Seeds - Native Flowers and Grasses – Page 3 – Firefly Farm and Mercantile

Native Flower Mix for Monarch Butterfly Seed Flower Mixture

Native Flower Mix for Monarch Butterfly Seed Mixture (Midwest Specific) from $14.00

Native Flower Mix for Monarch Butterfly Seed Flower Mixture Monarch populations have been in decline for a number of years, and the loss of nectar sources and milkweeds has been indicated as a major contributor to these declines. This mixture is composed of native wildflowers and milkweeds which supply nectar sources to adult monarchs. Milkweeds are utilized for egg-laying and provide food to monarch caterpillars. This mixture is intended for use in the monarch’s summer breeding range and flyway zones of the Midwestern United States. Add some native grasses to and you have a great all around mix! Little Bluestem is great as it is native to all 48 US states. Or just keep it strictly to flowers. Flowers: Autumn Sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale), Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Butterflyweed Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), Clasping Coneflower (Rudbeckia amplexicaulis), Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum), Cutleaf Coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata), Gayfeather (Liatris spicata), Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta), Indian Blanket (Gaillardia pulchella), Lance-Leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata), New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), Ox-Eye Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides), Prairie Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Rigid Goldenrod (Solidago rigida), Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve), Spotted Joe Pyeweed (Eutrochium maculatum), Swamp (Red) Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), Tickseed Sunflower (Bidens aristosa), Wild Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Seeding Rates: 8 oz for 1,000sq ft (No existing plants) 11-22 lbs per acre (depends on density of existing plantings) 1 Acre with Grass - 11 lbs per acre 1 Acre for just Flowers - 22 lbs per acre 1 oz packets when planted with flowers it will do 155 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

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New England Aster - Prairie Native $3.75 $3.95

New England Aster - The glorious purple blossoms on a sunny fall day is a magnificent site. Butterflies, bees and birds all rely on this flower for late season food and forage. They are very easy to grow and somply require average soil. They do well in clay or sand as well. 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 - Direct Sow outdoors in late fall to early spring. Alternatively, 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

Northeast Native Grass Seed Mixture from $3.75

Northeast Native Grass Seed Mixture This mixture of warm and cool-season grasses grows to a height of 24 to 48 inches. Contains Virginia Wildrye, Switchgrass, Canada Wildrye, Little Bluestem and Indiangrass. Can be combined with flower seeds to create a colorful meadow – we recommend our Northeast Mix or Northeast Native Mix Seeding Rates: 1lb will seed 2,750sq ft for grasses only 1lb will seed 5,500sq ft when planted with flowers too 1 Acre with Grass Only - 15 lbs per acre 1 Acre with Flowers - 7 lbs per acre 1 oz packets will do 170 sq ft of grass, 1 oz packets when planted with flowers it will do 340 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

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Ox Eye Sunflower - U.S. Native $3.00 $3.75

Ox-Eye Sunflower - Bright yellow-orange flowers bloom endlessly from June to September. It grows pretty much on its own. Birds love the seeds. Great cut flower with long lasting blooms. Grows 2-5' tall. Self-sows; does not spread by rhizomes. It is hardy to zone 4. Characteristics: Hardy to zone 4, self seeds 2-5 feet tall Long-lasting yellow-orange flowers June through September blooms 1/2 gram, ~300 seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just under the surface of the soil in late winter or early spring. Also germinates readily when sewn into a weed-free seedbed in fall, spring, or early summer. Prefers a moderately rich loam, clay, or slightly damp sandy soil. Will tolerate very light shade. Start Indoors: 8-10 weeks before planting out Germination: 10-15 Days Plant Outdoors: 12-24” Apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Pale Purple Coneflower - Prairie Native, Echinacea pallida from $3.00 $3.75

Pale Purple Coneflower - This is the most widespread of all the purple coneflowers with a range as far south as Georgia and Alabama, extending to the east, across the Midwest and to the Central Plains. It readily adapts to almost any soil as long as it is well drained. You can find it in clay, limerock, sand or loam. It is beloved by butterflies, birds and other pollinators. Plants reach 3-4' tall. Perennial. Hardy to zones 3-9 It is also known as Blacksamson echinacea as well. Botanical Name: Echinacea pallida Characteristics: Perennial and hardy to zone 4, most southern range of the purple coneflowers One of the very best for attracting butterflies and birds Plants grow to 2-4 feet tall Light purple flowers 1/2 gram or ~95 Seeds per packet Instructions - Pale Purple Coneflower requires cold and moist stratification for a really good germination rate. Simply sow the seeds 2-3 months before the last frost or you can mimic the stratification process but sowing the seeds in soil or sand, water and cover to prevent the media from drying out. It requires 1-2 months in the cold. Once sprouts start to grow you can then transplant outside if the harsh frosts are gone or in larger pots. Alternatively Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Sow 1/2" deep Germination 10-20days Thin 18-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

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Partridge Pea - Central, Eastern US Native, Nitrogen Fixing $3.00 $3.75

Back in Stock! Partridge Pea is a widespread native that is found in the Midwest and Eastern US. It prefers dry soils and loves full sun. This is a host plant for many butterflies and attracts birds and pollinators, plus it is cover for beneficial insects. its seed pods are food for mnay songbirds. It is a workhorse and can help improve soil with each year you allow it to grow and seed out for the next year. If you are looking for natural solutions for nitrogen fixing, then this is a great option. Botanical Names: Chamaecrista fasciculata Characteristics: Annual, Self-seeding Plants grow to 1-3.5 feet tall Yellow blooms Prefers mosit and well draining dry soils, can be growin in clay if not in standing water. 1 gram or ~75-110 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

Plains Coreopsis Flower - Prairie Native $4.25 $4.50

We are waiting for our 2025 Seedstock to arrive. We do have Dwarf Plains Coreopsis available. - Click Here for Dwarf Plains Plains Coreopsis -This is a native annual that keeps reseeding itself until your perennials fill in. They provide endless beauty for you and food for nature. It is drough tolerant and does well in most soil types. They attract birds, butterflies and bees all while not being attractive to deer. Characteristics: Perennial and hardy to zone 4 Excellent for attracting butterflies and birds Plants grow to 3-4' feet tall Produces flowers from mid summer until frost. 100 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors just before last frost. Can also be started indoors and set out as small plants. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained rich soil. Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Sow 1/2" deep Germination 10-25 days Thin 18-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Prairie Blazingstar, Liatris pycnostachya $3.00 $3.75

Perhaps the most wondrous sight in any prairie is a mass planting of Prairie Blazingstar. They are resilient, pollinator magnets, provide cover for birds, insects of all types and grow deep roots. They can reach 4’ tall and are hardy to USDA Zone 4. These perennials are a crowd please in a natural setting or a garden border. They are excellent cut flowers and excel in dried arrangements. There are several different Liatris and all can play an important part in any ecosystem. Characteristics: Perennial and hardy to zone 4 Plants grow to 3-4 feet tall Spikes of purple-magenta flowers Excellent for dried and cut flower arrangements 150 seeds per packet 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. 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 Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Prairie Coneflower - Prairie Native, Ratibida columnifera seeds

Prairie Coneflower - Prairie Native from $3.00 $3.95

We offer this fabulous U.S. Native in various ways. It is a joy on our farm as it pops up in various places and is a buzz of activity with native bees, butterflies and praying mantises too! It has a wide native range, from Alberta to Arkansasa and across much of the central United States. It excels in xeriscapes, dry prairies, along roadsides and in general problem areas. It can create beautiful backdrops for you gardens as well as being the spotlight if you choose. It blooms continously all summer! We also offer this in bulk quantities or with packets that are a bit more modest in nature. Botanical Name: Ratibida columnifera Characteristics: Short-lived perennial that reseeds easily, sometimes biennial in nature Hardy to zone 3 Plants grow to 2-4 feet Coverage: 1 Packet will cover 50 sq ft densely 1 oz will cover 1,000 sq ft when planted by itself, 2,500 sq ft when planted in existing beds. Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors just before last frost. Can also be started indoors and set out as small plants. Plant in poor soil as rich soil will weaken stems. Alternatively Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Sow 1/2" deep Germination 10-20days Thin 18-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

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Prairie Ironweed - Native from $3.00

Prairie Ironweed really doesn't deserve weed in its name. It is a stalwart of planting in tough places like clay, loves moist and damp soils and will do well even in gardens with great loam. It is beautiful for mass plantings and can be used for cut flowers. It develops really deep roots that help erosion and filter water. Despite the number of seeds it produces, it doesn't spread agressively and typically you need to be a bit more intentional with planting. This is a must for any butterfly, pollinator or wildlife garden as it attracts numerous amounts of butterflies and is the host plant for the American Painted Lady. It's native range is the Midwest, but due to its non-aggressive nature ithas been introduced in gardens and restoration projects across much of the eastern half of the United States. Most gardeners will divide this to increase its numbers or collect seed to moist stratify. Botanical Names: Veronia fasciculata USDA Zones 3-7, some success to zones 9 Mid-Summer flowering 6' stalks, you can cut in late spring for shorter plants Bloom Duration: All Summer Cold Hardy Full Sun (some partial sun is ok) 1 packet will cover 25 sq ft, 1 oz covers 1,000 ft Bloom Color: Purple 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

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Purple Coneflower - Prairie Native $3.00 $3.95

Purple Coneflower - The purple mid summer blooms never seem to end. This is a priairie plant that is probably the most widely known since it is used in many types of garden applications. It attracts butterflies, birds and insects that are all part of a healthy ecosystem. Will tolerate clay soils. Plants reach 3-4' tall. Perennial. Hardy to zone 4. Botanical Name: Echinacea purpurea Characteristics: Perennial and hardy to zone 4 One of the very best for attracting butterflies and birds Plants grow to 3-4 feet tall Heavy yields of purple-magenta flowers from July through September Tolerates clay soils 250 Seeds per packet Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors just before last frost. Can also be started indoors and set out as small plants. Seeds can be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained rich soil. Purple Coneflower does not like to be transplanted as it develops a taproot that allows it to be very drought tolerant. Alternatively Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Sow 1/2" deep Germination 10-20days Thin 18-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Purple Prairie Clover from $3.00 $3.75

Purple Prairie Clover - An important short prairie species as it helps feed the soil, provide food for polliantors and cover for wildlife. 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 purpurea Characteristics: Perennial Hardy to zone 4 Plant heigh is 1-3' tall Purple 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

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Red Milkweed, Rose Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed - Native from $3.75 $3.95

Red Milkweed or Ascelpsis incarta is a jewel in the gardens. It prefers moist soils or rich garden soils. It is reliably easy and will naturalize in areas that are often hard for such wodnerful flowers to thrive. As with all milkweed in North America, it is an essential host plant for Monarchs. We often find 1 cat per plant of red milkweed in our native start areas. We are quick to rescue them on young plants and move them to more established settings where they can have hundrends of milkweeds to choose from. Red Milkweed has many names, Rose Milkweed or Swamp Milkweed but I assure you there is nothing swampy about this flower. You won't regret having this in your formal, informal or natural gardens. Characteristics: Perennial and hardy to zone 4 Plants grow to 5 feet tall Pink and red flowers, Vanilla-scented flowers Blooms in June and July Preferred food source of Monarch caterpillars 75 Seeds per packet Instructions - It is recommended to cold stratify this seed so sow early in pots (great for winter sowing) or directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked. You can also encourage germination if you miss the cold period but sowing into a tray of media, moisten, cover and place in fridge for 21 days. Remove and provide dequate light and non freezing conditions. It is easy to transplant and makes tubers that are easy to put anywhere you'd like. Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost or sow directly outside while still cold Sow 1/4" deep Germination 10-40 days Plant 12-24" apart Light: Partial Sun to Full Sun

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Rocky Mountain Penstemon - Rocky Mountin Native $3.00 $3.75

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

Sand Dropseed- Native from $3.00

Sand Dropseed Grass- is a warm-season grass and is a dominant species for shortgrass prairies, forest edges, meadows, along creeks and streams and is native throughout most of the United States. It is very drought tolerant and is ideal in garden landscapes, prairie restoration, xeriscaping. It provides excellent cover for bees and small birds. In winter it does go dormant and will turn brown but by late spring into summer it will remain green even in the driest conditions. It is as home in the south as it is in the north. This is a very hardy perennial and easily survives down to USDA Zone 3. Sporobolus cryptandrus Characteristics: Hardy to zone 3, perennial 2-3 foot tall clumps Prefers sandy soils, does well in loams Erosion control plantings 5,000 Seeds per packet, .5 grams will cover 15 sq ft densely, 1 oz will cover 1,300 sq ft densely. Instructions -Seeds can also be directly sown into a weed-free seedbed in May or June as they germinate in warm weather. You can seed earlier or later, but do make sure it is with the compansions or oats to provide cover and prevent weeds from growing. Not recommended for heavy clay. Alternatively Start Indoors late winter to early spring Sow 1/2" deep Germination 14-20 days Thin 24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

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Sandberg Bluegrass- Rocky Mountain Native from $3.00 $3.95

Sandberg Bluegrass is a cool-season native bunchgrass that grows without rhizomes. It is found in the Rocky Mountain corridor and grows inelevations up to 9,000 ft. It is 12-14" tall, withstands drought, but with enough rain it will stay green all summer. This is the most dominant bluegrass in Utah and the surrounding states. Animals depend on this grass for forage and cover throughout the year. Recommended for prairie plantings, xeriscape gardens and lawns and as a component of wildlife forage mixes. It is ideal for areas with sagebrush and mountain shrub communities. It is good for forage when planted alongside other similiar habitat grasses. This is a very hardy perennial and easily survives down to USDA Zone 3. Botanical Name: Poa secunda, Poa Sandbergii Characteristics: Hardy to zone 3, perennial 1-1.5' in height Native grass 1000 Seeds per packet, 1/2 gram, will cover 15 sq ft with no plants or 150 sq ft with other grasses, 1 oz will cover 705 sq ft, or 7,500 sq ft with other grasses. Instructions - Seeds can also be directly sown into a weed-free seedbed at all times of the year soil can be worked. Alternatively Start Indoors late winter to early spring Sow 1/2" deep Germination 14-20 days Thin 24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

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Scarlet Sage - Southern Native, Organic $3.25 $3.75

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Native to the southern US. Spikes of red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies from early summer until frost. Not a culinary type. (Salvia coccinea) Characteristics: One of the very best for attracting butterflies and birds Plants grow to 3-4 feet tall Wonderful Scarlet Red Blooms Native to the southern USA Pkt (0.3 g, about 183 seeds) Growing Instructions: Perennial in the tropics, usually grown as an annual. Germination: 60-75° F, light required, 10-30 days. Direct sow or transplant after last frost. Ht. 4 ft. Start Indoors - 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Sow 1/8" deep Germination 10-30 days Thin 18-24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Showy Milkweed - Prairie Native from $3.00 $3.95

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

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Sideoats Grama Grass- Prairie Native from $3.00 $3.95

Our next seed arrives 12/3 - We will ship any orders with this on 12/4. This is from our fall harvest of 2024, so the freshest seed available. Sideoats Grama Grass is a warm-season native bunchgrass that can be found in the throughout most of North America. It is easy to tell it from other grasses as all the seeds hang just from one side. Sideoats Grama grass prefers full sun. This grass can be used in meadows, prairies, beds, borders and be part of a forage mix. It is also popualr in xeriscaping applications. This is a very hardy perennial and easily survives down to USDA Zone 4, can be found in zones 4-9 and prefers drier soils. Botanical Name: Bouteloua curtipendula Characteristics: Hardy to zone 4, perennial 2' in height Winter interest Native ornamental and forage 350 Seeds per packet, 1 gram, will cover 10 sq ft with no plants or 100 sq ft with other grasses, 1 oz will cover 500 sq ft, or 5,000 sq ft with other grasses. Instructions - Seeds can also be directly sown into a weed-free seedbed in May or June as they germinate in warm weather. You can seed earlier or later, but do make sure it is with the compansions or oats to provide cover and prevent weeds from growing. Prefers sand and loam. Alternatively Start Indoors late winter to early spring Sow 1/2" deep Germination 14-20 days Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Smooth Penstemon (Foxglove Beardtongue)- Mid West, Eastern US Native $3.00 $3.75

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

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Seeds - Native Flowers and Grasses