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ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

TO PLANT OUTDOORS

Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 1 to 2 inches apart in a sunny location in well-worked garden soil once danger of frost is past. Keep seed bed moist. Seedlings emerge in 7 to 10 days. Keep well weeded 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 1/2 inch deep, keep moist and provide a good light source. Plant outdoors once weather warms up after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space 6 inches apart when seedlings are large enough to handle.

GROWING NOTES

These free flowering summer bloomers produce reliably in all soil types and can be sown several times through early July for a succession of flowers. Cutting generous bouquets actually prolongs the blooming season. Replant a spent spring flower bed with satiny Snow Sonata, deep indigo Royal Ensign bush morning glories and sparkling Signet Marigolds for a summer showing to shine until frost.

START SEEDS OUTDOORS

In late spring, once night temperatures stay securely above 55°F (13°C), plant seeds in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Erect strong stakes, tripod poles or trellis at planting time to support vines. Plant 1 inch deep and 4 inches apart along a trellis. Or grow around tripods or stakes, planting 4 to 6 seeds about 4 inches from each pole, then thinning seedlings to 3 best plants per pole.

GROWING NOTES

Beans are an easy and reliable crop, but don’t plant seeds too early; cold conditions prevent good germination. If first sowing comes up unevenly, replant right away; new seedlings will catch up quickly. Birds are attracted to young seedlings; watch carefully and protect with netting if necessary. Avoid harvesting beans in wet conditions.

HARVEST AND USE

For the best yields, pick beans frequently, at least every 2 or 3 days. Filet beans are meant to be eaten when slender, so harvest pods early, when they are still pencil-thin. These elegant gourmet beans taste best freshly picked and quickly steamed or sautéed. For a delicious salad, quickly cook the beans until just tender crisp, then combine with salad greens and Italian parsley and toss with a simple herb vinaigrette.

HARDY ANNUAL

Spring/summer bloom
Can handle frost

EASIEST TO PLANT DIRECTLY IN THE GARDEN

Plant in early spring in well worked garden soil in a sunny spot. Sow seeds 1 to 2 inches apart and barely cover. Keep evenly moist while awaiting germination. Seedlings will grow into a carpet of fine textured leaves, followed by a blanket of soft flowers.

TO START EARLY INDOORS

Sow indoors 3 to 4 weeks before last frost in a large container. Broadcast seeds 1/2 to 1 inch apart. When seedlings are well established and the danger of frost is over, separate clusters of 4 to 5 seedlings and plant each cluster 3 to 5 inches apart in the garden.

GROWING NOTES

Given ordinary garden soil and even moisture, Gulf Winds grows and blooms quickly, but will stay compact. After the first flush of intense flowering is over, cut plants half way to re-bloom abundantly. In mild winter areas, sow again in the fall around bulbs, in containers, or to cover bare areas. Plants will grow and overwinter to bloom all spring in a pretty carpet of pastel shades.

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

PERENNIAL

Late spring/early summer bloom
Frost hardy to zone 5 (zone 4 with protection)

BEST TO START INDOORS

In early spring, sow seeds about 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, cover very lightly and keep at 60-70°F (16-21°C) in a spot with good air circulation. Keep evenly moist but not soggy. Seedlings emerge slowly and unevenly over 18 to 28 days. Provide a good light source. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, transplant into 4 inch plastic pots. Provide consistent water, but let soil dry out on top between waterings. Feed every few weeks. Plant outside when plants are 2 to 3 inches tall after gradually acclimating to outdoors.

GROWING NOTES

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

TO 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

PERENNIAL GROWN AS ANNUAL

BEST TO START SEEDS EARLY

In Mild Winter Climates, start seeds in late summer to have plants large enough to successfully overwinter and bloom in early spring.

In Cold Winter Climates, start early indoors about 2 1/2 months before last spring frost. Sow seeds in a container of seed starting mix 1 inch apart and cover very lightly. 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.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space seedlings 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.

ANNUAL

Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender

BEST TO START EARLY INDOORS

In spring, 6 to 8 weeks before last expected frost date, sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix. Cover 1/4 inch deep with mix, keep moist and between 65 and 75° while awaiting germination. Provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outdoors. 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. Feed every 2 weeks with half strength fertilizer. When plants are 3 to 4 inches tall, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions and plant out in well-drained, fertile soil in the full sun.

THIN OR TRANSPLANT

Space seedlings 6 to 8 inches apart.

GROWING NOTES

Don’t plant these Chilean natives in the garden until risk of frost has passed. Transplant before seedlings start to form buds to get largest flowers and longest bloom. Give them a sheltered position, especially in very hot summer areas where a little afternoon shade is helpful, and keep plants moist and well weeded throughout the growing season for best performance.