This page gives basic identification and instructions for growing seeds given away by the Harbord Village Gardeners at the 2023 HVRA Fall Fair. The poster was created by Amy Furness to display at the Gardeners’ table. (The list below contains more varieties than shown on the poster.)
- Native varieties are listed below in green font — they’re easier to grow, and they attract and nourish pollinators.
- Some packages (marked) contain from 2022. They were stored carefully and the seeds are still good to grow.You may want to plant extra to be sure of adequate sprouting.
Calendula: Ancient annual flowering herb 30cm tall, yellow & orange daisy-like flowers attract pollinators. Sprinkle or direct sow in early spring; thin to10cm apart.
Chives: Purple-flowering native annual, edible flowers and stems. Attracts pollinators. Scatter seeds in fall or early spring. Grows in clumps.
Coriander. Flavourful annual herb with white flowers that bees like. Leaves disappear in hot weather, but can be re-sown in cooler weather. Sprinkle on ground in fall or spring.
Cleome. 1m tall annual, attracts pollinators. Sprinkle seeds in late fall or plant in June. Germinates only when days/nights are warm, then grows fast.
Coneflower (Echinacea). Native perennial, 1-1.5m tall. Usually pink flowers, late summer and fall. Sow seeds outside in fall or early spring, thin to 15 cm apart.
Globe thistle. 1.5 to 2m high perennial, dramatic blue flowers beloved by bees. Expose seeds to cold temp for several weeks before planting outside or inside; thin to 70cm apart.
Pink (swamp) milkweed. Tall native perennial, host to Monarch butterflies. Open pods and scatter seeds in November. Or plant in spring. Blooms 2nd year.
Orange (butterfly) milkweed. Medium-height native perennial, host to Monarch butterflies. Open pods and scatter seeds in November. Or plant in spring. Blooms 2nd year.
Monarda (Bee Balm). Native perennial, scented red blooms. Grows to 1m high, 70cm wide. Part shade to full sun, prefer moist soil. Plant tiny seeds inside, transplant 25cm apart.
Nasturtium. Annual, edible leaves and bright-coloured flowers. Plant in ground or container in late May; emerges in 10 days, blooms in 5-6 weeks. Don’t fertilize.
Nicotiana. Medium-tall native annual, scented, attracts pollinators. Scatter seed early June, thin to 15cm apart, grows fast. Self-seeds.
Parsley. Edible herb with pretty white flowers that bees like. Plants last for 2 years. Sprinkle on ground in early fall or plant early spring.
Perennial sweet pea. Native perennial vine, up to 3m high and 2m wide. Pink flowers. Sprinkle seeds in early fall or plant in container or ground in spring. Full sun or part shade.
Red Canadian columbine. Native perennial, short-lived but will self-seed to form clumps. 30-40cm tall. Handsome red and yellow flowers, spring to early summer; blooms in part shade. Plant seeds in spring, keep seedlings watered.
Scarlet runner beans (“Jack and the Beanstalk.”) Fast-growing annual vine. Bright red flowers attract pollinators and hummingbirds. Plant 10cm apart in full sun early June. Provide support. Water well.
Yellow hollyhock. Very tall perennial or biennial, self-seeding; attracts bees. Scatter on ground in fall or start inside, thin or transplant to 60cm apart.