Ageratum Ageratum 6-24 ins 6-12 ins A Whi/Blu/PinkAll Spr-FallFoe Resistant Moderate Sun45-85Average Clusters of small powder-puff like flowers. Also known as Flossflower- Seeds can be started indoors or under glass in early spring for summer flowers. Protect from excessive sun and cold while tender. Amaranthus Amaranthus tricolor 3-4 ft 18-24 insA Red/Gold All Spr-FallOver watering Bright Sun 45-90Average Brilliantly colored foliage of red/gold/bronze. Also known as Joseph's Coat. Amaranthus is used mainly as a background plant to offer an eyecatching display. Be careful not to let the brilliance overwhelm other plants. Anchusa Anchusa capensis 6-18 ins 12 ins A Blue All Spr-FallFoe Resistant Bright Sun 40-90Average Clusters of small blue flowers with white eyes. Also known as Summer Forget-me-not. Place seeds in the refrigerator for 3-4 days before planting. Sow seeds in mild sun or shade and water well. Cut back for blooms. Arctotis Arctotis 12 ins 12 ins A Mixed All Spr-Sum Frost Full Sun 50-80Sandy Large daisy-like flowers that bloom profusely. Also known as African Daisy. Sow seeds indoors or under glass and plant outdoors after all danger of frost is passed. It will tolerate drought conditions well. Aster Callistephus Chinen.6-30 ins 1-2 ft A Mixed All Spr-FallLeafhopper Full Sun 40-90Rich A wide variety of colors that flower profusely. Provides excellent cut flowers in late summer. It should be grown in a different location each year to avoid soil contamina- tion from virus. Likes lots of sun. Basil Ocimum basilicum 12-18in 12in A Purple leaf All Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull Sun 40-90Sandy Small white/purple flowers. Purple leaves Start seeds in a tray indoors about 2 mths before planting outdoors. Basil is grown mostly for its culinary value. Cut plants while in bloom and hang in cool dry area. Begonia Begonia semperfloren6-12in 6-18in A Whi/Red/PinkAll Spr-Aut Aphids/mealybugs Sun/shade 40-90Peaty Waxy green or reddish leaves. Small flowers. Start from seed indoors or start outdoors from purchased plants. They like the sun but will endure partial shade. Begonias are subject to powdery mildew attack. Bells O IrelandMolucella laevis 2-3ft 12in A White All Spr-Aut Frost Full sun 45-85Average Small white flowers on long spiky stems. Bells of Ireland do not transplant well so sow the seeds where the plants are to grow. It likes plenty of sun but does best where the temperatures are cool. Blue Lace Didiscus caerulea 2-3ft 12in A Blue All Spr-Aut Foe Resistant Full sun 45-90Light Small, scented blue flowers on long, stems. Sow seeds indoors or outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Blue Lace likes lots of sun but the stems which are rather frag- ile should be supported with stakes. Butterfly Fl. Schizanthus wisetone12-18in 12in A Bi-Color All Spr-Aut Frost Shade/sun 45-90Moist Bi-Color flowers on long stems over lacy foliage Sometimes known as the 'Poor man's orchid', the Butterfly flower is best started after all danger of frost is passed. Sow seeds in fall for winter flowering. Calendula Calendula officinali6-18in 6-12in A Yellow/Gold All Spr-Win Disease resistantSun/Shade 40-95Any Also known as Pot Marigold. Ideal for borders. Easy to grow in almost any soil, anywhere in the garden. Sow seeds after frost is passed. Tolerates shade or intense heat. Does best in cooler temperatures. Candytuft Iberis 6-18in 6-12in A Mixed All All yearDisease resistantSun/Shade 34+ Any A galaxy of colors from white to red. Candytuft will reward you with color all year round. Sow seeds in fall for flowers thru the winter. Does best in cool areas but will suffer from severe frost. Canterbury BellCampanula medium 2ft 1ft A Whi/Blu/PinkAll Spr-Aut Disease ResistantFull Sun 40-90Rich Can be grown as double or single flowers. Sow in early spring for summer blooming. Sow in autumn for flowers next spring. Give the Canterbury Bell plenty of sun and water freely. You may have to use stakes. Carnation Dianthus caryophillu1-2ft 1ft A Whi/Red/PinkAll Spr-Aut Rust Full Sun 40-90AlkalineFragrant, ideal for cut flowers. Easy to grow. Carnations like lots of sun and prefer a well drained soil, slightly alkaline. Propagate by seed and by layering. In warm climate it can be grown as a perennial. Celosia Celosia argentea 6-36in 12in A Yel/Gold/RedAll Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull sun 40-95Rich Colorful, feathery flowers in mixed varieties. Sow seeds in rich soil where you want the plants to grow. Stake if necessary. Try: 'Fireglow', 'Yellow Torreador', 'Jewel Box' Celosia does well as a dried flower. Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum 12-30in 12in A Whi/Yel/Red All Sum-Aut Snails Full sun 40-85Average A variety of colors. Daisy-like flowers. A popular and easily grown plants. Some- times grown as a perennial. The short variety is good for borders. It likes lots of sun and water. Pinch to help branching. Clarkia Clarkia elegans 1-2ft 6-12in A Mixed All Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull Sun 45-90Average Single and double flowers on long spikes. A wide variety of colors on plants that will bloom the first year from seeds sown early. Clarkia makes a good border plant but dislikes high humidity and transplant. Cleome Cleome spinosa 3-4ft 2ft A Whi/Red/PinkAll Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull Sun 40-90Average Scented flowers,like spiders, on long stems. An eye-catching plant, known also as the spider flower. Sow seeds where plant is to grow or buy plants. Likes lots of sun and some shade. Flowers close in the afternoon. Coleus Coleus blumei 6-36in 6-12in A Red/Yel/Whi All Spr-Win Mealybug, Aphids Part Shade 45-90Average Grown for its extraordinarily lovely foliage. Coleus should be started indoors in spring. Plant in partial shade, the sun tends to burn out the colors. Pinch out occasionally to encourage growth. Can be indoor plant. Cornflower Centaurea cyanus 1-3ft 12in A Whi/Red/PinkAll Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull Sun 40-90Light Also known as Bachelor's buttons. Profuse flower The Cornflower likes lots of sun, soft soil and slightly cool weather. It dislikes transplanting so place seeds where you want the plants. Try: Polka Dot Mixed, Snow Man. Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus 1-4ft 2ft A Yel/Red/PinkAll Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull Sun 40-90Average An attractive plant with daisy-like flowers. Cosmos is often grown for its use as cut flower for indoor display. Grow in average soil (rich soil means too much foliage). Try: Diablo, Purity, Sunset and Dazzler. Cynoglossum Cynoglossum amabile 1-2 ft 1 ft B Blue/White All Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull sun 40-90Average Also known as Chinese forget-me-not. Fragrant. Grows quickly, likes full sun or some shade. It has small, highly scented flowers and gray-green foliage. Try: Firmament and Blanche Burpee. Dahlia Dahlia hybrids 1-2ft 1ft A All colors All Sum-Aut Mildew Full sun 40-95Rich Single or double flowers all through the summer. Grow from seed or tuber (See bulb section). Seeds are usually packaged as mixed colors. Sow outdoors when warm in fertilized soil. Recover tubers after foliage dies back. Dusty Miller Senecio cineraria 6-30in 1-3ft A Silvery grayAll Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull sun 40-95Average Grown for its decorative, grayish foliage. It's easier to buy Dusty Miller as young plants. It seems to withstand drought, heat and coastal conditions well. Try: Diamond or Silverdust. Foxglove Digitalis purpurea 3-5ft 1-2ft A Whi/Red/PurpAll Sum-Aut Disease resistantLikes shade 45-95Moist Tubular flowers on tall spikes. Leaves poisonous Sow seeds indoors for early blooming or sow outdoors in Autumn for next season flowers. Likes soil that is porous but which will retain moisture. Try: Excelsior or Shirley. Gailardia Gailardia Pulchella 1-2ft 1-2ft A Multi color All Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull sun 40-95Any Daisy type flowers, single or double. Gallardia seems to thrive anywhere under any conditions. Grow from seeds either as separate colors or mixed. Tolerates high heat and drought. Try: Lollipop, Goblin. Globe amaranth Gomphrena globosa 6-18in 6-10in A Whi/Red/YellAll Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull Sun 45-95Average Paper like flowers. Suitable for cutting/drying. Give this plant as much sun as possible. It will grow under most adverse conditions. The dwarf version is suitable for borders. Seeds may be sown outdoors when warm. Gypsophila Gypsophila elegans 12-18in 6-12in A White/Pink All Sum-Aut Disease resistantSun/Shade 50-90AlkalineAlso known as Baby's Breath. Good for bouquets. Sow seeds every 3 or 4 weeks for continuous flowers as blooms are short lived. Does best in the sun. Use in garden between larger plants. Can be grown as perennial. Helipterum Helipterum species 12-24in 6-12in A Mixed All Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull Sun 45-90Average Double daisy-type flowers useful for drying. Can be purchased in mixed seed packets which provide a flowers of every imaginable color. To dry, cut as blooms open and hang upside down in airy room. Hollyhock Althaea rosea 2-6ft 1-2ft A All colors All Sum-Win Rust (Biennials) Full sun 45-90Average Single or double flowers on tall spikes. Usually grown as Biennial. The Annual form may bloom into early winter and is not affected by rust. Usually too big and ragged for indoor decoration. Honesty Lunaria annua 2ft 1ft A White All Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull sun 45-95Average Also known as the Money Plant. The seed pods are like silver dollar sized disks of white paper. Excellent in dried flower arrangements. Gather when seeds turn brown and rub off outer shell. Impatiens Impatiens wallerana 6-24in 1-2ft A Multi All Spr-Aut Disease resistantShade 50-90Compost Small flowers with solid colors. Care free. This popular plant is excellent for borders or as bedding showpiece. Likes rich or peaty soil and does best in the shade. Make sure it gets plenty of water in dry weather. Kochia Kochia scoparia 2-3ft 1-2ft A Foliage All Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull sun 40-90Average Grown for its feathery green floiage. Kochia is a good background plant, its foliage gradually turns bright red in the fall. Its flowers, purple are quite insin- ificant. Likes lots of sun. Larkspur Delphinium ajicis 1-4ft 1ft A Whi/Blu/PinkAll Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull sun 40-80Average Tall tapering spikes with single/double blooms. Sow seeds in early spring after frost in places you want the plants to grow. It does well in the shade and prefers cool weather. See seed packets for colors, (very varied). Lavatera Lavatera trimestris 2-3ft 2ft A Red/Pink All Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull sun 40-90Average Hollyhock like flowers appear in mid/late summer. Does not like to be transplanted so place seeds where the plants will grow. An attra- ctive plant with flowers sometimes as much as 3in in diameter. Stake support as needed. Lobelia Lobelia erinus 1-3ft 1 ft A Whi/Red/BlueAll Spr-Aut Disease resistantPart Shade 45-90Average Small flowers, sometimes with white 'eye'. Unless you want to indulge in growing seeds well in advance, it's better to buy young plants. Cut plants back after first bloom for a second blooming. Makes a good border. Love/Bleeding Amaranthus caudatus 1-2 ft 1-2 ft A White/Red All Sum-Aut Disease resistantFull sun 45-90Rich Long drooping tassels of red/white flowers. Sow seeds where they are to grow as soon as the weather turn warm. Love-lies-bleeding dislikes transplanting and prefers a good, rich soil. Excellent for dried flowers. Lupine Lupine species 1-3 ft 1 ft A Blu/Lav/PinkAll Summer Disease resistantSun/shade 45-90Lime freClumps of divided leaves, flowers on tall spikes Sow seeds in early spring for summer blooms (short blooming season). Prefers cool areas. You may prefer to grow the perennial form of lupine. Marigold Tagetes erecta 6-48 in 1-2 ft A Whi/Yel/OranAll Sum-Aut Disease resistantFull sun 45-90Average Single and double bi-colored flowers. The dwarf variety makes a good border plant that will flower into mid winter. Sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Remove blooms after flowering. Mignonette Reseda odorata 1 ft 6-12 in A Yellow-GreenAll Spr-Aut Disease ResistantSun/shade 45-90Average Very fragrant, especially in the late evening. Not especially attractive in appearance, Mignonette is grown mostly because of its fragrance. A small plant with yellowish- green flowers, it makes a good cut flower. Morning Glory Ipomoea purpurea 10 ft 1 ft A Blue All Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull sun 45-95Average A vine with single or double blue/white flowers. May be grown as an annual but in many areas will continue year after year. It may be used as a creeper or trained as a vine. Sow seeds where the plant is required. Mysotis Mysotis species 6-12 in 6-10 in A Blue/White All Spr-Aut Disease resistantSun/shade 50-90Average Also known as Forget-me-not. Clustered blooms. Forget-me-not is better grown as a biennial. Sow seeds in Autumn for plants the next year. As an annual, so seeds as early as possible but guard against frost. Nasturtium Tropaeolum majus 6-24 in 6-24 in A Yel/Ora/CrimAll Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull sun 45-95Poor/AveCompact/climbing/trailing in mixed colors. May be used in hanging baskets, window boxes or borders. Dislikes transplanting. Do not overwater. The leaves may be used in salads (taste like watercress). Nemesia Nemesia strumosa 1 ft 6 in A Multi 1/3/5 Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull sun 40-80Rich Bushy and compact. A wide variety of colors. This grows best in cooler climates where its colors show to advantage. Keep the soil moist and pinch to encourage branching. It is popular as a cut flower for indoor dec. Nicotinana Nicotiana species 1-3 ft 1-2 ft A Multi All Spr-Aut Disease resistantSun/shade 40-90Average Extremely fragrant, trumpet like flowers. Sow seeds on surface of ground or buy young plants. Some varieties close midday, others stay open all day. Try: White Bedder, Idol, Lime Green. Great evening fragrances. Nierembergia Nierembergia species6-24 in 4-6 in A Blu/Whi/PurpAll All Disease resistantSun/shade 40-90Rich Cup shaped flowers on slender stems. Very pretty. Sow outdoors when danger of frost is past. Also known as the Cupflower, Nierembergia likes rich and moist soil. If produces blooms over a long period. Nigella Nigella damascena 12-18 in 6-12 in A Multi All Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull sun 45-90Average Also known as Love-in-a-mist, Nigella resembles the Cornflower. It likes well drained soil and lots of sun. The flowering period is short so make a succession of seed sowings to achieve blooms through the summer. Petunia Petunia hybrida 10-18 in 12 in A Multi All Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull sun 45-90Average Large single and double flowers up to 2in across Sow seeds after frost is past but for early blooms buy plants grown commercially. The colors are vivid and vary from white to crimson. Try them in a hanging basket. Phlox Phlox drummondi 6-12 in 9 in A Multi All Spr-Aut Disease resistantFull sun 40-90Average Compact bush of 5 petaled flowers, multi colored An attractive plant that's easy to grow. Sow seeds where the plants are to grow as it dislikes transplanting. Ideal as cut flower. Try: 'Twinkle', 'Glamour'. Pink Dianthus chinensis 6-12 in 6-12 in A Whi/Red/PinkAll Sum-Aut Disease resistantFull sun 45-90AlkalineScented cousin to the Carnation. Easy to grow. Sow seeds where the flowers are to grow as it dislikes transplanting. The soil should be well drained and slightly alkaline. Take the heads from faded flowers for more blooms.Primrose Primula malacoides 12-18 in 6-12 in A Whi/Blu/Red All /2 Spr-Aut Rust Part shade 45-85Rich Low growing plant suitable for borders. Especially popular in the South-West, the primrose can be grown as a perennial by starting seed in trays in late Autumn. Else sow seeds outdoors early spring for summer. Snapdragon Antirrhinum majus 6 -36 in 1-2 ft A Red/Whi/Lav.Full sun Sum-Aut Rust Full sun 50-95Rich Single flowers on tall spikes. Ideal for cutting. This is another plant that's easiest to buy from the nursery. Know where you intend to grow the plant and buy the correct height. Remove faded flower heads for more blooms. Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus 1-10 ft 3-6 ft A Multi All Sum-Aut Fungus/Snails Full sun 50-90Rich Fragant, delicate blooms. Climbing, nonclimbing. Sow seeds outdoors in early spring. Treat seeds with bacterial inoculant prior to sowing. Keep soil moist but water at soil level to avoid fungus. Good cut flower. Sweet William Dianthus barbatus 6-18 in 6-12 in A Red/Whi/PinkAll Sum-Aut Rust Full sun 50-90Rich Cousin to the Carnation. Single, double blooms. Sow in early spring in rich or mulched soil. Watch for signs of rust. (See section on insects). Dwarf type can be used as border plant. Try 'Red Monarch' and 'Wee Willie'.
