AMARANTHACEAE. 'COCKSCOMB'. Popular annuals grown for their dense, showy flowerheads, which are excellent for drying. Easy from seed, best sown indoors and set out in May, when warm weather sets in. Rich soil, plenty of moisture. Do not use chemical fertilizers as they will split the combs. Seed germinates in 10 - 15 days at warm temperatures. Space 12". Full sun. For drying, remove leaves from stems and hang upside down. They flower well in 5" pots. Best in hot summer climates. Seed viable 4 - 8 years. In China, C. argentea is eaten as a vegetable.
—Celosia cristata Amigo Mahogany Red. (b,h) CELO-8AM. Packet: $2.50
'COCKSCOMB'. Velvety, deep crimson folded and crested heads. The darkest red we have seen. Large heads on compact 6" plants with dark leaves.
—Celosia cristata Amigo Neon Rose. (b,h) CELO-8AN. Packet: $2.50
'COCKSCOMB'. Bright glowing rose-red heads, deeply folded. Large heads on compact 6" plants.
CENTAUREA (sen-ta-REE-a)
COMPOSITAE. 'CORNFLOWER', 'BACHELOR'S BUTTONS'. A large genus of annuals and perennials, including many old garden favorites, grown for their flowers and foliage. Easily grown from seed in light, well-drained soil in full sun. Rich soil will reduce the number of blooms. Sow annuals where they are to stand in September or March, or early indoors. Biennials and perennials any time from January to September. Germinates in 1 - 3 weeks at warm temperatures. Sow 1/4" deep as darkness may help germination. Seed viable 5 - 10 years.
Centaurea Cyanus Varieties:
'CORNFLOWER', 'BACHELOR'S BUTTONS'. A favorite garden flower, it is a branching hardy annual to 1 - 3 feet, with large 1 1/2" flowers in a variety of colors. Narrow 6" leaves. Excellent cut flowers. "One of the most popular of garden flowers." —L. H. Bailey, 1906. Germinates in 1 - 3 weeks.
"On Centaurea Cyanus 'Tall Blue Boy' and C. americana 'Jolly Joker' advise that these should be sown thinly, because the germination rate is astounding, and their vivid colors make these stand out beautifully in the border. 'Blue Boy' is especially striking when paired with Dusty Miller 'Silverdust'." —C. Malanowski, South Carolina, 6/2001.
—Centaurea Cyanus Dwarf Jubilee Gem. (b,h) CENT-1D. Packet: $1.00 OUT OF STOCK
Oz: $5.00, 1/4 lb: $10.00 OUT OF STOCK
Blue flowers. To 1 1/2 feet. Good for naturalizing.
—Centaurea Cyanus Tall Blue Boy. (b,h) CENT-1T. Packet: $1.00
Germination: 78% Tested: 2/08, Oz: $5.00, 1/4 lb: $10.00
Blue flowers. To 2 1/2 feet. Good for naturalizing.
—Centaurea Cyanus Emperor William. (b,h) CENT-IE. Packet: $2.00
Germination: 96% Tested: 9/07, 5 grams: $6.00, 25 grams $16.00
'CORNFLOWER'. Clear, dark, marine blue flowers. This variety is the last of the old, tall, single flowered varieties in existence. It is the closest to the wild plant. Hardy annual to 3 feet. One of the best. Long blooming, unlike the modern types. Germinates in 1 - 2 weeks.
—Centaurea Cyanus Black Ball. (b,g) CENT-IBB. Packet: $2.00
Dark flowers on a nice annual to 3 feet. Germinates in 1 - 3 weeks.
—Centaurea Cyanus Red Boy. (b,g) CENT-IRB. Packet: $2.00
Bright ruby red flowers on a nice annual to 3 feet.
—Centaurea Cyanus True Wild Form. (b,h) CENT-IW. Packet: $2.00 Click for photo »
Germination: 76% Tested: 10/07, 10 Grams: $7.50 BULK OUT OF STOCK - PACKETS ARE AVAILABLE
'CORNFLOWER', 'WITCHES' BELLS'. Beautiful blue flowers from July to September on a hardy annual to 1 - 3 feet, with cottony foliage. Europe. This is the rare true wild ancestor of the common bachelor's buttons. Lovely and worth growing. Germinates in 1 - 4 weeks, sometimes with dormancy.
Other Centaurea Species:
—Centaurea Jacea. (c,h) CENT-32. Packet: $2.00
'RADIANT CORNFLOWER'. Rosy-purple 1 1/2" flowers. Europe, Himalayas, & N. America. Medicinal, used for bruises. Perennial. Germinates in 1 - 3 weeks.
—Centaurea macrocephala. (c,h) CENT-38. Packet: $2.00
Germination: 96% Tested: 9/07, 1/4 Oz: $6.00, Oz: $16.00
'GLOBE CORNFLOWER'. Huge golden yellow egg-shaped flowers up to 4" across. Hardy perennial to 3 feet. Armenia. Zone 3. Excellent, long-lasting cut-flowers. Dries well. Germinates in 1 - 3 weeks.
—Centaurea nigra. (c,h) CENT-52. Packet: $2.00
'BLACK CORNFLOWER', 'SPANISH BUTTONS'. Purple 1 1/2" flowers from black buds. Hardy perennial to 2 feet, with 6" leaves, blooming June to August. Europe. Germinates in 1 - 4 weeks warm.
—Centaurea phrygia. (c,g) CENT-60. Packet: $2.00
Purple 2" wide flowers in summer, on a hardy perennial to 2 - 4 feet, with 6" basal leaves. Europe. The flower buds have long appendages, and have been described as "wig-like" of all peculiar things. Germinates in 1 - 4 weeks.
CENTRANTHUS (ken-TRAN-thus)
VALERIANACEAE. Attractive, hardy, old-fashioned annuals and perennials grown for their dense heads of showy flowers. Easily grown in most soils in full sun, but standing part shade well. Excellent for naturalizing. Sow seed in March or April. Barely cover, germinates in 2 - 8 weeks at cool temperatures. Space 6 - 12" apart. Seed viable 4 years.
—Centranthus ruber Coccineus. (b,h) CENS-4R. Packet: $2.00
Germination: 82% Tested: 10/07, 5 grams: $12.00, 10 grams $18.00 BULK OUT OF STOCK - PACKETS ARE AVAILABLE
'JUPITER'S BEARD', 'RED VALERIAN', 'PRETTY BETSY', 'DRUNKEN SAILOR'. Dense clusters of fragrant red flowers in early summer. Hardy perennial to 3 feet, with bluish green 4" leaves. Eurasia. Good cut flower, attracts butterflies. Self-sows and stands poor dry soil. Good on rocky slopes and walls. The leaves are eaten in salads in Italy, and are said to be exceedingly good, and the roots were used in French soups. "Hard to beat for long showy bloom in difficult situations." —Sunset.
CEPHALARIA (se-fa-LA-ree-a)
DIPSACEAE. Easily grown annuals and perennials resembling Scabiosa. Striking summer bloom. Good for cut flowers. They do well in heavy soils, and stand up to wind and rain.
—Cephalaria gigantea. (d,g) CEPH-10. Packet: $2.50
Click for photo »
'GOLDEN SCALEHEAD', GIANT YELLOW SCABIOSE'. Giant herb to 6 - 10 feet, with sulfur-yellow 2" flower heads on 2 - 3 foot stems, June & July. Pinnately divided leaves. Caucasus. Full sun. Zone 4 or more. Highly ornamental and striking. Germinates in 2 - 4 weeks warm.
CERASTIUM (se-RAS-tee-um)
CARYOPHYLLACEAE. 'MOUSE EAR'. Low growing hardy annuals and perennials, often mat forming or tufted, excellent in the rock garden or for edging. Easily grown in ordinary soil for their silvery leaves and showy, star-like, white flowers in May and June. Sow shallowly December to fall, to germinate in 5 - 20 days, some species up to 50 days at cool temperatures. Seed viable 4 - 7 years or more.
NEW—Cerastium Biebersteinii. (a!,h) CERS-6. Packet: $2.00
Germination: 72% Tested: 10/07, 1/2 Oz: $6.00, Oz: $9.00, 1/4 lb: $25.00
'MOUSE-EAR', 'SNOW-IN-SUMMER'. Abundant white inch-wide flowers in May and June, on a silvery-woolly hardy creeping perennial to 12 - 14", with 2" leaves. Crimea. A nice, hardy, drought-resistant mat-former. Germinates in 1 - 2 weeks.
—Cerastium tomentosum Silver Carpet. (b,h) CERS-26. Packet: $2.00
'SNOW IN SUMMER'. Masses of pure white, snowy 1/2 - 3/4" flowers in early summer. Hardy perennial to 6 - 8", forming mats of silvery foliage. Europe. Does well in hot dry spots or light shade, forming 2 - 3 foot wide mats the first year. Stands cold climates & desert equally well. Germinates in 2 - 3 weeks.
CERATONIA (ser-a-TOW-nee-a)
LEGUMINOSAE. A single species. Drought resistant, good in desert areas. Needs 12 - 14" rain per year. Strains are hardy to 18 - 22°F, but should be protected for the first few years. Any soil except clay or wet ground. Good in California & the Gulf States. Nick and soak seed until swollen; boiling water may help. Germinates in about 2 - 4 weeks at warm temperatures. Do not injure tap root when transplanting.
—Ceratonia Siliqua. (e,g) CERQ-1. Packet: $1.50
Oz: $6.00
'CAROB', 'ST. JOHN'S BREAD', 'ALGAROBA'. Red flowers followed by thick, fleshy, shiny brown 4 - 12" pods. Evergreen tree to 20 - 50 feet, with attractive shining pinnate leaves. E. Mediterranean region. The large thick pods are rich in protein and sugar, and are a wholesome food for man and beast. Long cultivated in its native land. The pulp is a valuable sweetener and chocolate substitute. The seed and pods are roasted as coffee substitutes. They may be fermented and distilled, the drink retaining the flavor of the pod. The milled seeds alone produce a flour containing 60% protein, and no sugar or starch, suitable for diabetics. As livestock feed the pods are superior to oats and comparable to barley. Average yield is 200 - 450 lbs per tree, up to 3000 lbs has been recorded. The wood is pinkish.
CERATOTHECA (ser-a-to-THEE-ka)
PEDALIACEAE. Ornamental African herbs grown for their attractive foxglove-like flowers. Best in rich sandy soil and full sun, outdoors in warm areas or in the greenhouse in the North. Sow in March, keep warm, germinates in 8 - 12 days. Plant out in June, flowers in 5 months from sowing.
—Ceratotheca triloba. (b,h) CERA-18. Packet: $2.00
'ZIMBABWE FOXGLOVE', 'UDONQA' (Zulu name). Large showy 3" long mauve or lilac foxglove-like flowers in slender spikes, the throats often striped purple. Tender annual to 6 feet, with ovate to 3-lobed leaves. South Africa. Choice. Germinates in 1 - 2 weeks.
CERCIDIUM (ser-SID-ee-um)
LEGUMINOSAE. 'PALO VERDE'. Small trees or shrubs with green bark, bipinnate leaves and showy 5-petaled yellow flowers. Deserts of the Southwest & México. Good ornamentals in desert areas, they are leafless most of the year, the distinctive green bark presenting a striking appearance. Nick & soak seed.
—Cercidium Torreyanum (=floridanum) (e,h) CERD-10. Packet: $2.00
Seed has been treated with Sevin, then washed.
'PALO VERDE'. Showy bright yellow 3/4" flowers, and grey green foliage for a short time in spring. Distinctive smooth bright green bark. Intricately branched tree to 25 feet. When in bloom it is the most beautiful feature of the Colorado desert of Southern California. The abundant pods furnish stock food and were ground into palatable meal by Indians. Excellent fuelwood. Nick seed to germinate in 2 weeks. The Shoe-Trees of the Mojave and Colorado Deserts.
CERCIS (SER-sis)
LEGUMINOSAE. Handsome N. Hemisphere trees and shrubs noted for their profuse early spring bloom on bare branches before the leaves. Not closely related to any other genus, they may be a Tertiary relic. Attractive foliage, and blooms young. They thrive in fertile sandy loam. The wood is hard, finely veined black & green. Nick seed and give cold if specified.
—Cercis canadensis. (d,g) CERC-1. Packet: $2.00
'EASTERN REDBUD'. Rosy pink 1/2" flowers on a pretty tree to 40 feet. Blooms before the round leaves come out. E. U.S. The only species hardy north of New York. The French Canadians used the flowers in salads and pickles, and the young branches dye wool a fine nankeen color. Nick and soak, then give 8 weeks cold to germinate in 2 - 4 weeks.
CEREUS (SEER-ee-us)
CACTACEAE. Strong, vigorous columnar cacti reaching tree-like proportions with age. Good grafting stock. Large, night-blooming, trumpet-shaped, mostly white flowers. Some have edible fruits. Easy from seed; germinates in 2 - 3 weeks.
—Cereus peruvianus. (e,h) CERE-29. Packet: $2.00
'NIGHT-BLOOMING CEREUS', 'PERUVIAN TORCH'. Tall columnar cactus to 10 - 40 feet, branching freely. Bluish to dull green, with 5 - 8 thin ribs. Nocturnal 7" white flowers are slightly fragrant. Argentina to Brazil, not Peru.
—Cereus xanthocarpus. (c,h) CERE-98. Packet: $2.00
Bluish green columnar cactus to 20 feet or so, with 4 - 6 deep wavy ribs and inch-long spines. White 5 - 8" flowers open at night, followed by yellow 3" edible fruits. Paraguay. Zone 9. Germinates in 1 - 8 weeks.
CERINTHE (ker-IN-the or ser-IN-the)
BORAGINACEAE. Easily grown Mediterranean region annuals and perennials grown for ornament. Best in well-drained, moist limey soil in part shade.
—Cerinthe major purpurascens. (e,h) CERI-16P. Packet: $2.00
'HONEYWORT'. Purple-blue nodding tubular 3/4" flowers are yellow at the base, surrounded try striking deep blue bracts. Bushy annual or short-lived perennial to 1 1/2 feet, with oval, grey-green, slightly succulent leaves. Mediterranean. Good bee plant. Germinates readily in 1 - 3 weeks.
CHAENORRHINUM (kee-no-RY -num)
SCROPHULARIACEAE. West Eurasian annuals and perennials resembling Linaria, grown for their almost constant delicate bloom. Good among rocks.
NEW—Chaenorrhinum organifolium Summer Skies. (10,h) CHAN-20S. Packet: $2.00
Abundant pale blue-lilac snapdragon-like 1/2" flowers cover the plant in June to August. Perennial trailer to 6", with small round leaves. Southern Europe. A nice compact variety, often blooming the first year. Zone 6 or 7. Germinates in 1 - 2 weeks.
CHASMANTHE (chas-MAN-the)
IRIDACEAE. Spring and summer flowering South African cormous plants. Grow like gladiolus. Full sun or part shade.
—Chasmanthe floribunda. (d,h) CHAS-12. Packet: $2.00 Click for photo »
Germination: 80% Tested: 11/07, 1/4 Oz: $6.00
Bright orange-red, curved, tubular 2" flowers in long spikes in early spring. Light green iris-like leaves in fans. Tender perennial to 4 feet. South Africa. Drought-resistant. Good to naturalize in California. Germinates in 3 - 7 weeks warm. Fresh seed partly dormant, year-old seed best.
CHEIRANTHUS (ky-RAN-thus)
CRUCIFERAE. 'WALLFLOWER'. Showy hardy perennials often grown as biennials. They rank among the showiest of flowers. Full sun or part shade, and good drainage- raised beds help. Likes limestone soil. Best in cool-summer areas. The showiest plants are produced from seed sown early in spring, to produce strong plants the first season, but they may be sown up till early fall. Sow up to 1/4" deep to germinate in 5 - 21 days. Space 12" apart. May be grown as hardy annuals in the North. Will flower indoors in a 6" pot. Seed viable 3 - 5 years.
Cheiranthus Cheiri Varieties:
'WALLFLOWER'. An old garden favorite, valued for its very sweetly fragrant inch-wide spring blooms. Showy short-lived perennial to 1 - 2 1/2 feet.
—Cheiranthus Cheiri Fair Lady. (b,h) CHER-1FL. Packet: $2.00
Germination: 76% Tested: 9/07, 10 grams: $9.50
A splendid mixture of pastels, ranging from lemon-yellow through gold, apricot, salmon, rose and mahogany. Fragrant. To 20". Germinates in 1 week.
NEW—Cheiranthus Cheiri Harlequin Mix. (b,h) CHER-1H. Packet: $2.00
Germination: 72% Tested: 10/07, 5 grams: $7.00, 10 grams: $10.00
A fine, free-flowering variety with rich clear colors, pastels, and bicolors. To 14". Germinates in 1 - 2 weeks.
—Cheiranthus Cheiri Persian Carpet. (b,h) CHER-1PC. Packet: $2.00
Good range of colors-purple, gold, orange, rose, and apricot. To 15" tall. Nice. Germinates in a week.
—Cheiranthus Cheiri Wild. (b,h) CHER-1W. Packet: $2.00
5 grams: $6.00 (about 3500 seed), 10 grams: $9.00
'WILD WALLFLOWER', 'GILLIFLOWER'. Delightfully fragrant inch-wide yellow flowers on a biennial to about 16", with narrow leaves. Europe. Formerly used medicinally as an antispasmodic and emmenagogue. The true wild form. Germinates in 1 - 2 weeks.
CHELONE (kee-LOW-nee)
SCROPHULARIACEAE. Hardy, summer-blooming Penstemon-like N. American perennials with spikes of snapdragon-like flowers. Best in moist soil and part shade, with plenty of compost and old manure.
—Chelone obliqua alba. (d,g) CHEO-18A. Packet: $3.00
Pure white inch-long flowers in short spikes. Hardy perennial to 2 feet, with pointed leaves. SE U.S. Zone 6. Give seed GA-3 500ppm or 6 weeks prechill.
CHENOPODIUM (ken-o-POE-dee-um)
CHENOPODIACEAE. Wide-ranging genus of mostly herbs with clustered tiny flowers. Many grown for ornament, edible greens or grain, aromatic culinary herbs or medicine. Easily grown and very useful. All germinate in 1 - 3 weeks unless noted otherwise.
—Chenopodium album Magenta. (a!,f) CHEN-1M. Packet: $2.00
Germination: 26% + dormant Tested: 9/07, Oz: $9.00, 1/4 lb: $24.00
New growth an attractive fluorescent magenta. Developed for the restaurant trade, with excellent flavor. Hardy annual to 8 - 10 feet-pinch and eat to keep short!
'LAMB'S QUARTERS', 'FAT HEN'. Hardy annual to 8 - 10 feet, producing an abundance of edible greens and seeds. Worldwide. The young plants are cooked for spring greens or added raw to salads, and the mature leaves are also excellent. The seeds are ground for meal in many parts of the world. The greens have a spinach-like flavor, but produce more abundantly and over a longer period. Good poultry food. Rich in vitamin A. Germinates in 2 - 3 weeks.
—Chenopodium Bonus-Henricus. (b,h) CHEN-4. Packet: $2.00
'GOOD KING HENRY', 'MERCURY', 'FAT-HEN'. Hardy perennial to 2 1/2 feet, with dark green leaves. A wholesome green vegetable, cooked like spinach. The young stalks can be peeled and eaten like asparagus. Set out 1 foot apart and it will give abundant greens for several years. Very hardy. Seed viable for 5 years. An esteemed vegetable. Leaves also used as a poultice on wounds. Germinates in 1 - 5 weeks.
NEW—Botrys (=Ambrosia mexicana) (a!,h) CHEN-5. Packet: $2.00
Gram: $6.00, 5 grams: $16.00
'FEATHER GERANIUM', JERUSALEM OAK'. Feathery aromatic pinnately divided 4" leaves and graceful feathery spikes of tiny green flowers. Annual to 2 feet. N. Hemisphere. Valued in flower arranging, and may be dried for everlastings. Has been eaten like spinach. Give 4 weeks prechill or GA-3 to germinate in 1 - 4 weeks.
—Chenopodium capitatum. (a,g) CHEN-6. Packet: $2.00
'STRAWBERRY BLITE'. Annual much like the Lamb's Quarters, to 1 1/2 feet. Triangular, toothed leaves. Europe. The heads ripen into strawberry-like edible fruits, with a flavor somewhat resembling mulberries. The leaves may be eaten like spinach. Germinates in 2 - 6 weeks warm.
—Chenopodium giganteum. (a!,h) CHEN-20. Packet: $2.00 OTC ORGANIC SEED
Germination: 58% + dormant Tested: 12/07, Oz: $10.00, 1/4 lb: $30.00 OTC ORGANIC SEED
'PURPLE GOOSEFOOT', 'TREE SPINACH'. Young leaves are a striking iridescent magenta-red with crystalline red powder. Long red panicles of flowers. The stem is striped red and is very strong for its light weight due to a spiral twist. Large tall annual to 6 - 8 feet. Birds are fond of the seeds, and the leaves have been used as a spinach in the Mediterranean, by South African Bantu, and here in the U.S. Tender young leaves are good in salads.
—Chenopodium Quinoa Brilliant Rainbow. (b,h) CHEN-25BR. Packet: $2.00 OTC ORGANIC SEED
Germination: 92% Tested: 12/07, 1/2 Oz: $5.00, Oz: $8.00 OTC ORGANIC SEED
Reselected from Rainbow for the brightest, most brilliant colors. Nice! Germinates in a week.
'QUINOA'. An important high-protein (12 - 19%) grain of the Andes, with good amino acid balance and 58% starch. A staple for millions of Andeans, the development of low-elevation types is helping its spread. Seed washed in water before cooking to remove saponins which protect from pests. Hardy, easily grown annual to 4 - 6 feet, with large seedheads. The leaves, stem-tips and young flowers are excellent in salads, having a mild sweet flavor, and very succulent. Also good cooked like spinach or added to soups. Germinates in 1 - 2 weeks.
—Chenopodium Quinoa Cherry Vanilla. (b,h) CHEN-25CV. Packet: $2.00 OTC ORGANIC SEED
Germination: 72% Tested: 9/07, 1/2 Oz: $6.00, Oz: $10.00, 1/4 lb: $35.00 OTC ORGANIC SEED
'QUINOA'. Seedheads a blend of colors from creamy-white to rose, a beautiful variety with very mild-flavored grain. Developed by Shoulder to Shoulder Farm. An important high-protein (12 - 19%) grain of the Andes, with good amino acid balance and 58% starch. A staple for millions of Andeans, the development of low-elevation types is helping its spread. Seed washed in water before cooking to remove saponins which protect from pests. Hardy, easily grown annual to 4 - 6 feet, with large seedheads. The leaves, stem-tips and young flowers are excellent in salads, having a mild sweet flavor, and very succulent. Also good cooked like spinach or added to soups. Germinates in 1 - 2 weeks.
CHLOROGALUM (klor-o-GAL-um)
LILIACEAE. Hardy, drought resistant bulbs native to California. Valued for their striking clumps of narrow, wavy-margined leaves, topped by large, airy clusters of six-petaled flowers. Easily grown and should be in every California garden. Best sown in fall, or give cold treatment. Germinates in 3 weeks to 7 months, cool to warm.
—Chlorogalum pomeridianum. (d,h) CHLG-16. Packet: $2.00
'NOSH' (Yuki), 'AMOLE', 'SOAP PLANT'. Star-like white 1" flowers with six narrow, purple-veined, recurved petals, in large airy clusters to 1 - 5 feet tall. The flowers pop open suddenly at about 4 PM. California. The large bulbs are covered with a thick, fibrous, coconut-like husk, which was used for brushes by the Indians. The bulb itself was pounded for soap, highly valued for washing clothes & hair, which it leaves silky & shiny. Also used as a poison oak remedy, fish poison, for glue, the leaves for green tattoo markings, and the young shoots were roasted for food.
CHORIZEMA (kor-i-ZE-ma)
LEGUMINOSAE. Showy, fast-growing Australian shrubs with slender, graceful arching branches, making a "riotous, gaudy display" of bright flowers in early spring. Fast growing and valued in the cool greenhouse or outdoors in California & the South. Hardy to about 24°F. Good in hanging baskets. Full sun. Easy from seed.
—Chorizema cordatum. (d,v) CHOZ-4. Packet: $2.00
'AUSTRALIAN FLAME PEA', 'FLOWERING OAK'. Abundant orange-red 1/2" flowers with purplish wings, in 6" clusters. Shrub to 3 - 10 feet, with dark green 1 - 2" leaves. Western Australia. Soak, nick hard, to germinate in 2 - 6 weeks.
CHRYSANTHEMUM (kri-SAN-the-mum)
COMPOSITAE. A large genus of showy annuals and perennials. Many are remarkably free-flowering, in every shade but blue. Excellent for cutting, lasting well in water. Most like a light, well-drained soil. Full sun. The perennials will last for years in the garden. Some make attractive pot plants. The are easy from seed sown in spring, 1/8 - 1/4" deep, to germinate in 1 - 2 weeks, some kinds up to 5 weeks. Space 1 - 2 feet apart. Well-loved garden favorites for centuries, reaching their peak of cultivation in the Orient. Seed of various kinds viable 1 - 10 years.
—Chrysanthemum carinatum Mixed, (b,g) CHRY-12X. Packet: $1.50
Germination: 75% Tested: 9/07, Oz: $5.00
'PAINTED DAISY'. Colorful mix of red, yellow, orange, white & purple 2 1/2" daisies with dark centers and often banded with a darker ring. Popular hardy annual to 2 feet, with deeply cut leaves. Morocco. An old cottage garden favorite, good for cutting, and giving lots of bloom for little care.
—Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium. (c,h) CHRY-14. Packet: $2.00
'DALMATIAN PYRETHRUM'. White inch-wide daisies with a strong spicy scent. Hardy perennial to 12 - 16", with many slender stems and silvery leaves. Dalmatia. Grown on a large scale for the production of the flowers which are powdered for insecticide. Likes dry, sunny, well-drained soil, and lives 6 - 25 years. Pick flowers when fully developed, but just before opening. Well-drained soil. Germinates in 2 - 3 weeks.
—Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum. (a!,h) CHRY-27. Packet: $1.50
Germination: 82% Tested: 9/07, Oz: $5.00, 1/4 lb: $10.00
'OX-EYE DAISY'. Large white 1 - 2" daisies. A slender hardy perennial to 1 - 2 feet. Eurasia, naturalized in N. America. The ancients associated this flower with Artemis, the goddess of women due to its supposed usefulness in female complaints. With the advent of christianity, this was transferred to Mary Magdalene, and called 'Maudlin Daisy'. The young leaves have been eaten in salads, though they are acrid. Good to naturalize. The full name means 'golden flower, white flower'.
—Chrysanthemum Parthenium. (a!,h) CHRY-40. Packet: $2.00 Click for photo »
Organic seed: Packet: $2.00, 5 grams: $6.00 OTC ORGANIC SEED
Conventional seed: Germination: 78% Tested: 9/07, Packet: $2.00, 5 grams: $5.00
'FEVERFEW'. White 3/4" daisies with yellow centers, abundantly borne June to August. Bushy hardy perennial to 2 - 3 feet, with aromatic, deeply cut foliage. SE Europe. Blooms freely the first year, & is often grown as an annual. A fine old-fashioned garden plant, excellent for cut flowers. A tincture of the leaves is said to be an excellent insect repellant rubbed on the skin. Excellent remedy for migraine—I use it, it works! Germinates in 1 - 2 weeks.
CIMICIFUGA: See Reserved Access page.
"Freedom means you can do and say what you want. It also means people you don't like can say and do things that you dislike. That's part of the deal. Most people are unclear on this very simple concept." —J.L.H.
CISSUS (SIS-us or KIS-us)
VITACEAE. Mostly large, tendril-climbing vines or shrubs grown in the greenhouse or warm regions for ornament. Some are good houseplants.
—Cissus antarctica. (e,h) CISS-4. Packet: $2.00
100 seed: $6.00
'KANGAROO VINE'. Large shiny 2 - 4" leaves on a woody vine to 10 feet, with reddish stems. Small flowers followed by black, edible berries. Australia. Has been called the ideal houseplant, standing all sorts of neglect, poor light, etc. "Survives dry dingy rooms." —Mabberley. Germinates in 5 - 24 weeks.
CLARKIA (KLAR-kee-a)
ONAGRACEAE. Showy, easily grown hardy annuals of western N. America and southern S. America. They make a wonderful display in any sunny place. Best in light soil, and stands part shade. Gives the best display in nitrogen-poor soil. Excellent for borders, bedding, naturalizing in the meadow, and they make good cut-flowers. Sow in March where they are to flower, or in fall in a sheltered place in mild climates. Germinates in 5 - 20 days. Seed half-life over 8 years. Named for Captain Clark of the Lewis & Clark expedition.
—Clarkia amoena Tall Mixed. (a!,h) CLAR-4X. Packet: $1.50
Germination: 84% Tested: 12/07, Oz: $5.00, 1/4 lb: $10.00
'FAREWELL TO SPRING'. Large brightly colored3 - 5" wide cup-shaped blooms. Showy annual to I - 3 feet. California. Blooms in 14 weeks, and makes nice cut flowers. Germinates in 1- 2 weeks.
—Clarkia pulchella Confetti Mix. (a!,h) CLAR-19X. Packet $1.50
Germination: 94% Tested: 9/07, Oz: $7.00, 1/4 lb: $12.00
'DEERHORN CLARKIA'. Slender spikes of pastel 2" flowers in shades of pink, lavender and lilac, with lobed petals like antlers. Graceful upright annual to 20" or so, with narrow, willow-like leaves. Pacific Northwest. Good cut flowers. Germinates in 1 - 2 weeks.
—Clarkia unguiculata (=elegans). (a!,h) CLAR-24. Packet: $1.00
Germination: 86% Tested: 10/07, Oz: $5.00, 1/4 lb: $10.00
'MOUNTAIN GARLAND'. Rose and white 1 - 2" flowers in slender spikes. Hardy annual to 3 feet, making a showy display in masses. Individually, the flowers, with their delicately clawed petals, are things of beauty. California. Excellent wildflower for naturalizing. The parched, ground seeds were eaten with acorn mush. Germinates in 1 - 2 weeks.
CLEMATIS (KLEM-a-tis)
RANUNCULACEAE. 'VIRGIN'S BOWER' Prized woody vines and herbs grown for their showy flowers often followed by attractive, silvery, puff-like seed-heads. They do best in a rich, well-drained, light loamy soil on the alkaline side. Add a little lime when planting and give a yearly mulch of manure or compost for best results. Give a cool, shaded root zone. The vine types are good for covering walls, arbors, balconies, etc., and the bushy types in the flower garden. Seed best sown shallowly in October to February, or give 2 - 6 months cold treatment, to germinate in about 25 - 60 days, with some stragglers taking up to 2 years. Seed viable 1 - 3 years or more. Smoke treatment may help germination.
NEW—Clematis brevicaudata. (b,h) CLEM-17. Packet: $2.50
Creamy white 1 1/2" flowers much like tangutica. Vigorous hardy climber to 10 feet, with pinnate foliage. Siberia to N. China. Germinates in 2 - 4 weeks.
—Clematis heracleifolia. (d,h) CLEM-52. Packet: $2.50
Tubular blue inch-long flowers with recurved petal tips and a fragrance resembling sweet violets. Very hardy perennial subshrub to 3 feet. E China. Blooms in August & September. Easy from seed, which germinates in 2 - 3 weeks warm.
—Clematis recta. (c,f) CLEM-100. Packet: $2.00
Fragrant white inch-wide starry flowers in July & August. Upright hardy perennial to 5 feet, with blue-green 4" leaves. Europe. Hardy to Zone 3. Germinates in 1 - 4 months at warm temperatures.
—Clematis recta purpurea. (e,h) CLEM-100P. Packet: $2.00
New growth of leaves and stems flushed bronze to red. Fragrant white inch-wide starry flowers. A fine variety. Prechill seed, otherwise they will straggle in over 3 - 8 months.
NEW—Clematis stans. (b,f) CLEM-104. Packet: $2.50
Blue tubular fragrant 1/2" flowers with recurved petal tips, resembling miniature heracleifolia flowers. Hardy perennial shrubby plant to 3 - 6 feet, with large 6" lobed leaflets. Japan. Full sun to almost full shade, and stands tree roots well. "What they lack in size, they make up for in numbers. The second year it really got our attention. The flowers are scented of sweet violets." —Bertrand. Germinates in 3 - 6 weeks.
—Clematis tangutica. (b,g) CLEM-110. Packet: $2.00
'GOLDEN CLEMATIS'. Bright lemon yellow lantern-shaped nodding 4" wide flowers. Bushy climber to 10 feet. Mongolia to China. Striking. Germinates in 1 - 2 weeks warm.
CLEOME (klee-O-mee)
CAPPARIDACEAE. 'SPIDER FLOWER'. Interesting and showy-flowered hardy annuals and tender perennials. The unusual flowers have long dark purple spidery stamens and variously colored showy, long stalked petals. Heat and drought resistant, they are fascinating plants for the sunny border. Prefers sandy soil. Irregular germination. Start indoors in March to flower freely from June to frost. They also make excellent pot plants for the greenhouse, doing well in 6" pots. Outdoors, start in May where they are to grow, and thin to 1 - 2 feet apart.
—Cleome hirta. (c,h) CLEO-11. Packet: $2.00
Showy pink flowers with yellow eyes. Annual to 3 feet. Africa. The leaves are eaten as a vegetable. Germinates in 2 - 4 weeks warm. Aged seed best.
—Cleome serrulata. (c,h) CLEO-22. Packet: $2.00
Oz: $8.00
'ROCKY MOUNTAIN BEE PLANT', 'TU'MI' (Hopi name). Rosy lavender 1/2" flowers in dense racemes from June to August. Annual to 2 - 3 feet with trifoliate leaves. N. America. Grown as a bee-crop for a century. Excellent cut flower or annual hedge. The boiled leaves and flowers are eaten, tasting like mustard. The Hopi allow it to seed in their corn fields for spring greens, and they use it in making prayer-sticks. The Tewa of the Rio Grande make pottery paint with it. The Ramah Navaho boil the young plants 1 - 2 hours and discard the water. They use a cold infusion of the leaves as a deodorant. The Nightway god-impersonators drink a tea made of 'a few seeds' to gain a strong voice. Attracts butterflies. Sow in fall or give cold treatment and plant out when the ground is still cold. Strong sunlight may help. "If seed isn't scattered in fall or patted onto thawing soil in earliest spring, the soil is too warm and the seed does not germinate." —D.S. Larkin, Utah, 1/2001.
Cleome spinosa Varieties: 'Spider Flower'.
The popular half hardy annual to 3 - 4 feet tall. Makes a showy display in the border, their airy heads of powerfully scented spidery flowers with blue or purple 3" long stamens are attractive from June till frost, and the palmate foliage is quite pleasing. Somewhat irregular germination; usually some in 2 - 3 weeks, stragglers up to 3 months. Two weeks cold treatment or aged seed may help.
—Cleome spinosa Cherry Queen. (b,h) CLEO-5C. Packet: $2.00
Germination: 88% Tested: 8/07, 10 Grams: $6.00
Deep carmine-rose flowers. Hardy annual to 3 feet.
—Cleome spinosa Helen Campbell. (b,h) CLEO-5H. Packet: $2.00
10 grams: $6.00
The best pure white, also called White Queen.
—Cleome spinosa Violet Queen. (b,h) CLEO-5V. Packet: $2.00
10 grams: $6.00 BULK OUT OF STOCK - PACKETS ARE AVAILABLE
Violet purple flowers. Annual to 3 feet.
—Cleome spinosa Mixed. (a,h) CLEO-5X. Packet: $2.00 OUT OF STOCK
10 grams: $6.00 OUT OF STOCK
Pink, white and rose flowers mixed.
CLIANTHUS (klee-AN-thus)
LEGUMINOSAE. 'GLORY PEA', 'PARROTS BEAK'. Trailing shrubs with large showy flowers and pinnate leaves. Grown outdoors in California and the South, or trained up the pillars of the greenhouse or in a hanging basket in the North. They tolerate considerable heat and drought, best in rocky, sandy well-drained soils. Germinates readily in 1 - 6 weeks after nicking or soaking. Fairly hardy.
—Clianthus formosus (=Dampieri). (d,h) CLIA-1. Packet: $2.00 OUT OF STOCK
'STURT'S DESERT PEA', 'GLORY PEA'. Magnificent trailing shrub to 4 feet, with clusters of large, bright scarlet, shiny, peculiarly shaped 3" long flowers with a black eye. Pinnate, silky, grey-green foliage. Central Australia. Fast growing in poor sandy soils. Withstands down to 13°F for short periods, and less than 8" of rain per year. Must be grown in almost pure sand or very well-drained soil, and does not transplant well. In cold climates it is best grown grafted as a seedling onto the roots of C. puniceus or Colutea arborescens, making it much more adaptable & longer-lived. Native to "...some of the fiercest environments in the world. Yet after a rain its large flowers light up the barrenness with a spectacular display." —National Academy of Sciences. Nick and soak seed to germinate in 1 - 2 weeks.
CLINOPODIUM (klin-o-PO-dee-um)
LABIATAE. Aromatic perennial herbs with tubular flowers, grown for ornament and seasoning.
—Clinopodium vulgare. (b,g) CLINO-25. Packet: $2.00
'WILD BASIL'. Rosy purple 3/4" flowers in late summer and fall. Hardy perennial to 10", with 2" leaves. N. Hemisphere. The leaves are used fresh or dried for seasoning a variety of dishes, or used as a tea. Germinates in 1 - 2 weeks and up to 16 weeks..
CLITORIA (kli-TOR-ee-a)
LEGUMINOSAE. Easily grown tropical vines and shrubs with pinnate leaves and showy flowers. (Yes, it is named after what it sounds like - an alleged resemblance in the flower!)
—Clitoria Ternatea. (e,h) CLI-23. Packet: $2.00
'BUTTERFLY PEA'. Deep rich blue 1 1/2" flowers with markings on the standard. Tender twiner to 10 - 15 feet, with 2 - 6" leaves and 4 1/2" pods. Tropical Asia. Considered sacred in India, the flowers are used to dye rice cerulean blue. Good in the greenhouse & in hanging baskets. Good cut flowers. Soak, nick hard seed, seed to germinate in 1 - 4 weeks.
—Clitoria Ternatea Double. (10,g) CLI-23D. Packet: $3.00
The rare double-flowered form. Soak, nick hard.