Horticulture Tips

Bachelor’s Button Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/2”
Seed Spacing:2”-3”
Plant Spacing:6”-12”
Days to Germination:7-14 days
Germination Temperature:60°-70°F

Centaurea cyanus. It is best to direct-sow Bachelor’s Buttons in well-draining, loamy soil in full sun as soon as the ground can be worked. Plant 1⁄2" deep and tamp down well since they require darkness for optimal germination. Keep uniformly moist until the seedlings emerge, up to 2 weeks after sowing. Or sow indoors 4 weeks before planting outside, in a good seed-starting medium at about 60° to 70°F. Provide even moisture, strong light and good ventilation. Prior to transplanting, acclimate the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outside conditions for 1 to 2 weeks. Thin or transplant 6" to 12" apart in the garden. Weed and keep well-watered until established. Drought tolerant, water moderately once established. Summer flowering. Height:

Salvia Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/8”
Seed Spacing:1”-2”
Plant Spacing:12”
Days to Germination:7-20 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Salvia. It is best to start Salvia indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date. Sow shallowly since light aids germination. Pamper with 65°- 75°F temperatures, strong light, good air circulation and moist soil by covering flats or pots with plastic wrap. Remove plastic wrap after the sprouts emerge. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant to 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 or direct-sow in rich, well-draining soil and full to partial sunlight. Water regularly and mulch to deter weeds and retain ground moisture but keep mulch away from Salvia’s stems. Salvia Victoria has graceful spir

Shasta Daisy Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:0”
Seed Spacing:1”
Plant Spacing:12”-24”
Days to Germination:10-14 days
Germination Temperature:70°-75°F

Leucanthemum x superbum. This easily grown perennial cut flower may be sown outdoors from early spring up to 2 months before the first frost date in the fall. Or start transplants indoors 8 weeks before setting out after the last spring frost date to ensure first-year flowers. Sow seeds on top of the soil, leaving the seeds uncovered but pressed firmly onto the soil surface, as light aids germination. Provide even moisture and strong light. When seedlings are 4" tall, harden them off by gradually acclimating them to the outdoors for 1 to 2 weeks. After the threat of frost has passed, carefully transplant out into well-draining, loamy soil in full to filtered sunlight spaced 12" to 24" apart. Prized in summer bouquets and wildflower drifts, it has la

Verbena Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/8”
Seed Spacing:6”-8”
Plant Spacing:12”
Days to Germination:21 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Verbena. Widely adaptable, it is best started indoors 12 to 14 weeks before transplanting out after all danger of frost has passed. Sow seeds in a good seed-starting medium at 70°F with even moisture. Cover seeds completely, as darkness aids germination. For even moisture during germination, cover flats or pots with plastic wrap until seedlings emerge, then discard plastic. Harden off seedlings by gradually acclimating them outside over 1 to 2 weeks. Carefully transplant out into rich, well-draining soil in full sunlight, spaced 8" to 12" apart. Water regularly and mulch to deter weeds and retain ground moisture. Heat and drought tolerant, it requires little care once established and will spread to cover the space allotted for it. Our Ideal Florist Verbena Mi

Vinca Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/8”
Seed Spacing:6”-8”
Plant Spacing:12”
Days to Germination:14-20 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Catharanthus roseus. Vinca rosea. Widely adaptable, it is best started indoors 12 to 14 weeks before transplanting out after all danger of spring frost has passed. Sow seeds in a good seed-starting medium at 70°F with even moisture. Cover seeds completely, as darkness aids germination. For even moisture, cover flats or pots with plastic wrap until seedlings emerge, then discard plastic. Harden off seedlings by gradually acclimating them outside over 1 to 2 weeks. Carefully transplant out into rich, well-draining soil in full sunlight, spaced 10" to 12" apart. Water regularly and mulch to deter weeds and retain ground moisture. Heat and drought tolerant once established, it requires little care and will spread to fill allotted space. It is great for hangi

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

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.

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 fa

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 conta

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 s

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 wi

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