Flowers

Flowers

 Moonflower – Giant White

·        Old fashioned flowers just like morning glories but they open in the evening.

·        Fragrant 6" flowers mix well when grown with the morning bloomers for added interest.

·        Grow as an annual but perennial in mild areas.

·        Height 15 ft.

·        Easy to grow. Grows best in full sun.

·        Before planting, thin seedlings to one vine per pot. Remove weak or extra seedlings by cutting them with scissors. Do not pull seedlings from the soil. Pulling may damage the tender roots of the remaining seedling. Seedlings that are ready for planting should have formed 2 or 3 leaves.

·        Choose outdoor planting location. It prefers a location that receives full sun and the soil should be moist and well-drained. Choose a location that provides the vine ample support, such as a trellis, arbor or fence, and away from other plants.

·        The Moonflower vine can grow up to 40 feet in height with tendrils that can, if left unchecked, engulf nearby plants or trees.

·        Transplant the seedling. Loosen the soil in the desired planting area. Dig a hole slightly larger than the peat pot and the same depth. Place the peat pot and seedling in the planting hole and lightly cover with the original soil. The peat pot will disintegrate in the soil and will provide added nutrients. Gently water the transplanted seedling.

·        Collect seeds. Moonflower vine seeds are easy to gather for next year's garden or to share with friends. When the husks that follow the white blooms become black and dry, they can be gathered and stored in a dry place. The seeds are the size of a garbanzo bean and white in color.

·        The moonflower vine is rarely found containerized for planting because they do not transplant well. An alternative to starting seeds indoors in peat pots is to sow the seeds directly in the ground when there is no longer any danger of frost.

·        Moonflower vines open their blooms and emit their fragrance at night. Try growing the vine in a hanging basket near a bedroom window or on a deck to enjoy them in the evening.

·        The moonflower is an annual tropical vine in most hardiness zones. It is considered a perennial in zones 10 through 12.

·        Newly transplanted moonflower seedlings are slow growers. As the ground gets warmer, their growth rate increases. The first blooms usually appear around the 4th of July and last until the first frost.

·        The moonflower vine requires little maintenance once established. Water transplants regularly. During drought, water the vine well. Moonflower vines, however, thrive in the heat.

Morning Glory - Heavenly Blue

                                                     

·        Choose a site that has full sun and well-drained, average soil. Working a spade or two of compost into the soil is a good idea.

·        Plant an inch deep. Even if you need just one morning glory, plant at least two or three for insurance. (Pull out the extras when the plants are an inch or so high.)

·        Provide supports. Depending on the morning glory variety, supports need to be 10 to 12 feet high.

·        As the plants grow, start them on their support by gently twining them around the support. They'll take off on their own after that.

·        Keep the plants evenly moist (though morning glories can take a little drought).

·        Fertilize once or twice later in the summer with liquid plant fertilizer.

·        Discard plants after fall frost fells them. You may need to cut twining plants from the support with a pruning shears.

·        Morning glories do beautifully on trellises made of nothing more than fishing line (which is nearly invisible) and nails. You'll be able to surround windows, doors, poles, porches and patios with walls of morning glories for very little money.

·        Some types of morning glories reseed prolifically - to the point of becoming invasive. If a morning glory reseeds too much in your garden, quickly pull it out and don't replant.

Nasturtium

                                                  

·        An easy and quick growing annual.

·        Sow 10 to 12 inches apart.

·        Nasturtium plants grow very well in poor soils, and like dry soils. So you can plant these versatile flowers in areas where other flowers and vegetables would fare poorly.

·        There are two types of Nasturtium, a regular plant which grows 6 to 10 inches and vining type which will grow to about 15 inches.

·        Nasturtiums are a flower and a vegetable that begs to be ignored.

·        Grow them in poor soils and if anything, keep the soil dry.

·        Don't bother with mulch, compost and fertilizers.

·        They do like full sun, but will tolerate partial shade. They make great plants for those areas in your garden that other plants refuse to grow in.

·        Just remember, keep the soil dry and they will grow well.

·        The flowers make for good color in the garden, but are not great for harvesting and vases.

·        The edible leaves can be harvested as soon as several leaves are on the plant. Like any leaf type of plant, they taste better when young and older leaves can be bitter. Related to the cress family, Nasturtiums have a slightly pepper taste. The flowers are also edible, but have less taste. Try using the seeds in pickling for a somewhat different taste.

·        Like any annual, Nasturtiums are susceptible to frost. If they are still blooming as fall arrives, cover them on cold nights. If you plant them in a flower garden along your house, they just might be the last vegetable you harvest in the fall.

·        Nasturtiums are believed to be excellent companion plants. Their peppery leaves ward off insects. Among those common pests which nasturtium are believed to deter are cucumber beetles and squash vine borers.

Thunbergia-Black Eyed Susan Vine

       

·        Look for black-eyed Susan vine seedlings at your local nursery. It's an increasingly popular plant. Black-eyed Susan is also very easy to start from seed.

·        Sow seeds indoors six to eight weeks before your region’s last frost date. In mild-winter areas, plant seeds directly in the garden in early spring.

·        Plant established seedlings directly in soil after your region's last frost date.

·        Provide support for your vine unless you want it to sprawl over a pot or along the ground as a groundcover. Black-eyed Susan vine climbs by twining, so any trellis or arbor will help it clamber skyward.

·        Keep well watered.

·        Fertilize every four to six weeks after planting, if desired, to assure a more vigorous vine and more flowers.

·        Pull plant out after the first frost

·        'Susie' is one of the most popular varieties, but shorter varieties are good for using as a groundcover or in containers and hanging baskets.

·        Black-eyed Susan vine is a warm-season annual in Zones 2-11 and a perennial vine in Zones 10-11. Frost will kill the top but not the roots.

·        If you want this vine to climb a fence or wall, you'll need to provide additional support. Try a thin wire or monofilament fishing line, stretched and wound around nails or eye-hooks.

·        Black-eyed Susan doesn't like very hot, dry conditions and suffers especially when exposed to reflected heat, such as that from a driveway.

Mini Lobata-Spanish Flag

             

·        An exotic looking climber, with twining stem ideal for rambling over trellises, fences etc. They start off a most powerful and stunning bright red and as they mature they go from red to orange, orange to yellow and from yellow to white and all are out at the same time.

·        The flowers are very impressive with up to 12 per flower spike producing a spectacular combination as they age.

·        Grow on in cooler conditions, and transplant into 5 inch pots.

·        Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, once the weather has warmed up.

·        Plant 12 inches apart in a sunny sheltered and warm site in rich, moist soil and provide them with something to climb.

·        Height:  8-10 ft.  

·        Spacing:  9-12 in.  

·        Sun: Sun to Partial Shade

·        Danger: Seed is poisonous if ingested

·        Bloom:  Late Summer/Early Fall

·        Water regularly; do not overwater. 

·        This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Viola-Psychedelic Spring

·        Good enough to eat.

·        Plant these sprite beauties in spring or fall for a delirious wave of glowing, candy colors. Each dainty flower is sublimely detailed - the maroon-rose petals delicately brushed with bronze, shading to picotee. Virtually all-weather, indestructible, multicolored 'Johnny Jump Ups'.

·        Annual

·        Uses: Beds, Container

·        Sun: Full Sun, Part Sun

·        Height: 6-8 inches

·        Spread: 6 inches

·        Bloom Duration: 10 weeks

 Viola-Amber Kiss

                                                                  

·        Flame orange petals are pierced with a whiskered bright yellow center and backed with violet-rose. Many of the 1" flowers twirl open showing double petals. Super tough, fast growers bloom all season.

·        Annual

·        Uses: Beds, Container

·        Sun: Full Sun, Part Sun

·        Height: 8-10 inches

·        Bloom Duration: 10 weeks

Zinnia Cut & Come Again



·        The more you cut, the more they bloom.

·        Heat-loving and very easy to grow.

·        Space plants of small kinds 8-10" apart, taller kinds up to 18" apart.

·        Long-stemmed flowers 2½"

·        Blend of pink, bright scarlet, yellow, salmon, white and more.

·        Annual

·        Uses: Beds, Borders, Cut Flowers

·        Sun: Full Sun

·        Height: 24-30 inches

·        Sowing Method: Direct Sow/Indoor Sow

·        Bloom Duration: 10 weeks

Zinnia Pinwheel Mix

                                                                         

·        Compact bushy plants topped with a profusion of 3½", single, daisy-like blooms all summer long.

·        Annual. Attracts Butterflies. The more you cut, the more they bloom.

·        Heat-loving and very easy to grow.

·        Space plants of small kinds 8-10" apart, taller kinds up to 18" apart.

·        Beds.  Full Sun.

·        Height: 12 inches

·        Spread: 8-10 inches

·        Bloom Duration: 10 weeks

Zinnias - Assorted

  

·        Zinnias are one of the easiest flowers to grow from seed.

·        The seed can be sown in the garden after all danger of frost or started indoors for earlier flowers.

·        If grown indoors, don't start the plants too early.

·        Zinnias suffer a little from transplanting, and small plants recover faster.

·        Start the seeds indoors in a warm area about three weeks before your last frost.

·        Zinnia seed will germinate in less than a week in the right conditions.

·        Plant zinnia seed outside after the last frost, when the soil is warm.

·        Cover the seed lightly with fine soil or compost and keep moist.

·        Thin seedlings or transplant your indoor seedlings to stand about 6 inches apart for small varieties and 8 to 10 inches apart for tall types.

·        Zinnia seedlings are often available in nurseries for sale.

·        Ones that have started to bloom or have gotten tall and spindly in a small cell pack should be avoided.

·        Zinnias bloom in 6 to 10 weeks from seed.

·        Zinnias require full sun.

·        They thrive in hot areas as long as they get enough moisture.

·        They like rich soil and appreciate a slow-release fertilizer in the spring when they are planted and a booster shot of fertilizer in mid- to late simmer.

·        Zinnias need to be watered if there is less than an inch of rain each week, sooner if they appear to be wilting.

·        They will reward you with hundreds of colorful flowers for just a little care.

Zahara Zinnia



 

·        Zahara varieties offer larger flowers compared to the Profusion Series (approx. 20%) and more colors.

·        Mid-height plants are well branched with an equal spread and are heat, drought and disease tolerant.

·        The full, bushy plants are covered with vibrant flowers.

·        Sun Exposure: Full Sun

·        Soil Types/Tolerance: Normal, loamy

·        Bloom Size: 3 - 4 inches

·        Bloom Season: Early Summer to Late Summer

·        Compact Uses: Beds, Containers, Border

·        Plant Height: 12 - 18 inches

·        Plant Spread: 12 - 18 inches

 Cosmos-Bright Lights Mix

                                                                  

·        Bright Lights contains semi-double blooms of richest yellow, deep gold, golden-orange, and scarlet-orange. Lacy foliage and silky flowers.

·        Wonderful for cutting.

·        Tolerates poor soil, heat and humidity.

·        Annual. Easy to grow. Grows best in full sun.

·        Attracts Butterflies.

·        Space 12-15" apart. Start outdoors after danger of frost.

·        Uses: Borders, Cut Flowers

·        Sun: Full Sun

·        Height: 36 inches. 2 1/2 inches across.

· Plant spacing: 12"

·       

Cosmos Sensation Radiance

·        Daisy-like single flowers 4” across with serrated petals.

·        Bushy plants that are early flowering, easy to grow and will self sow.

·        The plants have lacy foliage and have a tendency to blow over if they are not planted in a sheltered area.

·        Tolerates poor soil, heat and humidity.

·        Sensation Radiance is a member of the Cosmos family. Its botanical name is Cosmos bipinnatus 'Sensation Radiance'.

·        Known for growing to a height of approximately 48.75".

·        Aim to sow 0.25" deep and try to ensure a gap of at least 0.98".

·        Full sun

·        Water moderately.   

·        Regarded as a tender plant, so remember to ensure that temperatures are mild before moving outdoors.

·        Sow this variety about 28 days before your last frost date.

Cosmos Sensation White

·        Cosmos (Cosmos Bipinnatus Sensation Purity)

·        Season: Annual

·        USDA Zones: 3 - 10

·        Height: 36 - 60 inches

·        Bloom Season: Summer and fall

·        Bloom Color: White

·        Environment: Full sun to partial shade

·        Soil Type: Well-drained, pH 6.1 - 7.4

·        Temperature: 70 - 85F

·        Light Required: Yes

·        Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination

·        Plant Spacing: 12 - 18 inches

Painted Daisy – Giant Mixed Colors

(Margaritas Rosa Rajas)

·        Painted Daisy's are showy and reliably hardy. Gorgeous 3" long-stemmed flowers come in red, yellow, orange, white and purple, often containing a combination of the above colors.

·        The feathery bright green leaves of the Painted Daisy is finely divided and give the plants a delicate, ferny appearance.

·        The Painted Daisy blooms in late spring, and may re-flower if cut back after first blooming. Painted daisy's are easy to grow are drought tolerant and striking when planted in mass. The cut flowers last well in arrangements. Plant in sun to partial shade.

·        Sow Painted Daisy seeds outside 2 weeks before the last frost. Press onto soil surface as the seeds require light to germinate. Plant 4" apart. Germination takes 20-25 days. Thin 8 - 12" apart when plants are 3" tall.

Delphinium – Pacific Giant Mix

·        Stunning, graceful spikes of wonderful 3" double flowers.

·        The mixture includes shades of blues, purple and a very nice white named 'Galahad'.

·        The 4 - 5 foot stalks explode into color in early June and slowly fade with summers intense heat.

·        Cut the plants back after the first round of flowering and the plants will treat you once again in September with a second beautiful showing.

·        Plants require full sun and a very rich soil to thrive.

·        Delphiniums have the reputation of being extremely fussy.

·        Plant in full sun - the location needs to get a minimum of 6 hours of bright sun light.

·        Shelter - plant in a location that has some protection from strong winds.

·        Plant transplants in early spring and late fall.

·        Give each plant plenty of room to grow - each plant will need about 3 - 4 square feet of garden space.

·        Keep newly planted delphiniums consistently moist - do not allow to wilt.

·        Rich, fertile soil is a must - delphiniums are very heavy feeders (use compost and manure routinely).

·        pH should be in the neutral range - 6.0 - 7.0

·        If your soil is acidic, add add lime and wood ash.

·        Soil must be well drained - delphiniums will not tolerate wet feet - NOTE - a well drained soil is not a dry soil - by well drained we mean one that is able to stay moist without becoming soggy.

·        Roots dislike very warm soil temperatures - keep the soil cool with a 4" layer of organic mulch.

·        Water routinely during active growth periods.

·        Always water deeply - we suggest drip irrigation tubes or soaker hoses instead of hose end sprinklers.

·        Staking is essential - delphiniums will not stand up to strong winds or heavy rains

·        Cut each flower spike down to about 5 inches above the ground after flowers have faded, reduce the amount of watering until you see new growth then gradually increase watering and feeding for a second round of flowering.

·        Cut down all plants in late autumn and cover with a fresh layer of compost or mulch.

·        Delphiniums are very heavy feeders - most of us are not blessed with the fertile, nutrient rich soils these plants require.

·        Feeding should begin as soon as plants emerge in spring by applying a generous top dressing of composted manure and bone meal.

·        Continue feeding every 2 - 3 weeks with liquid fish emulsion applied as a soil drench.

·        After the first round of flowering and you have cut back the plants, apply a fresh layer of compost and bone meal.

Wild Flax (Blue) – Saphyr

·        Belonging to the Linum genus (Linum perenne 'Saphyr').

·        Cut back old stems in early spring to within 2 inches of the ground using bypass pruners.

·        Apply a light application of organic fertilizer to the top of the soil in early spring; follow directions on the package.

·        Mulch around but not on top of the plant in early spring with 3 inches of organic compost.

·        Cut stems back after flowering to within 3 or 4 inches of the ground using bypass pruners to get fresh, neat growth.

·        Plant in full sun or, in hot climates, in part shade.

·        Choose a spot with well-drained soil; make sure the plant won't sit in soggy soil in winter.

·        Add a light application of organic fertilizer to the planting hole.

·        Set the plants no deeper than they were in the containers.

·        Place the plants 6 inches apart.

·        Mulch around but not on top of the plant with 3 inches of organic compost.

·        Water well until the soil is completely moist.

Echinacea – Purple Coneflower

·        The flowers are shaped like a Black-Eyed Susan's with sturdy orange-bronze cones and petals in shades of pink, red, purple and white.

·        They do best in full sun but will take some shade, and are tolerant of hot, dry, windy sites.

·        Plant with Rudbeckia, Stokesia, Ornamental Grasses and Salvia.

·        Best if used in borders, meadows, butterfly gardens, masses, small gardens and containers.

·        The dead flower stems will remain erect well into the winter and, if flower heads are not removed, are often visited by goldfinches who perch on or just below the blackened cones to feed on the seeds

·        Echinacea species are found throughout central and Southeastern USA in open woods, prairies and along roadsides.

·        This is quite tolerant of drought, though grows better in cultivation with adequate watering, and can tolerate fairly diverse soil types.

·        Echinacea is generally indigenous to soils with a pH of 6.0-7.0.

·        Selection of good sites will be important for this crop since it is a root crop and a deep well drained loam to sandy loam soil will be best for growing and harvesting.

Shasta Daisy – Silver Princess
(Margarita Shasta)

·        Blooms first season from sowing.

·        Blooms first season from sowing from June to August..

·        Zone: 5-9

·        Sun: Full Sun, Part Sun

·        Height: 12 inches

·        Spread: 18 inches

·        Uses: Beds, Borders, Cut Flowers

·        Sowing Method: Indoor Sow

·        Bloom Season: Fall, Summer

Dianthus – Ipswitch Pinks (Clavalina)

  

·        Most dianthus have pink, red, or white flowers with notched petals.

·        Pinks are low-growing dianthus suitable for rock gardens.

·        Multiplies readily.

·        Fragrant.

·        Good for cut flowers.

·        Deer resistant.

·        Select a site with full sun and well-drained soil, preferably with neutral to alkaline soil pH.

·        Dianthus won't tolerate wet soils, especially in winter.

·        Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 6 to 12 inches apart.

·        Prepare the garden bed by using a garden fork or tiller to loosen soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost.

·        Dig a hole twice the diameter of the plant's container.

·        Carefully remove the plant from its pot and place it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.

·        Carefully fill in around the root ball and firm the soil gently.

·        Water thoroughly.

·        Apply a thin layer of compost each spring, followed by a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.

·        Water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week.

·        Stake tall varieties to keep them upright.

·        Remove spent blooms on tall varieties, or shear back mounding plants after bloom to encourage rebloom.

·        After the first killing frost, cut stems back to an inch or two above soil line.

·        Divide plants every 3 to 4 years as new growth begins in the spring, lifting plants and dividing them into clumps.

Hollyhock – Fordhook Giants Mix (Malva Real)

·        Fordhook Giants Mix is part of the Alcea genus and is a Hollyhock variety.

·        Its scientific name is Alcea rosea 'Fordhook Giants Mix'.

·        Fordhook Giants Mix is known for growing to a height of approximately 59.28".

·        Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 0.20" and sow at a depth of around 0.10".

·        Fordhook Giants Mix likes a position of full sun and remember to water moderately.

·        Keep in mind when planting that Fordhook Giants Mix is thought of as very hardy, so this plant will tend to survive through freezing conditions.

·        The USDA Hardiness Zones typically associated with Fordhook Giants Mix are Zone 4 - Zone 9.

·        By our calculations, you should look at sowing this variety about 56 days before your last frost date.

Chrysanthemum –

(Chrysanthemum Coccineum Robinson's Red)

·        Chrysanthemum - Robinson's Red is an easy perennial to grow from flower seed, and it performs stunningly in the garden with its pure red to magenta colored blooms.

·        The flowers are set above the fern-like foliage on very sturdy, straight stems that prolong the blooms' life in the vase and also serve as a solid foundation for the butterflies and bees visit these flowers.

·        Blooms measure about 2 1/2 inches wide, and they last for more than a week.

·        Expect them to begin opening in late spring and to continue very freely into summer.

·        Best in full sun, this perennial Chrysanthemum is not fussy about soil type, this flower seed can thrive in poor or average conditions, but prefers acidic or neutral soil to alkaline.

·        Deer leave it alone, making it a good choice for an open meadow as well as the sunny border. Sow Robinson's Red flower seeds indoors before last frost to be transplanted outdoors when temperatures warm up.

Balsam

·        Balsam is a quick growing summer annual flower, with gardenia-like blooms.

·        Continuous blooms grow on top of a bushy plant with glossy leaves.

·        Blooms in about 60-70 days.

·        Balsam is a member of the Impatiens family.

·        Colors include shades of white, pink, rose, and red.

·        Balsam are native to Asia, North America, and South Africa.

·        There are annual and perennial varieties.

·        Balsam are often grown in containers on balconies and terraces.

·        Use large pots to provide plenty of space for them.

·        Balsam also is a good bedding or edging plant.

·        Balsam are grown from seed.

·        They can be directly seeded into your flower garden, or seeded indoors in trays or flats for transplanting later.

·        Sow indoor starts about 6 weeks before the last frost.

·        Sow seeds early in the season, and cover with 1/8" of soil.

·        Water thoroughly.

·        Balsam will begin to produce a continuous, profusion of flowers by early to mid-summer, and all the way to frost.

·        Balsam likes full to partial sun.

·        Shade from afternoon sun, especially in hot regions.

·        They prefer a rich, well-drained soil.

·        Space plants 12-18 inches apart.

·        Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week.

·        Don't allow the roots to remain wet.

·        Add a general purpose fertilizer regularly for optimum growth.

·        Once established, Balsam will grow well and bloom continuously well into fall.

·        Annual varieties are susceptible to frost.

 

Mexican Hat

·        Ratibida columnaris (Asteraceae)

·        A robust, drought tolerant annual to perennial variety native to the mid-west which has naturalized throughout North America.

·        The characteristic black, cone-shaped heads are surrounded by drooping, fire-red ray flowers with a splash of yellow accent.

·        At maturity the upright branching stems may become woody.

·        Prefers full sun in well-drained soil.

·        Outstanding in hot-humid climates.

·        Average planting success with this species: 70%

·        Height: 2-3 feet

·        Germination: 20-40 days

·        Optimum soil temperature for germination: 68-75F

·        Sowing depth: 1/16"

·        Blooming period: June-September

·        Average seeds per pound: 1,230,200

·        Seeding rate: 1 lb. per acre

·        Suggested use: Prairies, roadsides, waste places, slopes.

·        Miscellaneous: An excellent variety for cut flower arrangements lasting 5 to 10 days.

·        Flower resembles a colorful Mexican sombrero, hence the name, Mexican Hat.

Green-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia)

  



·        Rudbeckia hirta 'Prairie Sun'

·        Common Name: black-eyed Susan

·        Type: Herbaceous perennial

·        Family: Asteraceae

·        Zone: 3 to 8

·        Height: 2.5 to 3 feet

·        Spread: 1.5 to 2 feet

·        Bloom Time: June to frost

·        Bloom Color: Orange

·        Bloom Description: Yellow-tipped orange rays with green center disk

·        Sun: Full sun

·        Water: Medium

·        Maintenance: Low

·        Flowers: Showy Flowers

·        Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies

·        Tolerates: Clay Soil, Drought, Deer

·        Uses: Cut Flower, Suitable as Annual, Will Naturalize

·        This is an annual, biennial or short-lived perennial that will bloom in the first year from seed planted in spring.

·        It is considered by many gardeners to perform best when grown as an annual.

·        It grows well in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun.

·        Best results occur in moist, organically rich loams.

·        Tolerates hot and humid summers.

·        Tolerates some drought once established.

·        Appreciates good air circulation.

·        Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional bloom.

·        Seed may also be planted directly in the garden after last spring frost date, however it may take up to 15 weeks before flowering commences.

·        Purchasing plants in cell packs from nurseries in spring is another option.

·        Whether or not plants survive from one year to the next, they freely self-seed in optimum conditions and will usually remain in the garden through self-seeding.

Forget Me Nots

·        Forget-Me-Not are started from seed.

·        Directly sow Forget Me Not seeds into your flower garden after all danger of frost.

·        Or, for earlier blooms, start them indoors a few weeks before the last frost in your area.

·        Sow seeds after all danger of frost.

·        Cover lightly with 1/8" of garden soil.

·        Space them 4-5 inches apart and thin seedlings to 10" apart.

·        Perennial Forget-Me-Nots can be propagated by separating clumps of established plants.

·        Forget-Me-Nots are easy to grow.

·        They will bloom profusely in shady areas, and do not require a lot of attention.

·        They prefer shade, but will do well in sun, too.

·        They grow well in average soils but the soil should be kept moist.

·        Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season.

·        They may need mulching for winter protection in northern areas, or grow them as a biennial.

Marigolds – Assorted

·        Marigolds are grown from seeds.

·        They like full to partial sun.

·        Marigold seeds can be directly sowed into your flower garden, or seeded indoors for transplanting later.

·        We recommend planting Marigolds in pots and containers indoors, then transplanting them outdoors.   This allows you to make the proper spacing without the need for thinning seedlings.

·        Sow Marigold seeds early in the season and cover lightly with soil.

·        Water thoroughly once.

·        They germinate easily and will grow quickly, producing their first of a continual display of blooms by mid-summer.

·        Transplant Marigold plants into your garden after the last frost date for your area.

·        Spacing depends upon size with miniature varieties spaced four to six inches apart, and Giant varieties one to two feet apart.

·        Marigold plants like rich, well-drained soil, but are very tolerant of average to slightly poor soils.

·        Improving your soil quality will produce much healthier plants and flowers, so add plenty of compost.

·        Add a general purpose fertilizer once a month.

·        Once your Marigolds are established, they should grow well, even if left unattended.

·        Soil should be moist, but not wet.

·        Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week.

·        Add mulch around the plants for appearance and to keep weeds down.

·        Around mid-summer, your plants will begin to produce flowers and will continue to do so up to the first frost.

·        You do not need remove dead flower blooms, except for appearance.

·        Marigolds are annuals and susceptible to frost.

·        They may survive the first light frost with only a little damage.

·        They will not survive a hard frost or freeze.