BEANS
Scientific Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
Blue Lake Bush
These plump, tender pods have excellent flavor and texture, fresh or canned. Plants produce heavily and over a long season.
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: 1-2
Height: 15-20 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 60 days
Cherokee Trail of Tears
This heirloom was brought from Tennessee by the Cherokee people as they were marched to Oklahoma by the Federal Government in 1839 over the infamous "Trail of Tears" that left so many dead and suffering.
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: 1-2
Height: 85-95 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 85 days
Jade Bush
Productive, reliable and disease resistant, this delicious stringless, jade-green bean is a market gardener's dream with home garden flavor! Bushy plants set tons of long straight pods, poised high on the plant for easier picking. Pods are dark green and average about 6-7 inches long.
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: 1-2
Height: 14-18 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 55 days
BROCCOLI
Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica
Waltham 29
Known for producing large heads and long stalks, this longtime favorite is excellent for cooking fresh or freezing. The 4-6" dark blue-green heads are arrayed with side shoots.
When to plant: Spring, Fall
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 24-30 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 70-75 days
CARROTS
Scientific Name: Daucus carota
Cosmic Purple
Stunning roots with deep purple skin and orange flesh. These tapered roots steal the show in salads with their extraordinary color combination and sweet flavor with a bit of spice!
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: pinch
Height: 4-8 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 70 days
Danvers 126 Half Long
The original Danvers Half Long dates back to the 1870s. The strain "126" was improved in the 1940s. The old standard American carrot, adaptable and dependable.
When to plant: Fall, Spring
Seeds per hole: pinch
Height: 4-8 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 75 days
St. Valery
The Vilmorins of France mentioned this variety in 1885 and said it had been grown a "long time" then. A large, handsome variety with bright red-orange roots; smooth, 10-12 inches long and 2-3 inches in diameter. Sweet, tender, and rare.
When to plant: Early Spring, Fall
Seeds per hole: pinch
Height: root 10-12 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 70 days
COLLARDS
Scientific name: Brassica oleraceae
Morris Heading
With a buttery texture and nutrition on par with famous superfood kale, collards are due for a comeback! This prolific, fast-growing variety has blue-green leaves with a mild and delicate flavor.
When to plant: Early Fall or Late Winter
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 6-10 inches
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Days to Maturity: 85-95 days
Georgia Southern or Creole
A great old Southern favorite, pre-1880 heirloom. Has a good resistance to heat and cold. Sure, it's great for the South, but also good up North. Huge yields - a real producer. Very tasty and flavorful. Frost tolerant.
When to plant: Early Fall, Winter
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 24-36 inches
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Days to Maturity: 50-80 days
CUCUMBERS
Scientific Name: Cucumis sativus
Boston Pickling
An old heirloom dating back to 1880. Vigorous vines give large yields of smooth green fruit. It is excellent for pickles; very crisp and good quality. A very popular variety at the turn of the 20th century.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 3-4
Height: 36-48 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 55 days
Dar Cucumber
The plants are of bush habit, usually running no more than 18" or so, making them superior for small gardens, containers, or anywhere space is tight.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 3-4
Height: 12 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 60 days
Early Fortune
Originally selected out of Davis Perfect (now believed extinct) by George Starr in Royal Oak Michigan in 1906. A super dependable garden cucumber, sweet and almost never bitter (Also called Special Dark Green).
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 3-4
Height: fruit grows to 7-8 inches long
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 50-60 days
FLOWERS
Calendula, Orange King
Scientific name: Calendula officinalis
Massive, double calendula flowers in a beautiful shade of brilliant orange make this variety a true king of calendulas.
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 12-24 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 60-90 days
Attracts: Bees and Butterflies
Daisy, Blue Disc African
Scientific Name: Arctotis grandis
Annual. Silvery white ray flowers offset the steel-blue "eyes" or centers. Heat-loving daisy is easy from seeds and thrives in heat. Very striking and makes a brave show all summer long!
When to plant: Spring, Fall
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 25 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 60 days
Attracts: Bees and Butterflies
Marigold, Petite Mix
Scientific Name: Tagates
Very dwarf mixture of the crested French Marigolds. Easy to grow, even in small pots.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 10-12 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 6-10 days
Attracts: Butterflies
Marigold, Spun Orange
Scientific name: Tagates spp.
Extra large, attractive, super-double flowers with tubular petals. The color is pleasing, clear orange rather than the harsh orange-brown so often seen in African marigolds.
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 20 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 50-60 days
Attracts: Bees and Butterflies
Pansy, Swiss Giant
Scientific Name: Viola wittrockiana
Low, bushy plants are quick to grow and bloom, producing showy, large, velvety flowers. These flowers are also heat tolerant.
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 4-6 inches
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Days to Maturity: 60-70 days
Attracts: Butterflies
Petunia, Balcony Mix
Scientific name: Petunia
This variety has delightfully fragrant blooms in shades of rose, lavender, and purple. Trailing plants are perfect for window boxes and hanging baskets.
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 12 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 50-60 days
Attracts: Bees and Birds
Sunflower, Lemon Queen
Scientific Name: Helianthus annuus
Beautiful, lemon-yellow blooms with chocolate centers. This one is very unique; tall plants produce many brilliant blooms that are a favorite of many bees.
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 6-8 feet
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 90 days
Attracts: Bees, Birds, and Butterflies
Zinnia, El Dorado
Scientific Name: Zinnia elegans
As reliable as it is beautiful, this medium-large double-flowered zinnia does not disappoint. The striking salmon-orange color looks amazing in arrangements. The stems are super rigid and perfect for cutting.
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 6-18 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 60-70 days
Attracts: Bees, Birds, and Butterflies
Zinnia, Exquisite
Scientific name: Zinnia elegans
Aptly named, this variety is nothing short of exquisite. Petals burst forth with ruby red tones, gracefully aging to a subtle rose bush.
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 6-18 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 60-70 days
Attracts: Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Zinnia, Polar Bear
Scientific name: Zinnia elegans
This white dahlia-type zinnia has very large blooms that are quite magnificent. A pretty bloom that's a must for bouquets!
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 6-18 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days Maturity: 60-70 days
Attracts: Bees, Birds, Butterflies
HERBS
*All are great for attracting pollinators*
Basil, African Nunum
Scientific name: Ocimum gratisimum
Wonderful flavor, the best for pesto! A gigantic and sumptuous basil that is popular in African and Asian cuisines. This amazing plant has incredible flavor, a rich basil taste, with oregano flavor, and a small kick of delicious spiciness!
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 12-24 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 50-75 days
Basil, Genovese
Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum
This Italian basil is one of the most aromatic of all basils. Gorgeous, large green leaves on 18-24" plants. A must for any kitchen garden. It is best known for its use in pesto.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 16-18 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 65-75 days
Chamomile, German
Scientific Name: Matricaria chamomilla
Beautiful, small flowers make a relaxing tea with a sweet, fruity fragrance. Pretty flowers too!
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 24-36 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 90-120 days
Chamomile, Zloty Lan
Scientific name: Matricaria recutita
This Polish chamomile is bigger and higher yielding than the standard, and is easy to grow at home from seed. It has a wonderful aroma and can be used to make teas.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 8-24 inches
Sunlight: Full/partial sun
Days to Maturity: 70-80 days
Cilantro, Slo-Bolt
Scientific Name: Coriandrum sativum
Great flavor, yet slower to bolt. Fresh leaves best harvested before flowering.
When to plant: Spring, Fall
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 24-36 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 45-60 days
Dill, Bouquet
Scientific Name: Anethum graveolens
Very aromatic and produces lots of flavorful leaves and seeds. Great companion to most plants and foods.
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 12-24 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 65 days
Lavender
Scientific Name: Lavadula vera
Famous for fragrance, the lavender-colored blossoms are used in potpourris, soaps, etc.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 20-24 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 90-200 days
Mint, Marvelous Mix
Scientific Name: Mentha mix
Flavors may range from spearmint to peppermint or applemint. It is quite competitive and belongs in an herb bed or in a contained location.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: can be as tall as 1-2 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 75-90 days
Oregano, Vulgare
This is a beautiful and delicious Italian flavoring herb. Can also be used for medicinal purposes. Great for Italian and Greek cooking.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 1-2 ft.
Sunlight: Full sun
Days to Maturity: 90-200 days (sprouts in 7-14 days)
Parsley, Giant of Italy
Scientific name: Petroselinum crispum
A very large Italian strain of parsley with great flavor. Perfect for sauces!
When to plant: Early Spring, Fall
Seeds per hole: 3-4
Height: 8-12 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 70-90 days
KALE
Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Blue Curled Scotch
Low, compact plants with finely curled, bluish-green leaves. Usually stands winter weather with some protection. Good cooked or fresh in salads. Grows best in cool weather.
When to plant: Winter, Fall
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 12-16 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 55 days
Dwarf Siberian
This tasty Russian variety produces leaves that are only slightly frilled and are top quality. Very hardy and productive. Tasty and full of nutrients.
When to plant: Fall, Winter
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 12-16 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 50 days
LETTUCE
Scientific Name: Lactuca sativa
Big Boston
Originally from France, it was renamed Big Boston by Henderson. A heading type that is large, tender, and good for salads.
When to plant: Spring, Fall
Seeds per hole: pinch
Height: 5-10 inches
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Days to Maturity: 70 days
Henderson's Black Seeded Simpson
Very flavorful and superb quality. This is one of the most popular leaf lettuce varieties on the market. Its frilled crumpled leaves are crisp, tender, and very flavorful. The crisp leaves are perfect for salads and garnishes.
When to plant: Spring, Fall
Seeds per hole: pinch
Height: 9-15 inches
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Days to Maturity: 45 days
Parris Island Cos
Plant produces excellent flavorful dark green lettuce. The leaves are tender, crisp, and thick with a sweet flavor. Perfect for Caesar salads!
When to plant: Spring, Fall
Seeds per hole: pinch
Height: 5-10 inches
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Days to Maturity: 70-75 days
Rocky Top Lettuce Blend
With brightly colored and unique lettuces, it makes a flavorful and brilliant salad. Has a rich, old-fashioned taste!
When to plant: Spring, Fall
Seeds per hole: pinch
Height: 10-15 inches
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Days to Maturity: 30-70 days
OKRA
Scientific Name: Abelmoschus esculentus
Clemson Spineless
These are spineless; tasty green pods, best picked small. Developed in 1939. Still a standard in many home gardens.
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: 1-2
Height: 3-6 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 60 days
ONIONS
Scientific Name: Allium cepa
Bronze D'Amposta
Attractive reddish-bronze onions are good sized and sweet. A great variety for fresh eating, as it is not too hot tasting. A decent keeper in storage and a good overall red type.
When to plant: Late Winter, Spring
Seeds per hole: 1-2
Height: 12-18 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 75-120 days
He Shi Ko Bunching
Plant produces excellent yields of flavorful bunching onions. Perfect for salads! These onions never form bulbs.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 1-2
Height: 10-14 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 90-120 days
White Creole
Short day, medium-sized, round bulbs have a translucent white flesh that is very firm. This variety is an excellent choice for southern growers; forms perfect bulbs and has excellent storage quality. Great fresh or cooked!
When to plant: Late Summer, Fall
Seeds per hole: 1-2
Height: 6-12 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 150-170 days
Yellow Parma
Long day. Large, golden onions are oblong globe-shaped. This late onion makes an excellent keeper; a rare and hard-to-find Italian variety.
When to plant: Fall, Winter
Seeds per hole: 1-2
Height: 6-12 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 90-120 days
PEAS
Scientific Name: Pisum sativum
Lincoln Garden
An old-time pea introduced in 1908. High-yielding and tasty, this pea does better than many in warmer weather. The tightly-filled pods are easy to shell, and compact vines are a good choice for small gardens.
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: 1-2
Height: 24-30 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 60-65 days
Sugar Daddy Snap
Superbly snackable and intensely tasty, this is a truly stringless edible-podded sugar snap pea with a brix (natural sugar) level that is off the charts! A perfect choice for beginner gardeners as they're easy to grow and so rewarding.
When to plant: Spring, Fall
Seeds per hole: 1-2
Height: 24 inches
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Days to Maturity: 60-65 days
PEPPERS
Scientific Name: Capsicum annuum
Anaheim
The Anaheim Chili Pepper is a mild to medium heirloom chili pepper that is commonly used in Mexican, and other spicy dishes. It is large, colorful, and tasty.
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: 1-2
Height: 18-24 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 80 days
Caribbean Red Habanero
For those who like it hot! These can be twice as spicy as the common orange habanero, so use caution as you enjoy the incredible warmth and rich, smoky-citrus taste of these lantern-shaped 2" fruit.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 1-2
Height: 28-30 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 90 days
Cayenne Long Thin
Peppers are hot and turn from green to brilliant red when mature. Plant has green stems, green leaves, and white flowers. A perfect pepper for seasoning when dried.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole:1-2
Height: 24-36 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 85 days
Doux D'Espagne (Spanish Mammoth)
Plant produces good yields of Italian sweet peppers. Peppers turn from green to red when fully mature. Excellent for stuffing, salads, and cooking.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 1-2
Height: 36 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 90 days
Jalapeño, Tam
A very tasty, mild jalapeño type with the same delicious flavor but a lot less heat. Yields a good amount.
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: 1-2
Height: 2-3 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 70 days
Mini Bell Mix
This colorful mix of dainty bell peppers is an old Ohio family heirloom. A trio of mini red, yellow, and chocolate bell peppers. Great for snacking, stuffing, or pickling. Plants produce an abundance of tiny colorful orbs, easy to grow and so rewarding.
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: 1-2
Height: 24 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 60-90 days
Santa Fe Grande
One of the best pickling peppers on the market, the types you see in the supermarkets! This variety has thick crunchy walls and is perfect for pickling.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole:1-2
Height: 24-36 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 80 days
RADISHES
Scientific Name: Raphanus sativus
China Rose
It has a rose-colored skin and white flesh. Very easy to grow and great for growing as sprouts too. Also, known as Kaiware Radish. For best results, plant winter storage radish in mid to late August. Excellent choice for home gardens.
When to plant: Spring, Fall
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: roots
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Days to Maturity: 55 days
Early Scarlet Globe
They are crisp, tender, juicy, mild, and flavorful. Excellent for salads, vegetable platters, and garnishes. It doesn't get hot or spicy like other varieties.
When to plant: Fall, Winter
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: roots (approx. 1 inch in diameter)
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 20-35 days
Pink Beauty
A beautiful, round, pink radish that has become hard to find. It is sweet and tasty. Popular at specialty markets; a must for all radish growers!
When to plant: Fall, Winter
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: roots (approx. 1-2 inches in diameter)
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 26 days
SPINACH
Bloomsdale Long Standing
Scientific Name: Spinacia oleracea
Bloomsdale Long Standing is an old standard. It's a large, spreading spinach that has dark green, savoyed curled leaves. The yield is good, and it is slow to bolt.
When to plant: Winter, Fall
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 10-12 inches
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Days to Maturity: 40-50 days
Greens, Chijimisai
Scientific Name: Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis
This stunning new superfood contains four times as much vitamin A as carrots! It is also a great source of minerals and protein. A cross between two of the most delicious and hardy greens - tatsoi and komatsuna - the lightly savoyed leaves of Chijimisai have a velvety texture and lightly umami flavor that make it a remarkable spinach substitute. This quick and easy-to-grow green is phenomenally tasty and more versatile than other greens.
When to plant: Heat and cold tolerant. Can be grown year round.
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 25 inches
Sunglight: Full to partial sun
Days to Maturity: 60 days
SQUASH
Scientific Name: Cucurbita pepo
Butternut Waltham
The undisputed king of all butternut squash, the "Waltham Butternut" is an heirloom and a 1970 All-American Selections winner; a familiar staple of classic American cooking.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 1-2
Height: 10-12 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 85-100 days
Crookneck, Early Golden
Bush type plant produces high yields of buttery yellow squash with a narrow-curved neck. Very tender and flavorful. Turns darker yellow as it matures.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 1-2
Height: 24 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 45-60 days
Zucchini Black Beauty
Bush type plant produces high yields of straight dark green zucchini squash. The outer surface is very smooth. Best when harvested when squash is 8" long.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 1-2
Height: 24 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 50-65 days
TOMATOES
Scientific Name: Lycopersicum esculentum
Black Cherry
This is the first black cherry tomato that has the classic tomato flavor. Perfect for salads, gourmet dishes, vegetable platters, shish-kebobs, or just eating fresh right off the vine.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 72-84 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 60-90 days
Bonny Best
Old favorite, introduced in 1908, Bonny Best boasts 6-8 oz. smooth, bright scarlet globes that are flavorful, solid and meaty. Popular for home and market gardens.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 36-60 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 75 days
Brandywine
The most popular heirloom vegetable! A favorite of many gardeners, large fruit with superb flavor. A great potato-leafed variety from 1885! Beautiful pink fruit up to 1.5 lbs each.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: up to 9 ft.
Sunlight: Full sun
Days to Maturity: 80 days
Costoluto Florentino
Plant produces good yields of 8 oz red beefsteak tomatoes. They have a high flavor of sugar and acid making it one of the best for making spaghetti sauce.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 48-60 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 80-90 days
Green Doctors
A favorite green cherry variety having a good sweetness and yet still has lots of tart flavors. Large vines produce huge yields of little cherries.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 48-60 inches
Sunlight: Full sun
Days to Maturity: 90 days
Hartman's Yellow Gooseberry
These extremely rare, lemon-yellow colored, medium-large cherry tomatoes are very tasty with a good, sweet and mild flavor, and when immature have some faint striping similar to gooseberries, hence the name.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 72-96 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 75 days
Rutgers
Large red 8 oz. globes that are good for canning and excellent fresh. Good yields and flavor with large vines. Disease-resistant. A fine New Jersey heirloom.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 6 ft.
Sunlight: Full sun
Days to Maturity: 60-100 days
Tommy Toe
Early maturing plant produces heavy yields of 1/2 to 3/4 oz bright glossy red cherry tomatoes. They are mild, juicy, and flavorful. It has the rich old-fashioned tomato flavor.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 60-72 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 75 days
WATERMELON
Scientific Name: Citrullus lanatus
Sugar Baby
The most popular icebox-sized melon among gardeners! They have a sweet, deep, red flesh.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 15-24 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 75-80 days
WILD FLOWERS
*All are great for attracting pollinators*
Butterfly Weed
Scientific Name: Asclepias tuberosa
This bushy, 1-2 ft. perennial is prized for its large, flat-topped clusters of bright orange flowers. When grown from seed, it takes 2-3 years to flowers. Once established it will continue to expand each year.
When to plant: Spring
Seeds per hole: pinch
Height: 12-24 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 2-3 years
Lance-Leaf Coreopsis
Scientific Name: Coreopsis lanceolata
The bright yellow, daisy-like flowers are about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and bloom singly on a long stem.
When to plant: Spring, Summer
Seeds per hole: pinch
Height: 12-24 inches
Sunlight: Full Sun
Days to Maturity: 90-120 days
Nodding Onion
Scientific Name: Allium cernuum
Nodding Onion is stunning to have in gardens because of its unique flowers. A ball of star-like flowers forms on each stem, tending to bend downward.
When to plant: Summer
Seeds per hole: 2-3
Height: 8-18 inches
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Days to Maturity: approx. 60 days
Prairie Blazing Star
Scientific Name: Liatris pycnostachya
It makes a beautiful cut flower. It has grass-like leaves with a purple tufted flower head. Sometimes grown as an ornamental.
When to plant: Summer
Seeds per hole: 3-4
Height: 30-48 inches
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Days to Maturity: 20-25 days
Purple Coneflower
Scientific Name: Echinacea purpurea
The flowers are a golden red to purple. Coneflowers have been known to treat rattlesnake bites, bee stings, headaches, toothaches, and sort throats.
When to plant: Summer, Fall
Seeds per hole: 3-4
Height: 40-48 inches
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Days to Maturity: 1-2 years
Rose Milkweed
Scientific Name: Asclepias incarnata
Also known as Red Milkweed, Marsh Milkweed, or Swamp Milkweed. This flower has a vanilla fragrance with large rosy pink flowers.
When to plant: Summer
Seeds per hole: 3-4
Height: 30-48 inches
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Days to Maturity: 40-50 days
Tennessee Coneflower
Scientific Name: Echinacea tennesseensis
Recently removed from the federal endangered species list! Flat, pastel pink flowers with green and burgundy centers, and follow the sun like sunflowers.
When to plant: Summer
Seeds per hole: 3-4
Height: 12-24 inches
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Days to Maturity: 2-3 years
Whorled Milkweed
Scientific Name: Asclepias verticillata
The flower has greenish-white flowers and "whorled" leaves. *Can be toxic to livestock*
When to plant: Summer
Seeds per hole: 3-4
Height: 12-24 inches
Sunlight: Full to partial sun
Days to Maturity: germinate in 10-15 days, but flowers don't come in until the second year of growth
Plant descriptions and images are from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds and Prairie Moon Nursery.