Annuals and Tender Perennials

Renee's Garden - Our own sizzling hot blend of cutting zinnias in bright scarlet, rich true crimson, and deep dark red, all knockout red shades that enhance and augment each other for gorgeous bright garden color and absolutely stunning centerpiece bouquets. You will love the fully double, big flowers that bloom strongly on vigorous, branching 3 to 3-1/2-foot tall plants. These stunning and long-lasting red flowers are guaranteed to attract native pollinators, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden.    Characteristics:  Heirloom  Butterfly & Hummingbird 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 when temperatures rise above 50°F (10°C) 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. Pick when flower blossoms first open and petals are tight for the longest vase life. 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-May for mild winters Full sun  Space seeds 2-3" apart  Plant 1/2" deep  Days to germinate: 7-10 days  Mature Height: 3-3.5 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Renee's Garden - Rose Nigella, also called Love in a Mist, has dainty multifaceted blossoms that open pastel pink, then deepen to an enchanting deep rose. The delicate flowers make charming petite bouquets. Once petals drop, blossoms are transformed into little fairy lanterns and the mature striped seed pods are among the prettiest of dried everlastings. This effortless and easy to grow annual is the very essence of a classic English cottage garden, yet it is adaptable to all climates. Heirloom  Cottage Classic Heirloom Self-seeding annual Instructions -  Annual. Germination: 60°F, 21 days. Full sun. Direct sow once the days are in the 50's and 60's. Space 9 in. apart. 75 days. Self-sows readily. Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Renee's Garden - These split-petal vining nasturtiums date from the 19th century. Their unique petals, shaped like little flames, stand out in a kaleidoscope of colors against ivy-shaped leaves. Carefree Phoenix blooms absolutely nonstop, covering the foliage with both bright and pastel blossoms in crimson-red, rich gold, fiery orange, warm cream and soft peach, many brushed with burnished copper at the petal base. Phoenix flowers are edible and especially gorgeous scattered on salads or used as edible garnishes for savory dishes.   Characteristics:  Heirloom Selective  Hummingbird favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Great in containers  Annual 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 to stand 10 inches apart, or 6 to 8 inches apart if training seedlings up vertical supports. 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 seedling per pot. When the weather is evenly in the 50°F (10°C) range, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions. Transplant as above in full sun. Climbing nasturtiums are easy to grow in any well-drained soil. You’ll need to train young plants onto their supports with loose ties, then they’ll climb easily and bloom non-stop. Do not let plants dry out during the blooming season. If aphids become a problem, wash them off with a strong spray of water or spray with a non-toxic Safer’s Soap solution. Phoenix’s bright confetti-like blossoms are true summer beacons for hungry hummingbirds.  Plant in April-June for cold winters; March-July for mild winters Full sun or partial shade  Sow seeds 3-4" apart; 1" deep  10-12 days to germinate  Mature height: 4-6 feet Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Naughty Marietta French Marigold - This beloved marigold was made in available in 1947 by the Atlee Burpee Co. The flowers are dwarf coming up to 10" when fully mature. The gold and mahogany centered blossoms were very unique. The flower was named after a 1935 film, Naughty Marietta. Available in conventional and organic based on availability.  Botanical Name: Tagetes patula Grows 12-18" Tall Instructions -Annual. Germination, requires warmth of 65-75 degrees for gernmation. They germinate fast in less than 10 days. Full sun. Direct sow or transplant after last frost. Space 8-12” apart.

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Nicotiana alata) (aka Flowering Tobacco) Showy waves of trumpet-shaped 3" flowers. “Perfect Mix” of fuchsia, white, purple, salmon, lavender, rust, and bronze flowers. Developed at The Institute of Vegetable Breeding and Seed Production west of Moscow. Self-seeding annual, 5-6' tall. Characteristics: Organic Annual plants grow to 5-6 feet Blossoms in a wide range of purples, bronzes, pinks & white Very fragrant, night-blooming flowers 250 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 - Exciting mixture includes lilac, purple, pink, and white blooms. Flowers open each night and release what could be one of the sweetest fragrances in nature, so make sure to plant where the scent will be enjoyed. Hardy annual, 12-18" tall. Characteristics:  Annual plants grow to 12-18 inches tall Blossoms open in the evening Mix of purple, lilac, pink, and white flowers Extremely fragrant 500 Seeds Instructions:  Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Can also be planted outdoors after the last frost. Prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil. Plants prefer full sun, except where summers are very hot. Good cut flower. Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination: 14-21 Days Plant Outdoors: 9” Apart Light: Full Sun   Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability