Hardy Perennials

Breathtaking - Poppy lovers will rejoice in this gorgeous mix of tall, antique, double-flowering varieties we import from a fine old French firm. The Carnation or Feather Poppy has deeply cut, fringed 4 inch blossoms. The Peony Flowering Poppy, like its namesake, opens into huge glamorous poufs of softly ruffled petals. The graceful stems with nodding buds unfurl and glow in shades of scarlet, pink, salmon, violet, purple, deep red and white. Grow these statuesque flowers for unparalleled late spring beauty on. Papaver paeoniflorum & laciniatum Characteristics:  Fringed Pink Blossoms Frost hardy Re-seeding annual  Loves rich garden soil 3-5' tall 1 gram (~700 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

Renee's Garden -  The delicate soft shade of Celeste’s silky ruffled blooms reminds me most of the wonderful pale blue of my favorite spring iris. Blue Celeste’s alluring pastel blossoms are very perfumed and bloom abundantly, 4 to 5 to a stem. They make entrancing vase flowers with lovely luminous color, fragrance and form. You’ll have lots to cut as this British-bred specialty sweet pea offers a strong performance in the garden. These sweet blue flowers hold the eye and heart. Characteristics:  Early Blooming Sweet Peas  Large ruffled blooms Annual Climbing Vine  Soft watercolor shades  Lasting cut flowers  Approx 45-50 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, plant in fall; seeds will germinate and 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.  Plant in: February - April  Full sun  Plant 1 inch deep  Plant 2-3 inches apart  12-20 days to germinate  Mature Height: 6-8 feet Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

The Seed Savers Exchange - Popular cottage garden flower from England. A great choice for mixing into borders, for naturalizing, or for mass planting. This is a superior strain with large, spotted, white and pink flowers borne on 5-6' tall stems. Although frequently visited by hummingbird moths, the plants, seeds, and foliage of this variety are all poisonous—please use caution. Biennial. Organic Biennial plants grow to 5-6 feet tall Bell-shaped white and pink blossoms attract pollinators and birds 250 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Transplant outdoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost. Prefers rich, moist, cool soil. May require staking. Alternatively, it can be planted outside right around the last frost to early summer. The plant simply needs time to develop a solid root structure before the winter to be able to bloom the following year.  Start indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost Germination 14-21 days Plant 6-9" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Renee's Garden- These cheerful native wildflowers have a tantalizing chocolate scent that wafts through the garden as they bloom in the sun. Chocolate daisies provide a continuous show of deliciously fragrant little butter yellow blossoms, each the size of a quarter. Plants are happily deer resistant, bloom hard all season and return every spring to perfume the garden. Chocolate daisies attract pollinators and butterflies all summer long. Who knew they love chocolate as much as we do! - (Berlandiera lyrata) Hardy to Zone 4 Perennial  Deer resistant  .185g or ~35 seeds per packet Growing Instructions Sowing Outdoors - In spring, several weeks after last frost date, sow in a sunny garden spot with excellent drainage. Sow 2 inches apart and cover lightly. Keep moist but not soggy while awaiting germination. When seedlings are well established, thin to 6 inches apart so plants have room to mature. Sowing Inside - Start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before night temps are above 50°F (10°C). Sow seeds 2 to 3 apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover very lightly. Keep seedbed moist but not soggy while awaiting germination. When outdoor weather is warm and settled both day and night, plant seedlings 6 inches apart in a sunny, well-drained garden spot.  Chocolate daisies, native to the mesas and plains of the Southwest, thrive in average soil, but require good drainage to thrive; if soil is heavy clay, add organic material to improve drainage before sowing. Plant in large groups in full sun near where you walk for maximum fragrance impact. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage reblooming. Blossoms are a important source of nectar for pollinators and beneficial insects. Plants die to the ground in winter, returning in spring and gaining in size over the seasons. Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Honey Bee Flower Seed Mixture The Honey Bee Seed mix is the result of many years of research on honey bee flower preferences in our test garden. It is a blend of adaptable, annual and perennial flowers that provide nectar and pollen to honey bees. These flowers provide nectar and pollen to honey bees all season long.  It is ideal for honey beekeepers and others interested in honey bee health.  This mix can be used in garden beds, borders, and other maintained areas. Flowers: Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata), California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica), Cape Forget-Me-Not (Anchusa capensis), China Aster (Callistephus chinensis), Chinese Forget-Me-Not (Cynoglossum amabile), Corn Poppy (Papaver rhoeas), Lacy Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia), Lance-Leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), Mexican Hat (Ratibida columnifera), New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Purple Giant Hyssop (Agastache rugosa), Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea), Scarlet Cinquefoil (Potentilla thurberi), S iberian Wallflower (Cheiranthus allionii), Slender Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium), Sulphur Cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus), Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Sweet Mignonette (Reseda odorata) Seeding Rates: 4 oz for 1,000sq ft 6-12 lbs per acre (depends on density of existing plantings) 1 Acre with Grass - 6 lbs per acre 1 Acre with Flowers - 12 lbs per acre 1 oz packets when planted with flowers it will do 250 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 grasses will germinate in the cool weather, while others will remain dormant until the is warms.  Sow 1/4" deep Germination 10-20 days

The Seed Savers Exchange - Used as early as the 7th century to improve the smell of kitchens and hospitals. Hyssop leaves are used to flavor salads, soups, liqueurs, and stews. Essential oil used in perfumes. Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Plants grow 18-24". Perennial in zones 4-9. Characteristics:  A perennial plant in zones 4-9 Plants grow to 18-24 inches Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds Drought resistant 250 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath surface of soil. Success is greatly improved if seeds are placed with soil into a plastic bag and refrigerated for 4-6 weeks. Once removed from the cool, place in an area that is between 55-65°F. Plant out after danger of frost has passed in late spring. Prefers average well-drained soil. Sow seed indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost Germination 7-10  days Plant 6-12" apart Full Sun to Partial Shade Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Seed Exchange - Native to Spain and the Pyrenees Mountains. Truly a classic garden flower that never goes out of fashion. Like all violas, can be used as an edible garnish with cheeses or salads. Plants are exceedingly free-blooming from spring through late autumn. Self-seeding biennial, 5-6" tall,  (Viola x williamsiana) (aka Heartsease). Characteristics:  Open-Pollinated Self-seeding biennial plants grow to 5-6 inches Purple and yellow blossoms Good for container growing Flower heads are edible Instructions - Sow seeds indoors 1/4" deep. Transplant outdoors when the spring temperatures are still cool and a light frost is possible. Plants enjoy cool rich soil. Start indoors8-10 weeks before the last frost Germination 10-14 days Plant 6-9" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Breathtaking - Absolutely stunning 4 to 5 inch chalice-shaped flowers with satiny petals that glow in the most delicious shade of deep ruby-purple. These outstanding, heirloom poppies grow 3 to 5 feet tall, depending on how rich your soil is. With their big, lettuce-like, blue-gray leaves and port wine colored flowers, Lauren’s Grape is a highlight of the spring garden. These beautiful flowers easily self sow to shine again every season. Papaver sp Characteristics:  Deep Purple Blossoms Frost hardy Re-seeding annual  Loves rich garden soil 3-5' tall .5 gram (~1900 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 - 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

Lavender Hyssop - A native commonly found in the north central United States. It prefers dry woodlands and prairies and readily adapts to garden environments without standing water.  The leaves are scented like licorice and it is often referred to Anise Hyssop because of this. Butterlfies and other pollinators will stay busy gathering pollen and nectar. It is used by a variety of beneficial insects as well. It is often used in boquets Botanical Name: Agastche foeniculum Characteristics:  Biennial/perennial that self seeds easily Hardy to zone 4 Plants grow up to 3 feet Purple flowers and leaves that smell of licorice .75g or 250 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath surface of soil. Seeds can also be directly sown outdoors as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Does best in well-drained soil. Sow seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination 30-90  days Plant 12" apart Full Sun to Partial Shade 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 - Ted Maiden of LaFollette, Tennessee, has grown and saved seeds from this variety since his father, Ernest Maiden, gave it to him in 1964. Ernest stewarded the variety in his own garden in Bristol, Virginia, after receiving its seeds from his father, Reverend Frank Maiden of Saltville, Virginia, at some point prior to 1956. In 2009 Ted rediscovered the seed he had grown in 1987 stored in a box of photos that had remained packed during several moves he made while in the Air Force. Indeterminate. 60-75 days from transplant.  Characteristics:  From the Collection for 2023  Organic  Heirloom  Dark orange fruits average 8-10 oz  Indeterminate - Fruit ripens throughout the season  60-75 days from the transplant  Instructions - Sow seeds indoors ¼" deep. Tomatoes are sensitive to freezing temperatures, so wait to transplant outdoors until the soil is warm. Plant in full sun. Start Indoors: 6 weeks before the last frost  Germination: 7-14 days  Plant Outdoors: 24-36" apart  Support: Cage, stake, or trellis    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

Sunsets everywhere you look Renee's Garden- California poppies' fluted form and exuberant golden-orange color truly celebrate spring. A perfect choice for hot and dry areas, they'll grow easily without fuss all over the country. The silky, vivid flowers shine above mounds of feathery gray-green foliage for weeks, covering the ground with a cloak of bright flowers. Carefree and cheerful, these native orange poppies are perfect to cover a neglected area or hard to cultivate slope or plant in the garden for a memorable display of glowing color. Eschscholzia californica Characteristics: Native flower for the west coast Re-seeding annual  Tolerates poor soil  3-4' tall 78 days  2 grams (~1200 seeds) Instructions - This poppy 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