Garden Flower Planting Instructions

(Potentilla, Cinquefoil, English Daisy, Astilbe chinensis pumila, Bergenia, Lychnis) (F09)

Sow seeds indoors in late winter, 8 to 10 weeks prior to transplanting outdoors in spring. Sow seeds in shallow furrows, but do not cover; light required for germination. Bottom water.  Keep moist, never allow to dry out.  Germination in 15 to 30 days in a cool location approximately 55 degrees F.  After seeds sprout, provide plenty of light and avoid excessive watering.  When 4 leaves develop, transplant in 2 ¼ inch pots.  After danger of frost, set pots outdoors in a protected area to harden plants 2 to 3 days. Then plant 12 inches apart in good garden soil and water well.

(Statice, Agastache, Blackberry Lily, Sage, Sweet Pea Old Spice, Lavender, Bell of Ireland, Spurge, Aster, Lupine, Snow in summer, Candytuft, Heather, Clematis, Bishops Flower, Queen Anne’s Lace, Blue Poppy, Sagina, Pasque flower, Pennyroyal, Money Plant, Oriental Poppy)(F15)

INDOORS: Sow seeds in late winter, 8 to 10 weeks prior to transplanting outdoors in spring.  Cool annuals can be sown in summer for transplanting outdoors in early fall.  Make shallow rows in moist grow mix and sow seeds, cover lightly; do not cover very small seed.  Place in a cool location, about 55 degrees F night temperature.  Keep moist, never allow to dry out.  When 4 leaves develop, transplant to 2 ¼ inch pots.  After danger of frost, set pots in protected area to harden plants for 3 days.  Then plant 12 inches apart in good garden soil and water well.  Where winters are severe, mulch perennials in fall after first hard frost.

OUTDOORS: In early spring while soil is cool, sow seeds in rows in a raised protected bed, cover 4 times their thickness. Keep moist, never allow to dry out.  Thin or transplant to avoid crowding.  Shift to permanent position in early fall.

(Iceplant, Balloon Flower, Pampas Grass, Butterfly Bush, Bellflower) (F18)

INDOORS: Sow seeds in late winter, 8 to 10 weeks prior to transplanting outdoors in spring.  Where winters are mild sow in summer for planting outdoors in early fall.  Spread moist grow mix even with the top of a shallow container.  Sow seed in shallow rows and cover to their thickness.  Bottom water and place in cool location, about 60 degrees F.  Keep moist, never allow to dry out.  When 4 leaves develop, transplant to 2 ¼ inch pots. After danger of frost passes, set pots outdoors in a protected area to harden plants for 2 to 3 days.  Then plant 12 inches apart in good garden soil and water well.

OUTDOORS:  Sow in spring, which is preferred, or early fall, where winters are mild.  Sow in a cold frame or raised, protected bed.  Cover seeds 3 to 4 times their thickness.  Firm the soil and keep moist until seedlings emerge.  Thin seedlings as required.

(Hyacinth Bean) (V20)

When danger of frost is gone and soil has warmed, sow seeds 1 to 1½ inches deep and 2-3 inches apart in rows 18 to 24 inches apart.  For pole beans sow in rows 36 inches apart and support the vines with poles, trellis, or fence.  Keep well watered and fertilize as needed.  If you are sowing early into cooler soil, try dusting seed with appropriate fungicide for a better stand.

(Cineraria)(F12)

Sowseeds indoors in a cool location summer or fall for blooming pots in winter or spring.  Spread moist grow mix even with the top of a shallow container.  Sow in shallow rows and do not cover; light required for germination.  Bottom water and place in a cool location.  Germinates in 10 to 15 days at 55 degrees F. Keep moist; never allow to dry out.  After seeds sprout, provide plenty of light and avoid excessive watering.  When 4 leaves develop, transplant to 2 ¼ inch pots.  Shift to a larger pot as plants grow. Grow in a cool location indoors or protected area outdoors.

(Christmas Rose, Eryngium) (F42)

INDOORS: Sow seeds in early winter for setting out in spring, sow seeds in seed flat and cover.  Place seed flat in a plastic bag, seal ends, and put in refrigerator, about 35-40 degrees F., for 4-6 weeks.  Check moisture occasionally.  After the 4-6 weeks, remove plastic bag, keep warm, about 70 degrees F., and moist; never allow to dry out.  When 4 leaves develop, transplant into 2 ¼ inch pots.  After danger of frost, harden plants outdoors in a protected area for 3 days.  Then transplant in garden and water well.

OUTDOORS: Seeds can be sown as they are in fall for germination in spring or can be sown in spring following 4-6 weeks refrigeration in barely damp sand.  Sow seeds in a raised protected bed or cold frame and cover 4 times their thickness.  Keep moist; never allow to dry out.  Then water seedlings as required.

(Zinnia, Love In A Mist, Cosmos, Sunflower, Marigold) (F51)

INDOORS: For early start, sow seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks  before last frost date.  Sow directly into 2 ¼ inch pots or peat pots and cover lightly.  Place in warm location about 70 to 75 degrees F., but out of direct sunlight.  Gentle bottom heat hastens germination.  Keep moist; never allow to dry out.  After last frost date, when 4 true leaves have developed, set pots outdoors in a protected area to harden plants for 2 to 3 days.  Then plant 12 inches apart in good garden soil with plenty of sun and water well.

OUTDOORS:  After soil has warmed in late spring sow seeds where they are to be grown. Cover with soil about 4 times their thickness.  Firm the soil and keep moist, but not overly wet.  Do not allow to dry out. Thin to stand 12 inches apart.

(Horehound, Catmint, Lily of the Nile, Yarrow, Geum, Helenium, Catnip, Maiden Pink, Erigeron, Globe Thistle, Lamb’s Ear, Jupiter’s Beard, Gaura, Chives, St Johnswort, Pyrethrium, Veronica, Obedient Plant, Red Hot Poker, Mullein) (F30)

INDOORS: Sow seeds in late winter, 8 to 10 weeks before planting outdoors in spring.  Where winters are mild sow in summer for planting outdoors in early fall. Spread moist grow mix even with the top of a shallow container.  Sow seed in shallow rows and cover to their thickness. Bottom water and place in cool location, about 60 degrees F. Keep moist, never allow to dry out. When 4 leaves develop, transplant to 2 ¼ inch pots.  After danger of frost passes, set pots outdoors in a protected area to harden plants for 2 to 3 days.  Then plant 12 inches apart in good garden soil and water well.

OUTDOORS:  Sow in spring, which is preferred, or early fall, where winters are mild.  Sow in a cold frame or a raised, protected bed.  Cover seeds 3 to 4 times their thickness.  Firm the soil and keep moist until seedlings emerge.  Thin seedlings as required.

(Pincushion, Morning Glory, Canna, Nasturtium, Cypress Vine,  Mexican Sunflower, Moon Flower) (F48)

INDOORS: Sow in spring 2 to 3 weeks before last frost date.  Spread moist grow mix in a shallow container. Sow seeds in shallow rows and cover lightly.  Place in a warm location about 70 to 75 degrees F., but out of direct sunlight.  Gentle bottom watering hastens germination.  Keep moist, never allow to dry out. When 4 leaves develop, transplant into 2 ¼ inch pots.  After last frost date, set pots outdoors in a protected area to harden plants for 2 to 3 days.  Then plant 12 to 18 inches apart in good garden soil with plenty of sun and water well.

OUTDOORS:  After soil has warmed in late spring sow seeds where they are to be grown.  Cover with soil about 4 times their thickness.  Firm the soil and keep moist, but not overly wet.  Do not allow to dry out.  Thin to stand 12 inches apart.

(Cactus Ornamental, Sedum) (F03)

Seeds can be sown at any season in a bright location or under fluorescent lights.  Spread moist grow mix evenly 2 inches deep in a shallow container.  For better drainage combine 1 part coarse sand with 2 parts grow mix.  Sow seeds in shallow rows and cover very lightly with sand.  Bottom water and place in warm location about 70 to 75 degrees F.  Keep evenly moist during germination, but not overly wet.  Germination may vary from a few days to a year.  When seedlings have emerged, give plenty of light and good air circulation.  Transplant seedlings to small pots  when manageable size, about ¼ to ½ inch height or diameter.  Shift to larger pots as plants grow.  Some are slow and may not require transplanting for months or even a year.

(Bird of Paradise) (F24)

Sowing may be done at any season.  Removed colored fuzz from seed (easily done with thumbnail)  and soak seeds 3-4 days in warm water., changing the water twice daily.  Spread moist grow mix in a shallow container.  Sow seeds, press into mix, about ¼ inch and cover with medium.  Place in warm location, 75 to 85 degrees F.  Keep moist; never allow to dry out.  Seeds start to germinate in 30 days and continue for 6 months to a year.  Container may be placed in a plastic bag to help retain moisture.  After seeds sprout, provide plenty of light; avoid excessive watering and hot sunshine., medium keeping a night temperature of 55 degrees F.  Shift to larger pot as plant grows.  Blooms in 4 years from seed. 

(Gloxinia Chinese Lantern) (F27)

Sow at any season under fluorescent lights or in a bright location out of direct sunlight.  Spread moist grow mix even with top of a shallow container.  Sow in shallow rows, do not cover seeds, light required for germination.  Bottom water and place in warm location.  Germinates in 30 days at 70 degrees F.  If fluorescent lights are used, place top of tray 6 inches beneath tubes.  Gentle bottom heat speeds germination.  Cover container with glass or plastic to help retain moisture;  leave enough clearance for small plants.  Keep moist; never allow to dry out during germination.  After seeds sprout, ventilate container by raising one corner of cover for 2 days, then completely remove cover.  Place container in a warm bright location but avoid direct sunlight.  Keep moist, but avoid excessive watering.  When 4 leaves develop, transplant to 2 ¼ inch pots.  Shift to larger pots as plants grow.

(Cupids Dart) (F01)

Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost.  Spread moist growing medium even with the top of a shallow container.  Sow seeds in shallow rows and do not cover.  Keep evenly moist by bottom watering and provide maximum bright ( but not direct) sunlight.  After seedlings form 4 true leaves, transplant to 2 – 2 ½ inch pots. Germination temperature should be warm 70 – 80 degrees F.  7-21 days to germination. After last frost, place seedlings outdoors to harden for 2 -3 days.  Plant into garden 12 – 18 inches apart and water well.  May also be planted into a large pot for use as a house plant or greenhouse plant. 

(Rudbeckia Indian Summer)(F01)

For earliest flowering sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors in spring.  Spread moist growing medium even with the top of a shallow container.  Sow seeds in shallow rows and do not cover.  Bottom water and place in warm location about 70 degrees F., but out of direct sunlight.  Gentle bottom heat with a soil heating cable speeds germination.  Keep moist; never allow to dry out.  After seeds sprout provide plenty of light and avoid excessive watering.  When 4 leaves develop, transplant to 2 ¼ inch pots.  When weather is warm, set pots outside to harden for 2 to 3 days, then plant in the garden 12 to 18 inches apart and water well.  May also be grown as a house plant to bloom in a sunny window or greenhouse.

(Salvia, Butterfly Weed, Hollyhock, Gazania) (F33)

For earliest flowering sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors in spring.  Spread moist growing medium even with the top of a shallow container.  Sow 70 degrees F.  Gentle bottom heat with a soil heating cable speeds germination.  Keep moist; never allow to dry out.  After seeds sprout provide plenty of light and avoid excessive watering and drafts.  When 4 leaves develop, transplant to 2 ¼ inch pots.  After danger of frost passes, set pots outdoors in a protected area to harden for 2 or 3 days.  Then plant 12 inches apart in good garden soil with plenty of sun and water well.

(Asparagus, Eucalyptus, Passion flower) (F21)

Seeds can be sown at any season in a bright location or under fluorescent lights.  Spread moist grow mix over, with the top of a shallow container.  Sow seeds in shallow rows and cover to their thickness.  Bottom water and place in warm location about 75 degrees F., but out of direct sunlight.  Gentle bottom heat with a soil heating cable speeds germination.  Keep moist; never allow to dry out.  When 4 leaves develop, transplant to 2 ¼ inch pots. Shift to larger pots as plants grow.

(Peruvian Lily) (F06)

INDOORS:  Sow in fall or winter, 8-10 weeks before setting out in earliest spring.  Spread moist grow mix in a shallow tray. Sow seeds in rows 1/4 “ deep and cover.  Put tray in a warm place, 68 degrees F for 30 days.  Then put tray in a cool place, 40-50 degrees F. until germinated.  When 4 leaves develop, transplant to 2 ¼” pots.  After danger of frost passes, set pots outdoors to harden for 3 days in a protected location.  Plant in a frost free location with full sun, about 15 inches apart in rich garden soil.  May be grown as a pot plant. Total germination time is 60 days.