Horticulture Tips

English Daisy Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/16”
Seed Spacing:1”-2”
Plant Spacing:6”
Days to Germination:10-15 days
Germination Temperature:70°-75°F

Bellis perennis. English Daisies have long been beloved in European gardens. The pompon flowers hover on leafless stems just 6" over a spreading mat of semi-evergreen foliage. Tuck them into stone walls and beneath daffodils and tulips to add a dash of charm to your spring plantings. English Daisies abhor heat. In warmer climates, afternoon shade is a must, while in cooler climates full sun is best. Direct-sow seeds in the garden on top of the soil in late winter or early spring. Keep the seeds evenly moist until germination. When the seedlings are 2" to 3" tall, thin them to 6" apart. Supply them with plenty of moisture until they’re established, and then mulch to conserve soil moisture and restrain their rampant reseeding tendencies. Treat Engli

Cottage Pinks Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”
Seed Spacing:1”
Plant Spacing:6”-12”
Days to Germination:14-21 days
Germination Temperature:70°F

Dianthus plumarius. Hardy, this low-growing favorite may be started indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date. Start in a good seedstarting medium at 70°F with even moisture, strong light and good ventilation. Once the seedlings are well-established, thin to 2" to 3" apart and grow on indoors at a lower temperature, about 55°F until they are 3" tall. Prior to transplanting, acclimate the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outside conditions for 1 to 2 weeks. After the last frost, transplant out 6" to 12" apart in the garden. A perfect border or rock garden plant growing in low mounds, it prefers well-draining, sandy to loamy and average to slightly alkaline soil in full sunlight. A good cut flower, it is also regarded as a decorative edible. S

Calendula Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/2”
Seed Spacing:2”
Plant Spacing:12”-15”
Days to Germination:10-14 days
Germination Temperature:70°F

Calendula officianalis. This decorative edible may be started outdoors as soon as the ground can be worked in the spring. It prefers full sunlight and a fertile, loamy and well-draining soil. Plant the seeds 1⁄2" deep and firm well, since they require darkness for optimal germination. Keep uniformly moist until the seedlings emerge, about 1 to 2 weeks after sowing. To raise as transplants, sow the seeds 6 to 8 weeks prior to the last frost date in a good seedstarting medium, provide even moisture and a consistent 70°F temperature until the seedlings emerge in about 2 weeks. Once established, thin plants to 2" to 3" apart and grow on. Prior to transplanting when 3" tall, acclimate the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outside conditions for 1 to 2

Spider Flowers Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”-1/2”
Seed Spacing:2”-3”
Plant Spacing:12”-18”
Days to Germination:10-14 days
Germination Temperature:70°-80°F

Cleome spinosa, Spider Plant. It is best to plant Cleome seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date. They may also be started indoors in a sterile soil mix, 6 to 8 weeks before planting outside. Cleome needs alternating day and night temperatures. Sow thinly and shallowly as light improves germination. Keep soil evenly moist until seedlings emerge. When seedlings are large enough to transplant, be sure to “harden them off” by gradually exposing the plants to the outdoors over a period of 7 to 10 days. Cleome appreciates full sun but tolerates partial shade; the garden bed should be rich, fertile, well-draining soil. Thin or transplant seedlings to 12" to 18" apart and keep the seedlings well-watered and weeded. Mature plants wi

Coleus Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:0”
Seed Spacing:1”-2”
Plant Spacing:8”-12”
Days to Germination:10-15 days
Germination Temperature:60°-70°F

Coleus blumei. Prized for their exotic and colorful foliage, Coleus should be started indoors at least 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting outside after all danger of frost has passed. Sow seeds on top of the soil mix, leaving the seeds uncovered but pressed firmly onto the soil surface, as light is needed for germination. Provide even, lukewarm moisture and strong light during germination. Prepare a garden bed in dappled sunlight or shade, with rich, welldraining soil. Harden the plants off by gradually acclimating them to outside conditions over 1 to 2 weeks. Thin or carefully transplant the seedlings into the garden, planting them 8" to 12" apart. To encourage branching, pinch back the young plants once 8" tall, and flowers as they form. All the rage i

Coreopsis Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/8”
Seed Spacing:1”-2”
Plant Spacing:12”
Days to Germination:10-25 days
Germination Temperature:55°-70°F

Coreopsis grandiflora, Tickseed. An easy-to-grow perennial (even in poor soil), Coreopsis will produce little, daisy-like flowers amid feathery foliage the first year if started early enough, 8 weeks before transplanting out. But it may be sown outdoors anytime from early spring up until 2 months before the first fall frost. Sow seeds shallowly, pressing them firmly into the soil surface, barely covered, as light is needed for germination. Provide even moisture and strong light during germination. Harden the plants off by gradually acclimating them to outside conditions over 7 to 10 days. Prepare a garden bed in full sunlight with well draining soil. Thin or carefully transplant the seedlings, planting them 12" apart. Coreopis should be kept moderatel

Forget-Me-Not Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:0”
Seed Spacing:5”-6”
Plant Spacing:10”-12”
Days to Germination:14-21 days
Germination Temperature:55°-65°F

Myosotis sylvatica. Forget-Me-Nots can be direct-sown into the garden as soon as the ground can be worked, or may be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting outside. Prepare a bed in partial shade with rich, well-draining soil. Sow seeds on top of soil, leaving the seeds uncovered but pressed firmly onto the soil surface, as light aids germination. Provide even moisture and strong light. Harden off the seedlings by gradually acclimating them to outside conditions over 1 to 2 weeks prior to transplanting out 10" to 12" apart. Forget-Me-Nots love moist soil conditions and work well in shade gardens or rock gardens as well as sweet terrace pots. Prolific, they may reseed for future years of vibrant blooms. Spring to summer flowering. Height: 6"

Hibiscus Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”
Seed Spacing:12”-15”
Plant Spacing:24”-30”
Days to Germination:15-30 days
Germination Temperature:65°-75°F

Hibiscus mosheutus. Hibiscus can be direct-sown outdoors in warm areas or started indoors 8 to 10 weeks before transplanting outside after the threat of frost has passed. Soak seeds in water: once they sink, they are ready to plant. Sow seeds in good seed-starting medium at 70°F with even moisture, strong light and good ventilation. For consistent moisture during germination, cover the 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 outside. Hibiscus are moisture-loving plants. Mulch to conserve moisture, water consistently and fertilize as necessary. Intolerant of night chills, bring potted plants indoo

Hollyhock Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”
Seed Spacing:6”-8”
Plant Spacing:18”-24”
Days to Germination:10-14 days
Germination Temperature:70°F

Alcea rosea. Sow these tall, stately flowers outdoors after the last frost. Sow in a nice spot with full sun and protection from the wind in fertile, well-draining, loamy soil just 1⁄4" deep (they need some light for optimal germination). Keep well-watered until the seedlings emerge, about 10 days after sowing. Or, start indoors 8 to 12 weeks prior to transplanting out after the last frost. Provide even moisture, strong light and good ventilation until the seedlings are ready to transplant out. Acclimate the plants by gradually exposing them to outside conditions for 1 to 2 weeks. Thin or transplant the seedlings 18" to 24" apart when they are about 4" tall. Plants may need to be staked, as the flower spikes are quite tall. A biennial, Hollyhocks may not bloo

Red Hot Poker Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”
Seed Spacing:2”-3”
Plant Spacing:18”-24”
Days to Germination:10-20 days
Germination Temperature:70°-75°F

Kniphofia uvaria. A.K.A. Tritoma or Torch Lilies, Red Hot Pokers love sun and heat, and are perfect for that baking area beyond the reach of your water hose. Moisten seeds and then store them, wrapped in plastic, in a cold place for 4 weeks before sowing them indoors, 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. Keep the seeds moist until germination. Harden off the seedlings by slowly introducing them to the outdoors over the span of a week, and then transplant them after the last frost date to 12” apart in full sun and well-draining soil. If the hummingbird-beloved flowers are allowed to mature, the songbirds will make a meal of the seeds, though the seeds that elude them may sprout where they fall next spring. The tough, grassy foliage is evergreen

Maltese Cross Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/16”
Seed Spacing:2”-3”
Plant Spacing:12”-15”
Days to Germination:21-25 days
Germination Temperature:70°-75°F

Lychnis chalcedonica. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and gardeners all love this old-fashioned, easy-to grow, deer-resistant perennial. Its bright scarlet orange flowers, borne in dense clusters atop tall stems, positively glow in full-sun plantings. Sow seeds indoors in spring, 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. Barely cover the seeds with soil, since they require light to germinate, and then keep them moist until germination. Harden off the seedlings by slowly introducing them to the outdoors over the span of a week, and then transplant up to 15" apart after all danger of frost has passed. Maltese Cross prefers consistently moist soil once transplanted outdoors. It’s an excellent cut flower, and cutting and deadheading will prolong its bloom pe

Marigold Sowing Instructions
Planting Depth:1/4”
Seed Spacing:2”-3”
Plant Spacing:8”-12”
Days to Germination:5-7 days
Germination Temperature:70°-80°F

Tagetes. Easy to grow in full sunlight, Marigolds can be direct-sown into the garden in well-draining, loamy soil after the last frost date. Plant 1⁄4" deep and keep well-watered until the seedlings emerge, about 7 days after sowing. Or, start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date by sowing the seeds in a good seedstarting medium. Provide even moisture, strong light and good ventilation until the plants are large enough to handle. Prior to transplanting, acclimate the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outside conditions over 1 to 2 weeks. Thin or transplant seedlings 8" to 12" apart in the garden. Water moderately. A good cutting and edible flower, Marigolds are also good in containers or window boxes. Summer/fall flowering.