Bonnie’s Favorites

We love Thumbelina Zinnias for their ablity to bring endless container to small spaces.  We provide them plenty of great compost in containers and they reward us with non-stop blooms. Different seed companies offer them and we simply try to have an organic option and when we cannot we bring in convetional. Many times we will have both to choose from. Our customers who provide edible blossoms lean towards organic options while those that simply want the flowers are fine with convention.  Heirloom Thumbelin Zinnias are 12-16" tall and provide double and semi-double blossoms in assorted colors.  In 1963 it was awarard the All-America Award and gardeners have been delighted ever since.  The bright blossoms attract butterflies, bumblebees and honeybees, and many native pollinators.  Characteristics:  Heirloom  Annual  Multi-branching plants  Fast-growing  Rich color  Attracts pollinators  Approx 60-65 seeds  Instructions - After the danger of frost is past, sow seeds in full sun in well-worked soil. For container sowing, use fresh potting mix. Space seeds 2 inches apart, cover about 1/2 inch deep, and gently firm soil. Keep soil evenly moist while awaiting germination. When seedlings are several inches tall, thin to final spacing: For Containers, space plants 4 inches apart; In Garden Beds, space 8 inches apart. Plant in: May - June  Full sun  Plant 1/2 inch deep  Plant 2 inches apart  7-10 days to germinate  Mature Height: 12-16 inches  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Canary Brillants- A color so unique it is a must have for any gardener. It starts off as an apricot-beige color and then softens to yellow as it opens and ages. Many Itoh peonies are not great cut flowers but this is an exception as it does do well in arrangements and the color is so rare, florists have a field day with them!  Check out all of our peonies - Peonies (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com) Itoh Peonies are crossed with herbaceous (lactiflora) and tree peonies, resulting in plants that can provide 50 plus blossoms on shorter stems that do not require staking. They bloom after herbaceous peonies and allow a few more weeks of blooms in your garden of the peony family, thus increasing their appeal. It is possible to get 8 weeks of peony blooms by seelcting cultivars and peony types that are different.  8-10" Double to Semi-double apriot to yellow blossoms 26" - 28" tall Itoh peonies bloom after lactiflora peonies Peonies are safe from deer and rabbits.  USDA Zones 3-8 Strongly fragrant Botanical Name: Itoh Paeonia Origin:R.F. Anderson, 1999 Wisconsin 3-5 Eye Rootstock- We try to only provide the largest rootstock for peonies for stronger roots that lead to better blooms.  2-3 eye roostock is the most common size offered and occassionally it is what we have to use, but 3-5 eyes per root is our goal. Eyes are the buds of the leaves and stems that will grow this season for you.  Shipping - Ships first two weeks of May- All peonies are packed in spagnum moss or other media to ensure they make it to your garden in pristine condition. We do adjust for shipping charges as every year is slighly different in weights and sizes. We also ship the last 2 weeks of September as well.  Planting Care - Bare roots should be kept cool and in the dark until ready to plant.  Peonies do not like to be planted deep and eyes should be kept no deeper than 1" below the soil surface. When possible, it is a great idea to mound your peonies above your existing garden grade to accommodate mulch.  Plant no deeper than 1-2". The roots will quickly develop and anchor into the ground.  Full Sun or Partial Sun is best Prefers loamy soil, can be planted in sandy or clay soils with compost amendments Give them room to grow as they don't like to be moved once established Some blooms may occur first year when planting in the spring, fall planted peonies will yield spring blooms most of the time    

Renee's Garden - These lovely flowers offer beautiful, deep raspberry-tinted double blossoms on branching long-stemmed plants that reach 3 1/2 to 4 feet tall. Raspberry Sorbet zinnias are both free flowering and long blooming and the abundant flower heads add glowing color to summer beds and borders. Pick armfuls of these pretty flowers for jewel-toned bouquets all season long; the more you pick, the more flowers will develop. Butterflies seek these beauties out all summer long.  Characteristics:  Butterfly 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 only when temperatures rise above 50°F (10°C) both 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. For long-lived bouquets, cut flowers in the morning when blossoms first open and petals are tight. Cut long stems well back into the plant to keep plants branching low and producing abundant blooms to attract butterflies and other pollinators.  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: 3.5-4 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Bartzella - Double yellow blossoms with red flares. Yellow is a rarer color for garden peonies and is always a bit more limited.  This one has a wonderful lemony scent.  Check out all of our peonies - Peonies (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com) Itoh Peonies are crossed with herbaceous (lactiflora) and tree peonies, resulting in plants that can provide 50 plus blossoms on shorter stems that do not require staking. They bloom after herbaceous peonies and allow a few more weeks of blooms in your garden of the peony family, thus increasing their appeal. It is possible to get 8 weeks of peony blooms by seelcting cultivars and peony types that are different.  Fragrant 6-8" Double yellow blossoms 30-36" tall Itoh peonies bloom after lactiflora peonies Peonies are safe from deer and rabbits.  USDA Zones 3-8 Lemony fragrance Botanical Name: Itoh Paeonia Origin:R.F. Anderson, 1986, Wisconsin 3-5 Eye Rootstock- We try to only provide the largest rootstock for peonies for stronger roots that lead to better blooms.  2-3 eye roostock is the most common size offered and occassionally it is what we have to use, but 3-5 eyes per root is our goal. Eyes are the buds of the leaves and stems that will grow this season for you.  Shipping - Ships first two weeks of May- All peonies are packed in spagnum moss or other media to ensure they make it to your garden in pristine condition. We do adjust for shipping charges as every year is slighly different in weights and sizes. We also ship the last 2 weeks of September as well.  Planting Care - Bare roots should be kept cool and in the dark until ready to plant.  Peonies do not like to be planted deep and eyes should be kept no deeper than 1" below the soil surface. When possible, it is a great idea to mound your peonies above your existing garden grade to accommodate mulch.  Plant no deeper than 1-2". The roots will quickly develop and anchor into the ground.  Full Sun or Partial Sun is best Prefers loamy soil, can be planted in sandy or clay soils with compost amendments Give them room to grow as they don't like to be moved once established Some blooms may occur first year when planting in the spring, fall planted peonies will yield spring blooms most of the time    

Duchess de Nemours- Medium white cupped outher petals carefully wrap around yellow centers. This timeless peony has strong stems and looks beautiful in the gardens. The color combination is highly sought out as yellow in a peony blossoms is simply stunning and elegant. This one is sure to bring smiles as its blooms open and revreal the yellow cented blossoms. Check out all of our peonies - Peonies (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com) White and Yellow Double Blossoms 34" tall, great cut flowers Blooms late spring to early summer Peonies are safe from deer and rabbits.  USDA Zones 3-8 Very fragrant Origin: 1856, Breeder is Calot, France Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora 3-5 Eye Rootstock - We try to only provide the largest rootstock for peonies for stronger roots that lead to better blooms.  2-3 eye roostock is the most common size offered and occassionally it is what we have to use, but 3-5 eyes per root is our goal. Eyes are the buds of the leaves and stems that will grow this season for you.  Shipping - See options to select from - All peonies are packed in spagnum moss or other media to ensure they make it to your garden in pristine condition. We do adjust for shipping charges as every year is slighly different in weights and sizes.  Planting Care - Bare roots should be kept cool and in the dark until ready to plant.  Peonies do not like to be planted deep and eyes should be kept no deeper than 1" below the soil surface. When possible, it is a great idea to mound your peonies above your existing garden grade to accommodate mulch.  Plant no deeper than 1-2". The roots will quickly develop and anchor into the ground.  Full Sun or Partial Sun is best Prefers loamy soil, can be planted in sandy or clay soils with compost amendments Give them room to grow as they don't like to be moved once established Some blooms may occur first year when planting in the spring, fall planted peonies will yield spring blooms most of the time

Command Performance - Gorgeous filled red blossoms with no stamens. These peonies demand attention, hence the name!  Check out all of our peonies - Peonies (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com) Vibrant Red Double Blossoms, 7" wide 30" tall Blooms very late for peonies Peonies are safe from deer and rabbits.  USDA Zones 3-8 Strong fragrant Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora Origin: Bigger, 1996, Missouri 2-3 Eye Rootstock - We try to only provide the largest rootstock for peonies for stronger roots that lead to better blooms.  2-3 eye roostock is the most common size offered and occassionally it is what we have to use, but 3-5 eyes per root is our goal. Eyes are the buds of the leaves and stems that will grow this season for you.  Shipping - Ships first two weeks of May- All peonies are packed in spagnum moss or other media to ensure they make it to your garden in pristine condition. We do adjust for shipping charges as every year is slighly different in weights and sizes. We also ship the last 2 weeks of September as well.  Planting Care - Bare roots should be kept cool and in the dark until ready to plant.  Peonies do not like to be planted deep and eyes should be kept no deeper than 1" below the soil surface. When possible, it is a great idea to mound your peonies above your existing garden grade to accommodate mulch.  Plant no deeper than 1-2". The roots will quickly develop and anchor into the ground.  Full Sun or Partial Sun is best Prefers loamy soil, can be planted in sandy or clay soils with compost amendments Give them room to grow as they don't like to be moved once established Some blooms may occur first year when planting in the spring, fall planted peonies will yield spring blooms most of the time    

Renee's Garden - This beloved, old-fashioned zinnia got its name because the sturdy, vigorous plants bear continuously for months, providing armfuls of sweet, candy-bright flowers to enjoy both indoors and out. Cut and Come Again blooms in a wonderful color range that includes cream, salmon, rose pink, scarlet, butter yellow, magenta, crimson and cheerful orange. The vibrant, many-petaled 2 to 3-inch blooms come in double, single, and semi-double flower forms with centers that open into a circle of golden stars.   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 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 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 April-June Full sun  Plant 1/2" deep  Space seeds 2-3" apart  Days to germinate: 5-10 days  Mature Height: 3-3.5 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Renee's Garden - These lovely dahlia-flowered zinnias are wonderful cut flowers for summer-long bouquets, and bees and butterflies of all kinds love to visit them. Blooming nonstop with long-stemmed, densely petaled fully double flowers, they will stand up to summer rain and heat. Their radiant clear colors delight the eye in warm scarlet, bright orange, sunny yellow, pure white, rose pink and rich magenta. Plants bloom early and last all season until frost.    Characteristics:  Heirloom  Butterfly & Hummingbird favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Annual   Summer/fall bloom  Frost tender     Instructions - To start in the garden, sow seeds in a well-worked seedbed in full sun when the danger of frost is past and the weather is warm and above 50° both day and night. Space seeds 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 to five 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° day and night. Space seedlings 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-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. 

Dr. Alexander Fleming- Gorgeous Double Light Pink Blossoms sit on top of very strong stems. Its parentage inlcudes Sara Bernhardt which is one of the most popular peonies for us.  Check out all of our peonies - Peonies (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com) Double Pink Blossoms 36" tall, great cut flowers Blooms late spring to early summer Peonies are safe from deer and rabbits.  USDA Zones 3-8 Moderately fragrant Origin: 1950, Breeder is Blonk, Netherlands Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora 3-5 Eye Rootstock - We try to only provide the largest rootstock for peonies for stronger roots that lead to better blooms.  2-3 eye roostock is the most common size offered and occassionally it is what we have to use, but 3-5 eyes per root is our goal. Eyes are the buds of the leaves and stems that will grow this season for you.  Shipping - See options to select from - All peonies are packed in spagnum moss or other media to ensure they make it to your garden in pristine condition. We do adjust for shipping charges as every year is slighly different in weights and sizes.  Planting Care - Bare roots should be kept cool and in the dark until ready to plant.  Peonies do not like to be planted deep and eyes should be kept no deeper than 1" below the soil surface. When possible, it is a great idea to mound your peonies above your existing garden grade to accommodate mulch.  Plant no deeper than 1-2". The roots will quickly develop and anchor into the ground.  Full Sun or Partial Sun is best Prefers loamy soil, can be planted in sandy or clay soils with compost amendments Give them room to grow as they don't like to be moved once established Some blooms may occur first year when planting in the spring, fall planted peonies will yield spring blooms most of the time

The Fawn Peony - Full double blossoms, deep shades of pink with dots that remind you of freckles on its blossoms. Its large and full blossoms are coveted by florists.  Check out all of our peonies - Peonies (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com) Intense Pink Blossoms 30-32" tall Blooms late spring Peonies are safe from deer and rabbits.  Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora Sorbet orgin - B.B. Wright, date is unknown when it was bred, but it was very recent.  3-5 Eye Rootstock - We try to only provide the largest rootstock for peonies for stronger roots that lead to better blooms.  2-3 eye roostock is the most common size offered and occassionally it is what we have to use, but 3-5 eyes per root is our goal. Eyes are the buds of the leaves and stems that will grow this season for you.  Shipping - Ships first two weeks of May- All peonies are packed in spagnum moss or other media to ensure they make it to your garden in pristine condition. We do adjust for shipping charges as every year is slighly different in weights and sizes.  We also ship the last 2 weeks of September into the 1st week of October Planting Care - Bare roots should be kept cool and in the dark until ready to plant.  Peonies do not like to be planted deep and eyes should be kept no deeper than 1" below the soil surface. When possible, it is a great idea to mound your peonies above your existing garden grade to accommodate mulch.  Plant no deeper than 1-2". The roots will quickly develop and anchor into the ground.  Full Sun or Partial Sun is best Prefers loamy soil, can be planted in sandy or clay soils with compost amendments Give them room to grow as they don't like to be moved once established Some blooms may occur first year when planting in the spring, fall planted peonies will yield spring blooms most of the time    

Red Charm Peony - Double Rich Red blossoms on strong stems,  Blossom are double form. Early flowering one of the first doubles to bloom.  Check out all of our peonies - Peonies (fireflyfarmandmercantile.com) Red Double Blossoms 24-36" tall Blooms late spring to early summer Peonies are safe from deer and rabbits.  USDA Zones 3-8 Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora Origin: Glasscock, 1944 3-5 Eye Rootstock - We try to only provide the largest rootstock for peonies for stronger roots that lead to better blooms.  2-3 eye roostock is the most common size offered and occassionally it is what we have to use, but 3-5 eyes per root is our goal. Eyes are the buds of the leaves and stems that will grow this season for you.  Shipping - Ships first two weeks of May- All peonies are packed in spagnum moss or other media to ensure they make it to your garden in pristine condition. We do adjust for shipping charges as every year is slighly different in weights and sizes. We also ship the last 2 weeks of September as well.  Planting Care - Bare roots should be kept cool and in the dark until ready to plant.  Peonies do not like to be planted deep and eyes should be kept no deeper than 1" below the soil surface. When possible, it is a great idea to mound your peonies above your existing garden grade to accommodate mulch.  Plant no deeper than 1-2". The roots will quickly develop and anchor into the ground.  Full Sun or Partial Sun is best Prefers loamy soil, can be planted in sandy or clay soils with compost amendments Give them room to grow as they don't like to be moved once established Some blooms may occur first year when planting in the spring, fall planted peonies will yield spring blooms most of the time    

Renee's Garden - Our own custom blend of the best cutting zinnias in a totally fabulous, sexy, fun trio of hot colors. Bling Bling offers double blossoms in bright rich orange, intense sunny yellow and a sultry violet/purple. When you cut a big bunch of these long stemmed flowers, they create their own instant bouquet in an eye-catching collage of color. These florist-quality 3 1/2 foot tall multi-branching beauties will yield armfuls of sensational flowers to celebrate summer all season long.  Characteristics:  Heirloom Mix Butterfly & Hummingbird favorites  Pollinators & Beneficials  Annual   Summer/fall bloom  Frost tender   500mg, 55-60 Seeds 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 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 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 April-June Full sun  Plant 1/2" deep  Space seeds 2-3" apart  Days to germinate: 5-10 days  Mature Height: 3-3.5 feet  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Large, fully double red-coral blooms ideal for cut flowers or bright borders. High Mowing Organic Seeds - Lovely salmon-pink to coral flowers on long, sturdy stems. Huge 4" blooms. Disease and heat tolerant, and holds up well in the vase. Change water often for longest life. Direct seed or start transplants 3-4 weeks before the last frost date. Approx. 3,400 seeds/oz. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated Excellent cut flower Attracts butterflies 40-50" plants Annual 75-90 days 1/32 oz approx.  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost. Zinnias perform best in Full Sun with well-drained fertile soil.  Excellent cut flower. Remove spent blossoms regularly to prolong blooming. You can start indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost to encourage faster bloom time.  Sow 1/4 " Deep Germination 3-10 days Scatter seeds and thin to 9" apart Full Sun to Partial Shade Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability