Icelandic Poppy Mix

Hardy Biennial

• Position: Full sun
• Soil: Well drained
• Zones: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
• Height: 12 inches
• Germination: Experience Useful
• Aftercare: Care and Understanding
• Ideal for: Border, Cut Flower

Description

A spectacular and breezy blend of Iceland Poppies. This free flowering range will eject colour into your summer borders, with its cool citrus colour range. Makes a long lasting cut flower when cut in bud and the stems sealed in hot water.

Sowing Instructions

Sowing time:	Outdoors in early spring as soon as soil is workable zone 2-7, fall zone 8-10

Germinate at 18-20C (64-68F) on the surface of a good free draining, damp seed compost. Do not cover the seed. Place in a propagator or seal container in a polythene bag until after germination which takes 14-21 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. Grow on in cooler conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 15cm (6in) apart. Alternatively, sow in a cool greenhouse or conservatory in late summer/early autumn. Grow on cool in full light and water sparingly before planting out the following spring.

Aftercare Instructions

Prefers a light, well drained soil in full sun.

Waltham Broccoli

The standard open-polinated broccoli. Nicely formed stocky plants 20 inches in height yield dark blue-green mid-sized heads. Also produces a large number of side shoots after harvest. A fine choice for a late fall/winter harvest. (85 Days)

Special Directions for Short Season Climates

SOWING: Start seed indoors from early spring in pots, or sow directly into the garden after danger of serious frost has passed. Cover seeds with 1/8 inch of fine soil.

SPACING: Space plants l8 to 24 inches apart in rows spaced 2 to 3 feet apart depending upon available room.

THINNING AND TRANSPLATING: Thin or transplant seedlings when 2 inches tall. Transplant indoor started seedlings, after hardening off and danger of serious frost has passed.

GERMINATION: 7 to 10 days. Keep soil moderately moist during germination.

Ed's Special Advice

Broccoli grows best in a mostly sunny location during the cooler parts of the growing season. Prefers fairly rich soil kept somewhat moist. Cut the main head when buds are still tight. Continue to harvest side shoots for small heads ideal for salads or stir-fry. Broccoli can be sown mid to late summer for a fall or winter crop in mild weather areas.