Flower 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Approx: 50 Seeds.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Approx: 35 Seeds

Perennial
3-6 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms September- October
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 90 seeds per pack
Zones 3-9

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is a an important native prairie habitat grass species, that is popular in restoration and ornamental applications. Little Bluestem forms blue-green clumps in the summer and in the fall it turns beautiful shades of red and copper, which remain throughout the winter. Little Bluestem has very high value for wildlife, its seed are eaten by songbirds and it is the host plant of several butterflies including the Dusted Skipper, Cobweb Skipper, Ottoe Skipper, Indian Skipper, Swarthy Skipper and Crossline Skipper.

For larger stands of Little Bluestem, sow at a density of 3.5-4 KG/acre or 1 KG/ 11,000 square feet.

Growing Instructions

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

Perennial
2′-3′ tall
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Blooms July to August
Dry to Medium Site
Zones 3-8
Approx. 200 seeds per pack, covers 30ft2

White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida) is a beautiful clover to bring into your garden space, especially when mixed with its sister, Purple Prairie Clover. This plant will often grow in patches of 8-10 plants and can get up to three feet tall. Blooming from June through to September, this clover’s bright, white flowers start growing at the base of a cone-shaped flower, and continue to wrap upwards as the season progresses. This plant is part of the legume family, meaning it can fix nitrogen into the soil, improving growing conditions for other neighboring plants. This plant will keep pollinators and birds happy!

Growing Instructions

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

Perennial
4 feet tall
Full Sun to Part-Shade
Blooms August to October
Dry to Medium Site
Zones 3-9
Approx. 325 seeds per pack

Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve) has leaves that are smooth to the touch, distinguishing it from most other Aster varieties. The stem also often takes on a shade of blue. This is a non-aggressive plant that is slow to spread so it is a nice one to have in the garden with companions. The beautiful purple-blue flowers attract many different pollinators and the plant is host for the Silvery Checkerspot and Pearl Crescent Butterflies.

Growing Instructions

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

Perennial
1-3 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms May to July
Dry to Moist Site
Approx. 75 seeds per pack, covers 20ft2
Zones 3-8

Thimbleweed (Anemone virginiana) is a great spring plant with delicate white and yellow flowers. After flowering the seed heads add a lot of personality to the garden, they resemble elongated thimbles that persist into the winter.

Growing Instructions

Cold, moist stratification required. Mix seeds with moist substrate (vermiculite, perlite or moss) and place in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 6-8 weeks. Sow seed at 1/8 inch depth. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing.

OR

Sow directly outdoors in late fall to overwinter.

Perennial
3-4 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Sun
Blooms May to July
Medium to Medium-Wet Site
Approx. 20 seeds per pack
Hardiness Zones 4-9

Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) adds a gorgeous punch of deep blue into the spring and early summer garden. The plant is long lived and slow to mature, so expect a floppy stem for the first years as the plant focuses on deep underground roots. Often in its third year the plant will develop a larger shrub like habit and begin to flower. Blue False Indigo is the host plant of the Wild Indigo Duskywing butterfly. Indigos are members of the legume family, hence they are nitrogen fixers and a great addition to the permaculture garden.

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 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
1-2′ tall
Full Sun
Blooms July to August
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 125 seeds per pack
Zones 3-8

Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea) is both beautiful and practical. The plant is very easy to grow, drought tolerant and grows well in a variety of soil conditions including rock gardens. A member of the clover family, purple prairie clover fixes nitrogen, hence enhancing the soil for other neighbouring plants. The unique bright purple flowers and the plants clump forming habit make for a beautiful addition to the garden.

Growing Instructions

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

Perennial
3-8 feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms August- September
Dry to Wet Site
Approx. 25 seeds per pack
Zones 4-8

Prairie dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum) is just as desirable for its foliage as it is for its flowers. The plant has huge fan-like basal leaves that are a nice addition to the garden throughout the year, then in late summer sends up clusters of bright yellow flowers on delicate stocks. The flowers are popular with bees and the seeds are eaten by finches and other songbirds. Note prairie dock can grow to be over 8 feet tall and requires adequate space.

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 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
3-6 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms September- October
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 175 seeds per pack
Zones 3-9

Maximilian’s Sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) can grow anywhere from 3-10 feet tall and produces countless flowers throughout the late summer and fall. Maximilian’s sunflower is palatable to livestock and can be incorporated into grazing areas. This native produces a heavy crop of seed annually, which provides an important food source for birds and small mammals.

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
1-3 feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms July- August
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 80 seeds per pack
Zones 3-8

Leadplant (Amorpha canescens) has a shrub forming habit and can grow up to 3 feet tall. Leadplant is native to the central parts of Canada and the U.S. and is hardy in zones 3-8. It is tolerant to a range of soil types and is happiest in full sun. Deep roots allow for drought tolerance and the ability to survive fires. Leadplant is also a member of the pea family, allowing it to fix Nitrogen, making it available to other neighbouring plants. Note, this long lived perennial may take up to 4 years to reach maturity and flower.

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
3-4 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
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
3-6 feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms July to September
Dry to Moist Site
Approx. 50 seeds per pack
Zones 3-7

Canada Tick Trefoil (Desmodium canadense) is a legume and hence makes nitrogen available, which in turn enriches the soil for the rest of your garden. Canada Trick Trefoil is native to most of eastern North America. Its pollen, nectar, seeds and foliage provide a food source for a number of insects, birds and mammals.

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