Annuals and Tender Perennials

The Seed Savers Exchange - Jan Suchomel of Van Horne, Iowa, discovered this poppy growing in the backyard garden when she moved to Van Horne from Cedar Rapids in 1967 and proceeded, over the next three decades, to give its seeds to all her family members. She was so taken with the flower that she even planted some of its seeds at the senior complex she moved to in 2003 so that she could continue to enjoy its colorful blooms. All plant parts except the seeds are toxic. 91 days.  Characteristics:  From the Collection for 2023  Self-seedling annual  Beautiful double lavender blooms  Organic  Grows 2 to 3 feet tall  Blooms June - July  Instructions - Direct seeding is preferable, 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 poor soil.  Direct Seed: 1/4" Deep  Germination: 10-15 days  Thin: 8-10" Apart  Light: Fall Sun    Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

A symbol of those who sacrifced all.  Classic crimson corn poppies have elegant cup-shaped single blossoms that glow in the sun with concentrated lustrous color. They blanket open fields throughout late spring and early summer all over Western Europe and have come to symbolize the valor of fallen soldiers. The brilliant 3 inch silky flowers sway gracefully on nodding stems 1 1/2 to 2 feet above finely cut foliage. This beloved antique flower resows easily to bloom generously every year. Papaver rhoeas Characteristics:  Red Blossoms Frost hardy Re-seeding annual  Loves rich garden soil 2' tall 1 gram (~4000 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

The Seed Savers Exchange - Flax is the flower you’ve been missing in your garden border! ‘Linore’ reliably produces beautiful, sky-blue, pollinator-attracting flowers and delicate, airy foliage on stems that average about 2.5' tall. Developed in 1962 at the University of Oregon, this cold-tolerant variety can also be grown for linseed oil and fiber production. 100-110 days. Hardy annual plants grow to 8-12 inches Small, blue flowers Great for ornamental plantings, wildflower gardens and more Instructions: Sow seeds indoors 1/4" deep. Transplant outdoors in late spring after the danger of frost has passed. Can also be directly sown outdoors several weeks before the last frost. Plants self-seed readily. Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination: 5-10 Days Plant Outdoors: 10-12” Apart Light: Sun/Partial Shade Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

We have them - order yours today! These will be a hit for your gardens and bouquets.  High Mowing Organic - Gorgeous blend of bold and pastel colors. Snapdragons are slow growing in spring but worth the wait, as they bloom continuously through the summer, especially with trimming. One of the premium cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements. Also makes a showy border or garden bed. Start indoors 8-10 weeks ahead and set out after frost, spacing 8-10" apart. Cut when the lower third of the florets are open.   Characteristics:  Excellent cut flower 12-24" Annual Open-Pollinated 1/64 oz   Instructions - Start seeds indoors in a container of seed starting mix in early spring 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Dampen soil mix evenly before sowing. Sow seeds 1 inch apart, covering only with a fine dusting of the mix. Keep evenly moist but not soggy and provide a strong light source until ready to plant outdoors. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, transplant them 2 inches apart into a deeper container. After they reach 2 to 3 inches tall, gradually acclimate sturdy, well-established seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting them in full sun. Space seedlings 10 to 12 inches apart for best performance.  Heat and wind-resistant Chantilly adds height, color, and texture to garden beds and provides abundant gorgeous summer and bouquets. Feed and water well and keep spent flower stalks cut off for the longest bloom season. Cut stalks when 8-10 blossoms are open; do not crowd in the vase for the best, longest-lasting cut flowers. In mild climates, snapdragons can also be planted in late fall to bloom in spring with pansies, Sweet William, calendula, and Agrostemma.  Plant in: April-May for cold winters; August-April for mild winters  Full sun  Sow seeds 1" apart; barley cover  Days to germinate: 14-21 days  Mature Height: 2.5-3.5 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Renee's Garden - These beautifully different Little Ladybird Cosmos are carefree bloomers with jaunty, sparkling, semi-double flowers on short, open branching plants that spread as wide as they are tall. The bright-colored blossoms shine in wonderful Crayola orange, clear butter yellow, and rich scarlet. No pastels here, just warm sunny colors on pretty plants that attract butterflies like magnets and fill patio containers and summer beds and borders with cheerful season-long charm.  Characteristics:  Butterfly flowers  Annual  Quick to bloom, carefree, and non-fussy  Bright colored blossoms  Open stems  Great in containers  Approx 55-60 seeds   Instructions - Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix, 4 to 6 weeks before last expected frost. Cover 1/4 inch deep, keep moist, and provide a good light source. Plant outdoors once the weather warms up after gradually acclimating seedlings to outdoor conditions. Thin or transplant 4 to 5 inches apart when seedlings are large enough to handle. 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. 

The Seed Savers Exchange -(Carthamus tinctorius) Lorenzo Trussoni definitely knew best when he brought this safflower from Italy to Genoa, Wisconsin, in 1889. Not only do its dried petals make an excellent saffron substitute when harvested fresh and dried inside, but the flowers also add a splash of vivid (yellow and orange-red) color to the garden. Plants reach about 2' tall and form flowering branches along their main stems. Today this safflower is grown by many in the Italian-American community in Genoa, including Lorenzo’s descendants. 75-80 days from seeding to first blossoms. Organic. Organic Annual plants grow to 2 foot Yellow to Orange-Red flower heads Petals can be dried for a saffron substitute Striking cut flower 50 Seeds per Packet Instructions: 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. Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination:  7-10 Days Plant Outdoors: 12-18” Apart Light: Full Sun   Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Seed Exchange - Recorded in South America before the 16th century, often referred to as Inca Wheat. Grown for use as a cereal and in ancient religious ceremonies. Long red ropelike seed-bearing trusses give plants an ornamental and graceful appearance. Great for long-lasting displays. Tender annual, 3-4' tall. Characteristics: Organic & Open-Pollinated Annual plants grow to 3-4 feet tall Red seed-trusses resemble ropelike flowers Sometimes grown as a grain Long-lasting in ornamental gardens 500 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Plant out after the danger of frost has passed in late spring. Can also be directly sown after the danger of frost has passed. Tolerates almost any type of soil. Good cut flower, fresh or dried. May require staking Germination 7-10 days Plant 12-18" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Nigella damascena) First appeared in England around 1570. Some very imaginative folk names include Love-Entangle and Jack-in-Prison. Intriguing striped seedpods dry well. It is hard to resist popping the seedpods when they are green because they pop like little balloons! Self-seeding, hardy annual, 18-24" tall. Characteristics:  Annual plants grow to 6-12 inches tall Soft, tufted flower heads Tolerant of drought and dry conditions Good for ornamental plantings and container growing 250 Seeds per Packet Instructions:  Sow seed indoors 1/4" deep. Plant out after the danger of frost has passed in late spring. Can also be directly sown outdoors 3 weeks before the last frost. Prefers light well-drained soil and will tolerate dry conditions. Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination: 15-21 Days Plant Outdoors: 4-6” Apart Light: Full Sun   Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - An old-fashioned flower from southern Europe sometimes called Fennel Flower because of its nutmeg-flavored seeds. Mixed flowers in shades of blue, pink, white, and purple, averaging 1½ in. in diameter.  Certified Organic  Heirloom  Especially well-suited to the South-East  From Small Farms  Instructions - Annual. Germination: 60°F, 21 days. Full sun. Direct sow after frost since it does not transplant easily. Space 9 in. apart. 75 days. Self-sows readily. Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Giant pink zinnias are always a hit. Lumuniso Zinnias are about 40" tall and yeild large blossoms 4-5" wide. Most of the blossoms will be doubles and semi-doubles. The blossoms are a huge hit! Available in Firefly Farm Packets, Seedsaver Packets, and in Bulk 40" Tall Double, semi-double and single pink blooms Nice stems for cut flowers Not as known for their powdery mildew resistance as Benary's Giants but above average.  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

EXCLUSIVE - Our heirloom blend combines flowers of deep, rich blue and pearly white that open fresh each morning. Although each individual bloom lasts only one day, new flowers unfurl continuously and buds continue opening over a week in a vase. Seeds like these were carried across the prairies by pioneer families, transplanting a bit of home to far-flung homesteads. Traditionally, these old-fashioned climbing vines with heart shaped leaves and glowing blossom trumpets adorned fences or mailboxes. Grow beautiful living history! Self-seeding hardy annual plants grow vines of over 15 feet long Blue and white Flowers Climbs trellises and support structures 4grams or ~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.

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Mayo Indian Grain Amaranth 90 days, from Sonora, Mexico, Very vigorous variety with sturdy stalks. Can reach 7-8 ft. tall in good conditions. Primarily used for grain or to make pinole and atole. The leaves may also be used like spinach. Black seeds. The stalks, leaf veins, and large seed heads are a beautiful maroon red, a bright contrast to the green foliage. Makes a nice ornamental as well.  (Amaranthus cruentus) Grain, Pinole, Atole, or as a green Drought tolerant Certified Organic  Heirloom  7-8' tall ~850 seeds, 1g Instructions -  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Mexican Tulip Poppy - Also called Giant Golden Cups, this wonderful poppy-like heirloom offers delicate 3 inch flower cups that glisten in the sun and resemble satiny butter yellow tulips. Plants grow1 1/2 to 2 feet tall with finely cut, blue-green foliage. Flowers have straight stems and are perfect for long lasting fresh bouquets. Mexican Tulip Poppies are lovely planted in groups or drifts where their eye-catching silky yellow flowers provide pools of glowing color. Hunnemannia fumarifolia Characteristics:  Yellow Blossoms Re-seeding annual  Tolerates poor soil  1-2' tall .65 grams (~130 seeds) Instructions - This poppy like flower 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 - For wonderful bright color in the garden, Mighty Lion offers intense orange-red, fully double, 4 to 5 inch blossoms with multiple layers of petals that remind us of a lion's mane. These easy to grow, sun loving plants are literally covered with big glowing blossoms that attract butterflies and other pollinators and make a lively statement in the garden. The sturdy branching plants are exceptionally long blooming and their vibrant flowers make striking indoor bouquets.  Characteristics:  Butterfly 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 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 ½ 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 when temperatures rise above 50°F day and night.  Space seedlings 8 to 12 inches apart when large enough to handle so plants have good air circulation and enough elbow room to grow and bloom freely. Zinnias can grow in ordinary garden soil in full sun. For large, abundant flowers, thin before seedlings get crowded. Adequate spacing and regular, even watering discourages mildew and keeps zinnias productive. Pick just as blossoms begin opening and petals are tight. Cut long stems well back into the plant to keep plants branching low and producing the best blooms for summer-long bouquets. Plant in: May-June for cold winters; April-June for mild winters  Full sun  Sow seeds 2-3" apart; 1/2" deep Days to germinate: 7-10 days  Mature Height: 3-3.5 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Lagurus ovatus) For those who cannot stand to just have one color of Bachelor’s Buttons! Plants will bloom throughout the season, great for mass plantings. Extensive range of colors. Long stems are excellent for cutting. Self-seeding hardy annual, grows 2-3' tall. Annual plants grow to 2-3 feet tall A mix of purple, pink, white, and blue flowers Blooms throughout the season Self-seeding Great for cut flower arrangements 250 Seeds per packet  Instructions: Instructions - 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 poor soil. Good cutting flower. Direct Seed: 1/8" deep Germination: 7-15 Days Plant Outdoors: 6-12” Apart Light: Full Sun   Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - A type of sorghum traditionally used in broom-making. A diverse mix of varieties in many colors. Includes Apache Red, Texas Black Amber, Tennessee Red, Nicaraguan Broom, Iowa Red, Hadley Kidd, Moyer Sonnen, Sattie Museum, Moyer Jensen Gold, Hungarian Red, and Black, Ramirez South Chile, and Kepley. Gorgeous in floral arrangements. 100-110 days. ±1,200 seeds/oz.  Characteristics:  A mix of many varieties in multiple colors Nice addition to floral arrangements 100-110 days 100 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