Page 17 - Monthly Archives: August 2020

False Indigo Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”
Seed Spacing:3”-4”
Plant Spacing:18”
Days to Germination:10-14 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Baptisia australis. Start transplants indoors 2 weeks before the last frost date. Prior to planting, carefully nick the hard seed coat with a file and/or soak the seeds overnight in lukewarm water to assist germination. Pamper with 65°-75°F temperatures, good air circulation and even moisture. Avoid overwatering. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into larger, deeper pots for full root system development. After all danger of frost has passed and seedlings are 4" tall, harden them off by gradually acclimating them to the outdoors over 7 to 10 days. Transplant out 18" apart in rich, well-draining soil and full to partial sunlight. Water regularly. Mulch to deter weeds and retain ground moisture. It will probably not bloom until the second spring. Established, it grows into thick clusters. Early summer flowering.

Helichrysum Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:0”
Seed Spacing:6”-8”
Plant Spacing:18”
Days to Germination:7-14 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Helichrysum microphyllum, the Licorice Plant. Start transplants indoors 10 to 12 weeks before setting out after the threat of frost has passed. Each pellet contains 3 seeds. Sow seed pellets on top of sterile starter mix, leaving them uncovered but pressed firmly onto the soil surface, as light is needed for germination. Pamper with 65°-75°F temperatures, good air circulation, strong light and even moisture. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into larger, deeper pots for full root system development. After all danger of frost has passed, harden them off by gradually acclimating them to the outdoors over 7 to 10 days. Transplant out 10" to 12" apart to a well-draining, rich, moist garden bed in full to partial sunlight. Water regularly and feed as needed with manure tea, kelp or fish emulsion. Summer leafing. Height:

Heuchera Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/8”
Seed Spacing:6”-8”
Plant Spacing:12”-15”
Days to Germination:15-25 days
Germination Temperature:55°F

Heuchera sanguinea, Coral Bells. Heuchera should be direct sown outside after all threat of frost has passed. Prepare a garden bed in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-draining soil. Heuchera may also be started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting out after the threat of frost has passed. Provide even moisture and strong light. Harden off the seedlings by gradually acclimating them outside over 1 to 2 weeks before transplanting out. When the seedlings are 2" tall, thin or transplant to 12" to 15" apart. A perfect companion for other woodland shade lovers once mature, Heuchera has beautiful foliage and precious little flowers borne on delicate stems. It may bloom the first year if started early enough in the spring. Spring to summer flowering. Height: 15" to 24".

Shade Tolerance

Honeywort Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/16”
Seed Spacing:2”-3”
Plant Spacing:12”-15”
Days to Germination:15-20 days
Germination Temperature:70°-75°F

Cerinthe major ssp. purpurascens. Easy to grow, Honeywort prefers to be direct-sown in full to partial sunlight in a sandy, well-draining spot in the garden. Soak seeds overnight, then direct-sow after the last frost date or raise as transplants 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting out after threat of frost has passed. Provide even moisture and strong light. Harden off the seedlings by gradually acclimating them outside over 1 to 2 weeks before transplanting out. Once seedlings are 2" tall, thin or transplant 12" to 15" apart. When happy, Honeywort may self-sow, yielding seedlings to spread about the garden or share with friends next spring. Try this floriferous annual in containers, too, where its glaucous, textural foliage and dusky purple flowers can be admired up close. Mid-summer/fall-flowering. Height: 18" to 30".

Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/16”
Seed Spacing:1”-2”
Plant Spacing:18”
Days to Germination:14-18 days
Germination Temperature:65°-70°F

Polygonum orientale. Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate requires a cold period to germinate reliably. Direct-sow in late fall or late winter for spring seedlings, or wrap the seeds in a moist paper towel, place them in a plastic baggie, and refrigerate them for 3-4 weeks in spring before either starting indoors or direct-sowing after the last frost date. If starting indoors, sow cold-treated seeds 1⁄8" deep in good seed-starting medium 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Provide even moisture, strong light and good ventilation. Once established, thin to the strongest seedlings. Transplant carefully to minimize root disturbance. Once 3" tall, thin or transplant seedlings 2' to 3' apart in the garden. A moderate self-seeder, you'll likely find seedlings here and there the second year. Summer flowering. Height: 4' to

Lobelia Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/8”
Seed Spacing:2”-3”
Plant Spacing:6”
Days to Germination:14-21 days
Germination Temperature:70°F

Lobelia erinus. Start transplants indoors 10 to 12 weeks before setting out after the last frost date. Sow seeds on top of soil mix, leaving the seeds uncovered but pressed firmly onto the surface, as light aids germination. Provide even moisture of the soil and strong light. When seedlings are 4" tall, harden them off by gradually acclimating them to the outdoors for 1 to 2 weeks. Carefully transplant out into well-draining, loamy soil in full to filtered sunlight spaced 6" apart. Known as an edging Lobelia, perfect for abundant pathside borders, it may be planted 3" apart in cascading hanging baskets and lush window boxes. Shade-tolerant, it offers plump 8" trails of little, 5-petalled, 1⁄2" flowers with thin, somewhat sparse, foliage. Summer flowering. Height: 8".

Shade Tolerance

Lupine Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”
Seed Spacing:4”-6”
Plant Spacing:12”-15”
Days to Germination:20-25 days
Germination Temperature:55°-70°F

Lupinus polyphyllus. Lupines should be direct sown outside after the threat of frost has passed. Prepare a bed in full to partial sunlight with rich, well-draining soil and protection from wind. Soak the seed for 24 hours in tepid water prior to sowing. It may also be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting out after the threat of spring frost has passed. Use peat pots or seed starting cells to avoid root disturbance. Provide even moisture and strong light. Harden off the seedlings by gradually acclimating them outside over 1 to 2 weeks. When the seedlings are 2" tall, thin or transplant to 12" to 15" apart. Seedlings may vary in growth or vigor depending on color. Water regularly and mulch to keep roots cool and retain moisture. Lupines will bloom the second season. Spring to early summer flowering. Height: 36" to 48".

Shade

Mexican Sunflower Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/8”
Seed Spacing:6”-8”
Plant Spacing:24”
Days to Germination:5-10 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Tithonia rotundifolia. Mexican Sunflower can be direct-sown into the garden or started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting out after the threat of frost has passed. Prepare bed in full sunlight with rich, well-draining soil. Sow seeds in good seedstarting medium at 70°F with even moisture, strong light and good ventilation. For consistent moisture during germination, cover flats or pots with plastic wrap until seedlings emerge: then discard plastic. Harden off seedlings by gradually acclimating them to outside conditions for 1 to 2 weeks before transplanting out. Thin or transplant the seedlings 24" apart. Drought-tolerant, this heat-lover requires good drainage and dislikes excessive watering. This imperious scarlet-orange beauty may need staking. A terrific cut flower, cut ends must be flame-seared to prevent wilting.

Moss Rose Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:0”
Seed Spacing:6”-8”
Plant Spacing:12”-24”
Days to Germination:10-15 days
Germination Temperature:55°-60°F

Portulaca grandiflora. Easy to grow, Moss Roses prefer to be direct-sown in full to partial sunlight in a sandy, well-draining spot in the garden after the last frost date, by just pressing the seeds lightly into the soil, as light is needed for germination. Or raise as transplants 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting out after threat of frost has passed. Use individual peat pots or seed-starting cells to avoid root disturbance. Provide even moisture and strong light. Harden off the seedlings by gradually acclimating them to the outdoors over 1 to 2 weeks before transplanting out. Once seedlings are 2" tall, thin or transplant 12" to 24" apart. Moss Roses, when established, love heat, blazing sun, and dry soil, making them perfect for sun-baked patio containers. Summer flowering. Height: 3" to 6".

Ornamental Kale Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”-1/2”
Seed Spacing:6”-8”
Plant Spacing:12”-15”
Days to Germination:10-14 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Brassica oleracea. Prized for its decorative foliage, Ornamental Kale performs best in cool weather. Start it indoors in mid summer so that mature plants will be ready for fall and winter display in seasonal containers and garden borders. Sow in seed starting mix in small peat pots or flats. Provide even moisture, good air circulation and strong light. Once plants have 4 true leaves, transplant into 10" pots or to a temporary garden with rich, organic soil and afternoon shade. Excessive heat can cause enlongated stems. Water frequently. Feed as necessary with liquid organic fertilizer. Use floating row covers for insect protection. Ornamental Kale may not develop its unique magenta-pink or white accent colors until temperatures dip in the fall. Remove lower leaves as they fade. Fall to winter flowering. Height: 10" to

Phlox Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”
Seed Spacing:2”-3”
Plant Spacing:6”
Days to Germination:10-15 days
Germination Temperature:55°-65°F

Phlox drummondii. Widely adaptable, Phlox may be sown outdoors after the last frost date but is best started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting out after all danger of frost has passed. Cover seeds completely, as darkness aids germination. Use individual peat pots or seed-starting cells to avoid root disturbance. Provide even moisture and strong light. Harden off the plants by gradually acclimating them to the outdoors over 1 to 2 weeks before transplanting out. Both heat and drought tolerant, it requires constant, even moisture for optimum flower production. Mulch to deter weeds and retain ground moisture. Once Phlox starts to bloom, it is free-flowering until the first frost. Phlox is terrific in display bed borders, window boxes and rock gardens. Summer-fall flowering. Height: 8".

Shade Tolerance

Pincushion Flower Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”
Seed Spacing:6”-8”
Plant Spacing:10”-15”
Days to Germination:14-21 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Scabiosa caucasica. The “Pincushion” can be direct-sown outdoors in warm areas or started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting out after all threat of frost has passed. Prepare planting site in garden in full to partial sunlight with rich, well-draining soil. Sow seeds in good seedstarting medium at 70°F with even moisture, strong light and good ventilation. For consistent moisture during germination, cover flats or pots with plastic wrap until seedlings emerge: then discard plastic. Harden off the seedlings by gradually acclimating them to outside conditions for 1 to 2 weeks before transplanting out. Thin or transplant seedlings 10" to 15" apart. It will flower the first year if started early enough indoors. Its blue, lilac and white flowers are terrific in bouquets: harvest just as the flowers are opening. Summer flowering.