H550 MEDICO ALFALFA. Medicago sativa. Easy to grow tree reaching 60 ft. or more with mimosa like leaves and large clusters of blue trumpet flowers. Also can raised inside very easily in containers. Small pack $1.95
8524 PURPLE PASSION FLOWER. (Passionaria) Passiflora. Seems to be a favorite nectar source of the Gulf Fritillary, but draws many others also. A vigorous growing vine to 20 ft. or more bearing the famous "Passion Flower" known worldwide. Easy to grow. 5 seeds $2.00
2208CD LONG STEMMED BLACK EYED SUSANS. (Rudbequia, Ojo de Poeta, Ojo de Venus) Rudbeckia Asteraceae. Black Eyed Susans seem to attract the Great Spangled Fritillary better than any other flower. This is just an observation, not a documented fact. They are a good nectar source for many species. This variety of Black Eyed Susans is particularly well suited for cut flowers. Vase life is 6-10 days. 25 seeds $1.75
7911 BUTTERFLY BUSH. Buddleia. Often visited by Pipevine Swallowtail, Anise Swallowtail, Tiger Swallowtails, Painted Lady, Monarchs and many other varieties. A vigorous, deciduous bush with long closely packed, very fragrant, lilac to purple flowers. The nectarine filled flowers will attract butterflies constantly. Mostly used in a garden setting. The fragrant flowers make great potpourri fixings. Zones 5-10. 25 seeds, $1.95 For Picture/Culture Information Click Here
H550 MEDICO ALFALFA. Medicago sativa. Alfalfa produces a large amount of nectar, which is highly attractive to many species of bees, and from which honey bees produce excellent crops of high quality honey. This strain of alfalfa can be made into a tea by placing two teaspoons of dried leaves in a cup of boiling water and soaking for 15 minutes. This tea is used to treat arthritis, boils, digestive disorders, urinary tract infections and bowel disorders. The chlorophyll in this brew will also dispatch of bad breath. Eating the sprouts in salads is also very beneficial. Small pack. $1.95
H725 RED CLOVER. (Trébol Rojo) Trifolium pratense. Clover is highly attractive to bees, which visit it avidly for nectar and pollen. Red Clover has long had a reputation as a cancer fighter. The plant contains large amounts of tocopherol, a potent antioxidant form of vitamin E that has been shown to prevent tumor formation in animal studies. It may also provide effective relief for menopausal symptoms as elements of the plant behave like estrogen. A tea can be made by boiling three teaspoons of dried flower tops per cup of water and steeping 15 minutes. Drink 3 cups a day. Small Pack $1.95 For Picture Click Here
2227C PURPLE HORSE MINT. Monarda citriodora. A hardy annual with deep purple to lavender blooms. Flowers are arranged in whorls stair- stepping up a single stem. Attracts bees and hummingbirds. 25 seeds $1.75
GO72 MOSQUITO PLANT. Agastache cana. This hardy perennial will provide you with sweetly scented foliage and large 1" rosy- purple flowers. It attracts hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. The crushed foliage rubbed on the skin is said to repel mosquitoes. 10 seeds $2.00
H883 VITEX, CHASTE TREE. (Vitelo) Vitex negundo. A magnificent garden plant, it blooms profusely all summer attracting bees and butterflies. The plants can achieve a height of 10 ft. or more. Plants are used medicinally to relieve headaches, dizziness, colds and mental problems. Zones 6-10. 10 seeds $2.00
HR370 BORAGE. (Borraja) Borage officinalis. Cucumber flavored leaves used in salads and summer drinks. Good bee plant. Zones 3-10. 50 seeds $1.75 For Picture Click Here
HR229 THYME, ENGLISH. (Tomillo) Thymus vulgaris. Seasoning for poultry chowders, stews, sauces and pickles. Good honey plant for bees. 50-75 seeds $1.75
HR167 LEMON MINT. (Menta Limón) Monarda citriodora. Lemon scented foliage and blooms attracts bees and butterflies. The oils of the plant have been used to dress wounds. 35 seeds $1.75
HR105 BALM, LEMON. (Bálsamo Limón) Melissa officinalis. Lemon scented leaves and sprigs used to make teas and cool drinks. Good for potpourri and the flowers attract bees. 25 seeds $1.75
Note about seed germination: Most species of seeds have hard casings to protect the seed "embryo". For most of these "hard" seeds, the outer shell must be scarred, scratched or softened in some way. Some species take up to a year to germinate and will need help in the beginning to get the shell softened. Most varieties of slow germinating seeds will turn black and rot if there is not sufficient heat in the soil (75 to 90 degrees F. for most species) or if the soil dries out or is allowed to remain too wet, which will encourage the growth of one or another of the varieties of fungus or mold. It is important to speed up germination and to get the plants growing as soon as possible in order to avoid potential problems. Anyone who has soaked dried beans before cooking is familiar with the process of softening up the shell. When the outer shell is softened it allows the contents to expand. Potassium Nitrate (Saltpeter) can help in softening up these outer shells. It is available in many drug stores, but for those who have difficulty obtaining a small amount, we offer 1 teaspoon packets for $1.00. Soak the seeds in a solution of one teaspoon of the Saltpeter to one quart of warm water for at least 24 hours. Do not allow the seeds to dry out but sow them immediately using the remaining solution to water the soil or other growing medium. Soak several species of seeds at once in smaller containers of the same solution and have the containers of growing medium or soil ready for planting as soon as the soaking period is complete. SS100 Potassium Nitrate (Saltpeter) one teaspoon packet $1.00