Annuals and Tender Perennials

Firefly Farm & Mercantile Nemotode Control Marigolds - Many marigolds are wonderful in reducing pests and nemotodes, but for nemotode control you want to make sure you have the right marigold species. While all marigolds reduce insect pests in the garden, only certain varieties will help reduce harmful nemotodes. This blend is for large areas as much as it is for small gardens as we have it in all sizes.  If you are looking to help reduce nemotodes then this is a blend to help do this. Introducing benefical nemotodes after using these marigolds can also be done. The blend is predominately orange and have various types of blossoms since it is a mix.  If nemotodes are bothering your dahlias, tomatoes, peppers or other plantings, then do give this a try for the season.  Like all of our seeds, this is an open-pollinated plant so you can collect seed to grow your own the following seasons.   Botanical Name: Tagetes Patula Nemotode Control  Deters many insects too 30-40" ft. plants  Sow Amounts Sow 1 packet for every 125 sq ft  Sow 1 oz for every 1,000 sq ft  Sow 2.5 lbs per acre  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

Seedsaver Exchange - Neon Calendula Flower Seeds - This flower’s brilliant, red-orange blossoms command attention no matter where they’re grown. Easy-to-grow plants typically reach 18-24" tall and produce abundant (and edible!) blooms from late spring to autumn. Like other calendula varieties, this hardworking flower works well in companion plantings as it attracts beneficial insects and pollinators even as it repels unwanted pests, including tomato worms and nematodes. 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

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

High Mowing Seed - Light to dark blue, star shaped blooms hovering among fern-like foliage with ornamental seed pods. Nigella - Plants are covered in blue blooms that attract pollinators and other beneficials in a humming display. Beautiful fresh cut flowers are jewel-like and bring an old-fashioned charm to bouquets. Unusual and attractive seed pods can be dried for ornamental arrangements. Fresh cut flower or dried pods 20-28" tall Annual Open-Pollinated & Organic  Heirloom  50 Seeds 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

The Seed Savers Exchange - Often called Woodland Tobacco, this self-sowing species grows to about 5' tall and is topped with 3-4" trumpet-shaped white blossoms at its crown. The flowers open in the evening and release a pleasant, sweet fragrance. Tender perennial, grown as an annual. Characteristics:  Organic Tender perennial or annual plants grow to 5 feet Trumpet-shaped or tubular white blossoms Extremely fragrant opens in the evening 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 12-15" Apart Germination 7-14 days Full Sun to Partial Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Petunia multiflora) Common in Iowa gardens a century ago, this fragrant, old-fashioned beauty offers vintage appeal. Its aromatic, single-trumpeted flowers can be white, pink, lavender, or purple; they bloom from June until hard frost. The strong plants have trailing 2-3' stems, and work well in hanging baskets as well as borders. Self-sowing annual, perennial in zones 9-11. Characteristics:   Easy to start from seed Fast-growing and quick to bloom White, yellow, and golden-orange blossoms A great container or trellised flower Annual plants in northern climates 250 Seeds per packet Instructions: Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Plant out after the danger of frost has passed and when nighttime temperatures are above 50°F. Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination: 10-20 Days Plant Outdoors: 12-18” Apart Light: Sun/Partial Shade Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers based on availability

The Living Seed Company -The orange resina calendula is the most medicinal and sought after.  A Native to Southern Europe.  Calendula quickly naturalizes.   Calendula will bring sunshine to your winter garden. The edibles petals are sweet and tangy.  Easy to grow and propagate. Commonly used in skin care, reducing inflammation, controlling bleeding, and healing damaged or irritated tissue. Organic Medicinal Cut flower Annual plants grow to 18" inches tall 50 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors 1/4" deep. Transplant after last frost. Can also be directly sown outdoors after the last frost. Plant light well-drained soil Germination 7-14 days Plant 6-12" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

A bright medley of single and double orange, gold, yellow and cream-colored flowers. Well-branched plants with tall, straight stems great for cutting, with continuous blooms all summer. Fresh petals are beautiful in salads and as cake decorations. Also known as pot marigold.  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  Short Season 12-24" tall Annual 60 days  1/32 oz approx.  Instructions - Sow seeds indoors 1/4" deep. Transplant after last frost. Can also be directly sown outdoors after the last frost. Plant light well-drained soil Germination 7-14 days Plant 6-12" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Renee's Garden - These entrancing nostalgic flowers are especially beautiful, with ruffled blossoms and luscious velvety petals. They bloom in unusually deep rich shades of mahogany, ivory, gold, purple, and lilac, many with intricate markings and color patterns. Victorian Posy plants are taller than modern pansy varieties and their romantic flowers are perfect to dance and glow in window boxes and containers or cast their special allure at the front of garden borders. (Viola x wittrockiana)  Characteristics:  Heirloom Selective  Great in containers  Perennial grown as annual  Spring bloom  Can handle frost  Approx 90 Seeds per packet   Instructions - In Mild Winter Climates, start seeds in late summer to have plants large enough to successfully overwinter and bloom in early spring. In Cold Winter Climates, start early indoors about 2 1/2 months before the last spring frost. Sow seeds in a container of seed starting mix 1 inch apart and cover very lightly. Keep evenly moist and cool at 55-60°, providing a strong light source. When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them 2 inches apart into a deeper container(s) and grow to 2 to 3 inches tall. Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting 4 to 5 inches apart in a sunny spot. Space seedlings are 4 to 5 inches apart. Pansies will bloom longest and make the largest flowers when the weather is cool. In mild winter areas, late summer sowings will begin to bloom in very early spring or even late winter. Keep faded blossoms removed to prolong flowering.    Plant in: January-March/ July-August  Full sun  Plant 1/4" deep  Space seeds 1" apart  Days to germinate: 10-14 days  Days to harvest: 4-6"  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - A perfect flower for drying as it holds its color well, statice also shines in borders and fresh-cut bouquets. It’s easy to grow (and thus great for beginners!) and will produce compact, colorful, long-lasting blooms all summer long. This pastel mix includes violet, lavender, blush, rose, and mauve blooms. Plants have sturdy stems and reach 28"-32". Characteristics:  Conventional Long-lasting colorful blooms Plants grow to 28-32 inches tall Perfect for fresh or dried arrangements Works well in borders 110-120 Days, annual Instructions - Start seed indoors 6 weeks before last frost and transplant when the danger of frost has passed. Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. To dry, hang upside down in a warm, dark spot for 4-6 weeks.  Direct Seed: 1/4" deep  Germination: 10-14 days  Plant 12" apart  Light: Full Sun   Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Renee's Garden - Fragrant Four O’Clocks bloom in the afternoons and early evenings at midsummer, releasing a soft jasmine fragrance that floats on summer breezes. This hard-to-find heirloom variety offers 2-inch trumpet-shaped blossoms in a shade matching the color of perfectly ripe peaches. Plant these lovely, easy-to-grow, branching flowers where you sit or walk to enjoy their delicious perfume just when other flowers begin to languish in the heat. Hummingbirds love to visit these flowers.   Characteristics:  Heirloom Selective  Hummingbird favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Summer/Fall bloom  Frost tender    Instructions - To start outdoors, plant in full sun in ordinary garden soil when spring weather is warm and settled and all danger of frost is past. Poke seeds into well-worked soil about 1/2 inch deep, 4 to 5 inches apart. Firm soil over seeds. Keep moist until germination in 10 to 12 days.  To start early indoors, seeds can be started indoors about 3 weeks before the last expected frost, but since Four O’Clocks grow so quickly, we advise sowing directly into the garden in all but very short summer areas. Thin seedlings to 10 inches apart when they are large enough to handle, so plants have ample room to grow and mature. Vigorous, free-blooming Four O’Clocks grow easily and quickly to fill in borders or open areas. When possible, plant them close by where you walk or sit, so you can enjoy their delicious soft perfume that wafts in the air on sultry warm summer afternoons and evenings. In Mild Climates, Four O’Clocks self-sow readily, so remove seed pods before seeds fall to the ground if you don’t want plants to spread around the garden.  Plant in May-June for cold winters; April-June for mild winters  Full sun  Sow seeds 4-5" apart; 1/2" deep  7-10 days to germinate  Mature height: 3-3.5 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Renee's Garden - EXCLUSIVE - The best sweet pea choice for hot summer areas, Perfume Delight is a lovely color mix of intensely fragrant and heat tolerant antique sweet pea varieties. The seductively scented winged flowers bloom abundantly on tall climbing vines in a rich blend of rose, pale pink, lavender, deep purple, crimson and white with many unique bicolors. Their color and fragrance will fill your garden each spring, and a bouquet of their nostalgic orange and honeyed sweetness softly perfumes any room.  Characteristics:  Heirloom  Pollinators & Beneficials  Annual climbing vine  Spring/summer bloom  Frost tolerant   40-50 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, 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.