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Phacelia tanacetifolia is known as Lacy Phacelia. It is a f ... Read more

Phacelia tanacetifolia is known as Lacy Phacelia. It is a fast-growing annual wild flower that is excellent for attracting bees and other beneficial insects to the garden. It adapts to different environments and can handle harsh desert conditions. It has light violet-blue flower spikes that will keep the bees busy all day long. Water at the roots as overhead watering can make the flowers flop. Start the seed directly outdoors in early spring when there is still a chance of frost. In a prepared seedbed, press the seed into the soil and cover with 1/8 inch soil. Keep the seed moist until germination. With a temperature range of 55 - 65F, germination is usually within 12 days. Space the plants 12 inches apart. Grow in full sun and in well-drained soil. Lacy Phacelia is known to reseed. If reseeding and spreading is not desired, deadhead spent blooms. Minimize

If you live in a warmer climate, there is a lawn alternativ ... Read more

If you live in a warmer climate, there is a lawn alternative that many people enjoy. Dichondra repens is a perennial ground cover that only reaches about 2 inches in height. It prefers full sun, and it can handle light foot traffic. Dichondra has a creeping growth habit and stays low to the ground. The leaves are circular and bright green. Dichondra ground cover seed can be started directly outside. Wait until temperatures are in the 70Fs during the day and 50Fs at night. Prepare a seedbed that is weed free and loosen the top several inches of soil. Press the seed into the soil but do not cover it. Keep the seed consistently moist until germination occurs which is usually within 14 days. After the seed has germinated, water it deeply but infrequently to encourage deep roots. Water the ground cover about 1 inch each week. Dichondra can be mowed or used in landscape areas with no maintenance. Minimize

African daisy is native to South Africa and was introduced ... Read more

African daisy is native to South Africa and was introduced to South Australia in ship ballast at Port Lincoln in about 1930. African daisy tolerates a wide range of soil types and occupies areas with 500 to 1500 mm annual rainfall. Like all South African wildflowers, this beauty is best grown in sharp-draining soil, not heavy loam or clay. If conditions are right, African Daisy can provide spectacularly colorful bloom and easily established from wildflower seed. Minimize

Tagetes patula mix is our popular and most-loved Marigold m ... Read more

Tagetes patula mix is our popular and most-loved Marigold mix that is easy to grow from seed and easy to maintain. This mix has blooms that reach 8 - 12 inches in height and produces masses of blooms in shades of yellow, orange, and bi-color. Butterflies love these flowers! The plants are small, bushy and compact making them perfect for edging borders and for containers. When planted in a mass grouping, the color is magnificent! Marigolds perform from late spring through frost, and with some deadheading, the blooming will continue to be heavy. They perform well even during the intense heat of summer. Start the seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the end of frost season. Press the seed into the soil and lightly cover with soil. Keep the seed moist. With a temperature of 70 - 75F, germination is usually within 20 days. Marigolds can bloom from seed in 8 - 10 weeks. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Space the plants 8 inches apart. Grow in full sun and in moist, well-drained soil. Marigolds are usually resistant to deer. Minimize

One of the all-time world favorites among wildflowers often ... Read more

One of the all-time world favorites among wildflowers often used at funerals. Forget me nots received their name based on the romantic legend: a medieval knight, gathering blue flowers along a stream for his lady love, was suddenly swept away by flood waters. As he disappeared, he tossed the bouquet to his lady with the immortal words, \Forget me not.\" Forget Me Not wild flower seed will grow in all regions of North America and is very easy to establish. Will grow in sun or shade and will start to bloom early. Keep in mind that this species actually grows in the wild in streambeds and wet woodlands. This means lots of moisture, and shade tolerance. These flowers love water and will grow well in almost any wet spot. Extremely easy to grow from seed in early spring or fall after frosts. Forget me not like many gorund cover seeds is a ready self-seeder. To encourage reseeding, leave spent flowers on the plants well after they have faded. Just let the flowers drop their seed in late fall and it will produce new forget me nots the following spring. Forget-me-not does especially well under trees or large shrubs but also thrives in lightly shaded rock gardens and flower beds." Minimize

Oenothera speciosa is commonly called Showy Evening Primros ... Read more

Oenothera speciosa is commonly called Showy Evening Primrose, and this perennial is a favorite of many gardeners. It has soft pink, silky flowers with yellow centers that are 2 ½ inches across. It is a vigorous plant that spreads by rhizomes and can establish large colonies if given room in a naturalized setting. It also works wonderfully in a large pot which helps to keep it contained. This perennial does not do well in water-logged soil over the winter. Start Evening Primrose seed directly outdoors in either the fall or early spring. Prepare a seedbed that has had the top 2 inches loosened and is weed free. Press the seed into the soil but do not cover it. Keep the seed moist. With a temperature range of 65 - 70F, germination is usually in 45 days. Space the plants 12 - 18 inches apart. Grow Primrose in full sun to partial shade and in well-drained soil. Primrose usually is resistant to deer. Minimize

Penstemon strictus is a lovely perennial wildflower that is ... Read more

Penstemon strictus is a lovely perennial wildflower that is a great addition to the garden or to a naturalized landscape setting. Rocky Mountain Penstemon is native to the United States, and it features intensely colored blooms that are somewhat like a snapdragon. The bloom color is deep violet blue and they form on sturdy spikes that are great for cutting and creating lovely indoor arrangements. Penstemon is also a very good choice for a wild life garden as it is rich in nectar. It is recommended to sow Rocky Mountain Penstemon directly outdoors. The seed can be planted in late fall in a prepared seedbed. Press the seed into the soil and cover with 1/16 inch of soil. The cold weather of winter helps to break the dormancy of the seed, and in the spring when temperature warms, germination will begin with a temperature range of 55 - 60F. Germination normally occurs within 30 days. Space the plants 15 - 18 inches apart. Grow in full sun and in well-drained soil. Minimize

Verbena tenuisecta is commonly known as Moss Verbena. It is ... Read more

Verbena tenuisecta is commonly known as Moss Verbena. It is a tender perennial that is usually grown as an annual in cooler climates. It makes a marvelous ground cover, or it looks lovely in containers and baskets, spilling over the sides. Moss Verbena has violet flower clusters, and it will bloom from late spring right up until the first frosts of fall. It is gorgeous in a naturalized meadow setting, and deer and rabbits usually leave it alone. It provides nectar for bees and butterflies. Start Verbena seed directly outdoors. It does well with a dormant fall planting as the cold temperature helps break the dormancy of the seed. Once spring temperatures warm to 65F, germination is usually within 35 days. In a prepared, weed-free seedbed, broadcast the seed, and lightly rake the seed under the soil. If planting in the spring, give the seed a cold treatment in the refrigerator before sowing the seeds. Grow Moss Verbena in full sun and in well-drained soil. Minimize

Lavandula angustifolia is old-fashioned favorite of gardene ... Read more

Lavandula angustifolia is old-fashioned favorite of gardeners everywhere, and it is rich in essential oil making it very fragrant both fresh and even once it is dried. This variety, Munstead, reaches 18 - 20 inches in height and nearly 30 inches in width making a nice compact plant that works well in flower beds and gardens. Munstead produces dark violet-blue blooms that have a lovely fragrance and a long bloom season. The foliage is pale gray-green and also nicely aromatic. Lavender is a perennial that is heat and drought tolerant. The fragrant blooms attract bees and butterflies all summer long, and the blooms are nice for cutting and drying as well. Lavender is usually resistant to both deer and rabbits. In the spring, start the seed indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Press the seed into the soil, cover the seed very lightly, and keep it moist. With a temperature of 72 - 75F, germination is normally within 21 days. After danger of frost has passed, transplant the seedlings outdoors and space the plants 20 inches apart. Lavender prefers to grow in full sun and in gritty, sharply-draining soil. Trim plants back in the early spring to encourage bushier growth. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous blooming. Minimize

Dianthus Barbatus (Dunetti) - This crimson red Sweet Willia ... Read more

Dianthus Barbatus (Dunetti) - This crimson red Sweet William Dianthus is a compact, upright plant about 18 to 24 inches tall, vigorous and eager to please. This flowering plant will get clusters of crimson red flowers that will catch your eye and the eye of your neighbors. Easily grown from flower seed, this plant will bloom in about 3 months. This Dianthus is hardy from zones 5 through 9, thriving in full sun and any ordinary garden soil, provided it is well-drained. A mainstay of any self-respecting border or bed, Sweet William also does well in containers of all types, accent plantings, and edgings. You may also cut and put in a vase and it will last approximately 2 weeks. Minimize

Veronica spicata, known simply as Veronica, is a hardy pere ... Read more

Veronica spicata, known simply as Veronica, is a hardy perennial that will not disappoint! It is a terrific bloomer that enjoys full sun and tolerates partial shade. The foliage is low and compact, and it forms erect flower spikes of dark violet blue. The blooms are irresistible to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Grow Veronica in the front of a sunny border or as a container plant. It is usually resistant to deer. Veronica seed can be started indoors 4 - 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Press the seeds into the soil but do not cover them as they need light for germination. Keep the seed moist until germination. With a temperature of 65F, germination is usually within 28 days. Veronica seed can also be started directly in the garden after frost danger has passed. Prepare a seedbed by loosening soil and weeding. Plants should be spaced 10 inches apart. Minimize

Lavandula angustifolia is old-fashioned favorite of gardene ... Read more

Lavandula angustifolia is old-fashioned favorite of gardeners everywhere, and it is rich in essential oil making it very fragrant both fresh and even once it is dried. This variety, Munstead, reaches 18 - 20 inches in height and nearly 30 inches in width making a nice compact plant that works well in flower beds and gardens. Munstead produces dark violet-blue blooms that have a lovely fragrance and a long bloom season. The foliage is pale gray-green and also nicely aromatic. Lavender is a perennial that is heat and drought tolerant. The fragrant blooms attract bees and butterflies all summer long, and the blooms are nice for cutting and drying as well. Lavender is usually resistant to both deer and rabbits. In the spring, start the seed indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Press the seed into the soil, cover the seed very lightly, and keep it moist. With a temperature of 72 - 75F, germination is normally within 21 days. After danger of frost has passed, transplant the seedlings outdoors and space the plants 20 inches apart. Lavender prefers to grow in full sun and in gritty, sharply-draining soil. Trim plants back in the early spring to encourage bushier growth. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous blooming. Minimize

Lychnis coronaria is known as Rose Campion, and it is an ol ... Read more

Lychnis coronaria is known as Rose Campion, and it is an old-fashioned favorite for the perennial flower garden. It has 1 inch blooms that range in shades of rose and red. The foliage is branching, forming a rounded mound of silver-gray leaves and stems. The blooms can last all summer long. It is known as being a hardy plant, tolerating poor soils and drought once it is established. Start the seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the end of frost season. Press the seed into the soil and very lightly cover with soil. Keep the seed moist continuously. With a temperature of 68 - 70F, germination is usually within 21 days. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Space the plants 12 inches apart. Grow in full sun to partial shade and in well-drained soil. Lychnis is usually resistant to deer. Deadhead to promote continuous flowering. Minimize

Another great annual to grow for the cutting garden is Gomp ... Read more

Another great annual to grow for the cutting garden is Gomphrena globosa, or also known as Globe Amaranth. Grow these flowers in full sun and enjoy the brilliantly colored round flower heads. This variety has white colored blooms that form on sturdy stems making it ideal for cutting. Globe Amaranth also dry well. For drying, cut the blooms just as they begin to open and hang upside down in a warm, well ventilated place. These annuals are ideal for the border or flower bed, but they also make a nice container plant, and they bloom all summer long. It is recommended to soak the seed overnight in tap water. Sow the seed the next day directly outdoors in the spring once frosts are no longer expected. Press the seed into the soil, do not cover it, and keep it moist. Given temperatures of 68 - 75F, germination is usually within 10 days. Space the plants 12 - 18 inches apart. If growing Globe Amaranth for cutting, place the plants closer together to encourage longer stem growth. Minimize

Achillea millefolium, or Yarrow, is a hardy perennial that ... Read more

Achillea millefolium, or Yarrow, is a hardy perennial that is a favorite for wild flower gardens. This variety, is native to the United States and can be seen growing in the wild in many regions. This Yarrow has flat-topped white flower clusters and fern-like foliage. It looks wonderful growing in a meadow! After frost danger has passed, directly sow Yarrow seed outdoors onto a prepared seedbed. Press the seed into the soil, but do not cover it. Keep the seed moist until germination. Grow Yarrow in full sun. It prefers well-drained soil, and it is usually deer resistant. Space plants 16 inches apart. Deadheading promotes continual bloom. Minimize

Agastache Mexican (Giant Hyssop) Lavender blue is a herbace ... Read more

Agastache Mexican (Giant Hyssop) Lavender blue is a herbaceous perennial is best grown in moderately fertile, well drained soil which is kept on the dry side. It is both heat and drought tolerant and due to its aromatic properties is considered to be an excellent attractant to hummingbirds and butterflies. This species is also popular when used as dried flowers or as a cut flower. Minimize

This Amaranthus bicolor provides brilliant foliage color th ... Read more

This Amaranthus bicolor provides brilliant foliage color that will have your friends and neighbors taking a second look! This variety, called Illumination, gives a fiery display during the summer with tall, sturdy columns of green leaves leading up to gold and crimson foliage that nearly erupts with color! Some people call Amaranthus Illumination a summer Poinsettia. It gives a colorful display all summer long, and it likes a full sun position in the garden with well-draining soil. Start Amaranthus seed indoors in early spring. Press the seed into the soil but do not cover it. Maintain temperatures between 65 ? 75F, and keep the seed moist until germination. Normally, germination is within 21 days. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Minimize

Dianthus deltoides, or commonly known as Maiden Pink, forms ... Read more

Dianthus deltoides, or commonly known as Maiden Pink, forms low mounds of dark green foliage. The foliage is evergreen, and in the summer growing on little stems are 1 inch fragrant blooms. This variety has white blooms, and it will bloom throughout the summer especially when the spent blooms are deadheaded. This Dianthus only reaches 8 inches in height, so it works well edging the front of the border or bed. It makes a wonderful container plant as well. Maiden Pink is a self-sower, filling in thin areas, so it also works wells as a general ground cover plant. Start the seed indoors several weeks before the end of frost season. Or, directly start the seed outdoors after frosts have passed. Firmly press the seed into the soil but do not cover it. Keep the seed moist. At a temperature of 65 - 70F, normal germination is within 21 days. Since this variety is a perennial, if the seed is not started in early spring, flowering might be delayed and not occur until the second year. Minimize

These tall Asters are butterfly magnets! Callistephus Tall ... Read more

These tall Asters are butterfly magnets! Callistephus Tall Double Gremlin is the variety name, and they reach 30 inches in height. Sometimes they are referred to as Tiger Paw Aster. This variety loves full sun or partial shade and rich, well-draining soil. The Gremlin variety has large red flowers with curved, twisted petals. They make a wonderful cut flower. Sow the seed indoors in the spring for transplanting outside after frost season ends. Thinly cover the seeds with soil and keep them moist. Maintain a temperature between 60 ? 70F, and germination is usually within 21 days. Transplant outdoors and space 18 inches apart. Minimize

This is a lovely low-growing ground cover plant that is eas ... Read more

This is a lovely low-growing ground cover plant that is easy-to-care-for and thrives in hot, dry soil. Dorotheanthus bellidiformis, commonly called Livingstone Daisy, is free-flowering, and once it is established, it is drought tolerant. The bright colored daisies are 1 inches across and have many long petals around a center black eye. They blooms face straight up and are so cheery! Livingstone Daisy is a perennial only in frost-free zones, but they grow quickly and bloom quickly and can be an annual in all other zones. They love a position in full sun, and they work well edging a border or edging a walkway or driveway. They can handle the heat just fine. Start the seed indoors 6 ? 8 weeks before the last frost, or sow directly outdoors after frost season has passed. Press the seed into the soil and cover it. The seed needs darkness for germination, so cover the seeded area with a box or plastic, and keep it dark and moist. Uncover as soon as germination occurs. With a 70F temperature, germination usually occurs within 21 days. Minimize

Lupinus texenis are the most well-known of all the wild flo ... Read more

Lupinus texenis are the most well-known of all the wild flowers in the United States. Known as Texas Bluebonnets, these annuals are in the lupine family, and they bear clusters of dark blue pea-like blooms with a contrasting white tip. When grown in meadows, the visual effect is beautiful with a resemblance to an ocean of blue. Though it is native to Texas, it will grow in many areas with the right conditions. It is recommended to soak the Texas Bluebonnet seed in warm water over night. Sow the seed directly outdoors after frost danger has passed. Prepare a seedbed that is loosened and weed-free. Cover the seed with 1/8 inch of soil. Keep the seed moist until germination occurs. With a temperature range of 55 - 70F, germination is usually within 30 days. Grow Texas Bluebonnet in full sun and in well-drained, sandy soil. Texas Bluebonnets are legumes and are beneficial to the soil. Minimize

Magic Carpet is the perfect ground cover plant! It only rea ... Read more

Magic Carpet is the perfect ground cover plant! It only reaches 2 ? 4 inches tall, and it has masses of tiny pink blooms that are very attractive to butterflies. Magic Carpet is a creeping thyme, or Thymus serpyllum, that is well-suited for edging the flower border or walkway, growing in-between pavers or in the rock garden. It is a hardy, long-lived perennial that establishes easily from seeds. Prepare an outdoor seedbed. Directly sow Magic Carpet Creeping Thyme seeds outdoors in spring after danger of frost. Shake 'n Seed Ground Covers - We are now offering shaker bottles filled with our seed starting matrix: rich soil, gardening sand, water absorbing crystals, and starter fertilizer. This not only helps dispense the seed, but it gets it off to a great start! Simply remove the lid from the shaker bottle, add seed from packet, put the lid back on tightly, shake the bottle vigorously for 15 seconds, and then shake the seed mix over the prepared soil. Press the seed into the soil firmly and keep it consistently moist until it germinates. Minimize

Papaver rhoeas, known as Shirley Poppy, comes from Shirley, ... Read more

Papaver rhoeas, known as Shirley Poppy, comes from Shirley, England where they were hybridized. This mix has shades of lilac, pink, and red with no dark eyes. Some blooms are semi-double, some are double, and some have a ring of contrasting color around the edge called picotee. Grow Shirley Poppy in mass groupings for a stunning display of color. They also are perfect for naturalized landscape settings. Deadheading helps to encourage continuous blooms. If a few blooms are left to go to seed, these poppies are known for reseeding for next year's display. Start the seed directly outdoors in a prepared seedbed in early spring. Press the seed into the soil but do not cover. Keep the seed moist until germination. At a temperature of 55 - 60F, germination usually occurs within 28 days. Space the plants 12 inches apart. Grow in full sun and in well-drained soil. Shirley Poppy is usually resistant to deer. Minimize

Amorpha canescens is commonly known as Leadplant, and it is ... Read more

Amorpha canescens is commonly known as Leadplant, and it is a native shrubby perennial that will reach 24 - 40 inches in height, and is semi-erect with occasional side branches. When the plant is young, the stems are light green and slightly hairy with grayish green leaves. In summer, the plant produces bloom spikes of purple flowers. The blooms are very attractive to butterflies. With age, the plant becomes more woody and shrub-like. Leadplant prefers to grow in full sun and is not picky about soil conditions. It has deep roots and it adds nitrogen to the soil. Leadplant is also nutritious and palatable to livestock, rabbits and deer. It is recommended to soak the Leadplant seed in hot water overnight before sowing. Directly start the seed outdoors in the spring. With a temperature of 70F, germination is usually in 28 days. Cover the seed with only 1/8 inch of soil. Leadplant is easy to grow, but it is slow to develop. It may take a couple of years to flower. Minimize

Papaver nudicaule, known as Iceland Poppy, is not has hardy ... Read more

Papaver nudicaule, known as Iceland Poppy, is not has hardy as the name might imply. This mix has shades of white, yellow, orange, pink, rose and red along with some bi-colors. The blooms are 4 - 5 inches across and are delicate, with the appearance of crinkly silk. Grow Iceland Poppy in mass groupings for a stunning display of color. They also are perfect for naturalized landscape settings. The best blooms are during cool weather. Deadheading helps to encourage continuous blooms. In warm climates, start the seed directly outdoors in a prepared seedbed in the fall. Press the seed into the soil but do not cover. Keep the seed moist until germination. At a temperature of 55 - 60F, germination usually occurs within 28 days. Space the plants 12 inches apart. Grow in full sun and in well-drained soil. Iceland Poppy is usually resistant to deer. For cooler climates, start the seed in the late winter. In cool climates, Iceland Poppy can perform like a perennial for 2 - 3 years. All parts of this flower are poisonous. Minimize

Craspedia globosa, or commonly referred to as Billy Button ... Read more

Craspedia globosa, or commonly referred to as Billy Button or Drumstick, is an unique annual flower that is native to New Zealand, Australia and Tasmania. It blooms all summer long with 1 inch yellow globes on strong stems. Craspedia is excellent for cutting and drying. It is extremely popular as a dried addition to arrangements. In the spring, start the seed indoors 4 - 6 weeks before the last expected frost date. Press the seed into soil, cover it lightly with peat moss or garden sand, and keep the seed moist. With a temperature range of 70 - 75F, germination is usually in 21 days. Transplant the young plants outdoors after danger of frost has passed and when there are 2 sets of true leaves. Billy Button prefers a position in full sun. Space the plants 12 inches apart. Minimize

Irish Moss, or Sagina subulata, is a wonderful ground cover ... Read more

Irish Moss, or Sagina subulata, is a wonderful ground cover plant that enjoys full sun to partial shade. It creates a dense, moss-like, evergreen plant that forms a carpet of green. Irish Moss is low-growing, reaching 1 - 2 inches in height and is perfect for growing in-between paver stones or edging a walkway. It has tiny white flowers in the later spring and summer. Start the tiny Irish Moss seeds indoors several weeks before the end of frost season. Do not cover the seed but press it into the soil. Covering the container with plastic wrap will help keep the humidity high. With a temperature range of 64 - 72F, germination is usually within 21 days. Transplant the plants outdoors 6 - 9 inches apart. The seed can also be directly started outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Keep the seed continuously moist until germination occurs. Irish Moss does best in a sunny position in cooler zones and in partial shade in warmer zones. Minimize

Dame's rocket will grow anywhere in the U.S. in full sun or ... Read more

Dame's rocket will grow anywhere in the U.S. in full sun or light shade. Dame's Rocket likes moist conditions for optimal growing, but it is adaptable. Plant spring or fall and this flower will bloom profusely. Dame's rocket is a showy, short-lived perennial with large, loose clusters of fragrant white, pink or purple flowers that bloom from May to August on flowering stalks 2-3 feet in height. This member of the mustard family has flowers with four petals. Many seeds are produced in long, narrow fruits. The leaves are oblong, sharply toothed, and alternately arranged. Leaves decrease in size as they ascend the stem. The overwintering rosette is easily identified from fall through spring. This species is often confused with garden phlox (Phlox paniculata)l. Unlike dame's rocket, the phlox species have opposite leaves that are not toothed, and flowers with five petals, not four. Minimize

In frost-free zones, Lobelia erinus, can perform as a peren ... Read more

In frost-free zones, Lobelia erinus, can perform as a perennial, but in most areas, it is a popular annual that is colorful and versatile. Lobelia makes a nice ground cover with a compact, trailing growth habit. Masses of blooms cover the green foliage. Lobelia is also perfect for edging borders, rock gardens, hanging baskets and window boxes. This variety, Blue Carpet, has small bright blue flower. They bloom from summer through fall and are showy and dependable! Grow Blue Carpet alone or combine it with other Lobelia varieties for a beautiful scene of color. Lobelia is not drought tolerant, so make sure it is watered deeply during periods of high temperatures. Start the seeds indoors 8 - 10 weeks before the end of frost season. Press the seed into the soil and do not cover it. Keep the seed moist continuously. With a temperature of 72F, germination is usually within 21 days. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Space the plants 6 inches apart. For areas with a long growing season, the seed can be started directly outdoors in a prepared seedbed after danger of frost as passed. Grow in full sun to partial shade and in well-drained soil. Lobelia is usually resistant to deer. Minimize