Seeds - Flowers

A Hopi heirloom prized for its purple-black seeds, used especially for coloring baskets. High Mowing Organic Seeds - High Mowing sold this variety in our very first catalog, and we're bringing it back in part to complete the circle of our journey, and in part, because it's a great variety. Like us, it's scrappy and resilient and does a lot with a little, where the seeds are good for dye but also for food or feed, and are the best for de-hulling. The massive tall flowers are classically sunflower beautiful, with yellow rays around purple-black centers. Grown for countless generations, this variety will almost certainly still be used to make dye a hundred years from now. Approx. 500 seeds/oz. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated Heirloom  Natural dye source  7-11 feet tall  95 days  1/16 oz approx.  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost. Sunflowers prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained rich soil. Provide support for tall plants. Sow 1/2" - 1" Deep Plant and Thin to 12" Apart Germination 10-14 days Plant 24-36" apart Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - A commanding presence in the garden, this heirloom amaranth grows 4½-6' tall with a showy display of dark purple-green leaves, solid purple stems, and long, draping deep purple-red inflorescences. Used for dye or as an ornamental, it comes to Seed Savers Exchange through Native Seeds/SEARCH, which notes this variety was collected in the lower area of Moenkopi, Arizona. The Hopi people make a natural scarlet food dye from the flower bracts to color piki bread. It flowers in mid-to-late-June in the Northeast Iowa if started indoors.  Organic From the Seed Saver Collection Stunning ornamental Grows 4 1/2-6' tall 250 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Plant out into average well-drained soil after the danger of frost has passed. Good cutting flower, fresh or dried. Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination 7-10 days Plant 12-18" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Seed Savers Exchange -Sitting above its silvery, highly cut foliage, the striking, purple-petaled flowers of this easy-to-grow annual are followed later in the season by attractive seed pods that can be used in dried arrangements. At the season’s end, the seeds in the pods can be harvested and used for baking or replanting. All plant parts except the seeds are toxic. Prolific self-sowing annual, 2-3' tall. Characteristics:  Organic  Self-seeding annual plants grow to 2-3 feet tall  Deep blue-purple blossoms  Edible seeds for baking  200 seeds  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 Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

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

Illinois Bundleflower -This flower has many names such as Prairie Mimosa, False Sensitive Plant and is found through out restored prairies.  It does have height and can grow up to 5' tall.  It has feathery white blossoms that remind you of a plant from a Dr. Seuss story. The Reakirt's Blue Butterfly relies on this flower as a host plant.  Botanical Names: Desmanthus illinoensis Characteristics:  Perennial Plants grow to 3-5 feet tall White feathery blooms Prefers dry soils.  1 gram or ~125 Seeds per packet  Instructions - Direct sow when the soil can be worked. If you can cold stratify the seed it will help increase your germination rates substantially.   Sow 1/4 deep Germination 8-17 days after cold stratifcation Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Low inventory of these left.  We are not sure if we will get this one back in for the 2022 season. The Seed Savers Exchange - A favorite Heritage Farm sunflower. Dwarf plants loaded with multiple blooms that have pointed golden petals and green centers. One of the best for container gardening and cutting. Plants grow 24-30" tall. Annual, 60 days. Characteristics:  Annual flowers with multiple flower heads per plant Flowers have pointed petals and green centers Plants grow 24-30 inches tall Good for container gardening and cutting 60 days 25 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost. Sunflowers prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained rich soil. Provide support for tall plants. Sow 1/2" Deep Plant 6" Apart Germination 10-14 days Plant 24-36" apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Seedsaver Exchange - Ivory Princess Calendula Flower Seeds - This calendula’s elegant look and refined color complement any selection of flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Easy-to-grow plants typically reach 18-24" tall and produce abundant, edible blooms of cream-colored petals that surround a dark-red center base. Flowers bloom from late spring to autumn; their tangy-tasting petals can be used fresh or dried in soups, baked goods, and salads. Like other calendula varieties, ‘Ivory Princess’ attracts beneficial insects and pollinators and repels unwanted pests. 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

High Mowing Seeds - Lovely, pendulous white star-shaped flowers offer their fragrance to the night. Pollinated by moths. Very easy to grow; plants will re-seed if left in the garden. Direct sow seeds by scattering lightly on soil surface or start transplants 6-8 weeks ahead of planting date. Plant out after last frost date.  Characteristics: Organic Bedding plant 24-36" tall Re-seeding annual Open-Pollinated 1/64 ounce, 3,000 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

The Seed Savers Exchange - As its name suggests, this variety is a visual standout, even in the colorful world of zinnias. A kaleidoscopic array of petal colors yellow, cream, chestnut, and rosy red make it a festive selection for bouquets, as well as garden beds and borders. Its semi-double, 1½" flowers bloom from summer into fall. Annual. Characteristics:  Annual Blooms from summer to fall A kaleidoscopic array of colors Grows 20" tall Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost. Zinnias prefer well-drained average soil. Water regularly, keeping leaves dry. Remove spent blossoms frequently to prolong blooming. Direct Seed: 1/8" Deep Germination: 5-24 Days Thin: 10-12" Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Renee's Garden - EXCLUSIVE - Our custom blended color palette of especially fragrant antique varieties offers both beautiful cool shades and plants with significantly more heat tolerance than other sweet pea varieties. You’ll have a succession in bloom with “Flora Norton” (pastel blue), “Lord Nelson” (deep blue), “Mrs. Collier” (creamy-white), “Lady Grisel Hamilton” (pastel lavender) and “Captain of the Blues” (mauve-blue). This lovely perfumed mix blooms on strong climbing vines that easily cover a trellis or fence.. Characteristics:  6-10' Feet Large ruffled blooms Lasting cut flowers  Approx 40-45 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:1-2 feet Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

Seed Exchange - (Talinum paniculatum) (aka Fameflower) Sure to become a favorite. Eye-catching mats of succulent chartreuse foliage. Attractive sprays of pink flowers followed by ruby-orange seedpods. Great filler for any border or container. Tolerates dry conditions. Self-sows readily. Tender perennial grown as an annual in the North, 24" tall. The leaves are used in salads and stir fry. The leaves do contain oxacyilic acid so do not consume in great quantities.   This one I first discovered growing in my Dallas backyard (I no longer live in Texas as our farm is in Wisconsin) and was amazed at the thousands of blossoms and red jeweled seed pods. I was thrilled to learn that the leaves were edible and used them often. It took me a few months to track the name down so I couldn't resist in adding them to our seed collections to share with you. Characteristics:  Organic Self-seeding tender perennial, annual in northern climates Sprays of tiny pink flowers Good filler flower for borders and containers Tolerates dry conditions 100 Seeds Instructions - Instructions - Sow seeds indoors on the surface of the soil. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost has passed in late spring.  It can be sowed outside around the last frost. Sow 1/4" Deep Germination 7-12 days Thin 6-12" apart Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the 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

The Seed Savers Exchange - Kiss-Me-Over-the-Garden-Gate Flower can be traced back to colonial American gardens. It readily self sows each year so planting it once means you can have come back fairly easily.  The plant can reach heights of 5-7 feet, do not be deadheaded as they continue to bloom all summer long.   5-7' Tall Annual Organic Very easy to grow from seed Cold-Stratified for Seed 100 Seeds - Confirming as it is on pre-order status Instructions - This flower does not transplant well, and can only be seeded for good results. You need to pre-chill the seeds for a few weeks in your fridge before sowing or sow in spring when the ground is workable and frosts are still occuring.  Direct Sow in early Spring Thin to 18" apart Germination 10-15 days Full Sun to Partial Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Large-Flowered or Shell-Leaf Penstemon is a gem in the garden, wildlife plantings, forests and meadows. It's large pink flowers are showy and is a wildlife magnet. It is found in the central United States and can be growing USDA Climate Zones 3 to 8. It prefers dry well-drained soils and is commonly found in pollinator mixes.  Botanical Names: Penstemon grandiflorus  Characteristics:  Perennial Plants grow to 2-3 feet tall Showy Pink 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

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