Pollinators & Beneficials

PERENNIAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost hardy
USDA Zones 4 to 9

BEST TO START EARLY INDOORS

In spring, about 6 weeks before last expected frost date, sow seeds 1 inch apart in a 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 well-drained, good soil 12 to 18 inches apart. Protect seedlings from slugs and snails while plants are young.

GROWING NOTES

These sturdy tetraploid Rudbeckias are easy to grow, naturalize well and require little maintenance other than removing faded flowers for longest bloom. Once established, they can handle a wide range of weather conditions and will bloom stronger each season. Plants send up long stems of 3 to 4 inch daisy-shaped blossoms in an array of warm colors and bicolors beginning at midsummer.

$4.69

Heirloom Sweet Parsley Triple Curled

BIENNIAL, GROWN AS ANNUAL

Spring/summer/fall harvest
Frost hardy

TO PLANT DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

In spring when weather is settled but still cool, sow seeds 1 to 2 inches apart into well-worked fertile soil in full sun and cover 1/4 inch deep. If climate is very hot, plant in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Parsley germinates unevenly over several weeks; be patient and keep moist.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

Sow parsley seeds in early spring in a container of seed starting mix. Cover 1/4 inch deep, and keep container moist but not soggy until seedlings emerge. Provide a good light source. Feed seedlings frequently until ready to transplant when about 2 inches tall after acclimating to outdoor conditions.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space 4 to 6 inches apart when seedlings have several sets of leaves. Feed monthly for best results.

GROWING NOTES

Parsley needs rich moist soil and ample spacing for lush harvests. Thin early and keep well weeded and watered. Begin to harvest sparingly once plants have 8 to 10 leaves. Fertilize monthly with a high nitrogen source for best leafy growth.

$4.89

Shirley Poppies Legion of Honor

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 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.

$2.99

California Poppies Tequila Sunrise

PERENNIAL/GROWN AS ANNUAL

Spring/Summer bloom
Can handle light frost

BEST 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.

$3.39

Heirloom Miniature Roses Angel Wings

PERENNIAL

Perennial
Summer/Fall Bloom
Very Hardy USDA Zones 4-9

START EARLY INDOORS

In spring, 6 weeks before last expected frost date, sow seeds 2 inches apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover 1/4 inch deep. Keep cool, between 60-70°F (16-27°C) and moist and provide a strong light source until ready to plant out. Rose seeds germinate slowly, so be patient. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into individual pots. Feed seedlings every 2 weeks with half-strength fertilizer. When 3 to 4 inches tall, gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions and plant out in full sun.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space seedlings 18 inches apart so plants can mature and spread.

GROWING NOTES

Set young seedlings out into rich, well-drained fertile soil or plant in large containers to grow into charming patio shrubs. Plants may flower sparsely their first summer, then begin to bloom in earnest their second and third seasons. They mature at 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 feet tall and are covered with sprays of delicate pastel blossoms all summer long. Keep faded flowers cut off and fertilize regularly for new beautiful garden displays and dainty little nosegay bouquets.

$4.99

Heirloom Butterfly Scabiosa Grandmother's Pincushion

HARDY ANNUAL

Spring/summer bloom
Can handle light frost

FOR 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.

$4.69

California Poppies Native Orange

PERENNIAL/GROWN AS ANNUAL

Spring/Summer bloom
Can handle light frost

BEST 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.

$2.99

Ornamental Sunflowers Chocolate Cherry

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

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 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.

$3.39

Bouquet Sunflowers Bright Bandolier

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

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 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.

$3.69

Fragrant Stock Ten Week Perfume

HARDY ANNUAL

Spring/summer bloom
Can handle light frost

TO 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.

$2.99

Butterfly Snapdragons Chantilly

HARDY ANNUAL

Spring/summer/fall bloom
Can handle light frost

TO 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.

$4.99

Heirloom Butterfly Flowers Mexican Tulip Poppy

PERENNIAL GROWN AS ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Can handle light frost

TO 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.

$4.69

Sweet William Lace Mantle

BIENNIAL, BLOOMS FIRST YEAR

Late spring/summer
Hardy to Zone 3

BEST 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.

$3.39

Kneehigh Sunflowers Music Box

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

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 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.

$4.69

Ornamental Sunflowers Sun Samba

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

EASIEST 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.

$3.99

Giant Sunflowers Heirloom Titan

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

EASIEST 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.

$3.39

Fragrant Sweet Peas April in Paris

ANNUAL CLIMBING VINE

Spring/summer bloom
Frost tolerant

EASIEST 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, seeds can be planted in fall, form strong root systems, then overwinter to bloom strongly in spring. Plant 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 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.

$3.99

Exhibition Sweet Peas Blue Celeste

ANNUAL CLIMBING VINE

Spring/summer bloom
Frost tolerant

EASIEST 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 to 5 to 6 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.

$3.99

Heirloom Sweet Peas Cupani's Original

ANNUAL CLIMBING VINE

Spring/summer bloom
Frost tolerant

EASIEST 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, seeds can be planted in fall to form strong root systems, then overwinter to bloom strongly in spring. Plant 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 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.

$3.99

Early Blooming Sweet Peas Chiffon Elegance

ANNUAL CLIMBING VINE

Spring/summer bloom
Frost tolerant

EASIEST 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 ground does not freeze, plant in fall; 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.

$4.39

Scented Sweet Peas Cheri Amour

ANNUAL CLIMBING VINE

Spring/summer bloom
Frost tolerant

EASIEST 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 spring weather as early as the ground can be worked.

In mild winter areas, where the ground does not freeze, plant in fall; seeds will germinate and form strong root systems, then overwinter to bloom strongly in spring. Plant 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 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.

$3.39

Windowbox Sweet Peas Color Palette Cupid

ANNUAL

Spring/summer bloom
Frost tolerant

EASIEST TO START OUTDOORS

Sow seeds directly in deep containers at least 12 inches in diameter, or rectangular window-boxes at least 6-8 inches deep once danger of hard frost is over. Sweet peas grow best in cool weather and can handle light frosts. In mild winter areas, plant in fall weather to overwinter for spring bloom. Always fill planting containers with well moistened, good quality, fresh potting soil before planting seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space seedlings 3 to 4 inches apart when they are 2 inches tall, allowing room for plants to mature, but leaving 5 to 6 plants in a 12 inch diameter container.

GROWING NOTES

Sweet peas bloom best before the weather gets too hot. When seedlings have 3 to 4 sets of leaves, pinch off top set to encourage branching for a bushy full plant. Young plants will grow 8 to 10 inches tall, then cascade over the sides of containers. It’s critical to keep your container sweet peas well-watered and remember to fertilize them regularly every two weeks with liquid fertilizer solution. Protect plants from slugs and snails. For longest bloom, remove faded blossoms regularly.

$3.69

Long Blooming Sunflowers Valentine

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

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 1 inch deep and 4 – 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°F (10°C) range, transplant carefully into the garden in full sun.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space seedlings 12 inches apart so plants have ample room to grow sturdy stalks and roots.

GROWING NOTES

Growing sunflowers is easy and rewarding. Make several sowings, three weeks apart to have a succession of bloom. Keep soil moist and well weeded. Protect seedlings from hungry birds with netting or plastic berry baskets, removing before plants get crowded. Sunflowers need room! When young seedlings are 3 inches tall, be sure to thin them to stand 12 inches apart.

$3.99

Antique Sweet Peas Jewels of Albion

ANNUAL CLIMBING VINE

Spring/summer bloom
Frost tolerant

EASIEST 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.

$3.99

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Pollinators & Beneficials