Attracts Bees & Beneficials
Welcome Bee Friends and Others with Benefits
Plant these blooms to feed and nurture many kinds of beneficial insects from pollinators to pest control.
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Double Cutting Zinnias Cabaret
ANNUAL
Summer/fall bloom
Frost tenderTO 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 1/2 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 1/2 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 to give plants room to mature and provide good air circulation.
GROWING NOTES
Zinnias grow readily in ordinary garden soil in full sun. For large and abundant flowers, thin before seedlings get crowded; adequate spacing and regular, even watering help keep zinnias productive and discourages mildew. Pick when flower blossoms first open and petals are tight for longest vase life. Cut long stems well back into the plant to keep plants branching low and producing best blooms for summer long bouquets.Regular price $3.39Sale price $3.39Unit price per -
Heirloom Butterfly Scabiosa Grandmother's Pincushion
HARDY ANNUAL
Spring/summer bloom
Can handle light frostFOR BEST RESULTS
Sow seeds 1 to 2 inches apart in a container of seed starting mix, 2 or 3 weeks before last expected frost. Cover 1/4 inch deep, keep moist and provide a good light source until seedlings are ready to transplant. Plant out into fertile garden soil in full sun when plants are 3 to 4 inches tall.
TO START SEEDS OUTDOORS
Sow seeds in a well-drained, deeply worked garden bed in full sun as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Space seeds 8 to 10 inches apart in rows a foot apart and cover 1/4 inch deep. Keep seed bed moist until seedlings emerge in 12 to 15 days. Weed carefully and keep well watered.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 12 to 18 in. apart.
GROWING NOTES
Plant in early spring to get sturdy plants that will flower throughout the summer and fall. Curving stems are part of this plant’s character, although our Dutch cultivar is more upright than others. Support growing plants for best display and to make cutting the lovely flowers easier. Cut often for bouquets and to produce more blossoms. In mild winter areas, they are a short-lived perennial and will winter over to bloom a second season.Regular price $4.69Sale price $4.69Unit price per -
Fragrant Sweet Peas Strawberry Fields
ANNUAL CLIMBING VINE
Spring/summer bloom
Frost tolerantEASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
Sweet peas must have well-drained soil, so dig deeply and enrich with aged manure or compost before sowing seeds. Erect a well-anchored trellis, vertical netting or other support for vines before planting. Sow seeds in full sun in cool early spring weather as early as the ground can be worked.
In mild winters, where ground does not freeze, sweet peas can be planted in fall. Seedlings will form strong root systems, then overwinter to bloom vigorously in spring. Plant sweet pea seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin to 4-5 inches apart to allow plants room to mature.
GROWING NOTES
Sweet peas bloom best when they flower before the weather gets too hot, so if spring planting, sow as early as possible, especially in regions where summer heat comes on fast. Anchor climbing supports well as these vines will grow dense and heavy with bloom. Protect seedlings from birds, slugs and snails. Mulch and keep well watered for best flower production. For longest bloom, remove faded blossoms regularly.
Regular price $3.99Sale price $3.99Unit price per -
Heirloom Sweet Peas Watermelon
ANNUAL CLIMBING VINE
Spring/summer bloom
Frost tolerantEASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
Sweet peas must have well drained soil, so dig deeply and enrich with aged manure or compost before sowing seeds. Erect a well-anchored trellis, vertical netting or other support for vines before planting. Sow seeds in full sun in cool early spring weather as early as the ground can be worked.
In Mild Winter Areas, where the ground does not freeze, plant in fall after Labor Day; seeds will germinate and form strong root systems, then overwinter to bloom strongly in spring. Plant sweet pea seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin them 4 to 5 inches apart, to allow plants room to mature.
GROWING NOTES
Sweet peas bloom best before the weather gets too hot, so if spring planting, sow as soon as ground can be worked. Where summer heat comes on fast, they’ll appreciate a spot with afternoon shade. Anchor supports well as vines will grow heavy with bloom. Protect seedlings from birds, slugs and snails. Mulch and keep well watered. For longest bloom, pick flowers often and keep faded blossoms cut.Regular price $3.99Sale price $3.99Unit price per -
Giant Sunflowers Heirloom Titan
ANNUAL
Summer/fall bloom
Frost tenderEASIEST TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
Plant in full sun in good garden soil when weather is warm and settled both day and night and all danger of frost is past. Poke seeds into well-worked soil about 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Press soil firmly over seeds and keep moist as seedlings emerge.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
When seedlings are about 3 inches tall, be sure to space them 12 to18 inches apart with 3 feet between rows. This spacing allows plants room to grow, establish strong roots and sturdy stalks.
GROWING NOTES
Keep soil moist and well weeded. Protect seedlings from birds at planting time with netting or plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. For large heads, space seedlings properly so plants will have room to grow to full size.
HARVEST AND USE
As petals drop, bees pollinate the florets in each head and seeds begin to mature. When center disk florets have dried up, cover the ripening seed heads loosely with paper bags to foil pilfering birds. When ripened kernels are plump and hard-shelled, cut entire heads, dry fully, then remove the seeds by hand, rubbing them out with your thumbs. Store in closed containers to eat for snacks or feed to the birds over the winter.Regular price $3.39Sale price $3.39Unit price per -
Heirloom Bouquet Sweet Peas North Shore
ANNUAL CLIMBING VINE
Spring/summer bloom
Frost tolerantEASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
Sweet peas must have well drained soil, so dig deeply and enrich with aged manure or compost before sowing seeds. Erect a well-anchored trellis, vertical netting or other support for vines before planting. Sow seeds in full sun in cool early spring weather as early as the ground can be worked. In mild winter areas, where the ground does not freeze, plant in fall after Labor Day; seeds will germinate and form strong root systems, then overwinter to bloom strongly in spring. Plant sweet pea seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin them 4 to 5 inches apart, to allow plants room to mature.
GROWING NOTES
Sweet peas bloom best before the weather gets too hot, so if spring planting, sow as soon as ground can be worked. Where summer heat comes on fast, they’ll appreciate a spot with afternoon shade. Anchor supports well as vines will grow heavy with bloom. Protect seedlings from birds, slugs and snails. Mulch and keep well watered. For longest bloom, pick flowers often and keep faded blossoms cut.Regular price $3.99Sale price $3.99Unit price per -
Heirloom Sweet Peas Scented Pastel Sunset
ANNUAL CLIMBING VINE
Spring/summer bloom
Frost tolerantEASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
Sweet peas must have well drained soil, so dig deeply and enrich with aged manure or compost before sowing seeds. Erect a well-anchored trellis, vertical netting or other support for vines before planting. Sow seeds in full sun in cool early spring weather as soon as the ground can be worked. In mild winter areas, where the ground does not freeze, plant in fall after Labor Day; seeds will germinate and form strong root systems, then overwinter to bloom strongly in spring. Plant sweet pea seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin them 4 to 5 inches apart, to allow plants room to mature.
GROWING NOTES
Sweet peas bloom best before the weather gets too hot, so if spring planting, sow as soon as ground can be worked.Where summer heat comes on fast, they’ll appreciate a spot with afternoon shade. Anchor supports well as vines will grow heavy with bloom. Protect seedlings from birds, slugs and snails. Mulch and keep well watered. For longest bloom, pick flowers often and keep faded blossoms cut.Regular price $3.99Sale price $3.99Unit price per -
Shirley Poppies Legion of Honor
ANNUAL
Spring/summer bloom
Frost hardyBEST 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 the fine seeds, mix with dry sand before sowing. Cover very lightly with fine soil and keep seed bed moist as seedlings emerge over 7 to 14 days.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Poppies do not transplant well so we advise sowing the seeds 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 fully 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, sow seed in late fall to overwinter for spring bloom. Weed and water young seedlings carefully. Mature plants can handle dry conditions but appreciate regular water in hot locations.
Regular price $2.99Sale price $2.99Unit price per -
Butterfly Snapdragons Chantilly
HARDY ANNUAL
Spring/summer/fall bloom
Can handle light frostTO START SEEDS
Start seeds indoors in a container of seed starting mix in early spring 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Dampen soil mix evenly before sowing. Sow seeds 1 inch apart, covering only with a fine dusting of mix. Keep evenly moist but not soggy and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outdoors. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, transplant them 2 inches apart into a deeper container. After they reach 2 to 3 inches tall, gradually acclimate sturdy, well-established seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting in full sun.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 10 to 12 inches apart for best performance.
GROWING NOTES
Heat and wind-resistant Chantilly adds height, color and texture to garden beds and provides abundant gorgeous summer and bouquets. Feed and water well and keep spent flower stalks cut off for longest bloom season. Cut stalks when 8-10 blossoms are open; do not crowd in the vase for best, longest lasting cut flowers. In mild climates, snapdragons can also be planted in late fall to bloom in spring with pansies, Sweet William, calendula and agrostemma.Regular price $4.99Sale price $4.99Unit price per -
Container Sweet Peas Electric Blue
ANNUAL CLIMBING VINE
Spring/summer bloom
Frost tolerantEASIEST TO START OUTDOORS
Sweet peas need well-drained soil. Dig deeply and enrich with aged manure or compost. Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 3 inches apart in full sun as soon as ground can be worked in early spring. Erect a sturdy support for the short vines before planting.
In mild winter areas, where the ground doesn’t freeze, plant in fall; seeds will germinate and form strong root systems, then overwinter to bloom strongly in spring.
For container planting, use containers at least 12 inches in diameter filled with well moistened potting soil. Plant seeds 1 inch deep and 3 inches apart. In summer heat, container sweet peas do best in a spot with afternoon shade. When plants have 3 or 4 sets of leaves pinch them back so just 2 sets remain. This encourages full, bushy growth.
GROWING NOTES
Sweet peas bloom best before the weather gets too hot, so if spring planting, sow as soon as ground can be worked. Be sure to protect seedlings from their most common predators: birds, slugs and snails, especially if fall planting. Mulch, keep well watered and feed plants regularly. Container grown sweet peas should be fertilized every 2 weeks for best bloom.Regular price $3.69Sale price $3.69Unit price per -
Kneehigh Sunflowers Music Box
ANNUAL
Summer/fall bloom
Frost tenderTO PLANT OUTDOORS
Plant in full sun in good garden soil when weather is warm and settled both day and night and all danger of frost is past. Poke seeds into well-worked soil 1/2 inch deep and 4 to 5 inches apart. Press soil firmly over seeds and keep moist until germination in 8 to 10 days.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Several weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in individual pots of well drained seed starting mix. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outside only when night temperatures have reached 50-55°F (10-13°C). Transplant carefully into the garden in full sun, disturbing the roots as little as possible.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 12 inches apart so plants have ample room to grow.
GROWING NOTES
With its short 2 1/2 foot stature and abundant lively flowers, multi-branching Music Box is an easy and reliable flower for cheerful summer color. Make several sowings 3 weeks apart to have a succession of flowers. Keep soil moist and well weeded and protect seedlings from birds with netting or plastic berry baskets, removing when crowded.Regular price $4.69Sale price $4.69Unit price per -
Ornamental Sunflowers Chocolate Cherry
ANNUAL
Summer/fall bloom
Frost tenderTO PLANT OUTDOORS
Plant in full sun in good garden soil when weather is warm and settled both day and night and all danger of frost is past. Poke seeds into well-worked soil 1/2 inch deep and 4 to 5 inches apart. Press soil firmly over seeds and keep moist until germination in 8 to 10 days.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Several weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in individual pots of well-drained seed starting mix. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outside only when night temperatures have reached 50-55°F (10-13°C). Transplant carefully into the garden in full sun, disturbing the roots as little as possible.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 12 inches apart so plants have ample room to grow.
GROWING NOTES
Growing these flowers is easy and rewarding. Make several sowings, three weeks apart, to have a succession of bloom. Keep soil moist and well weeded and protect seedlings from hungry birds with netting or plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Sunflowers need room! Be sure to thin seedlings when 3 inches tall to 12 inches apart.Regular price $3.39Sale price $3.39Unit price per -
California Poppies Dusky Rose
PERENNIAL/GROWN AS ANNUAL
Spring/Summer bloom
Can handle light frostBEST TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
Sow seeds directly into a finely textured, well drained garden bed in full sun as early in spring as the ground can be worked. Plant as early as possible in spring, as poppies can handle light frost and bloom best and longest when plants get a good start in cool weather. In mild winter climates, poppies can also be sown in late fall to overwinter for spring bloom. Except in very poor soil, these California poppies will grow and flower readily with no added fertilizer. Space seeds 2 or 3 inches apart, cover 1/4 inch deep, and firm soil gently. Keep soil moist as seedlings emerge. Weed young seedlings carefully. If seedlings come up very thickly, thin poppies early but delay final thinning until seedlings are well established in spring. Final spacing should be 6 inches apart as plants need room to grow, develop and bloom.
GROWING NOTES
When mature, poppy plants can handle dry conditions, but they will always bloom longer if regularly watered. Poppies are pretty cut flowers if brought indoors just as buds begin to open. Prolong bloom by removing spent flowers. At season’s end, allow spent flowers to form pods and drop seed if you want poppies to self-sow.
Regular price $3.39Sale price $3.39Unit price per -
Ornamental Sunflowers Sun Samba
ANNUAL
Summer/fall bloom
Frost tenderEASIEST TO PLANT OUTDOORS
Plant in full sun in good garden soil when weather is warm and settled both day and night and all danger of frost is past. Poke seeds into well-worked soil about 1/2 inch deep, 4 to 5 inches apart. Press soil firmly over seeds and keep moist until seedlings emerge in 8 to 10 days.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Several weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in individual pots of well-drained seed starting mix. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside. Transplant carefully, disturbing the roots as little as possible.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 12 to 15 inches apart when seedlings are large enough to handle so plants will have ample room to grow.
GROWING NOTES
Growing these colorful flowers is easy and rewarding. Make several sowings 3 weeks apart to have a succession of flowers in full bloom. Keep soil moist and well weeded and protect seedlings from birds with netting or plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Be sure to thin properly when seedlings are about 3 inches tall.Regular price $3.99Sale price $3.99Unit price per -
Fragrant Stock Ten Week Perfume
HARDY ANNUAL
Spring/summer bloom
Can handle light frostTO START OUTDOORS
Sow seeds in a well-drained, finely textured garden bed in full sun as early in spring as soil can be worked. In mild climate areas, seeds are best sown in early fall for spring bloom. Space seeds 2 to 3 inches apart and cover 1/4 inch deep. Keep seed bed moist until seedlings emerge in 7 to 10 days. Weed carefully and keep well watered.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Start seed indoors in a flat or container of seed starting mix, 6 to 8 weeks before last expected hard freeze. Sow seed thinly, cover 1/4 inch deep, and keep moist but not soggy until germination takes place in 7 to 14 days. Provide a strong light source as soon as seedlings emerge. Seedlings grow quickly and require even moisture at their earliest stages: overwatering encourages “damping off,” or rotting at the soil level.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 10 inches apart when seedlings are large enough to handle.
GROWING NOTES
This early blooming, branching variety produces an abundance of richly scented flowers for indoor bouquets. In the garden, stock’s heavy trusses of bloom are beautiful in beds, borders and containers.Regular price $2.99Sale price $2.99Unit price per -
California Poppies Native Orange
PERENNIAL/GROWN AS ANNUAL
Spring/Summer bloom
Can handle light frostBEST TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
Sow seeds directly into a finely textured, well drained garden bed in full sun as early in spring as the ground can be worked. Plant as early as possible in spring, as poppies can handle light frost and bloom best and longest when plants get a good start in cool weather. In mild winter climates, Poppies can also be sown in late fall to overwinter for spring bloom.
Except in very poor soil, these California poppies will grow and flower readily with no added fertilizer. Space seeds several inches apart, cover ¼ inch deep, and firm soil gently. Keep soil moist as seedlings emerge. If seedlings come up very thickly, thin poppies early but delay final thinning until seedlings are well established in spring. Space plants 3-4 inches apart to allow plants room to grow and bloom.
GROWING NOTES
When mature, poppy plants can handle dry conditions, but they will always bloom longer if regularly watered. Poppies are pretty cut flowers if brought indoors just as buds begin to open. At season’s end, allow spent flowers to form pods and drop seed if you want poppies to self-sow for next years flowers.Regular price $2.99Sale price $2.99Unit price per -
Heirloom English Thyme
BEST TO PLANT INDOORS
Sow thyme in early spring in a container of seed starting mix. Cover seeds very lightly and keep evenly moist but not soggy until seedlings emerge in 14 to 21 days. Provide a good light source. Transplant when seedlings are about 2 inches tall after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.
TO START IN THE GARDEN
Plant thyme after soil has warmed up in spring in a finely textured seed bed with good drainage in full sun. Sow very thinly, cover seed lightly and be careful to keep the seed bed evenly moist and well weeded while seedlings are young.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space clusters of 3 seedlings 8 to 10 inches apart when large enough to handle.
GROWING NOTES
Given a sunny location with good drainage, easy-growing thyme plants are reliable productive and long-lived garden perennials. Little lilac flowers bloom in midsummer; cut back foliage halfway when the blossoms fade to keep plants looking fresh. Cut leafy thyme sprigs as needed once plants are well established.Regular price $4.89Sale price $4.89Unit price per -
Heirloom Butterfly Flowers Mexican Tulip Poppy
PERENNIAL GROWN AS ANNUAL
Summer/fall bloom
Can handle light frostTO START EARLY INDOORS
Two to three weeks before the last frost date, sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 in. apart in individual pots of seed starting mix. Keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outdoors. so transplant very carefully into the garden 8 in. apart when seedlings are large enough to handle.
TO START OUTDOORS
Sow seeds in a well-worked seedbed in full sun when danger of frost is past and temperatures have reached at least 50°F (10°C) both night and day. Space seeds 4 inches apart in rows 8 inches apart, cover lightly, 1/4 inch deep, and gently firm soil. Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy while awaiting germination in 10 to 14 days. Thin to 8 inches apart before plants get too crowded.
GROWING NOTES
These vibrant flowers glow in a mixed border or wild garden with their finely-cut, gray green foliage and bright, butter yellow blossoms that attract summer butterflies. Cut plants back halfway when the first flowering has finished and plants start to look rangy, and you will be rewarded with another long flush of bloom until frost. Mexican Tulip Poppies are perennial in very mild climates.Regular price $4.69Sale price $4.69Unit price per -
Bouquet Sunflowers Bright Bandolier
ANNUAL
Summer/fall bloom
Frost tenderTO PLANT OUTDOORS
Plant in full sun in good garden soil when weather is warm and settled both day and night and all danger of frost is past. Poke seeds into well-worked soil 1/2 inch deep and 4 to 5 inches apart. Press soil firmly over seeds and keep moist until germination in 8 to 10 days.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Several weeks before last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in individual pots of well drained seed starting mix. Keep moist and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outside when seedlings are large enough to handle. When weather has warmed into the 50° range, transplant carefully into the garden in full sun, disturbing the roots as little as possible.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 12 inches apart so plants have ample room to grow.
GROWING NOTES
Growing these flowers is easy and rewarding. Make several sowings, three weeks apart, to have a succession of bloom. Keep soil moist and well weeded and protect seedlings from hungry birds with netting or plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Sunflowers need room! Be sure to thin seedlings when 3 inches tall to 12 inches apart.Regular price $3.69Sale price $3.69Unit price per -
California Poppies Tequila Sunrise
PERENNIAL/GROWN AS ANNUAL
Spring/Summer bloom
Can handle light frostBEST TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
Sow seeds directly into a finely textured, well drained garden bed in full sun as early in spring as the ground can be worked. Plant as early as possible in spring, as poppies can handle light frost and bloom best and longest when plants get a good start in cool weather. In mild winter climates, Poppies can also be sown in late fall to overwinter for spring bloom.
Except in very poor soil, these California poppies will grow and flower readily with no added fertilizer. Space seeds several inches apart, cover 1/4 inch deep, and firm soil gently. Keep soil moist as seedlings emerge. Weed young seedlings carefully. If seedlings come up very thickly, thin poppies early but delay final thinning until seedlings are well established in spring. Final spacing should be 3 to 4 inches apart as plants need room to grow and bloom.
GROWING NOTES
When mature, poppy plants can handle dry conditions, but they will always bloom longer if regularly watered. Poppies are pretty cut flowers if brought indoors just as buds begin to open. At season’s end, allow spent flowers to form pods and drop seed if you want poppies to self-sow for next years flowers.Regular price $3.39Sale price $3.39Unit price per -
Shirley Poppies French Flounce
HARDY ANNUAL
Spring/summer bloom
Frost hardySTART SEEDS OUTDOORS
Plant poppies either in late fall or very early spring. (Fall-sown seeds will overwinter and germinate when soil warms in early spring.) If spring planting, sow in a fine-textured garden bed in full sun as early as ground can be worked. Sprinkle seeds as thinly as possible, or in rows 8 to 10 inches apart. Rake in gently or lightly cover seeds 1/8 inch deep. Keep seedbed moist. Seedlings emerge in 7 to 14 days. If seedlings come up very thickly, thin poppies early but delay final thinning until weather is settled in spring.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Poppies don’t transplant well, so sow directly in the garden. Thin early if crowded, then again to final spacing 8 to 10 inches apart.
GROWING NOTES
Sow seeds early if spring planting, as poppies can handle frosts and bloom best when plants get a good start in cool spring weather. To help space the tiny seeds, try mixing them with a little dry sand before sowing. Weed and water young seedlings and thin carefully to final spacing once they are well established as plants need proper room to grow and develop. Prolong bloom by removing spent flowers.
Regular price $3.39Sale price $3.39Unit price per -
Sweet William Lace Mantle
BIENNIAL, BLOOMS FIRST YEAR
Late spring/summer
Hardy to Zone 3BEST TO START INDOORS
In spring, 8 to 10 weeks before last expected frost date, sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Cover very lightly, no more than 1/4 inch deep, and keep moist while awaiting germination. Provide a strong light source for seedlings until they are ready to plant outside. Once large enough to handle, transplant seedlings 2 to 3 inches apart into deeper containers or pots so root systems have room to develop. Feed every 2 weeks with half-strength fertilizer. When 3 to 4 inches tall, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions and plant 12 inches apart in full sun in early spring after frost danger is over.
GROWING NOTES
Lace Mantle is a new day length neutral variety bred to start blooming the first year from seed. Sweet Williams grow best in well drained, moist fertile soil. Plant them in full sun; in very hot summer areas, they will thrive with partial or light afternoon shade. Keep well-watered and feed several times during growing season. Cut when clusters of large florets are half open: buds open well in water and last for up to 10 days. After the first flush of bloom is over, cut back spent flower heads for rebloom.Regular price $3.39Sale price $3.39Unit price per -
Butterfly Phlox Dutch Tapestry
ANNUAL
Summer/fall bloom
Frost tenderTO START OUTDOORS
Sow seeds in a well-worked seedbed in full sun when danger of frost is past and weather is warm and settled. Space seeds 2 to 3 inches apart in rows 10 inches apart, cover about 1/4 inch deep and gently firm soil. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination in 10 to 15 days.
TO START EARLY INDOORS
Three to four weeks before last expected frost, sow seeds 1 inch apart in seed starting mix and cover lightly. Keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are well established. Transplant after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.
THIN OR TRANSPLANT
Space seedlings 6 inches apart when large enough to handle.
GROWING NOTES
Phlox grows easily in ordinary garden soil in full sun. If sown in place, thin plants before they get crowded; adequate spacing and regular even watering help keep them productive and disease free. Seedlings grow somewhat slowly at first, but once established, make sturdy, long-blooming garden performers that tolerate hot weather and attract butterflies and other pollinators all season.Regular price $2.99Sale price $2.99Unit price per -
California Poppies Copper Pot
PERENNIAL/GROWN AS ANNUAL
Spring/Summer bloom
Can handle light frostBEST TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN
Sow seeds directly into a finely textured, well drained garden bed in full sun as early in spring as the ground can be worked. Plant as early as possible in spring, as poppies can handle light frost and bloom best and longest when plants get a good start in cool weather. In mild winter climates, Poppies can also be sown in late fall to overwinter for spring bloom. Except in very poor soil, these California poppies will grow and flower readily with no added fertilizer. Space seeds several inches apart, cover 1/4 inch deep, and firm soil gently. Keep soil moist as seedlings emerge. Weed young seedlings carefully. If seedlings come up very thickly, thin poppies early but delay final thinning until seedlings are well established in spring. Final spacing should be 6 inches apart as plants need room to grow and bloom.
GROWING NOTES
When mature, poppy plants can handle dry conditions, but they will always bloom longer if regularly watered. Poppies are pretty cut flowers if brought indoors just as buds begin to open. At season’s end, allow spent flowers to form pods and drop seed if you want poppies to self-sow for next year's spring flowers.
Regular price $3.99Sale price $3.99Unit price per
