Annuals and Tender Perennials

The Seed Savers Exchange - One of two plants that inspired the creation of Seed Savers Exchange, this morning glory bears beautiful deep-purple flowers with red stars at their center. This self-sowing annual—given to SSE co-founder Diane Ott Whealy by her Grandpa Ott who lived on a 40-acre farm in St. Lucas, Iowa—can climb to 15 feet tall, if given support to grow on. One of two seeds that started it all for the founders of Seed Exchange Self-seeding hardy annual plants grow vines of over 15 feet long Deep purple flowers with a red star on the throat Climbs trellises and support structures 100 Seeds 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. Sow 1/2" Deep Germination 5-21 days Thin 4-6" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability Please note: The Arizona Department of Agriculture prohibits the sale of any plant in the genus of Ipomoea, which includes Morning Glory.

The Seed Savers Exchange - Harvey's Honor Marigold This is a special collection release from The Seed Savers Exchange Characteristics:  Open-Pollinated Annual plants grow to 12-18 inches tall 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

Renee's Garden - EXCLUSIVE -Perfect for displaying on patios, decks or in small space gardens. Cupid is a very fragrant heirloom bush sweet pea that looks particularly lovely planted in containers or hanging baskets. Cupid’s short vines grow 8 to 10 inches tall, then flower in gracefully cascading stems of rose-pink, picotee edged blossoms. These old fashioned beauties have an ambrosial sweet pea scent that perfumes the air around them. Join us in rediscovering this marvelous antique variety, beloved by many generations. Characteristics:  Window Length Large ruffled blooms Soft watercolor shades  Lasting cut flowers  Approx 30-35 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. 

Renee's Garden - Dating back to 1737, Painted Lady was the very first named sweet pea cultivar, the result of a natural color mutation from the original purple Italian species to a beautiful rose, pastel pink, and cream bicolor. Heat tolerant and deliciously scented, Painted Lady begins flowering early on vigorous vines that stretch and grow as the season continues. Bring the continuity of centuries to your garden by growing these heavenly-scented flowers, treasured in the cottage gardens of our great-grandmothers.   Characteristics:  Heirloom  Pollinators & Beneficials  Annual climbing vine  Spring/summer bloom  Frost tolerant     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 - A commanding presence in the garden, this heirloom amaranth grows 4½-6' tall with a showy display of dark purple-green leaves, solid purple stems, and long, draping deep purple-red inflorescences. Used for dye or as an ornamental, it comes to Seed Savers Exchange through Native Seeds/SEARCH, which notes this variety was collected in the lower area of Moenkopi, Arizona. The Hopi people make a natural scarlet food dye from the flower bracts to color piki bread. It flowers in mid-to-late-June in the Northeast Iowa if started indoors.  Organic From the Seed Saver Collection Stunning ornamental Grows 4 1/2-6' tall 250 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. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination 7-10 days Plant 12-18" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Our restock arrives 5/28, this has been very popular! The blue-purple flowered Hungarian Blue Breadseed is a very easy flower that will reseed each year. It is grow for its flowers, silvery foliage but more importantly its seeds for cooking. You won't regret planting this flower for ornamental purposes. We carry this from several seed sources throughout the year.  Botanical Name: Papaver somniferum Characteristics:  Organic Self-seeding annual plants grow to 2-3 feet tall  Deep blue-purple blossoms  Edible seeds for baking  200 seeds  Instructions - Direct seeding is recommended, as poppies do not like to have their roots disturbed. Sow seeds outdoors in the early spring when the soil is still cool and light frost is possible. Can also be sown in the fall just before the ground freezes. Plants will tolerate average soil.  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 - Looking for a lovely, fragrant, easy-care flowering herb that really attracts pollinators? Our Root Beer hyssop lights up the garden with candelabras of deep lilac-purple flower spikes all season long. All types of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds will flock to the pretty flowers with delight. Both the flowers and handsome toothed leaves have a sweet, warm fragrance and flavor reminiscent of root beer and can be used as edible garnishes and in baking. (Agastache rugosa)  Characteristics:  Heirloom  Butterfly & Hummingbird favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Sweetly fragrant herb  Frost tender perennial  Instructions - Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of well-drained seed starting mix 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost date. Cover 1/4 inch deep, keep moist, and provide a strong light source until ready to go outside. Transplant into individual containers once seedlings have 2 to 3 sets of true leaves. Transplant into the garden once the weather warms up after gradually acclimating seedlings to outdoor conditions. Sow seeds directly into well-worked garden soil in full sun once all danger of frost is past. Space seeds 3 inches apart and covers about 1/4 inch deep. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination in 10 to 14 days. When well established, thin or transplant seedlings 9 to 12 inches apart so plants have room to mature. You can transplant extra seedlings when thinning.  Plant in May-June for cold winters; April-June for mild winters  Full Sun  Sow seeds 3" apart and 1/4" deep  7-12 days to germinate  Mature Height: 3 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Firefly Farm & Mercantile's Iceland Poppy Mix is composed is yellows, oranges, and creamy papery blossoms.  Iceland poppy's are super easy to grow. Cast the seeds on the ground and step them into the soil for good contact. In a few weeks you will be rewarded with little plants that will give you beautiful flowers until the heat of summer. They reseed reliably. Iceland Poppies are short lived perennials, lasting 2-3 years but once established their reseeding habit makes them reliable garden flowers you can look forward to each spring and fall. Botanical name is Papaver nudicaule Pictured here is one of our yellow poppies in our rose garden that I couldn't resist taking its picture! You often find it in wildflower mixes to help provide additional forage for pollinators.  Characteristics:  Mix of yellow, orange and cream Frost hardy Re-seeding short lived perennial Prefers average to rich soil Full sun to part shade 1-2' tall .25 gram (~1500 seeds) Instructions - Sow seeds directly into a finely textured garden bed in full sun as early in spring as ground can be worked. To help space the fine seeds, mix with dry sand before sowing. Cover very lightly with fine soil and keep seed bed moist as seedlings emerge over 7 to 14 days 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

Seedsaver Exchange - Ivory Princess Calendula Flower Seeds - This calendula’s elegant look and refined color complement any selection of flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Easy-to-grow plants typically reach 18-24" tall and produce abundant, edible blooms of cream-colored petals that surround a dark-red center base. Flowers bloom from late spring to autumn; their tangy-tasting petals can be used fresh or dried in soups, baked goods, and salads. Like other calendula varieties, ‘Ivory Princess’ attracts beneficial insects and pollinators and repels unwanted pests. Annual. 60 days.  Self-seeding, hardy annual Plants grow to 18-24 inches tall Blossoms are edible Great for container growing 250 Seeds  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 Seeds - Sweetly scented old-fashioned Nicotiana grows into 3 to 4 foot, broad leafed plants with graceful sprays of white tubular blossoms. Their sultry jasmine perfume drifts through the air in the late afternoon and evening. These exotic tropical looking South American natives can handle both heat and humidity as well as cooler conditions. You’ll find their nostalgic grace and wafting fragrance a joy to be near in the moonlight. Heirloom Classic Bedding plant 3-4' tall Open-Pollinated 125mg, ~925 Seeds Instructions: Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed in late spring. Prefers average soil. Stake in windy areas. Will reseed year after year. Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination: 7-10 Days Plant Outdoors: 24-36” Apart Light: Sun/Partial Shade   Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange -  As its name suggests, this variety is a visual standout, even in the colorful world of zinnias. A kaleidoscopic array of petal colors yellow, cream, chestnut, and rosy red make it a festive selection for bouquets, as well as garden beds and borders. Its semi-double, 1½" flowers bloom from summer into fall. Annual. Characteristics:  Annual Blooms from summer to fall A kaleidoscopic array of colors Grows 20" tall 100 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost. Zinnias prefer well-drained average soil. Water regularly, keeping leaves dry. Remove spent blossoms frequently to prolong blooming. Direct Seed: 1/8" Deep Germination: 5-24 Days Thin: 10-12" Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Renee's Garden - EXCLUSIVE - Our custom blended color palette of especially fragrant antique varieties offers both beautiful cool shades and plants with significantly more heat tolerance than other sweet pea varieties. You’ll have a succession in bloom with “Flora Norton” (pastel blue), “Lord Nelson” (deep blue), “Mrs. Collier” (creamy-white), “Lady Grisel Hamilton” (pastel lavender) and “Captain of the Blues” (mauve-blue). This lovely perfumed mix blooms on strong climbing vines that easily cover a trellis or fence.. Characteristics:  6-10' Feet Large ruffled blooms Lasting cut flowers  Approx 40-45 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. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - Kiss-Me-Over-the-Garden-Gate Flower can be traced back to colonial American gardens. It readily self sows each year so planting it once means you can have come back fairly easily.  The plant can reach heights of 5-7 feet, do not be deadheaded as they continue to bloom all summer long.   5-7' Tall Annual Organic Very easy to grow from seed Cold-Stratified for Seed 100 Seeds - Confirming as it is on pre-order status Instructions - This flower does not transplant well, and can only be seeded for good results. You need to pre-chill the seeds for a few weeks in your fridge before sowing or sow in spring when the ground is workable and frosts are still occuring.  Direct Sow in early Spring Thin to 18" apart Germination 10-15 days Full Sun to Partial Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability