FLOWER SEEDS

Gomphrena globosa

These unique deep-magenta blooms have a pompom appearance similar to a clover flower. Gomphrena is heat tolerant, making it ideal for late-summer blooming and flowering in warmer climates. This bright annual flower will add color when planted in mass within your garden beds. They can also be planted in containers, attracting a variety of pollinators. Gomphrena makes an excellent flower for fresh or dried arrangements with a long vase-life and excellent color retention.

Seed Count: approximately 50 seeds

Plant Height: 18-30”

Light Requir-ements: full sun

Soil Preference: well-draining soil

USDA Zones: 3-11 (annual)

How to Grow

Germination: 5-14 days at 70-80F

Seeding Depth: 1/8” depth

Plant Spacing: 6-9”

Days to Maturity: 85-110 days

Early-Season Seeding: Start seed indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, transplant after the danger of frost has passed. Direct seeding outdoors is not recommended but can be done after the last frost date or when soil temperature is above 70F.

Late-Season Seeding: Start indoors and transplant outdoors at least 16 weeks before the first frost in fall.

Growing Tips: Plants do not require pinching to be multi-branched. Remove spent flowers before they go to seed to encourage more flowering.

Cut Flower: Harvest when flowers begin to have color but are not fully open and expect a vase-life of 10-14 days with flower food. For drying, harvest when flowers are fully open and hang upside down for about 3 weeks in a cool, dry place.

Photo by @theperfectpick

Gomphrena globosa

These unique rosy-pink blooms have a pompom appearance similar to a clover flower. Gomphrena is heat tolerant, making it ideal for late-summer blooming and flowering in warmer climates. This bright annual flower will add color when planted in mass within your garden beds. They can also be planted in containers, attracting a variety of pollinators. Gomphrena makes an excellent flower for fresh or dried arrangements with a long vase-life and excellent color retention.

Seed Count: approximately 50 seeds

Plant Height: 18-30”

Light Requir-ements: full sun

Soil Preference: well-draining soil

USDA Zones: 3-11 (annual)

How to Grow

Germination: 5-14 days at 70-80F

Seeding Depth: 1/8” depth

Plant Spacing: 6-9”

Days to Maturity: 85-110 days

Early-Season Seeding: Start seed indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, transplant after the danger of frost has passed. Direct seeding outdoors is not recommended but can be done after the last frost date or when soil temperature is above 70F.

Late-Season Seeding: Start indoors and transplant outdoors at least 16 weeks before the first frost in fall.

Growing Tips: Plants do not require pinching to be multi-branched. Remove spent flowers before they go to seed to encourage more flowering.

Cut Flower: Harvest when flowers begin to have color but are not fully open and expect a vase-life of 10-14 days with flower food. For drying, harvest when flowers are fully open and hang upside down for about 3 weeks in a cool, dry place.

Warm Season

Lupinus polyphyllus

Heirloom lupine seeds come in a range of colors including cream, pink, purple, and blue. Masses of petals bloom on tall spikes begin to bloom in June and the blooms last for no more than 3 weeks. Stiff stems add height to gardens or floral arrangements. Flowers attract a variety of pollinators, and readily reseed.

Seed Count: approximately 25 seeds

Plant Height: 12-24”

Light Requirements: full sun, partial shade

Soil Preference: rich, moist, well-draining soil

USDA Zones: 3-9 (perennial)

How to Grow

Germination: 14-21 days at 65-75F

Seeding Depth: 1/4” depth, darkness aids germination, scarify and soak seeds

Plant Spacing: 12-14”

Days to Maturity: 365 days

Early-Season Seeding: Starting seeds indoors 4-8 weeks before planting out. Plant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Direct seed in early-spring as soon as soil can be worked.

Late-Season Seeding: Direct seed in early fall.

Growing Tips: The seed must be scarified (scratched) and then soaked for 24 hours to enhance germination. Do not wait to transplant as roots do not tolerate being transplanted. Plants can develop powdery mildew in late summer after blooming and can be trimmed back. Remove flowers after blooming to prevent re-seeding.

Cut Flower: Harvest when 80% of the florets on a stem are open. Allowing flowers to be open for too long and pollinated by bees will cause a shorter vase-life.

Photo by @shroom_momma

Reseda odorata

Pretty green sprigs with white flowers reaching upward make these blooms distinct. They make a fantastic filler flower for arrangements of any kind. After flowering seed pods from looking much like lanterns. Flowers attract a variety of pollinators.

Seed Count: approximately 100 seeds

Plant Height: 12-18”

Light Requirements: full sun, partial shade

Soil Preference: rich, moist, well-draining soil, pH 7-8.5

USDA Zones: 3-11 (annual)

How to Grow

Germination: 7-14 days at 70F

Seeding Depth: 1/8” depth, light required for germination

Plant Spacing: 9-12”

Days to Maturity: 60-70 days

Early-Season Seeding: Starting seed indoors is not recommended but can be done 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, transplant after the danger of heavy frost has passed. Direct seed after the danger of frost has passed.

Late-Season Seeding: Start seeds indoors or direct seed outdoors at least 10 weeks before your first fall frost date.

Growing Tips: Plants can be grown in succession every 2-3 weeks to provide a longer period of cut flower production. Mignonette does not transplant easily so it is best to direct seed. Plants can be pinched back to result in a bushier plant growth habit.

Cut Flower: Harvest when the bottom ⅓ of the flowers on each stem are open or harvest when seed pods have matured. Expect a vase life of 5-7 days with the seed pod stage lasting longer than the flower stage.

Trapaeolum minus

Choose between Empress of India or Alaska Mix. ‘Alaska mix’ produces yellow, orange, salmon, and red flowers that stand out on the lily pad shaped leaves. The foliage is enough to make this plant stand out with a splotchy striped look of green shades. This partial climbing plant can be guided up a trellis or left to mound in the garden. It works well with container plantings, attracting pollinators and repelling deer. This plant is not only beautiful in flower arrangements but is also edible. Peppery tasting leaves and mildly sweet flowers add zip and color to your salads.

Seed Count: approximately 15 seeds

Plant Height: 1-5’

Light Requirements: full sun, part shade

Soil Preference: rich, moist, well-draining soil, pH 6-8

USDA Zones: 2-8 (annual), 9-11 (perennial)

How to Grow

Germination: 7-14 days at 60-65F, gently rub seed with nail file to soften seed coat

Seeding Depth: 1/2-1” depth, require darkness for germination

Plant Spacing: 6-12”

Days to Maturity: 60-70

Early-Season Seeding: Start seed indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost date, transplant after the danger of frost has passed. Direct seeding is recommended. Sow around the last frost date.

Late-Season Seeding: Start seeds indoors or direct seed outdoors at least 10 weeks before your first fall frost date.

Growing Tips: Planting in partial shade or adding high nitrogen levels will limit flower production. Plants don’t transplant well so if starting inside use containers that can degrade in the soil such as peat pots to prevent root disruption. Nasturtium are susceptible to aphids and can be used as a ‘trap plant’ in your vegetable garden.

Cut Flower: Nasturtiums are used for both their leaves and flowers in arrangements. Flowers will last the longest if you harvest them right when they begin to open. The foliage is ready to be harvested when leaves become firm to touch. The vase life is typically 7-10 days, but flower food can often extend that life.

Edible: Leaves can be harvested anytime but flowers should be harvested after they have fully opened.

Photo by @buttenshawbackyardfarm

Nigella papillosa

Brilliant white star shaped flowers have an accenting spidery black center. Their feathery gray foliage contrasts against the starry flowers. They are tough annuals in the garden, tolerating warmer temperatures, blooming in summer and forming dark seed pods after flowering.

Seed Count: approximately 100 seeds

Plant Height: 20-30”

Light Requirements: full sun

Soil Preference: rich, moist, well-draining soil, pH 6-7.5

USDA Zones: 3-9 (annual)

How to Grow

Germination: 14-30 days at 65-70F

Seeding Depth: 1/4-1/2” depth, light required for germination

Plant Spacing: 9-12”

Days to Maturity: 65-85 days

Early-Season Seeding: Starting seed indoors is not recommended. Direct seed in late-fall, or early-spring as long as the soil can be worked.

Late-Season Seeding: Start seeds indoors or direct seed outdoors at least 12 weeks before your first fall frost date.

Growing Tips: Plants do not tolerate transplanting and are best direct seeded.

Cut Flower: Harvest flowers when they are fully open for a vase-life of 7 days. Harvesting the seed pods can be done for fresh or dried arrangements. To dry, hang upside down for several weeks in a dark, dry location.

Photo by @motherofalldragons

Consolida ajacis

Lovely mix of blue-violet, pink, white, and deep purple flowers bloom late-spring through mid-summer on a tall spike covered in wispy foliage. Flowers can be used to add height to your garden beds or incorporated into floral arrangements. This plant attracts a variety of pollinators and repel deel. Seeds freely sow, don’t be surprised to find sprigs of their airy leaves growing next spring.

Seed Count: approximately 100 seeds

Plant Height: 3-4’

Light Requirements: full sun

Soil Preference: moist, well-draining soil, pH 6-7.5

USDA Zones: 2-10 (annual)

How to Grow

Germination: 15-30 days at 50-55F soil temperature, chilling seeds at 35F temperatures for 7-10 days before sowing improves germination

Seeding Depth: ¼-½” depth, darkness required for germination

Plant Spacing: 12”

Days to Maturity: 100-120

Early-Season Seeding: Start seed indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date, harden plants before transplanting outside around the last frost date. Direct seeding is recommended. Sow 3-4 weeks before the last frost date.

Late-Season Seeding: Start seeds indoors or direct seed outdoors at least 12 weeks before your first fall frost date. Seeds can be sown in fall for spring blooms in zones 7-10.

Growing Tips: Seeds require temperatures below 55F and darkness to properly germinate. Plants grow best in cool conditions staying below 55F for the first 6 weeks of growth. Direct seeding is recommended due to plants having a long root that may not tolerate transplant. If transplanting, start seeds in 4” deep containers and avoid compressing the soil upon transplanting. Air-flow, consistent watering, and avoiding moisture on the leaves will prevent fungal disease on this susceptible crop.

Cut Flower: Flowers can be harvested when the bottom 3-5 of florets are opened. Vase life will last 7-10 days with flower food. If drying, harvest when a majority of the flowers are open and hang upside down in a dry place out of direct light for 2-3 weeks.

Photo by @the_poppy_patch

Cool Season Crop-Not Affected by Frost-

This yellow sweet onion is large in shape with crisp, firm flesh. You can eat this fresh, sautéed or even fried. You can also store these onions for several months in a cool dark place.

Maturity: 16 weeks

Light needed: Full sun

Germination: 12 days

Spacing: 3 apart

Depth: 1/8”

Approx seed per packet: 100 seeds

How to Grow:

Plant seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last danger of frost. Once the seedlings are ready, transplant them in soil 5”-6” apart. Be sure to water the frequently.

Viola x wittrockiana

Mix of bi-color blooms including orange, red, violet, golden-yellow. These pansies are cold tolerant blooming in early spring and late fall beyond frosts. Flowers are edible adding color to salads and desserts.

Seed Count: approximately 25 seeds

Plant Height: 6-8”

Light Requirements: full sun, part sun

Soil Preference: moist, well-draining soil

USDA Zones: 3-4 (annual), 5-9 (biennial)

How to Grow

Germination: 4-7 days at 60-70F

Seeding Depth: 1/8” depth, darkness is required for germination

Plant Spacing: 6”

Days to Maturity: 80-90 days

Early-Season Seeding: Start seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before the last spring frost date and transplant 2 weeks before the last spring frost. Direct seed after the danger of frost has passed.

Late-Season Seeding: Start seed indoors or direct seed outdoors at least 12 weeks before the first frost date. Direct seed outdoors in zones 5 and warmer in late-fall.

Growing Tips: Plants are cold tolerant and can be seeded or transplanted outdoors before the danger of spring frost has passed. Seeds are sown shallowly but require to be covered since darkness is needed for germination.

Cut Flower: Harvest when flowers are open and expect a vase-life of 5-7 days with flower food.

Photo by @junho355

Warm Season Crop

Size at Maturity: 3 - 4

Days to Maturity: 85 Days

Light: Full Sun

Planting Time: Warm Season

Sowing Method: Indoor Sow

HEIRLOOM

Fruit Size: 3-4 inches

Spread: 12 inches

Height: 18-24 inches

Approx seeds per packet: 25 seeds

How to Grow:

Plant seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last danger of frost. Once the seedlings are ready, harden the seedlings one week before transplanting outdoors. Once ready place them 18”-24” apart in soil. Ensure that the soil is constantly water and weeds are under control.

HEIRLOOM

Sometimes called the “Cinderella Pumpkin” Musquee de Provence pumpkin is not only good for decoration but also great for eating. You’ll find this variety is used in lots of recipes as well as fall décor blogs.

Days To Maturity: 100-110 days

Fruit Weight: 20 pounds

Sun: Full Sun

Spread: 72”-96”

Height: 24”-30”

Sow Method: Direct Sow

Planting Time: Spring

Sow Time:After Last Frost

Thin: 6’

Life Cycle: Annual

Approx seed per packet: 10 seeds

How to Grow:

Plant the seeds after the danger of frost 1” deep 48”-72” apart. Once the seedlings grow to 2” thin to 2-3 plants. Make sure to keep the crop well watered and have the weeds under control.

Photo by @crooked_branch_farm

Warm Season Crop

HEIRLOOM

Days To Maturity: 95 days

Fruit Weight: 4-8 ounces

Sun: Full Sun

Spread: 48”

Height: 12”-18” 

Sow Method: Direct Sow

Planting Time: Spring

Sow Time: After Last Frost

Thin: 48”

Life Cycle: Annual

Approx seeds per packet: 20 seeds

How to Grow:

Plant your seeds after the last danger of frost directly into your garden on a mound or hill. Plant them in groups of 4-6 seeds 3” apart, having each group be 48”-72” inches apart. Once the seedlings emerge thin to 2-3 per group. Make sure to keep the plants well watered and the weeds under control.

HEIRLOOM

With its bright red roots and white tips, this radish is easy to spot. Suitable for fresh use in salads, sandwiches or as a snack. Use this variety to fill in the gaps between larger, slower-growing vegetable varieties. 

Type: French breakfast

Days To Maturity: 23 days

Fruit Size: 2 inches

Sun: Full Sun

Spread: 3 inches

Height: 4-12 inches

Sow Method: Direct Sow

Planting Time: Fall, Spring

Sow time: 4-11 days

Thin: 3 inches

Approx seeds per packet: 10

How to Grow:

Plant your seeds 1” apart and .5” deep in rows that are 12” apart. Once the seeds sprout, thin the crop about 2” apart. Continuously water and care from crop ensuring weeds are under control.

Photo by @andi.chat

Best way to eat a radish according to @azgarden-chilled with ranch, pickled and roasted.

It turns out watermelon radishes, an heirloom variety of the Chinese daikon radish, make a great pickle. They are also beautiful.

HEIRLOOM

Days To Maturity: 60 days

Fruit Size: 3-4 inches

Sun: Full Sun

Spread: 3 inches

Height: 4-6 inches

Sow Method: Direct Sow

Planting Time: Fall, Spring

Germination: 4-11 days

Thin: 3 inches

Approx seeds per packet: 10 

How to Grow:

Plant your seeds 1” apart and .5” deep in rows that are 12” apart. Once the seeds sprout, thin the crop about 3” apart. Continuously water and care for crop ensuring weeds are under control.

Best way to eat a radish according to @azgarden-chilled with ranch, pickled and roasted.

photo by @la.salta.montes and Tupelo Honey Cafe

Warm Season Crop

HEIRLOOM

A yellow summer squash with a mild and slightly nutty flavor, it can be used interchangeably for zucchini or mixed with other summer squash to make a bright yellow appearance in otherwise boring dishes.  Added bonus is its high vitamin A content. 

Type: Summer squash

Days To Maturity: 50 days

Fruit Size: 8-6 inches

Sun: Full Sun

Spread: 24-36 inches

Height: 24-30 inches

Sow Method: Direct Sow

Planting Time: Spring, Summer

Sow Time: After Last Frost

Thin: 36 inches

Approx seed per packet: 100 seeds

How to Grow:

Plant your seeds in a sunny location and make sure they are around 36” apart with 1” of cover. Thin to one plant once the seedlings have a couple leaves. Make sure to continue to care for the crop by weeding and watering well.

photo by @the_stonehouse_farm

Requires a long, hot growing season

HEIRLOOM

Ideal for small gardens, these compact, bush plants produce heavy yields of deeply lobed, dark green acorn-type winter squash.  These are perfect for roasting and mashing with butter and brown sugar, and also make a lovely table decoration until you’re ready to eat them!

Type: Winter Squash

Days To Maturity: 70 days

Fruit Size: 5-7 inches

Sun: Full Sun

Spread: 24 inches

Height: 24-30 inches

Sow Method: Direct Sow

Planting Time: Summer

Sow Time: After Last Frost

Thin: 24 inches

Approx seed per packet: 100 seeds

HEIRLOOM

These little, but delicious squash can are fun to have for winter storage.   The flesh is thick and dry, and stringless for easy puree or a smooth roast.   These hardy winter squash are extremely versatile and keep well in storage – up to a full year in the right conditions!   

Type: Winter Squash

Days To Maturity: 120 days

Fruit Size: 24-36 inches long

Sun: Full Sun

Spread: 5-6 feet

Height: 24 inches

Sow Method: Direct Sow

Planting Time: Summer

Sow Time: After Last Frost

Thin: 5-6 feet

Approx seed per packet: 100 seeds

Heirloom

Easy to plant and grow. This green skinned and creamy white fleshed vegetables are perfect for soups, salads and more. 

Days To Maturity  50 days

Fruit Size  6”-8”

Sun  Full Sun

Spread  36”-48”

Height  18”-24”

Sow Method  Direct Sow

Planting Time  Spring, Summer

Sow Time  After Last Frost

Thin  36”

Approx Seed per Packet: 25 Seeds

How to Grow:

Plant the seeds directly in a sunny location after the last danger of frost has passed. Plant them 36” apart and 1” deep. Once the seedlings emerge, thin the seedlings to one plant when they have two sets of leaves. Ensure they have moist soil and keep weeds under control.

Photo by @fritidsobo

HEIRLOOM

The cherokee purple tomato is rich and full of flavor. This large and purple tomato is perfect for sandwiches or salads

Days To Maturity: 85 days

Fruit Weight: 13 ounces

Sun: Full Sun

Spread: 18 inches

Height: 36”-40” 

Sow Method: Indoor Sow

Sow Time: 6-8 weeks before last frost

Thin: 6”

Approx Seeds per Packet: 25 Seeds

How to Grow:

Plant the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last danger of frost. As soon as the seedlings emerge, place them in a sunny location. Before planting, accustom the seedling plants outdoors for a week. Plant them in a sunny location with rich soil and 30”-48” apart. Ensure they have moist soil and keep weeds under control.

photo by @annelipsia

Warm Season Crop

Seed Count: Approximately 50 Seeds

Perfect for salads, slicing, sandwiches, sauce, and canning

Days To Maturity: 70 days

Sun: Full Sun

Spread: 18 inches

Height: 30-36 inches

Sow Method: Indoor Sow/Transplant

Sow Time: 6-8 weeks

Thin: 6 inches

Approx seed per packet: 20

How to Grow:

Plant the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last danger of frost. The seedlings will emerge within 7-14 days and continue to provide plenty of light using fluorescent bulbs. Before planting, accustom the seedling plants in outdoor contains for a week. You can then plant them in a sunny location with rich soil 8” deep and 30-48” apart in rows 36-48” apart. Ensure they have moist soil and keep weeds under control.

Photo by @ubuhlebendalofoodgardens