Ranunculus
Collected and edited excerpts on how to grow in Zone 4:
Start the corms indoors in late winter. They can be planted outside once the threat of a deep freeze has passed, which often occurs approximately a month before the last frost. If corms are exposed to temperatures below −4°C they will freeze and ultimately rot once they thaw, so be sure to protect them from extreme cold (they can usually handle down to -2). During cccc5 cold stretches, when temperatures dip below freezing, cover the plants with a layer of frost cloth. Late-winter or early-spring-planted corms will flower by mid-spring.
Planting: Soak for 3-4 hours. Prepare the tray by filling it halfway with potting soil. Place the corms on the soil and then cover with more of it. Leave the tray in a cool place for 10-14 days. You will want to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Check for roots by lifting them from the soil periodically. Once they have small, white roots that are 1/8 to 1/4 inch long, you can plant them outside. Plant the corms 1-2 inches deep and at least 3 inches apart. Add a generous dose of compost (2 to 3 in / 5 to 8 cm) and a balanced organic fertilizer (such as Nature’s Intent 7-2-4) and mix it thoroughly into the soil.
Ranunculus usually begin flowering about 90 days after planting. You can expect to pick flowers for 4-6 weeks, depending on the weather. Shade cloth can be used to help shield the plants from too much sun and heat. You may want to experiment with this to try stretching the flowering season.
Ranunculus should be deadheaded. In spring and summer as the flowers begin to die and wilt, cut them right to the base. This will encourage more blooms. Once the plant has finished flowering completely, you can cut back ranunculus or dig out the root ball if you choose. Be sure to cut spent flowers down to the base to promote new blooms.
https://gardentherapy.ca/ranunculus/
https://www.floretflowers.com/resources/how-to-grow-ranunculus/
Perennial Flower Seeds
Aubretia, Audrey Red Purple Mix Hybrid Seeds
One of the earliest blossoming perennials, this compact plant produces large red and purple flowers. Its long blooming habit along with the green foliage makes a great addition to flower beds.
Days to Germination: 6 – 10 days
Start 6-8 weeks prior to last frost
Growing Height: 6-8″
Cupid’s Dart, Blue Seeds
For borders
Days to Germination: 6 – 10 days
Start 6-8 weeks prior to last frost
Growing Height: 24″
Oxeye Sunflower
Cold-moist stratify seeds for 6-8 weeks.
Growing Height: 4-6′
Annual Flower Seeds
Ageratum
Start indoors. Used for foliage and flowers, the more you harvest from the plants, the more they will grow, cut and come again. May self seed. Heat tolerant, Long vase life.
Grow 9-12 inch spacing for best results. Pinch half,
Harvest when the flowers are ¾ of the way open, not in “bud” form. Be sure to cut low into the plant to encourage future growth. If harvesting for foliage, cut stems before the flower buds form. Cut deep into the plant to encourage branching and more growth.
Feverfew Matricaria
Feverfew is considered a short-lived perennial in zones 5-9. Our plants continue to overwinter well here in Nova Scotia (Zone 5) with no mulching and minimal snow cover. Can be grown as an annual in Zone 2b-4.
Growing Instructions: Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting in either the spring or fall. Gently press the seeds into growing medium, covering lightly as light is required for germination. Keep surface moist using a spray bottle. Transplant in 3-4″ pots once true leaves have emerged. Harden off 6-7 days before transplanting. Plant in full sun or partial shade.
Full Moon Lavatory
2-3 foot tall plants that resemble a small shrub by late summer,
Growing Information: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, or direct sow outdoors in early spring when only light frost is still possible. If starting indoors, soil temperature should remain 21°C. Seeds will sprout in 15-20 days. Transplant after last frost, but do not disrupt the roots.
Days to Germination: 15 – 20
Plant Spacing: 12″ – 24″ (30cm – 60cm)
Plant Height: 24″ – 36″ (75cm – 90cm)
Stocks, Night Scented Matthiola Seeds
Stocks do not like to be transplanted and it is best if they are sown directly into the garden when the soil is warm and all danger of frost is passed. Soil temperature (not air temperature) should be warmer than 12°C (53°F) for seeds to germinate. Planting at a lower temperature will delay germination. Choose a planting location in partial shade. Thin to 6-8″.
Days to Germination: 7 – 10 days
Start 8 weeks prior to last frost, Do not cover Snapdragon seed when starting seed indoors.
Days Until Bloom: 60 – 80 days
Growing Height: 18″
Cilantro, Coriander Seeds
Remember to cut your cilantro leaves regularly. This will not only keep the plant healthy but also ensure that you are using the freshest leaves from this herb. Regular harvesting by cutting the older, outer leaves will encourage your cilantro to continue producing new leaves from the center of the plant. Additionally, the more you harvest your cilantro, the better chance you have of snipping off immature flower stalks. This will help delay any bolting.
Cilantro seeds can be succession planted every 2 to 3 weeks until mid-July for a continuous supply of fresh cilantro.
Direct sow
Days to Maturity: 45 – 60 days
Sweet Pea, Streamers Mix Seeds
Growing Height: 7′
Could consider peat pots and toilet paper tubes
Or direct sow
Wait until the plant is 4″ tall, pinch off the tips to encourage bushy growth.
The planting area should be prepared and a trellis erected before planting seeds. Tie vines to the trellis to produce straight stems.
Morning Glory, Heavenly Blue Seeds
As the seed coats are hard, nick them with a sharp knife, or nail clippers, being careful not to damage the embryo inside and soak them overnight (but not longer) in room temperature water before planting to hasten germination.
Fertilized and/or rich soil produces lush foliage but no blooms. They thrive on neglect.
Days to Germination: 10 – 14 days
Start 4-6 weeks prior to last frost
Growing Height: 10′
Aster, Powder Puff Seeds
Days to Germination: 7-28 days
Start 6-8 weeks prior to last frost
Growing Height: 24″
Harvest aster flowers for indoor arrangements when they are about 1/2 way open
6″ plant spacing
Aster, Early Charm Seeds
Days to Germination: 7-28 days
Days Until Bloom: 60 – 90 days
Start 6-8 weeks prior to last frost
Growing Height: 24″
Harvest aster flowers for indoor arrangements when they are about 1/2 way open
6″ plant spacing
Nasturtium, Tall Climbing Mix Seeds
Start some indoors but plan to direct seed some outdoors under frost cloth as well
Days to Germination: 7-21 days
Days Until Bloom: 35 – 52 days
Moonflower Seeds
The vines will grow slowly until the weather becomes very warm, at which time their growth rate becomes rapid.
Days to Germination: 10 – 21 days
Start 4-6 weeks prior to last frost
Days Until Bloom: 60 – 90 days
Growing Height: 10′
Xantippe Celosia
About 3′ tall
Silverleaf Sunflower
Plants reach about 6’ tall and equally wide.
Zeolights Calendula
Sowing Direct sow in May, or start indoors in April
Transplant outdoorsLate May onwards. Plants can handle light frost
Verbena bonariensis
Upright branching plants grow to 6-7′ tall, starting late summer they continue into late autumn.
Start indoors in March or April. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, they need darkness to germinate. Can take 3-4 weeks to emerge.
Teddy Bear Sunflower
Branching multi-headed plants, about 3′ tall. Sturdy stalks topped with fluffy golden orange heads. Their long branches lend well to cut flowers. Blooms begin early August and continue throughout September. A good choice for containers. Try sprinkling their petals on salads!
Imperial Giants Mixed Scabiosa Seeds
30cm. Occasionally self sow. Scabiosa will attract hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators to your garden.
Sow seed directly outdoors for best results. Barely cover seed with soil and keep moist through the 10-14 day germination period. Thin the seedlings to 30 cm apart when the plants are 5 cm tall.
Good vase life. Start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before the last spring frost. Transplant after the risk of frost is over. They should be grown at 9-12” spacing. Be sure to provide some sort of support with netting or the plants will flop over into a tangled mess. Place netting hovering at about 12-18” high.
After the transplants are established and growing, it’s helpful to “pinch back” the center stem of the plant when they are less than 8” tall. To pinch, simply use clippers to remove the top of the plant, only leaving 2-3 sets of leaves behind. Pinch more than half. Deadhead for cut and come again. Plant seeds on their side.
Greens
Arugula Seeds, Wild
Direct sow
Days to Maturity: 35 to 50 days
Red Shisho
The young tender leaves make a flavourful addition to salads, sushi rolls
Grow a similar way to basil, reaching 3′
Horn of Plenty
Annual warm season salad green. Frost sensitive, and best suited for the summer months. Lilac flowers develop from the leafy rosettes and take over the show by late summer.
Ethiopian Kale
Direct seed in early spring at 1/4 – 1/2 inch deep and thin to strongest plant.
Sluis en Groot Spinach – American Long Standing
45 – 55 days to maturity
Plants reach about eight-ten inches in height and yield thick, dark-green leaves that are quite tolerant of heat and drought.
Ruby Red Lettuce Seeds (Leaf Type)
Sow as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring, then every two weeks thereafter to ensure a continuous supply. Sow about 3 mm deep in rows 45 cm apart. An even supply of moisture during the entire growth period is imperative for success. Harvest leaf lettuce by either pulling the entire plant or by cutting leaves from the main stem at least 2.5 cm above the base – this will allow the plant to sprout new leaves. Harvest head lettuce by cutting the head off at the base just below the lower leaves. Once lettuce bolts (starts to produce a rapidly growing flower stem) leaves become bitter.
Vegetable Seeds
Carrot, Scarlet Nantes Seed Tape
Carrot seeds should be sown directly into the garden when the soil is warm and all danger of frost is past.
Carrots grow quickly and more seeds can be succession planted every 2 to 3 weeks until mid-July for a continuous supply of carrots.
Days to Germination: 10 – 14 days
Days to Maturity: 68 days
Bean, Goldrush Bush Seeds
Direct sow in groupings but some can also be started indoors perhaps
Companion Planting: Plant near beets, corn, lovage, naturtiums, rosemary, squash, strawberries, sunflowers
Bean seeds can be succession planted every 2 to 3 weeks until mid-July for a continuous supply of fresh beans.
Too many beans maturing at one time? Try sowing 1/2 or 1/3 of a row one or two weeks apart to extend the harvesting of fresh flavorful beans.
For best taste, harvest pods when they are the thickness of a pencil.
Days to Germination: 6 – 14 Days
Days to Maturity: 53 Days
Plant Spacing: 6″
Growing Height: 24″
Patisson Golden Marbre Scallop Patty Pan Squash
Bush plants, generous production. Keep harvesting when they’re 3-5″ for a full season of these joyful little friends.
Crown Pumpkin
Sweet, dense and great for all kinds of baking. One of the very best eating pumpkins, with the silkiest consistency. Large sprawling vines.
Costata Romanesca Zucchini
Bushy plants which start fruiting early (mid-July from an early June transplanting). The striped and ribbed fruit can get big quickly, but remain tender with undeveloped seeds when up to 1 foot long. Keep them picked for a continuous harvest. Large blossoms are especially good for stuffing.
Rapini or Spring Raab Broccoli
Produces both tender young leaves and flowering shoots with tiny broccoli-like florets. Both the leaves and the heads can be eaten together creating a robust flavour that will dazzle your taste buds and leave you looking for more. By carefully picking young leaves, stems and flower buds, the harvest period can be spread out over 2 to 4 weeks.
Plants mature quickly and grow best in cooler weather. Both early and late crops are possible. For early crops, start seeds indoors in a soil-less mix from late March to early April. Set out the transplants in late April and early May spacing them about 45 cm apart in rows 90 cm apart. Fertilizing is essential. Use a balanced NPK granular or 20-20-20 water soluble. Keep the area weeded and evenly watered. One packet sows approx. 20 m of row when thinned to a 40-50 cm spacing. When the weather becomes hot, check the plants daily. High temperatures cause the flower buds to open quickly and taste and quality rapidly deteriorates. Germination occurs in 7-10 days.
Red Express Cabbage
Sow seed indoors in a soil-less mix 5 weeks before last frost date.
Long Island Improved Brussels Sprouts
Start seed indoors in a soil-less mix 4-5 weeks before your normal last frost date. Grow on at slightly cooler temperatures then, harden off and transplant outside to a sunny area in late May.
Green Sprouting Organic Broccoli
Since broccoli matures fairly quickly and makes its best growth in cooler weather, both early and late crops are possible. For early crops, start seeds indoors in a soil-less mix from late March to early April. Set out the transplants in late April and early May spacing them about 45 cm apart in rows 90 cm apart. Use a balanced vegetable fertilizer and keep the soil well weeded and evenly watered. Broccoli can become top heavy as the heads form so be prepared to stake taller varieties. Harvest the main head when the buds are tight and compact and well before flowering occurs. To do so, cut the centre stalk at an angle below the main head and avoid damaging the side shoots. This will encourage further heads to set and help prolong the harvest.
Extras
Oka Melon
Try dehydrating
Montreal Melon
An exquisite and historic melon, well adapted for our climate. Netted skin and green flesh. Their flavour isn’t musky like some cantaloupe, but light and richly fruity. For peak flavour, harvest the fruit when still firm and mostly green. When the green flesh ripens to yellow they’re slightly over-mature
Yellow Sweet Clover
Tough and beautiful biennial. Their first year foliage grows about knee-high, with thick taproots below ground. In year two they shoot up golden spires, the flowers can reach up to 6′. We love growing Sweet Clover as a nitrogen fixing cover crop. The taproots open up compacted soil, and they’re quite drought tolerant once established. Nectar crop beyond compare! When cut, the whole plant has a delicious scent as it dries, similar to vanilla.
Shirofumi Soybean
This mid-season edamame produces heavy yields of plump pods with three or four sweet, dark green seeds.
Eclipse Black Turtle Bean
Very productive bush plants
Costata Romanesca Zucchini
Large blossoms are especially good for stuffing.
Crown Pumpkin
Sweet, dense and great for all kinds of baking. One of the very best eating pumpkins, with the silkiest consistency. Large sprawling vines.
Patisson Golden Marbre Scallop Patty Pan Squash
Bush plants, generous production. Keep harvesting when they’re 3-5″
Black Beluga Lentil
Especially high in protein. – Grow lentils similarly to peas; direct sow in mid-spring and harvest the whole plant when the pods are mostly dry. Hang the plants under cover to dry, and then thresh the whole bundle, pods stems and all to extract the seeds
Rox Orange Syrup Cane Sorghum
A dual-purpose grain and syrup variety. Very tall stalks, laden with seed heads at the end of summer. The grains are easy to thresh, we harvested them early-October. Very productive as a grain crop. For syrup, much of September was seemingly a good window for harvest. We didn’t get around to pressing the stalks to make a proper batch of syrup (hopefully next year!), but we chomped them and slurped the sweet juice every chance we got.
SowingCan be direct sown after the risk of frost. I prefer to start mine indoors 4 weeks beforehand to give them a head start.
SpacingAbout 6-12″ between plants within the row, 24-36″ between rows.
HarvestStalks are sweetest when the grain is in the soft-dough stage
Ruby Moon Hyacinth Bean
Direct sow after the risk of frost. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks beforehand for a head start.
6-12″ between plants on the trellis.
Wild Leeks
Marina de Chioggia Squash Seeds (Winter Type)
Direct sow if possible. Plant indoors 3 weeks before.
Burpless Hybrid Cucumber
Peak flavour and vitamin content is reached when 20-25 cm long.
Even soil moisture is very important as cucumbers become very bitter if the plant becomes moisture stressed by hot dry weather.
Twister Hybrid Cauliflower
Start 5 weeks before plant out.
Borage
Start sees indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost.
Ordering and Shipping Info:
Hazel Bloom Farm: 4.50$
Annapolis Seeds: 5$
McKenzie Seeds: Free shipping over 35$, buy one get one promo
OSC: 5.70$
William Dam Seeds: 8.95
Fresh Cut Feelings 