Annuals and Tender Perennials

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Simple and elegant blooms that pollinators and butterflies will love. Single blooms, 1½ in. diameter, are yellow changing to light yellow. Appropriate for historical gardens, mass plantings, rockeries, or natural settings. Ht. 18-24 in. Zinnia peruviana Characteristics  Organic Annual plants grow to 2 feet tall Single yellow blossoms Great for borders plantings 125 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after last frost. Zinnias prefer well-drained average soil. Water regularly, keeping leaves dry. Remove spent blossoms frequently to prolong blooming. Sow 1/8" Deep Germination 5-24 days Thin 10-12" apart Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Picotee Cosmos are great for cut flower arrangements. It takes 56 days to bloom beautiful 1.5-2 inch cosmos in shades of pink, red, and white, mostly with streaked petals. This strain was selected from a Tasmanian white heorloom.  Certified Organic  Heirloom  Especially well-suited to the South-East  From Small Farms  4-5 ft. plants Edible flower petals  Seed heads attract birds.  Instructions - Annual. Germination: 14 days, 70 degrees F. Prefers full sun. Tolerates partial shade, poor soils, and drought once established. For earlier blooms sow indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Or sow outdoors after all danger of frost. Plant 1/4” deep; thin to 12”-14” spacing. Deadhead to prolong blooming.  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Tall, gorgeous poppy in shades of lavender, magenta, and mauve. High Mowing Organic - Large, luxuriant 4-6" blooms are mostly lavender-pink with a few bright magenta heads mixed in. Each flower center is ringed by four deep eggplant markings. Blooms contrast attractively with the waxy gray-green, scalloped foliage. A rare Swiss variety originally developed for seed and poppy seed oil production. Characteristics:  Organic & Open Pollinated Prefers poor soil 3-4' tall Re-seeding annual ~400 seeds Instructions - This poppy is a hardy annual preferring full sun, well-drained sandy soil. It will do well in poor soils so do not fertilize.  Direct seed in fall for early summer blooms in zones 7-10, plant in spring for late summer blooms in all zones. The plant will be reseeded, but it is also helpful to gather some seeds to replant next year. Poppies can be started indoors as transplants but direct seeding is best Direct Seed 1/4" deep Germination 10-15 days Thin 8-10" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Double blooms in 7 colors: white, pink, rose, peach, crimson red, sky blue, and medium blue on 3 ft. tall plants. Excellent cut flowers for bouquets.  Certified Organic  Heirloom  Especially well-suited to the South-East  From Small Farms  Instructions - Annual. Germination: 70°F, 9 days. Full sun. Direct sow or transplant. Space 6-12 in. apart. 85 days. Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Excellent pollinator and butterfly flower. Each packet will contain around 500 seeds.   Brought to England from South America around 1725. Endless purple flowers sit above strong stems with dark green leaves all summer and into early fall.  Thrives in warm dry soil, very easy to grow. Great for borders where height is needed. Tender perennial, typically grown as an annual, 3-4' tall.  Botanical name: Verbena bonariensis or aka Purple Top Characteristics:  Self-seeding annual plants grow to 3-4 feet tall Purple flowers are tolerant of light frosts Easy to grow, thrive in dry soil Great for use in border plantings or as a cut flower This variety will grow well in most regions of the United States and can be grown as a tender perennial in warm climates. 1/10th gram or about 500 seeds per packet  Instructions: Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Seed is slow to germinate and sensitive to excess moisture. Plant out after the danger of frost has passed in late spring. Makes an excellent cut flower. Start Indoors: 8-12 weeks before the last frost Germination: 14-28 Days Plant Outdoors: 18-24” Apart Light: Full Sun       Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Renee's Garden - These beloved cottage garden flowers are easy to grow, drought tolerant and a real favorite of hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. The free blooming, delicately fluted blossoms seem to float above slender foliage and sway in every breeze. We’ve combined lavender-rose “Purple Queen” and shell-pink “Pink Contessa” for a lavish garden display of shimmering, satiny flowers and long-stemmed, graceful bouquets to cut and enjoy indoors. (Agrostemma githago)  Characteristics:  Heirloom Selective  Hummingbirds, Pollinators & Beneficials  Summer/Fall bloom  Frost hardy Hardy Annual   Instructions - To start early indoors, start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover very lightly. Keep moist but not soggy and provide a strong light source. When seedlings are about 2 to 3 inches tall, and night temperatures are above 50°F, acclimate to outdoor conditions and plant 8 inches apart.  To start outdoors, sow in well-worked beds or in containers in full sun only after night temperatures reach 50°F. Plant seeds 4 inches apart and covers very lightly. Keep soil evenly moist. Thin seedlings to 8 inches apart so plants have room to mature. To plant in a container, plant 4 seedlings in a 20-inch pot; 3 in a 16-inch pot, and 1 seedling in an 8-inch pot. Plants grow quickly to 12-18 inches tall and bloom all summer long Honey Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and many other pollinators constantly visit these nectar-rich flowers.  Plant in: May-June for cold winters; April-May for mild winters  Full sun  Sow seeds 1" apart; barley cover  Days to germinate: 10-15 days  Days to harvest: 12-18"  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Renee's Garden - EXCLUSIVE - I have made up this striking combination of old-fashioned fragrant sweet peas to recall the famous scene at the end of Alice in Wonderland when the Queen commands her Knaves to paint her white roses red. Queen of Hearts is composed of heat-tolerant antique varieties that blossom in bouquets of crimson-red, deep burgundy, magenta-rose and cream. Together the irresistible colors make a regal blend of vivid flowers with delicate form and delicious honey-orange perfume.  Characteristics:  Heirloom  Pollinators & Beneficials  Annual climbing vine  Spring/summer bloom  Frost tolerant   35-40 Seeds   Instructions - Sweet peas must have well-drained soil, so dig deeply and enrich with aged manure or compost before sowing seeds. Erect a well-anchored trellis, vertical netting, or other support for vines before planting. Sow seeds in full sun in cool early spring weather as early as the ground can be worked. In mild winter areas, where the ground does not freeze, seeds can also be planted in fall to form strong root systems, then overwinter to bloom strongly in spring. Plant sweet pea seeds 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. When seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin them 4 to 5 inches apart, to allow plants room to mature.  Sweet peas bloom best before the weather gets too hot, so if spring planting, sow as soon as the ground can be worked. Where summer heat comes on fast, they’ll appreciate a spot with afternoon shade. Anchor supports well as vines will grow heavy with bloom. Protect seedlings from birds, slugs, and snails. Mulch and keep well watered. For the longest bloom, pick flowers often and keep faded blossoms cut. Plant in: March-May for cold winters; September-March for mild winters  Full sun or part-day shade  Sow seeds 2-3" apart; 1" deep Days to germinate: 12-28 days  Mature Height: 6-8 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Our children love to pick flowers and cosmos let them pick all the flowers they seem to want.  The more you pick them, the more they bloom.  The Living Seed Company - A gorgeous and showy heirloom. A true classic and so easy to grow! Plants can grow 4' - 5' tall with an abundance of flowers. Aside from being beautiful, they are nectar rich and offer forage for many of our pollinator allies!  A native Mexican wildflower loved by birds, butterflies, bees and even Monarchs! Characteristics:  Very easy to grow Half-hardy annual plants grow to 4-5 feet tall Pink Open Flowers Great in cut flower arrangements 100 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost. Cosmos prefer poor soil. They will thrive with very little attention and do not need a lot of water. Excellent cut flower. Remove spent blossoms regularly to prolong blooming. May require staking. Sow 1/2" Deep Germination 3-10 days Plant 18-36" apart Full Sun to Partial Shade Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Calendula officinalis) Calendulas have been referred to as Pot Marigold for centuries. Radio was introduced to gardeners in the 1930s and is now quite hard to find. Beautiful orange flowers have quill-like edible petals. Blooms from early summer until frost. Well suited for pots. Self-seeding, hardy annual, 18-24" tall. Characteristics:  Self-seeding, hardy annual Plants grow to 18-24 inches tall Blossoms are edible Great for container growing 250 Seeds per packet  Instructions: Sow seeds indoors 1/4" deep. Transplant outdoors after the last frost. Can also be directly sown outdoors after the last frost. Prefers light well-drained soil and will tolerate dry conditions. Good cut flower. Calendula petals are edible and have a tangy slightly sweet flavor.  Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination: 5-15 Days Plant Outdoors: 6-18” Apart Light: Sun/Partial Shade   Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Renee's Garden EXCLUSIVE - These giant flowering cactus zinnias have jolly 4-5 inch flower faces with curved and twisted narrow petals like quilled chrysanthemums. Raggedy Anne’s branching plants grow 3-4 feet tall and bloom merrily, lighting up the garden for weeks on end. We’ve custom mixed and coordinated the radiant shades of canary and golden yellow, orange, crimson, scarlet, coral, carmine rose, lilac rose, pink and white – you will have dozens of glowing bouquets of these exuberant old fashioned flowers. (Zinnia elegans) Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated Excellent cut flower  Attracts butterflies 3-4' plants Annual  ~60 Seeds, .75 grams Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost. Zinnias perform best in Full Sun with well-drained fertile soil.  Excellent cut flower. Remove spent blossoms regularly to prolong blooming. You can start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost to encourage faster bloom time.  Sow 1/4 " Deep Germination 3-10 days Scatter seeds and thin to 9" apart Full Sun to Partial Shade Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Gorgeous ornamental. 7-8 ft. tall mix of colorful sprays of red-bronze, brown, black, and burgundy, plus natural straw color. Small packet has about 350 seeds. Characteristics:  A mix of many varieties in multiple colors Nice addition to floral arrangements 100-110 days 5 grams or ~350 seeds per packet  This variety will grow well in most regions of the United States but prefers a long, frost-free growing season. Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors 1" deep after danger of frost has passed. For good pollination and full ears, plant in blocks of 3-6 rows instead of one long row. Thin seedlings to 8" apart. Corn is a heavy feeder and does best in well-drained fertile soil with plenty of water.  Direct Seed: 4" Apart Germination: 4-21 Days Rows Apart: 36-48" Light: Full Sun      Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability 

Renee's Garden - These lovely flowers offer beautiful, deep raspberry-tinted double blossoms on branching long-stemmed plants that reach 3 1/2 to 4 feet tall. Raspberry Sorbet zinnias are both free flowering and long blooming and the abundant flower heads add glowing color to summer beds and borders. Pick armfuls of these pretty flowers for jewel-toned bouquets all season long; the more you pick, the more flowers will develop. Butterflies seek these beauties out all summer long.  Characteristics:  Butterfly favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Annual   Summer/fall bloom  Frost tender     Instructions - To start in the garden, sow seeds in well-worked soil in full sun when the danger of frost is past and the weather is warm and above 50°F (10°C) both day and night. Space seeds 2 to 3 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart, cover about 1/2 inch deep, and gently firm the soil. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination. To start early indoors, four weeks before the last frost date, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 3 inches apart in a container of seed starting mix. Keep warm and moist and provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant outside only when temperatures rise above 50°F (10°C) both day and night. Space seedlings 8-12 inches apart when large enough to handle to give plants room to mature and provide good air circulation. Zinnias grow readily in ordinary garden soil in full sun. For large and abundant flowers, thin before seedlings get crowded; adequate spacing and regular, even watering help keep zinnias productive and discourage mildew. For long-lived bouquets, cut flowers in the morning when blossoms first open and petals are tight. Cut long stems well back into the plant to keep plants branching low and producing abundant blooms to attract butterflies and other pollinators.  Plant in May-June for cold winters; April-May for mild winters Full sun  Space seeds 2-3" apart  Plant 1/2" deep  Days to germinate: 7-10 days  Mature Height: 3.5-4 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Large, stunning velvety cockscomb blooms with a brilliant red flame coloration. High Mowing Organic Seeds - Plants are vigorous with compact, sturdy growth habit. 2-4" blooms rise from green, purplish leaves. Stems are strong and easily stripped of leaves at harvest. Flowers have an incredible vase life, lasting up to two weeks in water. Blooms can be dried for striking ornamental arrangements. Highly vigorous plants produce for a long harvest window and have great field holding quality. (Celosia argentea spicata) Cut or dried flowers Cockscomb shape 26-32" tall Annual Open-Pollinated 50 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Plant out into average, well-drained soil after the danger of frost has passed. Good cutting flower, fresh or dried.  Direct Seed: 1/4" deep  Germination: 10-15 days  Thin: 8-10" apart  Light: Full Sun   Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - Listed by many companies earlier this century as Mexican Hybrids. Beautiful semi-double flowers with mahogany, orange, gold, cream, and many bi-colored blossoms. Very good for cutting. Resists mildew. AAS winner in 1952. Annual, 24-28" tall. Characteristics:  Open-Pollinated Annual plants grow to 12-18 inches tall Bright red and orange flowers Classic marigold scent Productive and excellent for garden borders 250 Seeds Instructions -Sow seeds outdoors 2 weeks before the last frost.  They prefer full sun and can do ok in partial shade especially in hot climates.  They like well-balanced slightly dry soil.  Sow 1/8" Deep Germination 4-10 days Thin 10-12" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Red Metamorph Marigolds were bred by Alan Kapuler, named for the alien shapeshifters in Robert Silverberg's Majipoor novels. In cooler weather, the flowers are a deep ruby color, but in warm weather splashes of orange appear as well! 2-3 ft. plants make a nice, compact annual hedge. Certified Organic  Heirloom  Especially well-suited to the South-East  From Small Farms  2-3 ft. plants  Instructions - Annual. Germination: 70°F, 4-8 days. Full sun. Direct sow or transplant after last frost. Space 8-16” apart. Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability