Flowers

• Amish Cockscomb (Celosia cristata)
  This is an exceptional flower. I do consider myself first and foremost a vegetable grower but this is now a necessity for me in the garden. A very old flower, brought to Europe in the 1570s. It is absolutely stunning, really a standout. The fuzzy reddish flower heads resemble the comb of a rooster, although they have the interesting texture of what appears to be a brain. Easy to grow annual. 250 seeds.



• Black Velvet Nasturtium (Tropaeolum minus)
  Intense velvety-black flower, another completely unique color within this genus. Dwarf 10-12" plants are ideal for containers. For a great contrast, try adding blossoms to your fresh spring salads. Hardy annual. 25 seeds.



• Grandpa Ott's Morning Glory
  One of the original Bavarian varieties that started Seed Savers Exchange. Given to Kent and Diane (Ott) Whealy in 1972 by Diane's Grandfather, Baptist John Ott, who lived on a 40-acre farm near St. Lucas, Iowa. Beautiful deep purple flower with red star in its throat. A reliable self-seeder, will climb up to 15' with support. Packet 25 seeds.



• Hot Biscuits (Amaranth)
  (Amaranthus cruentus) Impressive upright ginger-coloured spikes, excellent as a cut flowers. Unusual. Try mixing with Japonica striped corn for a show-stopping display. Tender annual, 4' tall. 500 seeds.



• Jolly Jester
  This is such a happy looking flower, I have grown it for years. Pinwheel striped orange and maroon flowers on tall plants, some slight variations. Can handle poor conditions and blooms over a long period. Let it cheer up your garden! Packet 25 seeds.



• Kiss-Me-Over-The-Garden-Gate
  A hard to find heirloom, makes a lovely dried bouquet, but also very attractive fresh. Attractive dark pink pendulous caktins, which sway appealingly in the summer breeze. Direct seed. Doesn't transplant well, 6-9'. May take up to two months to germinate. Start seeds in early spring. 100 seeds.



• Milkmaid Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
  This is the closest to white of any nasturtium available to gardeners, unique within the genus. Many years of selection have gone into producing this variety, which is pale cream to yellowish-white. A great conversation piece in any garden. Plants climb 6' or more with proper support. Hardy annual. Packet 25 seeds.



• Outhouse Hollyhock
  This classic variety has graced outbuildings on Iowa farmsteads for over a century. Years ago, refined ladies just looked for the hollyhocks and didn’t have to ask where the outhouse was. Single blooms of white, light pink, pinkish-red, magenta and burgundy. Blooms the second year in the north or first year in more moderate long-seasoned climates. Self-seeding biennial, 6-9' tall.



• Red Marietta Marigold
  Long-blooming beautiful 2" blooms with that classic marigold smell. Perfect for borders or scattered throughout the garden-so pretty with the veggies too. 250 seeds.



• Summer Snowflake Marigold
  I am very attached to marigolds. They are simple, happy flowers with many forms and colours. I was blown away when I saw a picture of this one on someone's blog, and after receiving no response to my repeated questions about the seed source, I spent some time finding out for myself. This is a creation of the great Alan Kapuler, a stunning single frilly petaled beauty - I have never seen anything like it. 25 seeds.



• Sunrise Serenade-Ipomoea purpurea
  Very unusual ruby-red double flowers, strong climber. Unlike any other morning glory, unique within the genus. Half hardy annual. 25 seeds.

Sunflowers

Culture: Direct seed when soil is warm. Sunflowers grow easily and are quite carefree. 50 seeds.

• Mixture-Special forms
  A complete mixture of species and forms. If you can only plant one packet of sunflower seeds, this would be the one! Extended bloom period provides a nice supply of flowers for cutting from July until frost. For longer-lasting bouquets, be sure to pick heads that are just about to open. Plants average 4-6' tall. Annual. Starts blooming at 60 days.



• Titan
  One of the tallest-growing, biggest-headed and largest-seeded varieties available to gardeners. This is the one for impressing your neighbors and winning awards at county fairs. Grow your own backyard giant this year. Plants can grow 12' tall with large yellow heads reaching 18-24" across! Edible seeds. Annual. 75 days.