Autumn Beauty sunflower can be started indoors in about 6 to 8

weeks prior to the last frost. Use small pots, trays, or other containers

that are at least 6 inches deep. The seeds should be planted 1/2

inch beneath the surface of the soil. Autumn Beauty sunflower can

be germinated in groups with 3 seeds together or individually. Be

sure to allow several inches of space between each seed or group

of seeds. The soil should be kept moist at all times while taking care

not to overwater the seeds. Keep the planter in a bright place. The

germination process typically takes 10 to 21 days.

When spring has arrived and there is no longer any danger of frost

conditions, Autumn Beauty sunflower seedlings can be safely

planted outdoors. Choose an area of ground with plenty of sunlight.

The seedlings should be planted approximately 12 inches apart. To

allow easier care and harvesting, plant the seedlings in straight rows

with 20 to 24 inches between each row. The soil should be kept moist

but not wet.

Directly sow outside in spring when the danger of frost conditions

has passed. Select an area that receives ample sunlight throughout

the day. Clean the area from weeds and loosen the soil. Sow the

seeds at the depth of 1/2 to 1 inch. Space the seeds approximately 12

inches apart and keep moist. If planting multiple plants, leave 20 to

24 inches between the rows.

Autumn Beauty sunflower will be ready for harvest once the flowers

have died back completely. The back of each flower head should be

brown. Cut the flower head, leaving 5 to 10 inches of stem and hang

to dry. When dried, rub the flower head over the bucket to catch seeds.
Some of the most common uses for Autumn Beauty sunflower include the 
production of cooking oil, margarine, broths, salads, cakes, and other desserts.

Sunflower seeds also make a great snack!

To get an early start, sow baby’s breath seeds indoors approximately 6 to 8
weeks before the last spring frost. Use a seed starting tray filled with well-

drained soil. Place seeds 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil moist until

germination. Keep the planter with seeds in a warm, bright site. For

best results, ensure that soil temperature is at least 70°F. Under the

right conditions, you will see the first sprouts in about two to three

weeks.

When seedlings sprout 2 pairs of leaves and all danger of frost has

passed, start hardening them off. Do this by bringing the planter

outside for a few hours per day and then gradually increasing their

time outdoors each day until they’re fully adapted to outdoor

growing conditions. Before transplanting to the garden, prepare the

soil bed by removing weeds and loosening the soil. Place the plants 9

inches apart and water generously.

Start preparing to plant outside when the danger of frost has passed.

Select an area in the garden that receives full sunlight. Prepare the

area by removing weeds and loosening the soil. Sow seeds 1/4 inch

deep and 9 inches apart. Keep the soil moist until germination. You

can sow baby’s breath two times per season as they’re fast growers.

Another option is sowing in the fall for early spring blooms. In this

case, sow the seeds a little deeper than usual.

Remove weeds regularly as these compete with the nutrients baby’s

breath gets from the soil. Water at least once a week or when the

soil is dry. Overwatering may cause root rot, so be careful! For flower

arrangements or for use in bouquets, cut long stems. For longer

display life, select flowers that are not fully opened yet.

To get an early start, California Giant zinnia can be started indoors—just be sure to
 handle the transplants very carefully as they are extremely sensitive.
Start seeds indoors, about 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
Prepare a seed starting tray and fill it with fertile, well-drained soil.
Sow 3 to 4 seeds per cell at the depth of 1/4 inch and water thoroughly, but gently.
Keep the soil constantly moist until germination occurs. The optimal soil

temperature needed for germination is anywhere between 70°F and

80°F.

Transfer the seedlings during spring or when the temperature is at

least 70°F and there’s no longer any risk of frost. Be sure to harden

them off by bringing trays outside for a few hours per day and then

gradually increasing their time outside each day until they can spend

a whole day outdoors. Thin the seedlings to the strongest, and plant

them approximately 12 to 18 inches apart. Do this carefully as they’re

extremely sensitive to transplanting. Water the seedlings thoroughly

and water regularly until established.

California Giant zinnia is best sown directly into the garden, in fertile,

well-drained soil. Sow seed directly in the spring, once the soil is

warm enough (at least 70°F) and there’s no longer any risk of frost.

The best time to direct-seed is 1 to 2 weeks after the last spring frost.

Seeds should be planted at the depth of 1/4 inch. When 3 inches tall,

thin the seedlings if they seem too crowded. Water gently. Direct-

seeding in early spring is particularly recommended for warm, frost-

free areas.

California Giant zinnia prefers rich, well-drained soil. It is relatively

drought-tolerant, but you can water the plant during prolonged

periods of drought. Pinch off the stems to promote bushier growth

and deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Zinnia

makes for a great cut flower; for a longer display, choose blooms that

are not fully opened. Fertilize occasionally.

For an earlier start, sow your Crackerjack marigolds indoors 6 to 8 weeks
prior to the last spring frost date in your zone. Using a seed starting tray filled

with a seed starting soil mix, sow marigold seeds at the depth of 1/4

inch. Sow several seeds per cell, as you will thin your seedlings once

they’re big enough. Keep evenly moist and maintain a steady soil

temperature of around 70°F–75°F. The seeds should germinate in a

week or two.

Once there’s no longer any risk of frost, your marigold seedlings

can be safely moved outdoors. Thin your transplants and leave only

the strongest ones. Prepare a planting site by breaking the soil and

adding garden compost. Plant seedlings 12 to 18 inches apart and

water thoroughly after planting. Water seedlings regularly until

established.

Crackerjack marigold seeds can be sown directly into the garden. The

best time for direct sowing is early spring in warmer climates or two

weeks after the last spring frost in cooler regions, when the soil has

warmed up to 70°F. Sow 2 to 3 seeds every 12 to 18 inches and cover

with 1/4 inch of soil. Water thoroughly.

Calendula seeds are best sown directly into the garden, though you

can start them indoors as well. If sowing indoors, start the seeds 6 to

8 weeks before the last spring frost in your area. Use seed starter trays

filled with a seed starting soil mix and sow several seeds per cell. Sow

them at the depth of 1/4 inch. Keep the soil moist and place the tray

in a warm and bright place. The optimal soil temperature needed for

germination is anywhere between 50°F and 65°F.

Once your indoor seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall and all danger of

frost has passed, you can transplant the seedling outdoors. Thin them

and use only the strongest seedlings. Plant them 12 to 18 inches

apart. Keep the area well-watered until plants become established.

Direct sowing can be done in spring and fall. In spring, wait until the

soil is warm enough (at least 60°F) and sow the seeds 2 to 3 inches

apart. After a few weeks, thin them to 12 to 18 inches. In fall, sow

the seeds after the first frosts start to hit, but before the soil freezes.

When sown in spring, calendula will bloom in a few weeks, but when

sown in fall, it will bloom the following season.

For the optimal germination rate, morning glory seeds
require scarification and a short period of stratification. To scarify the seeds,
gently cut the seeds’ coat with a clean knife, but be sure not to damage the interior.
You can also use sandpaper to remove the coating in one small area. Soak

the seeds in warm water for 12 to 24 hours. Seeds that have been

scarified and stratified should be sown as soon as possible.

Start your seeds indoors approximately 4 to 6 weeks before the last

expected frost in your area. Use a large container or a seed starting

tray and sow the seeds at the depth of 1/4 inch, spacing them 2 to 3

inches apart. Water the soil gently and keep the substrate constantly

moist. The seeds will germinate when the soil temperature ranges

between 65°F and 80°F.

Once your seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, they are ready to be

transplanted outside. Be sure that all danger of frost has passed,

otherwise, your seedlings may become damaged. Find a full-sun

position for your morning glory seedlings and install some kind of

support (trellis, lattice, fence, or pergola). When planting multiple

plants, space them 1 to 2 feet apart. Water the seedlings thoroughly

after planting and water regularly until established.

Morning glory seeds can be direct-sown in spring, when the soil

has warmed to approximately 65°F or 2 weeks after the last frost in

your area. As mentioned above, prior to sowing, install some kind of

support. Sow the seeds every 6 to 12 inches and water thoroughly.

When the seedlings are 2 to 3 inches tall, thin them to 1 to 2 feet

apart.

Heavenly Blue morning glory prefers moderately fertile, but well-

drained soil. It has moderate watering requirements but will benefit

from extra water during hot spells or prolonged periods of drought.

Regularly remove the spent flowers to promote more blooms.

Removing the flowers will also prevent the plant from reseeding.

Luminosa zinnia can be started indoors— just be sure to handle
the transplants very carefully as they are extremely sensitive.

When starting indoors, prepare a seed starting tray and fill it with well-drained soil
4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Sow 3 to 4 seeds per cell and keep

moist until germination. The optimal soil temperature needed for

germination is anywhere between 70°F and 80°F.

When it is warm enough outside or after the last spring frost, transfer

the seedlings from the seed starting tray outside. Be sure to harden

them off by bringing trays outside for a few hours per day and

then gradually increasing their time outside each day until they’re

fully adapted to outdoor growing conditions. Pick the strongest

seedlings and plant them in an area that receives full sunlight. Plant

the seedlings 12 to 24 inches apart and water regularly until the

stems are strong and upright. Do this carefully as zinnia seedlings are

extremely sensitive to transplanting. Water the seedlings thoroughly

and water regularly until established.

To start zinnias outdoors, sow the seeds directly into the garden

when the soil has warmed up to at least 70°F. This usually happens

1 to 2 weeks after the last spring frost. Sow them 1/4 inch deep 6 inches apart.
Water thoroughly. When 3 inches tall, thin to 12 to 24

inches. Direct-seeding in early spring is particularly recommended in

warm, frost-free areas.

Polka Dot bachelor’s button seedlings do not respond well to

transplanting so starting indoors is usually not advised.

In cool climates, Polka Dot bachelor’s button should be sown directly

in spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Find a part of your

garden that receives full sunlight. Plant the seeds 1/8 inch deep 6 to

8 inches apart. Water thoroughly, but gently, and keep well-watered

until established. Being a self-seeding variety, once planted, it will

come back each spring.

Bachelor’s button can be sown directly in fall. The seeds will

germinate the following spring. In mild winter areas, bachelor’s

button is best sown in fall.

Polka Dot bachelor’s buttons are perfect for fresh and dried flower

bouquets and arrangements. The flower petals are edible—they have

a peppery taste with cloves undertone. Use as a garnish for salads,

cheese plates, and desserts. These can also be used in brewing tea.

To get an early start, you can start cosmos seeds indoors,
6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost date in your area. Using a container or a
seed starting tray, sow the seeds at the depth of 1/4 inch, spacing them 2 to 3

inches apart. The soil should be constantly damp, but not overly

wet. Keep the planter in a warm place that receives a lot of indirect

light. When the soil temperature is around 64°F–77°F, the seeds will

probably germinate in less than 10 days.

When all danger of frost has passed and your seedlings are 2 to

3 inches tall, harden them off before transplanting them into the

garden. Bring them outside for just a couple of hours per day and

then gradually increase their time outside each day until they can

spend a whole day outdoors. This way, your seedlings will acclimatize

to the outdoor growing conditions such as hot sun and wind.

When your seedlings are adapted to the outdoor environment,

transplant them into their permanent garden place by spacing them

approximately 18 inches apart. Water the seedlings regularly until

they become established.

Direct-seed in spring around the last frost, or in the fall after the first

killing frost. Scatter the seeds over the area and cover them with

a thin layer of soil. Keep the area moist. When seedlings are 2 to 3

inches tall, thin if they seem too crowded. When sown in spring,

cosmos will bloom within a few weeks, but when sown in the fall, it

will bloom the following season.

Cosmos is an extremely low-care plant that can withstand drought

very well. Water only if you notice that plants are starting to wilt. Cut

the blooms to promote bushier growth and more flowers. If you’d like

to prevent cosmos from reseeding, remove the flowers before they

go to seed.

Tall Blue bachelor’s button seedlings do not respond well to

transplanting so starting indoors is usually not advised.

In cool climates, Tall Blue bachelor’s button should be sown directly

into the garden once as soon as the soil can be worked. Start sowing

outdoors when the soil temperature is at least 70°F. Find a part of

your garden that receives full sunlight. Prepare the garden bed by

loosening the soil and removing weeds. Plant the seeds 1/8 inch

deep 6 to 8 inches apart. Water thoroughly, but gently, and keep

well-watered until established. Being a self-seeding variety, once

planted, it will come back each spring.

Bachelor’s button can be sown directly in fall. The seeds will

germinate the following spring. In mild winter areas, bachelor’s

button is best sown in fall.

Direct-seed in spring around the last frost, or in the fall after the first

killing frost. Scatter the seeds over the area and cover them with

a thin layer of soil. Keep the area moist. When seedlings are 2 to 3

inches tall, thin if they seem too crowded. When sown in spring,

cosmos will bloom within a few weeks, but when sown in the fall, it

will bloom the following season.