusing history. In terms of its range in North America, it is both native and introduced. Native A. millefolium populations existed in North America prior to European colonization, however additional stock of the plant was brought over by settlers from Europe and Asia. The introduced plants were of the same species, but did exhibit some genetic differences and hybridized with native stands.

Growing Instructions

No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while establishing.

Perennial
1-3′ feet tall
Full to Part Sun
Blooms June to July
Medium to Moist Site
Approx. 80 seeds per pack
Zones 3-8

Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a hardy, easy to maintain native plant and does well in a variety of poor soil conditions, from sand to rock gardens. Its shallow roots make it a good option for planting on septic beds and it also transplants very well. The yellow and orange flowers are some of the first to come up in the spring and are popular with hummingbirds.

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.

Perennial
2-5 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms August to September
Medium to Wet Site
Approx. 75 seeds per pack
Zones 3-9

Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), like all milkweeds is a host plant to the monarch butterfly, but has the advantage of being less toxic than it’s more popular cousin Common Milkweed. Swamp milkweed thrives in moist sites and is an important species for wetland restoration. It is easy to grow from seed, will thrive in wet clay-rich soil and its brilliant pink flowers are loved by bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.

Growing Instructions

Wet and cold 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.

Perennial
2 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Sun
Blooms June to September
Medium to Wet Site
Over 300 seeds per pack
Zones 3-9

Square Stemmed Monkey Flower (Mimulus ringens) is a compact plant with delicate blooms that are a wonderful addition to the wildflower garden. The flowers are generally pale blue-violet but occasionally pink or white and attract butterflies, bumblebees and other pollinating insects. This plant grows best in wetter patches in the garden and occurs naturally in wet meadows, swamps, and stream and pond borders.

Growing Instructions

Wet and cold 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 soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.

Perennial
2-3 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms June to August
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 100 seeds per pack
Zones 3-9

Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera) has a unique shape and is easy to grow from seed. The plant is a native of the Canadian Prairies but grows well in zones 3 to 10. Prairie coneflower’s deep taproot allows it to survive well in dry conditions. Flowers may exhibit yellow, red or mixed coloration.

Growing Instructions
No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at 1/4 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.

Perennial
3-5 feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms June to July
Dry to Moist Site
Approx. 50 seeds per pack
Zones 3-8

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea pallida) flowers are a unique dusty purple and emerge in early summer. It forms a deep taproot which allows for great drought tolerance, but it does not do well in undrained soil and resents being transplanted. It is a food source of the adult Ottoe Skipper butterfly, which is listed as endangered in Canada and threatened in the United States. There has been much debate over the years about whether Pale Purple Coneflower is historically native to Southern Ontario or not, as documented historical specimens are rate yet it can be found in bordering states and throughout much of the central United States. Most restoration practitioners consider it to be native or ‘near native’ to Ontario.

Growing Instructions

Wet and cold 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.

Perennial
3-5 feet tall
Full to Part Sun
Blooms June to September
Dry to Medium
Approx. 40 seeds per pack
Zones 3-8

Oxeye Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) is native to the prairie habitats of central Canada. It is not a true sunflower, but rather the flowers resemble a smaller version of the yellow sunflower. Oxeye sunflower is easy to grow from seeds, maintenance is undemanding and it does well in clay rich soil.

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.

Perennial
3-6 feet tall
Part Shade to Full Sun
Blooms August to September
Medium to Moist Site
Approx. 125 seeds per package
Zones 4-9

New York Ironweed (Vernonia noveboracensis) is found in moist areas in the wild but will also flourish in a garden with medium soil. Native to the eastern portion of the United States, this species is hardy up to zone 5. The species tolerates clay and acidic conditions well. It attracts butterflies and the seed heads are a food source for birds. New York Ironweed’s tall, narrow growth habit makes it ideal for placement in borders or to fill in tight spaces in the garden. The species has a naturally low germination rate, hence over-seeding is recommended.

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.

Perennial
1-2 feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms June to August
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 30 seeds per package
Zones 3-9

Lanceleaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) are easy to grow, and do well in rocky, sandy or poor soil. We collected our original wild seed crop off the edges of a cliff! Lanceleaf Coreopsis plants grow into somewhat orderly looking clumps and deadheading will prolong flowering.

Growing Instructions

Wet and cold 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.

Perennial
2 feet tall
Full Sun to Part-Shade
Blooms June to September
Medium to Dry Site
Approx. 100 seeds per pack
Hardiness Zones 3-8

Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta) is a gorgeous prairie native that is more compact and than its more popular relative Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata). Hoary vervain is the host plant of the Common Buckeye butterfly and its seeds are an important food source for small mammals and birds. While it self-seeds readily, hoary vervain does not compete well against more aggressive wildflower varieties and tall native grasses. Note, seeds are very small.

Growing Instructions

Wet and cold 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 soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.
OR
Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.

Perennial
3-6 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms July to September
Dry to Wet Site
Over 200 seeds per pack
Zone 3-9

Grey-Headed Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) can be recognized by its drooping yellow petals. It is a favourite of bees and caterpillars of the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly and Wavy-Lined and Common Eupithecia moths feed on it as well. This native is palatable to livestock and can be used for grazing. It can be identified from other coneflowers by the licorice scent released by rubbing the flower’s central disk.

Growing Instructions

Wet and cold 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.

Perennial
3 feet tall
Full Sun to Part-Shade
Blooms April to June
Medium-Dry to Medium-Wet Site
Approx. 80 seeds per pack
Hardiness Zones 3-8

Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) is stunning, golden-yellow native plant that every garden should have. This plant is easy to grow and will self-seed. Golden Alexanders will tolerate a lot of shade but prefer full sun or light shade. They are adaptable to a wide range of soil types. This cheery-looking plant is important to a number of short-tongued insects that are able to easily access the nectar in the small yellow flowers. Black Swallowtail and Ozark Swallowtails caterpillars will feed on its leaves. Golden Alexanders is an early bloomer, giving the garden colour for several weeks in late spring to early summer when many other plants have not yet come into bloom.

Note: should not be confused with the similar-looking Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) which is a highly invasive biennial commonly found on roadsides and other disturbed sites. Wild Parsnip is taller than Golden Alexanders, blooms later and can cause painful skin burns.

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.

Plant Spacing: 1-2′

Perennial
3-4 feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms August to September
Medium to Moist Site
Approx. 80 seeds per package
Zones 3-10

Dense blazingstar (Liatris spicata) the whimsical flower spikes of this Northeastern native are loved by hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Blazingstar supplies a winter food source for birds and is deer resistant. It prefers well drained sites, as the stem may rot if overwintered in waterlogged soil. An excellent accent plant, especially when planted next to natives with contrasting yellow blooms, such as green-headed coneflower, black-eyed susans and lance-leaf coreopsis.

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.

Perennial
3-6 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms July to September
Dry to Wet Site
Approx. 20 seeds per pack
Zones 4-8

Cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) adds a lot of wildlife value to the garden. The plant’s leaf bases form cups which provide water to birds and insects, butterflies regularly visit the flowers and birds feed on their fall seeds. Cup plant is easy to grow from seed and although it is mostly native to Southern Ontario, it does well in zones 3-8.

Growing Instructions

Wet and cold 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.

Perennial
2-5 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms June to August
Medium to Wet Site
Over 200 seeds per pack
Zones 3-8

Culver’s root (Veronicastrum virginicum) is a beautiful accent plant in any garden. Native to the southern-most parts of Ontario and Manitoba, where it is a threatened species. Culver root does well in hardiness zones 3- 8. Note seeds are very small.

Growing Instructions

No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.

Perennial
3-5′ feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms July to September
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 80 seeds per pack
Zones 3-8

Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is the host plant of the monarch butterfly and an important nectar source for bees and butterflies. The blooms are incredibly fragrant. Common milkweed sap is toxic, so growing it in areas where livestock graze should be discouraged. Good alternatives are swamp and butterfly milkweed, which are also monarch host plants but are less toxic.

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.

Perennial
1-2 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Sun
Blooms August to October
Dry to Medium
Zones 3-6
Approx. 100 seeds per pack

Bottle Gentian (Gentiana andrewsii) blooms are a brilliant mauve-blue and appear just as the rest of the garden is winding down. Plant close to the front of your garden border so it doesn’t get overwhelmed with earlier bloomers. In the wild it grows in wet areas, but will also do fine in average moisture of the garden. A favorite of bumble bees.

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 soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.

OR

Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.

Perennial
3-6′ tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms July to October
Medium to Wet Soil Site
Approx. 150 seeds per pack
Zones 3-8

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) is a must have for moist sites. It has a long bloom period, with intensely aromatic flowers that are of high value to pollinators. It is the host plant to a number of butterflies and moths including Lined Ruby Tiger Moth, Burdock Borer Moth, Three-lined Flower Moth, Blackberry Looper, Geometrid Moth and Clymene Moth. Boneset is deer resistant and will also tolerate shaded conditions. Pairs well with cardinal flower and New England aster. Plant seed densely as this species has a naturally low germination rate.

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.

Perennial
1-3 feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms August to October
Medium to Moist Site
Approx. 175 seeds per pack
Zones 3-9

Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) are favorites among new gardeners- they are prolific and very easy to grow. They are a favorite to pollinators like bees and butterflies. Black-eyed Susans have a biennial (2 year) life cycle, but often self seed, acting more like perennials once established.

Growing Instructions

No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.

Perennial
3-4 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms July to August
Dry to Moist Site
Approx. 100 seeds per pack
Zones 3-6

Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is a native culinary delicacy that is very easy to grow from seed and a breeze to maintain. The crushed leaves and flowers smell and taste like licorice and are immensely popular with bees.

Growing Instructions

No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.

Perhaps worth noting is that anise hyssop hybridizes readily with all members of the Agastache family, including a number of cultivars and some non-native varieties that in some areas are now considered naturalized. As an open-pollinated species, it is possible and increasingly common for a wild-type stand of A. foeniculum to be pollinated by a different Agastache variety, producing hybrid seed. Hybridization is especially common in urban settings, where ornamental and medicinal hyssop varieties are abundant. Although hybridization is difficult to avoid, maintaining isolation distances of 5,000 meters or more between your stand and other varieties can help. Non-native Agastaches often winter-kill as they are hardy to zone 5 and up. Non-native Agastaches are not considered invasive species and although hybridization is a nuisance, they are nonetheless equally excellent nectar sources for pollinators.

Papaver somniferum. Black Peony poppies feature the deepest purple flowers available, with fully double, tightly packed petals for a very striking look. The dramatic, peony-shaped flowers only open for one day, but appear from July through September. They can grow to 10cm across. The dried seed heads are very useful in dried flower arrangements, and the edible seeds can be used in baking. Black Peony is highly attractive to bees and resistant to grazing deer. Expected plant height approximately 90cm.  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. 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 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: 690 Seeds.

Eschscholzia californica. XL Jelly Beans is a new California poppy that features very large, semi-double blooms that feature splashes of bubblegum pink, lemon yellow, and raspberry red. These contrast beautifully against the feathery foliage with its restrained, matte silver-blue colour. The eye-catching flowers appear over a long period from spring through summer, and work well in beds or containers. XL Jelly Beans grows to about 25cm  tall, and is somewhat drought tolerant. It’s also deer resistant.  Hardy 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: 155 Seeds.

Callistephus chinensis. The Blues Mix is an excellent choice for the cut flower garden. It blooms from July to October on strong, upright, multi branching stems to a height of 75cm. The mix of large and small flowers appear in blues, purples, and white, but all with the ruff of fully double petals. All are attractive to pollinating insects and hummingbirds, and they look magnificent in a large bouquet. 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: 120 Seeds.

Callistephus chinensis. The Roses Mix is a top choice for the cut flower garden. It blooms from July to October on strong, upright, multi branching stems to a height of 75cm. The mix of large and small flowers appear in rose pink and white, but all with the ruff of fully double petals. All are attractive to pollinating insects and hummingbirds, and they look magnificent in a large bouquet. 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: 100 Seeds.