Flower Seeds

Ipomoea tricolor. It is a great shame that so many gardeners confuse this tidy heirloom annual with the invasive bindweed, Convovulus arvensis. Both share the name Morning Glory, and both have trumpet shaped flowers, but the similarities end there. Heavenly Blue morning glory seeds produce short vines bearing copious, huge, intensely blue flowers that open each morning and then fade to pink before closing for good in the evening. Every day more flowers open from mid to late summer. It looks spectacular climbing along a fence or trellis, with really large flowers that can only be described as Heavenly Blue.

Note: This variety is not an invasive weed.

Annual

CERTIFIED ORGANIC! Large, substantial fruits grow in clusters of three to four on sturdy, relatively short vines. Get Stuffed Organic features blocky, striped fruits that are almost the shape of a bell pepper. They can be hollowed and stuffed for cooking, or used raw as a delicious, edible serving vessel. They were a big hit in our tomato trials and are worth growing for their beautiful appearance alone.

Indeterminate (vine)

Matures in 75days (Open-pollinated seeds)

Asclepias speciosa. Native to western and central North America (including BC's Okanagan region), Showy Milkweed is the plant at the center of Monarch butterfly conservation efforts. This is the particular species of milkweed that the Monarch caterpillars feed on after hatching, so it is highly prized by egg-laying adults. The flowers are notoriously generous with nectar, so they attract a host of other butterfly species, as well as bees, hummingbirds, and many other pollinators. The plants grow to around 90cm (36") tall, with greyish green foliage topped by spherical clusters of pink flowers. Once the seed pods form, they can be cut and dried to good effect. Plant Showy Milkweed seeds anywhere to help with pollinator conservation.

Note: This species spreads by self-seeding as well as spreading its rhizomatous roots. In favorable settings, it can spread aggressively. For this reason, we recommend it for larger containers or for areas where it can be controlled through regular pruning. To avoid self-sowing, simply cut the seed pods off before they mature.

Showy Milkweed also happens to be pretty much deer-proof.

Perennial

Viola cornuta. This spreading hybrid pansy has exceptional overwintering ability. Ruffled petals in a wide range of colours bring a dramatic splash of vibrancy to the winter garden. Sow Fizzy Fruit Salad Mix Viola seeds in July and August for blooms from October right through to the following May. They look incredible in containers and hanging baskets, and particularly spectacular in mass bedding plantings. The wide pansy faces, fancy frilled petals, and dazzling colours bring a really special look to any garden. Much needed colour for an otherwise subdued winter palette. Be sure to plant your winter flowering pansies the previous summer.

Perennial (Grow as a hardy annual)

Dianthus plumarius. Sweetness Dianthus seeds are the Fleuroselect award winning variety and much loved for their ability to produce flowers in the first year of growth. The variable, frilled, pink to white flowers appear from July to October atop stems that grow only 15cm (6") tall. Try it in containers or raised beds. Dianthus is quite drought tolerant, so it is a good option for xeriscaping. This variety of Dianthus is easy to grow from seeds. Mulch in winter if really cold weather is expected, or simply grow it as an annual with new seeds each spring. Hardy to Zone 3.

Perennial

Aquilegia x hybrida. All America Selections Winner. Tall, graceful and intricate, long spurred blossoms are perfect for cutting. Nodding and dainty, the huge 8cm (3") wide blooms are held high above delicate foliage. This mix is marvelous in woodland plantings or any shady location. McKana's Giant Mix Columbine seeds bloom mid-spring to early summer. White, cream, yellow, and red. Deadhead the seed pods before they open to control self-sowing. Or better yet, watch for them to open on the plants after they begin to dry out, and collect the seeds from the ornamental seed pods for planting around the garden or sharing with friends. Plant height 75cm (30").

Perennial

Lathyrus odoratus. Unlike Mammoth, Supersnoop Mix sweet pea seeds produce a compact dwarf variety that is well suited to tubs, containers, and the front of the flower bed. It is an improved Snoopea type that blooms early in a wide range of colours. The plants have no tendrils, so they stay low and compact at 45-60cm (18-24") tall. Supersnoop produces flowers that are showy and mildly fragrant and well suited for cut flowers. Supersnoop are great for market growers for bundles of cut flowers. Direct sow sweet pea seeds between March and May at regular intervals to prolong the bloom period. Be sure to pick any seed pods that appear so the flowers keep coming.

Annual

Viola cornuta. We loved this petite pansy as soon as it bloomed, and it bloomed in the first year, over a long period. Just 14 to 16 weeks after seeding, its small, very dark, and flat-faced flowers began to appear. With regular deadheading Back to Black just blooms and blooms. The foliar growth is vigorous, but the stature of the plants remains compact at about 15cm (6") tall. It would look great in containers or window boxes, but it takes on a wonderful appearance in mass plantings. The flowers are actually very deep purple, but so deep that they appear black from a few feet away. Each delicate flower is streaked in the centre by a brush of golden yellow. The edible flower petals look amazing scattered on ice cream. Sow in early spring for summer flowers, or as late as July for winter blooms. It's hardy in Zones 5 to 9.

Perennial