Flower Seeds

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
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
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
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.

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.

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.

Zinnia haageana. Planting Soleado zinnia seeds in the spring results in a jubilant display of single flowers with two-tone orange petals surrounding concentric circles of mahogany and yellow. The plants are tougher than other Zinnias and will stand up to nearly any weather conditions, blooming right into fall. Plant height to 45cm. Direct sow after last frost, in April and May on the coast. Zinnias don’t transplant well, but you can try starting some indoors 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.  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:  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, 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: 20 Seeds.

A special blend for the cut flower grower and owners of big vases! Giant Blue Point Zinnias produce dahlia-flowered zinnias with tall stems in large double blooms. Crimson red, lilac, rose, canary yellow, deep red, white and orange. This is the earliest flowering variety. Giant Blue Point Formula zinnia seeds zinnias are long blooming with excellent disease resistance. Picking off the dead flowers (deadheading) will prolong the bloom time, but so will cutting them for bouquets. The colours are brilliant and the stems are strong and upright, perfect for cutting. 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. 125 seeds

Lathyrus odoratus. Grow some history! These most unusual Italian heirloom sweet peas are bi-coloured violet and deep maroon. Matucana sweet pea seeds are thought to be one of the first sweet peas to be introduced to Britain in 1700 by a Sicilian Monk, Franciscus Cupani. Matucana sweet peas have an intoxicating scent and smaller flowers than many modern varieties that bloom over a long period in summer. Provide some support for this rampant climber and it will reward you with stunning beauty and fragrance. And be sure to pick off spent flowers before they form seed pods. This will keep the plants blooming longer. This is one of our staff favourites.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last average frost date for your area. Or direct sow outdoors in early spring, while the soil is still cool and light frost is still possible. Plants are strongest from an early, indoor sowing. Sweet peas can also be direct sown in the fall where winters are mild.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow seeds 1cm deep. If starting indoors, chip seeds or soak them in warm water for 24 hours. Use a seed inoculant for the best results. Maintain a soil temperature of 12-18°C. Seeds should germinate in 10-20 days.

How To Grow, Growing:  For best results, prepare the sweet pea bed the previous fall. Cultivate the soil to 45cm deep, incorporating a generous amount of finished compost. Also dig in bone meal. At transplant time, dig ¼ cup balanced organic fertilizer into the soil beneath each plant. Space vines at 15cm and provide trellis support. Mulch around plants to keep the soil as cool as possible, and water during dry weather. Keep plants picked to prolong the blooming period.

Approx: 50 Seeds.

Lathyrus odoratus. Plant High Scent sweet pea seeds for incredibly luxurious floral fragrance. This variety has large, pure white flowers that blush at the edges. The vines are tall at 120cm, and the stems are long, making them superb and elegant cut flowers. “High Scent” is no exaggeration – these are the sweet peas to grow for their intense perfume. Try them on a trellis or as a screen to break up garden spaces. It’s easiest just to direct sow the seeds in early spring and erect a trellis or support once the seedlings are 15cm tall. Keep the vines clear of spent flowers to prolong the bloom period.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last average frost date for your area. Or direct sow outdoors in early spring, while the soil is still cool and light frost is still possible. Plants are strongest from an early, indoor sowing. Sweet peas can also be direct sown in the fall where winters are mild.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow seeds 1cm deep. If starting indoors, chip seeds or soak them in warm water for 24 hours. Use a seed inoculant for the best results. Maintain a soil temperature of 12-18°C. Seeds should germinate in 10-20 days.

How To Grow, Growing:  For best results, prepare the sweet pea bed the previous fall. Cultivate the soil to 45cm deep, incorporating a generous amount of finished compost. Also dig in bone meal. At transplant time, dig ¼ cup balanced organic fertilizer into the soil beneath each plant. Space vines at 15cm and provide trellis support. Mulch around plants to keep the soil as cool as possible, and water during dry weather. Keep plants picked to prolong the blooming period.

Approx: 55 Seeds.

Lathyrus odoratus. The Spencers bloom when the heat of mid-summer arrives after a cool spring. The plants produced by Late Spencer Blend sweet pea seeds have strong stems and outstanding fragrance. The upper petals are ruffled, and the lower “wings” are longer than other varieties. All the beautiful, bold colours so loved in these reliable performers—red, pink, white, rose, purple, and blue. Be sure to pick off any spent flowers to keep the vines producing more flowers. If any seed pods form cut them off to keep the plant blooming. Combine some of the earlier flowering varieties with your Late Spencer Blend, and you’ll enjoy a much longer sweet pea harvest window.

Lathyrus odoratus. Striking shades of crimson, lavender, deep rose, navy blue, rose pink, and salmon, these climbers are 1.6m and perfect for cut flowers. Sow Mammoth Blend sweet pea seeds for the earliest sweet peas to bloom from late spring to early summer. Direct sow sweet pea seeds at three week intervals for an extended bloom period. This variety has particularly large flowers on particularly long stems, so they’re a great cut flower for the farm table or the home garden. While they have a distinct fragrance, they are not like the intense Spencers or High Scent, so they will appeal to growers who prefer subdued scents.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last average frost date for your area. Or direct sow outdoors in early spring, while the soil is still cool and light frost is still possible. Plants are strongest from an early, indoor sowing. Sweet peas can also be direct sown in the fall where winters are mild.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow seeds 1cm deep. If starting indoors, chip seeds or soak them in warm water for 24 hours. Use a seed inoculant for the best results. Maintain a soil temperature of 12-18°C. Seeds should germinate in 10-20 days.

How To Grow, Growing:  For best results, prepare the sweet pea bed the previous fall. Cultivate the soil to 45cm deep, incorporating a generous amount of finished compost. Also dig in bone meal. At transplant time, dig ¼ cup balanced organic fertilizer into the soil beneath each plant. Space vines at 15cm and provide trellis support. Mulch around plants to keep the soil as cool as possible, and water during dry weather. Keep plants picked to prolong the blooming period.

Approx: 60 Seeds.

Lathyrus odoratus. Each creamy white petal is edged and mottled with a darker colour – scarlet, blue, salmon-rose, lilac, purple, and chocolate. Butterfly Blend sweet pea seeds are one of our most unique and beautiful varieties. This is a very nice climbing variety that works well with a trellis or plant net. Plants grow to a height of 120cm or more. Sweet peas grown for cut flowers work particularly well against a really solid support like a chain link fence or chicken wire stretched out on a frame of some kind. For the longest bloom period, be sure to remove all spent flowers as you see them.  Annual.

How To Grow, Timing:  Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last average frost date for your area. Or direct sow outdoors in early spring, while the soil is still cool and light frost is still possible. Plants are strongest from an early, indoor sowing. Sweet peas can also be direct sown in the fall where winters are mild.

How To Grow, Starting:  Sow seeds 1cm deep. If starting indoors, chip seeds or soak them in warm water for 24 hours. Use a seed inoculant for the best results. Maintain a soil temperature of 12-18°C. Seeds should germinate in 10-20 days.

How To Grow, Growing:  For best results, prepare the sweet pea bed the previous fall. Cultivate the soil to 45cm deep, incorporating a generous amount of finished compost. Also dig in bone meal. At transplant time, dig ¼ cup balanced organic fertilizer into the soil beneath each plant. Space vines at 15cm and provide trellis support. Mulch around plants to keep the soil as cool as possible, and water during dry weather. Keep plants picked to prolong the blooming period.

Approx: 40 Seeds.

Dwarf sunflower for containers and small garden beds, perfect for children to plant! Big Smile has the classic bright sunny-yellow petals with a dark center. Compact, branching plants are 25-38cm when grown in pots and slightly taller at 30-60cm (12-24”) when grown in the garden. Bears Pollen.

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 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: 10 Seeds.

Enjoy early blooms with unique colour, as early as 40 days after planting! Cherry Rose’s 7.5-10cm pollenless flowers are cherry red with light yellow tips and a dark center. Well-branching, 150cm tall plants produce an abundance of blooms.  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 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: 25 Seeds.

Easy to grow, downy mildew resistant sunflower with strong, single stems and 10-15cm (4-6”) pollenless blooms. ProCut Gold Lite DMR’s high quality, erect flowers have overlapping golden yellow petals with light green and golden centers. 120-180cm (4-6’) plants. Loved by professional cut flower growers.