Annuals and Tender Perennials

Renee's Garden Seeds -  For a visual Fiesta in your garden, grow these modern cultivars of ancient New World plants. Our heirloom Cinco de Mayo is effortless to grow, loves hot weather and puts on a glorious late summer show of spectacular colors. The foliage of the branching 3 to 4 foot tall plants forms brilliant pinwheel rosettes of graceful draping leaves. We’ve chosen illuminating colors in electric yellow, molten scarlet-orange, magenta and a splendid multicolor for show-stopping displays that celebrate the sunshine all summer long. Drought tolerant  Heirloom  3-4' tall 400 seeds, .250mg Instructions -  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Renee's Garden -  Color Palette Cupid is a lovely color mix of fragrant bush sweet peas perfect to grow in outdoor containers to decorate your patio, deck or any small space garden area. These diminutive vines grow just eight to 10 inches tall, then the sweetly scented big flowers bloom happily on softly cascading branches. Fill up your containers with this special blend of all the Cupid colors. You’ll have plants with blossoms in rose-pink and white, soft lavender, shell pink, and deep purple. Characteristics:  Window Length Large ruffled blooms Soft watercolor shades  Lasting cut flowers  Approx 45-50 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, plant in fall; seeds will germinate and 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.  Plant in: February - April  Full sun  Plant 1 inch deep  Plant 2-3 inches apart  12-20 days to germinate  Mature Height:1-2 feet Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Stunning Orange Blossoms - The blossoms of this luminous California poppy glow in radiant coppery-red shades, especially dazzling when lit by the sun. Copper Pot’s satiny flowers shine like bright beacons above mounds of feathery, gray-green foliage. Their vibrant colors are real showstoppers throughout spring and early summer. Ideal for drifts of cheerful color, these easy to grow flowers will often naturalize and happily resow themselves for another season of bloom. Copper Pot is perfect to cover bare or neglected garden areas. Eschscholzia californica Characteristics:  Deep Orange Blossoms Re-seeding annual  Tolerates poor soil  3-4' tall 78 days  2 grams (~1200 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 and HIGHLY Recommended 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

Renee's Garden - This premium variety is more compact and earlier blooming than other salvias, with clouds of nectar-rich, orchid-like blossoms in an enchanting shade of salmon-coral with tiny white stamens. Hummingbirds seek out and flock to Coral Nymph plants literally from dawn to dusk, and sprays of these charming flowers are lovely in mixed bouquets. Coral Nymph grows readily in a wide range of conditions and blooms continuously throughout summer. Ideal for big containers or as easy-care, free-flowering border plants.  Characteristics:  Heirloom Selective  Butterfly & Hummingbird favorites  Great in containers  Pollinators & Beneficials  Tender perennial grown as annual  Summer/Fall bloom  Frost tender  .08g ~65 seeds 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 -  These carefree plants are literally covered with blossoms from early summer through frost! The cheerful blossoms dance above airy foliage in a mix of soft cream, maroon, yellow, and red shades: a true tapestry of color. Plants are deer resistant, vigorous, and can handle hot, dry conditions. The bright blossoms are magnets for hungry bees, butterflies and many other pollinators. Perfect to light up the garden and pick often for dazzling, long-lasting bouquets. Botanical Name: Coreopsis x hybrida  Characteristics:  Great in containers Butterfly favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Summer/fall bloom  Frost tender 200mg, ~500-700 Seeds Instructions - To plant outdoors, sow seeds with barely any soil on top, 1 to 2 inches apart in a sunny location in well-worked garden soil once the danger of frost is past. Keep the seedbed moist. Seedlings emerge in 7 to 10 days. Keep well weeded and watered while plants are young; mature cosmos can handle hot and dry conditions. Space 6 inches apart when seedlings are large enough to handle.  To start early indoors, Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Barely cover, keep moist, and provide a good light source. Plant outdoors once the weather warms up after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.  These free-flowering summer bloomers produce reliably in all soil types and can be sown several times through early July for a succession of flowers. Cutting generous bouquets actually prolongs the blooming season. Replant a spent spring flower bed with satiny Snow Sonata, deep indigo Royal Ensign bush morning glories, and sparkling Signet Marigolds for a summer showing to shine until frost.  Plant in April-July  Full Sun  Plant 1/2" deep  Space 1-2" apart  7-10 days to germinate  Mature height: 2 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Renee's Garden -  Our custom blend of special cosmos dance and sway above lacy foliage. We’ve combined “Seashells,” with dainty tubular petals, “Psyche,” whose semi-double frilled blossoms are like softly ruffled crowns, and “Versailles,” the aristocratic florist cosmos with perfect form and rich color. Together they paint a joyous collage of apple blossom pink, deep magenta, soft rose and pure white. These easy-care lovelies bloom nonstop, providing armfuls of pretty flowers for romantic bouquets.  Characteristics:  Great in containers Butterfly favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Summer/fall bloom  Frost tender 1g, ~140 Seeds Instructions - To plant outdoors, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 1 to 2 inches apart in a sunny location in well-worked garden soil once the danger of frost is past. Keep the seedbed moist. Seedlings emerge in 7 to 10 days. Keep well weeded and watered while plants are young; mature cosmos can handle hot and dry conditions. Space 6 inches apart when seedlings are large enough to handle.  To start early indoors, Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Cover 1/2 inch deep, keep moist, and provide a good light source. Plant outdoors once the weather warms up after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.  These free-flowering summer bloomers produce reliably in all soil types and can be sown several times through early July for a succession of flowers. Cutting generous bouquets actually prolongs the blooming season. Replant a spent spring flower bed with satiny Snow Sonata, deep indigo Royal Ensign bush morning glories, and sparkling Signet Marigolds for a summer showing to shine until frost.  Plant in April-July  Full Sun  Plant 1/2" deep  Space 1-2" apart  7-10 days to germinate  Mature height: 2 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Who does not love the carefree and whimsical nature of cosmos. The French found a way to really add romance and elegance to cosmos and that is with their Bon Bon Double Cosmos! These pink flowers add a touch if whimsy and combine with elegance all in one flower.   Characteristics:  Great in containers Butterfly favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Summer/fall bloom  Frost tender 320mg, ~45 Seeds Instructions - To plant outdoors, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 1 to 2 inches apart in a sunny location in well-worked garden soil once the danger of frost is past. Keep the seedbed moist. Seedlings emerge in 7 to 10 days. Keep well weeded and watered while plants are young; mature cosmos can handle hot and dry conditions.  Space 6 inches apart when seedlings are large enough to handle.  To start early indoors, Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Cover 1/2 inch deep, keep moist, and provide a good light source. Plant outdoors once the weather warms up after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.  These free-flowering summer bloomers produce reliably in all soil types and can be sown several times through early July for a succession of flowers. Cutting generous bouquets actually prolongs the blooming season. Replant a spent spring flower bed with satiny Snow Sonata, deep indigo Royal Ensign bush morning glories, and sparkling Signet Marigolds for a summer showing to shine until frost.  Plant in April-July  Full Sun  Plant 1/2" deep  Space 1-2" apart  7-10 days to germinate  Mature height: 2 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Renee's Garden - Sonata Cosmos’ compact feathery 2 1/2 to 3 foot plants are soon covered with sprays of buds that open and bloom non-stop all summer long. The blossoms’ 2 inch satiny petals in shades of magenta, clear white, soft pastel pink and pure rose surround cheerful yellow centers. Reliable and long lasting, with stems long enough for cutting lots of bouquets, free blooming Sonatas are perfect for containers, beds or borders. Butterflies and other pollinators love to visit these lovely flowers.  Characteristics:  Great in containers Butterfly favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Summer/fall bloom  Frost tender .75g, ~125 Seeds   Instructions - To plant outdoors, sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 1 to 2 inches apart in a sunny location in well-worked garden soil once the danger of frost is past. Keep the seedbed moist. Seedlings emerge in 7 to 10 days. Keep well weeded and watered while plants are young; mature cosmos can handle hot and dry conditions. Space 6 inches apart when seedlings are large enough to handle.  To start early indoors, Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Cover 1/2 inch deep, keep moist, and provide a good light source. Plant outdoors once the weather warms up after gradually acclimating to outdoor conditions.  These free-flowering summer bloomers produce reliably in all soil types and can be sown several times through early July for a succession of flowers. Cutting generous bouquets actually prolongs the blooming season. Replant a spent spring flower bed with satiny Snow Sonata, deep indigo Royal Ensign bush morning glories, and sparkling Signet Marigolds for a summer showing to shine until frost.  Plant in April-July  Full Sun  Plant 1/2" deep  Space 1-2" apart  7-10 days to germinate  Mature height: 2 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

A warm-toned mix of pink, orange, purple, gold, and cream blooms. High Mowing Organic Seeds - An excellent cut flower that blooms until frost; the more you cut the more they grow! 2-5" blooms ideal for borders and bouquets. Heat and disease tolerant. Zinnias last longer if you change the water in the vase every two days and keep out of direct sunlight Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated High Mowing Seeds Exclusive  Excellent cut flower  Attracts butterflies 24-36" plants Annual  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 - Crackerjack Mix African Marigolds are classics that take 82 days to bloom in shades of yellow, gold, and orange. (Tagetes erecta)  Certified Organic  Heirloom  3-4 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

Crego Aster Mix provides tons of flowers from late summer through mid-fall. They are a blend of purple, blue, pink and white jewel tones.  Flowers are very full and have a wonderful shaggy appearance. Flowers provide a late nectar and pollen source and plenty of blooms for flower arrangments.  Annual Long-lasting flowers A mix of purples, pinks, and whites 250 Seeds Firefly Farm & Mercantile Packet Instructions:  Plant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed in late spring. Prefers average soil. Remove spent blossoms regularly to prolong blooming. Alternative Sowing for those that want earlier blooms Start Indoors: 8-10 weeks before the last frost Germination: 7-10 Days Plant Outdoors: 7-10” Apart Light: Sun/Partial Shade         Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability  

Cupcake Blush Cosmos - When these are picked and massed together in a bouquet it makes a wonderous sight. Cupcake cosmos look like they are wrapped in a cupcake wrapper. They have a double layer of blossoms but sit just in the perfect way that it looks like a cupcake wrapper and a cupcake. They are just so cute!  This one is not in our normal $3 price group as the seed is quite a bit and who wants less than 25 seeds for cosmos in a packet! It is still an amazing buy.   Half-hardy annual, 3-4' tall. Botanical Name: Cosmo bipinnatus Characteristics: Easy to grow from seed Half-hardy annual plants grow to 3-4 feet tall Blush Cupcake Cosmo 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

Coming Soon - A 2026 introduxtion! Cupcake White Cosmos - Perfect for weddings, bridal showers, or everyday get togethers. When these are picked and massed together in a bouquet it makes a wonderous sight. Cupcake cosmos look like they are wrapped in a cupcake wrapper. They have a double layer of blossoms but sit just in the perfect way that it looks like a cupcake wrapper and a cupcake. They are just so cute!  This one is not in our normal $3 price group as the seed is quite a bit and who wants less than 25 seeds for cosmos in a packet! It is still an amazing buy.   Half-hardy annual, 3-4' tall. Botanical Name: Cosmo bipinnatus Characteristics: Easy to grow from seed Half-hardy annual plants grow to 3-4 feet tall White Cupcake Cosmo 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 - This rare, heat-loving vine twines up effortlessly in an exquisite tracery of finely cut, feathery foliage. At midsummer, a profusion of dainty tubular flowers in shades of light pink, rose, white and scarlet open to five pointed stars. The charming rainbow of little blossoms attracts constant attention from hungry hummingbirds who find their nectar irresistible. Rediscover this gorgeous color range of true cypress vine, long a nostalgic favorite in the south. Botanical Name: Quamoclit pennata Characteristics:  Half-hardy annual plant Vines will grow up to 15-20 feet long with support Star-shaped red flowers and feathery foliage A favorite with hummingbirds Grows well along fences and trellises or in containers 2g of seeds, 110-150 Seeds per packet Instructions: Plant seeds outdoors after the last frost. Seeds can be slightly chipped and soaked in warm water for 24 hours before planting for better results. Prefers full sun and moist average soil.  Direct Seed: 1/2" Deep Germination: 15-21 Days Thin: 4-6" Apart Support: Trellis or Arbor   Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Renee's Garden - These strong and exuberant dahlias from seed produce dozens of informal bright blossoms. The 3 to 4-inch free blooming flowers greet you with a carefree canopy of color in fireworks shades of scarlet red, orange-red, deep red, and red coral in striking contrast with the bushy plants’ deep burgundy-purple foliage.  Cut stems of bloom often for long-lasting centerpiece bouquets. At season’s end, the 2 1/2 to 3-foot plants produce tubers to replant for next year’s flowers.   Characteristics:  Great in containers Butterfly favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Summer/fall bloom  Frost tender   Instructions - To start early indoors, Sow seeds 2 inches apart in containers of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last spring frost. Cover 1/2 inch deep, keep moist and warm, and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outdoors. When the weather is warm and settled, acclimate seedlings gradually to outdoor conditions. Plant 12-14 inches apart in full sun.  To start directly outdoors, Wait until the weather is warm and settled and night temperatures are above 50°F. Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 1/2 inch deep and 12-14 inches apart in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Cover lightly and keep the soil moist but not soggy while awaiting germination. When well-established, thin carefully, leaving one single seedling per group, so plants have room to grow. Keep well-weeded and evenly watered.  Encourage growth and plentiful flowers by feeding plants monthly. Remove faded flowers to prolong bloom. These dahlias will produce underground tubers after their first season of bloom. In mild winter climates: tubers can overwinter in the ground.In cold winter climates: dig up the tubers in late fall to replant them next spring. To grow in a container, space seedlings 8 in. apart in containers at least 16-18 in. across and 16 in. tall.  Plant in April-June  Full Sun  Plant 1/2" deep  Space 12-14" apart  7-14 days to germinate  Mature height: 2.5-3 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Renee's Garden - Easy to grow from seed, these vigorous dahlias bloom hard all season in an explosion of colorful blossoms. The branching plants reach 3 ½ to 5 feet with a season long profusion of cheerful 4 to 5 inch, slightly curved, spidery blossoms that shine in wonderful colors: cherry, lemon chiffon, peach, red, alabaster, coral and rich burgundy. Summer Fireworks blossoms attract and feed an amazing array of different pollinators including honeybees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Make big bouquets all summer! Great in containers Butterfly favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Summer/fall bloom  Frost tender Instructions - To start early indoors, Sow seeds 2 inches apart in containers of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last spring frost. Cover 1/2 inch deep, keep moist and warm, and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outdoors. When the weather is warm and settled, acclimate seedlings gradually to outdoor conditions. Plant 12-14 inches apart in full sun.  Climates withh more than 180 days of frost free days - To start directly outdoors, Wait until the weather is warm and settled and night temperatures are above 50°F. Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 1/2 inch deep and 12-14 inches apart in well-worked, fertile soil in full sun. Cover lightly and keep the soil moist but not soggy while awaiting germination. When well-established, thin carefully, leaving one single seedling per group, so plants have room to grow. Keep well-weeded and evenly watered.  Encourage growth and plentiful flowers by feeding plants monthly. Remove faded flowers to prolong bloom. These dahlias will produce underground tubers after their first season of bloom. In mild winter climates: tubers can overwinter in the ground.In cold winter climates: dig up the tubers in late fall to replant them next spring. To grow in a container, space seedlings 8 in. apart in containers at least 16-18 in. across and 16 in. tall.  Plant in April-June  Full Sun  Plant 1/2" deep  Space 12-14" apart  7-14 days to germinate  Mature height: 2.5-3 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability.