Native Flowers

Rocky Mountain Penstemon can be found in the Rocky Mountains, up to around 10,000 feet in elevation. It loves full sun to partial sun and its early summer blue blooms are a beautiful sight.  It is found in sage brush, pinyon pine, and aspen-conifer habitats. It is drought tolerant and often used in xeriscape plantings. Hummingbirds, bees and butterflies seek out this native and rely on it for nectar. It can be found in areas of the Rocky Mountain from USDA Climate Zones 3 to 8.  Botanical Names: Penstemon Strictus Characteristics:  Perennial Plants grow to 2-3 feet tall Vibrant blue blooms Prefers well draining dry soils 1 gram or ~800 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Direct sow in fall or as soon as the ground is workable. It needs cold stratification to germinate. If you miss the window from nature to do this, simply mix the seeds with moist sand, place in a bag or container, and place in the refrigerator for 45 days.    Sow on top of soil as this needs light to germinate.  Germination 11-22 days after cold stratifcation Thin 6-8" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Showy Milkweed is a long lived perennial that is an important host plant for monarchs, and a rich nectar source for many pollintors. Showy Milkweed forms large and dense patches as the it spreads by seed and roots. It is an excellent plant ofr prairies, areas where you want to help wildlife with minimal upkeep. This is native to the central and western United States.  USDA Zones 3-8. grows to 2-4'  Botanical name: Asclepias speciosa Characteristics:  Perennial and hardy to zone 3 Plants grow to 4' tall Prefers well-drained loams, wet areas and rain gardens Blooms in June and July Preferred food source of Monarch caterpillars .9g or ~90 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds indoors in flats 1/4" deep, moisten the soil, cover with plastic, and refrigerate for 10 days. Thereafter, provide light and 50-75°F. This moist stratification is not absolutely necessary but will help to increase germination. Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost Sow 1/4" deep Germination 10-15 days Plant 12-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Smooth Penstemon is a widespread native that is found in the Midwest and Eastern US. It prefers a bit more moisture than other penstemons so it is found in rain gardens, wet meadows, and other natural areas. It is at home in your garden and is a more refined native so if you are not sure about natives for their wildness, then give this one a try. It may just be what you need.  It likes full sun to light shade.  It is found in the central United States and can be growing USDA Climate Zones 3 to 8. Botanical Names: Penstemon digitalis Characteristics:  Perennial Plants grow to 2-3.5 feet tall Full White blooms Prefers mosit and well draining dry soils, can be growin in clay if not in standing water.  1 gram or ~1200 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Direct sow in fall or as soon as the ground is workable. It needs cold stratification to germinate. If you miss the window from nature to do this, simply mix the seeds with moist sand, place in a bag or container, and place in the refrigerator for 45 days.    Sow on top of soil as this needs light to germinate.  Germination 11-22 days after cold stratifcation Thin 6-8" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Spotted Joe Pye Weed is a one often preferred for gardnes that its relative, Joe Pye Weed, as it is half the size coming up 4-6'.  It loves the moist to wet soils inlcuding clay, loam or sand.  It is one again that is underserving of weed in its name as its not aggressvie in seeding out. It does grow into large clumps that are able to be divided depsite the deep roots it sends out.  This is a must for any butterfly, pollinator or wildlife garden as it attracts numerous amounts of butteflies, bees and pollinators. Bumblebees will use this for cover so if you are workign on helping rare bumblee species, this is a good plant that should be part of your plan.  It's native range is the Midwest, but due to its non-aggressive nature it has been introduced in gardens and restoration projects across much of the the United States.  Most gardeners will divide this to increase its numbers or collect seed to moist stratify.  Botanical Names: Eutrochium maculatum USDA Zones 3-7, some success to zones 8 Mid-Summer flowering  6' stalks  Bloom Duration: All Summer Cold Hardy Full Sun (some partial sun is ok) 1 packet will cover 50 sq ft, 1/2 oz covers  1000 ft Bloom Color: Red-Pink Key Planting Tips Instructions: Germination is increased by a 30- day cold treatment in slightly damp paper towels in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Seed can also be directly sown into a prepared seedbed in fall, or in early- to mid-spring. Requires a rich loam, clay, or slightly moist sandy soil. Alternatively Start Indoors: 6-8 weeks before planting out or direct sow after treating the seeds or in early spring or late fall Germination: 20-25 Days Plant Outdoors: 2-3' Apart Light: Full Sun to partial sun

Texas Bluebonnet - If you have seen a field of Texas Bluebonnets in full bloom, it is site you will most likely never forget. Fields of blue blossoms, buzzing with bees and butterflies is amazing. The are really easy to take care and hardy to 85% of the United States, USDA Zones 4-8.  They prefer dry soil and in full sun.  The seeds, plants and flowers are poisonous to livestock and animals.  Botanical Name: Lupinus texensis Characteristics:  Cold hardy annual Hardy to zone 4, Zones 4-8 Plants grow to 8-12" Beautiful native plant that is beloved by pollinators Prefers alkaline dry soil 2g or ~65 Seeds Sowing Rates Packet sows 6-10 sq ft 1 oz sows 50 sq ft 22 oz for 1,000 65lbs for 1 acre Instructions - If you live in zones 6-8, fall is an ideal time to sow them but anytime the ground is workable come spring will work too. For those zones in 4-5 you can plant these very early in the spring once the ground is workable.  Alternatively Start Indoors - 4-6  weeks before the last frost, but treat them like spinach as they don't germinate in warm conditions.  Their roots develop in cooler temperatures Sow 1/4" deep Germination 10-20 days Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Western Pollinator Seed Mixture The Western Pollinator Mix contains native wildflowers for pollinator conservation in the western United States and southwest Canada. The eastern 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 habitat conservation projects, please contact us regarding a custom mix for your area. Flowers: Narrow Leaved Milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis), Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila menziesii), Blanketflower (Gaillardia aristata), California Bluebell (Phacelia campanularia), California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica), Clarkia (Clarkia unguiculata), Crown Tickseed (Coreopsis nuecensis), Dwarf Godetia (Clarkia amoena), Dwarf Helenium (Helenium amarum), Fleabane Daisy (Erigeron speciosus), Globe Gilia (Gilia capitata), Golden Aster (Heterotheca villosa), Lacy Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia), Lewis Flax (Linum lewisii), Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria), Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera), Rocky Mountain Beeplant (Cleome serrulata), Rocky Mountain Penstemon (Penstemon strictus), Showy Goldeneye (Heliomeris multiflora), Utah Sweetvetch (Hedysarum boreale), Yellow Lupine (Lupinus microcarpus densiflorus) 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 grasses will germinate in the cool weather, while others will remain dormant until the is warms.  Sow 1/4" deep Germination 10-20 days

Renee's Garden Seeds-Orlaya’s lovely pure white, lacy flower umbels resemble a cloud of small lacecap hydrangeas floating above ferny green foliage. While these frothy flowers may look delicate, they are actually very easy to grow, with a compact habit and seemingly endless blossoms from early summer to frost. Perfect for garden beds and a beauty in containers. The sparkling, airy blossoms are great in bouquets and dynamite pollinator flowers, feeding all types of bees, butterflies and diverse beneficial insects. Botanical Name: Orlaya grandiflora racteristics:  Hardy Annual Plants grow to 2-3 feet White Blossoms Pollinator-friendly; extremely attractive to bees, hummingbirds, moths, and butterflies 750mg, ~45-60 Seeds per packet Instructions -As early in spring as ground can be worked, sow seeds 1 inch apart into a finely textured garden bed in full sun. In climates where the ground doesn’t freeze, sow seed in late fall for bloom the following spring. Cover very lightly, about 1/8 inch deep and keep soil moist as seedlings emerge. Weed and water carefully and thin before they get too crowded Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

White Prairie Clover - A less frequent flowering clover but no less hardy. It adds diversity to your landscape and wildlife plantings. It is adapatable to many soil types and is commonly used in prairie restoration and wildlife plantings.  It blooms non stop from mid summer to fall.   Botanical Name: Dalea candida Characteristics:  Perennial Hardy to zone 3 Plant heigh is 1-3' tall White blossoms mid-summer through fall Nitrogen Fixing Plant to improve soil health 250 seeds per packet  Instructions - Easy to grow when direct-seeded into a weed-free seedbed in mid-spring to early summer. Very drought tolerant once established. Alternative is to grow indoors.  Start Indoors: In Early Spring Germination: 10-20 Days Plant Outdoors: 12” Apart Light: Full Sun  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Our White Upland Aster is native to the Eastern United States, Eastern Canada, the Upper Midwest or North Central United States. It is an essential flower for late season pollen essential to help our polliantors through the winters. This flower thrives in sandy sites, open forests, calcareous prairies, and dry bluffs.  Botanical name: Solidago ptarmicoides Characteristics:  Perennial and hardy to zone 3 Plants grow to 2 feet tall Topped with white 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 Seed Needed 1/8 oz sows 40 sq ft (Packet) 1 oz sows 800 sq ft 1lb sows around 13,000 sq ft 3lb sows 1 acre Instructions - Can be sown directly when it is still cold as it needs cold and moisture to germinate. Sow seeds indoors just beneath surface of soil in a flat. Water and then 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. You may 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

Bee Balm or Wild Bergamont is found across the Eastern half of the United States. It is beloved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.  It is used for tea, had medicinal qualities that go back to ancient times.  It loves prairies, forest edges and open forests. It is a staple in many wild garden mixes and is a great flower to add to any natural  landscape.  Characteristics:  Organic options available Plants grow to 4-5 foot tall Light Purple Blossoms Can be used as a fresh-cut or dry flower .1 gram or ~200 Seeds Sizing Instructions 1/4 oz sows 1,000 sq ft 1 oz sows 4,000 sq ft 1/2 lb sows 1 acre Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when light frost is still possible. Barely cover the soil Remove spent blossoms regularly to prolong blooming. Loves rich loam.  Germination 14-28 days Thin 18-24" apart Light - Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Restock arrive around 8/1 - Wild Senna is is a fast growng perennial. It is often mistaken for a shurb or small tree but it is completely herbaceous and dies back each year.  It is an essential food source for turkeys and other birds, host plant for various butterflies and helps to provide forage for bees and butterflies. Wild Senna loves full sun.  It's range is East of the Mississippi with the exception of Florida and Mississippi. And is also found throughout Iowa.  Botanical Name: Senna hebecarpa Characteristics:  Perennial, Self-seeding Plants grow to 4-6' feet tall Yellow blooms Prefers moist and well draining dry soils, can be grown in clay if not in standing water.  1 gram or ~45 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Direct sow when the soil can be worked. Seeds should be cold moist stratified and scarcified.    Sow 1/4 deep Germination 8-17 days after cold stratification period. Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Yellow Lupine is a California native that is found in meadows prairies, and woodlands below 2,000 feet across the entire state. It is an annual and gardeners enjoy that it blooms in the first year of planting. Then is reseeds itself for blooms the following year. Hummingbirds and butterflies love this plant.  This is a must have for any gardener in California and is one of the easier lupines to raise. Simply harvest to sow seeds where you'd like each year.  Botanical Names:  Lupinus microcarpus var. densiflorus Characteristics:  Annual, self-seeding Plants grow to 2-3 feet tall Spires of bright yellow flowers Prefers full sun, rich loam is best that drains well 1 gram or ~40 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow directly in garden in early spring. No cold stratification is needed as yellow lupine is an annual.   Sow 1/4" deep Germination 14-25 days Thin 12-15" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability