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Romanesco Cauliflower - Veronica
Best to Start Indoors
Start seeds 4 to 5 weeks before last expected frost. Sow 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover ¼ inch deep. Keep moist but not soggy. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant out. When seedlings have 2 to 3 sets of true leaves, acclimate to outdoor conditions and transplant 12 to 18 inches apart into rich, welldrained soil in full sun. Sow again in midsummer for a fall crop.
To Start Outdoors
About 4 to 6 weeks before last frost, sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 12 to 18 inches apart and ¼ inch deep in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Tend carefully and thin to 1 strong seedling per group when several inches tall. Proper thinning is critical for successful heads.
Growing Notes
Fertilize young romanesco every three weeks with a liquid allpurpose fertilizer and keep wellwatered to aid the vigorous growth it requires to form good heads. For spring-grown plants, tie up the outer wrapper leaves to help shield the heads from sun discoloration as soon as they begin to form. Harvest the lime green heads promptly when fully filled out. Nontoxic “BT” (Bacillus thuringiensis) works well to control caterpillar pests.
Best to Start Indoors
Start seeds 4 to 5 weeks before last expected frost. Sow 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover ¼ inch deep. Keep moist but not soggy. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant out. When seedlings have 2 to 3 sets of true leaves, acclimate to outdoor conditions and transplant 12 to 18 inches apart into rich, well-drained soil in full sun. Sow again in midsummer for a fall crop.
To Start Outdoors
About 4 to 6 weeks before last frost, sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 12 to 18 inches apart and ¼ inch deep in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Tend carefully and thin to 1 strong seedling per group when several inches tall. Proper thinning is critical for successful heads.
Growing Notes
Fertilize young romanesco every three weeks with a liquid allpurpose fertilizer and keep well-watered to provide the vigorous growth it requires to form good heads. For springgrown plants, tie up the outer wrapper leaves to help shield the heads from sun discoloration as soon as they begin to form. Harvest the lime green heads promptly when fully filled out. Nontoxic “BT” (Bacillus thuringiensis) works well to control caterpillar pests.
Best to Start Indoors
Start seeds 4 to 5 weeks before last expected frost. Sow 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover ¼ inch deep. Keep moist but not soggy. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant out. When seedlings have 2 to 3 sets of true leaves, acclimate to outdoor conditions and transplant 12 to 18 inches apart into rich, welldrained soil in full sun. Sow again in midsummer for a fall crop.
To Start Outdoors
About 4 to 6 weeks before last frost, sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 12 to 18 inches apart and ¼ inch deep in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Tend carefully and thin to 1 strong seedling per group when several inches tall. Proper thinning is critical for successful heads.
Growing Notes
Fertilize young romanesco every three weeks with a liquid allpurpose fertilizer and keep well-watered to provide the vigorous growth it requires to form good heads. For springgrown plants, tie up the outer wrapper leaves to help shield the heads from sun discoloration as soon as they begin to form. Harvest the lime green heads promptly when fully filled out. Nontoxic “BT” (Bacillus thuringiensis) works well to control caterpillar pests.
Harvest and Use
Enjoy Veronica in salads, with dips, or break into florets and lightly steam or toss with olive oil and roast till tender. Note: Cauliflower cooks quickly when fresh from the garden.
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Butterfly Asclepias - Narrowleaf Milkweed
Perennial
Summer bloom. Hardy to USDA Zone 3.
To Plant Directly in the Garden
Sow seed 2 to 4 inches apart in a well-worked garden bed in full sun in fall, or in spring after cold treatment. Cover lightly, ¼ inch deep, and keep moist as seedlings emerge. Thin to 10 to 12 inches apart when seedlings are large enough to handle.
To Start Early Indoors
After cold stratification treatment, sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover ¼ inch deep. Keep warm and moist; provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant. Once plants have several sets of leaves, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions. Transplant into the garden 10 to 12 inches apart into well-drained soil in full sun.
Growing Notes
To improve germination for Asclepias, cold-moist stratify to break dormancy. For spring planting, place seeds in a damp paper towel or mix into damp sand and refrigerate in a plastic bag for 30 to 60 days before sowing. Alternatively, sow directly outdoors in late fall or early winter; seeds will naturally stratify and sprout once the soil warms. While foliage dies back in cold winter climates, it reliably returns from the crown each spring, and established plants are notably drought-tolerant.
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Japanese Pepper - Shishito
Starting and Growing
In early spring, start indoors 8 to 10 weeks before outdoor night temperatures are in the 55°F (13°C) range. Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm 75°F (24°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside.
When seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, transplant into individual 4-inch containers. Maintain at 70°F (21°C). Feed with halfstrength liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. When weather is 55°F (13°C) both day and night, gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. Transplant 1½ feet apart into rich soil in full sun. Peppers need full sun at least 6 hours per day. Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant only robust seedlings with well-developed roots and mulch well to maintain even soil moisture. Water regularly and consistently and fertilize several times a month.
Harvest and Use
For the most tender and traditional flavor, harvest these slender, wrinkled peppers when they are between 3 and 4 inches long and still a vibrant green. At this stage, they are mild and sweet, though you'll occasionally discover a "surprise" pepper that packs a bit of heat. To serve: Sauté the whole shishitos quickly in a hot pan with a little olive oil until the thin walls are blistered and charred in spots. Finish with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt and enjoy these sophisticated appetizers while still warm from the pan.
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Heirloom Ornamental Corn - Glass Gem
Start Seed Outdoors
Note: To prevent cross-pollination, allow 2-3 weeks between planting ornamental and sweet corn. Alternatively, plant them a minimum 250 feet apart.
In spring, once weather is warm and night temperatures stay securely above 55°F (13°C), in fertile in soil full sun (minimum 6 to 8 hours per day). Corn is a heavy feeder, so add compost or aged manure to the soil before sowing seed. Poke seeds in 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Plant in a block of at least 3-4 side-by-side rows, each row 1 foot apart, for good wind pollination.
Growing Notes:
Protect germinating and young seedlings from marauding birds. If first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant as new seedlings catch up quickly. Thin young seedlings 12 inches apart when 8-12 inches tall for well filled ears. Be sure to fertilize seedlings when 6-8 inches tall and again as ears begin to form.
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Start Seed Outdoors
Note: To prevent crosspollination, allow 2 to 3 weeks between planting ornamental and sweet corn. Alternatively, plant them a minimum 250 feet apart.
In spring, once weather is warm and night temperatures stay securely above 55°F (13°C), plant in fertile soil in full sun (minimum 6 to 8 hours per day). Corn is a heavy feeder, so add compost or aged manure to the soil before sowing seed. Poke seeds in 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Plant in a block of at least 3 to 4 side-by-side rows, each row 1 foot apart, for good wind pollination.
Growing Notes:
Protect germinating and young seedlings from marauding birds. If first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant as new seedlings catch up quickly. Thin young seedlings 12 inches apart when 8 to 12 inches tall for well-filled ears. Be sure to fertilize seedlings when 6 to 8 inches tall and again as ears begin to form.
Harvest and Use
Don’t harvest until ears are mature, husks are dry and fully colored kernels are dry and hard. Enjoy these beautiful ears for seasonal decorations and arrangements. You can also shuck the colorful kernels off ears to grind into cornmeal for cornbread, pancakes or polenta. To use as popcorn, shuck kernels from ears, spread in shallow layers in a pan and air dry for another 6 to 8 weeks before popping.
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Shirley Poppies - Amazing Grey
Annual
Spring/summer bloom. Frost hardy.
Best To Start Directly in the Garden
Sow seeds directly into a finely textured garden bed in full sun as early in spring as ground can be worked. To help space these small seeds, mix them with dry sand before sowing. Cover lightly with fine soil and keep seed bed moist as seedlings emerge over 10 to 21 days.
Thin or Transplant
Poppies do not transplant well, so we advise sowing directly in the garden. Be sure to thin crowded seedlings early; final plant spacing should be 4 to 6 inches apart, so plants have room to grow, mature and bloom.
Growing Notes
Plant as early as possible in spring, as poppies can handle frost and bloom best and longest when plants get a good start in cool weather. In mild winter climates, you can also sow seed in late fall to form strong root systems and overwinter for earliest spring bloom. Weed and water young seedlings carefully. Mature plants can handle dry conditions but appreciate regular water in hot summer locations. Poppies make good cut flowers if cut just as buds begin to open. Allow spent flowers to form pods and drop seed if you want flowers to self-sow for next season’s bloom.
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Bouquet Cosmos - Apricotta
Annual
Summer/fall bloom. Frost tender.
To Plant Outdoors
Direct sow seeds ½ inch deep, 3 to 4 inches apart in a sunny location in well-worked garden soil once danger of frost is past. Keep seed bed moist. Seedlings emerge in 5 to 10 days. Thin to 9 to 12 inches apart so plants have room to thrive. Keep wellweeded and watered while plants are young; mature Cosmos can handle hot and dry conditions.
To Start Early Indoors
Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost. Cover ½ inch deep, keep moist and provide a good light source until ready to go outside. Plant outdoors once weather warms up after gradually acclimating seedlings to outdoor conditions.
Transplant
Space 9 to 12 inches apart when seedlings are large enough to handle.
GROWING NOTES
These classic, long-blooming summer flowers fill the garden with vibrant color, producing reliably in all soil types. Sow several times through June for a succession of fresh flowers. Cutting frequently prolongs the blooming season. The unique flower colors of '' make for stunning bouquets that arrange themselves.
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Godetia - Sybil Sherwood
Hardy Annual
Early Summer bloom.
Can handle light frost.
Easiest To Start Directly in the Garden
In early spring, after danger of frost is past, sow seeds 1 inch apart into ordinary, well-worked garden soil with good drainage. Cover lightly, only about 1/4 inch. Keep seedbed and emerging seedlings evenly moist but not soggy. When they are 3 or 4 inches tall and well-established, be sure to thin seedlings to stand 8 to 10 inches apart, giving them room to grow. Bushy, compact plants grow 18 to 24 inches tall.
Growing Notes
Planted in earliest spring, Godetia blooms strongly in a range of conditions but requires good drainage. Keep plants moist but not soggy. In hot, humid climates, start seeds early and plant in a spot with some light afternoon shade to extend flowering. One of the showiest of spring flowers, Godetia blooms beautifully until summer heat really comes on. Enjoy romantic armfuls of these entrancing flowers in exceptionally long-lasting bouquets.
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Heirloom Pansies - King Jack
Short-Lived Perennial, Grown as Annual
Spring-early summer bloom. Can handle frost.
To Start Indoors
Start seeds 8 to 10 weeks before last spring frost. In Mild Winter Climates, seeds can be sown in fall so plants can overwinter and bloom early the following spring.
Sow seeds in a container of seed starting mix 1 inch apart and cover very lightly, not more than ¼ inch deep. Keep evenly moist and cool 55-60°(13-16°C), providing a strong light source. When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant 2 inches apart into a deeper container(s) and grow to 2 to 3 inches tall. Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting 4 to 5 inches apart in a sunny spot.
To Start Outdoors
Pansies can handle light frosts and bloom best when they get a good start in cool spring weather. As soon as soil can be worked, sow seeds 1 inch apart in welldrained soil in full sun. Lightly cover 1/4 inch deep, firm soil and keep seed bed moist. When large enough to handle, thin or transplant seedlings to 4 to 5 inches apart.
Growing Notes
Pansies will bloom longest and make largest flowers when weather is cool. In mild winter areas, late summer sowings will begin to bloom in very early spring or even late winter. Keep faded blossoms removed to prolong flowering. Pansies also make wonderful container plants.
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Butterfly Rudbeckia - Sahara
Perennial
Summer/fall bloom. Hardy to USDA Zone 4.
Best To Start Early Indoors
In spring, about 6 weeks before last expected frost date, sow seeds 1 inch apart in containers of seed starting mix. Cover very lightly with mix, keep warm and moist, and provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant out. Feed every 2 weeks with half-strength fertilizer.
Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant 2 to 3 inches apart into deeper containers or individual pots so root systems have room to develop. When plants are 3 to 4 inches tall, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions. Plant out in the garden in full sun in welldrained, good soil 12 to 18 inches apart. Protect seedlings from slugs and snails while plants are young.
Growing Notes
These easy-to-grow, antiquetoned Rudbeckias require little maintenance other than removing faded flowers for longest bloom.They will tolerate a wide range of weather conditions, blooming stronger each season. Plants send up long-stemmed 3- to 4-inch quilled, double and single blooms in a sophisticated array of warm desert colors come midsummer.
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Purple Snap Peas - Sugar Magnolia
Start Seeds Outdoors
In early to mid-spring, plant peas in full sun in well-worked, fertile soil. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart in wide rows or bands 3 inches across, spacing the wide rows 2 feet apart. Provide supports for these 6- to 7-foot vines at planting time. Protect from marauding birds with netting or floating row covers if necessary. Wet and cold early spring weather may affect germination so if first sowing doesn’t germinate evenly, replant right away as new seedlings catch up quickly. Sow again for a fall crop about 21/2 months before first expected fall frost.
HARVEST AND USE
For maximum sweetness and best texture, harvest when peas are plump, but not too fat. Savor their sweet crunch fresh from the garden as a snack or slice into salads. To cook quickly, pull strings from pods and sauté in a little oil to preserve their striking color. Unique, edible hypertendrils secure this variety to any trellis. Purple color may vary based on temperature.
Growing Notes
Use netting or wire trellis to support these heavy-bearing vines for easy picking. Turn a sprinkling of bone meal and wood ashes into the soil before planting. Keep pea vines well-weeded and watered and mulch to conserve moisture. Water at the base of the plants to avoid mildew.
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Container Snack Peppers - Sweetie Belles
Starting Seedlings
Start indoors 8 weeks before outdoor night temperatures reach 55°F (13°C). Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm 80°F (27°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. When seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, transplant into 4-inch pots. Keep at 65-70°F (18-21°C). Feed with half-strength liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks.
When night temperatures reach 55°F (13°C), acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions. If planting in garden beds, space 11/2 to 2 feet apart in rich soil in full sun.
Container Growing
Transplant each plant into a pot at least 12 to 15 inches tall and deep. Using fresh potting mix prevents soil borne diseases. Fertilize twice per month for best plants and yields.
Growing Notes
Peppers need full sun at least 6 hours per day. Mulch well to maintain even moisture. Provide short stakes or cages to support heavy sets of ripening fruit. Check containers often and water regularly; when plants begin setting fruit they may require daily watering.
Harvest and Use
Harvest when mini peppers turn a deep, glossy red. Cut rather than pull ripe peppers from plants. Enjoy their crisp sweetness sliced raw for snacks and salads, or toss whole into stir-fries, fajitas, and onto the grill.
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Bouquet Zinnias - Benary's Giant Wine
Annual
Summer/fall bloom. Frost tender.
Easy to Start Directly In The Garden
Sow seeds in well-worked soil in full sun when danger of frost is past and weather is warm and above 50°F (10°C) both day and night. Space seeds 2 to 3 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart, cover about ½ inch deep and gently firm soil. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination.
To Start Early Indoors
Four weeks before last frost date, sow seeds ½ inch deep and 3 inches apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside when temperatures rise above 50°F (10°C) day and night.
Thin or Transplant
Space seedlings 8 to12 inches apart when large enough to handle so plants have good air circulation and enough elbow room to grow and bloom freely.
Growing Notes
Zinnias can grow in ordinary garden soil in full sun. For large, abundant flowers, thin before seedlings get crowded. Adequate spacing and regular, even watering discourages mildew and keeps Zinnias productive.
Pick just as blossoms begin opening and petals are tight. Cut long stems well back into the plant to keep plants branching low and producing best blooms for summerlong bouquets.
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Beefsteak Tomato - Alice’s Dream
Starting Seedlings
In early spring, start indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before outdoor night temperatures are reliably in the 50-55°F (10-13°C). Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm, 80°F (27°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside.
When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant into individual 4 inch pots. Maintain at 70°F (21°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until ready to plant. When nights reach 55°F (13°C), gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions. Plant these vigorous indeterminate climbers 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.
Growing Notes
Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant several inches deeper than seedlings were growing in containers. Provide strong stakes or tall wire cages at planting time. Mulch to provide even moisture retention; don’t overwater once fruit begins to ripen.
Harvest and Use
For best flavor, pick these beauties when their goldenorange skin is flushed with deep purple. Do not store in the refrigerator. These big, juicy beefsteak tomatoes are memorable in sandwiches or simply slice and enjoy with a pinch of salt and drizzle of good olive oil.
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Kitchen Herbs - Mexican Tarragon
Tender Perennial
Grown as annual. Summer/fall harvest. Heat-loving, frost tender. Hardy in USDA Zones 8-11.
To Start Directly in the Garden
When late spring weather reaches 55°F (13°C) both day and night, sow seeds 1 inch apart in wellworked, fertile soil in full sun. Cover ¼ inch deep, firm soil and keep seed bed moist. Germination takes 1 to 2 weeks. After seedlings are well established, thin or transplant 8 inches apart, which allows plants enough elbow room to grow and mature.
To Start Early Indoors
Sow seeds 1 to 2 inches apart in a container of fresh seed starting mix, 4 weeks before last expected frost. Keep warm and evenly moist, and provide a good light source. Feed with ½ strength liquid fertilizer every 10 days. Once weather warms outdoors, acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions, then transplant 8 inches apart into the garden.
Growing Notes
Grow in full sun and welldrained soil. Plants are heat and drought-tolerant once established. In cold winter climates, grow this tender perennial as a productive annual, or plant in containers to overwinter indoors before the first hard frost.
Pinch back growing tips to encourage a bushy habit and maximize foliage. In late summer, enjoy the bonus of bright yellow, edible flowers that attract pollinators.
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Heirloom Herbs - Stevia
Tender Perennial
Hardy to USDA Zone 9.
Best to Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 8 to 10 weeks before last spring frost. Sow 1 inch apart and 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep in fine seed starting mix. Maintain at 70°F (24°C), keep moist but not soggy. Be patient: Small seeds germinate slowly over 14 to 21 days. Provide a strong light source once sprouted.
When plants have several leaf sets, transplant into 4-inch pots. Move outdoors into full sun and well-drained soil after danger of frost has passed, spacing 10 to 12 inches apart in the garden. For containers, plant each start into at least a 3-gallon pot.
Growing Notes
Stevia has a naturally low germination rate but is easy to grow once established, thriving in sun, part shade and well-drained soil.
In mild winter climates, Stevia is an evergreen perennial that benefits from some pruning. In colder areas, grow as annual or in large containers. To overwinter indoors, prune heavily before first frost, place in a cool, well-lit room, and water sparingly until spring.
Harvest and Use
Harvest leaves in the morning for peak sweetness and pinch branch tips frequently to encourage bushy growth. Use whole fresh leaves to sweeten teas or lemonades. Air-dry stems in the shade until crisp and grind into a fine powder. Makes a wonderful, calorie-free sugar substitute for baking.
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Beefsteak Tomato - Ananas Noir
Starting Seedlings
In early spring, start indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before outdoor night temperatures are reliably in the 50-55°F (10-13°C). Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep moist but not soggy, and very warm, 80°F (27°C). Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside.
When seedlings are 2 inches tall, transplant into individual 4 inch pots. Maintain at 70°F (21°C). Feed with half-strength fertilizer every 2 weeks until ready to plant. When nights reach 55°F (13°C), gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions. Plant these vigorous indeterminate climbers 3 feet apart into rich soil in full sun.
Growing Notes
Prepare soil well with aged manure or compost. Plant several inches deeper than seedlings were growing in containers. Provide strong stakes or tall wire cages at planting time. Mulch to provide even moisture retention; don’t overwater once fruit begins to ripen.
Harvest and Use
For best flavor, pick when fruits display their unique shades of dark green, bronze, and purple and a squeeze indicates ripeness. Do not store in refrigerator. Juicy fruits have a sweet, smoky flavor perfect for sandwiches or sliced to show off their kaleidoscope-like green, red, and yellow interiors.
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Bouquet Zinnias - Benary's Giant Mix
Annual
Summer/fall bloom. Frost tender.
Easy to Start Directly In The Garden
Sow seeds in well-worked soil in full sun when danger of frost is past and weather is warm and above 50°F (10°C) both day and night. Space seeds 2 to 3 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart, cover about ½ inch deep and gently firm soil. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination.
To Start Early Indoors
4 weeks before last frost date, sow seeds ½ inch deep and 3 inches apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside when temperatures rise above 50°F (10°C) day and night.
Thin or Transplant
Space seedlings 8 to12 inches apart when large enough to handle so plants have good air circulation and enough elbow room to grow and bloom freely.
Growing Notes
Zinnias can grow in ordinary garden soil in full sun. For large, abundant flowers, thin before seedlings get crowded. Adequate spacing and regular, even watering discourages mildew and keeps Zinnias productive.
Pick just as blossoms begin opening and petals are tight. Cut long stems well back into the plant to keep plants branching low and producing best blooms for summerlong bouquets.
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