Seeds - Flowers

The Seed Savers Exchange - Splendid 4-5" mauve-colored flowers bloom from papery, straw-colored buds that resemble woven baskets. Their sweet, honey-like fragrance draws bees and butterflies to gardens, borders, meadows, and wherever else these unique flowers are sown. Basketflowers stand out in arrangements, whether fresh-cut or dry, and dry well in bud, flower, or spent-flower stage. Characteristics:  Conventional Annual plants grow to 4 foot tall, selfs so profusely 4-5 inch flowers bloom from papery, basket-like buds Can be used as a fresh-cut or dry flower Attracts butterflies and bees 50 Seeds , .75g Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors when light frost is still possible. Plants prefer average soil and tolerates dry conditions. Will self-sow profusely. Remove spent blossoms regularly to prolong blooming. Sow 1/4" deep Germination 10-20 days Thin 18-24" apart Light - Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Seed Exchange - Given to SSE by longtime members Orral and Joan Craig who discovered it growing in an Amish garden near Arthur, Illinois. Native to the tropics and introduced to Europe in the 1570s. Fuzzy red flower heads resemble the comb of a rooster. Annual, 12" tall. Organic Annual Great cut flower or bedding plant Plants grow to 12 inches Fuzzy red flower heads 250 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Plant out into average well-drained soil after the danger of frost has passed. Good cutting flower, fresh or dried. Sow seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination 7-10  days Plant 12-18 apart Full Sun to Partial Shade Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Angelica is a medicinal and ornamental native flower native to many parts of the world. The flower is often used to attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Their large globe flowers and seed heads offer drama in the garden. Our seeds are kept in cold storage and should be planted right away. Angelica will bloom in the second year.  We carry the following varieties: Angelica archangelica - European native to northern Europe. The most cold hardy of all species and has dense green flower heads. It is used in ornamental and medicinal gardens. (cultivated) Angelica sylvestris - European Native and used most in ornamental plantings, pinkish/green flowers, edible (cultivated) and ornamental  Angelica atropurpurea - North American Native in the Eastern USA. Green flowers, not as dense flower head (wild harvested from our farm).  Characteristics:  Short lived perennial and biennial  Plants grow to about 3-5 feet tall Wonderful strong licorice flavor Instructions - Sow anytime, but should be sowed right away or stored in the refrigerator.  Direct Seed: 1/4" Deep Germination: 20-40 Days Thin: 1' Apart Light: Full Sun to Part Sun Likes Moist Grounds Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (Helianthus annuus) Collected by Melvin Gilmore from the Arikara tribe at the Fort Berthold Reservation. First offered by Oscar H. Will in 1930. Sturdy plants grow up to 12' tall, flowers are single to multi-headed. Some single heads grow 12-16" across. Traditionally grown for its masses of edible seeds. Annual, 70 days. Characteristics:  Organic Annual flowers with edible seeds Plants grow to 12 feet tall Flower heads grow to 12-16 inches across 70 days 100 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after last frost. Sunflowers prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained rich soil. Provide support for tall plants. Sow 1/2" Deep Plant 6" Apart Germination 10-14 days Plant 24-36" apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

The Seed Savers Exchange - (H. annuus) Multi-headed flowers range from bright yellow to gold to dark burgundy, with some bicolors. Under ideal conditions, one plant can have up to two dozen flowers blooming at the same time. Very nice for cutting. Plants grow 5-8' tall. Annual, 60 days. Characteristics:  Organic Annual flowers Plants grow to 5-8 feet tall Flowers range in color from yellow to dark burgundy with some bi-colors 60 days 100 seeds per packet  Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors after the last frost. Sunflowers prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained rich soil. Provide support for tall plants. Sow 1/2" Deep Plant 6" Apart Germination 10-14 days Plant 24-36" apart Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Members of the Helenium family do not cause sneezing out in your garden. Read on to learn why it is called sneezeweed. It is great plant for bees, butterflies and other beneficials in your garden. It is found along streams, marshy areas and blues around the same time as Blue Vervain and can make a lovely contrast. Sneezeweed naturalizes well and is a great food source for birds when it goes to seed. Deer and rabbits leave this plant alone as the leaves are very bitte.  Sneezeweed was dried and crushed to be add to snuff and caused some sneezing that way. Additionally ghosthunters would blow the dried flowers and leaves to find ghosts as it was rumored to cause sneezing in the supernatural.  Characteristics:  Perennial and hardy to zone 3 Plants grow to 3 to 5 feet tall Topped with yellow flowers Blooms throughout the summer into mid-fall Serves as an important late-season (after frost) nectar source for a variety of butterflies Sizing  1/16 oz sows 150 sq ft 1 oz sows 3000 sq ft 1lb sows an acre Instructions - Sow seeds outside anytime of year. It is a very easy one to start in pots as well if you'd like.  Germination 14-35 days Plant 24" apart Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

🌅 Aztec Sunset Zinnia (Zinnia haageana) Award-Winning Earth Tones for the Modern Garden Capture the warmth of a desert evening with the Aztec Sunset Zinnia. A departure from the neon colors of common zinnias, this award-winning variety offers a sophisticated palette of bicolor and tricolor blooms in rich mahogany, burnt orange, golden yellow, and creamy vanilla. With its compact, bushy habit and incredible resistance to disease, Aztec Sunset is the perfect choice for gardeners who want high-impact color without the high-maintenance "fuzzy leaf" issues of traditional varieties. 📜 Historical Heritage & Origin The Aztec Sunset belongs to the species Zinnia haageana, commonly known as the Mexican Zinnia. While the tall, large-flowered Zinnia elegans is the most famous member of the family, Z. haageana has been a garden treasure since the mid-19th century, prized for its smaller, more intricate "Persian Carpet" style blooms. The Aztec Sunset variety itself is a celebrated modern heirloom. It rose to international fame in 1998, when it won the prestigious All-America Selections (AAS) Award. Judges were blown away by its ability to stay compact and its natural immunity to powdery mildew—a breakthrough at the time. It represents a bridge between the wild, rugged zinnias of the Mexican highlands and the refined, double-flowered performance required for modern landscapes. ✨ Product Highlights AAS Gold Standard: A proven winner for garden performance, health, and beauty. Earthy Bicolors: Stunning "target" patterns on every bloom, featuring contrasting centers and petal tips. Powdery Mildew Resistant: Unlike common zinnias, the narrow, wiry foliage of Aztec Sunset is naturally resistant to the white "dusty" fungus that plagues other varieties. Compact & Tidy: Reaching only 12–14 inches, it is perfect for containers, window boxes, and the front of garden borders. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Plant Type Annual (Zinnia haageana) Growth Habit Mounding, Bushy Height 12 to 14 inches Sun Requirement Full Sun (8+ hours) Bloom Size 1 to 2 inches (Double & Semi-Double) Days to Maturity 60–70 Days 🌱 How to Grow Aztec Sunset Zinnias 1. When to Plant:Aztec Sunset zinnias crave heat. Direct sow seeds outdoors after the soil has warmed to at least 70°F and the danger of frost is long gone. 2. Sowing the Seeds: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep. Space seeds 8–10 inches apart. Because they are compact and mounding, they look best when planted in "drifts" or groups. Note: While they can be started indoors, their taproots are sensitive. If you do start early, use biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into the ground. 3. The Low-Maintenance Advantage: No Pinching Required: Unlike the "Giant" zinnia varieties, Aztec Sunset is naturally branching. You do not need to pinch the central stem to make it bushy. Watering: While more drought-tolerant than other zinnias, they perform best with consistent moisture. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry. 4. Soil Requirements:These zinnias are remarkably unfussy. They will grow in average soil, provided it is well-draining. In fact, soil that is too rich in nitrogen can lead to lots of leaves and fewer of those beautiful sunset-colored flowers. 5. Harvesting & Deadheading: For the Garden: Regularly remove faded flowers to keep the plant "cycling" and producing new buds. For the Vase: These make excellent "miniature" bouquets. They have a surprisingly long vase life and their earthy tones pair beautifully with herbs like Sage or Basil in a kitchen jar. 🎨 Garden Design Tip Aztec Sunset Zinnias are the perfect companion for Ornamental Peppers or Blue Salvia. The warm mahogany and gold tones of the zinnias create a stunning "fire and ice" contrast when planted next to cool blue or purple flowers. Garden Tip: Because they are so resistant to powdery mildew, these are the best zinnias for humid Southern climates or for gardeners who live in areas with cool, damp nights. 🌵☀️

🌸 Baby Doll Dianthus (Dianthus chinensis) The Petite Powerhouse with Oversized Blooms Prepare to be charmed by Baby Doll Dianthus, a variety that defies expectations by producing massive, flat-faced blossoms on an incredibly petite frame. Known for its "oversized" personality, this heirloom selection is a favorite for those who want high-impact color in small spaces. Featuring large, 1.5-inch flowers with intricately fringed petals and vivid "eyes" or concentric rings of color, Baby Doll creates a vibrant mosaic of pinks, reds, and snowy whites that looks like a miniature work of art. 📜 Historical Heritage & The "Pinking" Legacy The Baby Doll variety is a refined selection of the Dianthus chinensis species, which is native to the meadows of East Asia and China. While the species has been a garden treasure in the West since the early 1700s, the Baby Doll selection was perfected in the mid-20th century. It was bred during an era when gardeners were looking for the perfect "bedding plant"—something that stayed tidy and low to the ground but offered flowers large enough to be seen from a distance. Like all "Pinks," it carries the name not because of its color, but because of the jagged, serrated edges of the petals that look as though they were trimmed with pinking shears. Today, Baby Doll remains the gold standard for dwarf dianthus, maintaining its status as a reliable, old-fashioned favorite for modern borders. "A mid-century masterpiece! First popularized in 1955, the Baby Doll Dianthus was bred for the tidy borders of the post-war garden. It remains a favorite today for its rare combination of a petite, 6-inch frame and massive, 2-inch 'eyed' blossoms." If you are looking for this in archives like the Biodiversity Heritage Library, search for "Dwarf Gaiety Pinks" or "Heddewigii Baby Doll" in catalogs between 1954 and 1960. These were the primary trade names during its initial release. ✨ Product Highlights Massive Flowers, Tiny Plant: Produces flowers up to 2 inches wide on plants that rarely exceed 8 inches in height. Vibrant Bicolors: Every bloom features a striking "target" or "eye" of contrasting color, ranging from deep burgundy centers to bright pink edges. Edible & Spicy: The petals are edible and possess a mild, sweet clove-like flavor. Use them to garnish gourmet desserts, salads, or "sugar" them for cake decorations. Extended Bloom Season: Unlike many spring-only flowers, Baby Doll will bloom from early summer all the way until the first hard frost if regularly deadheaded. Compact Perfection: The ideal choice for "tight" garden spots, rock gardens, window boxes, and the very front of mixed flower beds. 🛠️ Quick Growth Profile Feature Specifications Scientific Name Dianthus chinensis Plant Type Annual / Short-lived Perennial Height 6 to 10 inches Sun Requirement Full Sun (6-8+ hours) Bloom Period Early Summer through Late Autumn Days to Maturity 60–70 Days Growth Habit Mounding / Compact 🌱 How to Grow Baby Doll Dianthus 1. Sowing the Seeds (Light is Key):Dianthus seeds are easy to handle and germinate quickly under the right conditions. Indoors: Start 8 weeks before the last frost. Sow seeds on the surface of a moist starting mix and cover very lightly with 1/8 inch of soil. They require a bit of light to germinate. Outdoors: Direct sow in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Germination: Expect sprouts in 7–14 days. Keep the soil temperature around 65–70°F. 2. The Perfect Location:Baby Doll thrives in Full Sun and demands excellent drainage. Like all members of the Dianthus family, it has a preference for "sweet" (alkaline) soil. If your soil is acidic, adding a dusting of garden lime before planting will help the plants stay vigorous and the colors bright. 3. Maintenance: Spacing: Thin or transplant seedlings to 6 inches apart. Their compact habit allows them to knit together into a solid, flowering mound. Watering: Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry. Once established, they are moderately drought-tolerant. The Secret to Success: Deadheading. As soon as a flower begins to fade, snip it off. This prevents the plant from setting seed and forces it to use its energy to produce a continuous flush of brand-new "Baby Doll" blooms. 🎨 Garden Design Tip Baby Doll Dianthus is the perfect "edging" plant for garden paths. Its compact size and bold patterns create a "frame" for your garden. Because it is so low-growing, it also makes a wonderful "living mulch" at the base of taller, leggy plants like Gladiolus or Tall Zinnias. Garden Tip: If you are growing these in containers, remember that they don't like to be over-watered. Use a high-quality potting mix with plenty of perlite to ensure the roots stay happy and dry! 🏺🌸 🏛️ Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) In China, Dianthus is known as Qu Mai. It is one of the "fundamental herbs" and has been documented in Chinese pharmacopeias for over 2,000 years. Urinary Health: It is primarily used as a powerful diuretic. In TCM, it is prescribed to "clear damp-heat" from the bladder, often used to treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and general inflammation of the urinary system. Circulation and Digestion: It is sometimes used to stimulate the bowels and promote menstruation (as an emmenagogue). Standard Preparation: The entire plant is typically harvested when in flower and then dried for use in decoctions (herbal teas). 🌍 European and Folk Medicine In Europe, the medicinal use of Dianthus was more common during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Nervine and Cardiac Tonic: Historically, a cordial made from the petals of Dianthus caryophyllus (the Clove Carnation) was used to treat "feverishness" and to soothe a troubled heart or nervous exhaustion. The "Clove" Connection: Because many dianthus species contain eugenol (the same oil found in cloves), they were used to treat toothaches and digestive issues. 🧪 Active Compounds and Modern Research Scientific analysis has shown that many Dianthus species contain: Saponins: These have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. Flavonoids: Act as antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage. Triterpenoids: Some studies suggest these may have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, though more clinical research is needed. ⚠️ Important Safety Warnings If you are considering using Dianthus from your garden for medicinal purposes, there are several critical factors to keep in mind: Pregnancy Risk: Dianthus is a known uterine stimulant. Historically, it was used to induce labor. Therefore, it should never be consumed by pregnant women, as it could potentially cause a miscarriage. Chemical Exposure: Many ornamental seeds and plants sold in big-box nurseries are treated with systemic pesticides or fungicides. Only use plants grown from untreated, organic seeds if you intend to consume them. Skin Irritation: Some people experience "contact dermatitis" (skin rash) when handling the foliage of certain dianthus species. Consult a Professional: Always speak with a qualified herbalist or medical professional before using Dianthus as a treatment. 🥗 Safe Culinary Use While the medicinal uses are complex, the culinary uses are very safe and a great way to enjoy the plant: Edible Garnish: The petals of most Dianthus species are edible. They have a mild, spicy clove flavor. Preparation: Snip off the small white base of the petal (the "claw") before eating, as this part can be bitter. The colorful fringed part is the sweet and spicy portion! Disclaimer: This information is for educational and historical purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. 🌿🩺

Here is our always popular Bee Feed Mix in Bulk and Packet quantities.  The Bee Feed Seed Mixture is a result of many years of research on flower preferences of pollinators in our test gardens. It is a blend of widely adaptable, annual and perennial flowers that provide nectar and pollen to wild bees, honey bees and other pollinators.  It is well suited for maintained landscapes such as garden beds and borders. Contains early, mid-, and late blooming flowers in order to provide bee forage all season long.  Flowers are suitable for short-tongued and long-tongued bees and come in a wide range of colors for an attractive display.  Check out all of our pollinator mixes at Pollinator Mix Provides forage for bees and bouquets for you Annuals and perennials Early, mid, and late blooming flowers 1 oz sows 200 sq foot, 1lb sows around 3,000 sq ft Varieties included: Forget-Me-Not, Chinese - Cynoglossum amabile Wallflower, Siberian - Cheiranthus allionii Poppy, California, Orange - Eschscholzia californica Coneflower, Purple - Echinacea purpurea Aster, China, Single Mix - Callistephus chinensis Poppy,Corn, Mixed - Papaver rhoeas Coreopsis, Lance Leaved - Coreopsis lanceolata Flax, Blue - Linum lewisii Baby Blue-Eyes - Nemophila menziesii Tidy-Tips - Layia platyglossa Gilia, Globe - Gilia capitata Indian Blanket - Gaillardia pulchella Coreopsis, Plains - Coreopsis tinctoria Sweet Alyssum, Tall White - Lobularia maritima Hyssop, Lavender - Agastache foeniculum Daisy, Fleabane - Erigeron annuus Aster, New England - Symphyotrichum novae-angliae Bergamot - Monarda fistulosa Instructions - You may sow the bee feed mix 1 to 2 weeks before your average last frost date. Mix the seed with some sand or sawdust, broadcast the seed, and then go over the area with a rake to work the seed into the soil a little.  

Renee's Garden - Our new variety is compact and earlier blooming than other salvias, with clouds of nectar-rich, blossoms in a mix of white, soft pink, and rose-red. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators flock to these blossoms from dawn to dusk, and sprays of these charming flowers are lovely in mixed bouquets. Bee Heaven grows readily in a wide range of conditions and blooms continuously throughout summer. Ideal for containers or as easy-care, free-flowering border plants.   Characteristics:  Heirloom Selective  Butterfly & Hummingbird favorites  Great in containers  Pollinators & Beneficials  Tender perennial grown as annual  Summer/Fall bloom  Frost tender  Instructions - To start early indoors, start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds 1 inch apart in a container of seed starting mix and cover very lightly. Keep moist but not soggy and provide a strong light source. When seedlings are about 2 to 3 inches tall, and night temperatures are above 50°F, acclimate to outdoor conditions and plant 8 inches apart.  To start outdoors, sow in well-worked beds or in containers in full sun only after night temperatures reach 50°F. Plant seeds 4 inches apart and covers very lightly. Keep soil evenly moist. Thin seedlings to 8 inches apart so plants have room to mature. To plant in a container, plant 4 seedlings in a 20-inch pot; 3 in a 16-inch pot, and 1 seedling in an 8-inch pot. Plants grow quickly to 12-18 inches tall and bloom all summer long Honey Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and many other pollinators constantly visit these nectar-rich flowers.  Plant in: May-June for cold winters; April-May for mild winters  Full sun  Sow seeds 1" apart; barley cover  Days to germinate: 10-15 days  Days to harvest: 12-18"  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

An annual native of the American Southwest and California, this flower is used worldwide for a pollen and nectar source for bees.  It blooms nonstop each year. It does have to be reseeded each year and the flowers are easily dried for their seed.  The common name Bee's Friend is a translation of Bienen-freund, German for “bee’s friend.” Botanical Name - Phacelia tanacetifolia 12-24" Tall Lavender Flowers Bees and Beneficial Host and Food Source 1,000 Seeds per packet and various bulk options Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in early spring when soil is cool and a light frost is still possible; seed must be well covered. Does very well in dry gardens. Sow 1/8" Deep Germination 7-12 days Plant 4-12" apart

Seed Exchange - Great conversation piece in any garden. Interesting spikes of green bell-shaped calyces surrounding the insignificant white flowers, quite fragrant. Excellent for cutting; color and shape are preserved nicely when dried. Native to the Mediterranean region. Half-hardy annual, 18-36" tall. Half-hardy annual that grows to 18-36 inches tall Bell-shaped green calyces surround tiny white flowers Very fragrant Great as a cut flower or for drying This variety will grow well in most regions of the United States but prefers cool growing seasons. 250 Seeds Instructions - Sow seeds indoors just beneath the surface of the soil. Transplant when a light frost is still possible. Prefers average soil. May require staking. Sow seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost Germination 8-25  days Plant 10-12 apart Full Sun to Partial Shade Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of availability

Benary's Giant Bright Pink Zinnia - Large 4-6" flowers that bloom all summer. All Benary's Giants are highly regarded and recommended by the Association of Specialty Cut Flowers for their flowers. Benary's Giants are known for high resistance of Powdery Mildew during the growing season. Almost all blooms will be doubled blossoms vs singles.  Annual plants grow to 3.5-4' feet tall Doubled blossom that are 4-6 inches across Long stems make for a great cut flower Packet is .20g (~25 Seeds) Instructions -Sow seeds outdoors after last frost. Zinnias prefer well-drained average soil. Water regularly, keeping leaves dry. Remove spent blossoms frequently to prolong blooming. Sow 1/8" Deep Germination 5-24 days Thin 10-12" apart Full Sun

Benary's Giant Carmine Rose Zinnia - Large 4-6" flowers that bloom all summer. All Benary's Giants are highly regarded and recommended by the Association of Specialty Cut Flowers for their flowers. Benary's Giants are known for high resistance of Powdery Mildew during the growing season. Almost all blooms will be doubled blossoms vs singles.  Annual plants grow to 3.5-4' feet tall Doubled blossom that are 4-6 inches across Long stems make for a great cut flower Packet is .24g (~25 Seeds) Instructions -Sow seeds outdoors after last frost. Zinnias prefer well-drained average soil. Water regularly, keeping leaves dry. Remove spent blossoms frequently to prolong blooming. Sow 1/8" Deep Germination 5-24 days Thin 10-12" apart Full Sun

Benary's Giant Deep Red Zinnia - Large 4-6" flowers that bloom all summer. All Benary's Giants are highly regarded and recommended by the Association of Specialty Cut Flowers for their flowers. Benary's Giants are known for high resistance of Powdery Mildew during the growing season. Almost all blooms will be doubled blossoms vs singles.  Annual plants grow to 3.5-4' feet tall Doubled blossom that are 4-6 inches across Long stems make for a great cut flower Packet is .21g (~25 Seeds) Instructions -Sow seeds outdoors after last frost. Zinnias prefer well-drained average soil. Water regularly, keeping leaves dry. Remove spent blossoms frequently to prolong blooming. Sow 1/8" Deep Germination 5-24 days Thin 10-12" apart Full Sun

Benary's Giant Salmon Rose Zinnia - Large 4-6" flowers that bloom all summer. All Benary's Giants are highly regarded and recommended by the Association of Specialty Cut Flowers for their flowers. Benary's Giants are known for high resistance of Powdery Mildew during the growing season. Almost all blooms will be doubled blossoms vs singles.  Annual plants grow to 3.5-4' feet tall Doubled blossom that are 4-6 inches across Long stems make for a great cut flower Packet is .21g (~25 Seeds) Instructions -Sow seeds outdoors after last frost. Zinnias prefer well-drained average soil. Water regularly, keeping leaves dry. Remove spent blossoms frequently to prolong blooming. Sow 1/8" Deep Germination 5-24 days Thin 10-12" apart Full Sun

Benary's Giant White Zinnia - Large 4-6" flowers that bloom all summer. All Benary's Giants are highly regarded and recommended by the Association of Specialty Cut Flowers for their flowers. Benary's Giants are known for high resistance of Powdery Mildew during the growing season. Almost all blooms will be doubled blossoms vs singles.  Annual plants grow to 3.5-4' feet tall Doubled and Semi doubled blossoms grow to 4-6 inches across Long stems make for a great cut flower Packet is .24g (~30 Seeds) Instructions -Sow seeds outdoors after last frost. Zinnias prefer well-drained average soil. Water regularly, keeping leaves dry. Remove spent blossoms frequently to prolong blooming. Sow 1/8" Deep Germination 5-24 days Thin 10-12" apart Full Sun