Annuals and Tender Perennials

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Emilia coccinea) The brilliant scarlet-orange blossoms and contrasting blue-green leaves of this self-sowing annuals add color, texture, and intrigue to any flower bed or border. The variety’s delicate, curvy stems allow it to weave in and about other flower varieties, creating a magical look in any garden space. This old-fashioned favorite reaches up to 18" and is perfect for fresh or dried arrangements.  Characteristics:  Self-sowing annual Great for bordering or bedding plant Plants grow to 18 inches Old-fashioned favorite 100 Seeds per Packet 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.  Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination: 7-10 Days Plant Outdoors: 12-18” Apart Light: Sun/Partial Shade   Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on 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 Seed Savers Exchange - One of the earliest-blooming cosmos mixtures, this annual is a great choice for northern gardeners. An All-American Selections winner in 1936, this longtime garden favorite produces large, sturdy plants adorned with beautiful, ferny foliage and flowers in a wide mixture of colors, from white and pink to cerise. An excellent cut flower. Half-hardy annual, 4-5' tall. Characteristics:  Very easy to grow Half-hardy annual plants grow to 4-5 feet tall Tubular flowers in pink, red, and white Great in cut flower arrangements 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

Renee's Garden - Our charming tricolor mix of old-fashioned signet marigolds lights up your garden with single blossoms that literally cover the softly mounding plants. Great as an edging, along a narrow walkway or to decorate window boxes and planters, these flower powerhouses have an aromatic lemon verbena-like scent, unlike common marigolds. Adorn your garden all summer with the sparkle of their dainty flowers in our blend of bright paprika, rich gold, and clear lemon yellow.   Characteristics:  Renee's Garden Exclusive  Annual  Aromatic dainty blossoms  Tricolor mix  Approx 180 seeds   Instructions - Sow seeds directly into well-worked garden soil in full sun once all danger of frost is past. Space seeds 2 to 3 inches apart and cover about 1/4 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination in 5 to 7 days.  These compact and cheerful antique marigolds are quick to bloom, carefree, and non-fussy. Their profusion of dainty blooms and feathery aromatic foliage is perfect for planters in sunny spots, or edging garden beds. Feed and water regularly especially if planting in containers. Consider second sowing before midsummer for a long season of appealing old-fashioned flowers. Plant in: April - June  Full sun Plant 1/4 inch deep  Plant 2-3 inches apart  5-10 days to germinate  Mature Height: 18 inches  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Renee's Garden - Spitfire’s brilliant, scarlet-red blossoms shine out amongst trailing lily pad shaped green foliage and their nectar is adored by hovering hummingbirds. Train them up short trellises or tripods for a cascade of bright blossoms or use the abundant, fiery-colored spurred flowers and their handsome leaves as a perfect way to disguise neglected areas, soften fences or walls, or tumble from big containers. Both flowers and leaves are edible with a flavor reminiscent of watercress with a pinch of honey.   Characteristics:  Heirloom Selective  Vibrant Red and Orange Hummingbird favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Annual vine  Spring/summer/fall bloom  Frost tender    Instructions - To start outdoors, sow seeds in spring once all danger of frost is over in full sun (or part shade in hot climates). Nasturtiums need no added fertilizer in most soils. Poke seeds into well-worked soil about 1 inch deep and 3 to 4 inches apart. Press the soil firmly over the seeds and keep them moist. When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin 10 inches apart so plants will have ample room to grow. To start early indoors, sow 2 seeds each in individual 4-inch pots of well-drained seed starting mix 3 weeks before the last expected frost date. Cover 1 inch deep. Provide a strong light source. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, pinch out the weaker seedling leaving 1 per pot. After outdoor temperatures are evenly above 50°F (10°C) gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions. Transplant seedlings into the garden 10 to 12 inches apart in full sun. Climbing nasturtiums are very reliable and easy to grow in any well-drained soil. Help them to twine up their supports, then they’ll climb easily and bloom nonstop. Do not let plants dry out during the blooming season. You can also plant Moonlight to tumble along the ground.  Plant in April-June for cold winters; March-July for mild winters Full sun or partial shade  Sow seeds 3-4" apart; 1" deep  7-14 days to germinate  Mature height: 4-6 feet Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Renee's Garden - EXCLUSIVE - Bred by Dr. Keith Hammett, early blooming Strawberry Fields offers long stems of luscious blossoms that remind us of the colors in a bowl of freshly harvested sliced strawberries in delicious hues of coral-red with just a touch of cream in the buds. These exuberant, fresh faced blossoms contrast beautifully with their green calyxes and leaves to make a sweetly scented medley of form and color. They'll provide armfuls of perfumed bouquets to pick to your heart's content.  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. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - Australian native that was introduced to Europe in 1799. Large papery flowers are used extensively in dried arrangements and as long-lasting cut flowers. Cutting promotes bud formation, so cut often. A mix of 8-10 colors. Annual, 30-36" tall. (Helichrysum bracteatum) Characteristics:  Annual plants grow up to 3 feet tall Papery flowers in a mix of 8-10 colors Great as a cut flower or dried flower Cutting promotes bud formation 250 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Seeds do best when allowed to germinate in darkness. Plant out when the danger of frost has passed in late spring. Plants do well in average soil. May require staking. Sow 6-8 Weeks before the last frost Plant 8-10" Apart Germination 5-20 days Full Sun to Partial Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability