Knight Peas

This is the largest-pod, highest yielding pea in the early maturing class. Vines are short, a little over 2 feet, and don't need staking. Pods are full sized, 4", with up to 10 peas. Easy to shell with sweet flavor. 56 days.
Pick regularly to promote continued production.

Cascadia Snap Pea

This snap pea is very sweet and tender, almost stringless. Earliness is also a virtue. 3" pods are carried on 30" vines. Highly recommended. 48 days.
'Cascadia' is a snap pea generally ready for harvest 90 days after sowing. The short, enation resistant vines yield 3 1/2 inch long pods. Also resistant to powdery mildew. Peas are hardy, weak-stemmed, climbing annuals. Custom has it that you can make a wish if you find a pea pod that has nine or more peas in it. Edible pea pods are grown the same way as sugar peas, just harvested much earlier, prior to filling out. Peas have always been difficult for the backyard gardener, producing yields so low, they often wonder why they bothered. New improved varieties have changed this. You'll need two things to grow peas: 1. Cool Weater and 2. A 6' Support Trellis.Time planting your peas so that the crop is finished by the time hot weather rolls around. Ideal temperatures are between 60 and 65 degrees and with plenty of moisture. Often, this means starting your peas 6 weeks before the last average frost date. Soil should be well-drained, and have plenty of organic matter. It is not uncommon to find that peas produce earlier in sandy soils, but yeild heavier, later crops in clay. When preparing soil, dig in 1lb of complete fertilizer/100 SF. Plant peas 2" deep and 2" apart. A midseason fertilization will be welcomed. When vines begin to flower, avoid getting water on the plants as it might damage the flowers, reducing the crop. Pick shelling peas when the pods are full, before peas have a chance to harden. Edible pods are harvested before any peas can be felt in them. Peas can be grown in containers.

Important Info : Snap Peas become sweeter as the pods fatten. The pods are edible.

How to Grow this Plant:

Characteristics

Cultivar:	Cascadia
Family:	Fabaceae
Size:	Height: 1 ft. to 2 ft. Width: 0 ft. to 0 ft.
Plant Category:	annuals and biennials, climbers, edibles,
Plant Characteristics:
Foliage Characteristics:
Foliage Color:	dark green,
Flower Characteristics:	fragrant,
Flower Color:
Tolerances:

Requirements

Bloomtime Range:	not applicable
USDA Hardiness Zone:	undefined
AHS Heat Zone:	Not defined for this plant
Light Range:	Part Sun to Full Sun
pH Range:	5 to 8
Soil Range:	Sandy Loam to Loam
Water Range:	Normal to Moist

Harris Parsnip

Pure white perfectly straight roots. The slightly sweet flavor is unique in our experience. Parsnips store well and should comprise at least a small part of every northern garden. We keep looking at other parsnips but it is tough to improve on this one. 100 days.

When to Plant

Plant seed in early April or May in a deep, fertile soil that is well prepared. Because parsnip seed is very short-lived, you must obtain a fresh supply each spring.

Spacing & Depth

Plant seeds 1/2 to 3/4 inch deep. Because germination of even the freshest parsnip seed is often mediocre, seed thickly, at least two or three seeds per inch to ensure a good stand. Space rows 18 to 24 inches apart or plants 8 to 10 inches apart in a bed. Parsnip seed is slow to germinate and some gardeners drop a radish seed every foot in the furrow to mark the row and help break the soil crust. Once parsnip seedlings are up and growing, pull the radishes and thin parsnip seedlings to 2 to 4 inches apart.

Care

Keep young parsnip plants free of weeds by shallow hoeing or cultivation. Watch for swallowtail-butterfly caterpillars, which feed on most members of the carrot family. Handpicking the caterpillars from the leaves normally gives adequate control. Water thoroughly once a week in periods of extended dry weather to keep growth from slowing in summer.

Harvesting

Dig the roots (usually 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter and 8 to 12 inches long) with a shovel, tilling spade or spading fork. Yields frequently exceed one pound per foot of row (single roots may weigh more than one pound each).

Mache

Also known as Cornsalad this member of the Valarian family is very popular in France. Its fine, nutty taste enhances salads. It is very cold tolerant, so it's a great early or late season green.

Nero di Toscana Kale

HEIRLOOM 1885 Formerly called Tuscan Black Palm or Lacinato. A unique kale with very large, rounded, well filled, meaty leaves. Plants are large, hardy, and vigorous, and the flavor is bold. 53 days.

New Kuroda Carrot

A smooth, uniform conical carrot with a deep orange red color. Use as a main crop for enormous yields of 6 inch carrots that mature late in the growing season. Keeps well in cold storage. 110 days.
Comments: Deep, red-orange, tender, sweet, 7-8 inch long roots. Excellent juicing carrot. Stores well. Does best in mild climates. Popular oriental market variety.
Zones: 3 - 9 annual
Height: 6-10 inches
Spacing: 2-3 inches between plants, 12-14 inches between rows
Depth: 1/2 inch
Spread: 2-3 inches
Sun/Shade: full sun
Germination: 14-21 days
Days To Maturity: 68

Nantes Carrots

HEIRLOOM Anciet French variety. Roots are 1 1/2" x 6". Color is reddish. This is a blunt ended, crisp carrot with a delectable flavor. It was introduced into the US by the French company Vilmorin in the 1870's. Names like Carentan and Touchon represent slightly different strains of Nantes favored in the area of these French towns.

Danvers Half Long Carrot

HEIRLOOM 1871 Roots are 6-8 inches long with a blunt point. Danvers is a good choice for those with heavy soil. Skin is a distinctive reddish orange color. Flavor is excellent and roots store well. This variety originated with market gardeners around Danvers, Mass. 75 days.

Danish Ballhead Cabbage

HEIRLOOM 1887 A late fall and storage variety with medium-size heads of blue-green. It is an exceptionally good keeper with a pleasing flavor and texture. This variety was introduced by Burpee and remains a standard storage favorite today. 90 days.

• Days to Harvest: 150 Days (Winter)

Description

Solid, sweet, crisp heads, ideal for winter salads. High yielding and very hardy and can be picked right through winter. Considered in trials to be the outstanding variety of the decade.

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	spring.
Sowing depth:	12mm (½in) deep in rows 23cm (9in) apart.

Sow outdoors in a well prepared seed bed in or alternatively, in a greenhouse or frame. Sow thinly. If the soil is dry, water well and allow to drain before sowing.

Growing Instructions

Transplant at 5-6 leaf stage allowing 60cm (24in) between plants. The soil should be firm and contain plenty of well rotted compost, preferably from a previous crop, and should always be well limed. Just before planting, rake 3oz/sq yd of balanced fertiliser.

Aftercare Instructions

Hoe occasionally and water if the weather is dry. Harvest in very late winter

Golden Beet

HEIRLOOM 1828 The 3 inch, round, golden bulbs are renowned for their exceptional sweetness. The unique color dresses up many a dish and has the added advantage that it doesn't bleed as do the red varieties. 55 days.

Detroit Beet

HEIRLOOM 1892 Has been the leading main crop beet for the last 20 years, but has been grown for over 100 years. The crimson of the flesh also shows in the leaves. Large, smooth roots are produced, but it is also good for greens at an earlier stage. Freezes and cans well, with exceptional flavor. 63 days.

Rattlesnake Pole Bean

HEIRLOOM A very flavorful pole bean that has been popular in the west for some time. The vigorous vines will yield for the entire season as long as you keep them picked. Beans are quite long, 8-10" and the color is an attractive green with purple stripes. This one was a favorite in our taste trials. 65 Days.

Jacob's Cattle

HEIRLOOM Ancient. This is the most popular traditional soup and baking bean here in Maine. What Saturday night Bean Supper would be complete with out Jacob's Cattle and its remarkable effects on the digestive tract? Also known as Trout or Dalmatian bean, this is one of the earliest beans to dry even in our too short summers. An attractive combination of white and a deep maroon, and it can also be used earlier as a shell bean. Similar in appearance to a Native American bean called Anasazi. Bush type. 83 Days

Arugula

Tender smooth leaves with robust, peppery flavor. Cook mature leaves with other greens. Ready to harvest in 35 days. Zesty accent in salad.

GARDEN HINTS: Grows best in cool weather. Can also be grown as a fall crop. Sow early in spring. Protect from heat with shade cloth. Likes fertile soil, ample water. Best when picked minutes before your meal. Thin plants 8" apart. Grows best in full sun, will tolerate light shade.

Claytonia

This interesting salad green can be eaten raw or cooked, like spinach. The round, fleshy leaves are high in vitamin C. Miners during the California gold rush ate it to prevent scurvy--also called Miners' Lettuce. The leaves have a distinctive peppery flavor.

Cold-hardy salad green. Quantities of heart-shaped leaf pairs, each "wrapped" around a white-flowered stem. Hardiest of the winter salad greens, can tolerate moderate frost and can be grown all winter in mild regions or in cold greenhouses. The taste of the young leaves is wild and fresh. Suitable for multiple cuttings. Direct seed about 1/2" apart, covering 1/4", rows 12" apart, or transplant carefully from containers. Thin to 4-6" apart. MINI: 0.2 gm., avg. 300 seeds, sows 12’. Avg. 47,000 seeds/oz. Mini: 300 seeds.

Plant Cycle: (A) Days to Maturity or Bloom: 40

Brown Indian Mustard

Brassica Juncea, mildest mustard.

Cultivation

Seeds sown in very early spring for spring use and in the fall for winter use. Successive plantings 10–14 days apart insure an all season crop. Sown in drills 30–45 cm apart; plants thinned to about 15 cm as they become crowded in the row. Control of weeds is essential, and 1 to 3 intercultivations may be necessary. When grown for seed, offtype plants should be rogued before flowering. In India, for pure culture, seeding is at a rate of 4–6 kg/ha; when cultivated with peas or barley, about 3 kg/ha. This mustard requires a good sandy loamy soil, with about 50–75 kg N, 100–150 kg acid phosphate, and 50–75 kg potash per hectare. Manure or soil improving crops may also be used. Nitrogen increases seed yield. This crop should not follow other Brassica crops in rotation. For disease control, it is best grown once every 3–4 years.

Harvesting

Growing period is from 40–60 days, depending on variety and weather conditions. Plants generally harvested before fruits are fully ripe to reduce shattering, harvesting usually in early morning. Entire plants are either pulled out by hand or cut a few cm above ground with sickles. Plants are tied into small sheaves and dried in the sun for 4–10 days. In India and other places where the seed is the main product, harvesting, threshing, and winnowing are carried out by the family. Extraction of oil from the seed is by rotary mill, expeller, and hydraulic processes. For Mustard greens, plants are cut off at ground level when they are young and tender. Leaves 15–30 cm long are preferred for marketing. Greens are cooled to near 0°C immediately after cutting and kept at or near that temperature during transportation and marketing. Humidity is kept at 90–95% by use of ice over the load or in the packages. Mustard greens are uually shipped in bushel baskets or wire-banded crates. Often retailed in plastic film packages of various amounts (usually 300–600 g) or in bulk and sold by the pound or peck.

Bianca Borage

This lovely borage is more compact and sturdier than regular borage and also a bit later to flower. Eventually it will be covered with attractive white blooms.

Exposure:

Full sun

Mature Size:

H: 18 - 36" (45 - 90cm), W: 9 - 24" (22 - 60cm)

Bloom Period:

Late Spring to Mid-Summer

Description:

Borage is actually a somewhat gangly plant, but you barely notice it because the star-shaped flowers are so vibrant. They’re a true blue, hanging in downward facing clusters. Even the fussy white buds are attractive. Both the flowers and the leaves are edible, with a cucumber-like flavor. Use the leaves while they are young, because as the plant matures, the stalks and leaves become covered with a prickly fuzz.

Design Suggestions:

As mentioned above, borage is often grown in the vegetable or herb garden because it is such a bee magnet and because it is considered a good growing companion for other plants. However, it is equally beautiful in a cottage style flower garden, where it has room to self-seed. Harvesting or deadheading will keep it in bloom longer.

Suggested Varieties:

Borago officinalis is the only borage I have seen offered by seed companies.

Growing Tips:

Borage grows best if direct seeded. Barely cover the seeds with soil and keep well watered. They are tolerant of any type soil, even poor dry soil. However a sunny location with rich, well draining soil is optimal.

If you choose to start seedlings, transplant before they become pot bound. Plan to start seedlings about 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost and don’t transplant outdoors until the soil has warmed.

Once seedling are about 2-3" tall, thin to approximately 12" apart.

Maintenance: Plants in poor soil will benefit from periodic feeding with any fertilizer labeled for use on edible plants. Something with a high phosphorous number (the middle number on a fertilizer package) will help keep them in flower. Plants can be pinched or pruned, to encourage branching and to keep them shorter.

Harvesting: Harvest leaves and flowers as needed. Older leaves will get prickly, making harvesting anything on the plant a bit unpleasant. However, the flowers do add a bit of flavor and a great deal of color to salads, soups, dips & spreads, open face sandwiches, beverages and ice cubes. As with all edible flowers, use sparingly until you know how they effect you. Borage is said to have a mild laxative effect.

Borage is open pollinated and it is very easy to collect and save the seed from flowers allowed to remain on the plant and turn brown. Borage self-seeds readily, if allowed to go to seed naturally. Excess plants are fairly easy to remove from the garden.

Pest & Problems: Virtually problem free.

Borago Officinalis

About 3 feet tall with a spreading habit. Continuous Noxema-blue blooms attract lots of bees. Tough and drought resistant, it reseeds itself vigorously. Grown as an ornamental as well as for the fuzzy, cucumber-tasting leaves in the spring.

Exposure:

Full sun

Mature Size:

H: 18 - 36" (45 - 90cm), W: 9 - 24" (22 - 60cm)

Bloom Period:

Late Spring to Mid-Summer

Description:

Borage is actually a somewhat gangly plant, but you barely notice it because the star-shaped flowers are so vibrant. They’re a true blue, hanging in downward facing clusters. Even the fussy white buds are attractive. Both the flowers and the leaves are edible, with a cucumber-like flavor. Use the leaves while they are young, because as the plant matures, the stalks and leaves become covered with a prickly fuzz.

Design Suggestions:

As mentioned above, borage is often grown in the vegetable or herb garden because it is such a bee magnet and because it is considered a good growing companion for other plants. However, it is equally beautiful in a cottage style flower garden, where it has room to self-seed. Harvesting or deadheading will keep it in bloom longer.

Suggested Varieties:

Borago officinalis is the only borage I have seen offered by seed companies.

Growing Tips:

Borage grows best if direct seeded. Barely cover the seeds with soil and keep well watered. They are tolerant of any type soil, even poor dry soil. However a sunny location with rich, well draining soil is optimal.

If you choose to start seedlings, transplant before they become pot bound. Plan to start seedlings about 3-4 weeks before the last expected frost and don’t transplant outdoors until the soil has warmed.

Once seedling are about 2-3" tall, thin to approximately 12" apart.

Maintenance: Plants in poor soil will benefit from periodic feeding with any fertilizer labeled for use on edible plants. Something with a high phosphorous number (the middle number on a fertilizer package) will help keep them in flower. Plants can be pinched or pruned, to encourage branching and to keep them shorter.

Harvesting: Harvest leaves and flowers as needed. Older leaves will get prickly, making harvesting anything on the plant a bit unpleasant. However, the flowers do add a bit of flavor and a great deal of color to salads, soups, dips & spreads, open face sandwiches, beverages and ice cubes. As with all edible flowers, use sparingly until you know how they effect you. Borage is said to have a mild laxative effect.

Borage is open pollinated and it is very easy to collect and save the seed from flowers allowed to remain on the plant and turn brown. Borage self-seeds readily, if allowed to go to seed naturally. Excess plants are fairly easy to remove from the garden.

Pest & Problems: Virtually problem free.

Agastache Apache Sunset

Root Beer Hyssop. Medium 20"- z 5-8. Salmon-orange blooms from June to October. The scented foliage reminds you of the delicious fragrance of root beer. General Information Equally good in the border, and as a candidate for container growing. The better the drainage the happier the plant. Attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies, with wonderfully spicy fragrant licorice scented foliage. A customer advises us that her Goldfinches are wild for Agastache seed. Most Agastache will self seed readily.

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	February to July

Sow in trays, pots, etc of good seed compost in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 60-65F (15-18C). Sow in well drained compost, just covering the seed with compost. Germination usually takes 14 - 30 days.

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle. Harden off and plant out when all risk of frost has passed. Space the plants 30cm (12in) apart in full sun.

Aftercare Instructions

Prefers a rich, light, well drained soil. May need a little winter protection in the form of a mulch of leaves or compost in very cold areas.

Sowing Instructions
Sowing time: February to July

Sow in trays, pots, etc of good seed compost in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 60-65F (15-18C). Sow in well drained compost, just covering the seed with compost. Germination usually takes 14 - 30 days.
Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle. Harden off and plant out when all risk of frost has passed. Space the plants 30cm (12in) apart in full sun.
Aftercare Instructions

Prefers a rich, light, well drained soil. May need a little winter protection in the form of a mulch of leaves or compost in very cold areas.

Cleome Mauve Queen

Bluish lilac lavender color

Aloe Mix

You have to be patient with aloe as it can take close to a month to germinate and you need to keep it moist. But after the wait you will be rewarded with a number of types of aloe, some spiny, some smooth, some flowering. And of course, it addition to being attractive it is a great burn remedy.

Jetsonic Tomato

A Jet Star type with large, bright red, 7 oz. firm fruits that are oblate to deep oblate shaped, with uniform, green shoulders and smooth skin. Vigorous plants. Days to Maturity: 68

Volcano Pepper

Hungarian type with slightly taller plants and larger fruits than Hungarian Yellow Wax. Pendant borne fruits, 4 to 6" long, are glossy greenish-yellow to red at maturity and are mildly pungent averaging 2,000-4,000 scovilles. Excellent for pickling, roasting and fresh use. Days to Maturity: 60-70

Limmony Tomato

Add a zesty twist to any recipe with these deliciously tangy, yet sweet, lemony flavored tomatoes! This Russian heirloom produces outstanding yields of bright yellow beefsteak type, smooth, blemish-free fruits that weigh up to 1 lb. each. Excellent for canning or fresh use.
Determinate. Heirloom, Open-Pollinated.
Days to Maturity: 80.

Sunsugar Tomato

The ultimate in cherry tomatoes, this golden yellow beauty achieves a new level of sugar-sweetness and flavor, superb texture, and a tangy "true tomato" taste. Fruits are a lovely golden yellow, weigh 1/2 oz., and possess thin skins - remarkable, considering its wonderful crack resistance, even in heavy rains. Heavy early cropper. Very vigorous - can be grown outdoors or indoors in an unheated greenhouse in cold climates. Indeterminate. Days to Maturity: 62

Riesentraube Tomato

The name, which translates as "great bunch of grapes", describes its astounding number of flowers. As many as 350 flowers per plant transform into bunches of red fruits weighing about 3/4 oz. each. Excellent, full-bodied flavor similar to a beefsteak, in fruits barely 1-1/2" across. Compact vines, strongly branched, with good foliage cover. Heirloom. Open-Pollinated. Days to Maturity: 70

Rutgers Improved Tomato

A more uniform and slightly earlier Rutgers type - still unsurpassed for canning. Beautiful dark red fruits are solid, meaty and sweet. Smooth fruits ripen all the way through. Old-fashioned flavor.
Determinate. Heirloom, Open-Polinated.
Days to Maturity: 72

Soldacki Tomato

Poland sends us this heirloom variety, memorable for its low acid and intensely sweet flavor. Dark pink fruits, flattened in shape, weigh about a pound and are packed with firm flesh inside thin skins. Indeterminate. Days to Maturity: 75 Heirloom, Open-Polinated

Tauro Radicchio

(Cichorium intybus) Variegated, pastel leaves. Large, creamy yellow heads with lovely pale pink and green-veined leaves splashed with occasional red speckles. Widely adapted and sure-heading. Less finicky than Castelfranco types. Good, mild flavor for elegant salads and garnishes. Can be grown spring, summer, and fall. Days to Maturity or Bloom: 69 Growing Information: CULTURE: For North American production, these are vast improvements over older types, but are still not very uniform or completely predictable. Although bred for specific seasons, it is still best to trial more than one, using succession plantings to determine which variety suits your conditions. PLANTING/GROWING: Very similar to raising lettuce (see Lettuce). Specific instructions supplied with seeds. NOTE: Radicchio grows best in cool or mild weather, i.e. fall, winter, and spring. Summer crops can be successful if nights are cool (below 60°F/16°C).

Fiero Radicchio

(Cichorium intybus) Early and sure-heading. Fiero’s deep maroon heads with contrasting white ribs are large, very attractive, and impressively early. Good uniformity and sure-heading ability offer superior yield potential. Larger and more deeply colored than Trevisio Red Preco. Suitable for all cropping seasons. Days to Maturity or Bloom: 66 Growing Information: CULTURE: For North American production, these are vast improvements over older types, but are still not very uniform or completely predictable. Although bred for specific seasons, it is still best to trial more than one, using succession plantings to determine which variety suits your conditions. PLANTING/GROWING: Very similar to raising lettuce (see Lettuce). Specific instructions supplied with seeds. NOTE: Radicchio grows best in cool or mild weather, i.e. fall, winter, and spring. Summer crops can be successful if nights are cool (below 60°F/16°C). DAYS TO MATURITY: From transplanting; add 14-21 days if direct seeding.

Green Zebra Tomato

(Solanum lycopersicum)
Green-striped salad specialty.
A delicious, tangy salad tomato, ripe just as the green fruit develops a yellow blush, accentuating the darker green stripes. The 3-4 oz. fruits are the ideal size for slicing into wedges for salads. Productive over a long season. Developed by Tom Wagner. Though technically not an heirloom, we feel this is the best place to list it. Indeterminate. Organically grown.
Days to Maturity or Bloom: 72

Moskvich Tomato

(Solanum lycopersicum) One of the most appealing extra-early tomatoes. Fruits are early, deep red, and cold tolerant. Rich taste. Smooth and globe-shaped, 4-6 oz. with a small stem scar. Indeterminate. Organically grown. Days to Maturity or Bloom: 60

Cherokee Purple Tomato

(Solanum lycopersicum) Unusual variety with full flavor. Medium-large, flattened globe fruits. Color is dusky pink with dark shoulders. Multilocular interior ranges from purple to brown to green. Relatively short vines. Indeterminate. Days to Maturity or Bloom: 72

Valencia Tomato

(Solanum lycopersicum) Sunny orange fruits with full tomato flavor. Round, smooth fruits average 8-10 oz. Their meaty interiors have few seeds. This midseason tomato is among the best for flavor and texture. Our own selection of a Maine family heirloom - with a Spanish accent. Indeterminate. Organically grown. Avg. 8,900 seeds/oz. Mini: 40 seeds. Days to Maturity or Bloom: 76

Oliver Brussels Sprouts

Brassica oleracea (gemmifera group) The earliest Brussels sprouts. The flavorful, medium-green, smooth sprouts are large and mature remarkably early. A vigorous, easy-to-grow variety for diverse climates. The seeds can be sown as late as early summer and still mature a crop. Mini: 80 seeds. Days to Maturity or Bloom: 90 Growing Information: CULTURE: The most delicious Brussels sprouts grow in irrigated, fertile soil, and are harvested after frosts. The soil pH should be above 6.0. TRANSPLANTING: In May, sow thinly (3-4 seeds/in.) in flats, in 1 1/2"-cell containers, or in outdoor beds. Transplant in 4-6 weeks, 18-24" between plants. DIRECT SEEDING: About 4 months before expected fall frost, sow 3 seeds every 18", 1/4- 1/2" deep, rows 30" apart; thin to 1 plant. DISEASES and INSECT PESTS: See "Cabbage." HARVEST: After frost and until Christmas in most areas, and through the winter where cold is not severe. Pick when sprouts are firm and well formed. Break off the leaf below the sprout and snap off the sprout. The upper sprouts continue to form and enlarge as the lower ones are harvested. WHOLE-STEM HARVESTING, MARKETING, And TOPPING: For a once-over harvest (uniform maturity of most sprouts on the plant) and whole-stem marketing, the plants should be topped: pinch out the growing point (rosette of several small leaves at the top of the plant) when the lower sprouts are 1/2- 3/4" in diameter. A full stem of uniform-size sprouts will develop in about 4 weeks. STORAGE: Before ground freezes, pull plants out by the roots and place in a humid cooler at 32°F (0°C) or cold cellar for 4-6 weeks. DAYS TO MATURITY: From transplanting; add about 20 days for direct seeding.

Agave Species Mix

Half-hardy Herbaceous Perennial

• Soil: Well drained
• Zones: 10
• Height: 48 inches
• Germination: Easy
• Aftercare: Easy
• Ideal for: Border, Conservatory, Greenhouse, Patio, Tubs

A wide selection with many unusual forms. Ideal for dish gardens, carboys. Long-lasting and trouble free.

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	February- July.

Sow in trays, pots, etc of good seed compost in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 70-75F (20-25C). Surface sow and do not exclude light. On germination, apply a light sprinkling of coarse gravel to help support the young seedlings and lessen dampening off.

Growing Instructions

Prick out into 5cm (2in) pots, then 8cm (3in) and 15cm (6in) pots as required and water carefully until established.

Stock Ten Weeks Mix

Half-hardy Annual

• Flowers: Early to late Summer
• Position: Sun or part shade
• Soil: Well drained
• Height: 18 inches
• Germination: Easy
• Aftercare: Easy
• Special Features: Scented
• Ideal for: Bedding, Border, Cottage Garden

Very fragrant, excellent garden varieties.

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	March to April.

Sow in trays, pots, etc of good seed compost in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 60-65F (15-18C). Sow in well drained compost, just covering the seed with compost, but do not exclude light, which is beneficial to germination. Germination usually takes 7-21 days.

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle. Harden off and plant out when all risk of frost has passed 30cm (12in) apart.

Aftercare Instructions

Prefers a moist, well drained soil. Plant in full sun or part shade.

Rodgersia Pinnata

Hardy Herbaceous Perennial

• Flowers: Summer
• Position: Part shade
• Soil: Well drained
• Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8
• Height: 48 inches
• Germination: Challenging
• Aftercare: Care and Understanding
• Ideal for: Border

Outstanding ornamental, imposing bronze foliage. Spires of rose to red flowers.

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	February-July.

Sow in trays, pots, etc of good seed sowing mix in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 55-60F (13-15C). Surface sow on a peat/sand mix and do not exclude light. Seed germinates usually within 30 days. Keep seed sowing mix moist, but not saturated. Lower the temperature after germination.

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Grow on in a cold frame and plant out the following spring 90cm (3ft) apart, in moist, loamy soil and part shade.

Peppermint Candy Phlox

Half-hardy Annual

• Flowers: Summer
• Position: Sun or part shade
• Soil: Well drained
• Height: 8 inches
• Germination: Easy
• Aftercare: Easy
• Ideal for: Containers, Patio, Tubs

A spectacular new Phlox, especially recommended for growing in containers. Delicious sparkling red, green and white striped flowers, appear like small, crystallized sweeties above the neat compact mounds of foliage, creating a mouthwatering display on a sunny patio.

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	Indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost

Germinate at 21-24C (70-75F) on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed sowing mix. Apply a layer of vermiculite or sowing mix, 1.5mm (1/16in) deep. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a plastic bag and cover to exclude light until after germination which usually takes 10-21 days. Check seedlings daily.

Phlox can also be sown outdoors in spring where it is to flower, 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart. Thin seedlings when large enough to handle to 30cm (12in).

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings, when large enough to handle, into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Remove growing points when 7.5cm (3in) high to encourage a bushy habit. Plant outside after all risk of frost, 23cm (9in) apart.

Tapestry Nemesia

Half-hardy Annual

• Flowers: Summer to Autumn
• Position: Sun or part shade
• Soil: Well drained
• Height: 10 inches
• Germination: Easy
• Aftercare: Easy
• Ideal for: Bedding, Border, Ground Cover

Bushy upright plants with rich colors which compliment and contrast, in a very wide range including an eye-catching blue and white. The result is a superb glowing carpet of color. Flowers mid summer-autumn. Height 25cm (10in).

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	late winter to mid spring.

Sow at 13-15°C (55-60°F) in a good seed compost. Sow seed on surface of compost and gently firm down compost. Keep soil damp but not wet. Do not exclude light. Germination usually takes 7-21 days. Keep the soil temperature below 19°C (65°F).

Growing Instructions

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 15cm (6in) apart in a sunny spot.

Wizard Mix Coleus

Greenhouse Herbaceous Perennial

• Position: Sun or part shade
• Soil: Well drained
• Zones: 10
• Height: 18 inches
• Germination: Easy
• Aftercare: Easy
• Special Features: Attractive foliage
• Ideal for: Conservatory, Greenhouse, Pot Plant

A superior mixture and selection. Dwarfer, more base branching, without the need to 'pinch out'.

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	any time of year.

Sow in trays, pots, etc of good seed sowing mix in a propagator or warm place to maintain an optimum temperature of 70-75F (20-25C). Surface sow and do not exclude light. Germination usually takes 7-21 days.

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Pot on as required into 13cm (5in) and finally 20cm (8in) pots.

Aftercare Instructions

Provide a temperature of 5-10C (40-50F) through the winter.

Cambridge Blue Lobelia

Half-hardy Annual

• Flowers: Summer
• Position: Sun or part shade
• Soil: Well drained
• Height: 4 inches
• Germination: Easy
• Aftercare: Easy
• Ideal for: Bedding, Edging

Easy to grow plants, 'Cambridge Blue' forms compact globes of clear sky-blue flowers. Superb for bedding and edging. Flowers summer. Height 10cm (4in).

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	Indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost

Sow at 18-24C (65-75F) in a good seed sowing mix. Sow seeds on surface of mix and gently firm down. Keep soil damp but not wet. Do not exclude light, sealing in a plastic bag after sowing is helpful. Germination usually takes 14-21 days.

Growing Instructions

When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant in bunches of 3 or 4 and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatize to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 10cm (4in) apart in a sunny spot in light moist soil. For pot plants, transplant the seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots, grow cool, well ventilated and give plenty of light, but shade from direct sun.

Caution

Harmful if eaten.

Gypsy Gypsophila

Hardy Annual

• Flowers: Summer
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Well drained
• Height: 10 inches
• Germination: Easy
• Aftercare: Easy
• Ideal for: Baskets, Bedding, Border, Containers, Patio, Tubs

Say "goodbye" to Marigolds and Petunias and "hello" to Gypsophila! Transform your baskets, containers and bedding with this superb, top quality annual. Neat, compact mounds absolutely smothered in semi to fully-double pink flowers, gracing your summer garden. Useful for the rock garden or edging borders and excellent for hanging baskets, window-boxes tubs etc. A real joy to see and worth every penny! Awarded a Fleuroselect Quality Mark and All America Selections Winner. Flowers summer. Height 20-25cm (8-10in). Spread 20-25cm (8-10in).

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	Indoors, 6-8 weeks before last frost

Sow in a good seed sowing mix. Don't cover the seed with sowing mix as light is beneficial to germination. Sealing in a plastic bag after sowing is also helpful. Germination takes 5-14 days at 21-24C (70-75F).

Growing Instructions

When large enough to handle transplant the seedlings to boxes or 7.5cm (3in) pots, and grow on in cooler conditions. When well grown, gradually acclimatize to outdoor conditions and plant out in late spring after all risk of frost has passed 23cm (8in) apart in full sun and well drained soil.

African Moon Osteospermum

Half-hardy Annual

• Flowers: Summer to frost
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Well drained,dry
• Height: 18 inches
• Germination: Easy
• Aftercare: Easy
• Ideal for: Border, Containers, Patio, Tubs, Wildlife

Versatile, eye catching plants ideal for growing in dry, problem areas. This attractive African Daisy has unusual white and apricot bicoloured blooms, resembling the glow of an African summer moon. The bushy, free flowering plants art at home in borders or containers, attracting bees and butterflies.

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	early spring.

Sow in a good free draining seed compost barely covering the seed with compost. Make sure the compost is moist but not wet and seal in a polythene bag until after germination which usually takes 10-15 days at 15-18C (60-65F). Do not exclude light which is beneficial to germination.

A direct sowing can be made during late spring where they are to flower.

Growing Instructions

Transplant when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart in a warm sunny spot on light, well drained soil.

Nasturtium minus Black Velvet

Hardy Annual

• Flowers: Summer
• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Well drained
• Height: 12 inches
• Special Features: Edible flowers
• Ideal for: Bedding, Border, Children, Containers, Cottage Garden

Neatly compact plants with fresh green foliage host a summer showing of scintillating, deepest red-black blooms. Makes an eye-catching feature for containers as well as borders, bedding and rockeries. Will grow in any well-drained soil in full sun. 6-9 in (15-23 cm)

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	Outdoors after last frost when soil has warmed or indoors in peat pots 2-4 weeks before last frost
Sowing depth:	20mm (¾ inch) deep, in rows 30cm (12 inches) apart.

Sow where they are to flower in well cultivated soil in a sunny open site. Sow in rows 30cm (12in) apart and thin out to 23cm (9 in) between plants.

Growing Instructions

When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 23cm (9 inches) apart. If sown indoors, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost. Before planting into containers, ensure plants are well rooted in their pots.

Nasturtium majus Milkmaid

Hardy Annual

• Flowers: Summer to Autumn
• Position: Sun or part shade
• Height: 12 inches
• Germination: Easy
• Aftercare: Easy
• Special Features: Edible flowers
• Ideal for: Bedding, Border, Children, Containers, Patio, Tubs

A new Nasturtium featuring delicate blooms in captivating moonlit shades, the closest to white ever. Use this soft contrast in your beds, borders and containers for continuous summer color. Easy to grow in a range of situations.

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	Outdoors after last frost when soil has warmed or indoors in peat pots 2-4 weeks before last frost
Sowing depth:	20mm (¾ inch) deep, in rows 30cm (12 inches) apart.

Sow outdoors where they are to flower. Sow in rows 30cm (12in) apart and thin out to 30-45cm (12-18in) between plants. Prepare the ground well and rake to a fine tilth before sowing.

For container plants, germinate at 15-20C (77-68F) in 7.5cm (3 inch) pots. Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions before planting out after risk of frost. Before planting into containers, ensure plants are well rooted in their pots.

Growing Instructions

When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 30-45cm (12 to 18 inches) apart. If sown indoors, gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost.

Aftercare Instructions

Easily grown on any soil in a sunny position. Flowers mid summer to autumn.

Dragon Sunset Mix Coleus

Greenhouse Herbaceous Perennial

• Position: Sun or part shade
• Soil: Well drained
• Zones: 10
• Height: 12 inches
• Germination: Easy
• Aftercare: Easy
• Special Features: Attractive foliage
• Ideal for: Conservatory, Greenhouse, Pot Plant

Description

Must be among the most stunning mixtures of Coleus ever produced, it will include the very popular Scarlet and Pink shades, Molten Lava (black and carmine) plus four recent colors including deep red, apricot and gold. Almost all with the 'Dragon Series' mark of distinction - the bright gold edge to each leaf. Fantastic pot plants and good bedding plants for a warm sheltered spot. Height 23-30cm (9-12in).

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	any time of the year.

Sow on the surface of a good seed sowing mix but do not cover with sowing mix. Sealing in a plastic bag after sowing is helpful. Do not exclude light. Germination takes 10-20 days at 21-24C (70-75F).

Growing Instructions

When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant into 8cm (3in) pots and finally 15cm (6in) pots.

Aftercare Instructions

In the home, grow in a well-lighted spot, in the greenhouse provide a little shade. Remove the flower spikes as they weaken the plant.

Nicotiana x sanderae Fragrant Cloud

Half-hardy Annual

• Flowers: Mid Summer to Autumn
• Position: Sun or part shade
• Soil: Well drained
• Height: 36 inches
• Germination: Easy
• Aftercare: Easy
• Special Features: Scented
• Ideal for: Bedding, Border

A very attractive and free flowering type with large pure white sweetly scented flowers. Flowers summer. Height 36in.

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	Indoors 6-8 weeks before last spring frost

Sow on the surface of a good well draining seed sowing mix. Make sure that the sowing mix is moist but not wet and seal in a plastic bag until after germination which usually takes 10-20 days at 21C (70F). Do not exclude light which is beneficial to germination.

Growing Instructions

Transplant when large enough to handle and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatize to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm ( 12in) apart in a sunny spot on rich well drained soil.

Caution

Harmful if eaten.

Cherry Brandy Rudbeckia

Half Hardy Annual

• Flowers: Summer to frost
• Position: Sun or part shade
• Height: 24 inches
• Germination: Experience Useful
• Aftercare: Easy
• Ideal for: Border, Containers

Description

Following the 2002 success of Cherokee Sunset, Thompson & Morgan flower breeders are proud to present the first-ever red Rudbeckia from seed! These robust plants have outstanding garden performance, producing a mass of attractive, cherry-colored blooms all summer long - triumphing over heat, drought and poor soils! Stunning when planted in drifts in borders or can be planted in large containers to create a feature plant on a patio or terrace. Flowers average 3-4 inches in width, 24 inches in height

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	February to March
Sowing depth:	Surface sow

Sow seed on the surface of good, free-draining, seed compost. Cover with a very fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place container in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag and place at a temperature of 20-25C (68-77F) until after germination which usually takes 7-21 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart.

Orlando Eggplant

F1 Hybrid. Attractive, virtually spineless, dwarf plants yield an abundant crop of 'baby' fruits, 5cm (2in) in length. These finger-length aubergines have beautiful dark-purple skins and are not at all bitter tasting.

Excellent for growing in the greenhouse or on a sunny patio in containers.

Thompson and Morgan