Asters

The Seed Savers Exchange - One of the tallest and most magnificent of the fall asters. Serves as an important late-season (after frost) nectar source for a variety of butterflies. Plants grow 3-6' tall and require fertile soil with adequate moisture. Perennial. Hardy to zone 4. Characteristics:  Perennial and hardy to zone 4 Plants grow to 3-6 feet tall Topped with pink-purple flowers Blooms late in the summer and early in the fall Serves as an important late-season (after frost) nectar source for a variety of butterflies 250 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath surface of soil in a flat. Enclose flat with plastic and refrigerate for 2 weeks. Remove plastic wrap and place in warm lighted area. May need staking in a garden border. Pinch back until late summer to prevent plant from falling over when heavily laden with blossoms. Start indoors 6 weeks before the last frost Germination 14-35 days Plant 24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Eastern Pollinator Seed Mixture The Eastern Pollinator Mixture is for pollinator conservation in the eastern United States and southeast Canada. The western planting boundary would be a line straight south from the eastern borders of North and South Dakota. It contains a balanced blend of native annuals and perennials that provide nectar and pollen throughout the growing season.  If you have specific mix requirements for pollinator conservation projects, please contact us regarding a custom mix for your area. Flowers: Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis), Brown-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba), Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis), Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea), Gray Goldenrod (Solidago nemoralis), Hairy Beardtongue (Penstemon hirsutus), Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella), Lance-Leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), Lavender Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), Lemon Mint (Monarda citriodora), New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis), Partridge Pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata), Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Showy Tick Trefoil (Desmodium canadense), Spotted Beebalm (Monarda punctata) Seeding Rates: 5 oz for 1,000sq ft 7-14lbs per acre (depends on density of existing plantings) 1 Acre with Grass - 7 lbs per acre 1 Acre with Flowers - 14 lbs per acre 1 oz packets when planted with flowers it will do 200 sq ft Instructions - Sow seeds anytime: fall before winter sets in, spring or summer.  The area should be worked to either be free of all plants or prepared to allow seed contact to soil when planting in existing beds. Some seeds will germinate in the cool weather, while others will remain dormant until weather warms.  Sow 1/4" deep Germination 10-20 days

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Double blooms in 7 colors: white, pink, rose, peach, crimson red, sky blue, and medium blue on 3 ft. tall plants. Excellent cut flowers for bouquets.  Certified Organic  Heirloom  Especially well-suited to the South-East  From Small Farms  Instructions - Annual. Germination: 70°F, 9 days. Full sun. Direct sow or transplant. Space 6-12 in. apart. 85 days. Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability