Flowers For A Summer Pollinator Garden

ANNUAL

Spring/summer/fall bloom
Can handle light frost

BEST TO START DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

Sow seed thinly into a finely textured garden bed in full sun as early in spring as ground can be worked. Cover 1/4 inch deep and keep soil moist. Weed and water young seedlings carefully and thin before they get too crowded.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

Start seed indoors 6 weeks before last spring frost date. Sow seeds as thinly as possible in a container or individual pots of seed starting mix. Cover very lightly, keep evenly moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outdoors. Transplant carefully to avoid disturbing roots. Thin or transplant seedlings 8 to 10 inches apart when large enough to handle.

GROWING NOTES

Bishop’s Lace grows easily in most garden conditions. Make several sowings a few weeks apart through late spring for a succession of bloom. In mild winter climates, sow again in late fall for earliest spring displays. Use Bishop’s Lace as a delicate filler flower for adding texture and dainty substance to every bouquet.

HARDY ANNUAL

Spring/fall bloom
Takes light frost

TO START OUTDOORS

Calendulas bloom best in cool weather, so plant in early spring. Sow seeds 1 inch apart in well-drained soil in full sun. Cover 1/2 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 to allow for good air circulation and discourage mildew. Calendulas can be sown again in midsummer for fall bloom.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

In early spring, sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover 1/2 inch deep. Keep evenly moist as seedlings emerge and provide a good light source until ready to plant outdoors. Transplant when seedlings are about 2 to 3 inches tall after gradually acclimating plants to outdoor conditions. Thin or transplant seedlings 8 inches apart for best performance.

GROWING NOTES

Plant when weather is cool to get sturdy plants that bloom for many weeks if faded flowers are removed. Grow this quick-flowering, easy annual along with snapdragons, cornflowers and pansies for late spring bloom. In mild climates, sow again in late summer for winter or very early spring flowers.

PERENNIAL

USDA zone 5-9

TO PLANT DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

In spring when danger of hard frost is past, sow seeds 1 inch apart in finely worked, well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Cover 1/2 inch deep, firm soil and keep seed bed moist. Germination takes 2 to 3 weeks. After seedlings are well established, carefully thin or transplant 1 1/2 feet apart to allow plants room to mature.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

Sow thinly in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost. Keep warm and evenly moist, and provide a good light source. When seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall, acclimate gradually to outdoor conditions before carefully transplanting as above.

GROWING NOTES

Plant in very well-drained soil. Seedlings grow slowly at first; watch out for them closely as their bronze color makes them easy weed out by accident.

The branching feathery fronds crowned by intricate yellow flowers provide valuable nectar and pollen to a wide range of butterflies, ladybugs, lacewings and other beneficial insects. Colorful blue-green, and copper-bronze foliage is a beautiful contrast with the green foliage and bright colors of summer annuals.

PERENNIAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost hardy

BEST TO START EARLY INDOORS

In spring, 6 weeks before last expected frost date, sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Cover 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 a deeper container or individual pots so root systems have room to develop. When plants are 3 to 4 inches tall, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions and plant out in full sun.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space seedlings 8 to 10 inches apart.

GROWING NOTES

Sturdy perennial echinacea, or purple coneflowers, handle a wide range of weather conditions once well established. Plants will make sturdy foliage the first season, then send up long stems of 4 inch daisy-shaped blossoms at midsummer for years. The nectar-rich florets of their cone-shaped centers attract and nourish butterflies and other pollinators.

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

TO PLANT OUTDOORS

Sow seeds directly into well-worked garden soil in full sun once all danger of frost is past. Space seeds several inches apart and cover about 1/4 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination in 7 to 10 days. When seedlings are well established, thin them to a final spacing of 8 to 10 inches apart so these vigorous plants have room to grow and bloom. Extra thinned seedlings can be transplanted easily.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

Sow seeds several inches apart in a container of well-drained seed starting mix 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost date. Cover 1/4 inch deep, keep moist and provide a strong light source until ready to go outside. Transplant 8 to 10 inches apart once weather warms up after gradually acclimating seedlings to outdoor conditions.

GROWING NOTES

These cheerful marigolds are quick to bloom, carefree and non-fussy. Their profusion of long lasting flowers and handsome blue-green foliage is perfect in any sunny spot and makes long blooming handsome borders. Feed and water regularly. No need to pinch these self branching productive plants. Both butterflies and pollinators of all kinds are attracted to these flowers throughout the season.