blooms that bring joy
cut flowers
availability tbd based on weather
mixed bunch of 10 fresh cut sustainably grown specialty narcissus flowers.
Easy to use as a fresh or dried cut flower.
Whimsical and wild statice looks to be a thing of fairytales or a sea-dwelling creature. Compared to L. sinuatum types, this statice has a very different look but is also earlier and easier to harvest. Plants have mostly basal leaves, which makes the stems easy to locate for cutting, and there are almost no leaves to strip away. Low-growing plants produced 2–3 flushes of harvestable stems in our trials. Excellent for dried flowers or fresh cuts. Flowers dry beautifully, holding their color well. Early statice. Also commonly known as Russian statice and rat tail statice.
Specs:
Plant Height: 20–30"
2” soil block
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
Sun.
PLANT HEIGHT:
24-30".
PLANT SPACING:
8-12".
HARDINESS ZONES:
Annual.
HARVEST:
Fresh or dried: When the individual flowers are mostly open and showing color. Hang to dry.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS:
Rich, well-drained soil.
USES:
Excellent for fresh and dried cut flowers.
SEED SOURCE:
*Item description and growing information sourced from the seed company and linked accordingly
** if there are no images of the product it means that I have not grown that specific variety in the past. product images are available to review on the seed company’s website
This little beauty is a big improvement over seed grown strains. It branches freely, and is more heat tolerant and mildew resistant than older cultivars. It is vegetatively propagated and patented so propagation is prohibited.
Some folks find them finicky while others have great success, and I don't know the exact combination of conditions that make them thrive.
Plugs sourced from Gro ‘n Sell/Farmer Bailey and then lovingly grown to have a larger root ball filling a 2.5” pot.
Specs:
2.5” pot
Common Name
Cosmos, garden cosmos, Mexican asters
Genus
Cosmos
Species C. bipinnatus
Family
Asteraceae
Life Cycle
Tender Annual
Netting / Staking
One or two layers of netting is beneficial in areas with high wind.
Temperature RangePlants can not tolerate freezing at any point in the growth cycle. They can handle the heat of summertime and are a crop suitable for most zones.
Spacing
9-12"
Soil Preference
Loose, well draining soil with low fertility. Too much nutrient content will cause heavy foliar growth and few flowers.
Day Length
Short day plants - flowering is triggered as days get shorter, typically towards the end of summer. If stressed rootbound or drought conditions) they will flower prematurely. If growing in a greenhouse through the winter, additional lighting will be required to mimic long days for the vegetative state.
Pinching
Pinch once when the plants are about 6" high, down to a few sets of leaves to encourage side branching. If the plants try to flower prematurely, continue to pinch off buds and flowers until you start seeing longer stems.
Harvesting
Expect flowers approximately 45-60 days after planting plugs (dependent on weather and temperature). Harvest when flowers are just starting to open for the longest vase life. Mature side buds will also open in the vase. Cut deeply into the plant for long stems and to promote additional side branching. If flowers are left to open fully they will get pollinated and vase life will suffer.
Post Harvest Care
Place cut stems immediately into cool water. Floral preservative will extend vase life - expect stems to last just shy of one week. Can be stored in the cooler for a short period of time.
Diseases / Insects
During long stretches of heat and humidity powdery mildew and bacterial wilt may be seen.
Common insect pests include aphids, thrips and Japanese beetles.
Bailey's Notes
Do not allow plants to set seed - keep up with harvesting and deadheading or the plant will start to shut down.
Some growers will use stems of cosmos foliage as a filler in bouquets - they have reported a good vase life although we don't have personal experience to support this claim.
PLUG SOURCE:
*Item description and growing information sourced from the seed company and linked accordingly
** if there are no images of the product it means that I have not grown that specific variety in the past. product images are available to review on the seed company’s website
Long-lasting perennial in mostly red, rose, and lavender shades. Blooms make excellent cut flowers and reliable perennial garden plants with decorative, fern-like foliage. As cut flowers, the 2–4" flat-topped flower heads on 24" stems add bulk, durability, and beauty to bouquets. Long vase life. Flowerburst™ Red Shades is an F2 population. Flowers first year from seed. Low maintenance. Tolerates drought once established. Perennial in Zones 2–9.
Attracts and supports beneficial insects such as damsel bugs, lacewings, lady beetles, and parasitic wasps.
Specs:
Plant Height: 28–30"
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
Sun. Tolerant of part shade in garden beds.
PLANT HEIGHT:
28-30". May require support.
PLANT SPACING:
12-24".
HARDINESS ZONES:
Zones 2-9.
VASE LIFE:
7-12 days.
HARVEST:
When pollen is visible on the flowers. Hang to dry
SEED SOURCE:
*Item description and growing information sourced from the seed company and linked accordingly
** if there are no images of the product in bloom it means that I have not grown that specific variety in the past. product images are available to review on the seed company’s website
Deep mahogany-red foliage for cutting and garden accent.
Decorative, deeply cut foliage with maple-leaf appearance, rich color, and sturdy branches. Ideal for late summer and fall arrangements. Primarily grown for use as cut flower foliage, the vigorous, drought- and heat-tolerant plants are also suitable for containers and landscaping. The abundant color and tall stature make Mahogany Splendor a lovely backdrop in the garden or patio. NOTE: If grown indoors or in part shade, foliage will be green to rust in color; the mahogany color develops fully in full sun. Also known as red-leaf hibiscus, false roselle, African rose mallow, and cranberry hibiscus. Tropical, herbaceous perennial in Zones 8a–9b. Tender perennial or annual in all other growing zones.
Specs:
Plant Height: 40–70"
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
Sun. Hibiscus thrives in heat and humidity so is best grown in full sun.
PLANT HEIGHT:
40-70".
PLANT SPACING:
24-36".
HARDINESS ZONES:
Zones 8-9.
STEM LENGTH:
12-70". Pinching is not required but if plants are pinched at a young stage, lateral branches will benefit greatly in length and quality.
HARVEST:
For cut foliage, harvest once leaves are mature (not tender) and the stems are straight, firm, and at least slightly woody.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS:
Well-drained but moist soil with high organic matter. Preferred pH of 5.8-6.5.
NOTE:
Foliage will have green/rust tones in the greenhouse, but mature to burgundy in full sun outdoors.
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Hibiscus acetosella
ALTERNATE NAMES:
False Roselle, African Rose Mallow
SEED SOURCE:
*Item description and growing information sourced from the seed company and linked accordingly
** if there are no images of the product it means that I have not grown that specific variety in the past. product images are available to review on the seed company’s website
The color range includes yellows, peach, oranges, dusty rose, and reds, ever changing through the plant’s evolution. Long stems and very long-lasting cut, field (past frost) and dried flowers. Attract a diversity of pollinators.
Highly productive and versatile, these tall, branching plants yield an abundance of double blooms, each measuring about 2 to 2½ inches wide. They’re an excellent choice for both fresh bouquets and dried arrangements. Frequent harvesting or deadheading will encourage continued flowering and higher overall yields. Also known as bracted strawflower.
Specs:
Plant Height: 36–40"
2” soil block
LIGHT PREFERENCE:
Sun.
PLANT HEIGHT:
36-40". May require some support.
PLANT SPACING:
10-12".
HARDINESS ZONES:
Annual.
STEM LENGTH:
12-20".
VASE LIFE:
7-10 days.
STORAGE TEMPERATURE:
70-75°F (21-24°C).
HARVEST:
For best results, cut stems when the flowers have opened to show 2–3 layers of petals, but before the center becomes visible. Stage matters—blooms that are too mature may look ready, especially after closing at night or on cloudy days, but will reopen in brighter light and reveal that they’ve passed their ideal cutting window.
To minimize picking overmature blooms:
Harvest during sunny morning conditions, or
Allow freshly cut stems to rest in a bright space for a few hours to confirm their stage
Flowers that are past their prime should be removed, particularly if you plan to dry them. As blooms continue to open during the drying process, overly mature flowers are more likely to fade, lose structure, and shatter.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS:
Average soil with good drainage.
SEED SOURCE:
*Item description and growing information sourced from the seed company and linked above
** if there are no images of the product it means that I have not grown that specific variety in the past or don’t have a decent photo readily available. product images are available to review on the seed company’s website
Scabiosa Focal Scoop™ are only available through specialty nurseries for cut flower growers. Take advantage of this opportunity to add something truly special to your garden.
Focal Scoop™ is bigger the Scoop™ series (flowers up to 10cm across), on longer and stronger stems. Those who have had trouble with necks snapping off (indicative of a Calcium issue) may have better luck with this new line from the folks at Danziger.
They are patent protected and propagation is strictly prohibited. Got it? We only get amazing new varieties like these if we play by the rules and give the breeders their share (which they clearly deserve).
Plugs sourced from Gro ‘n Sell/Farmer Bailey and then lovingly grown to have a larger root ball filling a 3.5” deep pot.
Specs:
3.5” deep pot
Common Name
Scabiosa
Genus
Scabiosa
Species
Hybrid of S. atropurpurea and S. caucasica
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Life Cycle
Tender perennial, usually treated as annual.
Netting / Staking
1 layer of support netting.
Temperature Range
32 to 80F
Spacing
2 rows per bed, 12" between plants. These get very large.
Soil Preference
Well drained soil of medium fertility.
Day Length
Facultative long day.
Pinching
Yes. Plugs will likely be pinched on arrival. If not, pinch out the tip once growth resumes after transplant.
When to Plant
Fall or spring, when soil is cool (below 55F). They prefer cool frost free conditions.
Harvesting
These are extremely productive, easily producing 20-30 stems per plant. Harvest when 1/3 of the florets are open, or when the first ring of florets has opened around the outside of the flower.
Post Harvest Care
A holding solution will increase vase life.
Diseases / Insects
No major issues in most settings.
Bailey's Notes
Scoop Scabiosa have revolutionized the use of Scabiosa in the cut flower world. They are larger and longer lasting than their predecessors. The main complaint is that they are TOO productive. Keep spent flowers cut off to encourage more bloom production. In hot summer locations, the plants may stop production for a couple months and then regrow as autumn temperatures settle in. Cut back the plant to a few inches and allow to regrow.
PLUG SOURCE:
*Item description and growing information sourced from the seed company and linked above
** if there are no images of the product it means that I have not grown that specific variety in the past or don’t have a decent photo readily available. product images are available to review on the seed company’s website
garden support services
do you want to add color and life to your yard but don’t know where to start? do you have a garden but no clue on how to maintain it? garden overwhelm is very real, especially for new homeowners. i can help. we can set up a time for me to come visit your property and address your concerns. i’ll do my thing and come up with a plan to achieve your goals based on our conversation and send it to you via email.
you’ve gone over the information and plan that i sent you after we chatted about your garden goals but need more help. maybe you’ve changed your mind or maybe you’ve discovered something since our chat and need to talk it out. a garden is always a work in progress. let’s figure it out!
need an extra set of hands to get the new bed going? want someone else to move that pile of compost or help you get all your new plant babies in the ground? let’s go!!
follow on social
contact
interested in working together? fill out some info and i will be in touch shortly. i can’t wait to hear from you!