Flower 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
4 feet tall
Full Sun to Partial Sun
Zones 3-9
Blooms June to July
Medium-Wet to Dry Site
Approx. 20 seeds per pack

White Wild Indigo (Baptisia alba) has beautiful, pea-like blossoms on long spikes that bring a showy pop to any garden space. Popular with pollinators, bumblebees and caterpillars of butterflies feed on nectar and the foliage. A quick-growing plant, the new shoots can be mistaken for asparagus in the spring. Looks stunning around garden borders. Part of the legume family.

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
1-3 feet tall
Full Sun
Blooms July to August
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 120 seeds per pack
Zones 3-9

Prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) is a low-maintenance and totally stellar grass for landscaping. It is short, clump-forming and easy to grow but does not readily self-seed in the garden. Prairie dropseed can be planted around walnuts as it is tolerant to juglone. Seeds provide a food source for birds and if the foliage is not cut back, it maintains its fountain shape throughout the winter. Native to much of central North America, this tallgrass and mixed prairie species is hardy from zones 3-9.

Growing Instructions

No pre-treatment required. Sow seed at soil surface. Do not let seedling dry out while it is establishing. Since prairie dropseed is a warm season grass it needs soil temperatures that are at least 70°F (21C) to cue germination and germination may take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks. Prairie dropseed germination rates can be greatly improved by starting trays on a heat mat or sowing later into the spring for warmer soil temperatures.

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
2-3 feet tall
Full Sun to Part Shade
Zones 3-9
Blooms September- October
Dry to Medium Site
Approx. 90 seeds per pack, covers 30ft2

Sideoats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula) is a short prairie grass that is native throughout the temperate and tropical Western Hemisphere, from Canada down to Argentina. It is very attractive in a landscape, giving off hints of bright red and purple. It has a non-aggressive, semi-clumping nature, making it perfect to plants with other grasses or wildflowers in gardens.

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
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
3-5 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
3-5′ 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

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.

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.

Zinnia elegans. Scores of 5cm (2″) wide, blood-red flowers appear high atop medium-green plants that grow to 75cm (30″) tall. The stems are strong and upright, and ideal as cut flowers. Each time they are cut, the stem divides to produce even more flowers. As they open, the flowers are instantly recognizable as Zinnias, but then they unfold and ruffle from the centre outward to take on the distinctive cupcake look of the ‘Scabiosaflora’ series. Direct sow Sanguinea Cupcake Zinnia seeds in loamy soil in full sun, and enjoy the seemingly endless cut flowers from early summer into September. 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. 51 seeds

Zinnia elegans. Each flower opens as a conventional looking Zinnia, but then ruffles from the centre with so many petals that it resembles the pincushion flower, Scabiosa. Hence its inclusion in the ‘Scabiosaflora’ series. The truly handsome blooms top tall, upright stems that are superb as cut flowers. The plants grow to 75cm (30″) tall, and produce from early summer right into September. These flowers drew consistent interest in our summer seed trials, and made it into a great many bouquets. Direct sow Lemon Cupcake Zinnia seeds, and begin cutting flowers in as few as nine weeks. Annual.