Seed Guide 2007 pgs 01/41 - McKenzie Seeds

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Annual Perennial Vegetable Wild Flower Climbing Vine Herb Ornamental Grass 

The BRAND You Can Trust La MARQUE Fiable 

SINCE1896DEPUIS 1896

Copyright ® by McKenzie Seeds 

McK E N Z I E 

S E E D G U I D E 

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or 

transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, 

including photocopy or other, without written permission from the 

publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages. 

Printed in Canada 

All tips and hints in this book have been compiled from information sent 

to McKenzie from McFayden Seed Company Ltd., Thompson & Morgan 

and the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. We assume no responsibility 

should the tips and hints not perform to your satisfaction. 

W W W . M C K E N Z I E S E E D S . C O M 

3

4 

McK E N Z I E S E E D G U I D E 

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S 

Growing Information 5-34 

Perennial Varieties 35 

Herb Varieties 36 

Seedtape Varieties 37 

Jumbo Packet Seed Varieties 38 

Everlasting (Dried) Flowers, Wildflower & Vines 39 

Organic Seed Varieties 40 

Peas, Bean & Corn Carton Varieties 41 

McKenzie Asian & Gusto Specialty Seeds 42-43 

Thompson & Morgan Seed Varieties 44-45 

Description of Garden Seed Varieties 

Flowers (Annuals, Biennials & Perennials) 46-79 

Herbs 80-89 

Gardening Wellness Safety Tips 90-92 

Vegetables 93-116 

Quick Reference Guide & Charts 117-137 

Gardening Tips 138-165

The actual date when you sow your seeds 

will vary from season to season and also 

with the area in which you live. In a cold, 

late season for example, it is beneficial to 

sow later than usual, as earlier sowings 

will most probably suffer from the 

untypically cold weather they experience. 

Later sowings will often catch up and do 

just as well as early sowings made in cold 

Light/Dark 

Until germination, seeds needing light 

should be placed in subdued lighting out 

of direct sunlight and should have no 

newspaper, brown paper etc., placed over 

the trays. Seeds needing dark for 

germination should be placed in total 

darkness. 

Compost 

Most reputable seed composts will be 

quite adequate. On no account should 

potting composts which have additional 

fertilizers be used. 

Special treatment of seeds before sowing 

Some seeds benefit from pre-treatment 

before sowing or from being sown in a 

particular way. Here are brief explanations 

of the techniques mentioned in the 

following list. In almost all cases it is not 

critical that you carry out this pretreatment 

but if it is not done the seeds 

will usually take longer to germinate. 

Chipping 

Some seeds, e.g. Sweet peas, Ipomoea, 

etc have hard seed coats which prevent 

moisture being absorbed by the seed. All 

that is needed is for the outer surface to 

be scratched or abraded to allow water 

to pass through. This can be achieved by 

chipping the seed with a sharp knife at a 

part furthest away from the 'eye', by 

rubbing lightly with emery paper or, with 

very small seed, pricking carefully once 

with a needle etc. Some of our geranium 

seeds have already been treated in this 

G R O W I N G I N F O R M A T I O N 

Sowing Times 

Additional Information 

weather, which may have to struggle just 

to keep going. Likewise, in cold Northern 

areas you may have to sow several weeks 

later than in warmer areas for the same 

reason. Our recommendations are merely 

a guide which should be set against 

current weather conditions and your own 

experience of when sowings are made in 

your area. 

way when you received them and if you 

examine them carefully you will see that 

a tiny part of the end of the seed has 

been carefully clipped off. 

Soaking 

Soaking is beneficial in two ways; it can 

soften a hard seed coat and also leach 

out any chemical inhibitors in the seed 

which may prevent germination. 

Anything from 1-3 hours in water which 

starts off hand hot is usually sufficient. If 

soaking for longer the water should be 

changed daily. Seeds of some species 

swell up when they are soaked. If some 

seeds of batch do swell within 24 hours 

they should be planted immediately and 

the remainder pricked gently with a pin 

and returned to soak. As each seed swells 

it should be removed and sown before it 

has time to dry out. 

Pre-chilling 

In some instructions you will find a 

reference to 'pre-chilling'. This is a pretreatment 

of the seed which often helps 

to speed up the germination of otherwise 

slow to germinate seeds. However, even 

after pre-chilling some seeds can 

stubbornly refuse to germinate until a 


5


year or more has passed, so never be too 

hasty in discarding a seed container. 

Pre-chilling was traditionally done by 

standing the pots outside in a cold frame 

during the winter. It is often quicker to 

adopt the following technique using a 

domestic refrigerator and this is of 

particular value if you obtain your seed 

outside the winter months. 

To pre-chill, first sow the seed on 

moistened seed compost, seal the seed 

container inside a polythene bag and 

leave at 60-65F (15- 18C) for 3 days then 

place in a refrigerator for the 

recommended period. For convenience 

large seeds can be mixed with 2-3 times 

their volume of damp seed compost, 

placed direct into a polythene bag which 

is sealed and placed in the refrigerator. 

However; there must always be sufficient 

air inside the bag and the compost 

should NEVER become either too dry or 

over wet, After pre-chilling these seeds 

can then be spread with the compost on 

top of a seed container and firmed down. 

The seeds must be moist whilst being prechilled, 

but it will harm them if they are 

actually in water. During the period in 

the refrigerator; examine the seeds once 

a week and remove all the seeds into the 

specified warm conditions if any of them 

start to germinate. 

Light also seems to be beneficial after 

pre- chilling, so pre-chilled seeds should 

have only the lightest covering of 

compost, if any is required, and the seed 

trays or pots, should be in the light and 

not covered in paper. 

Double dormancy 

Some seeds have a combination of 

dormancies and each one has to be 

broken in turn and in the right sequence 

6 

before germination can take place; for 

example some Lillies, Tree paeonies, 

Daphne etc need a warm period during 

which the root develops followed by a 

cold period to break dormancy of the 

shoots, before the seedling actually 

emerges. Some seeds need a cold period 

followed by a warm period and then 

another cold period before they will 

germinate. In all cases the times and 

temperatures have been provided in the 

sowing instructions. 

Outdoor treatment 

The above mentioned methods accelerate 

the germination process and help to 

prevent seeds being lost due to external 

hazards (mice, disease etc) but outdoor 

sowing is just as effective except longer. 

The seeds are best sown in containers of 

free draining compost and placed in a 

cold frame or plunged up to their rim 

outdoors in a shaded part of the garden, 

preferably on the north side of the house 

avoiding cold dry winds and strong sun. 

Recent tests show that much of the 

beneficial effects of pre-chilling are lost if 

the seed is not exposed to light 

immediately afterwards. We therefore 

recommend sowing the seeds very close 

to the surface of the soil and covering 

the container with a sheet of glass. An 

alternative method especially with larger 

seeds, is to sow the seed in well prepared 

ground, cover with a jam jar and press 

this down well into the soil so that the 

seeds are enclosed and safe from 

predators, drying out etc. 

Sowing 

Where outdoor sowing is recommended 

moist soil which is weed free and has 

been raked down to a fine tilth is 

essential. For hardy annuals and 

perennials sowing can be carried out 

from late winter onwards as soon as the 

ground is workable and has warmed up; 

half hardy annuals after all danger of 

frost is passed and when the soil has 

warmed up.

Advice is given throughout this 

publication on sowing seeds that need 

artificial heat for successful germination. 

However; there are a number of aspects 

of this fascinating branch of plant 

propagation that can best be summarized 

here. 

The first point to make is that you 

shouldn't buy the seeds of such plants 

until you are confident you have the 

facilities to raise them successfully. But 

this doesn't necessarily mean you have to 

invest in costly equipment. 

All seeds need water, oxygen, the correct 

amount of light and the right level of 

warmth to germinate. Supplying that 

warmth could be a simple matter of 

giving the sown seed a place above the 

central-heating register; a temporary 

home in the airing cupboard or a sunny 

windowsill. 

The pleasure of raising one's own 

bedding plants, for example, is infectious 

and one soon realizes that something a 

little more spacious and controllable can 

be had for very little cost. That 

something could be an electrically heated 

propagator capable of accommodating 

two or more standard size seed trays, 

using no more power than a light bulb 

but thermostatically controlled to give 

the precise temperature for successful 

germination. 

Of course, one must remember that a 

tray of seedlings is the starting point. 

Pricking out the seedlings (see page 15) 

follows and will involve accommodating 

several more trays or many more pots 

right through to the hardening off stage. 

You will appreciate that enthusiasm for 

this most rewarding hobby can soon take 

the gardener from a small propagator to 

the hankering for a greenhouse. 

However large one's ambition, one 

should never forget that quite small 

safeguards are necessary and top of the 


Undercover Sowing 

list is cleanliness. Trays and pots should be 

sterilized before use. So too should the 

cover of the propagator or glass of the 

greenhouse. Fresh compost should be 

used at the start of the season and 

emerging seedlings should be treated 

with No Damp to prevent damping off. 

Some seeds remain viable for a year or 

more after the packet seal has been 

broken, but it is advisable to carry out a 

germination test before the correct 

sowing time. Saved seeds require 

precisely controlled conditions to retain a 

reasonable germination rate, The major 

seed companies, of which McKenzie 

Seeds and Thompson & Morgan are two 

of the longest established, have become 

great because they provide high quality 

seed of guaranteed viability. It is a false 

economy more times than not to save 

small amounts of seed from one year to 

the next. 

Most seeds germinate best if the tray is 

covered with a sheet of glass or plastic to 

retain the moisture in the compost. Some 

require dark to germinate and this can be 

provided by keeping the tray in a light, 

warm position while it is covered with a 

sheet of newspaper. 

A daytime temperature of 65-75F (18- 

24C) is suitable for most undercover seeds 

and a drop at night to about 55F (12.5C) 

is permissible, V\/hen the seedlings have 

emerged, however, the daytime 

temperature should be lowered to about 

65F (18C) and the seedlings given a light 

position but out of direct sunlight. 

A practice which is becoming more and 

more popular is the sowing of seed into a 

3in (7.5cm) pot of moist seed compost 

and then sealing this inside a polythene 

bag until germination, This method 

ensures that the compost stays moist and 

results are often better because there is 

not such a large area of compost to warm 

up. Once the seedlings are well through 

the bag should be gradually removed. 


7


How To Cope With Tiny Seeds 

Tiny seeds, almost as fine as dust, such as 

begonia petunia and portulaca, can be 

difficult to handle. Sometimes, in fact, 

the packet seems to contain nothing 

except a trace of dust sized particles. 

Here's how to make a success of a tricky 

task. 

• Start off with compost which is just 

moist enough. If it is too wet, spread it 

out on newspaper etc., and let some of 

the water evaporate. If too dry, 

gradually mix in water until it is just 

right. 

• Use a small pan or pot for sowing, 

about 3-5in (7.5-12.5cm) is adequate. 

• Fill the pan or pot to overflowing with 

the seed compost, then firm it first with 

your fingers, then with a wooden 

presser. 

8 

FILL PAN OR POT 

TO OVERFLOWING 

WATER FROM 

UNDERNEATH 

• Pour a heaped teaspoon of fine sand 

into the seed packet and shake to mix 

sand and seed. 

• Sow the seed direct from the packet, 

tapping it slowly to release the sandseed 

mixture evenly over the compost. 

• Give the surface of the compost a short 

burst from a mist sprayer. 

• Cover with a piece of glass, or seal 

inside a polythene bag to keep the 

compost moist and the atmosphere 

slightly humid. 

• Remember that very fine seeds have less 

food resources than normal sized ones 

and the correct temperature for 

germination is very important. 

ADD FINE SAND SOW DIRECT 

FROM PACKET 

SEAL IN 

POLYTHENE BAG

Vermiculite is a natural, non-toxic mineral 

which, when heated to a very high 

temperature, expands to many times its 

size to produce a honeycomb structure 

which has the following benefits to the 

gardener: 

• Lightweight 

• Sterile 

• Absorbs surplus moisture and keeps air, 

water and nutrients close to the plants 

roots, ready for use. 

• Insulates the seed from high or low 

temperatures thus aiding germination 

when used as a seed covering. 

• Reduces compression when mixed with 

composts like peat or coir. 

• Pots and containers are lighter and 

easier to use. 

• Provides air spaces plants need for their 

roots to grow through and ensures that 

the essentials of growth, air, water and 

nutrients are freely available. 

Vermiculite added to compost provides 

the plant with more air spaces and has 

the ability to regulate the rate of 

release of nutrients so that the roots 

get their food as they need it. 

Vermiculite is helpful in providing 

quicker; more reliable seed germination 

and because it provides air; moisture and 

nutrients as and when required, 

germination, growth and transplanting 

are all improved. 

Seed Sowing 

Mix 50% Vermiculite with your usual seed 

compost for better root development; it 

will also reduce the risk of overwatering 

by releasing moisture as required. After 

sowing, cover the seed with a thin layer 

of Vermiculite instead of compost, no 

need to firm. This keeps the seed warm, 

moist and protected from sudden 

changes in temperature. 

N.B. Large seeds can be sown 1/16in deep 

in pure Vermiculite but should be 


Vermiculite 

transplanted soon after germination into 

50% Vermiculite / 50% seed compost. 

Impatiens, verbenas and many other 

types germinate and develop better 

when covered with Vermiculite rather 

than seed compost as it absorbs surplus 

moisture, keeps the seed warmer and 

supplies it with moisture when required. 

Potting Compost 

Vermiculite can absorb plant nutrients so 

that they are not washed away with each 

watering and release them gradually as 

the plant needs them. It also contains a 

little food i.e. Potassium, Magnesium 

and, in smaller quantities, Calcium, 

Sulphur, Manganese and Iron. 

Seedlings 

Seedlings raised in a Vermiculite/compost 

mix will naturally benefit from being 

transplanted into a similar potting 

compost which won't damage their fine 

root system. The pots will be lighter and 

easier to handle, the compost will hold 

more water and will be easier to re-wet. 

Potting 

Prepare by mixing 1 part Vermiculite with 

3 parts moistened potting, or all-purpose 

compost. Water lightly to settle the 

compost around the roots after planting. 

Feed as required. 

Containers, Baskets, Flower 

Pouches and Window Boxes 

All will benefit from the use of a 3 parts 

compost to 1 part Vermiculite mix, they 

will be lighter; easier to move and yet 

will hold more water and be easier to rewet. 

As with normal composts water 

holding granules are also recommended 

for maximum water retention. 

Bulb Storage 

To protect bulbs like Begonias, Gladioli 

etc., through the winter, lift, dry off and 

pour Vermiculite around the bulbs. It will 

absorb any surplus moisture and help 

prevent storage rot. 


9


Bulb Propagation 

Vermiculite can be used for the propagation 

of bulbs by the "chip" method. 

Place bulb chips in a polythene bag, cover 

with Vermiculite, and seal with an elastic 

band leaving plenty of air space. 

Store in a warm place until the 'chips' 

have formed bulbils and pot up into a 

mix of 50 / 50 Sow-Lite and potting 

compost. 

Seedling collapse, or damping-off is a 

wide spread problem for gardeners and 

commercial growers. As seeds germinate 

they may be attacked or the seedling 

may be infected in the post emergence 

stage. An affected seed tray would have 

a bare area of compost, probably near 

one end, surrounded by seedlings 

growing poorly. Some seedlings might 

have collapsed at the base with a watersoaked 

appearance. After pricking off, 

seedlings may develop brown root tips, 

have a weak root system, or collapse at 

the stem base and fall over: This is 

commonly seen when tomatoes are 

pricked off, and the seed leaves turn a 

very dark green. 

Causes of damping off 

Damping-off diseases are caused by 

fungi. These microscopic organisms form 

colourless threads in soil, compost, or 

plant structures. The ones attacking 

seedlings are species of Pythium and 

Phytophthora, belonging to a group 

called the water moulds. The name 

highlights the conditions which favour 

the spread of these fungi. They flourish 

in wet compost and need water to spread 

from plant to plant. 

When the water is cold they move slowly 

and take a long time to come to rest, 

whereas at 68F (20C) the spores swim 

quickly but soon stop. If they rest on a 

root or stem surface a minute thread 

emerges and penetrates the plant cells. 

These fungi then grow inside the plant 

and disrupt the normal cell processes. 

There is another soil-borne fungi which 

10 

Damping Off 

Cuttings 

Softwood cuttings taken in spring and 

summer from Fuchsias, Dahlias, 

Chrysanthemums etc., root well in a 

mixture of 50% Sow-lite, 50% Seed and 

Cutting compost. Make sure that the 

compost is thoroughly moist before use 

and don't firm down too heavily. Seal 

inside a polythene bag until the cuttings 

are well rooted. 

attacks seedlings, leading to collapse. This 

is called Rhizoctonia. Infected plants tend 

to develop a dry, reddish-brown stem 

called wire-stem, or the seedling roots 

may be affected. Seedlings in patches are 

unthrifty or pale coloured and die slowly. 

If a badly infected seedling is pulled up 

an excessive amount of soil may hang 

from the shrivelled root indicating the 

weft of fungus growth on the root. 

Rhizoctonia spreads entirely by threads 

which grow through the compost. All 

members of the brassica family seem 

particularly susceptible to infection. 

Susceptible plants 

Pythium and Phytophtora 

Snapdragon Cucumber 

Celery Lobelia 

China Aster Marigold 

Cineraria Nemesia 

Rhizoctonia 

Aubrieta Stock 

Brassicas Wallflower 

Salvia 

Preventing attack 

Although some plants are especially 

prone to damage, it is best to take 

sensible precautions against these 

diseases whatever seed you plan to sow 

as any plant can suffer. 

Before you can plan to control any plant 

disease, it is important to know where 

the fungus comes from and how it is 

spread. In the case of the damping-off 

diseases they are soil-borne but can

survive in plant or soil debris. The water 

moulds spread most in wet compost, 

while Rhizoctonia is active in drier 

conditions. 

The most fundamental principle in 

preventing these diseases is hygiene. The 

containers, such as pots and seed trays, 

the greenhouse and all tools must be 

cleaned and free of soil or plant debris. 

Soak the containers in hot water and 

scrub them thoroughly with a bristle 

brush to dislodge small particles of soil or 

debris. You may choose to use a 

proprietary disinfectant - if you do, make 

sure you ventilate the containers before 

use to release any remaining fumes. If 

you plan to stand trays on the soil floor 

of the greenhouse, cover the soil with 

polythene or raise the trays up from the 

surface so that they don't touch the soil. 

You may have the advantage of a heated 

propagator which is excellent for 

germination, but watch that you put the 

trays afterwards on clean benching and 

don't expose the seedlings to a sudden 

change in temperature or low night 

temperatures. 

Watering and seed compost 

Besides contaminated containers the 

water moulds can survive in stored water; 

An uncovered tank in a greenhouse soon 

collects plant debris, dust, and algae and 

spells trouble in propagation. Always use 

fresh mains water for moistening 

compost and watering seedlings. You can 

draw off the tapwater into a can, and 

leave the water to warm up before use 

the same day. 

It is essential that a proprietary seed 

compost is used. Do not use garden soil. 

By chance, the compost may be just moist 

enough, as you turn it out of the bag, 

but it may not, To test it, take a handful 

of the compost and squeeze it, open your 

hand and let it fall on the bench. If the 

compost does not bind and just hold 

together it is too dry. If the moisture 

oozes between your fingers it is far too 

wet. To moisten the compost turn out 

sufficient compost onto the bench for 


your immediate need. Make a flat layer, 

and gently sprinkle water on the compost 

surface. Then turn and mix the compost 

with your hands. Do the hand test again, 

and continue until the compost just holds 

together; but drops apart as it falls on 

the bench. Once the compost feels right 

sowing can proceed. It is quite wrong to 

sow seeds in dry compost and then give a 

heavy watering. This is the way to get 

damping-off. 

Don't use too large a container because 

large volumes of compost warm up 

slowly. Generally a 3in (7.5cm) pot is 

quite suitable. Cover the pot and seal 

inside a polythene bag and put it at the 

appropriate temperature. Once the seed 

is surrounded by moist soil it will 

germinate. 

Young plants which are grown at the 

appropriate temperature in good light 

and ventilation are more resistant to 

disease, because they are sturdy, well 

balanced plants. Aim for strong, sturdy 

growth at moderate temperatures. 

Fungicides 

A liquid copper formulation or damp off, 

also with a copper base, can be used to 

drench the seed container before sowing 

and on seedlings after pricking out, but 

they can slow down the growth of very 

delicate plants. 


11


Sowing Biennials and Perennials 

Although every garden should have its 

summer display of annual flowers, there 

should always be room for the earlyflowering 

biennials, such as wallflowers 

and forget-me-nots, and the long lasting 

glorious variety of perennial flowers that 

form the heart of the herbaceous border. 

Biennials are usually sown in a nursery 

area of the garden or seed bed where 

they can grow undisturbed until ready 

for transplanting. Seed sown in spring 

will result in plants that are sturdy 

enough to be moved to their flowering 

positions in autumn, normally when the 

summer bedding plants have given of 

their colourful best. 

Sow the seed in rows and keep the bed 

watered during dry spells and weeded at 

all times. An occasional feed with a liquid 

fertilizer can be given during the early 

stages of growth, but refrain from 

feeding for at least six weeks before 

transplanting to avoid sappy growth that 

could be damaged by hard frost. 

Some perennials can be treated as halfhardy 

annuals and sown indoors early in 

the year (see page 7) in a propagator, 

greenhouse or indoors for transplanting 

in late spring to flower during the 

summer. 

However, the majority of perennials, 

including the stately lupins, hollyhocks 

and delphiniums, can be grown in the 

nursery bed in spring, transplanted to 

their permanent positions in the border 

in the autumn, to flower the following 

season. 

Remember these plants will lose their 

leaves in late autumn so it is prudent to 

mark the planting position with a label 

or stake. 

Unlike annuals which complete their life 

cycle in one year, perennials will occupy 

the same site for years, so thorough 

preparation of the soil is important to 

12 

ensure the plants enjoy a long and 

healthy life. 

The site should be free-draining because 

waterlogging is fatal to this group of 

plants. Equally, it should not dry out too 

rapidly. The best way of achieving a welldrained 

but moisture retentive soil is to 

incorporate plenty of organic material 

into the top 6-12in ( 15-30cm). Well 

rotted farmyard manure, home made 

compost, spent peat from growing bags, 

and mushroom compost are all suitable 

for turning into the soil before 

transplanting the perennials from the 

nursery bed. 

The addition of about 4oz (112g) to the 

square yard/metre of a balanced organic 

fertilizer, such as fish emulsion or bone 

meal, worked into the top 6in (15cm) of 

the soil will help the plants to grow away 

strongly. 

An annual dressing of the same fertilizer 

followed by a mulch of manure or 

compost will ensure your perennials have 

a long and healthy life. 

Successful management of the border 

perennials involves such things as slug 

control in the spring, staking and division 

of mature plants.

When seeds germinate, the first leaves to 

appear are the cotyledons or seed leaves. 

These are usually a pair of oval, fleshy 

leaves that bear no resemblance to the 

mature leaves of the plant. 

The conventional advice is that seedlings 

should not be pricked out or transplanted 

until the first true leaves appear, but the 

gardener must exercise common sense 

and move them on only when they are 

large enough to handle. In the case of 

large seedlings, such as courgettes 

(squash) or marrows, this could be before 

the true leaves have developed and it is 

sound advice to sow such subjects 

individually in small pots. 

Removing tiny seedlings from the sowing 

container into trays of a good universal 

compost can be a delicate business. The 

golden rule is never to handle the plants 

by their stems, which bruise easily, but 

always by their seed leaves. 

Some people use a sharpened popsicle or 

tapered piece of wood. such as an ice 

jolly stick, or a metal device called a 

widger to separate and ease out the 

seedlings, taking care not to damage the 

delicate roots. 

GENTLY LEVER 

OUT SEEDLING 

WITH AS MUCH 

ROOT AS 

POSSIBLE 


Transplanting 

MAKE HOLES IN 

POT OR SEED 

TRAYS WITH A 

PENCIL 

HOLD BY SEED 

LEAVES & DROP 

INTO HOLE 

Invariably there will be more seedlings to 

transplant than available trays to 

accommodate them, so some will have to 

be sacrificed or given to friends or put 

into the compost bin. The important 

point is to give the transplanted seedlings 

adequate space to become sturdy young 

plants. As a rough guide, allow about 50 

seedlings to each full size tray. 

It is good planning to prepare the 

planting holes in the trays of wellmoistened 

compost before you actually 

lift out the seedlings from the sowing 

container. Simply ease each seedling into 

position with the roots falling neatly into 

the hole, then gently firm the compost 

into contact with the baby plant while 

still holding it by the seed leaf. 

Proprietary composts contain enough 

plant food to give the pricked-out 

seedlings a good start in life, but you can, 

if you wish, start feeding with a dilute 

liquid fertilizer, such as Plant start, after a 

couple of weeks or so. 

FIRM SOIL 

AROUND 

SEEDLING WITH 

DIBBER 


WATER GENTLY 

WITH A FINE 

SPRAY 

13


Hardening Off 

Half-hardy annuals, half-hardy perennials 

and some vegetable seeds have to be 

germinated indoors because they would 

be damaged by frost, harsh winds or cool 

growing conditions. 

They are sown early in the year in a 

heated greenhouse, propagator, warm 

room or even, to start off, in the airing 

cupboard. Most seeds need a minimum 

temperature of 65F (18C) and will 

tolerate a drop overnight to about 50F 

(10C), but there are exceptions and they 

are dealt with separately. 

Once the seedlings emerge they must be 

given plenty of light, although not direct 

sunlight, until they are large enough to 

be transplanted into trays (see page 13). 

The final operation before planting out is 

to harden off the young plants. The ideal 

is gradually to acclimatize the seedlings 

to the harsher conditions of the great 

outdoors. Allow a minimum of ten days 

to do this, and preferably longer. 

14 

Start by putting the trays in a sheltered 

position outdoors for two hours during 

daylight and lowering the temperature 

of the greenhouse or propagator for the 

rest of the day. Slowly increase the period 

that the plants are outside so that by the 

time the frosts are finished, the plants 

are fully conditioned to being outside. 

Don't forget that the trays will need 

watering but should be protected from 

heavy rain. 

When the young plants are transplanted 

to their flowering positions they may still 

need some protection against the 

damaging effects of strong, cold winds. 

A very useful aid to successful hardening 

off is a cold frame. It should be large 

enough to accommodate all the seed 

trays, but can be a very simple 

inexpensive structure. During the day the 

lights - that's the glass or plastic cover 

over the walls of the frame - can be 

opened or removed altogether, but put 

back into position overnight. 

NIGHT - PROTECT INDOORS DAY - SHELTERED OUTDOORS

As with many other aspects of life, 

preparation is an important factor in 

successful seed raising. For those seeds 

that can be sown directly into the soil, 

preparation involves ensuring the site is 

in a suitable condition. This means the 

soil should be free of weeds, large stones 

and debris and be broken down as finely 

as possible to what's called a fine tilth. 

This is achieved by forking over the top 

few inches of soil, then raking it to as 

crumbly a texture as possible. 

1. FORK SOIL 

2. FIRM DOWN 

3. RAKE TO A FINE TILTH 

4. DRAW DRILL 


Sowing Outdoors 

For many vegetables, some hardy annuals 

and tree seeds a special seed bed is 

prepared in an open but sheltered 

position. The seed is sown thinly in drills 

made to the recommended sowing depth 

for that particular variety. To make the 

drill you can use the reverse side of the 

rake head to make a V-shaped drill 

following a taut garden line. 

Alternatively, you can lay the rake, teeth 

uppermost, along the garden line and 

gently press the handle into the soil to 

make a U-shaped drill. 

5. SOW SEED 

6. COVER 

7. LABEL 

8. THIN OUT 


15


The important thing is that the seed 

should be in good contact with the soil. 

In dry conditions it is advisable to 

moisten the drill thoroughly before 

sowing, and some gardeners believe that 

lining the drill with moist peat is an aid 

to even germination. 

After sowing the seed, rake soil over the 

drill or cover with peat and firm it with 

the flat face of the rake. The final touch 

is to mark the drill with a plant label 

giving the type of seed variety and date 

sown. 

Where birds are Iikely to be a nuisance 

they can be deterred by stretching 

strands of black cotton along the rows or 

by covering the drills with wire-netting 

guards. 

Annual flower seeds can, of course, be 

sown directly into those parts of the 

garden where they will flower. 

For best results choose sunny areas that 

are well drained. At sowing time the soil 

should be moist and at a minimum 

temperature of 50F (10C). Annuals don't 

need a nutrient-rich soil, so dressings of 

artificial fertilizer aren't necessary. All 

soils and plants benefit, however, from 

organic matter that has been dug in to 

the top few inches of the soil early in the 

year. 

Hanging baskets add a whole new 

dimension to gardening, helping to 

utilize all the available space. With 

hanging baskets you can not only 

brighten up a sunny wall, but with the 

right choice of plants,use them to 

brighten up shady areas, for porches, 

conservatories and even provide fresh 

herbs through the winter with an indoor 

basket next to a sunny window. 

There are several different types of 

basket available from the old favourite 

wire mesh type, which is almost 

16 

Hanging Baskets 

The most effective technique when 

sowing a range of annuals is to sow the 

seed in patches, rather than in regimental 

lines. 

It's helpful to draw a plan of your 

intentions, placing the various varieties 

according to their height, spread and 

colour scheme you are aiming for. 

Prepare the soil as described above, then 

mark out the groups with a trickle of fine 

sand or flour. Sow the seed by sprinkling 

it as evenly as possible. One way of doing 

this is to put the seed into a triangular 

wedge of paper, held in one hand while 

tapping it with the fore-finger of the 

other hand. 

Annuals need only a light covering of soil 

which can either be sieved over the seed 

or the soil can be raked gently after 

sowing then firmed with the flat face of 

the rake. 

When the seed has germinated it will be 

necessary to thin out any seedlings that 

are overcrowded. Do this as soon as 

possible after emergence, but a further 

thinning out might be needed when the 

plants have developed several pairs of 

true leaves. Remember that in the early 

life of the seedlings adequate space is a 

key factor in determining the plants' 

subsequent development, so weeds must 

also be kept under control. 

indestructible, to solid plastic types which 

are almost like a large pot. Wire types 

can be planted through the sides and 

bottom to give a floral ball effect, 

whereas solid plastic ones hold water for 

much longer and you don't need to line 

them. 

When planting your basket first make 

sure the young plants or seedlings are at 

the correct stage. They should be sturdy, 

well rooted and at the stage for 

transplanting.

Planting the basket 

If using a mesh basket, you will need 

some form of liner to prevent the soil 

falling out. This could be plastic film, a 

garbage bag or moss. Moss ensures 

excellent drainage and high humidity 

both of which help the plants to grow 

well, but you will need to water more 

often than with the other liners which 

are easier to use, although you will 

usually have to punch holes in them to 

insert the plants. 

The plastic pot type basket can only 

planted at the top and it's simple 

procedure to fill with compost and put in 

the plants, remembering to leave space 

at the top for watering. 

With wire baskets, when using moss, line 

the bottom of the basket with a layer of 

moss about I in thick and build the moss 

up to about halfway up the sides. Then 

fill the centre with a moist, good, free 

draining soilless compost, preferably one 

specially prepared for hanging baskets. 

Alternatively you can make up your own 

by mixing 1 part Vermiculite with 3 parts 

standard soilless potting compost, and a 

slow release fertilizer. These will ensure 

that the water is distributed evenly, that 

it is held for as long as possible and that 

the plants are fed through the season. 

Insert the first layer of plants by carefully 

pushing the leaves through the mesh, 

pack plenty of moss around the plants 

and fill up the centre with compost, 

gently firming around the roots as you 

go. Make sure you leave a space large 

enough to take the roots of the plant 

which is to go in the centre and build up 

the outer layer of moss as you go. 

Before planting the top, first arrange the 

plants to their best effect and then plant 

firmly, making a slight dip in the centre 

to prevent run-off when watering. If 

possible, finish off the top with a layer of 

moss to improve the look of the basket 

and conserve water. 


Provided you are using a good compost 

and you are prepared to feed and water 

regularly, you will find the best effect 

comes from putting plenty of plants in 

the basket. With bedding plants it is a 

good rule of thumb to put in at least one 

plant per inch of basket diameter, that is 

12 plants for a 12in (30cm) basket. 

However if you are using only strongly 

growing plants such as Fuchsias or 

Geraniums, then it's better to restrict it to 

5 per 12in (30cm) basket. 

Once planted, give the basket a good 

watering with a watering can to settle 

the soil around the roots and stand in a 

greenhouse for 2-3 weeks. If no 

greenhouse is available, then place in a 

cold frame, or failing this, outside in a 

shady, sheltered spot and bring it indoors 

each evening. During this period, turn 

the baskets each day to ensure even 

growth, dead head the flowers as they 

fade and pinch out the growing points of 

any long, straggly plants to ensure bushy 

plants. 

Moving Outdoors 

When the plants are well established the 

weather is mild and warm, with all risk of 

frost having passed, the baskets can be 

hung in their final position. Use a suitably 

strong bracket, a 9in (22cm) bracket is 

suitable for a 12in (30cm) basket, and 

secure firmly. A sunny wall which doesn't 

get too hot, facing S.E. or S.W is best but 

avoid a windy spot. Unless you have used 

shade loving plants, the basket should be 

in the sun for most of the day. Keep the 

compost moist but not water logged by 

frequent watering, usually once a day in 

hot weather: Water in the evening for 

preference. You can tell whether a basket 

needs watering by testing with your 

fingers the top 1in of soil. If the surface 

only is dry then leave for another day. 

When you water; water well roughly 

giving about 1/2 gallon (2.3 liters) to each 

basket. It is essential the compost is 

neither too wet nor too dry as some 

plants, like lobelia for example, never 

recover from drying out. 


17


From mid June onwards it's usually 

necessary to feed with a good liquid 

fertilizer once a week, or you can give a 

weekly feed of high potash fertilizer to 

encourage flower production. Replace 

once a month with a high Nitrogen feed 

to prevent the foliage going yellow. 

Finally dead head the plants regularly, 

particularly Mimulus, Geraniums, 

Nasturtiums and similar; to ensure a 

succession of flowers. 

Baskets for Vegetables and Herbs 

These need a little more attention but 

can be both attractive and productive. 

They must never be allowed to dry out 

and for this reason wire baskets are best 

There are four popular ways of drying 

flowers: Air drying, glycerine, moist 

drying and by using a dessicant. In the 

chart overleaf we have listed the most 

usual treatment for each subject. They 

will probably also respond to other 

treatments. Also there are doubtless 

many other plants we offer which can be 

dried for their flowers or foliage which 

haven't been mentioned here. 

Air Drying 

Air drying is the simplest method, pick 

the flowers with as long a stem as 

possible when they are just fully out. 

Strip off the leaves and hang them upside 

down in bunches of 3-6 stems in a cool, 

dark, airy place until fully dry. 

Glycerine 

Glycerine is helpful in giving grasses a 

lovely silken sheen or to retain a plant's 

suppleness. Dilute 1 part glycerine in 2 

parts hot (boiled) water, mix together 

well and stand the plant in a jar 

containing 2-3in (5-7.5cm) of the mixture. 

Leave for 4-5 days until they change 

colour. 

Moist Drying 

Leave on the plant until the flowers are 

fully mature then cut, remove all the 

foliage and stand in a jar containing 2in 

(5cm) of water. 

18 

Everlasting or Dried Flowers 

lined with polythene. Suitable subjects 

are Bush Cucumbers, Chili Peppers, 

Lettuce Salad Bowl, Parsley and Tomatoes 

and herbs like Basil, Sage, Chamomile, 

Chives, Marjoram, Sorrel and Thyme. 

Vegetables need more space than 

bedding plants and a tomato such as 

"Christmas Grape" or a pepper such as 

"Jingle Bells Hybrid" should be planted 3 

per 14in (35cm) basket, whereas with 

cucumbers, like "Straight Eight", one 

plant per basket is sufficient. Feed weekly 

with a high Nitrogen feed, grow most of 

them in a sheltered spot, but provide a 

little shade for herbs and shade from 

strong sun for cucumbers. 

Once this has been used up they should 

be left to dry naturally. If the petals show 

signs of withering once the water is used 

up add a little more water. 

Dessicant 

This method is useful for the more fleshy 

flowers which don't dry easily by any 

other method. Use a cardboard shoe box 

or similar and cover the bottom with 1/2- 

3/4in (12-18mm) of dessicant (silica gel or 

similar). Place the flowers on this and 

work the dessicant carefully in among the 

petals until they are full covered and only 

the stem shows. For a first attempt it's 

best to start with daisy like flowers which 

should be placed face downwards on the 

dessicant. Seal the lid on the box with 

tape and place in a WARM, DRY place 

until dry. The time taken will depend on 

the size and texture of the flowers, but it 

usually takes around 2 weeks. Lift the 

flowers out with extreme care and brush 

off any surplus dessicant with a soft paint 

brush. 

Seed Heads and Gourds 

Leave the seed heads on the plant until 

fully ripe and bring in and air dry for 

several weeks. Gourds should be 

harvested when fully ripe, this can be 

seen by the fruit changing colour and 

becoming hard. Leave them on the vine a 

little longer if you are doubtful. Cut the

gourd with a small piece of stem 

attached and bring in to room 

temperature to dry. After several weeks 

when fully dry they can be given a coat 

of clear: varnish if required. Luffa Gourds 

turn brown and become lighter in weight 

at maturity, bring indoors, wash in a mild 

non-bleaching disinfectant and hang in a 

DRYING 

VARIETY TYPE METHOD 

Acanthus HP A 

Achillea HP A 

Aconitum HP D 

Alchemilla HP A or G or M 

Allium HP SH 

Amaranthus HHA A or G or M 

Ambrosinia HHA A 

Ammobium HHA A 

Anaphalis HP A 

Anemone HP D 

Anthemis HP D 

Asclepias HP SH 

Astilbe HP D 

Astrantia HP G 

Belamcanda HP SH 

Bellis HB D 

Calendula HA A 

Carlina HP A 

Catananche HP A 

Celosia HHA A 

Centaurea HA D 

Cephalaria HP SH 

Cephalipterum HHA A 

Chrysanthemum HP D 

Clary HA D 

Cortaderia HP A or G 

Craspedia HHA A 

Crocosmia HP D 

Dahlia HHA D 

Delphinium HP D 

Digitalis HB D 

Dipsacus HB SH 

Echinacea HP SH 

Echinops HP A 

Emilia HHA A 

Erigeron HP D 

Erynigium HP A or D 

Euphorbia HP G 

Feverfew HP D 


warm, dry, airy place. When ready you 

will be able to remove the dry outer skin. 

The inner fruit body must then be soaked 

in clean water for a few days to help 

remove the soft inner tissue and seeds 

and then dried and bleached in the sun 

or with Hydrogen Peroxide. 

DRYING 

VARIETY TYPE METHOD 

Gentian HP D 

Glaucium HB SH 

Gnaphalium HP A 

Godetia HA D 

Gomphrena HHA A 

Gourds HHA SH 

Grasses HP/HA A 

Gypsophila HP A 

Helichrysum HP/HHA A 

Helipterum HA A 

Helleborus HP D 

Heuchera HP D 

Hollyhock HHA D 

Iberis HA SH 

Larkspur HA A 

Lavender HSH SH 

Lawrencellia HHA A 

Limonium HHA A 

Lonas HA A 

Lunaria HB SH 

Matricaria HA A 

Molucella HHA A or D or G 

Myosotis HB D 

Nicandra HA SH 

Nigella HA SH 

Papaver HA SH 

Phlomis HP A 

Physalis HP SH 

Podolepis HHA A 

Psilostrophe HP A 

Pulsatilla HP SH 

Rhodanthe HHA A 

Scabioisa (Drumstick) HA A 

Sedum HP M 

Stachys HP A 

Tagetes HHA D 

Verbascum HP SH 

Xeranthemum HA A 

CODE: A = Air Drying D = Dessicant G = Glycerine M = Moisture SH = Dried Seed Head 


19


F1 Hybrids 

What is an F1 Hybrid ? 

F1 hybrids are seeds which are produced 

by a complicated breeding process where 

two pure breeding parent lines are 

crossed together to form seed which is 

known as F1 hybrid seed. Plants grown 

from F1 hybrid seed are usually very 

uniform in growth. Also F1 hybrids have 

what is known as Hybrid vigour'. Which 

means that F1 vegetables give increased 

yields and F1 flowers give a much better 

floral display. 

The seeds from these hybrids are a little 

more expensive than normal seed and 

this is because of the care which is 

needed when producing them. An F1 

Hybrid starts its life in the imagination of 

the plant breeder who has a very clear 

vision of what he wants to produce. 

He gets together existing varieties which 

have the characteristics he requires in the 

new Hybrid, perhaps earliness of 

flowering or a particularly nice colour 

and he starts by producing lines of seed 

which always breed true. That is if you 

collect seed from them and sow it the 

seedlings will resemble the parents in 

every way, this in itself is a long and 

painstaking task. 

Once the breeder has the necessary pure 

breeding lines he or she starts to make 

crosses between them and studies the 

resulting seedlings. Its a long process but 

eventually, usually after about 5 years, 

the breeder is satisfied that if certain 

varieties are crossed the seeds produced 

will give the new variety. That's when the 

work really starts! 

20 

The breeder can now go into commercial 

production and this means that the two 

selected parent lines are raised and 

planted out close to each other: Now the 

task is to stop them from self pollinating, 

and to do this often the flowers due to 

receive the pollen need to have their 

pollen bearing parts removed by hand, 

with tweezers! Then the pollen from the 

other line is brushed onto the stigma of 

the flower in order to cross pollinate it 

and the flower may be put inside a bag 

to prevent any insects visiting it with 

pollen. 

If the cross pollination works then later 

the seed can be harvested and when 

sown it will ALL produce plants which are 

identical. 

An added problem for the grower is that 

he or she must continue to maintain the 

pure breeding lines AND carry out the 

cross pollination process each time a crop 

of F1 Hybrids is needed. 

F2 Hybrids 

Usually seed saved from F1 Hybrids do 

not produce plants which are anything 

like the F1, but with some flowers, some 

Geraniums, Impatiens and Petunias for 

example, the 'F2 generation' will produce 

excellent plants which although they 

won't be quite as good as F I Hybrids 

make a good show and have the benefit 

of being cheaper. 

Raising F1 Hybrid Geraniums From Seeds 

When to sow 

From sowing to flowering will take 

around 18-20 weeks, depending on the 

sowing date and other important factors 

such as light, temperature etc. 

For earliest flowers sow from mid to late 

December onwards to produce flowers in 

late April, early May. An early January 

sowing should produce flowers in midlate 

May. An autumn sowing can also be 

made for overwintering. 

How to sow 

Use a moist, free draining seed compost. 

Sow carefully in a half seed tray or small

pot spacing the seeds out so that each 

has maximum space and cover with a thin 

layer of compost 1/8in (3 mm). Water 

gently after sowing with a fine rose or 

mist spray and cover the seed container 

with a sheet of glass or cover with a 

polythene bag and seal with an elastic 

band. Turn the glass daily and remove 

once the seedlings have germinated. 

Ensure that the compost stays moist and 

not wet. 

Temperature 

It is essential that a steady warm soil 

temperature is maintained 70-75F 

(21 -24C) is best and at this temperature 

the seedlings can emerge in 3-21 days. 

One important factor in successful 

germination of geraniums is constant 

moisture in the early stages. If the seed 

starts to germinate and the delicate 

young root comes in contact with dry 

compost it will probably not survive. 

Once the plants have germinated the 

temperature can be reduced somewhat 

but the growing on temperature will 

influence the date of flowering. 

Aftercare 

Transplanting 

Two moves should be made; first prick 

out into boxes as soon as the seedlings 

can be handled, which may be as early as 

7-10 days after sowing; second 5-6 weeks 

after sowing, pot up into 3-4in (10cm) 

pots. In each case use a light, well 

drained potting compost and water in 

gently. 

Temperature 

After pricking out, maintain an air 

temperature of 65F (18C) at night and 

70F (21C) during the day. Keep at these 

levels until 1 -2 weeks after potting (to 

encourage rooting) after which it should 


be gradually reduced, until at 

approximately 6-8 weeks after potting, 

the night temperature is 55-60F (13-15C). 

During the day, the temperature can be 

allowed to rise to 70-75F (21-24C). Lower 

growing temperatures are quite 

acceptable but the plants will take longer 

to develop. To get flowers in early July 

the temperature can be reduced to 65F 

(18C) after germination (or pricking out if 

applicable) and two months after sowing 

reduced again to 45F (7C). It is impossible 

to be entirely definite about this timing 

because varieties vary in their natural 

rate of maturity and light levels also play 

a significant part. 

Spacing 

Always give the plants adequate space to 

give good air circulation and to ensure 

healthy growth. Ensure that there is a 

space between each plant and that leaves 

are not touching. (You should aim for 

3-4, 4in (10cm) pots per square foot or 

5-6, 3in (7.5cm) pots per square foot). 

Water and Food 

Geraniums need regular feeding while in 

growth, or small hard plants with 

yellowed leaves will result. Commence 

regular feeding with liquid fertilizer 3-4 

weeks after transplanting. Likewise care 

should be taken with watering, they will 

suffer if kept over wet but too little 

water will slow down the growth and 

delay flowering. 

Autumn Sowing 

Recent research at a government research 

station has revealed another successful 

approach. Now that heating equipment is 

more sophisticated and insulation and 

other heat saving techniques have 

improved so much, there is an argument 

for sowing seed in autumn and growing 

through the winter very cool. Seed is 

sown in October, when ambient 

temperatures are still fairly high so fuel 

costs are reasonable, and then grown 

right through the winter and spring at 

45F (7C). This system saves a little on fuel 

compared with January sowing but 

produces earlier flowering and better 


21


plants. Flowering time is more 

comparable with plants grown from 

January sowing but kept at higher 

temperatures. Whichever method is 

chosen, regular feeding is necessary as is 

attention to disease control, especially on 

overwintered plants. Autumn sown plants 

should be watered by hand to avoid over 

Several herbs can be grown in a hanging 

basket, window box and even on a sunny 

well lit windowsill with just a little extra 

care. Sow them at any time from 

February to early August, raise them in 

the usual way and prick out into 3in 

(7.5cm) pots of a good free draining seed 

compost. Some herbs like Chives can be 

left as they are without pricking out at 

all, as they are happy when crowded 

together: Make sure that the pots are 

always in a good light and reasonably 

cool. A regular mist spray will help to 

keep them fresh during the summer; 

when they will need watering regularly. 

When growing well give them a treat 

with a weak liquid feed. During the 

winter, watering should be done 

sparingly, so that the plants just keep 

ticking over: Pick the foliage sparingly 

from spring to late summer and pluck a 

few sprigs throughout the winter too. 

Following are some of the herbs that do 

well on a windowsill. 

22 

Herbs 

wet compost in the winter months when 

growth is slow. Of course, if you are 

overwintering young seed raised plants, 

you can utilize the warmth to keep 

fuchsias, regal pelargoniums and other 

tender perennials through the winter and 

so make the best of your insulation and 

fuel. 

Basil - a sun lover; excellent for pasta 

sauces. Grow in the best available light. 

Chives - has a mild onion flavour; it will 

tolerate a little shade. Snip off the top - 

couple of inches with scissors. 

Marjoram - an all purpose herb also 

known as Oregano, likes full sun. Pick the 

leaves at the top of the plant just before 

it flowers. 

Parsley - will tolerate a little shade, sow 

in spring for summer use and in August / 

September for winter use. 

Thyme - an attractive low growing herb 

to grace any windowsill. Its strongly 

fragrant leaves are excellent fresh or 

dried. It prefers plenty of light and 

should not be overwatered.

Some plants can be sown in crevices on 

top of a wall to cascade down over it, 

provided that there are deep enough 

pockets of soil for the plants to get their 

roots into. There should be hole at least 

as big as a 4-5in (10-12cm) pot for 

successful growth and development. 

Some plants can be sown in cracks in 

paving, provided that the roots can grow 

under the paving into moist soil. Sow in 

August/September or March/April mixing 

some moist seed compost with the seed. 


Plants For The Top Of Wall 

Sow in August/September or March/April 

mixing some moist compost with the 

seed. Pack the hole with seed compost 

and then sprinkle the mixture of seed 

and compost on top and firm down. 

Moisten the soil with a fine mist spray 

and keep moist until the seedlings are 

well established. 

The following perennials should prove 

suitable: 

Alyssum saxatile 

Arabis Snow Peak 

Campanula 'Blue Chip' 

Dianthus 

Evening Primrose Pink Petticoats 

Foxglove Foxy 

Snow in Summer (Cerastium) 

Thymus serpyllum 

Plants To Grow Between Cracks In Paving 

Pack the cracks with this mixture, firm 

down and moisten the soil with a fine 

mist spray. Keep moist until the seedling 

are well established. 

The following rockery plants should 

prove suitable: 

Alyssum Saxatile 

Campanula 'Blue Chip' 

Coreopsis 'American Dream' 

Dianthus Artic Fire F2 Hybrid 

Melampodium Derby 

Snow in Summer (Cerastium 

tomentosum) 

McKenzie Steppable 

Plant Varieties: 

• Creeping Thyme 

• Irish Moss 

• Alpine Alyssum 


23


Grow Your Own Fresh Vegetables 

The bean family 

The bean family are excellent crops for 

the amateur. Broad, dwarf or French and 

runner beans are all highly nutritious and 

unfussy in terms of soil and climate. 

Broad beans 

These are the earliest of the family to put 

in an appearance. For a family of two 

adults and two children self-sufficiency in 

this crop means allowing space for three 

15ft (4.5m) rows with the rows 18in 

(45cm) apart and the plants about 12in 

(30cm) apart. 

Prepare the site by digging in home-made 

compost, well-rotted farmyard manure or 

a proprietary organic compost, followed 

by a dressing of dolomitic limestone or 

calcified seaweed. Prior to sowing give 

the site 40z (112g) per square yard/metre 

of a balanced fertilizer. 

Sow the seed singly in peat pots in a cold 

greenhouse or cold frame in late winter 

or sow direct into the soil 2in (5cm) deep 

in early spring. 

Blackfly can be a problem, so when you 

see the first small beans have formed, 

pinch out the growing tip of each plant 

and cook them like spinach. If blackfly 

does get a hold, spray in the evening with 

a pyrethrum spray. 

Runner beans 

One of the most popular of the summer 

vegetables and will happily grow up a 

garden fence, poles or wigwam of canes 

to give a plentiful supply of tender; 

succulent beans from early summer 

through to the first frosts of the late 

autumn. 

For best results prepare the site by 

digging in compost or manure, followed 

in early spring by a dressing of dolomitic 

limestone or calcified seaweed. In spring 

give a dressing of a balanced fertilizer. 

Delay sowing until all danger of frost has 

passed and never when the soil is cold 

and wet. Self- sufficiency for a family of 

24 

four is achieved with two 15ft (4.5m) rows 

to produce about 100 to 150 lb of fresh 

beans. The seed is sown 2in (5cm) deep 

and 9in (23cm) apart. 

Dwarf or French beans 

These are half-hardy and produce their 

crop after the main flush of broad beans, 

but before the runner beans come on 

stream. 

For self-sufficiency allow three or four 

rows 15ft (4.5m) long and about 10in 

(25cm) apart. Delay sowing until the soil 

temperature has reached a minimum of 

50F (10C), because cold, wet soil will rot 

the seed. Sow when the last frost has 

gone, placing the seed about 2in (5cm) 

deep and about 9in (23cm) apart in the 

rows. Alternatively, sow the seed in trays 

or singly in pots in a frost-free greenhouse 

for transplanting in late spring. 

It is important to keep the crop picked 

while the pods are young, tender and 

stringless. Freeze any surplus as you go 

along. 

The brassica family 

This is a delicious group of vegetables 

that includes Brussels sprouts, cabbages, 

cauliflowers and broccoli. There are 

varieties to suit every size of family as 

well as techniques that enable the size of 

cabbages, for example, to be controlled. 

All members of this family, except the 

spring greens, require a soil that is well 

supplied with organic material, while a 

spring dressing of a balanced fertilizer is 

beneficial, on all but alkaline soils, a 

dressing of dolomitic limestone in early 

spring is recommended. 

All brassicas (including kohl rabi, swedes 

and turnips) should be rotated in the 

vegetable garden. This means moving 

them to a different site every year for 

three years. Rotation helps to avoid a 

build-up of soil pests and diseases. At 

transplanting brassicas should be 

protected from cabbage root fly damage 

by the use of a fibre disc or square cut 

from old carpet underlay.

Broccoli, green and white 

sprouting 

Purple sprouting broccoli is a gourmet 

vegetable that everyone can grow. It is 

rich in dietary fibre and has as much 

vitamin C as oranges. Of all the brassicas, 

this gives the best return for the space it 

occupies. A bonus is that sprouting 

broccoli is cropped when other green 

vegetables are in short supply. 

One row of 15ft (4.5m) will accommodate 

six plants to give self-sufficiency for a 

family of four. Sow the seed in spring in a 

seed bed 1/2in (1.25cm) deep and 

transplant when the seedlings are about 

4in (10cm) tall 2ft (60cm) apart each way 

Cut the tender shoots, beginning with the 

centre, while the flower buds are still in a 

tight bunch and continue taking the 

shoots for up to seven weeks. 

Brussels sprouts 

Crisp texture, a nutty flavour and a long 

cropping season make this one of the 

stalwarts of autumn and winter meals, 

Choose a variety to suit the space you 

have available. Sow in a seed bed 1/2in 

(1.25cm) deep from early to mid spring 

for transplanting in late spring or early 

summer 3ft (90cm) apart. Water the 

young plants before transplanting and 

firm the soil very thoroughly afterwards. 

Cabbage 

Raise the plants in a seed bed (see page 

15) and transplant when the seedlings 

have made four or five leaves. Summer 

cabbage is sown in spring 1/2in (1.25cm) 

deep for planting out in early to 

midsummer 12-18in (30-45cm) apart. 

Winter cabbages are sown in late spring 

for planting in mid-summer 9-18in (23- 

45cm) apart. Planting distances have a 

major impact on the finished size of the 

cabbage: close planting results in small 

cabbages. 

Calabrese 

This follows the sprouting broccoli and 

can be sown successionally to give tender, 

succulent spears right through to early 

winter: Sow 1/2in (1.25cm) deep in early 


spring in the seed bed, and transplant to 

rows 20in (50cm) apart, allowing 12in 

(30cm) between the plants. Each plant 

should yield about 1 Ib (450g) of spears. 

Cauliflowers 

This crop is rather more fussy than the 

other brassicas. It needs an organicallyrich 

soil and must never go short of water. 

It also needs a generous amount of space. 

For an early summer crop, sow the seed 

indoors in winter in trays and propagate 

at about 60-65F (15- 18C). Transplant in 

early spring 18 x 24in (45 x 60cm) apart. 

Autumn maturing varieties are sown in a 

seed bed in spring and transplanted in 

early summer 24 x 28in (60 x 70cm) apart. 

Sow the seed 1/2in (1.25cm) deep, thin to 

3in (7.5cm) apart and transplant when the 

plants have made five or six leaves. 

Kohl rabi 

A delicious alternative to turnips and 

many people find it easier to grow. The 

edible part is the swollen stem which can 

be cooked whole or sliced when about 

the size of a tennis ball. Sow the seed in 

spring 1/2in (1.25cm) deep in rows 12in 

(30cm) apart for use in summer. Thin out 

to 4-6in (10-15cm) apart. Sow the winter 

crop in mid-summer. 

Carrots and other root crops 

No wonder that carrots are one of the 

most popular of all vegetables. They 

contain more vitamin A than any other 

vegetable, are high in vitamin C and 

dietary fibre and have an important 

content of mineral salts and trace 

elements. 

In the root crop category there are also 

parsnips, turnips, swedes and kohl rabi, all 

nutritious, easy to grow crops that require 

relatively little space yet give a bountiful 

return. What's more, any surplus can be 

stored over the winter to give variety to 

winter meals. 

Carrots 

Sow successionally to give baby carrots in 

late spring and early summer followed by 

the main crop. Sow an early variety in a 


25


sheltered position in the garden with the 

main crop sowings in mid to late spring. 

Sow the seed 1/2in (1.25cm) deep with the 

rows 6in (15cm) apart. Thin out in stages 

to 4-6in (10-15cm) apart. 

Two 15ft (4.5cm) rows of main crop 

carrots will give a yield of 60 to 80 lb and 

the roots can be lifted from late summer 

onward, In favourable areas the crop can 

be left in the ground with a covering of 

straw or plastic sheeting and lifted as 

required. 

The main pest of the crop is the carrot fly 

which lays its eggs alongside the plants. 

When they hatch the maggots tunnel into 

the roots causing the plants to wilt and, 

eventually, to die while the roots become 

riddled with holes. 

The only effective control is to erect a 

barrier to prevent the fly reaching the 

crop. Woven plastic fleece can be placed 

over the seedlings or panels of polythene 

sheeting tacked to wooden frames can be 

erected round the rows. 

Parsnips 

Parsnip seed is very slow to germinate, so 

a sowing in early spring as soon as the soil 

is workable is recommended. Sow in rows 

1in (2.5cm) deep with the rows 12in 

(30cm) apart. Thin out gradually to one 

seedling every 5-8in (13-20cm). Some 

gardeners sow a quicker growing marker 

crop, such as radish, to indicate the 

position of the drills. Mature parsnips may 

be left in the ground over the winter for 

lifting as required or the entire crop can 

be lifted and stored in peat or sand. 

Turnips 

This is a dual-purpose vegetable: delicious 

when small and tender as a late spring 

crop; versatile and long-lasting as a winter 

vegetable, Choose a quick-maturing 

variety, such as Early Snowball, for sowing 

1/2in (1.25cm) deep in rows 6in (15cm) 

apart in early spring. Harvest the roots 

when they are about the size of tennis 

balls and use the tops as spring greens. 

Sow the maincrop, such as Rapa da 

Mensa, in mid-summer and thin the 

26 

seedlings to 6in (15cm) apart. Keep the 

plants well watered in dry weather. Lift 

and store in late autumn as for parsnips. 

Swede Turnip (Rutabaga) 

These are a hardy root crop requiring an 

open site and a long growing period. Sow 

in late spring in drills 1/2in (1.25cm) deep 

and 18in (45cm) apart. Thin the seedlings 

to 6in (15cm) apart. Turnips and swedes 

are brassicas and should, if possible, be 

rotated with others of the family. 

Celery and celeric 

Celery is a crop that repays a lot of 

attention, while celeriac is more hardy 

and requires rather less management. 

Both crops have a characteristic nutty 

flavour and are delicious raw in winter 

salads or cooked as a vegetable. 

Trench celery requires early preparation of 

the site with a 1ft (30cm) trench dug early 

in the year: The bottom is filled with 6in 

(15cm) of manure or compost, followed 

by a 3in (7.5cm) layer of soil. The 

remainder of the soil is used for earthing 

up the crop. 

Self-blanching and green celery varieties 

require no earthing up and are rapidly 

increasing in popularity, while celeriac is 

treated as a root crop and can be stored 

in peat or sand for use throughout the 

winter. 

Seeds for both are sown indoors in early 

spring in trays of compost at 55-60F (13- 

16C). Surface sow celery as the seed needs 

light to germinate, but lightly cover the 

celeriac. At the two true leaf stage prick 

out the seedlings into boxes at about 31in 

(7.5cm) apart or individually into small 

pots. Harden off the plants gradually 

when the weather starts to warm up and 

plant out in early summer. 

Allow about 9in (23cm) apart each way 

for celery Plants and slightly more for the 

celeriac. Both crops need adequate 

moisture throughout the growing period. 

Celery should be protected from autumn 

frosts with straw, boxes, or landscape 

fabric. Celeriac can be lifted in late 

autumn and stored.

Chinese vegetables 

Interesting flavours, versatility in use and 

the ease with which they can be grown 

make chinese vegetables valuable 

additions to western gardens. There's the 

bonus that most of them are ready to 

harvest in late autumn and winter when 

the choice of traditional vegetables is 

rather restricted. 

Chinese cabbages 

Looking somewhat like a self-folding cos 

lettuce with conical hearts and crinkled 

leaves, are quite unlike lettuce or 

cabbage. The flavour is delicate and the 

texture crisp when eaten raw as a salad, 

while when cooked the flavour and 

nutritional values are retained. 

Choose a site that is slightly alkaline but 

rich in organic matter and highly water 

retentive. Chinese cabbages are shortday 

plants, that's to say, they give their best 

performance in late autumn and early 

winter. 

Sow direct into soil blocks or 3in (7.5cm) 

peat pots and maintain a minimum 

temperature of 50F (10C) from germination 

to planting out. Transplant at the 

two-leaf stage, allowing 12in (30cm) apart 

each way. The plants are shallow- rooted 

and must never be allowed to dry out. 

Water thoroughly and mulch with peat, 

homemade compost or composted bark. 

The mature hearts should be cut just 

above ground level. Although best eaten 

immediately after cutting, the hearts can 

be stored for up to three weeks in the 

salad compartment of the refrigerator. 

These are members of the brassica family 

who should be protected from cabbage 

root fly and rotated as a precaution 

against disease. 

Pak Choi 

A leafy brassica sown in spring for a 

succession of cut and come again leaves 

or sown in summer for harvesting in the 

autumn. Seed sown direct into rich 

organic soil will produce a crop ready for 

harvesting within about six weeks. Sow 


1/2in (1.25cm) deep in drills 15in (38cm) 

apart and thin out to 9in (23cm) apart. 

A feature of Pak Choi is that the tender 

succulent leaves with thick stalks are mild 

flavoured and never become tough, so 

there's no waste. They are equally 

suitable as a cooked vegetable or raw in 

salads. 

If sown direct into the garden, unheated 

greenhouse or cold frame, the thinnings 

can be used as salad material, giving the 

plants a spacing of 8in (20cm) apart each 

way to grow to maturity. 

Chinese Greens 

These embrace a number of interesting, 

nutritional crops grown for their succulent 

leaves. Spinach round leaf (McKenzie 

Chinese) matures very rapidly, being ready 

in about 60 days after sowing. Sowing in 

summer 3/4in (19mm) deep for cropping 

in the winter, thinning the plants to 

about 16in (40cm). The leaves are cut as 

required when they are about 12in (30cm) 

tall. Kailaan White flowered (McKenzie) is 

grown in the same way but for the 

delicious edible flower buds which should 

be picked when the shoots are about 6in 

(15cm) long and before the flowers open. 

Green Giant (McKenzie) is also very hardy 

and should be sown direct in late summer 

or early autumn for winter cropping. It is 

a mustard that should be cut when the 

leaves are no more than about 9in (23cm) 

tall otherwise the flavour becomes rather 

strong. Pak Choi and the above are all 

brassicas and should be rotated yearly. 

Broad leafed Garlic Chives should be sown 

1/4in (6mm) deep in early spring and drills 

12in (30cm) apart. Thin out to 9in (23cm) 

apart and cut off tops as required. The 

clumps can be divided in spring after 2 

years. 

Zucchini/Summer squash 

For any early start sow the seeds singly, 

about 1/2in (1.25cm) deep, in small pots 

and place in a warm position, such as the 

airing cupboard or heated propagator 

with a temperature of 65-70F (18-21C). 


27


Remove to a warm, light position when 

the seeds have germinated and harden 

off gradually (see pg 13) for planting out 

after the last spring frost. 

A sunny, open site with humus-rich soil 

that is never allowed to dry out is ideal 

for this crop. Six plants spaced 3ft (1 m) 

apart each way will give sufficient 

Zucchini for a family of four; while four 

bush or trailing squash plants will give an 

adequate supply. For zucchini the fruit are 

cut when they are about 4-6in (10-15cm) 

long. Squash should be cut when the skins 

can still be readily marked with the 

thumbnail. A weekly feed with a liquid 

fertilizer ensures a steady supply of young 

fruits. 

Cucumbers 

Greenhouse varieties should be sown 

early in the year singly in small pots of 

peat-based compost with the seeds about 

1/2in (1.25cm) deep. Place in a warm 

position, such as the airing cupboard, or 

heated propagator at 70-75F (21-24C). 

Plant singly into 5in pots and grow at 

about 65F(18C). 

Plant out at the four-leaf stage into large 

pots or directly into the garden. Water 

regularly. Pinch out the growing point 

and allow two side shoots to develop. 

Spray with water well during hot weather 

and feed weekly with a liquid fertilizer 

high in phosphorous. All-female varieties 

can be allowed to fruit only on the main 

stem with the side shoots removed along 

with any male flowers that might appear. 

Outdoor cucumber seeds are started off 

the same as the indoor cucumbers but 

timed so that the plants are ready for 

hardening off and transplanting in late 

spring. Alternatively the seed can be sown 

direct in late spring. Outdoor plants, 

other than bush varieties, will trail and 

should be given support to climb over: 

Bush varieties can be grown directly in the 

garden or large containers. 

28 

Herbs 

Set aside a bed in a sunny position near to 

the kitchen for this wonderful group of 

plants and you will enjoy not only their 

fragrance and beauty but also their 

culinary benefits. Most herbs are best 

used fresh as garnishing, in stuffings and 

sauces, but the dried leaves are valuable 

also, while some are grown specifically for 

their seeds or for their aromatic quality. 

In early spring prepare a fine tilth so that 

the hardy annual herbs can be sown as 

soon as the soil has warmed up to about 

50F (10C). Sow the seed thinly in groups 

and cover with finely-sifted soil. 

Hardy perennials may be sown at this 

time also or in the autumn, while halfhardy 

herbs should be sown in late spring 

after danger of frost has passed. 

The onion family 

Onions, shallots and leeks are mainstays 

of wintertime meals and have always 

been firm favourites with amateur 

gardeners. They do well in light, deeply 

dug soil that has been manured the 

previous autumn or winter and with a 

dressing of a balanced fertilizer in early 

spring. 

The easiest way to grow onions is from 

sets which are small immature onions that 

have been heat treated. They can be 

planted in early spring for harvesting in 

early summer. You can plant direct into 

moist soil or give them a start by placing 

them on a tray of moist soil or peat 

somewhere warm until the roots have 

grown about an inch. 

Plant the sets so that just the tip is 

showing, allowing about 5in (13cm) 

between each, and about 12in (30cm) 

between the rows. One pound of onion 

sets should give a finished crop of about 

70 lb. When the foliage starts to turn 

straw-coloured, ease the onions from the 

soil and allow to dry off until the skins are 

brittle. Hang the onions in nets or 

traditional strings in a cool, dry place, 

where they should remain in good 

condition for at least six months.

Onions can also be grown very 

successfully from seed sown under cover 

in trays early in the year or in shallow 

trenches outdoors. Transplant the 

seedlings in spring at the same distances 

as for sets and use any thinnings as salad 

onions. 

Winter onion varieties are sown in late 

summer to overwinter and harvest the 

following spring or early summer. Sow the 

seeds about 1in (2cm) apart in shallow 

trenches 9in (23cm) apart and thin out to 

4in (10cm) apart the following spring. For 

spring onions see page 32. 

Shallots 

Shallots, like small onions, are ideal for 

pickling, for flavouring and for grating or 

slicing in salads. They are grown from 

bulbs, each of which produces 10-20 

mature bulbs, and are planted in late 

winter for harvesting in early summer. 

Push the bulb into the soil to half its 

depth, spacing the bulbs 6in (15cm) apart 

and the rows 9in (23cm) apart. Ensure the 

shallots are thoroughly dry before storing 

in nets or trays where they will keep in 

perfect condition for up to 12 months. 

Leeks 

The gourmet vegetable that every 

gardener can grow. Seed can be sown 

under glass in winter or outdoors in early 

spring, very thinly about 1/2in (1.25cm) 

deep. When the seedlings are about as 

thick as pencils, transplant them to 6-8in 

(15- 20cm) deep holes, made with a 

dibber, and spaced 6in (15cm) apart each 

way. Simply drop the leek into the hole, 

then fill it with water. About three weeks 

after planting out give the leeks a 

dressing of a balanced organic fertilizer, 

and a second dressing about three weeks 

after the first. Leeks are hardy and should 

be dug as required for the kitchen. 

Melons 

Sow the seed in early spring in a heated 

propagator or greenhouse at a steady 

temperature of 70-75F (21-24C), setting 

each seed 1/2in (1.25cm) deep in a small 

pot of peat- based compost. 


At the four-leaf stage the plants can be 

moved onto an open sunny site, allowing 

each plant 3 feet of space. 

In the greenhouse, plant in a border soil 

enriched with well rotted compost or into 

10in (25cm) pots. Train up wires and pinch 

out the growing point when it reaches 

the roof. While growing upward the main 

stem will produce side shoots, let these 

develop 2-3 leaves and then pinch out 

their growing point also. these side shoots 

will also produce shoots (sub-laterals) and 

these too should be allowed to produce 

2-3 leaves before the growing point is 

pinched out. The female flowers grow 

best on these sub-laterals. 

Under cover it is advisable to hand 

pollinate the female flowers (those with a 

slight swelling behind the petals) by 

dusting them with pollen from male 

flowers which have no swelling at all. 

Melons must have plenty of moisture at 

all times along with regular feeding with 

a liquid fertilizer. 

To grow bush varieties and climbing types 

in frames, pinch out the growing point 

when it has 5 leaves. Pinch out the 

growing point of the side shoots when 

they have 3 leaves. Select 4 of the most 

vigorous shoots and train these to 4 

corners of the frame, then remove all the 

other shoots. Plants may need some 

direction from time to time. 

Outdoor melons need a fertile well 

drained soil which warms up early, and 

with plenty of well rotted compost dug in 

the previous autumn. They need a soil 

temperature of 71-77F (22-25C) and an air 

temperature of above 65F (18C) to 

flourish. Raise the plants as described, 

about 3-4 weeks before you intend to 

plant out and at this time cover the soil of 

the melon bed with plastic mulch to warm 

the soil, retain moisture, improve earliness 

and fruit quality. Plant in single rows, 

after all risk of frost has gone and the soil 

is warm, 20-36in (50-90cm) apart and 6-8ft 

(2-2.5m) between rows or other 

vegetables, pulling a little soil around the 

plant to keep it from touching the plastic 


29


mulch. Water well after planting until 

established and dig a shallow water 

tunnel either side of the row, each 

approximately 21/2ft (80cm) from the 

centre of the plant for watering. When 

the plants have made 4 true leaves, cut 

off the growing point just above the 3rd 

true leaf. With vigorous plants a second 

pruning at the 8th leaf can be made. They 

should run along the ground and need no 

support. When the flowers appear, hand 

pollination will prevent mis-shapen fruits. 

Watering is most necessary just after the 

fruits set, at this stage water regularly and 

feed at 10-14 day intervals with liquid 

feed. Wait until the fruit is fully mature 

before harvesting. At this stage a small 

crack will appear near the stalk and it will 

have a rich fruity fragrance. Harvest with 

1/2in (1cm) of stalk attached. 

Parsley 

This is probably the most nutritious and 

versatile plant that the amateur gardener 

can grow in the vegetable section. With a 

little protection it can be available all 

through the year for sauces, salads and 

garnishings as well as being an essential 

ingredient of stuffing. 

The seed is very slow to germinate, but 

can be speeded up somewhat by soaking 

the seed for 12 hours prior to sowing or 

by watering the drill before sowing then 

covering with dry soil. 

For a continuous supply sow 1/2in 

(1.25cm) deep in early spring and again in 

the summer in a sheltered position 

outdoors or in soil blocks or trays of 

compost for thinning or transplanting to 

about 6in (15cm) apart. In fall cut back 

the flowering stems to prolong the 

cropping period. 

Peas 

Few vegetables can match tender, sweet 

garden peas, picked straight from the 

plants and eaten within an hour or two. 

For those with the room to spare, three 

15ft (4.5m) rows of an early variety and 

another three rows of a maincrop gives 

self-sufficiency for a family of two adults 

and three children. This is a crop that 

repays careful preparation on of the site 

30 

as early in the year as possible. Choose an 

open, sunny position with deep soil 

organically manured and well drained. 

Just prior to sowing give a top dressing of 

a balanced organic fertilizer or an 

inorganic one. 

Sow the early varieties in early spring with 

the maincrop following about four or five 

weeks later: Make a flat-bottomed trench 

about 6in (15cm) wide and 3in (7.5cm) 

deep. The space between each row should 

be approximately the height of the crop. 

Sow the seeds in three rows in the trench 

2in (5cm) apart each way and cover with 

2in (5cm) of soil. 

Cover the rows with pea guards or stretch 

black cotton along the rows to protect 

the seedlings from birds. When the 

seedlings are about 4in (10cm) tall give 

support with twiggy sticks or netting 

supported by stakes. 

Do not allow the pods to become overripe 

as this shortens the harvesting 

period. Any surplus peas can be frozen 

very successfully. 

The salad crops 

Beet (Beetroot) 

As a salad crop these are best used when 

only the size of a golf ball. They can also 

be pickled at this stage. The maincrop 

beet should not be allowed to become 

too big and this means lifting and storing 

them in early autumn. 

Sow thinly in a trench 1in (2.5cm) deep 

and 12in (30cm) apart, thin out to 4in 

(10cm) apart. Too early sowing can result 

in the crop bolting (running to seed), so 

make the first sowing in mid-spring, with 

a successional sowing about four weeks 

later; and the maincrop sowing in early 

summer. Beetroot seeds are actually a 

cluster of several seeds and they can be 

left to develop as a cluster of four to five 

roots. 

Chicory 

Welcomed by the connoisseur of winter 

salads for its tangy bitter-sweet taste and 

crisp texture. Seed should be sown early

in the summer direct into moist, rich soil. 

Germination can be rather erratic in hot 

weather; but growth is rapid once the 

seedlings emerge. Sow salad chicories in 

shallow rows 12in (30cm) apart and thin 

out to 5in (13cm) apart. 

Endive 

This is another basic ingredient of autumn 

and winter salads giving crisp, tender 

leaves after blanching. Sow the seed 

thinly and shallowly in succession from 

spring to mid-summer. Sow in rows 12in 

(30cm) apart and thin out seedlings to 

12in (30cm) apart. Blanching makes the 

leaves of chicory and endive white with a 

sweeter flavour and crispier texture. It is 

carried out from late autumn to midwinter 

and simply involves covering the 

plants as required when the leaves are 

dry. Use upturned flower pots, or wooden 

boxes. 

Lettuce 

A crisp and freshly picked lettuce is at the 

heart of many delicious salad meals, 

snacks and sandwiches. It comes in a 

variety of forms and, with some planning, 

the season for lettuce can be extended 

from late spring and summer into 

autumn. 

Cabbage, cos and iceberg types of lettuce 

are ready to eat 10-12 weeks after 

sowing, while the loose-leaf varieties are 

ready to start cutting about seven weeks 

after sowing. 

With all types sow about six feet (two 

metres) of row at a time, as shallowly as 

possible, making the first sowing in early 

spring, preferably with landscape fabric as 

protection. Sow thinly in rows 12in (30cm) 

apart and thin out to 6-12in (15-30cm) 

apart. Successional sowings can continue 

until mid-summer at roughly three-week 

intervals. The seed will germinate at quite 

low soil temperatures, but can prove 

stubborn to germinate when the soil 

temperature rises above 75F (24C). For a 

blend of textures and flavours McKenzie's 

Mesclun is ideal. 


Cut and come again lettuce 

A new and very productive method of 

growing lettuce, whereby the young 

leaves and not the hearted lettuce are 

harvested. By this method the yields are 

higher; cropping is earlier and less space is 

needed to produce the same amount of 

lettuce. The needs of a family of four 

throughout the season can be met from 

an area of 5-6 square yards using the leaf 

lettuce method - less than half that 

required for hearted lettuce production. 

5-6 square yards should produce a 

quantity of leaves equivalent to 4-5 

hearted lettuce per week. 

The choice of varieties is very important as 

close spacing can make the leaves extra 

bitter. Also most varieties have bitter 

leaves in the early stage which disappear 

as the crop matures. 

Most good garden soils should not need 

any additional fertilizer and if fertilizer is 

given. Care should be taken to avoid 

giving too much nitrogen as this causes 

bitterness in the leaves. 

The soil should be moist but not wet and 

the seed bed raked thoroughly before 

sowing to ensure a fine tilth. 

In this method the lettuces are grown 

very close together in rows 5in (12.5cm) 

apart. A row 1/2-3/4in (12-19mm) should 

be drawn out and the seeds sown thinly 

along it. There should be approximately 

14-16 seeds per foot of row, which ought 

to produce about 12-15 plants per foot. 

Sowing can be done at 14 day intervals 

from April-mid May and again in August 

for continuity of supply. The length of 

row will depend upon the amount you 

will require over 7 days as sowing and 

harvesting are done ideally at 7 day 

intervals. 

Little cultivation is necessary no thinning 

is required and very little weeding as the 

plants will soon smother germinating 

weed seedlings. 


31


Harvesting should take place about 60 

days from an early sowing and 40 days 

from a mid-season sowing. Start at the 

end of the row and cut only as much as 

you need each day, bearing in mind that 

freshly harvested vegetables lose a lot of 

their vitamins very quickly after being 

harvested. 

If you wish to make two harvests from the 

bed, the plants should be cut at about 

1/2-1in (1.25-2.5cm) from the ground. 

Afterwards the area should be cleared of 

debris and the soil watered. Regrowth 

from the stem bases should occur in about 

one or two weeks. It is best to use only 

the leaves from one regrowth as the old 

stumps may harbour pests and diseases. 

Leaf lettuce production can be tailored to 

your weekly requirements, there will be 

no waste from bolting and less ground is 

used. Only 10 sowings should be required 

to produce crops ready for harvesting at 

weekly intervals from early June to late 

October. 

Peppers 

Another crop that has been developed by 

plant breeders with great benefit to the 

amateur gardener, because now very 

acceptable crops can be produced outside 

in growing bags, large pots or other 

containers. Peppers are rich in vitamin C 

and can be used in salads either raw or 

cooked and cooled when they retain their 

vivid green, orange, red or purple skin 

colour. 

Sow the seed as for tomatoes (see page 

33) and move the young plants into 3in 

(7.5cm) pots at the four-leaf stage. Plant 

out after hardening off when all danger 

of frost has passed. 

Peppers are particularly suited to 

production in the unheated greenhouse 

which should be kept well ventilated and 

sprayed regularly in hot weather as an aid 

to pollination and a deterrent to red 

spider mite. 

Radishes 

These are particularly easy to grow and 

can be intercropped with rows of lettuce 

or beets or broadcast in patches to take 

up a minimum amount of space. The 

32 

earliest sowings can be made in a cold 

frame or under landscape fabrics in late 

winter with successional sowings 

following at about three-weekly intervals. 

Choose a sunny, sheltered position in soil 

that is well fed with organic matter. Sow 

the seed thinly, evenly and shallowly in 

rows 4-6in (10-15cm) apart and thin out 

early to 1 in (3cm) apart. Water the soil 

thoroughly before sowing and after the 

seeds emerge. 

Spring or bunching onions 

These are specially bred for use in salads, 

having rapid growth and a milder flavour 

than bulb onions. Sow the seed thinly 

1/2in (1.25cm) deep in short rows 8in 

(20cm) apart from early spring through to 

early autumn, allowing about a 4 week 

interval between each sowing. Through 

the summer they can be selectively picked 

leaving the final plants to mature in 

autumn when they will be the size of 

leeks. 

Spinach 

A highly nutritious and easily grown crop 

for use throughout the autumn, winter 

and spring. 

Sow perpetual spinach in spring in drills 

lin (2.5cm) deep 6in (15cm) apart, in rows 

18in (45cm) apart, preferably In a wellmanured 

organic soil in partial shade. 

Pick young leaves regularly, starting late 

summer; and give some protection against 

frost to enable picking throughout the 

winter. 

Summer spinach is treated in the same 

fashion and takes almost 9 weeks from 

sowing to picking, provided that the soil 

doesn't lack moisture. So make 

successional sowings at 2-3 week intervals 

until mid-summer. 

Sweet Corn 

We offer the latest hybrid varieties that 

are far earlier and sweeter than traditional 

ones, moreover the cob quality has 

been substantially improved to make this 

a most attractive and rewarding crop for 

the amateur gardener.

Sow the seed individually in 3in (7.5cm) 

pots indoors or in a propagator in early 

spring or outdoors 12in (3.5cm) deep, 

after the last frost, where the crop is to 

mature. Indoor the seeds prefer a soil 

temperature of 70-75F (21-24C) for best 

germination. 

Plant out in early summer in blocks 1-2ft 

(30-60cm) each way, depending on the 

variety. This is an aid to pollination and 

the other is to tap the top of the stem to 

transfer pollen from the male flowers to 

the female ones below. 

Most plants will produce two cobs, the 

first being larger than the later second. To 

test the cob for ripeness, press a grain 

with a finger nail and if the juice is milky, 

it is just right. 

Swiss chard 

This is also known as seakale beet, silver 

chard and ruby chard. It is a dual-purpose 

vegetable: the leafy part being used as an 

excellent alternative to spinach while the 

thick, fleshy mid- ribs are cooked and 

used like asparagus. 

Sow as for spinach and harvest from late 

summer to late autumn. The foliage dies 

off during the winter but there is rapid 

regrowth in early spring. 

Strawberry 

Surface sow strawberries such as 

Temptation on a moist seed compost and 

lightly cover from fine perlite. Cover with 

glass or polythene. Germination takes 3-4 

weeks at 60-65F (15-18C). Widely 

fluctuating temperatures will result in 

poor germination. 

Place in subdued light and move to full 

light once the seedlings are up. Take 

precautions to avoid damping off. When 

large enough to handle, transplant into 

small pots or trays at 55-60F (13-15C) and 

give an occasional liquid feed. Pot up into 

3in (7.5cm) pots and when well rooted, 

into their final containers. 


Temptation is ideal for hanging baskets, 

grow bags and containers. Sown in 

October it should be in fruit by late May 

and in January by mid-July. 

Outdoor and greenhouse 

tomatoes 

Raising your own tomato plants has 

several benefits. For one thing, you can 

grow just the variety or varieties you 

prefer: You can save money and time and, 

perhaps best of all, you can pick your 

tomatoes at the peak of their freshness 

and full of goodness and flavour. What's 

more, tomatoes are one of the easiest 

crops to raise from seed with a high 

germination factor. 

We offer a wide range of varieties to suit 

all tastes and purposes including several 

types that will do equally well whether 

grown in a cool greenhouse or outside. 

Tomato seed germinates readily at a 

temperature of 60-65F ( 15-18C) so 

requires just a warm place indoors for 

success. Sow the seed shallowly in a tray 

of peat-based compost. Sow early in the 

year for greenhouse crops, and early 

spring for the outdoor ones. 

When the seedlings have made two pairs 

of true leaves transplant into 3in (7.5cm) 

pots (see page 13) and place them in a 

light, warm place indoors or in the 

greenhouse. The object is to produce 

short-stemmed sturdy plants. Transplant 

when the first flowers are showing. The 

greenhouse plants can be set into wellprepared 

border soil or into large pots. 

Outdoors a warm, sunny site is needed to 

ensure a good crop. Set plants 2ft (60cm) 

apart in rows 3ft (90cm) apart, while bush 

plants need 3ft (90cm) each way. These 

outdoor plants should be hardened off 

before planting out after the last spring 

frost. Bush tomatoes will also well in large 

pots on a sunny patio or against a southfacing 

wall or fence. Bush varieties need 

no attention other than a mulch to 

protect the fruit from being splashed and, 


33


in northern districts, protection with 

landscape fabrics to increase the yield of 

ripe fruit. 

Staking varieties, both in the greenhouse 

and outdoors, need support. Those 

outside can be given a bamboo cane to 

which the plant's stem is tied with plastic 

string. In the greenhouse the stem of the 

plant is loosely tied to a length of string 

with the other end tied to a horizontal 

wire under the roof. 

Plants in growing bags should be watered 

according to the instructions on the bag 

and feeding with a liquid fertilizer, should 

start when the fruit on the first truss has 

reached pea size. Staking plants also need 

the side shoots removed. 

34 

Pollination of greenhouse plants can be 

assisted by gently shaking the plants and 

by spraying occasionally with water. 

Greenhouse pests most likely to be 

encountered are whitefly, red spider mite 

and aphids. Yellow sticky traps hung 

among the plants will trap many of the 

whitefly or you can use the predator 

Encarsia formosa. A buoyant atmosphere, 

night and day, and regular misting should 

avoid attack by red spider mite, but if it 

does get a hold, the pest can be 

controlled by the predator Phytoseiulus 

persimillis. Greenfly can be checked by 

soapy water or a proprietary aphicide.

M C K E N Z I E S E E D P R O D U C T L I N E S 

PERENNIAL VARIETIES 

Look beyond the flowers for perennial contributions to your garden. Several herbs and a 

few vegetables are also perennial in most Canadian hardy zones. 

Agastache Blue Compact 

Agastache Heather Queen 

Agastache Liquorice Blue 

Agastache Liquorice White 

Alyssum Saxatile 

Armeria Joystick Lilac Shades 

Astilbe Arendsii Hybrid mix 

Bee Balm Panorama Mix 

Bellflower Carpatica Blue 

Bergenia Cordifolia Red Start 

Candytuft White Snow 

Carnation Thief of Hearts 

Centaurea Blue Carpet 

Cerastium Snow In Summer 

Columbine Double Light Blue 

Columbine Long Spurred Mixed 

Columbine Pink Tower 

Coneflower Sonora 

Coral Bells Heuchera Sanguinea 

Crazy Daisy 

Cupids Dart Catanache Caerulea 

Delphinium Dwarf Butterfly Mixed 

Delphinium Laurin 

Delphinium Pacific Giants 

Delphinium Percival Hybrid 

Dianthus Arctic Fire 

Dianthus Siberian Blue 

Dianthus Snowdonia White 

Digitalis Camelot Lavender 

Eupatorium Mistflower 

Gaillardia Grandiflora Mix 

Chives 

Garlic Chives 

Lemon Balm 

Mint 

Oregano 

Asparagus Viking 

Flowers 

Herbs 

Vegetables 

Gaura The Bride 

Geum Red Dragon 

Gloxinia Chinese Hardy 

Gypsophila Paniculata Babys Breath 

Heliopsis Summer Sun 

Hosta Elegans 

Linum Dwarf Golden Flax 

Lupins Russell mix 

Malva Zebrina 

Mountain Sandwort 

Musk Mallow Malva Moschata Rosea 

Obedient Plant Rose Crown 

Passion Flower 

Pentstemon Dwarf Navigator 

Physalis Chinese Lantern 

Poppy Iceland Mixed Colours 

Poppy Pizzicato Papaver Orientale 

Potentilla Miss Willmott 

Prunella Freelander 

Rock Purslane Amaranth 

Rudbeckia Goldsturm 

Rudbeckia White Swan 

Sedum Voodoo 

Shasta Daisy Alaska 

Shepherds Scabiosa 

Stachys Fuzzy Wuzzy 

Sweet Violet Queen Charlotte 

Valerian Centranthus Ruber Mixture 

Verbascum Violetta 

Veronica Ramona 

Yarrow Wooly Aurea 

Sage 

Spearmint 

Tarragon 

Thyme 

35


HERB VARIETIES 

McKenzie has a full line of culinary and aromatic herbs and has selected varieties that 

also make a decorative contribution to kitchen gardens, walk-ways, and container 

gardens. 

Basil Cinnamon 

Basil Lemon 

Basil Purple 

Basil Sweet 

Basil Thai 

Chamomile 

Chervil Chives 

Cilantro 

Catnip 

Dill 

Dill Fernleaf 

Garlic Chives 

Lavender 

Lemon Balm 

Mint 

Oregano 

Parsley Champion Moss Curled 

Rosemary 

Safflower Red 

Sage 

Savory Summer 

Spearmint 

Sweet Marjoram 

Tarragon 

Thyme 

36 W W W . M C K E N Z I E S E E D S . C O M


SEEDTAPE 

Gardening couldn't be easier! Pre-spaced seed in biodegradable 

tissue in short and long tapes, plus small discs ready for pots. 

SeedTape makes gardening easier for those who have difficulty 

handling tinier seeds. No more seeds dropped or blown away! 

4.5M (15') Seedtape virtually eliminates the need for thinning 

and is ideal for rows and borders - straight or curved. We offer 

ready to plant discs of Tomatoes, Peppers and Herbs in our Seed 

Disc Collections, with each pack containing 5 varieties, each in 

separate discs ready to plant in 4" pots. 

McKenzie now offers more varieties than ever before in simple, easy to 

use SeedTape and Discs. 

Alyssum Snowcloth 

Lavatera Silvercup 

Matthiola Evening Scented Stocks 

Portulaca Double Flowering Mix 

Snapdragon Dwarf Lollipops Mixed 

Zinnia Peppermint Stick Mixture 

Parsley Single Hardy Italian 

Beet Cylindra Formanova 

Beet Detroit Dark Red 

Carrot Red Cored Chantenay 

Cosmos Early Sensation Mixed 

Pepper Seed Disc Collection 

Tomato Seed Disc Collection 

4.5M (15') Seedtape 

Seed Disc Collections 

Carrot Scarlet Nantes Coreless 

Cucumber National Pickling 

Lettuce Mesclun 

Lettuce Grand Rapids 

Lettuce Romaine 

Lettuce Prizehead 

Onion Annual Bunching 

Radish Cherry Belle 

Radish French Breakfast 

Swiss Chard Fordhook 

Basil Seed Disc Collection 

Herb Seed Disc Collection 

37


JUMBO PACKET VARIETIES 

Larger packets with more seeds offer an 

economical option. McKenzie has a great 

selection of flower and vegetable favorites in the 

JUMBO packets, including colour garden 

mixtures. Jumbo packets are excellent for 

suburban and rural gardeners who have lots of 

space and for experienced gardeners who know 

their needs and plan ahead. 

Flowers 

All Purpose Mix Wildflower 

Butterfly Garden 

Hummingbird Garden 

Marigold Crackerjack 

Morning Glory Ipomea Imperialis 

Nasturtium Jewel Mixed 

Old Fashioned Flower Garden Annual 

Sweet Pea Knee Hi 

Sweet Pea Royal Family Mixed 

Sweet Pea Spencer Giant Mixture 

Sweet Pea Strawberry Sundae 

Zinnia Lilliput or Pompon Mixed 

Zinnia Tetra Flowered 

Vegetables 

Beet Detroit Dark Red 

Carrot Scarlet Nantes Coreless 

Lettuce Grand Rapids 

Radish Cherry Belle 



EVERLASTING FLOWERS FOR DRYING AND CUTTING VARIETIES 

Chilean Glory Vine ‘Tresco Hybrids’ 

Cobaea Scandens Cathedral Bell 

Cypress Vine White 

Moonflower 

Morning Glory Double Sunrise Serenade 

Morning Glory Early Call Mixed 

Morning Glory Flying Saucers 

Morning Glory Heavenly Blue 

Morning Glory Mix Ipomoea Imperialis 

McKenzie is meeting the increasing interest in floral decor 

and crafts and has identified, for the gardener, a selection of 

flowers that are most suited for dried flower arrangements. 

All of these varieties are also very popular for fresh cut 

arrangements. 

Baby's Breath Covent Garden 

Baby's Breath Paniculata 

Bells of Ireland 

Helichrysum Everlasting 

WILDFLOWERS VARIETIES 

Wildflowers are increasingly enjoyed for their hardiness and 

traditional delicacy and beauty. McKenzie has eight individual 

wildflower varieties in packets as well as mixtures suited for 

specific climates and soil conditions. The mixtures are also 

available in convenient shaker-cans. 

All Purpose Mix Wildflower 

Baby Blue Eyes 

Black Eyed Susan 

Blue Flax 

California Poppy 

VINE VARIETIES 

Lunaria Honesty 

Physalis Chinese Lantern 

Statice 

Low Growing Mix Wildflower 

Purple Coneflower 

Scarlet Flax 

Shade Mix Wildflower 

Vines are a wonderful addition to any garden. Understanding their habits and knowing 

how to use them can be a challenge. Many gardeners feel that vines must have a 

purpose, such as hiding a wall or fence. Vines also add texture, color and form. Their 

willful growing habits continually change, adding interest all summer long. 

Knowing the type of vine you want will help you plan it's location and support required. 

Vines are versatile in their use. Did you ever think of adding vines to your containers? Or 

use them as a ground cover? Adding some life to an old evergreen is simple with the 

simple addition of a vine. Vines complete the landscape in ways other plants can not. So, 

be sure to leave some room for some vines, you will be happy you did! 

Morning Glory Sunspots 

Nasturtium Milkmaid 

Nasturtium Tall Climbing Mix 

Ruby Moon Hyacinth Bean 

Scarlet Runner Flowering Bean Vine 

Sweet Pea Royal Family Mixed 

Sweet Pea Spencer Giant Mixed 

Sweet Pea Streamers Mix 

Sweet Pea Sugar and Spice 

39


40 

ORGANIC SEED VARIETIES 

G R O W I N G O R G A N I C . . . 

...for your family 

...for your health 

...for the environment 

Why Garden Organically? Traditional organic growing practices produce hearty disease 

resistant plants. Since the introduction of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides gardening 

techniques have changed drastically often polluting soil and plant life. 

What are organically grown seeds? Organic seeds are produced without herbicides, 

pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers. 

Who guarantee's the certificability of these seeds? In order to retain a truly organic 

product, growers must follow strict criteria for farming and storing organic products. 

These practices are closely monitored throughout the world by organic certification 

bodies. These organizations pledge a promise to ensure that the final product has met all 

government requirements. Upon arrival at McKenzie Seeds, organic seeds are handled, 

packaged, stored and shipped in 

accordance to the guidelines 

enforced by Pro-Cert. McKenzie 

Seeds is certified as an organic seed 

handler. We guarantee our product 

is certified organic. When 

purchasing organic seed look for the 

official seal of approval to ensure 

your purchase is authentic. 

Bean Contender 

Carrot Berlikum 

Cucumber Marketmore 

Herb Fennel Swiss 

Herb Marjoram 

Herb Oregano 

Lettuce Mix Baby's Leaf 

Melon Honeydew Green Flesh 

Onion Evergreen Bunching 

Parsley Moss Curled (Seed Tape) 

Pea Mammoth Melting 

Pepper Golden California Wonder 

Spinach Bloomsdale (Seed Tape) 

Tomato Cherry Red Pear 

Watermelon Crimson Sweet 

Zucchini Black Beauty 

CERTIFIED ORGANIC BY/ 

CERTIFIÉ BIOLOGIQUE PAR 

Quality Assurance 

International


PEAS, BEANS AND CORN CARTON VARIETIES 

Convenient packs with more seeds than conventional seed packets. 

Bean Improved Golden Wax 

Bean Pencil Pod Black Wax 

Bean Round Pod Kidney Wax 

Bean Stringless Green Pod 

Bean Tendergreen Improved 

Bean (Pole) Blue Lake Stringless 

Bean (Pole) Kentucky Wonder 

Corn Early Golden Bantam 

Pea Alaska 

Pea Green Arrow 

Pea Laxton Progress 

Pea Lincoln Homesteader 

Pea Little Marvel 

Pea Sugar Snap Edible Podded 

Pea Tall Telephone Alderman 


41


ASIAN SEED VARIETIES 

A special selection of Asian vegetables. The wide range of variety is sure to appeal to all 

market segments, especially those more health conscious. All vegetables are proven 

performers in Canadian Trial Gardens. 

Amaranth Edible White Leaf 

Bean Green Long 

Bean Long Zi 28-2 

Bean Yard Long Orient Wonder 

Burdock Takinogawa 

Cabbage Kogane 

Chinese Cabbage Tenderheart 

Chinese Kale Green Lance 

Chinese Onion Dacong 

Cucumber Chungfeng 

Eggplant Ping Tung Long 

Mustard Red Giant 

Okra Penta Dragon 

Pak Choi Tah Tsai 

Pak Choi White Long Petiole 

Pepper Yuan #1 

Radish Baby Leaf Sai Sai purple 

Radish Watermelon 

Snowpea Snowflake 

Tsai-Hsin Choi-San 

Watercross Green Stem 

Watermelon Seenong 

Zucchini Seeyu 

42


McKENZIE PRODUCT LINE: ITALIAN SEED VARIETIES 

This is our Italian seed line with all the great varieties you've come to 

expect from McKenzie. Sensational vegetable and herb selection. 

Artichoke Grosso Romanesco 

Basil A Foglia di Lattuga 

Basil Genovese O Comune 

Basil Violetta Aromatico 

Bean Bush Borlotto Lingua Di Fuoco 

Bean Bush Harvester (Mangiatutto) 

Bean Fava Superaquadulce smeralda 

Bean Pole Trionfo Violet 

Bean Pole Lima O Del Papa 

Bean Pole S Anna 

Bean Pole Smeraldo 

Beet Dolce Di Chioggia 

Broccoli Romanesco Natalino 

Cabbage Red testa di Negro 

Cantaloupe Retato Degli Ortolani 

Carrot Gigante Flakkee 

Carrot Mezza Lunga Nantese 

Cauliflower Brocoverde 

Celeriac 

Chicory Variegata Di Chioggia 

Chicory Verona Red 

Cucumber Lungo Della Cina 

Cucumber Tondo di Manduria 

Cucumber White Wonder 

Eggplant Violetta Lunga Di Napoli 

Endive Romanesca Da Taglio 

Endive Verde a Cuore Pieno 

Fennel of Parma 

Garden Cress Lepidium sativum 

Gourd Lunga Di Napoli (Gourd of Naples) 

Herb Italian Sage salvia officinalis 

Herb Marjoram Origanum Perennial 

Leek Monstruoso Di Carentan 

Lettuce Bionda Ricciolina 

Lettuce May Queen 

Lettuce Misticanza 

Lettuce Romaine delle 7 Lune 

Marrow Squash Bianco Di Trieste 

Onion Barletta 

Parsley Aromatico A Costa Rossa 

Parsley Gigante di Napoli 

Pea Meraviglia D'Italia 

Pea Rondo Mezza Rama 

Pepper Piccante Di Cayenna 

Pepper Quadrato D'Asti Giallo 

Pumpkin Tonda Padana 

Radicchio Rossa di Treviso 

Radish Candela Di Fuoco 

Radish Gaudry 

Rocket Salad Coltivata Da Orto 

Spinach Della Nuova Zelanda O Tetragonia 

Spinach Matador 

Swiss Chard Liscia Verde Da Taglio 

Swiss Chard Selma 

Tomato Cuor Di Bue 

Tomato Principe Borghese 

Tomato Roma 

Tomato San Marzano 

Turnip Di Milano A Colletto Viola 

Turnip Tops Rapini Sessantina 

Watermelon Crimson Sweet 

Zucchini Custard White 

Zucchini Striato D'Italia 


43


Ageratum 'Summit' F1 Hybrid 

Ageratum Southern Cross 

Agrostemma githago Ocean Pearl 

Angels Trumpet Double Golden Queen 

Angels Trumpet La Fleur Lilac 

Aquilegia Blue Bonnets 

Aquilegia viridiflora 

Asarina Scandens 'Jewel' Mixed 

Aster Cut Flowers for Floral Decoration 

Aster 'Giant Single Andrella' 

Bellis Goliath Mixed 

Biden’s Golden Eye 

Bird Of Paradise 

Brachycome 'Purple Splendor' 

Brachycome Blue Star 

Calendula Porcupine 

Californian Poppy Buttermilk 

California Poppy Champagne & Roses 

Campanula Pyramidalis Mixed 

Canary Creeper 

Canterbury Bells Mixed 

Carnation Trailing 

Carnation Stripes and Picotees 

Catmint Lemon Scent 

Chilean Glory Vine Mixed 

Chrysanthemum Court Jesters 

Cosmos 'Seashells' 

Cosmos 'Sensation' Mixed 

Cosmos Versailles Tetra 

Delphinium Magic Fountains Mixed 

Dianthus 'Brilliancy' 

Dianthus T & M Splendour Mixed 

Dwarf Snapdragon 'Monarch's Mixed' 

Echinops ruthenicus 

Echium 'T&M Dwarf' Mixed 

Everlasting Flowers Mixed 

Flowers To Attract Butterflies 

Foxglove 'Wild' 

Fried Eggs 

Gaillardia Grandiflora 

Godetia 'Improved Dwarf' Mixed 

44 

THOMPSON & MORGAN VARIETIES 

Thompson & Morgan's own development research and breeding grounds and world wide 

contacts with top breeders, allow us to introduce many new and often exclusive varieties 

each year. Packets are colourful and informative denoting special uses such as: "Easy to 

Grow" and "Shade Tolerant", and each of our packets is colour coded for easy selection: 

Yellow for Annuals, Blue for Perennials, Red for Vegetables and Herbs, and Green for 

Greenhouse/Warmer Climate Varieties. 

Flowers 

Gypsophila 'Improved' Mixed 

Helenium Autumn Lollipop 

Helichrysum Mixed 

Hollyhock 'Powder Puffs' Mixed 

Impatiens Dwarf Mixed 

Laurentia Stargazer 

Lavatera 'Mont Blanc' 

Lavendar stoechas 

Linum grandiflorum ‘Charmer Mixed’ 

Lobelia Cascading Regatta Blue Splash 

Lobelia 'Rainbow Cascade' Mixed 

Lobelia RainboeLopezia Cordata ‘Pretty 

Rose’ 

Luffa Sponge 

Lupin 'Band Of Nobles' Mixed 

Lupin Summer Spires 

Marigold Bonita Mixed 

Marigold ‘Lemon 

Mum’Mesembryanthemum Magic Carpet 

Mixed 

Michauxia 

Morning Glory 'Blue Ensign' (Dwarf) 

Morning Glory Mixed Colors 

Nasturtium 'Alaska' Mixed 

Nasturtium 'Peach Melba' 

Nasturtium Climbing Mixed 

Nasturtium Tip Top Apricot 

Nemesia 'Blue Gem' 

Nemesia cheiranthus Shooting Stars 

Nemesia 'Mello Red And White' 

Nicotiana 'Lime Green' 

Nicotiana sylvestris 

Nigella 'Persian Jewels' Mixed 

Night Scented Stocks Starlight Scentsation 

Pansy 'Black' 

Pansy Flambé Red F1 Hybrid 

Pansy 'Super Chalon Giants' 

Passion Flower 

Passiflora Quadrangularis 

Petunia 'Blue Daddy' F1 Hybrid 

Petunia Chifforn Morn Hybrid 

W W W . M C K E N Z I E S E E D S . C O M


Petunia Storm Mix 

Pentstemon Navigator Mixed 

Phacelia Royal Admiral 

Phlox 'Dwarf Beauty' Mixed 

Poppy Flemish Antique 

Poppy Blue 

Polemonium Apricot Delight 

Primrose Cowslip 

Purple Bell Vine 

Rudbeckia Chim Chiminee 

Rudbeckia Goldilocks 

Salvia Transylvanica 

Scabiosa Salmon Queen 

Sea Holly 

Silene Jack Flash 

Simplicity Mixed Annual Flowers 

Banana Plant 

Beet Alto 

Carrot 'Healthmaster' 

Carrot Fly Away 

Carrot 'Nantes Express' 

Cucumber ‘Burpless Tasty Green H 

Gherkin Eureka Hybrid 

Kale Black Tuscany 

Lettuce Mini Iceberg 

Pepper 'Golden Bell' 

Pepper Hot Tepin 

Pumpkin ‘Jack Be Little’ 

Pumpkin 'Titan' 

Radish ‘Flamboyant Sabina’ 

Radish ‘Rat’s Tail’ 

Spinach 'Perpetual' 

Strawberry ‘Alpine Alexandria’ 

Tomato 'Tigerella' ('Mr. Stripey') 

Tomato Gartenperle 

Tomato Ildi 

Tomato 'Tumbler' F1 Hybrid 

Winter Squash Celebration Mix F1 Hyb 

Zucchini 'Courgette' 

THOMPSON & MORGAN VARIETIES 

Vegetables 

Snapdragon Dwarf Monarch’s Mixed 

Sunflower 'Russian Giant' 

Sunflower 'Valentine' 

Sweet Pea 'Everlasting' 

Sweet Pea 'Firecrest' 

Sweet Pea Pink Cupid 

Sweet Pea 'Floral Tribute' Mixed 

Thunbergia Superstar Orange 

Thymus 

Venidium 

Verbascum hybrida Banana Custard 

Verbena Romance Lavender 

Veronica Mixed Colors 

Viola Endurio 

Viola Angel Amber Kiss F1 Hyb 

45

M C K E N Z I E F L O W E R S 

— AGERATUM — 

Annual 

aka: Floss Flower 

botanical: Ageratum houstonianum 

Attracts Butterflies 

Ageratum Blue Mink 100003 

True Blue 

A traditional favorite Ageratum topped 

with extra large blue powder puff 

flowers. Compact free-blooming plants. 

Because it is a tetraploid, leaves and 

flowers are larger than most other 

varieties. Thrives in full sun and part 

shade. Dislikes windy exposed sites. 

Average soil. Looks good when planted 

with almost anything else. An 

unmistakable border flower. Also 

effective in window and porch boxes, 

hanging baskets, and other containers. 

Native to West Indies, Mexico, and South 

America. Start indoors 4-8 weeks before 

last frost date. 

Ageratum Timeless Mix 128590 

A unique mix of tall ageratums with 

large flowers, in a wide range of soft 

pastels from pink, lavender, purple, white 

and blue. An excellent bedding plant 

that flowers throughout summer. Also 

ideal for lasting cut flower arrangements. 

For bushier plants, pinch out the central 

shoots. To prevent powdery mildew, 

avoid wetting foliage. 

46 

— ALL PURPOSE MIX - WILDFLOWERS — 

Annuals, Biennials, & Perennials 

All Purpose Mix 100745 

Hardy Colourful Blend! 

Great if you want quick colour followed 

by a permanent display. This blend 

features 22 different flowers that will 

naturally grow in proximity to one 

another. Among them are Prairie Aster, 

Dwarf Coreopsis, Showy Blue Gilia and 

Blue Arroyo Lupine. Tolerant of marginal 

soil conditions. Many colours and bloom 

periods in the mixture. For a natural freeflowing 

garden, or an area that needs 

some low maintenance colour. (e.g. 

Along a fence or driveway). Plant direct 

or start indoors for earlier blooms. 

— ALYSSUM — 

Annual 

aka: Sweet Alyssum 

botanical: Lobularia maritima 

Likes full sun. Well drained, not too 

heavy soil. Does best at cooler 

temperatures but will hold up well 

through dry, hot summers.Native to 

Europe and Asia. 

Alyssum Trailing Rosy Red 122501 

A strong grower, superb for baskets, 

containers, pots or in the garden where it 

outperforms any other Alyssum. Sweetly 

fragrant and easy to grow, keep plants 

moist, not wet, as plants will go to seed 

under stress. It continues to bloom if 

trimmed back. Over watering can lead to 

thin, lanky plants. 

Alyssum Carpet of Snow 100008 

Favorite 

Delicate white lacy flowers that together 

form a stunning mass. Trim off dead 

heads to ensure continuous flowering. 

Fragrant. One of the most popular and 

widely used border flowers because of its 

spreading growth habit. Also excellent as 

an edging for paths, in flower beds, and 

rock gardens. Forms a cushion if given 

adequate spacing. Start indoors 4-6 

weeks before last frost or sow outdoors. 


Alyssum Royal Carpet 100016 

A more compact Alyssum but very lush 

with a powerful decorative effect. Will 

flower all season if dead heads are 

trimmed. A.A.S. 1952. Medium violet. 

Because Alyssum has a natural tendency 

to spread and fill space, it works well as a 

border plant. Also excellent as an edging 

for paths, in flower beds, and rock 

gardens. Start indoors 4-6 weeks before 

last frost or sow outdoors. 

Alyssum Snowcloth 100020 

Delicate white lacy flowers that together 

form a stunning mass. Trim off dead 

heads to ensure continuous flowering. 

Fragrant. One of the most popular and 

widely used border flowers because of its 

spreading growth habit. Also excellent as 

an edging for paths, in flower beds, and 

rock gardens. Forms a cushion if given 

adequate spacing. Start indoors 4-6 


Alyssum Snowstorm 100007 

Snowstorm gives you a blanket of 

fragrant white flowers on low compact 

plants. Best of all, Snowstorm flowers all 

summer. Easy to grow. Snowstorm was a 

top performer in our 1995 seed trials. 

Grows and flowers best in full sun with 

well drained soil, but will tolerate most 

locations. Perfect for borders, pots, and 

rock gardens. Start seed indoors 8 weeks 

prior to last frost. Start indoors for early 

flowering or sow in early spring to early 

summer outdoors. 

— AMARANTHUS — 

Annual 

botanical: Amaranthus cruentus 

Amaranthus Velvet Cur tain 128591 

A spectacular variety with large ruby red 

leaves and flowers that usually stand 

erect instead of drooping like other 

Amaranthus. Plant in the back of flower 

beds for a striking contrast. Easy to grow. 

Start indoors 8 weeks before last spring 

frost and transplant to garden when 2nd 

set of true leaves appear. Harden off 

prior to transplanting into warm soil. 


— ASTER — 

Annual 

botanical: Callistephus chinensis 

They thrive best in a sunny sheltered spot 

with free air circulation. Deep fertile 

earth, moderately moist but well-drained. 

Excellent for beds, borders, and as potted 

plants. Native to China. 

Aster Dwarf Queen Mix 100032 

Popular Cut Flower Asters are the most 

popular flowers for cutting and provide 

late summer and autumn colour in your 

garden. Bloom up to 10 days before midseason 

varieties. Start indoors 6-8 weeks 

before last frost or sow outdoors. 

Aster Early Charm 100036 

Asters give us our last glimpse of summer. 

They will bloom fresh in September, 

weeks after frost has killed off less hardy 

flowers. They provide great cut flowers. 

Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost 

or sow outdoors. 

Aster Powder Puffs 100041 

Tremendous double flowers, 7.5-10 cm (3- 

4") in diameter, grow upright on long 

sturdy stems. Lovely bouquet-type habit 

makes it an excellent cut flower. Resists 

wilt. By picking off faded blooms you will 

prolong the flowering season. Transplant 

to garden, after all danger of frost has 

passed, into warm soil. Start seed indoors 

7 weeks prior to last frost. 

Aster Star Light Pink 128593 

Exquisite Fleuroselect dwarf Award 

Winner spider type with double flowers 

with spider like petals. A perfect bedding 

or border plant. Cover seed with fine soil 

and firm. When plants are 5 cm (2"). tall, 

thin or transplant to rich soil 30 cm (12") 

apart. For earlier blooms start indoors 8- 

10 weeks prior to last frost. 

— BABY BLUE EYES — 

Annual 

botanical: Nemophila menziesii 

Baby Blue Eyes 100773 

Wildflower 

Baby Blue Eyes is a delicate flower with 5 

47


rounded petals and a white center that 

gives it a friendly, pansy-like look. Several 

blooms appear on each erect plant. The 

leaves are soft green and ferny. It is a 

self-seeding annual that can be sown 

outdoors after the last frost. It will do 

best in partial shade but tolerates full 

sun. Light well drained soil of average 

fertility. Intolerant of hot weather; plant 

in a sheltered location. Grows well with 

California Poppy. Excellent for rockeries, 

edging. Start outdoors, difficult to 

transplant. 

BABY'S BREATH - ANNUAL 

Annual 

aka: Gypsophila 

botanical: Gypsophila elegans 

Likes sun or light shade and well drained 

soil. 

Baby's Breath 100287 

For Cut and Dried Flowers. Tiny starform 

white flowers on multi-branched slender 

stems. Excellent as dried or cut flowers in 

all kinds of flower arrangements and it is 

also a nice contrast flower in your flower 

bed. Sow outdoors; grow rapidly, not 

necessary to start indoors. 

— BACHELOR'S BUTTON — 

Annual 

botanical: Centaurea cyanus 

Very easy to grow. A hardy annual flower 

for flowerbeds. The leaves are greyish 

green. Dead-heading prolongs flowering. 

It likes sun or part shade. Reasonably 

moist, fertile, well drained soil.Effective 

in flower beds and borders. Beautiful for 

fresh cut flowers. Flowers are edible. 

48 

Bachelor's Button Blue Boy 100056 

Double blue flowers. Plant direct or start 

indoors for earlier blooms. 

Bachelor's Button Polka Dot 100051 

Double mixed, bushy, dwarf plants flowering 

in white, blue, pink, and carmine. Plant 

direct or start indoors for earlier blooms. 

— BEAN - ORNAMENTAL — 

Annual 

botanical: Phaseolus sp 

Any pole-bean makes a wonderful 

decorative addition to a vegetable or 

flower garden but some climbing beans 

have become particularly popular 

because of their large foliage and 

flowers.Some ornamental "beans" are 

not edible, and in fact are not true beans. 

Bean Scarlet Runner 100617 

Pod length 20 cm( 8"), green. Bright 

scarlet flowers. Attractive to 

hummingbirds all summer. The blossoms 

are very large and a brilliant reddish 

orange colour. Scarlet Runner is often 

grown for its ornamental value on 

archways and patio walls. The bean is as 

nutritious as every other bean in the 

McKenzie line. In the fall, do not forget 

to harvest the beans for your kitchen. 

When harvested early, these are very 

tasty and tender as green beans. Sow 

outdoors, directly into the garden when 

soil is warm. The more beans you pick, 

the larger the leaves it will grow. 

Phaseoulus coccineus. 

— BEGONIA — 

Annual 

botanical: Begonia sp. 

Begonia ‘Bayou Pink Bicolor’ 127450 

Big is better when it comes to the new soft 

pink and white ‘Bayou’ begonias! Its large, 

upright habit and vigorous 12" (30cm) 

spread will quickly fill in garden beds and 

crowd out competing weeds. The large 

foliage allows the plant to collect rain 

water and trickle it down to the roots to 

make it very water efficient in the 

landscape. Excellent choice for containers 

and landscapes. Begonia hortensis. 


Begonia ‘Go-Go Mix’ 127451 

A garden favourite for generations! 

Large semi-double blooms, on sturdy 

stems, in a stunning array of red, white, 

yellow, rose, orange, cherry and apple 

blossom. Their neat and tidy plant habit 

makes them perfect for patio containers 

and window boxes. 

— BELLS OF IRELAND — 

Annual 

aka: Shell Flower 

botanical: Moluccella laevis 

Native to Mediterranean region and 

Syria, not Ireland! 

Bells of Ireland 100066 

For Dried Flowers. Flower spikes which 

are covered with ivory green bell-like 

flowers. It is actually a huge, bell-like 

calyx, rather than the dainty white flower 

which is the dominant feature of the 

Bells of Ireland. Prefers well drained, 

sandy, fertile soil. Excellent for dried 

flower arrangements. Also makes good 

cut flowers. Sow outdoors. 

— BUTTERFLY GARDEN — 

Wildlife Attractor 

Butterfly Garden 100780 

The Butterfly Mixture contains a blend of 

delightfully fragrant and colourful 

flowers that attract nearby butterflies 

while adding beauty to your garden. Sow 

seed in a sunny or partially shaded 

location in early spring after the danger 

of frost has passed. Clear the area to be 

planted. Loosen soil with rake or hoe. 

Mix seed with fine sand and scatter 


evenly over site. Keep moist until well 

established then water only as required. 

Some thinning may be necessary to avoid 

overcrowding. 

— CALENDULA — 

Annual 

botanical: Calendula officinalis 

Calendula Pacific Beauty 100074 

Easy to grow. Bright blend of orange, 

golden-yellow, apricot and big cream 

flowers, up to 4"(10 cm) across. Dead 

heading prolongs flowering and prevents 

self seeding. Likes sun or partial shade. 

Adapts to poor soil, will produce 

satisfactory flowers under any conditions 

except deep shade and extreme heat but 

thrives in full sun, fertile soil and cool 

weather. Deters asparagus beetles and 

tomato hornworms. Admirable for beds 

and borders. Excellent cut flower. 

Medicinal uses of the Calendula 

originated in South America. Tinctures of 

Calendula have been used for cuts, 

bruises, sprains and wounds. Flowers used 

for external salves for sores, bruises and 

warts. Teas of flowers relieve cramps, 

coughs, and snake bite. Flowers are 

edible in salads and soups. Native to 

Canary Islands, South and Central Europe, 

and North Africa. Plant direct or start 


Calendula Touch of Red 128592 

Delightful shades of yellow, orange, and 

apricot flowers are a wonderful choice 

for any annual flower garden. Regardless 

of color, each flower is blushed with red 

at petals' tips, especially on the petals’ 

undersides. Sow seeds directly into the 

garden once danger of frost has passed. 

Flowering should occur roughly 8 weeks 

after sowing. Thin seedlings to one per 

6”, then final spread of 45 cm (18”). An 

an excellent cut flower variety. 

— CALIFORNIA POPPY — 

Hardy Annual 

aka: Cup of Gold 

botanical: Eschscholzia californica 

The California poppy is drought tolerant. 

It does well in full sun. Often thrives 

where other plants will not.Effective as 

49

V ME GC KE TE NA BZ IL E SF 

L O W E R S 

carpets for sunny slopes.Californians from 

Spanish heritage cook the plant in olive 

oil to make a hair tonic that they claim 

will make the hair grow thick and shiny. 

California Poppy is California's state 

flower. 

Nutritional Facts: Used as a toothache 

pain reliever by West Coast Indians. Has 

also been used as relief for headache and 

insomnia. 

California Poppy 100770 

Wildflower 

Rich golden-orange flowers on top of a 

sturdy stem open from a rose-like bud 

into a 4-petal bowl shaped poppy. The 

leaves are lacy and stay below the 

flowers. Plant along side Baby Blue Eyes. 

Esteemed for flower beds and borders, 

and window and porch boxes. Not easy 

to transplant, Sow outdoors. 

— CALLISTEPHUS — 

Annual 

Callistephus Blue Ribbon 125905 

A bushy, dwarf, compact annual, with 

fully double flowers that are mounded 

with upright, recurving ribbon-shaped 

petals, 8-10 cm (3-4") in diameter. Ideal 

for beds, borders and containers. Early to 

flower and very uniform. Prefers a soil of 

neutral or slightly acid pH with a medium 

nutrient level and good drainage. 

Callistephus chinensis 

— CANARY BIRD VINE — 

Annual 

botanical: Tropaeolum peregrinum 

Vigorous Climber! 

The Canary Bird Vine is the most popular 

climbing plant in the English cottage 

gardens. 

Canary Bird Vine 100082 

A native to Peru and Equador, this 

hairless annual climber offers unique 

canary yellow blooms 2-2.5 cm (3/4 - 1") 

across. Vining varieties require supports 

(e.g. trellis or fence) and full sun. 

Canary Bird Vine likes coarse, porous, 

not too rich soil. Watering should be 

moderate. Sow outdoors in spring as 

soon as the danger of frost has past. 

For early flowering, start indoors in 

peat pots and transplant after all 

danger of frost has passed. Try sowing 

with Sweet Peas for a very attractive 

wall of colour. 

— CASTOR BEAN — 

Annual 

botanical: Ricinus communis 

Castor Bean 100604 

Ricinus is most often grown for its very 

attractive foliage. It is a strong growing, 

well-branched plant with lobed leaves 

and seratted edges. The leaves can grow 

up to 25 cm (10") across. Grows best in 

well cultivated soil, enriched with organic 

matter. It is often used in formal bedding 

schemes or as a conservatory potted 

plant. Seeds are poisonous. Start plants 

indoors in peat pots. 

— CERINTHE — 

Annual 

Purple Bells 130093 

Fleshy blue-green leaves with white 

mottling, spiral up the stem, Loved by 

bees. An excellent border plant. Cerinthe 

major. 

— CHILEAN GLORY VINE — 

Annual 

Chilean Glory Vine Tresco 

Hybrids 128586 

Eccremocarpus Scaber also known as the 

Chilean Glory Vine, an unusual, fast 

growing climber, from Chile which offers 

masses of fragrant, exotic looking 

trumpet shaped flowers in bright colours 

that attract hummingbirds. Ideal for 

fences, walls and trellis. May be hardy in 

some sheltered areas. Germination may 

be slow and erratic. Keep medium moist. 

When seedlings are large enough to 

handle transfer to individual pots. 

Harden off before planting outside. 

Eccremo carpus. 


— CINERARIA — 

Annual 

botanical: Senecio pericallis 

Cineraria ‘Jester Royal Shades’ 127452 

A stunning blend of daisy-like flowers, in 

a mixture of bicolor shades, with distinct 

centers. Uniform blooms create a carpet 

of stunning flowers as an edging or 

border plant in flower beds. Can also be 

grown as an indoor potted flowering 

plant. Smaller leaves and compact 

rounded plant habit differentiate it from 

other Cinerarias. 

— COBAEA SCANDENS — 

Annual 

aka: Cup and Saucer Vine 

botanical: Cobaea scandens 

Cobaea Scandens Cathedral Bell 100124 

Cathedral Bell is a fast growing, climbing 

vine. Plant in a sunny location with 

plenty of shelter. It requires a lot of water 

during dry, sunny weather. Start seed 

indoors in March and April, and harden 

off the seedlings before planting outside 

after all danger of frost has passed. 

— COLEUS — 

Annual 

botanical: Coleus blumei 

Coleus New Brilliant 100125 

An outstanding blend with a wide range 

of colours. Bushy plants that boast 

colourful foliage with variegated leaves 

ranging from ivory and pink through 

burgundy, brown and deep green. Coleus 

likes warm growing conditions but will 

require plenty of water during hot 

periods. Place in a well lit spot indoors 

and a slightly shaded location in 

greenhouse or outdoors. Beds, borders, 

boxes or containers, indoors or outdoors. 


or sow outdoors. Surface sow. Remove 

flower buds to encourage foliage growth. 

Coleus Wizard 130094 

A stunning and radiant mix of bright 

colourful leaves! Compact and bushy plants 


are stunning in beds, borders, baskets or 

containers with it’s long lasting colour. 

— COSMOS — 

Annual 

botanical: Cosmos 


Plant in a sunny location. Moist, but well 

drained, sandy, porous soil gives best 

results. Sheltered locations protect from 

wind damage. 

Cosmos Bright Lights 100133 

A very popular annual. Lacy fern-like 

foliage and large open-faced flowers. 

Bright lights is a mix of semi double 

yellow and orange shades. Attractive in 

beds and borders. Use as cut flowers. 


or sow outdoors, transplants easily. 

Cosmos sulphureus 

Cosmos Double Click 130095 

A very impressive introduction to the 

Cosmos family! Tall stems carry fully 

double and semi-double large blooms, in 

shades of white, pink and carmine. 

Cosmos bipinnatus 

Cosmos Early Sensation Mixed 100135 

A very popular annual. Early Sensation 

grows tall and creates a beautiful array 

when mass planted. A mix of white, pink 

and red flowers. Effective as borders or 

cut flowers. Start indoors 5-6 weeks 

before last frost or sow outdoors, 

transplants easily. Cosmos bipinnatus 

Cosmos Pied Piper Blush White 124973 

This tall bushy border plant produces an 

abundance of fluted petals supported on 

finely cut fern like foliage. Ideal for borders 

adding depth and contrast to the garden. 

Seeds can be started indoors 4-5 weeks 

before last frost or sown directly into the 

garden after all danger of frost has passed. 

Pinch out tips once plant reaches 30cm 

(12”) to encourage bushy plants. Cosmos 

bipinnatus 

Cosmos Yellow Garden 128594 

Yellow is considered to be a very unique 

color for a cosmos. The Yellow Garden 

51


has soft yellow 2-8 cm (2-3”) flowers. 

Very vigorous grower, blooms later than 

other cosmos. When established Cosmos 

is drought tolerant. A superb variety as a 

highlight to any garden. Makes an 

excellent cut flower, and is a great plant 

for areas where a wild or natural setting 

is preferred, such as a wildflower garden. 

Cosmos bipinnatus 

— CYPRESS VINE — 

Annual 

botanical: Ipomoea quamoclit 

Cypress Vine White 128587 

This annual vine produces masses of five 

pointed small white flowers. Feathery or 

fern-like foliage reaching height of 15-20’ 

with Hundreds of blooms throughout the 

season. A favourite with hummingbirds. 

For sunny spots, fences or pots. Pick 

faded blooms to encourage further 

flowering. Soak seed overnight prior to 

planting, then sow directly to the garden 

in thoroughly warm soil. For earlier 

flowers, start indoors 4-6 weeks before 

the last spring frost date in your area. 

— DAHLIA — 

Annual 

botanical: Dahlia 

Dahlia Stargazer 128595 

An outstanding Dahlia with unique cactus 

flowers on dwarf plants with starry, 5-8 cm 

(2-3”) flowers in a sensational array of 

colours! Easy to grow. Harden off for a 

few days prior to transplanting. Can be 

dug up in the fall, stored and replanted in 

the spring for years of enjoyment. Unlike 

many other Dahlias, Stargazer is virtually 

maintenance free due to it’s self branching 

habit. No staking or pinching required. 

Vigorous, uniform plants are perfect for 

beds and make an ideal cutflower! 

— DIMORPHOTHECA — 

Annual 

botanical: Dimorphotheca aurantiaca 

Start Early! 

Aurantiaca African Moon 130096 

This attractive African Daisy has unusual 

white and apricot bi-coloured blooms. 

Bushy, free flowering plants are ideal for 

dry and difficult areas. 

52 

— DUSTY MILLER — 

Annual 

botanical: Senecio cineraria 

Dusty Miller Silverdust 100116 

Deeply cut, woolly, silver grey leaves 

makes this plant very popular in annual 

flower beds, borders and rock gardens. 

This is one of the most popular border 

plants because of its lovely blue accent 

against traditional greenery. Start seed 

indoors 8 weeks before last frost. Cover 

lightly and keep growing medium moist, 

but not wet. 

— EASTER EGG PLANT ORNAMENTAL 

GOLDEN EGGS — 

Annual 

botanical: Solarium melongena 'Golden Eggs' 

Easter Egg Plant Golden Eggs 122514 

Easy to grow, this plant is suitable for not 

just the garden, but containers, as well. 

Unique and interesting plants produce an 

abundance of egg-shaped non-edible 

fruits. As this fruit matures it turns from a 

white to a golden yellow. 

— FORGET-ME-NOT — 

Annual 

aka: Chinese Forget-me-not 

botanical: Cynoglossum amabile 

Forg et-me-not 100147 

Shade Tolerant 

Very floriferous sky blue flowers. 

Compact plants. Likes sunny, or partially 

shaded spot. Any soil, wet or dry 

location. Can withstand difficult 

conditions Makes a beautiful accent to 

cut flower arrangements. The Forget-Me- 

Not like the Rose, represents True Love. 

Sow outdoors, flowers quickly, little adv. 

to start indoors. 

— GAZANIA — 

Annual 

botanical: Gazania hybrida 

Kontiki Stars and Stripes 130098 

A spectacular colour mixture of boldly 

striped daisy-like flowers with short, dark 

green glossy foliage. Ideal for windy 

sites. Great in rockery, mass displays and 

for edging borders. 


— GERANIUM — 

Annual 

aka: Cranesbill 

botanical: pelargonium hybrids 

Start Early! 

Though botanically perennial, in Canada 

Geraniums should be grown as annual 

flowers. Plant them when danger of frost 

has past. Feed and water occasionally. They 

like full sun and moist but well drained 

soil.Plant Geraniums near white Verbena, 

white Alyssum, or blue Ageratum. A longstanding 

favorite among summer bedding 

plants. Little can go wrong with Geraniums. 

Perfect for low maintenance displays. 

Excellent for tubs and large containers. The 

Geranium works very well in patio pots or 

planters and they will winter 

indoors.Geranium flowers are edible. 

Geranium Cabaret Red 127457 

F2- Hybrid 

The ‘Cabaret’ series is one of the most 

uniform Geraniums available! Large and 

very uniform red flower heads are held 

well above the foliage. Excellent basalbranching 

habit, with well-zoned dark 

green leaves. A long-standing favourite 

among bedding plants. Perfect for 

containers, hanging basket and low 

maintenance displays. To encourage more 

blooms, pinch off faded blossoms. If 

planting in a pot, place 3-4 seeds per pot. 


Geranium Cabaret White 127460 

Perfect, huge, white flower heads, with soft 

and full florets are held well above the 

foliage. Excellent basal branching habit, 

with well-zoned dark green leaves. 

Enhances any flower bed, container or 

window boxes. To encourage more blooms, 

pinch off faded blossoms. The long lasting 

blooms can be enjoyed all summer long! 

Geranium Florist Mix 100234 

Florist Mix features red, pink and white 

Geraniums. The long lasting blooms can 

be enjoyed all summer if the seeds are 

started early, indoors. Treat Geraniums as 

an annual flower rather than a perennial. 

Start indoors 8-12 weeks early. 

Geranium Red Apple 100237 

F2- Hybrid 

Red Apple is a superior strain of the most 

popular bright red Geranium. The flowers 

are very large and uniform. The florets 

are soft and full. Start indoors if possible 

to ensure the longest bloom period 

during the summer months. Start indoors 

8-12 weeks early. 

— GLOBE AMARANTH — 

Annual 

botanical: Gomphrena globosa 

Geranium Cabaret Rose 127459 

Very large and uniform flower heads held 

well above the foliage. Excellent basal 

branching habit. An unbeatable variety 

for window boxes, containers, baskets 

and flower beds. Feed and water 

occasionally. To encourage more blooms, 

pinch off faded blossoms. Likes moist but 

well-drained soil. 

Globe Amaranth Choice Mix 100276 

For Dried Flowers 

The blossom and plant resemble 

members of the clover family. They are 

erect bushy plants. The blooms are 1"(2.5 

cm) wide in long stalked clover-like heads 

without petals. Blooms continuously for a 

long season and does well in hot 

weather. Remove first blossoms to 

increase production. Needs fairly deep 

Geranium Cabaret Salmon 127458 

Large salmon flower heads are held well 

above the foliage. Excellent basalbranching 

habit, with well-zoned dark 

green leaves. Free-flowering with 

excellent garden performance. Works 

very well in window boxes, patio pots 

and planters. To encourage more blooms, 

pinch off faded blossoms. 

soil and will tolerate lower fertility and 

hot dry conditions. The perfect 

everlasting flower, because it holds its 

color very well. Useful in outdoor beds, 

they also grow well in containers and 

boxes. Beautiful in both fresh and dried 

cutflower arrangements. Sow the seed 

indoors about 6-8 weeks before setting 

out or sow outdoors when night temp. 

remains above 10 C. 

W W W . M C K E N Z I E S E E D S . C O M 53


— HELICHRYSUM — 

Annual 

aka: Strawflower 

botanical: Helichrysum bracteatum 

monstrosum 

Full sun is essential. Sandy soil. 

Helichrysum Everlasting 100314 


A free flowering cutting flower in a bright 

colour range. Multi petaled, dense bicoloured 

blooms. Excellent for dried flower 

arrangements and crafts. Start indoors 4-6 


— HELIPTERUM — 

Annual 

botanical: Helipterum roseum 

Timeless Rose 130100 

Stunning papery daisy-like rose flowers, 

with distinct dark ring around yellow 

center. Excellent for dried flower 

arrangements . Flowers retain color and 

form when dried. 

— HIBISCUS — 

Annual 

botanical: Hibiscus acetpsella 

Red Shield 130101 

Vibrant red leaves and burgundy flowers 

gives a tropical appearance that will 

make it a feature plant for summer. 

— HOLLYHOCK — 

Annual 

botanical: Alcea rosea 

Fruity Mix 130102 

This beautiful mix of soft appleblossom 

and peach blooms. Makes a delightful 

cutflower. 

— HUMMINGBIRD MIXTURE — 

Annuals & Hardy Annuals 

Hummingbird Mixture 100779 

Attractive! 

A mixture of 15 flower varieties that will 

produce flowers attractive to 

Hummingbirds. Cup, funnel, and trumpet 

shaped flowers like Godetia, Viscaria, 

Lavatara, and Larkspur are among the 

varieties in the Hummingbird Mixture. 

54 

Others like, Coreopsis, Corn Poppy, and 

Mignonette were included for their 

alluring color. Suitable for full sun or 

partial shade. Plant directly into the 

garden or container for the best effect. 

— IMPATIENS — 

Annual 

aka: Busy Lizzie 

botanical: Impatiens walleriana 

Impatiens are basal branching and free 

flowering, which makes them one of the 

most popular dwarf hybrid Impatiens. Early 

flowering, compact and vigorous. Accent 

was developed as a "high performance" 

seed. Above 90% germination with a quick 

uniform emergence. Blooms summer to fall 

in shade, semishade, or full sun (if kept 

moist), hot or cool weather. Can withstand 

heavy rain. Prefers moist (but not soggy) 

soil. Perform best when provided with not 

more than 6 hours of sunlight a day. 

Excellent choice for beds, pots, hanging 

baskets, and window boxes. Start 10-12 

weeks prior to last spring frost. 

Impatiens Butterfly Cherry 127466 

Large, soft pink blooms with a butterflyshaped 

central eye in every bloom! 

Vigorous and free-flowering. Ideal for 

containers and baskets. Uniform and 

weather-tolerant. Pre-chill seed 4-5 days 

before sowing. Cover the seed with a 

fine sprinkling of vermiculite or compost. 

Keep soil moist, but never wet. 

Germinate in the light. Once the plants 

have sprouted, maintain good air 

circulation, but not directly on the plants. 

Set outside only when all danger of frost 

has past. Impatiens are very tender. 

Impatiens Butterfly Mix 127469 

Butterfly faced with a delightful mix of 

bright glowing colors. Every bloom is a 

masterpiece! A lovely, vigorous, freeflowering 

mix where every large flower 

has prominent butterfly eyes. Great for 

tubs and baskets. Pre-chill seed 4-5 days 






circulation, but not directly on the plants.



Impatiens Butterfly Orchid 127468 

This vibrant colour of impatiens, with a 

butterfly-shaped central eye in every 

bloom, is intensely beautiful when 

planted in containers, flower beds, 

baskets and window boxes! Vigorous 

and free-flowering. Pre-chill seed 4-5 

days before sowing. Cover the seed with 

a fine sprinkling of vermiculite or 

compost. Keep soil moist, but never wet. 






Impatiens Butterfly Peach 127467 

Every bloom is a masterpiece! Single, 

large peach blooms with deep orange 

elegance plus a butterfly-shaped central 

eye in every bloom! Great for hanging 

baskets and flower beds. Pre-chill seed 4- 

5 days before sowing. Cover the seed 

with a fine sprinkling of vermiculite or 







Impatiens Extreme Lavender 127471 

A brilliant flowing carpet of lavender 

blooms grow beautifully in containers, 

beds and hanging baskets. Pre-chill seed 

4-5 days before sowing. Cover the seed 

with a fine sprinkling of vermiculite or 







Impatiens Extreme Pink 127472 

Soft pink blooms create attention in 

flower beds or hanging baskets with it’s 

carpet of beauty. Pre-chill seed 4-5 days 










Impatiens Extreme Salmon 127473 

Deep, salmon coloured blooms gives this 

variety its outstanding look. Ideal for 

gardens, containers and window boxes. 

Pre-chill seed 4-5 days before sowing. 

Cover the seed with a fine sprinkling of 

vermiculite or compost. Keep soil moist, 

but never wet. Germinate in the light. 

Once the plants have sprouted, maintain 

good air circulation, but not directly on 

the plants. Set outside only when all 

danger of frost has past. Impatiens are 

very tender. 

Impatiens Extreme White 127474 

Extreme White Impatiens are perfect to 

plant with other colours of Impatiens or 

annuals, to create a superb display in 

window boxes or hanging baskets. Prechill 

seed 4-5 days before sowing. Cover 

the seed with a fine sprinkling of 

vermiculite or compost. Keep soil moist, 

but never wet. Germinate in the light. 

Once the plants have sprouted, maintain 

good air circulation, but not directly on 

the plants. Set outside only when all 

danger of frost has past. Impatiens are 

very tender. 

Impatiens F2 Hybrid Mix 100351 

All Impatiens provide low-growing 

carpets of bright colour. Flowers June 

through Frost in partial shade or light 

sun. F2 Hybrid. Start 10-12 weeks prior to 

last spring frost. 

— LARKSPUR — 

Annual 

botanical: Delphinium ajacis 

Larkspur Early Giant Imperial Mxd 100373 

Easy to grow. Delphinium-like flowers on 

upright strong stemmed plants. Vigorous 

grower with abundant flowers in tall 

spikes of white, pink, red, blue and 

55

purple. Larkspur is self-seeding. Thrives in 

sun or light shade and moist well drained 

soil. Effective as backgrounds against a 

wall or fence. Long lasting spikes are 

excellent as cut flowers and in dried 

flower arrangements. All parts of the 

plant including the seeds are poisonous. 

Transplants poorly; Sow outdoors in early 

spring. 

— LAVATERA — 

Annual 

aka: Polish Rose 

botanical: Lavatera trimestris 

Popular! 

Lavatera Mont Blanc 100385 

Trumpet shaped flowers 2-4"(7-10cm) 

across. Beautiful white blossoms. Dozens 

of blooms per plant. Leaf resembles a 

dwarf Hollyhock or mallow. Do not grow 

in excessively rich soil since this will 

promote too much bush and fewer 

flowers. A bushy plant that makes an 

excellent temporary hedge. An excellent 

cut flower. Cover the seed with a plastic 

bag to encourage germination if you 

start them indoors. They may be seeded 

directly outside, but do not sow them 

thickly. To prolong the blooming season, 

remove faded blooms to prevent seed 

production. 

Lavatera Silvercup 100383 

Flowing salmon pink flowers with dark 

rose veins. A trumpet shaped blossom. 

Grows like a small Hollyhock. Nice even 

foliage. Large 4" hibiscus-type flowers 

colored deep rose-pink. Sunny location 

with moderately rich soil. Excellent in 

beds. Use for cut flowers. Also useful on 

its own as a dividing hedge. Blooms 

edible. Don't transplant well; Sow 

outdoors. Removing faded blooms 

prolongs the flowering season. 

— LOBELIA — 

Annual 

botanical: Lobelia erinus 

Nutritional Facts: Poisonous if eaten. 


Likes sun or light shade and ample 

moisture but good drainage. 

56 


Lobelia Crystal Palace 100389 

Marine dark blue with bronze red 

foliage. This dark and dainty border plant 

will colorfully contrast a white house, 

fence, or another border plant. Start 

indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost; 

surface sow; keep moist and cool. 

Lobelia Regatta Rose Improved 122509 

The Regatta is one of the earliest trailing 

Lobelia’s available. An improved version 

of an old time favorite, Lobelia is 

unmatched for its uses in containers, 

hanging baskets, and window boxes. This 

trailing variety produces an abundance of 

delicate rose-coloured flowers from 

spring until fall. 

Lobelia Trailing Sapphire 100393 

This Lobelia is sapphire blue with a white 

eye and light green foliage. Start indoors 

6-8 weeks before last frost; surface sow; 

keep moist and cool. 

— LOW GROWING MIX - 

WILDFLOWERS — 


Low Growing Mix 100768 

Wildflower 

A proven low growing wildflower mix 

which is made up of annual and 

perennial flower seed providing an 

exceptional range of colours. Among the 

17 flowers in the Low Growing Mix are 

Dwarf Farewell-to-Spring, Blue Bells, 

Johnny Jump-up, and Wallflower. Will 

tolerate heat and marginal soil 

conditions. This mix is great for planting 

in a sunny area in front of taller plants, a 

fence or a building. Plant directly into the 

garden or container for the best effect. 

— MARIGOLD — 

Annual 

aka: French Marigold 

botanical: Tagetes patula nana 


Thrives best in full sun in any reasonable 

garden soil. Marigolds are tolerant of dry 

conditions and stand up well to wind and 


heavy rain. McKenzie has many varieties 

in the Family Tagetes, or Marigold. 

"Patula" are dwarf types of Marigolds. 

All Marigolds are easy to grow. The 

foliage is pungent when crushed. Dead 

heading prolongs the blooming period of 

marigolds.Marigolds have earned their 

place in most vegetable gardens. Their 

pungent aroma works to repel some 

pesky insects. They also attract hoverflies 

which prey on harmful insects.Long life as 

cut flowers.Marigold flower petals and 

leaves add a bitey tang to salads. Dried 

petals are spicy and colourful for breads 

and cakes. 

Marigold Bonanza Bolero 120627 

Large 6.6cm (2.25") double flowers 

primarily gold with red petal tips. 

Bonanza Bolero is an improved French 

Marigold. Excellent garden performer 

which thrives in full sun. Marigolds are 

tolerant of dry conditions and stand up 

well to wind and heavy rain. Plant 

directly outdoors as soon as all danger of 

frost has passed. All America Selections 

Winner. Plants spread more when given 

adequate moisture. 

Marigold Canadian Sunset 100423 

Orange centre, rust crested . Compact. 

Expect many blooms on each plant. Good 

for uniform backgrounds and borders. 

Plant direct or start indoors for earlier 

blooms. 

Marigold Citris Mix 130103 

A stunning french marigold mixture of 

yellow, orange and bi-colour flowers. 

Ideal in garden borders and can be a 

delightful centerpiece to any cutflower 

arrangement. 

Marigold Hero Mix F1 120609 

This gorgeous hybrid mixture comes in 

red, yellow, orange, gold two tone red 

with orange and maroon and orange. 

The double flowers have a diameter of 5- 

6.25cm (2-2.5") which is one of the 

largest flowering dwarf crested French 

Marigolds. This is a low maintenance 

plant that stands up well to rain, heat 


and windy conditions. For early blooms, 

start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the 

last frost. 

Marigold Little Hero Spry F1 120610 

This hybrid French dwarf crested 

marigold produces large deep red and 

yellow crested flowers 5-6.25cm (2-2.5") 

in diameter. Excellent performers even 

under extremely hot weather. Stands up 

very well to rain, heat and windy 

conditions. Start seed directly outdoors 

after all danger of frost has passed. For 

early blooms, start seed indoors 6-8 

weeks before the last frost. 

Marigold Disco Orange 127475 

A bright and new series of Marigolds! Easy 

to grow, Disco orange marigold produces 

an array of 6 cm (2 1/4") single flower 

heads of bright orange. Bushy, dwarf 

plants with dark green foliage, blooms 

abundantly. A low maintenance plant for 

edging, patio containers, window boxes, 

borders and flower beds. Sow directly to 

the garden in thoroughly warm soil. Are 

great for attracting Butterflies. 

Marigold Disco Red 127476 

Add a fresh and dramatic new look to your 

garden with this unique dwarf French 

marigold! Brilliant 6 cm (2 1/4") single 

petals of bright red surrounding a crusty 

gold center. Bushy, dwarf plants with dark 

green foliage, blooms abundantly. Superb 

for edging, patio containers, window 

boxes, borders and flower beds. Sow 

directly to the garden in thoroughly warm 

soil. An excellent performer. 

Marigold Disco Yellow 127477 

A compact mound of stunning yellow 6 

cm (2 1/4") single flowers literally cover 

the sturdy well-branched plants all 

summer, providing a sunny display. . 

Bushy, dwarf plants with dark green 

foliage, blooms abundantly. Superb for 

edging, patio containers, window boxes, 

borders and flower beds. Sow directly to 

the garden in thoroughly warm soil. An 

excellent performer. 


57


Marigold Disco Mix 127478 

These gorgeous French marigolds will 

generate an expressive display for edging, 

patio containers, window boxes, borders 

and flower beds. Orange, red and yellow 

single petal flowers bloom profusely on 

bushy dwarf plants, with dark green 

foilage. Easy to grow with low 

maintenance. Plants stand up well to rain, 

heat and windy conditions. Sow directly 

to the garden in thoroughly warm soil. 

— MARIGOLD - GIANT — 

Annual 

botanical: Tagetes erecta 

"Erecta" are the tallest types of 

marigolds. Dead heading prolongs the 

blooming period of marigolds.Marigolds 

have earned their place in most 

vegetable gardens. Their pungent aroma 

works to repel some pesky insects. They 

also attract hoverflies which prey on 

harmful insects.When planted in dense 

rows, Giant Marigolds make an gorgeous 

annual mini-hedge. 

Marigold Crackerjack 100412 

Unmistakable giant carnation flowers in 

orange, gold, and lemon. Very tall and 

bushy "Erecta" type. Plant direct or start 


— MATTHIOLA — 

Annual 

aka: Night Scented Stocks 

botanical: Matthiola bicornis 

Matthiola Night Scented Stocks 100448 

Fragrant! 

The Evening, or Night Scented Stock 

bears dainty, inconspicuous whitish green 

fleurets which close during the day, but 

at night ... they have that delicious 

fragrance. Sunny locations are best but 

will tolerate a little part-day shade. Must 

be sown in spring where it will flower. 

Grown exclusively for fragrance. Plant 

near a deck or window or along paths 

which will be used in the evening. Sow 

outdoors in early spring. 

— MESEMBRYANTHEMUM — 

Annual 

botanical: Mesembryanthemum 

58 

Gelato Red 130104 

A star-performer for your garden even in 

less than perfect summers forming dense, 

spreading tufts of green foliage covered 

with brilliantly coloured flowers. Thriving 

in hot and dry weather. bellidiformis 

— MOONFLOWER — 

Annual 

botanical: Ipomoea alba 

Moonflower Giant White 100455 

For a fabulous show these fragrant white 

blossoms are 6 in.(16 cm) across. The 

blossoms open in the evening and stay 

open until the next noon. To truly enjoy 

the fragrance, plant these next to patios, 

porches, and windows. Soak the seeds in 

warm water for a day before planting. 

They may be seeded directly outside, but 

for earlier color, start them inside 6 

weeks before last frost. 

— MORNING GLORY — 

Annual 

botanical: Ipomoea sp. 


Adapts well to a variety of sites and soils. 

However, prefers sunny, sheltered 

locations with well drained loamy soil of 

moderate fertility. If soil is too moist or 

fertile there will be mostly leaves. 

Represents "farewell". 

Nutritional Facts: All parts of ipomea 

plant (including seeds) are poisonous. 

Morning Glory Double Sunrise 

Serenade 130105 

A very fast growing climber with large, 

double 2.5-3 cm (1-3”) cherry-red blooms 

with a white base and a slightly wavy 

edge. Ideal for baskets, containers, and 

for covering trellises, banks and tree 

stumps. 

Morning Glory Early Call Mixed 100457 

Climber 

This is one of our loveliest garden 

climbers with heart-shaped leaves and 

large trumpet-like flowers which last for 

merely a day but bloom in quick 

succession. Early Call Mixed blooms are 

white, pink, magenta, red, and purple. 

Sow outdoors or start indoors 4-6 weeks 

early.

Morning Glory Flying Saucers 120628 

Unique sky blue flowers with white 

stripes. Very showy flowers about 10cm 

(4") in diameter. A prolific bloomer. 

Plant does not need deadheading as the 

finished flowers fold up into a tidy cone 

and the vigorous vine still continues 

with the magnificent floral show. 

Foliage is heartshaped creating an 

impressive overall look. Climber.For 

earlier blooms, start seed indoors 3-4 

weeks before transplanting to the 

garden. 

Morning Glory Heavenly Blue 100458 

Soft sky blue blooms with a neat yellow 

and white center. Will easily climb to 

cover a trellis or a fence. Sow outdoors or 

start indoors 4-6 weeks early. 

Morning Glory Ipomea Imperialis 100463 

These Morning Glories are darker shades 

of Reds and Purples. Sow outdoors or 

start indoors 4-6 weeks early. 

Morning Sunspots 128588 

You will fall in love with this miniature 

morning glory! Plants bear masses of 

small tubular orange flowers, quick to 

bloom. This twining climber reaches a 

height of only 5-6' making it a great 

choice for pots and small trellises. Pick 

faded blooms to encourage further 

flowering. Soak seed overnight prior to 

planting, then sow directly to the 

garden in thoroughly warm soil. For 

earlier flowers, start indoors 4-6 weeks 

before the last spring frost date in your 

area. 

— NASTURTIUM — 

Annual 

botanical: Tropaeolum majus 

Will bloom all summer long in full sun. 

Needs well drained, moderately moist, 

moderately fertile soil. Poor soil will even 

enhance the flowering!Companion plant 

for practically every plant in the garden. 

It acts as a decoy for aphids, helps deter 

whiteflies, cabbage worms, Colorado 

potato beetles, squash beetles and 


cucumber beetles.Useful in areas plagued 

by rodents as they have little attraction 

for its spicy flavour. Flowers are edible in 

salads. Young leaves and flowers taste 

peppery. The Spanish conquistadors 

brought the Nasturtium to Spain from 

Peru in the 16th century and since it has 

been adored for its beauty and as a 

culinary herb. 

Nastur tium Alaska 100488 

The distinctive bi-colour green and white 

foliage are the trademark of this 

attractive variety. Contrasting brilliant 

single blooms in shades of red make this 

an excellent addition to any garden. 

Nasturtium Alaska will tolerate poor soil 

and drought conditions and still bloom 

all summer. Nasturtium tolerates some 

shade. Sow direct. Can be started inside 

and transplanted outdoors for early 

colour after risk of frost. 

Nastur tium Dwarf Double 

Cherry Rose 100472 

A dwarf double Nasturtium with a most 

striking solid red bloom. A non-trailing 

bushy plant. The bright double cherry 

coloured flowers are held well above the 

foliage. Difficult to transplant Sow 

outdoors, directly into position. 

Nastur tium Jewel Mixed 100474 

The Dwarf Jewel is a mix of bushy 

compact Nasturtiums. A bed of plants 

produces a stunning range of bright 

semi-double flowers in red, goldenyellow, 

orange, pink, chamois rose and 

some bi-colours. The flowers are held 

well above the foliage. Easy to grow. 

Difficult to transplant. Sow outdoors, 

directly into position. 

Nastur tium Milkmaid 128589 

Delicate pale-cream to white blossoms 

that would be a superb addition to any 

garden. A great conversation piece in any 

garden. Plants can climb to 1.8 m (6’) or 

more with proper support. An ideal soft 

contrast in beds, borders or containers for 

continuous summer colour. Easy to grow. 

Sow in fine soil, keep moist but not 

soaking while germinating. 

59


Nastur tium Primrose Jewel 128596 

Beautiful pale primrose- yellow , virtually 

all double blossoms on compact, uniform 

plants. Perfect in beds, borders and an 

ideal variety for containers and hanging 

baskets. Easy to grow. Sow in fine soil, 

keep moist but not soaking while 

germinating. 

Nastur tium Tall Climbing 100479 

Shade tolerant 

The Nasturtium is a large petalled flower 

with a long deep spur for nectar. This 

mixture offers a rich color range of 

orange, gold, and red. One of the most 

satisfactory and easily managed garden 

flowers. Excellent ground cover. Difficult 

to transplant;Sow outdoors, directly into 

position. 

Nastur tium Tip Top Lemon 128597 

Pure lemon-yellow flowers held well 

above the foliage on compact plants 

make this a crisp and refreshing variety 

for beds and borders or containers. Easy 

to grow. Sow in fine soil, keep moist but 

not soaking while germinating. 

60 

— NEMESIA — 

Annual 

botanical: Nemesia strumosa 

Nemesia Allspice 128598 

A wonderful NEW Nemesia with nearly 

all plants displaying a mass of speckled 

and flecked flowers giving a touch of the 

exotic to this variety. Ideal for use in 

beds, borders or for mass plantings. 

Nemesias can also be sown direct where 

they're to flower. In cool areas sow in 

good, moisture retentive soil in late 

spring. If starting indoors, sow in growing 

medium and keep cool and moist. 

Temperatures above 15ºC (60ºF) depress 

germination. Plants should be hardened 

off carefully as they are not tolerant of 

either frost or sudden heat and bright 

light. 

— NEMOPHILLA — 

Annual 

botanical: Nemophila discoidalis 

Nemophilla Penny Black 125912 

This little gem features delightful, almost 

black, small flowers prettily picoteed with 

a broad white edge. A perfect accent 

plant for rock gardens, small patios, 

borders, edging along pathways and 

makes a great container or window box 

item. Keep soil moist, but not wet 

because a lack of moisture will diminish 

the flowering. 

— NIGELLA — 

Annual 

botanical: Nigella damascena 

Nigella Hispanica Exotic 125913 

Purple-blue flowers with dark centers and 

spider-like seed pods, makes this a unique 

addition to your garden. The stemens 

give a dramatic look to the flowers, adds 

a unique look when used in flower 

arrangements and dry flower bouquets. 

Very good for fresh cut flowers or dry 

flowers. 

— OLD FASHIONED FLOWER 

GARDEN — 

Annual 

Old Fashioned Flower Garden 100502 

Rock Garden Favorite 

A mix of old-fashioned annual flower 

seed varieties of various heights in a wide 

range of colours. Fifteen flower varieties 

are contained in the mix among them, 

Aster, Calendula, Clarkia, Cosmos, 

Godetia, Rudbeckia, and Zinnia. 

— PANSY — 

Annual 

botanical: Viola witrockianna 

Start Early! 

Grow well in a wide variety of garden 

soils but are at their best in moderately 

fertile, well-drained, cool, and reasonably 

moist ones. They are intolerant of heat 

and dryness. A little shade is 

appreciated.Excellent companions for 

hyacinths, tulips, and other spring 

flowering bulb plants.Splendid in beds 

and borders. Effective in containers, 

hanging baskets, and as cut flowers.The 


flowers are edible and excellent for cake 

decorations, fresh or sugared.The Pansy is 

associated with modesty. 

Pansy Show Swiss Giant 100520 

Vigorous, huge gracefully waved flowers 

with a thick velvety texture. Blooms are 

3-4"(7.5-10 cm). Mixture of intermediate 

shades of white, yellow, red, scarlet, dark 

blue, and violet. Start indoors 10-12 

weeks before last frost date. 

— PETUNIA — 

Annual 

botanical: Petunia hybrida 

Start Early! 

Petunias must be started indoors to reach 

full maturity in Canadian gardens. Out of 

doors, all Petunias thrive best in full 

sunshine. They do not tolerate shade. 

Deadheading regularly prolongs the 

blooming period and improves the 

plant's vigor. Petunias will bloom all 

season long and resist bad weather and 

disease. Petunias require a well drained 

soil - their greatest enemy is excess 

moisture. Tolerant of heat and drought. 

Likes sunshine. The Petunia bloom creates 

a colorful show from a distance. The soft 

trumpet-shaped blooms are very large for 

the plant size and plants that are tended 

can produce a dozen blooms. The Petunia 

comes in many colors, sizes, and flower 

forms. Flowers attract hummingbirds. 

Petunias are two main types: doubles or 

singles. Doubles are heavily ruffled, 

many-petaled flowers resembling 

carnations; singles are funnel-shaped 

(either ruffled or smooth edged) with 

open throats. Both doubles and singles 

come as grandifloras (very large flowers) 

or multifloras (smaller flowers, but more 

of them.) Overall there are some 200 

varieties on the market. Petunias are a 

useful companion for flower and 

vegetable gardens. They repel Mexican 

bean beetles, potato bugs, squash bugs 

and leaf hoppers. Varieties of Petunias 

are used for borders, mass flower beds, 

edgings, and for containers of all sizes 

including hanging baskets. Can be used 

as cut flowers.Flowers are edible. 


Petunia Bonanza Mix 100541 

Multiflora Double 

Thick double and triple, full bloom 

Petunias in shades of white, pink, soft 

red, and soft purple. These heavy showy 

blooms perch on top of a thick stem. The 

blooms are 3"(8 cm) across. For early 

color sow seed indoors 6-8 weeks before 

transplanting out. Barely cover the seed 

with finely sifted soil and keep 

germination soil evenly moist. Because of 

the small seed size-mist the soil or water 

from the bottom when the seed is 

germinating. 

Petunia Easy Wave Blue 127491 

Spectacular, 6 cm (2 1/2") blue flowers 

cover up the vigorous, well-branched 

plants. Fast-growing, each plant spreads 

up to 90 cm (3’) making it ideal as a 

ground cover, in hanging baskets or 

planters. A superb performer with nonstop 

flowering through hot and cooler 

periods. Fast recovery after rain and 

excellent weather tolerance. A superior 

performer holds its excellent appearance 

all season. Easy to grow and easy to care. 

Petunia Easy Wave Salmon 127485 

An outstanding improved wave series, 

easy to grow and easy to care! Each fast 

growing plant spreads up to 90 cm (3’), 

smothered with striking salmon-pink 

colour, 6 cm (2 1/2") blooms. Excellent in 

hanging baskets, containers or as a 

ground cover either on their own or 

mixed with other wave petunias. 

Extremely vigorous plants resist heat, 

cold, drought and rain, creating gorgeous 

"waves" of color throughout the summer. 

Petunia Pink Wave 127497 

Loaded with rich, bright pink 7.5 cm (3") 

blooms continuously cover the plants 

providing a wave of colour. The 

spreading and cascading habit makes 

them ideal for hanging baskets, 

containers, window boxes and ground 

cover. Plants will spread up to 120 cm 

(4’). Weather tolerance and disease 

resistance. Easy to grow! 

61


Petunia Purple Wave 127496 

Free flowering multifloras growing 

carpets of bright colour all summer long! 

Loaded with intense purple blooms, 

measure up to 8 cm (3") in diameter. 

Plants will spread up to 150 cm (4’) or 

more making it a delightful ground cover 

, or in hanging baskets, large containers, 

mixed containers or window boxes. 

Tolerant of hot and cold weather, as well 

as rain. Easy to grow! 

Petunia Tidal Wave Cherry 127493 

An amazing petunia that climbs, trails, 

mounds and edges! Masses of gorgeous, 

cherry–pink 5 cm (2") blooms 

continuously cover the vigorous plants. A 

highly versatile petunia creates an 

elegant display in any surroundings. You 

can grow them from containers, to 

beddings, to trellises, to edgings. Very 

low maintenance and excellent weather 

tolerance. Requires no pinching and 

pruning. 

Petunia ‘Tidal Wave Silver’ 127492 

The most versatile petunia available! It 

climbs, trails, mounds and edges! Unique 

silver-white 5 cm (2") blooms, with deep 

purple centers and thin purple veins. 

Creates an elegant display in any 

surroundings. You can grow them from 

containers, to beddings, to trellises, to 

edgings. They stand up to summer 

storms beautifully, bouncing back from 

rain and wind without turning a petal! 

Very long-blooming will reward you with 

masses upon masses of gorgeous bright 

blooms! 

— PHLOX — 

Annual 

botanical: Phlox drummondii hybrida 

rockery. Effective as cut flowers. Also 

useful as border and edging plants. Sow 

outdoors or indoors 6 weeks before last 

frost Establish plants in beds before 

intense summer heat. At planting, pinch 

out first flower to encourage a quick 

second flush of flowers. 

— POPPY — 

Annual 

botanical: Papaver sp. 

Thrives in Sun and light shade. 

Deadheading is advised to prolong the 

flowering season. Light well drained 

soil.Young leaves are edible. Cook and 

season like spinach or use as a flavoring 

in soups and salads. 

Poppy Double Shirley Mixed 100573 


Huge double Poppies, solid color and 

white tipped in coral, magenta and red. 

Sow outdoors in early spring; transplants 

poorly. 

Poppy Falling in love 130106 

This spectacular and easily grown annual 

produces an abundance of blooms makes 

it excellent for borders and cutflowers. 

Attracts hummingbirds. 

— PORTULACA — 

Annual 

aka: Moss Rose 

botanical: Portulaca grandiflora 

It will perform well in full sun, even if the 

weather is dry. Prefer a light sandy not 

too rich soil that is warm, well drained 

and in a sunny open position. It will 

prosper in hot dry locations where most 

other annuals will not grow. It will not 

tolerate even the slightest frost.Excellent 

for rock gardens and ground cover. 

Phlox Dwarf Beauty Mixture 

Attracts Hummingbirds! 

100562 

Por tulaca Double Flowering Mix 100591 

This sun loving annual has a dwarf 

creeping habit. 1"(2.5 cm) flowers are 

An attractive field grown mixture with a 

wide colour range for solid and bi-color 

blooms: lilac, crimson, scarlet, pink, 

salmon, white, and yellow. Flowers 

attract hummingbirds. Likes full sun. 

Good well drained moist soil. Excellent 

for containers, window boxes, beds or in 

brightly coloured and they look like small 

shrub roses. 100% double and semidouble 

flowers. The blooms close once 

the sun is hidden. White, soft yellow, 

pink, rose, salmon, carmine, and scarlet 

colors. Start indoors Feb-Mar or sow 

outdoors. 


— RAIN DAISY— 

Annual 

aka: Afican Daisy 

botanical: Dimorphotheca sinuata Spring Flash Orange 

Rain Daisy Spring Flash Orange 123931 

A type of African daisy, “Spring Flash” 

will add early color to any garden setting. 

A classic beauty in containers, plants will 

reach a mature height of 25-30 cm (10- 

12”). Blooms appear from June to frost. 

Start plant indoors 8 weeks before last 

frost. Pinch back plants to encourage 

multiple branching. 

— RUBY MOON — 

Annual 

botanical: Lablab purpureus 

Ruby Moon Hyacinth Bean 100618 

This tropical vine produces blue-green 

leaves and fragrant purple pea-like 

flowers. After blooming, Ruby Moon 

produces lovely purple pods. Plants are 

heat tolerant and may be planted against 

a south wall. A nice combination plant 

with Canary Bird Vine. Can be planted in 

containers. This is not a true "bean" but 

the pods can be harvested and eaten. 

Can be sown directly in the garden after 

all danger of frost has passed. 

— SALPIGLOSSIS — 

Annual 

botanical: Salpiglossis sinuata 

Salpiglossis Kew Blue 125914 

Stunning velvety, dark blue flowers 

become even darker towards the center. 

Great for containers or bedding. 

Plant directly in the garden after all 

danger of frost has passed. Or for earlier 


blooms start indoors 8-10 weeks prior to 

last frost. 

— SALVIA — 

Annual 

aka: Scarlet sage. 

botanical: Salvia horminum 

Salvia Mojito 130109 

An exquisite, reseeding flower with 

wonderful white and lime green blooms 

smothering numerous upright spikes. 

Ideal for borders and makes a great 

cutflower. 

Salvia Picante Light Purple 130110 

Beautiful, huge, light purple upright 

flower spikes. Ideal for mixed containers, 

borders and makes a great cutflower 

—SCABIOSA — 

Annual 

aka: Pincushion flower 

botanical: Scabiosa atropurpurea 

Scabiosa Scarlet 123935 

An old fashioned favourite, Scabiosa 

produces flat quilled flowers ideal for 

cutting and perfect for attracting 

butterflies. Landscape uses include 

borders and massing, but ideally these 

plants provide color to any part of your 

garden. Sow seeds outdoors as soon as 

ground can be worked. Cool season 

plants by nature, these plants are ideal 

for zones 2-4. Average well drained soil is 

preferred. Blooms June - September. 

— SCARLET FLAX — 

Annual 

botanical: Linum rubrum 

Scarlet Flax 100753 

Wildflower 

Scarlet flax will grow up to 24" in ideal 

growing conditions but usually is a bit 

shorter. It has a star-bell shape in a dark 

coral shade that makes it unique in a 

flower bed. Bloom profusely making a 

colorful summer display. It does well in 

light, well drained soil in full sun and 

partial shade. It is heat resistant. Effective 


63


for beds and borders. Sow outdoors, 

difficult to transplant. Sow every 3-4 

weeks for continuous blooming. 

— SILENE — 

Annual 

botanical: Silene laciniata 

Starburst 130111 

Unusual bright red serrated flowers on 

slender stems will add a unique flair to 

flower beds, garden borders or 

containers. 

— SHADE MIX - WILDFLOWERS — 


Shade Mix Wildflower 100778 

Hardy & Shade Tolerant 

An excellent flower seed blend for shade 

near trees or buildings. 17 compatible 

varieties are contained in the Shade Mix, 

among them: Blue Mountain Columbine, 

Tall Sweet Alyssum, Penstemon Salmon 

Red, and Black Eyed Susan. This mix will 

tolerate marginal soil conditions. To get 

the most enjoyment from the flowers, 

the plants must have at least four hours 

of sun. An excellent blend for developing 

a natural array of flowers in that difficult 

shady spot. Plant directly into the garden 

or container for the best effect. 

— SNAPDRAGON — 

Annual 

botanical: Antirrhinum majus 

Sun loving, should be fully exposed to 

sun even as seedlings. Prefer well drained 

fertile soil. In dry weather deep watering 

should be done every few days. This 

garden favorite is really a perennial but it 

is usually grown as an annual. 

Snapdragons can be started indoors to 

extend the blooming period. When 

plants are 3"(7 cm) high pinch out the 

growing points to encourage bushiness. 

Flowers attract hummingbirds. Excellent 

for beds and borders and for cut flowers. 

Can also be used effectively in window 

and porch boxes. Dwarf varieties are 

useful in rock gardens. 

Snapdragon Dwarf Lollipops Mixed 100638 

Dwarf Lollipops is a compact Snapdragon 

64 

with a large proportion of bloom. The 

mix of colour includes white, yellow, 

pink, salmon, and red. Plant direct or 

start indoors for earlier blooms. 

Snapdragon Mardi Gras 100643 

Mardi Gras features some bi-colour 

florets in a coral-red combination. The 

blooms are particularly tall and slender. 


blooms. 

Snapdragon Mini Snap Mix 128599 

Compact, bushy plants in a wide range of 

colours. Snapdragons need fertile, well 

drained soil in full sun. Snapdragons do 

need light to sprout, so plant them directly 

on the surface of the soil. Do not crowd 

the snapdragons. Water from underneath 

to prevent rust. Keep the plants 

deadheaded for bloom all summer long. 

— STATICE — 

Annual 

aka: Sea Lavender 

botanical: Limonium sinuatum 

Statice 100661 


Paper-like blooms on stiff stems in an 

interesting array of colors-blues, pinks, 

mauves, apricots, and yellows. This 

Everlasting flower has enduring color. 

The blooms feature small upwardreaching 

serrated florets bunched 

together on short stems, and joined 

together at a central solid stem in the 

fashion of the herb, dill. The Statice 

florets impressively cover the flower 

head. Deep well drained soil is most 

suitable. Tolerates dry conditions well. 

Widely grown for indoor decorations. 

The perfect flower for crafts because they

hold their colors superbly after drying. 

Also a widely used filler flower in fresh 

bouquets. To dry Statice, pick the entire 

stem when the flowers are well colored, 

just before the flowers are fully open and 

tie the stems in bunches. Hang bunches 

upside down in an airy dry place away 

from sunlight. Can be started indoors 8- 

10 weeks before planting out. Plant out 

after last frost. Too much fertilizer results 

in bad quality and limp stalks. Wide 

spacing prolongs the period of flowering. 

— STYLOMECON — 

Annual 

botanical: Stylomecon heterophyllum 

Copper Queen 130112 

A spectacular and easily grown annual 

producing an abundance of coppery 

orange, poppy-like flowers, sweetly 

scented of lily-of-the-valley. 

— SUNFLOWER — 

Annual 

botanical: Helianthus annuus 

Easy to grow. Single flowering; Gigantic 

flowers 12"(30 cm) across!Save the seeds 

for a personal treat or let the birds enjoy 

them over the fall and winter.The 

Sunflower lends a cheery feel to a 

neighbourhood garden. 

Sunflower Autumn Beauty 100308 

A beautiful mix of gold-yellow, reds and 

browns. Autumn Beauty is an ideal 

cutflower, and is easy to grow as a great 

border plant. It is a very sturdy plant to 

use as a windbreak. When planting, grow 

in rows or in groups of 3 plants. 

Sunflower Evening Sun 100302 

Gorgeous shades of mahogany and red 

mixed with golden yellow flowers. 

Evening Sun grows very tall. Evening Sun 

can be planted as a tall border plant, or 

used as a windbreaker. It is a perfect 

variety for children to grow. Plant in rows 

or in groups of 3 or 4 plants. 

Sunflower Golden Hedge 100303 

Golden Hedge is a pollen-free variety 

with yellow blooms measuring 15 cm (6") 

across. An excellent cut flower. Golden 


Hedge performs well as an annual hedge 

with stems that branch out to form a 

thicker barrier. 

Sunflower Henri Wilde 100307 

One of the taller sunflowers, Henri Wilde 

produces gold yellow blooms with a black 

centre. The perfect variety for 

backgrounds, borders or annual hedges 

and it is an ideal windbreak. It is also an 

excellent cutflower. When planting, grow 

in rows or in groups of 3 plants. 

Sunflower Incredible 100297 

A True Dwarf 

A great sunflower that only grows 45 cm 

(18") high! Easy to grow. Sturdy stems 

and big yellow flowers. Keep the soil 

moist (but not soaked!). You can grow 

these in containers or right in the garden. 

Sow directly in the garden. If you grow 

Sunflower "Incredible" in containers, just 

sow 3 or 4 seeds and when they are a 

few inches tall, take out all but one of 

the plants. If you grow them in the 

garden, plant them in a row or in groups 

of 3 or 4 plants. 

Sunflower Larg e Seeded 100671 

Very Tall! 

Plants will grow even higher when fed 

weekly with liquid fertilizer. Full sun. Can 

tolerate almost any type of soil. Keep 

well watered. Sow outdoors. 

Sunflower Lemon Queen 100306 

Lemon Queen is an early flowering 

variety, producing very attractive lemonyellow 

flowers which contrast nicely with 

the brown centre. Great for backgrounds, 

borders or beds as well as annual hedges 

and children's gardens. 

Sunflower Pacino 100309 

Pacino is an easy to grow dwarf 

sunflower bearing bright yellow blooms. 

It is ideal for container gardening. If 

grown in a container, sow 3 seeds and 

when plants reach a few inches tall, thin 

to all but one seedling. Keep the soil 

moist but not soaked until germination 

occurs. If sown in the garden, grow in 

rows or in groups of 3 or 4 plants. 

65


Sunflower Paquito 130113 

A totally new type of dwarf Sunflower 

outdoors. Grow in rows or in groups of 3 

or 4 plants. 

producing numerous flowers forming a 

— SWEET PEA — 

compact, ball shape plant. A sunny 

Annual 

blend of golden yellow, lemon, red and 

botanical: Lathyrus odoratus 

bicolour flowers. 

Ultimate Fragrance! 

Plant Sweet Peas in a sunny location. Keep 

Sunflower Starburst Blaze 

F1 Hybrid 128600 

well watered. Soil must be deep, fertile, 

and well drained. A pH of about 7 is best. 

Starburst Blaze is a Pollen Free variety Sweet Peas are easy to grow. Their grace 

with crested red blooms with a slight and pleasing fragrance are unsurpassed 

lemon tinge measuring 12-15 cm (4-5") among annuals. There is a wide variety of 

across. An early to flower variety with the flower colors.Sweet Pea is a legume, a 

blooms borne on well-branched plants. nitrogen fixer. It is good for your soil.Of 

An excellent cut flower or try as a 

course, the Sweat Pea is a climber. Many 

background item in beds. 

people grow Sweet Peas for the fragrance 

spilled from a bud vase of blooms on the 

Sunflower Sunspot 100304 kitchen table. It is unmatched. 

An early flowering, bushy, dwarf 

sunflower that grows to a height of 

Sweet Pea Knee Hi 100685 

about 45 cm (18"). Each stem produces a Delightful blooms in lovely, soft colours 

single giant bloom with bright yellow on dwarf vines make this a perfect flower 

petals surrounding a deep golden centre. for foundation planting or beside a low 

A great container variety. If grown in fence. Plants are early blooming, heat 

containers, plant 3 or 4 seeds, and when resistant and require no staking. 

they reach a few inches in height, thin to Use in borders, window boxes and other 

all but one of the plants. If planting in containers. Soak seed for 24 hours prior 

the garden, arrange in rows or in groups 

of 3 or 4 plants. 

to planting directly outdoors. 

Sweet Pea Little Sweethear t 100679 

Sunflower Taiyo 100310 Bushy and attractive knee-hi plants are 

Taiyo produces large yellow flowers with sturdy requiring no support. They are 

a black centre reaching 25-30 cm (10-12") smothered with brilliantly coloured, 

in diameter. Easy to grow. Excellent for highly fragrant flowers, ideal for a very 

cutting. When planting, grow in rows or showy, easy to grow garden. Very 

in groups of 3 plants. 

Fragrant. Use as a cut flower, for mass 

Sunflower Teddy Bear Dwarf 100294 

A dwarf variety bearing golden-yellow 

blooms. Teddy Bear blooms for about 6 

beddings and as a winter crop in a cool 

greenhouse. Soak seed for 24 hours prior 

to planting directly outdoors. 

weeks in late summer. Excellent container 

variety. Ideal for small gardens. If sowing 

directly to your garden, plant in a row or 

in groups of 3. In containers, sow 3 or 4 

seeds, and when they are a few inches 

tall, thin to all but one plant. 

Sunflower Velvet Queen 100305 

Sweet Pea Royal Family 100691 

A favorite mix of bi-color Sweet Peas that 

is appreciated for the larger sized blooms 

in white, pink, taupe, coral, red and 

purple. It will grow tall. Soak seed for 24 

hours prior to planting directly outdoors. 

Velvet Queen is an early flowering 

Sweet Pea Spencer 

variety, producing dark velvet crimson 

Giant Mixture 100696 

blooms, accented with traces of gold and 

yellow around its black centre. Easy to 

grow. An ideal variety for a windbreak. 

These sunflowers can be planted directly 

Medium height plants. Oversized blooms 

for the height of the plant create a 

colorful show from a distance. Full color 


ange. Soak seed for 24 hours prior to 

planting directly outdoors. 

Sweet Pea Streamers Mix 127500 

The biggest, the brightest, and the 

sweetest of them all! A beautiful colour 

mixture of giant, ruffled blooms, with a 

heavenly scent. A strong climber makes 

it perfect for climbing along a wall, a 

fence, arches or trellises. Sweet fragrance 

and blooms are exceptionally long lasting 

and widely used for flower arrangements 

and garden decorations. Heat tolerant. 

Sweet Pea Sugar and Spice 100685 

Beautiful and fragrant blooms, in a variety 

of stunning shades on naturally neat and 

compact plants. Creates a spectacular 

display when grown in baskets or containers. 

— THUNBERGIA — 

Annual 

aka: Black Eyed Susan 

botanical: Thunbergia alata 

Thunbergia Black-Eyed 

Susan Vine 100720 

This fast-growing vine covers itself with 

lovely funnel-shaped 5 cm (2") flowers. 

Blooms in it's first year. Prefers welldrained 

soil in a sunny, sheltered 

location. Ideal for covering trellises, 

fences or low walls and can be grown in 

hanging baskets. Plant direct or start 


— VENIDIUM — 

Annual 

botanical: Venidium fastuosum 

Venidium Orange Prince 122516 

Huge 10 cm (4") orange with black daisy 

like flowers, these plants are excellent for 

borders and cutting. Beautiful contrasts 

of silver-white, deep lobed leaves with a 

wooly texture enhance this stunning 

plant all summer. 

Venidium Zulu Prince 122517 

This glorious sunloving plant produces 10 

cm (4") flower heads with a striking black 

center. Enhanced by its wooly silvery 

white leaves, this plant provides an 

excellent border as it blooms all summer. 

Interplant with Orange Prince for the 

ideal complement. 


— VISCARIA — 

Annual 

botanical: Viscaria oculata 

Viscaria Unique Mixture 125002 

A palette of pastel colors bound to soften 

any outdoor setting. A perfect perennial 

for borders, cottage and wildflower 

gardens. A mixture of color that flowers 

all summer long. Seeds must be pre 

chilled for 8-10 weeks before planting 

out. Sow seeds directly into the garden. 

In cooler climates sheer plants to the 

ground and cover with a mulch for added 

winter protection. A very easy plant to 

grow. Self seeds readily. Zone 6 

— ZINNIA — 

Annual 

botanical: Zinnia elegans 


Thrives best in full sun. Will bloom in all 

weather conditions, will continue to 

bloom very late in the season. Can 

endure wind and heat. Dislikes high 

humidity and root disturbance. Likes 

deep porous fertile soil and an open 

location with good air circulation. 

Colorful solid-head flowers on strong 

stems. The Zinnia comes in many shapes 

and sizes but is revered for its solid, 

lasting color. It is a sturdy, yet beautiful 

garden flower.Associates well with many 

other kinds of summer flowers, especially 

with fine textured kinds such as baby's 

breath.The Zinnia is often one of the last 

strongholds for the autumn flower 

arrangements. One of the most 

satisfactory annuals for summer beds and 

borders and for supplying cut blooms. 

Also attractive in porch boxes and 

window boxes and for planting in urns, 

tubs, and other containers. Dwarf 

varieties are useful for edging paths. 

Zinnia Candy Cane 125920 

You'll enjoy this festive Zinnia mixture! 

Each bloom measuring 5cm (2") across is 

held on strong sturdy stems. The stripes 

with the mix of assorted colors: scarlet, 

rose, purple, orange, yellow will add a 

colorful nostalgic charm to mass 

plantings and cuttings. The more you cut 

the quicker new blooms will appear. An 

67


easy to grow annual for the summer 

garden. 

Zinnia Canary Bird 120614 

Large flat petaled semi double dahlia on 

strong stems. The bright clear yellow 

color makes an impressive show in any 

flowerbed. Excellent as background in 

flower borders. Perfect cut flower. Pinch 

out the first flower bud. This will 

encourage bushing plants to produce 

more flowers. Water Zinnias in the 

morning from the base of the plants. 

Zinnia Giant Cactus 

Flowered Mixture 100787 

The tips of the petals on this semi-double 

variety tend to curl slightly back giving 

the sturdy blooms an airy feel, not as 

tight and compact as the traditional 

Zinnia bloom. The flowers are very large 

and come in a color range from cream to 

light gold to pale pink, pink, and coral. 


blooms. 

Zinnia Pumila Mixture 120616 

The best flower mixture in the Zinnia 

family. Also known as "The cut and come 

again Zinnia Mixture". Pumila has 

rounded flat petaled flowers 6cm to 

7.5cm (2.5" to 3") in diameter that are 

fully double to semi double in a complete 

color range of pink, yellow, red and 

white. Sow and seed directly outdoors 

once all danger of frost has passed. Cut 

the flowers just as the buds are starting 

to open. 

Zinnia Red Spider 128601 

Red Spider is a beautiful zinnia that is 

mentioned in botanical documents as 

early as 1801. With a sturdy habit and 

single spider-like bright red flowers. 

Attractive 1" blooms from mid-summer 

until frost. To encourage the plant to 

bush out and produce more flowers, 

pinch out the first flower shoot that 

forms. Water Zinnias in the morning from 

the base of the plants. For earlier blooms, 

start indoors 4-6 weeks prior to last frost. 

BIENNIALS 

— CABBAGE - ORNAMENTAL — 

Biennial but grown as an annual 

botanical: Brassica 

Ornamental Cabbag e 100070 

Colorful Foliage 

A most popular bedding plant for late 

summer and fall due to their colourful 

foliage. Easy to grow. Likes full sun or 

partial shade. Of course, the leaves are 

edible! Plant direct or start indoors for 

earlier blooms. 

— CAMPANULA — 

Hardy Biennial 

botanical: Campanula medium 

Campanula Meteora 130092 

Compact bushy plants covered in starshaped, 

blue flowers with white centres. 

Extremely long lasting, heat tolerant and 

heat resistant. 

— CANTERBURY BELLS — 

Hardy Biennial 

aka: Cup and Saucer 

botanical: Campanula medium 

For centuries, Canterbury Bells has been 

the most popular flower in English 

gardens. 

Canterbury Bells Cup and Saucer 100095 

Semi-double flowers named for their 

shape. Cup'n Saucer refers to the Daffodil 


shape, though the "bell" in Campanula is 

somewhat fuller than the "trumpet" of the 

Daffodil. The blossom colours range from 

white through various pinks and mauves to 

deep purple and blue. Plant in a sunny 

spot which receives a little shade during 

the day. Prefer a porous, well drained soil. 

Effective for flower beds and borders. 

Unusual long lasting cut flowers. Native to 

Southern Europe. Start indoors,late springearly 

summer, plant out in fall. 

— DIGITALIS — 

Biennial 

aka: Foxglove 

botanical: Digitalis purpurea 

Nutritional Facts: Poisonous: A leaf 

chewed and swallowed may cause 

paralysis and sudden heart failure. 

Digitalis is one of the most famous and 

important medicinal plants. There are no 

synthetic drugs that can duplicate the 

action of the glycosides in foxglove in 

treating heart failure. Never take 

foxglove without medical supervision. 

Digitalis Excelsior 100218 

Excelsior is a Hybrid Mix. The plant bears 

florets all round the stem in a horizontal 

manner. Colours include white, cream, 

pink, and purple. Grows best in deep 

fertile soil with an abundance of organic 

matter and which is moist but not wet. An 

effective border plant. Also serves usefully 

as cut flowers. Extremely poisonous. Start 

indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or sow 

outdoors, directly into garden. 

— HOLLYHOCK — 

Biennial 

botanical: Alcea rosea 

Hollyhock Double Mixed 100324 

Bright, giant, fully double flowers in a 

colour range of rose, salmon, white and 

red. Blooms cover the entire height of 

the stock. Flowers attract hummingbirds. 

Likes full sun. Plant in deep well drained 

soil. Although it is capable of 

withstanding drought it should not be 

neglected. Very suitable for planting 

against a fence or a wall. Young leaves 

are used in Egyptian cooking. Flower 

petals and cooked flower buds are edible 


and petals can be used to brew a tea. 

Roots are also edible. Start indoors 4-8 

weeks before last frost; plant out when 

night temp. above 10 C (50 F) Cover with 

rough coarse material for overwintering. 

Hollyhock King Henry 

the Eighth 128585 

King Henry VIII offers a profusion of 

single flowers in delighful pastel shades 

of ivory, pink, and red. A wonderful 

addition to any flower bed. King Henry 

VIII also makes an excellent cut flower. 

Plant directly as Hollyhocks generally do 

not transplant well. King Henry the 

Eighth is a stately biennial that is 

wonderful for the back of the perennial 

border. 

Hollyhock The Watchman 100323 

The Watchman bears lovely saucershaped 

flowers in an unusual maroonblack. 

It blooms in its second year. An 

excellent plant for an English or cottage 

garden. Especially attractive when 

planted with other perennials, or as an 

accent plant. Plant directly outside after 

all danger of frost has passed. For blooms 

late in the first season, start seed indoors 

in February or early March. Cover with 

rough, coarse material for overwintering. 

— JACOB'S LADDER — 

Biennial 

botanical: Polemonium caeruleum 

Jacob’s Ladder Blue Pearl 122511 

This amazing, tender biennial bears 

delightful blue flowers that will bloom 

three months after sowing. Hardy to 

zone 6, it is treated as an annual in 

cooler climates. Ideal for borders and 

landscaping, this plant provides interest 

with its distinctive leaf formation. Easy to 

grow. 

— SWEET WILLIAM — 

Biennial 

botanical: Dianthus barbatus 

69


Sweet William Mixed Colors 100714 

Easy to grow. 

This tall double mixture produces flowers in 

a wide range of colours. Flowers attract 

hummingbirds. Plant in a sunny location 

with well drained,alkaline, fertile, but not 

excessively rich, soil. Fragrant. Plant alone in 

beds and as groups in mixed beds and 

borders. Excellent for background plantings 

and cut flower use. Edible flowers have a 

spicy flavour reminiscent of cinnamon. Sow 

outdoors; Start indoors 6-8 weeks before 

last frost for earlier flowering. 

— VIOLA — 

Biennial 

aka: Pansy 

botanical: Viola 

Nutritional Facts: Flowers are edible. 

They are rich in Vitamin C. Add 1/4 cup to 

tossed salad for four. Leaves are also rich 

in Vitamin C. 

Viola Aalsmeers Mixed 100734 

A large flowered mixture. Flowers up to 

2"(5 cm) across are produced. Put in a 

sunny or partially shaded location. Grows 

well in a wide variety of garden soils but 

are at their best in soils which are 

moderately fertile, well drained, cool, 

and reasonably moist. Intolerant of heat 

and dryness. Excellent companions for 

hyacinths, tulips, and other spring 

flowering bulb plants. Useful for borders, 

edging, pots and window boxes or cut 

flowers Start indoors 10-12 weeks before 

last frost for flowering in late spring. 

Viola Helen Mound 100732 

A Tough Survivor!Small flowered viola. 

Tri-colour - purple, lavender and yellow. 

Excellent for naturalizing. A tough 

survivor. It will do well under practically 

any conditions of sun, shade, drought or 

moisture. Represents modesty. Start 

indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost for 

flowering in late spring. 

70 

PERENNIALS 

— AGASTACHE — 

Annual 

botanical: Agastache Cana 

Blue Compact 128582 

A delightful, early flowering variety, with 

medium dark blue flowers set on spikes 

on 18 - 20” plants. Ideal for growing as a 

centre-piece plant in large container or 

basket in a patio garden. 

— ALYSSUM SAXATILE — 

Perennial 

aka: Saxatile, Basket of Gold 

botanical: Alyssum compactum 

Likes full sun. Well drained, not too 

heavy soil. Does best at cooler 

temperatures but will hold up well 

through dry, hot summers. 

Alyssum Saxatile - Gold Dust 100026 

PERENNIAL Border Plant 

A very popular golden yellow-flowered 

Alyssum. It is a dwarf and compact 

perennial plant. The foliage of Alyssum 

Saxatile is silver coloured and very 

fragrant. Excellent for rock gardens. 

Useful for cut flowers. Start indoors 4-6 

weeks before last frost or sow 

outdoors. 


— AQUILEGIA — 

Annual 

botanical: Aquilegia vulgaris 

Lime Sorbet 130091 

A most fashionable and elegant plant. 

Produces many stems with lime-green, 

double spurless flowers. Attracts 

beneficial insects and hummingbirds. 

Makes an ideal cut flower. 

— ASTILBE — 

Perennial 

aka: False Spirea 

botanical: Astilbe arendsii 

Astilbe Arendsii Hybrid Mix 100031 

This popular strain produces plants 

with attractive, deeply cut, fern-like 

foliage throughout the growing 

season. Tall stalks of long-lasting 

feathery blooms appear in midsummer. 

Prefers a humid, well-drained soil rich 

in humus. Blooms can be used as cut 

flowers or dried flowers. Start indoors 

or outdoors. 

— BABY'S BREATH - PERENNIAL — 

Perennial 

botanical: Gypsophila paniculata 

Likes sun or light shade and well drained 

soil. 

Baby's Breath Paniculata 100291 

Bushy plants with masses of tiny white 

flowers on long slender multi-branched 

stems. Expect blooms in the second year. 

An easy-to-grow perennial. Perfect for 

dried flower arrangements. Ideal for 

borders, rock gardens or combined with 

other perennials. Used extensively by 

florists for fresh and dried bouquets. To 

dry, cut stems when flowers are fully 

open and hang upside down in a dry, 

shady place. Sow seed directly outdoors 

in spring. This variety is not allowed in 

Manitoba or Saskatchewan. 

— BEE BALM — 

Perennial 

aka: Bergamot, Monarda 

botanical: Monarda didyma 

Bee Balm Panorama Mix 100456 

Spectacular and easy to grow flowers. 


Long-blooming clusters of flowers on 

top-sturdy stems. This is a special mixture 

with many shades of scarlet, bright red, 

pink, salmon and crimson. Prefers a 

humid well-drained soil rich in humus. 

The scented leaves are often used to 

make bergamot tea. Plant direct or start 

indoors. 

— BELLFLOWER — 

Perennial 

aka: Carpatian Harebells 

botanical: Campanula carpatica 

Bellflower Blue Clips 100094 

This unmistakable bellflower displays a 

perfect dome of leaves completely 

covered in blue cup-shaped flowers 

throughout the summer. Needs light to 

germinate. Blooms in the second year. 

Popular in borders and containers. Plant 


— BERGENIA — 

Perennial 

botanical: Bergenia cordifolia 

Berg enia Cordifolia Red 100065 

Start Heart-leaved Brilliant clusters of red 

flowers bloom atop fleshy stalks amid 

bold, glossy foliage that forms a heartshape. 

The leaves are big and beautiful. 

Bergenia is an ideal plant to complement 

rock walls or for use as a border for the 

garden. It is also an excellent 

groundcover. Sow directly outdoors in 

early spring, keeping soil moist but not 

wet. Heart-Leaved Bergenia is a good 

choice for a more experienced gardener. 

— BLACK EYED SUSAN — 

Perennial 

aka: Rudbeckia or Brown Eyed Susan 

botanical: Rudbeckia hirta 

Black Eyed Susan 100762 

Wildflower 

This self re-seeding lively perennial moves 

with the wind. Flower spikes are covered 

with ivory green, bell-like sepals. Will 

bloom during hot summers and fall 

weather that is not kind to some other 


71


flowers. Long lasting blooms. Full sun or 

partial shade. Can tolerate dry periods. 

Will flourish in any garden soil. Plant 

with Purple Coneflower. Excellent for 

mass planting. Effective as cut flowers, 

either fresh or dried. Start indoors 6-8 

weeks before last frost; plant out after 

frost danger past. 

72 

— BLUE FLAX — 

Perennial 

aka: Prairie Flax 

botanical: Linum perenne 

Blue Flax 100774 

Wildflower 

A very robust plant. The Blue Flax 

flower opens flat with five bluish 

purple heart-shaped petals and a tiny 

yellow dot centre. There are usually 

several flowers per plant. Blooms 

profusely for long periods making a 

colorful summer display. Blooms last 

one day. Prefers dry conditions and full 

sun. Light sandy well drained soil. Looks 

lovely with Blanket flower. Ideal for 

rock gardens. Good for intestinal 

disorders. Relieves constipation. Used 

for coughs and lung/chest problems. 


or sow outdoors. 

— CACTUS — 

Perennial 

botanical: Cactaceae 

Cactus Novelty Mix 100071 

Popular Indoors 

A special mixture of cactus varieties. Slow 

to germinate. Once established, requires 

minimal watering. Sunny location with 

free air circulation. Soil should be porous; 

good drainage is required. Decorative. 

For flower pot and green house 

application. Keep soil lightly moist and 

well lighted. Due to the variation in 

germination time, it is useful to start 

seeds in a glass jar half full of moist peat 

moss. Should be placed in a sunny 

location. Seedlings can be picked out as 

they germinate. 

— CANDYTUFT — 

Perennial 

botanical: Iberis sempervirens 


Plant in a sunny location with averagedry 

soil. Good drainage is required, will 

not tolerate wet ground. Will not thrive 

under extensive shade or excessive 

moisture. Will tolerate shade only during 

very high summer temperature. Will 

flower 6-8 weeks after sowing. Native to 

southern Europe. 

Candytuft White Snow 100091 

Dark green narrow leaves. White Snow has 

large blooms: 1.5" (3.75 cm) wide dense 

heads of white flowers flecked with yellow 

centres. Sunny borders and rockeries. Not 

easy to transplant. Sow outdoors. Keep 

uniformly moist during germination. 

— CENTAUREA — 

Perennial 

botanical: Centaurea cyanoides 

Centaurea Blue Carpet 125908 

"Blue Carpet" introduces a new look in 

cornflowers. Retaining the popular blue 

cornflowers, this plant has low mounds of 

greyish foliage with abundant bright 

blue blooms. A very popular choice as a 

low growing bedding plant or at the 

edges of garden borders. Grow young 

plants in cool well-ventilated conditions 

before transplanting outside. 

— CERASTIUM — 

Perennial 

aka: Snow-in-Summer 

botanical: Cerastium tomentosum 

Cerastium Snow In Summer 100111 

This popular perennial forms a mat of 

silvery foliage literally covered with small, 

pure white, star-shaped flowers. Expect 

blooms in the second year after starting 

from seed. Prefers well-drained, average 

soil and full sun to partial shade. Prune 

harshly after blooming to stimulate 

compact growth. An excellent ground 

cover. Wonderful contributor to a 

xeriscape. Plant direct or start indoors for 

earlier blooms.

— CLEMATIS — 

Perennial 

botanical: Clematis tangutica 

Clematis Radar Love 100121 

Radar Love produces masses of bright 

yellow, bell-shaped flowers, followed by 

decorative silver seedheads. A lovely 

plant for pots and patios. Seedheads are 

ideal for dried flower arrangements. Start 

seed indoors about 12 weeks before the 

last expected frost. Transplant outdoors 

when the plant is about 7.5 cm (3") tall, 

or after all frost danger is past. Seeds can 

also be planted outdoors in fall. Here is a 

plant for a more experienced gardener. 

— COLUMBINE — 

Perennial 

aka: Granny's Bonnet 

botanical: Aquilegia vulgaris 


seedlings to thin them out when they 

reach 5 cm (2") in height. 

— CUPID'S DART — 

Perennial 

botanical: Catananche caerulea 

Cupid's Dar t 100083 

This flower has attractive daisy-like 

lavender-blue flowers and grey-green 

grassy leaves. Will bloom in it's first 

season when started indoors. It is perfect 

for perennial borders. Excellent for cut or 

dried flowers and a good ground cover. 

For better germination, start indoors. 

Cover the seed in clear plastic. 

— DELPHINIUM — 

Perennial 

aka: Larkspur 

botanical: Delphinium 

Columbine Long 

Spurred Mixed 100126 

Delphinium Blue Bouquet 122505 

Easy to grow. 

A very appealing collectors plant. 

This old-fashioned Columbine has double 

spurred flowers, often showing two 

colours in a bloom. The leaves resemble a 

shamrock. Flowers attract hummingbirds. 

It thrives best in partial shade. Prefers 

light sandy soils with an appreciable 

amount of decayed organic matter. Use in 

Compact branching plants with flowers 

well suited for cutting and drying. Blue 

Bouquet prefers a fertile sandy soil in a 

warm sunny site. Combine with the 

Alaska Shasta Daisy for a tremendous 

contrast in a perennial garden. 

flower beds and borders. Very popular in 

Delphinium Laurin 123993 

cottage gardens. Columbine represents 

grace and elegance. Wild strains of 

Columbine are found in the forest and 

were among the first transplants to the 

garden of early Canadian pioneers. Start 

indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost or 

sow indoors in spring, plant out late 

summer. Chill seed at 4-5 C (40 F) before 

sowing. 

Laurin is a distinctively different type of 

Delphinium. This new introduction has 

been in development for many years and 

the results were worth the wait. The eye 

catching bushy plants are literally covered 

with sharp red, tubular flowers. Laurin 

will do well all summer long on the patio 

and in the garden. Sow directly to the 

garden in thoroughly warm soil, for 

Columbine Pink Tower 100128 

A unique variety, bearing double pleated 

pink flowers with unusual short spurs 

resembling raspberry fruits. Plants are 

slender and upright. Pink Tower makes 

an excellent show when combined with 

earlier flowers start indoors 16 weeks 

before the last spring frost date in your 

area. Sow 6 mm ( 1/4 ") deep, 2.5 cm (1") 

apart in will drained soil. Hardy zone 3. 

Delphinium Pacific Giants 100166 

Easy to Grow. 

Evening Primrose or Lupines. Best used as 

a landscape plant. Ideal for cutting. For 

the more experienced gardener. Start 

seeds indoors in early spring or outdoors 

in late spring or fall. Transplant the 

The best strain in perennial Delphiniums. 

Large double and semi double florets on 

strong massive spikes. Vigorous sturdy 

growth. Plant in sunny sheltered location. 

Does well in most soils. Effective in flower 

W W W . M C K E N Z I E S E E D S . C O M 73


beds and borders and can be used as cut 

flowers. Sow August to September, plant 

out in spring. 

Delphinium Percival 100171 

A stately, old-fashioned perennial bearing 

long spikes of gorgeous white flowers 

with a black heart. Blooms in the first 

year if started indoors in February or 

early March. Combine with Lillies, Yarrow, 

or Roses for a pleasant effect. Transplant 

to the garden when seedlings are about 

5 cm (2") tall. Sow seeds directly outdoors 

in August or September for second 

season blooms. 

— DIANTHUS — 

Perennial 

aka: Maiden Pinks 

botanical: Dianthus deltoides 

Plant in a sunny spot. Prefer porous, 

alkaline soil. Good drainage is very 

important. 

Dianthus Arctic Fire 100189 

An attractive, mat-forming perennial 

bearing tiny green leaves and numerous 

white flowers with a glowing red eye. It 

will bloom over a long period. Prefers 

light, sandy well-drained slightly alkaline 

soil and full sun. Excellent rock garden 

plant. The blossoms are edible. Start 

indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost or sow 

outdoors in early spring. Deadhead to 

stimulate repeat blooms. 

Dianthus Siberian Blue 100187 

A late-flowering Dianthus bearing indigo 

flowers. Siberian Blue makes a terrific 

companion to Creeping Phlox and 

Bellflower Blue Clips. A native of Siberia. 

Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the 

last frost or directly outdoors once frost 

danger has passed. Pinching off faded 

blooms will prolong flowering. Plant in 

groups of three or five for best effect. 

— EUPATORIUM — 

Perennial 

aka: Joe-Pye Weed 

botanical: Eupatorium maculatum 

Eupatorium Mistflower 122506 

A bold, easy to grow perennial with light 

74 

purple, sweetly scented flowers that 

provide a lure to butterflies. Excellent in 

formal borders and informal landscapes 

like meadow gardens, or in the back of 

the perennial border combined with 

garden Phlox, Daylilies or Purple 

Coneflower. 

— EVERLASTING PEA — 

Perennial 

aka: Lathyrus 

botanical: Lathyrus latifolius 

Lathyrus 100380 

Climber 

Exquisite perennial which adds beauty to 

your garden for years to come. Very 

popular, easily cultivated, hardy 

herbaceous perennial-very much like the 

annual sweet-pea. A climber with 

strongly winged stems. Colourful 1.5"(4 

cm) flowers form big clusters 3-5"(7-12 

cm) across. Many clusters per stem are 

produced on each vine. This beautiful 

mixture of flowers includes pink, red, 

rose, white and purple.. Well drained, 

neutral or mildly acid (pH 6-7.5) soil is 

preferred. Excellent for trellises, walls, 

and fences. Vigorous. Will climb up to 6 

ft (2 m). May also be allowed to sprawl 

over rocks, stumps, low walls etc. Plant 


— FUZZY WUZZY — 

Perennial - Zone 4 

botanical: Stachys 

Gaillardia Grandiflora Mix 130120 

An excellent foliage plant for use in 

borders, edging, ground cover or as a 

container plant. Though grown for its 

wonderful soft touchable foliage it has 

the added bonus of lavender blooms 

— FOUR O' CLOCK — 

Tender Perennial 

botanical: Mirabilis jalapa 

Four O' Clock Marvel of Peru 100209 

This tender perennial is usually grown as 

an annual. It has erect stems and mid 

green heart-shaped leaves. Trumpet 

flowers open mid to late afternoon and 

fade the following morning. Reliable and

dependable performance in many types 

of climatic conditions. Bloom for a long 

period in summer and fall. Flowers attract 

hummingbirds. Prefers a sheltered sunny 

site with a well drained soil. Tolerant of 

poor soils, pollution, and heat. Effective 

when grouped in beds and for ribbon 

borders, edgings and window and porch 

boxes. All parts of plant are poisonous 


early. Best results if given an abundance 

of water. 

— GAILLARDIA — 

Perennial 

aka: Blanket Flower 

botanical: Gaillardia aristata 

Attracts ButterfliesGaillardia thrives in 

hot, dry, windy areas in full sun and poor 

soil.It is a great cutflower. It's durability 

makes it popular in mixed flowerbeds 

and mass plantings. 

Gaillardia Grandiflora Mix 100219 

Has a large daisy-like flower with a 

dominant crimson rust centre and yellow 

petal tips. It blooms steadily in a hardy 

bobbing bush of long stemmed flowers. 

Full sun with fertile, well drained garden 

soil. Generally stand summer heat well 

but will suffer if has to endure much hot 

dry weather; keep well watered under 

these conditions. Intolerant of wet clay 

soils. Useful for cut flowers as well as 

garden decoration. Start indoors 4-8 

weeks before last frost date. If sown early 

will bloom first growing season. 

— GEUM — 

Perennial 

botanical: Gomphrena globosa 

Red Dragon 100276 

Mid-green foliage with upright stems 

carry large fully double 38 mm (1 1/2”) 

scarlet flowers with wavy petals. A 

superb flower great in borders, 

containers, landscaping and as an 

attractive cut flower. Cold and frost 

tolerant. 

— GLOXINIA — 

Perennial 

botanical: Incarvillea delavayi Hardy Gloxini 


Gloxinia Chinese Hardy 122508 

A very attractive, interesting border and 

rock garden perennial. The deep green, 

coarsely toothed leaves develop after the 

exquisite flowers. Rich purplish trumpet 

blooms 5-7.5 cm (2-3") appear in the 

second year. Hardy to zone 4. 

— HEUCHERA — 

Perennial 

aka: Coral Bells 

botanical: Heuchera sp. 

Coral Bells Heuchera 100319 

An attractive display of small, delicate red 

bell flowers atop long stems. Prefers a 

rich moisture retaining soil with good 

drainage. A great plant for borders. Start 

seed indoors in early spring. When 

seedlings are 5 cm (2") tall, transplant to 

thin out the plants. Seed can be planted 

directly outdoors in late spring or fall. 

Coral Bells should be planted in groups of 

3-5 seeds. Heuchera sanguinea 

— HOSTA — 

Perennial 

botanical: Elegans sieboldiana 

Hosta Elegans 128583 

Highly ornamental plant with very 

attractive bluish-green foliage that 

provide great colour and style to any 

perennial bed. Easy to grow. Start indoors 

in a clean container on top of moist, 

sterile soil and cover with a thin layer of 

dirt. Cover the container and keep soil 

moist at all times. Keep in a warm 

location. Place seedlings under light and 

move to larger containers as the plant 

grows. Transplant outdoors after 

acclimatizing the plant for a few hours 

each day. Hosta’s can take 2 years or 

more to fully develop the complete 

characteristics of a Hosta, but it’s fun to 

see how they turn out. Zone 3. 

-— LUPINS — 

Perennial 

aka: Lupin Russell Hybrids 

botanical: Lupinus 

Lupins Russell Mix 100401 

Shade Tolerant. Easy to grow. 

75


The Russell Lupins is one of the nicest 

accommodating plants. The colorful, 

bubble-like blooms in white, yellow, pink, 

and blue, cling to the tall stock. They are 

quick growing and if started indoors, 

should bloom in their first year. Full sun is 

required for best results. Prefer welldrained, 

reasonably fertile soil, mildly 

acidic to neutral. Ideal for cut flowers. 

Sow outdoors in early spring; soak seeds 

24 hrs. Should be covered with coarse 

material to overwinter. Dislike root 

disturbance. Germination is enhanced if 

seed coats are nicked with a knife or file 

or soaked for 24 hrs in lukewarm water. 

— MALVA — 

Perennial 

aka: Striped Mallo 

botanical: Malva sylvestris 'Zebrina' 

Malva Zebrina 122510 

A magnificent perennial bearing 

gorgeous 75 cm (21/2') flower spikes filled 

with 5 cm (2") lavender striped blooms. 

Blooms all summer long and combines 

very well in the perennial border with 

Phlox Liatris or bright yellow Yarrow. 

— PINK MUSK MALLOW — 

Perennial 

aka: Mallow 

botanical: Malva moschata 

Musk Mallow Rosea 100408 

A very popular shrub-like perennial with 

abundant saucer-shaped pink blooms on 

numerous stems. Maple-like leaves have a 

musky smell when crushed. Blooms easily the 

first year from seed, even when sown directly 

outdoors. Popular in perennial borders. Plant 


— PASSION FLOWER — 

Perennial 

botanical: Passiflora caerulea 

Passion Flower 100525 

Passion Flower is a semi-woody climber 

with 5-9 lobed, blue and white flowers. 

Makes a terrific patio plant. It is a perfect 

plant for a south or west wall in a 

sheltered location. Passion Flower is 

native to southern Brazil. Start seed 

indoors about 10-12 weeks before the 

last frost. Transplant to a container when 

plants are about 7.5 cm (3") tall. Bring 

indoors in winter. Passion Flower is a 

great selection for a more experienced 

gardener. 

— PENSTEMON — 

Perennial 

botanical: Penstemon barbatus 

Penstemon Dwarf Navigator 123936 

One of the hardiest Penstemons 

available! Prominent spikes of trumpet 

flowers rise above the low mound of 

green foliage. Moderately heat and 

drought tolerant, these plants are ideal 

for borders, wildflower gardens and 

attracting hummingbirds. Sow seeds into 

the ground once it can be worked. For 

earlier blooms start plants indoors 4-6 

weeks before last frost. Blooms June - 

August. Hardy to zone 3. 

— POPPY - PERENNIAL — 

Perennial 

aka: Icelandic Poppy 

botanical: Papaver nudicaule 

Poppy Iceland Mixed Colors 100578 

The Iceland Poppy is easy to grow. This 

mixture contains white, yellow, orange 

and pink traditional Poppy flowers that 

bob in the wind over deep cut soft green 

foliage. Effective in rock gardens. 

Admirable for beds, borders, or for cut 

flowers. Poisonous. Blooms well first 

summer if sown in early spring. Seed 

exceptionally fine. Mix with twice its 

amount of fine dry sand before sowing 

to ensure wider more even spacing. 

Poppy Pizzicato 100586 

A Fleuroselect Gold Winner! 

These semi-dwarf plants produce a 

majestic array of red, white, orange and 

pink flowers adorned with large, leafy 

stems. Each plant can produce up to 20 

stems. This plant is one of the showiest 

perennials. Once finished blooming, the 

plant goes into dormancy so it is 

necessary to plant other perennials 

around it to fill up any gaps left in your 

flower garden. Seed heads are popular in 


dried flower displays. Fresh flowers are 

excellent for cutting. Plant directly 

outdoors in spring after all danger of 

frost has passed. 

— PHYSALIS — 

Perennial 

aka: Winter Cherry 

botanical: Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii 

Physalis Chinese Lantern 100572 

For Dried Flowers - Shade tolerant. 

Easy to grow. The flower blooms white 

and then turns into orange flamed 

hanging paper lanterns in fall. Likes full 

sun or part shade. Prefer well drained 

alkaline soil but will grow without 

difficulty in ordinary soils of various 

types. Excellent dried plant for flower 

arrangements. Plant direct or start 

indoors. 

— PRUNELLA — 

Perennial 

botanical: Prunella grandiflora 

Freelander 130107 

Prunella freelander is a first year 

flowering perennial. Flowers in great 

profusion with a dwarf and compact 

habit. Attracts beneficial insects for the 

garden. 

— PURPLE CONEFLOWER — 

Perennial 

botanical: Echinacea purpurea 


Purple Coneflower 100757 

Wildflower 

The Purple Coneflower has long reddish 

purple petals that lean back from a warm 

golden rust crowning centre. The large 

flower stands atop a sturdy stem. These 

flowers can be spotted from a great 

distance on a brown prairie, where they 

grow naturally. Long lasting blooms. It is 

fairly drought tolerant. Does best in full 

sun but will tolerate a little part-day 

shade. Will prosper in any ordinary 

garden soil. Grows well beside Black-eyed 

Susan. A border plant which is excellent 

for cut flowers.. Sought for health-giving 

properties. A herbal form taken as an 


immune booster. Plant direct or start 

indoors. Will bloom well in first summer 

if sown in early spring. 

— RUDBECKIA — 

Perennial 

botanical: Rudbeckia sp. 

Rudbeckia Goldsturm 100609 

1999 Perennial of the Year! 

Bright yellow, daisy-like flowers bear a 

dark centre. This spectacular variety adds 

bright, long-lasting colour to any 

perennial flower bed. Rudbeckia 

Goldsturm combines nicely with Phlox, 

Bee Balm or tall ornamental grasses. A 

stunning perennial for flower 

arrangements. Start seeds indoors in early 

spring or outdoors in late spring or fall. 

Once plants reach 5 cm (2") in height, 

transplant in the garden so they are 

thinned out. 

Rudbeckia Spotlight 130108 

Golden Yellow flowers with small 

contracting chocolate spots with a 

compact and branched habit. 

— SEDUM — 

Perennial 

botanical: Sedum spurium 'Voodoo' 

Sedum Voodoo 128584 

The deep intense red leaf colour of new 

Sedum ’Voodoo’ creates an almost magical 

contrast with the bright rose coloured 

flowers and uniform bronze leaf colour. 

Thriving in hot sunny locations. ’Voodoo’ is 

durable and long lived in the garden. The 

bright flowers create an interesting contrast 

with the dark leaf. ‘Voodoo’ received the 

Fleuroselect Quality Mark for its nice habit 

and its intense leaf color. Sow at 18 °C. 

Grow on at 12 - 15 °C. Keep cool with not 

too much light and not too moist. 

Transplant 3 weeks after sowing. 

— SHASTA DAISY — 

Perennial 

botanical: Leucanthemum x superbum 


Shasta Daisy Alaska 100626 

Easy to grow. 


77


The Shasta Daisy Alaska is the classic daisy 

for "She loves me...She loves me not...". 

It has clean white long-petalled daisy like 

flowers with bright yellow centres. The 

flowers are 2"(5 cm) across. They like full 

sun but will tolerate partial shade. Will 

do well in any good garden soil which is 

neither excessively dry or wet. Nice cut 

flowers. Young leaves can be eaten in 

salads, sandwiches, or added to soups. 

Should be finely chopped and used 

sparingly. Symbolize freshness and 

innocence. Plant direct or start indoors. 

— SHEPHERD'S SCABIOSA — 

Perennial 

aka: Jasione 

botanical: Jasione laevis 

Shepherd's Scabiosa 100633 

These pure blue flowers will brighten up 

any perennial bed, growing in masses 

atop attractive green foliage on erect 

stems. Plant with Yarrow, Black-Eyed 

Susan and Alaska Daisies for a particularly 

stunning effect. Sheperd's Scabiosa are 

ideal for borders and rockeries. It also 

makes a beautiful cutflower. Plant 

directly outdoors in the spring, and once 

plants are about 5 cm (2") spread them 

out through transplanting. 

— VALERIAN — 

Perennial 

botanical: Centranthus ruber 

Valerian Mixture 100110 

Bold and beautiful fragrant flower 

clusters in shades of white, rose and red 

atop blue-green leaves. Valerian will 

bloom in the first year if seeds are started 

indoors in February or early March. An 

ideal background for any rock garden. 

Excellent as a cut flower and great as a 

border plant. You can use the oil of 

Valerian to perfume your soap. Use the 

roots of Valerian to prepare a soothing 

tea. Plant directly in the garden after all 

danger of frost has passed. 

— VERONICA — 

Perennial 

botanical: Veronica gentianoides 

Veronica Ramona 125919 

Elegant spikes, carrying light blue flowers 

with dark veins, makes this perennial 

ideal for borders and containers. One of 

the delights for your spring garden! 

Makes an excellent cut flower. 

— VIOLA - PERENNIAL — 

Perennial 

aka: Sweet Violet 

botanical: Viola odorata 

Sweet Queen Charlotte 100738 

A beautiful dark blue flowering selection of 

the popular sweet violet. Attractive, dark 

green, heart-shaped leaves. Prefers a 

humid, well-drained soil rich in humus. 

Highly fragrant and popular to use to make 

nosegays. Long stems are suitable for 

cutting. Sow in late winter to early spring 

on the surface of a good free-draining 

growing mix. Cover seeds lightly. Seal in a 

polyethylene bag at about 16-21 degrees C 

(60-70 F) until germination. Transplant to 

7.5 cm (3") pots when large enough to 

handle. Plant out when all risk of frost has 

passed. May also be sown directly in the 

garden in spring or fall. 

ORNAMENTAL 

GRASSES 

Annual 

Black Madras (Purple Rice) 130119 

A unique, exotic ornamental grass that 

keeps its attractive form. Very easy to 

grow. Ideal as a contrasting plant in any 

flower garden. Oryza Sativa 

Golden Top Grass 100259 

This ornamental grass is grown for its 

blooms, which is a terrific addition in 

fresh and dried floral arrangements. 

When drying, harvest the blossom before 

they mature. They will continue to 

develop while they are drying and will 

truly stand out. Lamarckia aurea 

Frosted Curls 130118 

Very attractive, fine textured, low growing 

grey sedge. This variety creates the illusion 


of falling water when permitted to spill 

over rocky slopes or walls. Carex comans 

Purple Fountain Grass 100270 

This ornamental grass is grown for its 

bloom which is a terrific addition to fresh 

and dried floral arrangements. At 

maturity, tops are golden yellow with a 

touch of purple. Plant in rock gardens 

and at the front of flower beds. Use 

fresh or for drying in everlasting 

bouquets. When drying, harvest the 

blossom before it matures. Blossoms will 

continue to develop while drying. 

Panicum violaceum 

PERENNIAL 

Blue Fescue Grass 100268 

One of the most durable and long-lived 

grasses, chosen for its colour and ability. 

Sturdy compact mounding plants with 

special features of colourful and highly 

decorative, 30 cm (12") silver-blue, fine 

textured foliage. Requires average to dry 

soil. Grows well in containers and rock 

gardens. Cut back flower heads to 

maintain compact appearance. A superb 

colour accent as a ground cover and 

edging. Festuca glauca ‘Select’ 

Pink Pampas Grass 127503 

Long, silky, soft pink plumes are borne on 

dozens of large stalks. Heavily scented 


mid-green leaf blades grow thickly with 

the plumes soaring above them. Densely 

tufted, clump-forming. Spreads 90-180 cm 

(3-6’). Adds beauty to your landscapes or 

dried for indoor arrangements. A 

spectacular sight when in full bloom. 

Cortaderia selloana 

Tufted Hair Grass 100266 

Dark green, tufted grass with slim leaves. 

Delicate flowers are 2' (60 cm) taller than 

the plant itself. Airy flower panicles 

change from green to yellow, to near 

purple. Requires moisture and light 

shade. Plant in flower beds or borders. 

Can be used fresh or in dried 

arrangements. Easy to grow. 

Deschampsia caespitosa 

White Pampas Grass 127504 

A favourite variety plant with large, 

fluffy, white plumes, gracefully borne on 

numerous large stalks. Heavily scented 

leaf blades grow thickly with the plumes 

soaring above them. Spreads 90-180 cm 

(3-6’). Superb for landscapes or dried for 

indoor arrangements. Very dramatic focal 

point of the lawn or border. Outstanding 

for backgrounds. A spectacular sight 

when in full bloom. Cortaderia selloana 


79

V ME CG KE ET NA BZ IL E SH 

E R B S 

— BASIL — 

Annual 

botanical: Ocimum basilicum 

Basil Cinnamon 123939 

A native to Mexico, the leaves of 

cinnamon basil have a spicy cinnamon 

flavor, flowers are deep pink with purple 

bracts. Add to hot beverages for added 

taste. Ideal for containers. 

— BASIL — 

Annual 


Basil Sweet 101331 

Basil is a soft stemmed plant. It's leaves 

are pungent. Sow outdoors or plant 

indoors in early spring and transplant to 

a location receiving full sun once danger 

of frost is past.. Pinch the tops of the 

80 

plants to encourage bushiness. Will grow 

without difficulty in ordinary gardens; 

best suited to well-drained, not overly 

rich soil: pH 5.5-6.5. Sensitive to frost. 

When planted near peppers and 

tomatoes, Basil enhances their growth. 

Deters aphids and asparagus beetles. 

Basil is said to repel mosquitoes. Suitable 

for herb gardens, flower gardens, and 

vegetable gardens; outdoors in pots, 

window and porch boxes and other 

containers, and may be grown in pots in 

greenhouses and sunny windows in 

winter. Very popular as an after dinner 

tea to aid indigestion and expel gasses. 

Also effective for inhibiting growth of 

organisms that cause dysentery. Basil is 

always best fresh. Use in tomato dishes, 

in salads, and with poultry or fish. Basil is 

best stored in an oil, in vinegar, frozen or 

dried kept in a tightly sealed container. 

Native to India, Africa and Asia. Ancient 

lore says that to grow a good crop of 

Basil, one had to shout and pray when 

sowing the seeds. Fortunately even 

without shouting, Basil is easy to grow. 


early Grows best at temperatures above 

21 C (70 F). When flowers develop cut the 

plants back to a height of 6" (15cm). This 

stimulates young growth. Pinch out tops 

of branches to prevent blooms, this 

produces more leaves. Cut stalks when 

beginning to flower; dry for two weeks; 

can be frozen but drying is better. 

— BASIL - LEMON — 

Annual 

botanical: Ocimum basilicum citriodorum 

Basil Lemon 101274 

Thin, downy, pale green foliage. Spikes of 

tiny white flowers cover the plant during 

the summer. Can also be grown indoors. 

Lemon Basil has a tantalizing lemon 

aroma and taste. Pick leaves and stems at 

any time for fresh use. Harvest just 

before blooming for dried use. Plant in 

moisture retentive, organically rich soil, 

outdoors or indoors. 


V E G E T A B L E S M C K EV NE ZG IEET AH BE LR EB S 

— BASIL - PURPLE — 

Annual 

botanical: Ocimum basilicum ruffles 

Basil Purple 101276 

Purple basil has dark luxurious leaves. The 

green is almost hidden beneath the 

dominant purple pigment. Pale lilaccoloured 

flowers bloom atop thick, dark, 

glossy leaves. Harvest the leaves once 

they are 2.5 cm (1") in length. Purple 

basil grows well indoors and in windowsill 

gardens. For its wonderful aroma and 

excellent flavour, basil has become an 

essential in every herb garden. Purple 

basil adds colour as well as flavour to 

salads, pizza, lasagna, tomato sauces and 

other italian dishes. Use fresh, dried, or 

frozen. Plant in moisture retentive, 

organically rich soil, outdoors or indoors. 

— BASIL — 

Annual 


Basil Thai 123938 

A very aromatic herb ideal for cooking. 

Thai and Vietnamese dishes. Add to beef 

and chicken dishes to maximize. 

— CATNIP — 

Perennial 

botanical: Nepeta cataria 

Catnip 101286 

Broad leaves grow larger at the base of 

the plant. The flowers are elongated 

white clusters at the tip of the plant. 

Harvest flowers and top-most leaves to 

encourage bushiness. Plant directly 

outdoors when the soil is warm or start 

indoors in early spring and transplant 

into a partially shaded spot. Tolerates 

most soil conditions but prefers well 

drained dryish soil not too rich in 

nutrients: pH - 6.6. If allowed to flower, 

Catnip will sow itself. A great companion 

for many vegetables - most garden pests 

hate it. Improves the growth and flavour 

of radish. When cut down it makes an 

excellent deterrent mulch. Catnip tea is 

usually taken at bedtime because it works 

as a mild sedative on humans. People like 

Catnip for its minty flavor. Use for tea, 

soups, and sauces. Named for its biggest 

appreciator, Catnip is a favorite in the 

Feline world. Put some in your cat's 

favorite toy. Sow outdoors fall or early 

spring or start indoors. 

— CHAMOMILE — 

Annual 

botanical: Matricaria recutita 

Chamomile 101273 

A sweetly scented, multi-branched plant 

with finely cut leaves. The daisy-like 

flowers have yellow centres and white 

ray petals making this herb a lovely 

contributor to beauty in the flower 

garden. It is easy to grow in full sun and 

sandy, well-limed soil. Cut foliage for 

scenting purposes any time. The dried 

flowers are used in chamomile tea. Plant 

direct or start indoors. 

GARDENING TIP 

Did you know that Basil will repel 

bugs from tomato plants and that 

Savory will repel the bugs from 

bean plants? 

81

— CHERVIL — 

Annual 

aka: Gourmet Parsley 

botanical: Anthriscus cerefolium 

Chervil 101290 

Easy to grow. 

Fresh Chervil can be started in pots at any 

time of the year. Plant outdoors in spring 

in a partially shaded area. Chervil will 

tolerate marginal soil conditions but does 

best in rich organic soil; pH - 6.5, but 

should be kept moist in a sandy soil. 

Chervil will not thrive in very hot 

temperatures. Dislikes transplanting. 

Press seeds lightly into soil and when 

seedlings are 3-4" high thin out. Sow 

seeds at 3-4 week intervals from early 

spring until fall. Improves growth and 

flavor of radishes. Makes an attractive 

houseplant. Leaves fresh or dried used as 

garnish for fish, in soups, salads, and 

omelettes. The flavor fades when dried so 

freezing is recommended if fresh Chervil 

is not on hand. Sow outdoors, does not 

transplant well. Sow in fall and spring for 

succession of greens. 

— CHIVES — 

Perennial 

botanical: Allium schoenoprasum 

Chives 101292 

Cold Tolerant 

Soon after the snow is gone, Chives 

emerge in clumps of dark green grass-like 

hollow onion leaves. The plant flourishes 

if it receives a "hair cut" twice a month 

during the growing season. The lavender 

globe-shaped flowers are very impressive. 

Chives may be started indoors in early 

spring or planted directly outdoors in 

spring in full sun or partial shade. Sow 

seed in a row and cover with 0.25-0.5 " 

soil. Do not thin first year and the second 

year will produce harvestable leaves. The 

second spring, transplant small clusters of 

seedlings 5-6" (15cm) apart leaving about 

6 bulbs in each cluster. Full sun and 

ordinary garden soil: pH - 6. Hardy Zone 

2. A good companion plant for carrots, 

grapes, roses and tomatoes because 

Chives will deter Japanese beetles and 

aphids. Clumps can be divided and 

82 

M C K E N Z I E H E R B S 

transplanted after the first season to 

make distinct corner focal points in your 

Herb garden. Chives can also be grown in 

containers or window boxes. Chives have 

a mild onion flavor and are used in 

salads, sauces, and in egg or cheese 

dishes. Flowers are also edible. Holds 

flavor better frozen than dried. For 

drying cut into small pieces and dry 7 

days. The plant is native to the orient. 

Sow outdoors in spring. Lift, separate and 

replant every 3 years. Harvest repeatedly 

and regularly whether produce is needed 

or not by cutting about 1" (2.5cm) above 

bulbs with a sharp knife. This stimulates 

growth of young tender leaves. Clumps 

can be divided and potted for indoor use 

during winter. 

— CILANTRO — 

Annual 

aka: Coriander, Chinese Parsley 

botanical: Coriandrum sativum 

Cilantro 101297 

A lacey-leafed herb. Flowers quickly 

leaving a harvest of large firm seeds. 

These plants like an open sunny location 

with moderately good ph neutral (6.6) 

soil. Prefers full sun but will perform in 

partial shade. Ideal for flavoring soups, 

cheeses, breads, pastries sausages, and 

pickles. The pungent flavor comes from 

the seed. This is one of the flavoring for 

curry powder. The leaves can be used and 

have a milder flavor. The seed can be 

ground to produce an orange like flavor. 

Seed directly into the herb bed as soon as 

danger of frost is past. Coriander is 

difficult to transplant. 

— DILL — 

Annual 

botanical: Anethum graveolens 

Dill 101302 

Dill grows fairly tall on sturdy stems. The 

blooms are tiny yellow flowers on the 

tips of an array of central stems. The 

ferny leaves are very small but are 

meticulously gathered for freezing and 

drying by lovers of this herb. Stagger the 

planting of your dill seed, every 2-3 


GARDENING 

ACCESSORIES 

• 6" Copper Plant Label 

• 6" Zinc Plant Label 

• Garden Marker Pen 

• Garden Seeder 

• Garden Twine 

• Mini Seedmaster 

• Plant Clips 

• Plant Labels 

• Plant Twist Tie 

• Soil Test Kit 

• T-labels 

• Water Check

GREAT FOR 

ORGANIC 

GARDENERS 

McKENZIE 

HERITAGE 

BULK PACKS 

• For the value conscious 

consumer 

• Over 24 popular varieties 

• All varieties can be sown 

directly to the garden 

McKenzie Garden Inoculant presents nitrogen to 

legume seeds in a usable form that is easily absorbed by 

the roots of the plant. 

HELPS TO ENSURE: 

● Bigger Yields 

● Better Quality 

Apply to legume seeds such as beans, peas, sweet 

peas and lima beans, before planting.

ORGANIC SEEDS 

CERTIFIED ORGANIC BY/ 

CERTIFIÉ BIOLOGIQUE PAR 

Quality Assurance 

International 

Printed in Canada by / Imprimé au Canada par Mercury Graphics 

30 - 9th St., Brandon, MB R7A 6E1 

121935 Origin 

© McKenzie Seeds 

www.mckenzieseeds.com 

Pay's d'origine 

Long uniform roots retain a bright orange color. Great for storing. 

Longues carottes uniformes gardant une couleur orange brillante. Idéales pour conserver. 

Sow / Semez à 

13 mm-1/2” 

apart / d’espacement 

6-13 mm / 1/4-1/2” 

deep / de profondeur 

Germination 

Germination 

10-14 

days / jours 

40 cm / 16” 

Vitamin Content 

Contenu Vitaminque 

Sow early in the spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Keep soil moist for 

proper germination. For fall seeding sow the seeds in late October, thus your crop 

will be ready for harvest 10-14 days before your spring planted crops. 

Repeat sowing every two weeks until mid summer for a continuous supply of fresh 

carrots. 

Fertilize with natural resources such as compost, manure, lime, or phosphate. No 

herbicides, pesticides, or man made fertilizers were used in the production of these 

seeds. 

Plantez au début du printemps dès que le sol peut être travaillé. Pour une bonne 

germination, gardez le sol humide. Pour les plantations d’automne, ensemencez à 

la fin d’octobre, vos plantes seront ainsi prêtes à récolter 10-14 jours avant celles 

plantées au printemps. 

Répétez l’ensemencement toutes les deux semaines jusqu'au milieu de l’été pour 

avoir un approvisionnement continu 

de carottes fraîches. 

Fertilisez avec des ressources 

naturelles telles que compost, fumier, 

chaux ou phosphate. Aucun 

herbicides, pesticides ou engrais 

artificiels n’ont été utilisés dans la 

production de ces semences. 

5 cm 

2” 

A, B2, D & E 

Certified organic seeds, for 

your family, for your health, 

for the environment. 

• 100% free of insecticides, 

herbicides, and fungicides 

• Natural alternative for 

environmentally conscious 

gardeners 

• Not genetically altered or 

modified

W H A T M A K E S O U R 

B R A N D D I S T I N C T I V E ? 

Our range is genuinely different, 

resulting in minimum 

duplication of other brands. 

Thompson & Morgan’s own 

developmental research 

and breeding grounds 

and world wide 

contacts with top 

breeders allow us to 

introduce many 

new and often 

exclusive varieties 

each year. 

Thompson & Morgan 

has the most colourful and 

informative packets in the 

business. Helpful ”Flashes“ 

denote special uses such as: ”Easy to 

Grow“ and ”Shade Tolerant“, and each 

of our packets is colour coded for easy 

selection: Yellow for Annuals, Blue for 

Perennials, Red for Vegetable and Herbs 

and Green for Greenhouse / Warmer 

Climate Varieties. 

I N P U R S U I T O F 

E X C E L L E N C E 

• Exclusive to McKenzie. 

• Over 150 varieties of 

unusual and exotic 

flowers and vegetables. 

• Colour-keyed packets 

for ease in selection. 

• Vibrant, attractive 

packaging. 

• Foil sealed for 

freshness. 

www.mckenzieseeds.com 

Printed in Canada by/Imprimé au Canada par Mercury Graphics 

122689 


The "Storm" Petunias have been specifically bred to ‘spring back’ to 

life after the worst of storms. They will stay compact with many 

basal branches. Mixture contains salmon, white, pink, and 

lavendar. Ideal for bedding, containers and borders. Summer 

flowering. Height 30-35 cm (12-14"). 

© McKENZIE SEEDS 

Some experience useful. 

Une certaine expérience est utile. 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SOWING: 

Sow indoors in February/March. Gently firm the seed into the soil and 

keep moist but not wet. Do not exclude light and seal the 

seed in plastic after sowing. Germination usually 

takes 10-21 days. When seedlings are large 

enough to handle, transplant into 7.5 cm 

(3") pots and grow in cooler conditions and 

shade from strong sun. Plant out after all risk 

of frost has passed. Plant 30 cm (12") apart in 

a sunny spot in light well drained soil. 

Les pétunias «Tempête» sont spécialement cultivés pour résister aux 

pires tempêtes. Ils sont compacts aux nombreuses ramifications à la 

base. Le mélange contient des fleurs de couleur saumon, blanche, 

rose et lavande. Idéals pour les plate-bandes, les jardinières et les 

bordures. Fleurissent en été. Hauteur 30-35 cm (12-14 po). 

MODE D’ENSEMENCEMENT: 

PETUNIA STORM 

Mixed F1 Hybrid 

Semez à l’intérieur en février/mars. Pressez fermement la semence 

dans le sol et gardez humide mais pas trop mouillé. Ne pas exclure 

la lumière et sceller la semence dans un plastique après avoir planté. 

La germination demande de 10 à 21 jours. Lorsque les plants sont 

assez grands pour être transplantés, placez-les dans des pots de 7,5 

cm (3 po) et laissez-les pousser à des températures plus fraîches en 

les protégeant du grand soleil. Transplantez à l’extérieur une fois tout 

danger de gel passé à 30 cm d’intervalle (12 po) dans un endroit 

ensoleillé et bien drainé. 

PÉTUNIA «TEMPÊTE» HYBRIDE 

Mélange F1 

ANNUAL 

ANNUELLE

GUSTO ITALIA 

BASIL • BASILIC • BASILICO 

A FOGLIA DI LATTUGA 

www.mckenzieseeds.com Origin/l’origine/origine: 

Printed in Canada by/Imprimé au Canada par Mercury Graphics 

124770 


© McKENZIE SEEDS 

Days to Maturity: 75-80. A very large lettuce leaf Basil mild in taste. Ideal for stuffing and wrapping around ricotta 

cheese. Good source of Vitamins A & C. Start seeds at anytime for indoor use, or sow directly outdoors once all 

danger of frost has passed. Plants require an organically rich well drained soil. Ideal for containers. Expect your first 

harvest 5-6 weeks after sowing. 

Maturité : 75-80 jours. Du basilic qui se présente sous forme de laitue avec des feuilles de très grande dimension et 

qui est doux au goût. Parfait pour farcir et pour envelopper autour du fromage ricotta. Une bonne source de 

vitamines A et C. Pour utiliser à l’intérieur, vous pouvez semer les graines en tous temps. Pour cultiver à l’extérieur, 

vous pouvez semer directement dans la terre quand il n’y a plus aucun risque de gel. Les plants nécessitent une 

terre bien irriguée et riche en matières organiques. Parfait pour la culture en pots ou dans tout autre récipient. Vos 

pouvez vous attendre à une récolte de 5 à 6 semaines après la mise en terre. 

Periodo di maturazione: 75-80 giorni. Si tratta di basilico a foglia di lattuga molto larga di sapore dolce. È l’ideale 

come ripieno e come involucro negli involtini di ricotta. Buona fonte di vitamina A e C. Piantare i semi in qualunque 

momento al chiuso o seminare direttamente all’esterno quando è passato completamente il pericolo delle gelate. Le 

piante richiedono un terreno organicamente ricco e con buon drenaggio. Ideale per vasi container, dà il primo 

Recipe Tip • Idée de recette • 

Suggerimenti per ricette 

Preparation 

Create the perfect salad! Thinly slice fresh tomatoes and add to basil leaves. Top with 

mozzarella cheese, Arugula, Oregano and Olive Oil. Absolutely delicious! A must in 

any Pesto recipe. Leaves can be dried for later use or preserved in olive oil. 

Préparation 

Préparez la meilleure salade qui soit! Tranchez finement des tomates fraîches que 

vous ajoutez aux feuilles de basilic. Recouvrez de fromage mozzarella, d’arugula, 

d’oregano et d’huile d’olive. Tout à fait délicieux! Essentiel pour toutes vos recettes de 

pesto. Les feuilles peuvent être séchées pour usage ultérieur ou conservées dans de 

l’huile d’olive. 

Preparazione 

Create un’insalata perfetta! Tagliate finemente dei pomodori freschi e aggiungere 

foglie di basilico. Ricoprire il tutto con mozzarella, rucola, origano e olio d’oliva. Una 

vera delizia! Non dovrebbe mancare nelle ricette a base di pesto. Le foglie possono 

essere seccate per un uso successivo o conservate in olio d’oliva. 

Lot/ Partita: 

Net Wt. 

800 

BASIL• 

BASILIC • BASILICO 

A FOGLIA DI LATTUGA 

✓ Authentic Italian 

Seeds specifically 

selected for the 

Canadian Climate! 

✓ Beautiful full size 

colour product 

pictures. 

✓ Three languages – 

Italian, English and 

French. 

✓ Innovative recipe 

tips on the back of 

each package.

WILDFLOWERS 

McKenzie Wildflower mixes are 

formulated for Canadian climates and 

we‘re ready to paint Canada with 

vibrant colour! 

Choose from SIX popular wildflower 

mixes. Each contains numerous 

varieties and generously seeds a large 

area! Create a multitude of low 

maintenance beauty suitable for any 

landscape. 

McKenzie Wildflowers are easy to 

grow and require little or no 

maintenance. 

Great for attracting colourful birds 

and butterflies and adding a natural 

splash of colour to any landscape. 

BUTTERFLY GARDEN 

This popular mix contains a blend of 26 

delightfully fragrant wildflowers known for 

their ability to attract butterflies into the 

garden. Provides hours of enjoyment for the 

most avid gardener and children while adding 

beauty to your landscape. 

PERENNIAL GARDEN 

Cash in on the growing popularity of 

Perennials! This blend of 26 hardy perennial 

wildflowers will provide a rainbow of colour 

year after year and is a natural for the 

gardener seeking long term results! 

HUMMINGBIRD GARDEN 

Formulated with 24 wildflower varieties 

designed to provide a dazzling array of natural 

colour and beauty. Attracts nearby 

Hummingbirds to your garden, providing hours 

of enjoyment for the most avid bird watcher. 

SHADY GARDEN 

Contains a blend of 24 shade-tolerant 

wildflowers chosen to perform well under 

reduced light conditions such as along north 

walls and under tree canopies. 

ALL PURPOSE GARDEN 

Contains 25 varieties of popular annuals, 

biennials and perennials to ensure an 

abundance of vibrant colour from early spring 

through late fall! This easy-to-grow mixture 

thrives well in sun and partial shade. 

LOW GROWING GARDEN 

Contains 23 varieties of hardy low growing 

wildflowers to provide a wealth of colour all season 

long. Grows on average only 35 cm (14 in) tall.

ALPINE ALYSSUM 

Alyssum Alpine displays an abundance of 

flowers that are complemented by silvery 

foliage. Ideal as a ground cover, between 

walkways or along retaining walls. 

IRISH MOSS 

Irish Moss is a perennial groundcover, which 

forms a beautiful dense mossy carpet of 

emerald-green foliage. Perfect for growing 

around stone paths, walkways or in the rock 

CREEPING THYME 

Creeping Thyme is a soft evergreen perennial 

groundcover, which forms a dense mat with 

clusters of tiny lavender to white flowers. 

STEPPABLE PLANTS CANS 

Description Coverage-can 

Wildflowers 30 m 2 (323 ft 2 ) 

Creeping Thyme 5 m 2 (54 ft 2 ) 

Irish Moss 3 m 2 (32 ft 2 ) 

Alpine Alyssum 3 m 2 (32 ft 2 ) 

STEPPABLE PLANTS

ONIONS & GARLIC 

YELLOW ONION SETS 

• Excellent all-purpose winter dry storage onion 

• Best for long storage 

MULTIPLIER ONIONS 

• Produces early green onions for salads, soups, 

etc 

RED ONION SETS 

• Great for adding colour and flavour to your 

favorite foods and salads 

WHITE ONION SETS 

• Milder sweet onions used for burgers, soup, 

stews, etc 

SPANISH ONION SETS 

• Large size onions with a mild sweeter flavour 

• Excellent for hamburgers or hot dogs 

GOURMET SHALLOTS 

• Produces a distinctive and delicate flavour 

• Great for sauces 

GARLIC BULBS 

• Easy to grow and widely used 

in pickles, salads, breads, 

gravies and sauces 

ELEPHANT GARLIC 

• Larger than regular garlic, with 

a delicate mild flavour and 

having no garlic aftertaste 

RED GARLIC 

• Unique red cloves produce a 

memorable and very rewarding 

mild flavour 

OUR LARGE SELECTION OF 

ONION PRODUCTS ARE SURE 

TO SATISFY ALL OF YOUR 

GARDENING REQUIREMENTS 

Colour-coded cappers assist 

gardeners to select varieties to suit 

their gardening and culinary needs

McKENZIE LAWN SEED 

L A W N R E PA I R 

Rapidly fills in bare or 

damaged spots caused by pets, 

salt damage, winter kill, etc. 

A L L P U R P O S E 

Use in backyards and high 

traffic areas. Establishes 

quickly. 

D E L U X E B L E N D 

Premium blend for the 

demanding lawn lover who 

wants the best! Ideal for front 

lawns. 

Q U I C K G R A S S ® 

Provides fine textured turf 

when you need it in a hurry! 

Germinates in 7 – 10 days! 

T M 

S H A D Y N O O K 

Specially formulated for lawns 

that receive very little sun. 

Ideal for use around trees and 

shrubs. 

L O W M A I N T E N A N C E 

Drought tolerant. Requires less 

fertilizer and mowing. 

Endophyte enhanced. 

K E N T U C K Y B L U E 

Its fine leaf and exquisite 

colour provide a luxurious, 

dark green thick lawn. For 

boosting the appearance of an 

existing lawn or for starting 

from scratch. 

In store point of sale material 

to assist with making buying 

decisions! 

Banners: Bright & colourful. 

Helps you choose the right 

product for your specific 

needs. 

Tear Off Info Pads: Useful 

lawn care information on 

seeding, mowing, watering 

and fertilizing. 

W E S T C O A S T B L E N D 

Specially formulated premium 

lawn seed blend for West Coast 


T M 

C O T TA G E M I X 

Quality blend of grasses that 

are more drought tolerant and 

requires less mowing. Provides 

fine bladed grass with superior 

colour and wear tolerance. 

B U L K B A G S 

Buy in Bulk and Save! 

Most lawn seed products are 

available in bulk size (4 kg, 10 

kg and 22.7 kg) heavy duty 

bags. No ripping! No mess! 

Larger bag sizes are great for 

landscapers and for 

bigger properties! 4 

kg bags have a 

convenient carry-out 

handle.

H E I R L O O M VA R I E T I E S 

For that nostalgia gardener or for those who love the old favourites, try some of our new 

heirloom varieties. 

In the new Heirloom line are wonderful selections such as the Armenian Cucumber – one 

of the best slicing cucumbers around, Lettuce Red Oakleaf which provides a sweet tangy 

taste and flavor to salads and sandwiches and the excellent Radish German Giant, 

producing scarlet skinned radishes that can grow up to the size of baseballs without 

becoming woody or spongy! Some of the other traditional favorites that are recognized 

for their outstanding quality over the years is the Bush Bean Contender, Carrot Danvers 

Half-Long and Tomato Bonny Best. These exceptional varieties have remained favorites 

for a reason as they continue to consistently provide prolific crops of vegetable with 

amazing taste. 

Favorite Heriloom flower varieties include the soft pale pink flowers of the Cosmos 

Daydream which never fails to provide a stunning garden flower display. The easy and 

fun to grow Morning Glory Tricolor Ensign Mix presents a bright and colorful quality 

wherever they are planted and a truly wonderful garden success can be found with the 

Sweet Pea Bijou as it offers color and fragrance that will be enjoyed by all. 

McKenzie is proud to lead gardening towards new and exciting discoveries as well as 

remember the trustworthy and reliable varieties that still remain unbeatable today.

Get a head start on Spring! While many seeds can be grown directly outdoors, 

there are varieties that should be given an early start indoors and transplanted to 

the garden after all danger of frost has passed. Growing from seed, while it may 

appear to be complicated, tedious and messy, is something anyone can do and can 

be a very pleasant and an enjoyable activity to gardeners of all ages. Experience the 

coming of spring in the comfort of your own home. The results are rewarding 

whether you are growing fresh tasty vegetables or beautiful flowers! 

What will I need? It varies on how much you will be starting indoors, but the basics 

include soil, growing trays or pots, a warm place for them to grow, and of course 

your favourite McKenzie seed varieties. 

McKenzie offers you a selection of products that will meet all of your seed starting 

needs from seeds to growing medium, Jiffy trays with domes, peat pellets / pots / 

strips & heat mats.

Ask for them by name!

weeks from May to July for a succession 

of your dill throughout the season. Easy 

to grow. Plant outdoors in early spring, 

after last frost, in full sun. Will volunteer. 

Well drained moist soil pH - 6. Although 

dill is quite hardy, the location should be 

protected from wind. Dill is supposed to 

enhance the growth of onions, cabbage 

and lettuce. Do not plant close to carrots 

or fennel. A must for all herb gardens. 

Dried, dill compliments a dried flower 

arrangement. Dill has a very fresh 

fragrance in the garden. Use the aromatic 

leaves and seeds to flavor fish, stews, 

vegetables, poultry and for pickles and 

salads. Sow outdoors, transplanting is 

difficult. Leaves are best just as flowers 

open; harvest seeds as soon as ripe, cut 

off whole plant and hang to dry. 

Dill Fernleaf 101277 

Fernleaf Dill produces compact, bushy 

plants with finely cut, dark green leaves. 

Fernleaf dill is slow to bolt A must for 

every herb garden. Harvest the leaves for 

fresh or dried use. Especially good for 

flavouring sour cream and other dipping 

sauces. Once the plant does bolt, the 

seeds are perfect for making dill pickles. 

All America Award Winner in 1992. Sow 

outdoors, transplanting is difficult. 

— GARLIC CHIVES — 

Perennial 

botanical: Allium tuberosum 

Nutritional Facts: Garlic contains a 

substance (also found in onions) that 

interferes with the formation of blood 

clots and may help to reduce cholesterol. 

It also has anti cancer properties. There is 

an indication that it can reduce tumors 

and inactivate some cancer-causing 

chemicals. 

Garlic Chives 101310 

A very early fresh herb, Garlic Chives 

grow in grass-like clumps. The leaves are 

deep green and hollow. The blooms are 

white star-like clusters. Plant outdoors in 

spring in a location receiving full sun. 

Prefers well drained, dry, not too rich 

soils in warm sheltered locations. Can 


help reduce the presence of aphids on 

roses. The plant is a uniform spray of 

greenery and makes a nice corner focus 

in any Herb garden. Good as indoor pot 

plant. Harvest any time in the season for 

fresh kitchen use. The leaves have a mild 

garlic flavour and can be chopped for 

salads, sauces, or soups and in breads, 

cheese and meat dishes. Early fall and 

spring best seasons to plant. 

— LAVENDER — 


a.k.a. English Lavender 

botanical: Lavandula angustifolia 

Lavender 101358 

Aromatic! 

Lavender has compact, narrow foliage on 

multiple slender stems arising from a 

central focus. The colour of the flower 

has become a descriptive adjective - a 

unique shade of pale purple - Lavender. 

The flowers are elongated spurs; clusters 

of many tiny florets close to the stem. 

Start lavender indoors in January, 

February, or March. Sprinkle seeds on a 

wet paper towel and fold it. Place it in a 

plastic bag and put it on top of the 

refrigerator for warmth. In 4 or 5 days 

place the germinated seeds 2"(5cm) apart 

in flats in a sunny window. Keep moist by 

misting. Plant the seedlings outdoors in 

spring in a location receiving full sun. 

Though a perennial, Lavender is not 

winter hardy in most parts of Canada. 

Hardy in Zones 4 and 5. Dry, sandy, well 

drained soil with pH 7.1 (alkaline). Full 

sun and free circulation of air. Lavender 

When lifting in the 

garden... 

Don't reach for the load or try to pull 

it towards you. It may be heavier than 

you expect. Move closer to it instead. 

A helpful hint from the 


83


makes a lovely and aromatic border plant 

for pathways and edging. Suitable for 

herb gardens and low hedges. Both the 

leaves and the flowers are very fragrant. 

Dried flowers are favorites for potpourris. 

Lavender can be brought indoors and 

enjoyed over the winter as a house plant 

in a sunny window, then in the garden 

every spring. Repels moths, flies, and 

mosquitoes. Use for home made soap, 

perfume and pot pourri. A sachet or little 

pillow of lavender can comfort a 

youngster who has difficulty sleeping. 

Flowers are edible. Native to the 

Mediterranean, Start indoors. Infertile 

soil seems to improve fragrance. Cut and 

dry whole flower spikes when flowers 

begin to open; do not use excessive or 

prolonged heat when drying flowers or 

seeds since oils are very volatile. 

— LEMON BALM — 

Perennial 

botanical: Melissa officinalis 

Lemon Balm 101312 

A bush plant with light green leaves 

which when brushed or crushed releases 

a remarkable lemony scent. Plant 

outdoors in spring in full sun or partial 

shade. Lemon Balm can be grown as an 

annual. Hardy Zone 3. Prefers sunny 

location and well drained porous soil of 

moderate fertility and pH - 7. The flowers 

of Lemon Balm are particularly attractive 

to honey bees (its Latin name "Melissa" 

means Bees) and so help in pollination of 

your other garden crops. The plant is also 

known to repel more pesky insects. A 

fragrant addition to pot pourri. 

Preparations from leaves are used to 

treat feverish colds and headaches, to 

relieve menstrual cramps, and to calm 

nervous stomachs. Crushed leaves help 

wounds and insect bites.' In the kitchen, 

Lemon Balm is used with soups, meats, 

fish, sauces and salads. It is also good for 

tea and tea blends, fruit salads, and 

jellies. Flowers are edible. Lemon Balm is 

native to Southern Europe and North 

Africa. Start indoors 8-10 weeks before 

last frost or sow outdoors late fall for 

germ. following spring. Easily grown 

from seed but takes two or more years to 

84 

produce sizable plants. Produces more 

intense flavor and aroma under infertile 


— MARJORAM — 


botanical: Origanum majorana 

Marjoram Sweet 101337 

A bushy plant with small light green 

leaves. Marjoram is a tender perennial 

but is generally grown as an annual. 

Plant indoors in early spring and 

transplant to a location receiving full sun. 

Does best in light, well drained alkaline 

soil with pH 6.0-8.0. Needs moderately 

fertile earth but excessive fertility may 

reduce its aromatic qualities. Marjoram is 

a tender perennial. (Hardy Zone 9). In 

Canada it is usually grown as an Annual. 

Attracts pollinating bees and deters 

garden pests. Marjoram has ornamental 

appeal, it is a beautiful little plant that 

can be grown in pots, indoors, or can be 

featured as an edging in the Herb 

garden. It is very aromatic. Marjoram has 

been used in cosmetics. Use in salads, 

teas, and jellies. Sow outdoors in early 

spring. Germination may be slow. During 

early stages seedlings should be shaded 

lightly. To provide succession, 1 or 2 later 

sowings should be made. Cut stalks when 

starting to flower; hang to dry. 

For safe digging ... 

Don't stoop or twist. Dig and lift with 

your knees bent. Take the strain with 

your legs rather than your back. When 

emptying the shovel, turn to directly 

face the dumping site. 



— MINT — 

Perennial 

botanical: Mentha spp. 

Mint 101353 

Very Hardy 

It has soft blue flowers that hug close to 

the stem and deep green foliage. Plant 

indoors in spring. Transplant to a location 

receiving partial shade or full sun. Mint is 

a very hardy perennial plant. It will 

tolerate marginal soil conditions but 

prefers fairly moist soil with pH 5.5-6.5. 

Water generously in dry weather. A 

partially shaded location is best where 

soil tends to dryness. Mint repels many 

kinds of pests. Deters white cabbage 

moths and improves the health of 

cabbage and tomatoes. People who are 

unfamiliar with the pure aroma of fresh 

mint are usually pleasantly surprised by 

its sweet aromatic contribution to a back 

yard garden. Mint tea is particularly 

soothing and can be served to all family 

members, young and old alike. Used for 

salads, jellies and teas and cold 

beverages. Because Mint is so hardy, 

children can feel free to pick it for 

pleasure without setting the plant back 

in any way. Plant direct or start indoors. 

Can be invasive and should be restrained 

from moving into adjacent paths and 

lawns. This can be accomplished by 

removing the bottoms of old pails or 

other containers, sinking the containers 

into the ground and planting inside. 

— OREGANO — 

Perennial 

botanical: Origanum vulgare 

Oregano 101316 


The Oregano plant has soft moss-green 

leaves. Start Oregano indoors for best 

germination. The seeds are very tiny and 

should not be covered as they germinate 

by light. Transplant the seedlings 

outdoors in the Spring. Does best in a 

sunny location with light, dry, well 

drained, alkaline soil pH 6.0-8.0. Excessive 

moisture is likely to be harmful. Needs 

moderately fertile earth but excessive 

fertility may reduce aromatic qualities. It 


should be mulched over the winter to 

improve its chances of surviving a 

Canadian winter. Hardy zone 4. Plant 

Oregano near your beans to enhance 

their growth. The large leaves of the 

beans will provide some welcome shade 

for this pungent herb. It makes a lovely 

border plant in a Herb garden and makes 

a nice house plant. Does well in 

containers and as ground cover for banks. 

Oregano is the aromatic core of most 

Euro-Mediterranean tomato sauces. Use 

fresh or dried in all kinds of sauces, 

gravies, salads, stuffings, dressings and 

meat dishes. Native to the 

Mediterranean. Plant direct or start 

indoors. Cut stalks when plant starts to 

flower; hang to dry two weeks; remove 

leaves, crumble and store. 


85


— PARSLEY — 

Annual 

botanical: Petroselinum crispum 

Parsley is easy to grow in moderately rich, 

moist well-drained soil with an 

appreciable amount of organic matter: 

pH - 6. Although fairly slow to germinate, 

you can hasten the germination of 

Parsley by soaking seeds 24 hrs. in 

lukewarm water.Attracts useful insects 

like bees and other pollinators. Plant near 

asparagus or tomatoes.Parsley is most 

often thought of as a garden plant but it 

will do well on a window sill, even in a 

chilly room. Parsley grows well in 

containers on patios, in sunrooms and on 

the kitchen window sill. In the garden, 

parsley creates lush greenery between 

annual flowers, especially 

geraniums.Parsley works with most foods 

except sweets. It has a gentle flavor. 

Essential in many Curries and in Mexican 

cooking. The honey from Parsley is 

86 

famous for its gentle nippy taste. The 

leaves are often used as a garnish. 

Coarsely chopped leaves provide a 

distinctive flavour to various dishes, 

especially poached fish. Nutritional Facts: 

Parsley is very vitamin rich. Provides 

dietary vitamin C, A, several B vitamins 

plus calcium and Iron. 

Parsley Champion Moss Curled 101467 

Fine, closely curled, very dark green 12" 

tall. Also called Extra Triple Curled. 

Excellent for flavoring. Gentle flavour. 

Champion Moss Curled is very good for 

freezing. Plant direct or start indoors. 

GARDENING TIP 

Dry fresh herbs between paper towels. 

Rinse, shake off excess moisture and 

separate the leaves from the stems. 

Spread one cup of leaves, on a double 

thickness of paper towel, and 

microwave on full power for two or 

three minutes or until the leaves are 

brittle. Let stand ten to fifteen minutes. 

Crush and store in airtight containers. 

Dorine Rothwell, Choiceland SK 


Parsley Single Hardy Italian 101475 

Glossy dark green, flat cut leaf. Celery 

leaf type. Strong flavour. High Yielding, 

Plant direct or start indoors. 

— ROSEMARY — 


botanical: Rosmarinus officinalis 

Rosemary 101320 

Rosemary leaves are long thick and 

slender with a light fuzz. Rosemary is an 

excellent bee plant and honey derived 

from it is of high quality. Rosemary is a 

tender perennial evergreen. It will survive 

the winter in Hardy Zone 9 but should be 

grown as an annual in most Canadian 

climates. Plant indoors in the spring and 


It thrives in well-drained soil with pH of 

6.0-7.5. Wet soil inhibits growth. 

Somewhat drought resistant. Great 

companion for almost any garden plant. 

Snails, slugs, and many insect pests dislike 

rosemary and it attracts pollinating bees. 

Well suited for containers, terraces, steps 

and other parts of the garden. Since it 

tolerates reflected heat very well it is 

suited for planting at the base of sunny 

walls and for use in patios and other 

paved areas. The leaves have a strong 

minty fragrance useful in potpourris. As a 

medicinal Rosemary has been revered for 

centuries for its ability to promote 

circulation. It is used in baths and rubs. 

Use with chicken, in meat stews, with 

fish, and in vegetable or cheese dishes. 

Start indoors. Cut leaves when flowers 

are beginning; do not use excessive or 

prolonged heat when drying since oils 

are volatile; freezing is not 

recommended. 

— SAFFLOWER — 

botanical: Carthamus tinctorius 

GARDENING TIP 

A good way to help control pests in 

your garden is to grow a variety of 

aromatic plants, such as chives, dill, 

basil, and garlic. 


Safflower Red 101362 

This attractive herb produces golden 

thistle-like flowers with reddish tips. 

Plant in full sun, in a normal, welldrained 

soil, ensuring not to over 

fertilize. Safflower is also growing in 

popularity as a dried flower. The dried 

safflower is often used to enrich the 

colour of cream soups, marinades, salad 

dressings and curries. The oil-producing 

seeds are used in cooking oils and salad 

oils. Sow outside or indoors in peat pots 

as it dislikes transplanting. 

— SAGE — 

Perennial 

botanical: Salvia officinalis 

Sag e 101322 

Sage is one of the most popular and 

commonly cultivated herbs. Its leaves are 

recognizable by their bluish tinge. 

Preferably used fresh, it can also be dried 

and stored in tightly stoppered jars and 

other containers. Plant indoors or 

outdoors in early spring in a sunny spot. 

Sage is usually grown as an annual 

although it is a perennial plant. Hardy 

Zone 4. Well drained, fertile soil well 

supplied with organic matter and pH 5.5- 

6.5. Plant sage with cabbage, carrots, 

strawberries, or tomatoes to encourage 

their growth. Do not plant near 

cucumbers. Plant in rows or herb gardens 

in casual groups about 18-24" (45-60cm) 

apart. Sage is used in soaps, cosmetics and 

hair dye. Care should be taken if used as a 

hair dye. An error in the recipe has been 

known to give hair a greenish tint. Sage 

makes delicious tea that will soothe a sore 

throat. Sage is one of the most ancient of 

medicinal herbs. Leaves are used in 

dressings to stuff pork, veal, goose, duck, 

and other meats and to flavor soups, 

stews, sausages, and cheeses. Through 

history wise elders who used Sage to 

promote health became named for this 

versatile herb. Sow outdoors early spring 

or indoors about 2 months early. Generally 

not productive after 3 or 4 years; replace 

with young vigorous stock. Cut leaves or 

leafy tops of stalks when flowers begin; 

freezing not recommended. 


87


— SAVORY — 

Annual 

botanical: Satureja hortensis 

Savory Summer 101327 

Summer Savory plants have thin 

elongated leaves and light plum-coloured 

flowers that sit close to the stem. The 

plant branches outward from the base 

into a well-shaped little bush. Used as 

culinary sweet herbs and garnishes. Can 

also be used as a vermifuge. Plant 

indoors or outdoors in early spring in a 

sunny location. Summer Savory 

germinates quickly. Well drained, 

moderately fertile soil. Pack soil around 

the stem for support as the plant 

matures. Soil: pH - 6.9. Improves growth 

and flavor of beans and onions and 

discourages cabbage moths. A good bee 

plant. Summer Savory is well-suited for 

container gardening. Scatter in patches in 

herb gardens or suitable as a border 

hedge. Medicinally, Summer Savory aids 

in digestion, sore throat, reduces fevers, 

and even soothes bee stings. It is pleasant 

tasting and harmless. The leaves of 

Summer Savory have a sharp flavour that 

is well suited for bean dishes, meat pies, 

in poultry dressings, with roasted meats, 

casseroles, soups and salads. Plant direct 

or start indoors. Make successive 

plantings at 3-4 week intervals. Cut stalks 

when starting to flower. Hang to dry. 

Freezing not recommended. 

— SPEARMINT — 

Perennial 

botanical: Mentha spicata 

Spearmint 101349 

Esteemed for flavoring. Plant indoors in 

spring and transplant to a location with 

full sun or partial shade. Succeeds in 

variety of soils preferring those that are 

deep and fertile, wet to moist, and with a 

pH of 5.5 - 6.5. Water generously in dry 

weather. If soil tends to be dry, a partially 

shaded location is best. When planted 

around the base of fruit trees it helps 

control insect pests while attracting 

beneficial insects such as hoverflies and 

bees. Spearmint is the best strain of mint 

for cooking. Use in baking, with 

vegetable and meat dishes, and in sauces. 

It is also refreshing for hot and cold 

beverages, in preserves and jellies, in 

salads and as a garnish with pork dishes. 

Plant direct or start indoors. Can be 

invasive and should be restrained from 

moving into adjacent paths and lawns. 

This can be accomplished by removing 

the bottoms of old pails or other 

containers, sinking the containers into 

the ground and planting inside. 


— TARRAGON — 

Perennial 

botanical: Artemisia dracunculus 

Tarragon 101351 

The tarragon leaf is long and blade 

shaped. Leaves alternate upward on a 

central stem. Blossoms form mid-season 

atop the stem. These plants like an open 

sunny location with rich, sandy, ph 

neutral (6.9) soil that is well-drained. 

Prefers full sun but will produce in partial 

shade. Has a very mild flavor. The perfect 

herb to be used in herb vinegar, as well 

as sauces, and salads. For homemade 

tarragon vinegar, put fresh tarragon 

leaves into white vinegar and place it in a 

dark place for 3-4 weeks before use. 

Plant direct or start indoors. 


— THYME — 

Perennial 

botanical: Thymus vulgaris 

Thyme 101342 

Heat & Sun Lover 

Thyme may be the most useful and 

perfect herb. It grows as a bushy plant 

with tiny grey-green leaves on woody 

stems. Plant indoors in late winter and 


Thyme prefers warm, dry conditions. A 

porous soil without minimal nutrients is 

best; too rich a diet will encourage 

unseemly vigor which increases 

susceptibility to disease and winterkill. To 

ensure wintering, avoid harvesting 

foliage in the autumn. Hardy Zone 2. Soil: 

pH - 5.5 - 7.0. Thyme benefits egg plants, 

potatoes and tomatoes when planted 

adjacent. It also repels cabbage root fly. It 

makes a very attractive edging plant. 

Admirable for herb gardens, rock gardens 

and dry walls. Helps in the digestion of 

fatty foods. Used to relieve spasms and 

coughing. Use as a seasoning in meat 

sauces, in soups, vegetables dishes, and 

with fish. Native to Southern Europe. Its 

scientific name, "Thymus" is Greek for 

courage. Plant direct or start indoors. Cut 

leafy tops and flower clusters when 

plants are blooming; hang to dry. 

GARDENING TIP 

One teaspoon of thyme and one 

teaspoon of sage mixed well with one 

cup water can be sprayed on cabbage, 

followed by a dusting of flour, works 

wonderfully to keep insects away. 

Arline Pratchler, Govan SK 


89

G A R D E N I N G S A F E T Y T I P S 

Gardeners Safety Tips 

Helpful Hints from: 

These gardening safety tips are offered 

to you by the Canadian Physiotherapy 

Association and its almost 10,000 member 

physiotherapists, who want you to have a 

healthy and active gardening season. 

Physiotherapists are healthcare 

professionals educated to help people of 

all ages and lifestyles to gain and 

maintain their desired level of active 

living. With their applied knowledge and 

understanding of the human body in 

action, physiotherapists are able to work 

with you to increase your mobility, relieve 

your pain, build your strength and 

improve your balance and cardiovascular 

function. They not only treat your injury, 

but they also teach you how to prevent 

the onset of pain or injury that may limit 

your activity. 

The physiotherapists in your community 

and across the country offer gardeners 

these helpful hints to ensure you get the 

most enjoyment and remain the most 

active this gardening season. 

If you would like further information on 

a general stretching program or if you 

experience persistent pain after 

gardening or other activities, you can 

contact a physiotherapist directly or ask 

your family doctor for a referral. For 

more information about physiotherapy in 

general, you can visit the Canadian 

Physiotherapy Association web site at: 

www.physiotherapy.ca. 

DON'T VEGETATE: CULTIVATE! 

• 30 minutes of gardening give general 

health benefits similar to going for a 

brisk walk 

• gardening tasks require bending your 

joints and stretching your muscles - 

preserving flexibility 

• lifting and repetitive tasks around the 

yard build strength and endurance 

GET READY...BEFORE YOU GO 

• avoid pain and injury when you begin 

gardening by keeping your body in 

shape all year round. Do regular 

physical activity and stretching 

• plan ahead - have the right tools for 

the job, - maintained and ready for 

safe use 

• keep your supplies within easy reach - 

consider using a carpenter’s apron 

• plan the work area for your comfort 

• rehearse the movement prior to your 

task to give the muscles a stretch 

• have to crouch? Warm up with trunk, 

hip and knee bends 

• plan to reach? Stretch your neck and 

shoulders to mimic the activity. 

• warm-up stretches should be slow, 

sustained 10 - 20 seconds, and painfree 

TOOLS OF THE TRADE 

• match the size of the gardening tool 

handle to the size of your hand 

• hold your tools in a loose comfortable 

grip. Holding too tight may cause 

injury. 

• choose tools that you can hold so that 

you keep your hand positioned in line 

with your forearm 


• use tools to reduce work 

- use a wheelbarrow or wagon to 

transport supplies 

- use power tools for repetitive 

work 

- use an extended handle to reduce 

the reach 

• keep digging and cutting tools sharp 

• consider using a low, padded kneeling 

stool, with side handles to help you 

stand up, when working at ground 

level 

• be creative! Adapt or create your tools 

for your comfort 

- pad the handle for hand comfort 

- use knee pads or a foam pad for 

kneeling 

- wrap a slippery handle with tape 

to improve your grip on it (hockey 

stick tape will do) 

KNOW YOUR LIMITS 

• be realistic! - Your body is only ready 

to perform at the level of effort and 

endurance it is regularly used to 


• work within your physical strength. 

Occupational Health Standards list safe 

lifting loads as: 64 lbs for middle aged 

men and 28 lbs for women, but a safe 

lift is less than this when the load is: 

- low to the ground or overhead 

- deep in a truck or difficult to 

reach or 

- an awkward shape 

• pace yourself. 

- take a break when you’re tired 

- spread heavy lifting and digging 

tasks over a week rather than a 

weekend 

- spread major projects throughout 

spring, summer and fall. Take 

time to recover between projects 

• rotate tasks. Avoid over-use injuries by 

working in different positions and by 

doing different activities throughout 

the day 

"POSITION" YOURSELF FOR SUCCESS 

• find your “easy zone” - a comfortable 

posture for your body to work in 

• try to do your work in the “zone” 

• be warned that continuous activity 

outside your easy zone may cause 

sprains and strains 

• avoid “out of zone” postures by: 

- moving with your work. Keep 

your work in front of and close to 

your body to avoid reaching and 

twisting 

- using tools to assist you (eg. stools, 

sprinkler, hose caddy) 

- positioning your body at the 

height of your work 

• can’t avoid an awkward position? A 

slow reverse stretch every 15 minutes 

will reduce strain 

• lift with your knees slightly bent and 

your back straight. Avoid twisting or 

reaching 

91


Stretches for the Gardener 

A "warm up" before you start your 

gardening work out helps to reduce 

muscle strain injury and fatigue. March 

on the spot until you feel warm, then 

take a few minutes to do the following 

stretches. Repeat the stretches again at 

the end of your activity. 

When stretching, please remember: 

NECK 

© The Sanders Group Inc. 

1. Sit or stand with good posture 

2. Bend neck forward as shown 

SHOULDERS 

• Movements should be slow and 

controlled; 

• You should feel a gentle stretch of the 

muscle - stretching should not be 

painful; 

• Once you feel a stretch, hold the 

position 10-15 seconds - do not 

bounce or jerk; 

• Repeat each stretch 2 or 3 times. 


© The Sanders Group Inc. © The Sanders Group Inc. 

1. Grasp elbow with opposite hand 

2. pull elbow and arm across chest until 

you feel a gentle stretch 

WRISTS 


1. Hold wrist as shown 

2. Bend wrist until you feel a stretch 

1. Sit or stand with good posture 

2. Keeping face forward, tip ear toward 

shoulder 

1. Reach up behind head as shown 

2. Press elbows back until you feel a 

gentle stretch 


1. Hold your hands together as shown 

2. Bend the wrists until you feel a 

stretch 


— ASPARAGUS — 

Perennial 

botanical: Asparagus officinalis 

Nutritional Facts: Asparagus is very 

mineral rich and has Vitamin A. When 

stored at room temperature, asparagus 

loses half of its Vitamin C content in 2 

days. Refrigerate at retail and at home to 

prolong nutritional value. 

Asparagus Viking 100986 

Viking is one of the hardiest Asparagus 

varieties. It is very productive. The stalks 

are dark green and have a delicious 

flavour. They will produce a light crop in 

the second year with a full crop in the 

third year. Productive life is 8-20 years. 

Does best in sunny, warm, sheltered 

locations with deep, well drained, fertile, 

cool soil (ph 6.0-7.0). Have soil loosened 

deeply. Water liberally during dry 

weather. Keep well cultivated and free of 

weeds. Plant near tomatoes, nasturtiums, 

parsley, basil but not near garlic, 

gladiolus, or onion. It is a powerful 

diuretic. Rich in vitamin C and minerals 

like calcium, phosphorus and potassium. 

Serve as cooked vegetable, raw in salads, 

or may be frozen for winter use. For best 

flavor, eat or process as soon after 

harvesting as possible. After harvest 

spears must cool to 0 - 2C. This preserves 

sugars. Loss of sugar increases the fiber 

and lowers the quality. Goes best with 

the following herbs: chives, sage, lemon 

balm, thyme and savory. Sow outdoors 

early spring or start indoors in midwinter 

Seed should be soaked overnight in tepid 

water before planting. Alternatively, one 

year old crowns can be planted. In order 

to develop strong crowns, tops should be 

allowed to grow without cutting for the 

first two seasons. Should be harvested 

when stems reach about 8" (20cm) and 

buds at the tips of stems are still tightly 

compressed. 

— AUNT MOLLY’S 

GROUND CHERRY — 

Annual 

botanical: Physalis pruinosa 

V E G E T A B L E S 

Aunt Molly’s Ground Cherry 125902 

This outstanding variety originated in 

Poland and is prized for its flavor! Fruits 

are 1.3 - 1.8 cm (1/2" to 3/4") in diameter 

and are encased in a papery husk that 

turns brown when the fruits are ripen. 

Stores 3-4 weeks in the husk. Sprawling 

habit. Excellent citrus flavor, can be used 

for preserves, pies, over ice cream and in 

fresh fruit salads. 

— BEAN - BROAD — 

botanical: Vicia faba 

Unlike most beans, the faba beans are 

tolerant to some frost and must be 

planted as soon as the ground can be 

worked. These plants have a more 

rounded leaf than the bush bean. The 

pods and leaves protrude from a very 

stalky central stem. The bean is large and 

flat, like a Lima bean, but darker in 

color.Use Broad Beans in soups, stews and 

dips. They are quite starchy and very 

nutritious. Excellent as vegetable source 

of protein. 

Broad Bean Windsor 

Larg e Pod 101001 

Broad Variety 

Windsor is an erect sturdy plant with 3-5" 

hairy pods. Sow outdoors, directly into 

garden when soil is warm. 

— BEAN - BUSH — 


A Healthy Staple Food 

There are hundreds of varieties of beans 

grown around the world. McKenzie 

carries three distinct types of beans, those 

most frequently selected by Canadian 

gardeners: Broad Beans, Pole Beans, and 

Bush Beans, in Green and Yellow, that 

grow in bushy form, without support. To 

extend your crop and prolong 

blossoming, pick your beans when tender 

making sure to take all beans from each 

plant. Beans should always be planted 

directly into the ground. They are in the 

legume family and so are nitrogen fixing 

plants; good for your garden. Beans do 

best in any garden soil with a pH of 

about 6.0-7.5. They should be planted 

93


outside when the ground is warm and 

frost danger is past. Apply mulch to help 

retain moisture. Use fertilizer low on 

nitrogen - eg. "5-10-5".Plant near 

potatoes, beets, carrots, peas, cauliflower, 

cabbage, eggplant, cucumber, corn, 

radishes, celery, rosemary, parsnip and 

sunflower but not near onions, kohl rabi, 

gladiolus nor fennel. All beans are very 

high in protein and can complete a 

balanced meal as a meat substitute. 

Beans can be eaten fresh during the 

summer months: raw, marinated, boiled, 

steamed or in soups and stews. They 

freeze very well if lightly blanched and 

frozen immediately after picking. Some 

beans are suitable for pickling. Of course, 

the world wide staple is the dried bean. 

All varieties of beans are suitable for 

drying. Leave the pods on the vine until 

dry, then harvest. Bush Beans are grown 

principally for enjoyment fresh, in-season, 

for drying and use in soups, dips and 

sauces during the winter months. When 

picked young, they freeze very 

well.Nutritional Facts: Beans are rich in 

vitamin C, calcium and also contain 

protein, dietary fiber, Vitamin A iron and 

folacin. Folacin controls the cell function 

together with vitamin B12 and it 

produces red blood cells. Beans are a very 

important food for pregnant women. 

They can help to control blood sugar 

levels. Dried beans and vine-picked beans 

are equally protein and fibre rich. 

Bean Green Crop 101006 

Green Bush Variety 

Pod 6-8"(15-20 cm), dark green flat pods. 

Sow outdoors, directly into garden when 

soil is warm. 

Bean Improved Golden Wax 101008 

Yellow Variety 

Pod length 6-7"(17-18 cm), yellow. Sow 

outdoors, directly into garden when soil 

is warm. 

Bean Pencil Pod Black Wax 101024 


Pod length 6-7"(17-18 cm), yellow. Sow 


is warm. 

Bean Round Pod Kidney 101030 


Pod length 6"(15 cm), yellow. The Kidney 

bean is widely used in Mexican Chile. Sow 


is warm. 

Bean Royal Burgundy 101031 

This unusual purple podded bean is easy 

to grow and produces an abundant yield 

of tender and delicious stringless beans. 

Pods turn dark green when cooked. Best 

flavour when picked about 10 cm (4") 

long. Sow outdoors after last frost in well 

drained soil, in a sunny location. Great 

flavour. Excellent fresh or frozen. Sow 


is warm. Make successive plantings every 

two weeks for a continuous supply. 

Bean Stringless Green Pod 101040 

Snap Variety 

Pod 6-7"(15-18 cm), light green. Excellent 

canning bean. Sow outdoors, directly into 


Bean Tendergreen 101016 

Snap Variety 

Pod 6"(15 cm), dark green. Meaty, tender, 

good canner. Sow outdoors, directly into 


— BEAN - POLE — 

aka: Pole Bean 


Great for decorative gardens! 

Should be planted outside when ground 

is warm and frost danger is past. The Pole 

Bean best presents the lush foliage of the 

Bean Family. In these climbing varieties, 

the leaves reach for the sun and create a 

complete cover on walls, trellises and 

fences. The beans are usually longer and 

broader than the Bush Bean varieties. 

Pole Beans add a focal aspect to a garden 

GARDENING TIP 

Plant beans or horseradish in and 

around your potato patch. They help to 

repel the potato beetles. 


if planted, in a circle around a tire and a 

pole, may-pole or teepee fashion.The 

flavor is better than from bush beans. 

Pole beans are gourmet beans. 

Nutritional Facts: Rich in minerals calcium 

and potassium. 

Pole Bean Kentucky Wonder 101021 

Pole Variety 

Pod length 7-8"(17-20 cm) oval dark 

green. Sow outdoors, directly into garden 

when soil is warm. 

Pole Bean Kentucky 

Wonder Wax 100991 

The pods are round, 20 cm (8") long, with 

a creamy light yellow colour. Great fresh. 

A delicious home garden variety, best 

when pods are picked young. Use fresh 

or frozen. Sow outdoors, directly into 

garden when soil is warm. An application 

of nitrogen inoculant will improve yields. 

Pole Bean Romano 101028 

Tallest Pole Variety 

Pod length 8"(20 cm) medium green. This 

is the tallest of McKenzie Pole Beans. Old 

favorite, long wide podded stringless 

green beans. Tender, meaty and flavorful. 

Excellent for freezing and canning. Sow 


is warm. 

Pole Bean Scarlet Runner 101034 

Ornamental Climber. Attracts 

Hummingbirds! 

Pod length 8"(20 cm), green. Bright 

scarlet flowers attractive to 

hummingbirds all summer. Scarlet runner 

is a fast-growing vine often grown for it's 

ornamental value on archways and patio 

walls. The blossoms are very large and a 

brilliant reddish orange color. In the fall, 

do not forget to harvest the beans for 

your kitchen. They are as nutritious as 

every other bean in the McKenzie line. 

When harvested early, these are very 

tasteful. The more beans you pick, the 

larger the leaves it will bear. Tender 

green beans. Sow outdoors, directly into 



— BEET — 

botanical: Beta vulgaris 

Beets are generally slow sprouters but 

once they are up they produce lots of 

food. Since they survive in a wide variety 

of climates and soils, they are well suited 

for home gardens. For best results, soil 

should be adequately drained, deep, 

fertile, crumbly, and well supplied with 

organic matter. pH of 6.0-6.8. During dry 

weather, water enough to keep soil moist 

and prevent plants from wilting - be 

careful with watering not to make the 

soil into a cement block. Plant near bush 

beans, cabbage, lettuce, kohl rabi but not 

near pole beans.The leaves create a nice 

contrast of colour in your ornamental 

garden. Also very decorative combined 

with Silver Mound or Dusty Miller.Tops 

may be used as fresh greens in salads or 

may be cooked. Roots may be cooked as 

fresh vegetable, diced in salads, canned, 

pickled, or frozen. Tops are excellent in 

salads and taste like spinach when 

boiled.Thought to have originated in the 

Mediterranean area. The first record of 

recipes were by Romans in the second 

and third centuries. 

Nutritional Facts: Beets are nutritious, 

high in Vitamins and low in calories but 

high in calcium, sodium and potassium. 

Beets contain folacin and plenty of sugar 

which becomes tastefully apparent when 

cooked. Beet tops are rich in beta 

carotene, calcium and iron. 

Beet Cylindra Formanova 101057 

Carrot-like dark red roots. Sow outdoors 

in early spring as soon as soil can be 

worked. 

Beet Detroit Dark Red 101064 

Dark red round sweet roots. Sow 

outdoors in early spring as soon as soil 

can be worked. 

Beet Early Wonder 101078 

Tall semi-globe dark red roots. Stores 

well. Sow outdoors in early spring as 

soon as soil can be worked. 

Beet Golden Detroit 130121 

Sweet and tender round, orange roots 

with golden flesh. Stays gold-yellow 

95


when cooked and does not bleed. Tops 

are deep, glossy green. Roots grow fast, 

but retain their sweet flavour even when 

quite large. 

Beet Ruby Queen 101082 

Bright red short top. Semi-globe roots. 

Sow outdoors in early spring as soon as 

soil can be worked. 

— BROCCOLI — 

botanical: Brassica oleracea var. italica 

Nutritional Facts: Broccoli is one of the 

healthiest foods you can eat. It is rich in 

Vitamins and minerals. Broccoli also 

contains special enzymes and good 

amounts of beta carotene and Vitamin C. 

Broccoli Munchkin 120618 

A dwarf open pollinated Broccoli. The 

plant grows approximately 30cm (1") tall 

but they produce big deep blue green 

heads. Cut the main head and you will 

likely harvest a good sized secondary 

head a little later. Vitamin Rich. Start 

seed indoors 6 weeks before the last 

frost. 

— BRUSSELS SPROUTS — 

botanical: Brassica oleracea var. 

gemmifera 

Cold-weather crop that likes rich welldrained 

moisture retaining soil. Brussel 

Sprouts are a cool season vegetable and 

are not recommended where the 

summers are long, hot and dry.Celery, dill, 

chamomile, sage, mints, rosemary, 

wormwood, onions, potatoes, hyssop, 

thyme, and beets all help keep insects 

away. Do not plant near strawberries or 

pole beans.Nutritious cooked vegetable 

and ideal for freezing. Pinching out the 

growing point at the top of the plant will 

encourage the development of the 

sprouts. 

Nutritional Facts: Rich in vitamin A, 

Protein, indoles, Vitamin C and Beta 

Brussels Sprouts Long 101094 

Medium green small cabbage-like 

sprouts. Start indoors about 6 weeks 

early. Start indoors, thin to about 2" 

(5cm) each way to avoid overcrowding. 

After weather has settled set out in 

garden 18" (45cm) apart in rows spaced 2 

ft (60cm) apart. Break off lower leaves as 

sprouts begin to form. Harvest after 

sprouts are 1" (2.5 cm) in diameter 

beginning with lower sprouts and 

working up plant. Plants will continue to 

produce until late fall. Light frost 

improves the flavor. 

— CABBAGE — 

botanical: Brassica oleracea var. capitata 


moisture retaining soil (pH 6.5 to 

7.0). Cabbage does well in cool 

weather.Cabbage grows well beside 

onions, beets, beans, lettuce, cucumbers, 

potatoes, celery, any aromatic herbs 

(except fennel), and nasturtiums. Avoid 

planting Cabbage near your tomatoes, 

pole beans or strawberries. Plant with 

thyme to deter the cabbage worm. 

Cabbages are used raw in vinegar-based 

and creamy cole slaws. Boiled cabbage is 

enjoyed along-side sausage. Stir fried 

cabbage adds an essential flavour to 

Oriental vegetable dishes. Rice and meat 

rolled in a Cabbage leaf make the 

popular Ukrainian favorite, Holobtsi. 

Cabbage broadens the flavour of all 

soups and is an essential ingredient in 

many family recipes for Borscht. Of 

course, the pickled variety, Sauerkraut is 

an essential with Bratwurst and Reuben 

Sandwiches. 

Nutritional Facts: Good source of iron and 

potassium. Rich in vitamin A, Protein, 

indoles, Vitamin C and Beta Carotene. 

Cabbag e Early Copenhag en 101102 

Market Medium green globe. Diameter 6- 

7"(15-18 cm). Start indoors about 6 weeks 

early. 

— CANTALOUPE — 

aka: Musk Melon 

botanical: Cucumis melo 

Cantaloupe will not grow well when the 

soil temperature is below 24º C (75 F). Does 

best in a fertile, light, sandy soil with a 

high organic content; pH 6.0-7.5. Warm, 

sheltered, sunny location. Needs a long 


growing season plus warm days and night. 

Start indoors in peat pots because they do 

not like transplanting. Sow 5-6 seeds in 

hills spaced 5-6 ft (1.5-1.8 m) apart or plant 

seeds 4" (10cm) apart in a row. When 

plants are 3-4" (8-10cm) high thin to 2 or 3 

strong plants/hill or 18-24" (45-60cm) apart 

in rows. Fruits that start after midsummer 

will not have time to mature and should 

be removed. This thinning will direct 

nutrients to developing fruits. Harvest 

when fruits are thoroughly ripe; when the 

stem attached to the melon will slip from 

it at a slight touch. Plant near corn. 

Nutritional Facts: Rich in vitamin A and C 

and high in minerals. 

Cantaloupe Delicious 101114 

Orange Flesh. Melon size: 15.4 X 13.9 cm. 

Sow outdoors in spring after soil 

thoroughly warm and after danger of 

frost is past. Could start seeds indoors 4-5 

weeks before you can plant outdoors in a 

peat pot. Plant seedling and pot as one 

unit because cantaloupe does not like 

transplanting. 

— CARROT — 

botanical: Daucus carota var. sativa 

They are slow to germinate so be patient. 

Soil temperature should be at least 5 C (41 

F) before seeding; will not germinate at 

lower temperatures. They like deep loose 

sandy loam (pH 5.5-7.0) in a sheltered 

location. The soil should be deeply spaded 

and raked before seeding and must be 

kept moist without washing seeds away. 

Uniform soil moisture is very critical in 

producing crisp, sweet carrots - moisture 

stress will slow growth producing thickened 

cells (woody texture). Flavor becomes bitter. 

Carrots must be hilled to prevent green 

shoulders. Carrots come in all shapes and 

sizes. For quicker crops choose the shorter 

varieties.To repel the carrot fly, plant with 

onions, leeks, and herbs. Carrots perform 

well when planted near beans, peas, 

tomatoes, Brussel sprouts, peppers, 

cabbage, lettuce, radish, chives, basil, 

chervil, dill, mint, sage, savory or rosemary 

but not near dill, celery, or parsnips.Some 

gardeners have success sowing carrots with 

fast growing radishes. The radish marks the 


row, shades the small carrot seedling and is 

harvested before carrots produce their 

major food growth.Carrots are a central 

staple vegetable in most Canadian kitchens. 

They are enjoyed raw in cole slaws and on 

vegetable trays. They are served as a 

vegetable alone, or in combination with 

other vegetables. Carrots are seldom absent 

from soups and stews and they add 

delightful colour to a jar of pickles.Probably 

originated in Asia. Around the first century 

were widely used by Greeks for medicinal 

purposes. Was being grown for food in 

England in the 17th century and introduced 

to North America by early colonists. 

Nutritional Facts: Carrots contain more 

vitamin A than any other vegetable and are 

a good source of calcium, potassium, and 

phosphorus. Folk medicine recommends 

Carrots for healthy skin and eyes. The most 

important member of the root crops - it is 

grown worldwide. Eating raw carrots 

provide important dietary fibre. Carrots - 

with high levels of beta carotene, are being 

credited for "blocking cancers" especially 

smoking related cancers". They supply 

energy and prevent constipation. Eating 

carrots will lower the blood cholesterol 

levels. Eat one seven-ounce carrot a day for 

three weeks and you will find a cholesterol 

reduction of up to 11%. 

Carrot Hybrid Tendersweet 101145 

Extremely long - 10 X 1.5" orange/red 

with medium dark green tops. Sow 

outdoors as soon as ground can be 

worked. 

Carrot Little Finger 101118 

Half long - 3.5-4" X .75" deep orange. 

Sow outdoors as soon as ground can be 

worked. 

Carrot Nantes Touchon 101146 

Popular fine-textured variety for home 

gardens and freezing. Half long - 7" 

(18cm) X 1.5" (4cm). The inner is bright 

orange. The Nantes are one of the 

highest quality carrots: too small for 

processing but excellent for the Home 

97


Gardener. Sow outdoors as soon as 

ground can be worked. 

Carrot Red Cored Chantenay 101123 

Variety will do well on fairly heavy land. 

Reddish-orange with indistinct core. An 

excellent storage type carrot. Also 

recommended for canning and freezing. 

Half long pointed - 7-8" X 2". Excellent 

quality especially the young roots. They 

become fibrous with age. Sow outdoors 

as soon as ground can be worked. 

Carrot Red Cored Danvers 101127 

Excellent quality, tender carrot which is a 

favorite for processing. Half long pointed 

- 8" (20cm) X 2" (5cm) reddish orange. 

Good flavor! Sow outdoors as soon as 


Purple Haze 130122 

‘Purple Haze’ is the only imperatorshaped 

purple carrot. It’s purple exterior 

with a bright orange interior will keep its 

colour when raw in salads or coleslaw 

and cooked quickly as in a stir-fry. 

Carrot Scarlet Nantes 

Coreless 101132 

This variety's bright orange flesh and 

delicate flavour make it ideal for 

freezing. Half Long - 7" (18cm) X 1.5-2" 

(4-5cm). Sow outdoors as soon as ground 

can be worked. 

Carrot Tenderlong Imperator 101122 

Extremely long - 10 inches long, 1.5" in 

diameter at the top. Orange red with 

medium dark green tops. Imperator type 

carrots become woody with age. Sow 

outdoors as soon as ground can be worked. 

— CAULIFLOWER — 

botanical: Brassica oleracea var. botrytis 

Nutritional Facts: High in folacin and 

vitamin C. Frozen cauliflower has 1/3 less 

vitamin C than fresh. 

Cauliflower Early Snowball 101154 

Uniform. 6"(15 cm) head. Very vigorous. 


moisture retaining soil which 

contains an abundance of organic matter. 

(pH 6-7). Extremely intolerant of heat and 

drought. A good source of vitamin C, iron 

and calcium. Cooked as a vegetable and 

raw in salads. May also be pickled and is 

ideal for freezing. Start indoors 6 weeks 

before last frost. Start indoors, when 

plants are 3" (8cm) high thin to 2" (5cm) 

apart to avoid crowding. Transplant to 

garden once weather settled. Choose a 

cloudy day for planting out. 

— CELERY — 

botanical: Apium graveolens 

Start VERY Early! 

Nutritional Facts: Low in calories. 

Celery Green Utah 101162 

Dark green erect smooth stems. Soil 

should be kept moist, both in seed bed 

and in the final planting area. Require 

rich mellow soil (pH 6.0-7.0) that is well 

drained but at no time lacks moisture. 

Sow seed 1/8" (3mm) deep. When plants 

are 3" (8cm) tall, thin or transplant to 4" 

(10cm) apart. When weather has settled, 

set in garden about 6" (15cm) apart in 

both directions. Plant near cabbage, 

leeks, tomatoes, beans or peas but not 

near carrots nor parsnips. All parts of 

plant are edible. Not easy to grow. Start 

indoors 10-12 weeks before last frost. 

Plant outdoors on a cloudy, humid day. 

— CORN — 

Annual 

botanical: Zea mays 

Nutritional Facts: While not famous for 

it's nutritional contributions, never forget 

that Corn is an excellent source of 

protein and carbohydrate. 

— CORN - NORMAL SUGARY — 


Normal sugary varieties (sometimes coded 

SU) contain varying amounts of sugar and 

convert the sugar to starch rapidly after 


harvest. Most corn varieties fall into this 

category. Some resistance to cold soils. 

Water frequently and when silk appears 

keep soil moist at all times. Harvest when 

silk turns brown and dry. 

Corn Early Golden Bantam 101189 

Normal Sugary 

Our best selling corn for years! Golden 

yellow cobs and a relatively dwarf plant 

habit. Good yields. 12.5-15 cm (5-6") ears. 

8 rows of kernels per ear. One of the 

sweetest yellow corns. Excellent quality, 

fresh and canned. Sow outdoors when 

soil is thoroughly warm. 

— CORN - SUGER ENHANCED — 


Sugar Enhanced corn varieties (sometimes 

coded SE) have tender kernels which 

convert their sugar to starch slower than 

Normal Sugary (SU) varieties. Cold soil 

sensitive. Should be sown 7-10 days later 

than SU varieties. Some resistance to cold 

soils. Sow corn in a soil when 

temperature is about 15-20 C (60-70 F) 

and the soil is moist. Seed will rot if 

planted when the soil is cold and wet. 

Rich well-drained moisture retaining soil - 

pH 6.0-6.8. Water plants whenever they 

show any signs of wilting and keep soil 

moist when the tassels appear. Corn is 

considered relatively drought resistant, 

but the yields are enhanced by regular 

applications of water. The most critical 

periods are the silking and pollination 

and when the ears are filling. Plant near 

peas, tomatoes, potatoes, beans, 

cucumbers, cantaloupe, squash, cabbage, 

parsley or pumpkin.Corn is a colorful 

favorite food in most Canadian 

households. In most families, fresh 

garden corn is a high point of the 

harvest.Squash and beans and corn are 

three crops native to North America, and 

they thrive in each other's company. The 

nitrogen-fixing beans provide extra 

nutrients for the corn which is a heavy 

feeder. The squash protects the corn from 

hot sun and from raiding raccoons by 

creating an obstacle course of heavy 

twisting vines. 

Corn Honey and Cream 101196 

Sugar Enhanced 


6-8" ears. 12-14 rows of kernels per ear. 

Long, tight husks keep out earworms. 

Sow outdoors when soil is thoroughly 

warm. 

Corn Peaches and Cream 101183 

Sugar Enhanced 

7-8" ears. 14-16 rows of kernels per ear. 

Extra tender and sweet. 80% yellow and 

20% white kernels. Sow outdoors when 

soil is thoroughly warm. 

— CORN - SUPER SWEET — 


Supersweet varieties (sometimes coded 

SH2) are sweeter than other corn types. 

They require isolation to prevent cross 

pollination. At harvest they retain their 

sweetness because they do not convert 

sugar to starch. Varieties are very sweet 

with double the amount of sugar content 

of SU corn. Water frequently and when 

silk appears keep soil moist at all times. 

Harvest when silk turns brown and dry. 

Corn Canadian Early 

Supersweet 101205 

8-9" ears, 16 rows of kernels per ear. This 

variety has a better cold weather 

tolerance than any of the other SH2 

corns. Sow outdoors when soil is 

thoroughly warm. 

— CRESS — 

Annual aka: Curly Cress or Pepper Grass. 

botanical: Lepidium sativum 

Cress Extra Triple Curled 101208 

Cress is a deeply cut low-growing green 

that looks somewhat like parsley. Will do 

well in any well drained soil in full 

sunlight. Rich soil. It can be grown in a 

99

window, indoors. It is a splendid green 

for garnish and to spice up sandwiches 

and salads. Taste like Radish in flavor. An 

excellent first crop for a child to grow. 

Sow outdoors as soon as ground can be 

worked. For continuous supply make 

successive plantings every two weeks 

until August. May be eaten about ten 

days from sowing. Harvest when leaves 

are 4-6" (10-15cm) high. 

Attention All 

Gardeners! 

Lifting safely requires more brain 

than brawn... Bend your knees, not 

your back, and you greatly reduce 

stress to your lower back. Keep the 

load close to and in front of your 

body. Carry heavy objects waisthigh 

or use a wheelbarrow. 



— CUCUMBER — 

Annual 

botanical: Cucumis sativus 

Plant directly in the ground after danger 

of frost is past and soil is warm - 65 F(18 

C). If you wish to start plants indoors use 

peat pots and weather the plants before 

setting them in the ground. Roots should 

be disturbed as little as possible while 

transplanting. Soil should be well worked 

and kept moist, pH of 6.0-6.8. Location 

should be sheltered from wind. 

Cucumbers are shallow rooting so it is 

advisable to mulch to keep the soil moist. 

Extended periods of cold weather 

followed by bright sun will cause sudden 

wilt.Plant near beans, peas, tomatoes, 

cabbage, lettuce, radishes, sunflower, dill, 

nasturtiums but not near potatoes or 

aromatic herbs. Plant radishes around the 

cucumbers as they repel cucumber 

beetles. There is nothing that speaks of 

summer like fresh, sliced cucumber; on a 

platter with a bit of salt or vinegar or in a 

sandwich on fresh bread. Cucumbers are 

the most important ingredient of pickles; 

sweet, sour, dill, and relish. Cukes also 

have a place as an attractive garnish in 

soups and on a dinner plate. There are 

two groups of cucumbers: white spine 

and black spine. White spine types turn 

creamy white when completely mature. 

Black spine types turn yellowish orange. 

Spines are miniature stickers that stick 

out from the end of the fruit. 

Nutritional Facts: Cucumbers are low in 

calories because they are mostly water. 

Cucumber Earliest Mincu 101219 

Short, light green. 4 x 1 3/4" white 

spined, compact vines and heavy yielder. 

Plant directly in the ground after danger 

of frost is past and soil is warm - 65 F(18 

C). If you wish to start plants indoors use 

peat pots and weather the plants before 

setting them in the ground. Roots should 

be disturbed as little as possible while 

transplanting. Soil should be well worked 

and kept moist, pH of 6.0-6.8. Location 

should be sheltered from wind. 

Cucumbers are shallow rooting so it is 

advisable to mulch to keep the soil moist. 



Extended periods of cold weather 

followed by bright sun will cause sudden 

wilt. Plant outside only when all danger 

of frost is past and the soil is warm. If 

starting indoors, take particular care not 

to disturb the root system when 


Cucumber Early Russian 101225 

Short, light green. Small fruit, black 

spined and very prolific. Pickling variety. 

Plant outside only when all danger of 

frost is past and the soil is warm. If 




Cucumber English 

Long Telegraph 101229 

16"(40 cm), dark green forcing. This 

variety has male and female flowers in 

each vine. Bitterfree! English Long 

Telegraph was developed in England 

where hot-house cucumbers are very 

popular. Be sure to gently shake green 

house plants around noontime, daily to 

simulate a breeze and encourage 

pollination. English Long Telegraph also 

thrives out of doors. Slicing variety. Plant 

outside only when all danger of frost is 

past and the soil is warm. If starting 

indoors, take particular care not to 

disturb the root system when 


Cucumber Hybrid Sweet 

Slice (Burpless) 101255 

8"(20 cm) long, dark green, white spined, 

slightly tapered. Unusual sweet, 

bitterfree! Slicing variety. Plant outside 

only when all danger of frost is past and 

the soil is warm. If starting indoors, take 

particular care not to disturb the root 

system when transplanting. 

Cucumber Improved 

Long Green 101213 

12"(30 cm) long, dark green, black 

spined, very vigorous. Plant outside only 

when all danger of frost is past and the 

soil is warm. If starting indoors, take 



Cucumber Morden Early 101232 

Compact growth habit. 

Short, medium green, white spined. Fruit 

is blunt. A nice compact plant for a 

smaller garden space. Pickling variety. 

Plant outside only when all danger of 

frost is past and the soil is warm. If 




Cucumber National 101235 

5 x 2 1/2" cylindrical, blocky, dark green, 

black spined. Resistance to cucumber 

mosaic and scab. Plant directly in the 

ground after danger of frost is past and 

soil is warm - 65 F(18 C). If you wish to 

start plants indoors use peat pots and 

weather the plants before setting them 

in the ground. Roots should be disturbed 

as little as possible while transplanting. 

Soil should be well worked and kept 

moist, pH of 6.0-6.8. Location should be 

sheltered from wind. Cucumbers are 

shallow rooting so it is best to mulch to 

keep the soil moist. Extended periods of 

cold weather followed by bright sun will 

cause sudden wilt. Pickling variety. Plant 

outside only when all danger of frost is 

past and the soil is warm. If starting 

indoors, take particular care not to 

disturb the root system when 


Cucumber Spar tan Dawn 101247 

6 x 2 1/2" blocky, medium green, black 

spined, high yielder.. Pickling variety. 

Earliest of pickles. Plant outside only 

when all danger of frost is past and the 

soil is warm. If starting indoors, take 



Cucumber Straight Eight 101250 

8"(20 cm) long, medium green, very 

uniform fruit, white spined. Very juicy 

white flesh. Small seeds. Very popular! 

Slicing variety. Plant outside only when 

all danger of frost is past and the soil is 

warm. If starting indoors, take particular 

care not to disturb the root system when 


101


— EGG PLANT — 

botanical: Solanum melongena 

Egg Plants like hot weather and should 

be planted in the sunniest spot in your 

garden. They like a rich soil with ample 

humus; pH 5.5-6.5. Seed should be started 

indoors. Sow 0.25" (6mm) deep in a seed 

bed with good drainage. Seed bed should 

be kept warm and moist during 

germination. When 2" (5cm) high thin or 

transplant to 3" (8cm). When weather 

and soil are thoroughly warmed, set in 

garden spacing about 18-24" (40-60 cm) 

apart in rows 2.5 ft (75cm) apart. It is best 

to transplant on a shady day, water well 

and shelter from the sun for a few days. 

During dry weather should have deep 

soakings at intervals to keep foliage from 

wilting.Plant near peppers or beans. The 

colorado potato beetle is a common pest 

for eggplants. 

Nutritional Facts: Eggplant is not very 

nutritious on its own. It has hardly any 

vitamins and a little protein, but 

everyone who has tried eggplant stuffed, 

or in casseroles is very enthusiastic about 

this most delicious and versatile 

vegetable. 

Egg Plant Black Beauty 121942 

Heat Lover 

Oval shaped, dark purple, 15 X 13 cm. 

Large bush type of plant has a glossy 

black skin. Tender perennial, grown as 

annual. Start indoors 7-8 weeks before 

last frost date. Days to maturity are from 

the time you plant the seedlings 

outdoors. This is after all danger of cool 

nights is past and the temperature will 

not go below the 7C (45F). 

— ENDIVE — 

aka: Escarole 

botanical: Chichorium endivia 

Endive Full Hear t Batavian 101263 

Escarole has dark green, slightly crumpled 

leaves that are not curly. This is a very 

popular salad vegetable in Europe which 

has an increased popularity in America. 

Escarole is the name for the endive type 

that have leaves broad, coarse and 

crumpled. Plant type is medium large, it 

has deep hearted inner leaves - the other 

type of endive is called curly endive. 

Endive is easy to grow and should be 

grown like lettuce. pH 6.5-7.0. Moisture 

retaining well drained soil. Rich in 

vitamins A and C. Plant direct or start 

indoors. 

— KOHL RABI — 

botanical: Brassica oleracea 

Cold-weather crop that likes rich moist 

soil; pH 6.5-7.0. Keep well watered.Plant 

near beets, lettuce, onions but not near 

tomatoes or beans.Delicious raw with a 

veggie dip. Cook like you would a turnip. 

Taste raw resembles water chestnuts. 

Nutritional Facts: A Brassica. The Kohlrabi 

is similar to red cabbage in vitamin and 

mineral content. 

Kohl Rabi Early White 101367 

8-10 x 2" round, creamy globe. White 

flesh with light green skin. Sow outdoors 

as soon as soil can be worked. 

— LEEK — 

botanical: Allium porrum 

Nutritional Facts: Leek is just as nutritious 

as the onion; it is a very healthy food. It is 

low in fat and has been credited with 

lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and 

preventing blood clots. When eaten 

green, Leek is high in vitamin A. 

Leek Monstrous Carentan 101375 

Start Very Early! 

Hardy and vigorous. Side: 8 X 1". A 

relative to the onion, Leek is easy to 

grow, cold tolerant. It is slow growing so 

to get an early crop, seed should be 

started indoors. When 4-5" tall, 

transplant to a trench 6" deep and 6" 

across. Gradually fill trench as plants 

grow, surrounding stems with soil. This 

blanches the stem providing better flavor. 

Does best in a sunny location with deep, 

well drained, loam soil (ph 6.0-6.8). They 

do not grow on soils with a pH below 

6.0. Leek needs even moisture 

throughout the growing season and a 

lack of moisture will give a lesser quality 

leek. Plant near celery, carrots, celeriac, 

onions but not near peas nor beans. Leek 


seems to help to lower the blood 

pressure. Delicious cooked vegetable and 

excellent for flavoring soups and stews. 

Native to Eastern Mediterranean. Start 

indoors in March and plant outdoors in 

late April or early May. 

— LETTUCE — 

aka: Butterhead or Boston 

botanical: Lactuca sativa 

Lettuce is a cold weather plant and likes 

to be planted in a moist, well-drained soil 

(pH 6.0-7.0) as soon as ground can be 

worked in the spring. For an early crop 

start indoors 4-5 weeks before last frost. 

Should have full sun in spring and fall 

and partial shade during the hottest part 

of summer. Keep soil moist without 

wetting foliage any more than necessary. 

For early harvest you also can plant 

lettuce seeds in late fall. McKenzie offers 

two distinct types of lettuce, Leaf Lettuce 

and Head Lettuce. Head lettuce forms a 

solid mass of tightly compressed leaves. It 

should be harvested when the heads are 

solid and before any sign of seed stock 

development is seen. There are 3 types of 

Head lettuce: 1) Crisphead sometimes 

called iceberg. This is a firm lettuce with 

big tight heads. 2) Butterhead is loose 

heads of crumpled leaves which are very 

soft and buttery. 3) Cos or Romaine 

lettuce is erect cylindrical heads, outer 

green, inner is whitish.Plant near beets, 

carrots, radishes, kohl rabi, strawberry, 

cabbage, onion, basil or cucumber.Makes 

a wonderful and healthy border. 

Nutritional Facts: Cos and Leaf are high in 

vitamin A, C, folacin, beta carotene, iron, 

and calcium. Crisphead is the lowest. 

Lettuce Baby Star 

Mini Romaine 127511 

A unique, little, mini romaine is unlike any 

variety of lettuce! Its dark green, shiny 

leaves enclose a creamy blanched heart. 

The sweet flavour and crispy texture are 

very inviting in salads and a perfect size 

for sandwiches or hamburgers. Baby Star 

is low in calories, high in fiber and 

contains bioflavoroids. Plant directly into 

garden once danger of frost has passed. 

Sow in late summer for a fall crop. 


Lettuce Buttercrunch 101383 

A Head Lettuce. Compact, dark green. 

Loose heads of crumpled leaves which are 

very soft and buttery. Sow directly into 

the garden. 

Lettuce Cos or Romaine 101388 

Romaine types of Head Lettuce grow 

taller. Medium green, slightly sanoyed. 

Erect, cylindrical head, outer green, inner 

is whitish. Romaine is a very high quality 

lettuce that develops elongated heads of 

long ribbed leaves. The dark green outer 

leaves are coarse in appearance with light 

green inner leaves. Sow directly into the 

garden. 

Lettuce Early Great Lakes 101405 

A Head Lettuce. Round, medium large, 

brittle, heavy, tightly folded, bright green 

leaves with cream inner core. Sow directly 

into the garden. 

Lettuce Iceberg 101419 

A Head Lettuce. Tall, round, medium 

green. Sow directly into the garden. 

Lettuce Red Butterwor th 122518 

A French gourmet butterhead lettuce. 

Soft, sweet tasting leaves are green, 

overlaid with reddish bronze on firm 

heads. Slow-bolting. Black seeded. A 

delicacy in any salad. Ideal as a garnish. 

Lettuce Summer time 101378 

This may be the best head lettuce for the 

home gardener. This iceberg type is a 

crisphead lettuce. Heat-tolerant and slow 

bolting. This variety is resistant to tipburn 

and rib discolorations. Compact, mature 

heads are solid and slow to become 

bitter. Harvest the heads before the hot 

weather or the heads may become mushy 

in the center. Cool weather crop. Moist, 

well-drained soil is best for all types of 

lettuce. Sow directly into the garden. 

103


— LETTUCE - LEAFY — 

aka: Leaf Lettuce 

botanical: Lactuca sativa 

Leaf Lettuce forms loose open clusters of 

leaves, can be harvested at any stage of 

growth, and is very easy to grow. Lettuce 

is a cold weather plant and likes to be 

planted in a moist, well-drained soil (pH 

6.0-7.0) as soon as ground can be worked 

in the spring. For an early crop start 

indoors 4-5 weeks before last frost. 

Should have full sun in spring and full 

and partial shade during the hottest part 

of summer. Keep soil moist without 

wetting foliage any more than necessary. 

For early harvest you also can plant 

lettuce seeds in late fall. 

Lettuce Early Curled 101392 

A Leaf Lettuce. Large, compact, light 

green. The leaves are variable in shape, 

margin and colour. The leaves will form a 

compact rosette. Sow directly into the 

garden or container. 

Lettuce Grand Rapids 101393 

A Leaf Lettuce. Medium large upright, 

light green. Sow directly into the garden 

or container. 

Lettuce Prizehead 101410 

A Leaf Lettuce. Large upright, light 

green. Broad, crumpled leaf type. Sow 

directly into the garden or container. 

— MESCLUN — 

Annual 

botanical: various 

Mesclun 101428 

Green Vegetable Mixture 

Mesclun is a blend of lettuces and leafy 

greens including chicory, endive parsley, 

basil, and spinach. Harvest when young 

and crisp. Prefers rich loamy soil and cool 

mild weather with a minimum of 

afternoon shade. Mesclun can be grown 

in containers. Low in calories and highly 

nutritious, Mesclun makes a healthy 

salad. It is noted for its combination of 

flavours, colours and textures. Serve with 

light vinegrette dressing to complement 

the natural flavour. Plant direct or start 

indoors. 

— ONION — 

botanical: Allium cepa 

Onions are easy to grow. For larger 

onions at harvest time start your seeds 

indoors in flats and transplant in early 

spring. Otherwise, plant as early in spring 

as ground can be worked. Onions require 

fertile, well-drained, non-crusting soil (pH 

6.0-6.8) which has been thoroughly tilled. 

They do not thrive in soils with a pH 

below 6.0. Exposure to full sun is 

necessary. Light and air are required to 

develop properly. Onions are shallow 

rooted and a well drained moistureretaining 

soil is very important.Plant near 

beets, tomatoes, cabbage, leeks, any 

herbs, carrots, strawberries, parsnip or 

turnip but not near beans, peas nor 

asparagus.For some reason it is difficult 

to find a child who will admit to liking 

Onions. By the time we are adults, 

however, Onions have become our 

favorite, raw, cooked and as an 

important flavoring herb. Onions are 

used world-wide in salads, meat dishes, 

soups, pickles and sandwiches. 

Nutritional Facts: These bulbs are so 

widely grown as vegetables that we 

forget to give them credit for their 

healing powers. Onion paste is said to 

prevent infections in wounds and burns. 

They can clear bronchial congestion. One 

medium onion will provide you with 1/5 

of your daily Vitamin C requirements plus 

some folic acid, fiber, vitamin B6, thiamin 

and calcium. The sulfer in onions reduces 

cholesterol and lowers blood pressure. 

The adenosine in onions will help to 

prevent blood clots. 

Onion Yellow Sweet Spanish 101452 

Mild Globe shape, yellow. Popular 

because of large size and mild flavor. 

Remain very solid in storage. Plant direct 

or start indoors. 

— ONION - BUNCHING — 


otanical: Allium cepa 

For larger onions at harvest time start 

your seeds indoors in flats and transplant 

in early spring. Otherwise, plant as early 

in spring as ground can be worked. 

Onions require fertile, well-drained, noncrusting 

soil (pH 6.0-6.8) which has been 

thoroughly tilled. They do not thrive in 

soils with a pH below 6.0. Exposure to full 

sun is necessary. Light and air are 

required to develop properly. Onions are 

shallow rooted and a well drained 

moisture-retaining soil is very important. 

Onion Annual Bunching 101436 

Most popular strain for bunching. Mild 

and sweet. Good for pickling. Plant direct 

or start indoors. 

Onion Red Baron 122519 

Red Baron is a great tasting red bunching 

onion (scallions) which can be grown out 

as a mature, deep red storing onion for 

use as scallions. For storage onions, the 

seed can be sown in early spring. For 

summer use, seed in June or early July for 

late summer and fall crops. A vigorous 

upright grower, delicious in salads. 

— PARSLEY - ROOTED — 

Annual 

botanical: Petroselinum crispum 

More Parsley in Herbs! 

Parsley Hamburg Rooted 101462 

6-8"(15-20) cm long, 2-5" in diameter. 

White flesh roots. Grows like a carrot. 

Excellent for stews and soups. Sow 

directly into the garden. 

— PARSNIP — 

botanical: Pastinaca sativa 

Nutritional Facts: A good source of 

Vitamin C. 

Parsnip Hollow Crown 101477 

12 inches long with a 2 inch crown, 

Parsnip Hollow Crown is well tapered 

white long and smooth. Easy to grow, 

like carrots. Mix some radish seeds with 

the parsnips. Radish is fast growing and 

will shield the young parsnip seedlings 

from drying out. Heavy yielder. This root 

vegetable takes 4 months to mature. 


Frost enhances its sweet delicate nut-like 

flavour. Does best in rich loamy soil which 

has been well cultivated; pH 6.5-7.0. Soil 

preparation should be done the same as 

it would be for carrots: dig deeply and 

use light soil. Soak seed in lukewarm 

water for 24 hours to shorten the three 

week germination time. Keep soil moist 

during germination. Plant near beans, 

peppers, potatoes, peas, radish, onions, 

garlic but not near carrots nor celery. 

Delicious raw when young and tender. 

Also a great addition to vegetable dishes 

and in soups and stews. Believed to be 

native to Eastern Mediterranean area. In 

Roman times, parsnip was prized for 

medicinal use as well as for food. It was 

being grown in North America by the 

17th century. Sow outdoors in early 

spring. 

— PEA — 

botanical: Pisum sativum 

Fresh, Frozen, Canned or Dried Peas can 

be planted as soon as the snow is off the 

soil. Peas are legumes, nitrogen fixers 

that add important nutrients to your 

garden. Rotate the location of your peas 

to places where you have had potatoes in 

past years and your soil will be 

rejuvenated. pH 7.0. Peas are the star 

performers in most gardens. They come 

up quickly and give a high yield of 

quality food. Most peas grow as a small 

climbing bush. They like to be planted in 

close proximity to one another. This 

provides shade for the root and mutual 

support for climbing. Some taller varieties 

may need additional support and there 

are a great many popular methods of 

planting and supporting Peas that can 

make harvest very easy. McKenzie offers 

garden Peas in three groups: Snow Peas, 

English Garden Peas and Snap Peas. 

English Garden varieties are traditional, 

tried and tested. The pods of English 

Garden varieties will grow thick to 

protect peas which have been developed 

for superior flavor and larger size. This is 

a cold weather plant. Pods usually will 

produce about eight peas.Plant near 

radish, carrots, cucumbers, corn, beans, 

turnip, celery or potatoes but not near 

onion nor gladiolus.Fresh young peas are 

enjoyed off the vine by children and 

105

lackbirds alike. Cover your peas with a 

netting or build a decorative scare crow if 

you have problems with birds.Peas are a 

pleasure fresh, steamed with butter or 

mixed with other vegetables. All Peas are 

suitable for drying. They will store 

indefinitely in the dried form and will 

make a filling and nutritious addition to 

soups and stews. 

Nutritional Facts: Peas are high in protein 

and are an excellent source of iron. The 

nutritional value of the garden pea is 

related to its maturity. The contents of 

calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium and 

potassium increases substantially with 

ripening while vitamins A & C decline 

with ripening of the seed. Peas can lower 

blood cholesterol and help to control 

blood sugar. 

Pea Alaska 101485 

A Bush Variety that will Climb too! 

One of the earliest varieties. Very heavy 

producer. Average 2.5 in.(6 cm) pods are 

filled with 6-8 sweet peas. Disease and 

wilt resistant. Pods are light green in 

color. Vines are packed with full pods. 

Well-drained reasonably fertile soil is 

preferred. Need sun, but for second 

sowing, use a cooler north facing slope. 

Perfect for canning because it ripens 

uniformly. Perfect for table use since it 

matures early before hot temperatures. 

Good for freezing, canning, and drying 

like split peas. Pea Alaska has been reintroduced 

as a high performing hybrid. 

It's parent strain was one of McKenzie's 

original garden pea varieties and was 

very popular around the turn of the 

century. Plant directly into the garden 

early, as soon as the ground can be 

worked. 

Pea Green Arrow 101488 

A Bush Variety 

A Bush Variety. 4" long, bright green 

pods, superbly sweet. 9-11 peas per pod. 

Sow outdoors, directly in garden. 

Pea Laxton Progress 101492 

A Climbing Variety 

4 1/2" long, medium green pods. 7-9 peas 


per pod. It is an all purpose pea that 

grows under a wide range of conditions. 


Pea Lincoln Homesteader 101497 


3 1/2" long, green pods. Very sweet peas. 

An old favorite variety! Sow outdoors, 

directly in garden. 

Pea Little Marvel 101507 

A Bush Variety 

Medium green pods. Dwarf type. High 

quality and yield. Sow outdoors, directly 

in garden. 

Pea Mr. Big 120619 

High yielding variety of giant dark green 

pods 10-12.5cm (4-5") with 9-10 delicious 

sweet tasting peas per pod. The large 

strong vines do not need any support. Mr. 

Big Pea has an excellent resistance to race 

1 fusarium wilt. Year 2000 All American 

Selections Winner. Will Sow Approx. 17' 

row. Produces giant pods. A light 

application of nitrogen will increase yields. 

Pea Tall Telephone 101513 


4 1/2-5" oval, dark green pods. High 

quality pea! Sow outdoors, directly in 

garden. 


Snow Pea Snowflake 101525 

Stir Fry Crisp pods with a delicate 

succulent taste. Very easy to grow. Well 

drained fertile soil is best. Do not grow 

with onions, garlic or glads. The perfect 

addition for all stir-fry cooking and a 

terrific accompaniment to fresh salads. If 

peas become too mature to be used as a 

snow type, shell the peas for use as a 

garden type pea. Plant directly into the 

garden early, as soon as the ground can 

be worked. 

— PEA - SNAP TYPES — 

aka: Snow Pea 

botanical: Pisum sativum 

Snap Peas are a fairly recent innovation 

in gardening. Introduced in 1979, Snap 

Pea is a combination of garden and snow 

peas.The pod of Snap Peas is thick and 

juicy and deliciously edible. They should 

be harvested when the Peas are tiny for 

stir-fries and garnishes. Later the full 

sized peas taste sweet and crisp and can 

be eaten in the same fashion as English 

Garden varieties. 

Pea Edible Podded Snow 101510 


Slender edible pods must be eaten when 

pods are still flat otherwise they grow as 

a garden pea but do not taste as good. 

Light green. Sow outdoors, directly in 

garden. 

Pea Sugar Ann 101520 

Edible Pod 

Medium green, very sweet with large, 

fleshy pods. It is a bush snow pea. Sow 

outdoors, directly in garden. 


Pea Sugar Snap 101512 

Edible Pod! - A Climbing Variety. 

Medium green, sweet. Very tall plant. 


— PEPPER - HOT — 

botanical: Capsicum annum 

Growing Popularity Peppers are warmth 

loving vegetables so the seed should be 

started indoors about eight weeks before 

the date of the last frost. They do best in 

warm, sandy soil; pH 6.0-6.5. Location 

should be sunny, sheltered from wind, 

and soil kept reasonably moist. Be sure to 

harden off the seedlings otherwise the 

plant will get a stress set back. Pepper 

plants have dark green smooth shiny 

leaves. They grow a sturdy central stem 

that will support the peppers as they 

mature. The fruit of all pepper plants 

grows to full size as a green pepper. 

When it matures it will change colour 

(usually to red). It will also change colour 

off the vine. McKenzie offers both Sweet 

and Hot peppers. Pepper is a tender 

perennial which can be grown as an 

annual.Plant near tomatoes, eggplant, 

onions, carrots or parsnip.Many hot 

pepper plants have a dainty profile and 

decorative fruit.The surge in popularity 

of spicy tropical foods has boosted the 

popularity of Hot Peppers in the garden. 

Chilies and Jalapeños are essential for 

salsa, curry, nachos and many other 

modern recipes. Hot Peppers store nicely 

dried and can then be used for spicing up 

pizza, sauces and Mexican food. They 

make beautiful and delicious pickles. 

Nutritional Facts: Red peppers are high in 

beta carotene. 

Pepper Hybrid Super Chili 101548 

HOT! 

A.A.S. winner. Green to red. Tapered to a 

blunt end. 6 X 1 cm. Hot. Colourful 

peppers ripen from medium green to 

orange to red. Peppers can be used fresh 

or dried. Start indoors for earlier fruit. 

107


Pepper Jalapeno Jalapa - 

Hybrid 101550 

HOT! 

Hybrid. Medium green to red. Cylindrical. 

Blunt end, 2 X 3 cm. Hot. Start indoors 

for earlier fruit. 

— PEPPER - SWEET — 

aka: Capsicum or Bell Pepper 

botanical: Capsicum annuum 

Most pepper plants do not have a large 

nor spreading growth habit so they make 

great container plants. Many of the 

smaller peppers can be brought indoors 

in the fall. Their peppers will turn red on 

the vine offering a beautiful fall 

decoration for your home. Sweet Peppers 

are enjoyed raw, in stir fries, in casseroles 

and offer an important flavour to many 

meat and fish dishes. 

Nutritional Facts: Sweet (and Hot!) 

Peppers are often overlooked for their 

nutritional value. They are extremely 

high in vitamin C, having even more than 

a citrus fruit. Red peppers are high in 

beta carotene. 

Pepper Early California 

Wonder 101533 

Sweet 

Green to red. 10 X 10 cm fruit bellshaped. 

Big, excellent stuffing pepper! 

Start indoors for earlier fruit. 

Pepper Mini Bell Mixed 128581 

Short and stocky 16" plants covered with 

sweet 2" fruits that have 2-3 lobes, 

excellent fresh flavor. Ripen from green 

to chocolate, or to red, or to yellow 

depending upon the variety. Delicious! 

90 days from transplant. Once all danger 

of frost has passed, harden off the 

seedlings prior to transplanting to the 

garden. 

GARDENING TIP 

Pinch off all the leaves of swiss chard, 

spinach and leaf lettuce about every 

two weeks. The leaves will regrow and 

you can enjoy the vegetables all season 

without replanting. 

Mildred Kerber, Saskatoon SK 

Pepper Red Bell 101527 

Sweet 

Medium green to red. 8 X 10 cm fruit. 

Bell-shaped. Start indoors for earlier fruit. 

Pepper Fish 124974 

An African American heirloom variety. 

Beautiful green and white variegated 

foliage proceeded by pendant fruits 6- 

8cm (2-3"). Peppers ripen from cream 

with green stripes to orange with brown 

to all red. Terrific in salsa, this variety is 

comparable to a jalapeno. Very hot! Start 

seeds indoors 8 weeks before last frost. 

Sow seeds directly into 4" pots. 

— PUMPKIN — 

botanical: Cucurbita pepo 

Easy to grow. Grows best in soil with pH 

5.5 to 7.5. Keep well drained soil moist. 

Plant near corn, eggplant, radish but not 

near potatoes. Pumpkins are excellent for 

canning, for pies, and for soup. The seeds 

are enjoyed as a tasty and nutritious 

snack. Everybody loves Pumpkins; the 

symbol of Halloween. 

Pumpkin Dill's Atlantic Giant PVP 101566 

This grand-daddy of pumpkins can grow 

45-225 kg (100-500 lb)! The record for 

this variety is over 600 pounds. Start the 

seed indoors 2-4 weeks before the last 

frost then set them out when the ground 

is thoroughly warm, or sow the seeds 

directly in the ground after the danger of 


frost has passed. When the fruit sets, 

prune the fruits until only one or two are 

left. Water frequently and add fertilizer 

occasionally to aid its growth. When fully 

matured, cut the pumpkin off the vine, 

leaving a portion of the stem attached to 

use as a handle. 

Pumpkin Jack O'lantern 101556 

Medium orange flesh. Good carver. Size: 

28 X 36" circumference. 10 lbs round to 

elongated meaty, sweet. Sow outdoors 

when frost danger past and soil is warm. 

Pumpkin Small Sugar 101562 

Orange flesh. Sweet taste. 6-8 " in 

diameter. Small Pumpkins are also 

enjoyed as decorative centre pieces during 

the fall. The perfect size for two big pies. 

Pumpkin freezes very well. Sow outdoors 

when frost danger past and soil is warm. 

— RADISH — 

botanical: Raphanus sativus 

The radish is easy to grow and quick to 

mature. Grows best in cool weather; will 

not tolerate extreme heat or drought. 

Prefers full sunlight. Will grow in most 

types of soil; prefers pH 6.0-7.0. For best 

tasting results keep soil moist. Radishes 

are the quickest growing root crop. They 

come in a great many shapes and colors. 

Most radishes have a crispy white texture 

and an edible thin Red skin but some 

varieties are white or even black! The 

radish has a reputation for being hot but 

some in fact are very mild. The variety, 

the soil conditions, and the maturity of 

the Radish can all affect its flavor. Plant 

near peas, beans, lettuce, nasturtiums, 

cucumbers, carrots, parsnips or chervil.In 

Canada, radishes are usually eaten raw in 

salads or as a garnish. Varieties of radish 

that are used in cooking (see Daikon 

under Radish-Oriental) have recently 

been introduced by McKenzie. 


Vitamin C. 

Radish Cherry Belle 101568 

Round, bright red .75 inch. Resembles a 

cherry. Crisp and delicious. Sow directly 

into the garden. 


Radish Crimson Giant 101567 

Perfect globe, crimson with solid white 

flesh. 1.5 inch. White flesh. Firm, crisp, 

and mild, grows without getting hollow. 

Sow directly into the garden. 

Radish French Breakfast 101583 

Oblong. 1.3 inch. Scarlet root with white 

tip. Crisp and mild. Sow directly into the 

garden. 

Radish Scarlet Globe 101586 

Olive shaped. 1 inch. Medium size. Crisp, 

tasty. Good for forcing. Sow directly into 

the garden. 

Radish Sparkler White Tip 101589 

Almost round. 1.75 inch. Snappy flavour. 

Does not get hollow. Sow directly into 

the garden. 

Radish White Icicle 101596 

Long and slender. 5.5 X 1 inch. Crisp, 

tender, mild and sweet. Sow directly into 

the garden. 

— SPINACH — 

botanical: Spinacia oleracea 

Easy to grow. Best results are obtained in 

good, rich, well-drained garden soil; pH 

6.0-7.5. A cool weather vegetable. Best 

growth occurs in spring and fall. 

Intolerant of hot weather, it requires 

plenty of moisture. Plant near corn or 

nasturtiums but not near potatoes. 

Spinach is native to Iran and surrounding 

areas. 14th century English cookbooks 

contained spinach recipes. It was brought 

to America by early colonists. 

Nutritional Facts: Rich in Iron, beta 

carotene, folacin, protein and other 

minerals and vitamins. 

Spinach King of Denmark 101611 

Leaves are dark green, large, broad and 

rounded, with a slightly crumpled look. 

The plant has a spreading habit. Feed 

with a high nitrogen fertilizer. Sow 


worked. 

109


Spinach Long Standing 

Bloomsdale 101606 

Slow to bolt and go to seed. Glossy dark 

green, thick textured, very crinkled. 

Heavy yields. Sow outdoors as soon as 


Spinach Regal 

130125 

A slow bolting variety well suited for 

dense planting. Resistant to downy 

mildew. Regal’s fresh erect young leaves 

makes it a perfect choice for baby leaf 

spinach salad. 

— SPINACH - TETRAGONA — 

Perennial 

aka: Tetragona, Perennial Spinach. 

botanical: Tetragonia tetragonoides 

Best results are obtained in good, rich, 

well-drained garden soil; pH 6.0-7.5. A 

cool weather vegetable. Best growth 

occurs in spring and fall. Intolerant of hot 

weather, it requires plenty of 

moisture.Plant near corn or nasturtiums 

but not near potatoes.Spinach is native to 

Iran and surrounding areas. 14th century 

English cookbooks contained spinach 

recipes. It was brought to America by 

early colonists. Nutritional Facts: Rich in 

Iron, beta carotene, folacin, protein and 

other minerals and vitamins. 

— SQUASH — 

Nutritional Facts: Squashes are always an 

excellent source of vitamin C and beta 

carotene. The flowers are high in 

potassium. 

Squash Sunburst Hybrid 127513 

This hybrid summer scallop squash is fast 

growing producing an abundance of 

young, tender 1-3" (2.5-7.5cm) fruits, 

summer through fall. Unique bright 

yellow with a dark sunburst pattern at 

both ends. Interior flesh is creamy white 

and tender with an extremely tasty mild 

and buttery flavour. An excellent source 

of vitamin C. Compact bush type plants 

allow for easy picking. Generous 

watering is required if the weather is dry. 

Plant 5-6 seeds/hill, then thin to best 3. 

Squash Zucchini Dark 101637 

Summer Variety 

Straight. 15-18 cm. Sow directly into the 

garden. 

— SQUASH - WINTER — 

botanical: Cucurbita maxima 

Winter Squash (species maxima) has more 

flavor than Summer Squash (species 

pepo). They have hard thick shells and 

should be left on the vine until fully 

ripe.Stores well. 

Nutritional Facts: Winter types are a good 

source of vitamin A and beta carotene. 

Squash Buttercup 101623 

Winter Variety Turban Shaped 

Dark green stripes, orange flesh. 4 X 6". 

Sow directly into the garden. 

— SQUASH - SUMMER — 

botanical: Cucurbita maxima 

Squash will grow easily and will produce 

abundant food for the space. Soil should 

be rich and well drained; pH 5.5-7.5. 

Generous watering is required if the 

weather is dry. Summer Squash is fast 

growing producing an abundance 

of thin-skinned fruits. Summer 

squash will give young tender 

fruits summer through fall. Plant 

near corn or nasturtiums but not 

near potatoes.Squash is usually 

cooked. It has a place in baking, 

in stir fry, in stews, in casseroles 

and in pickles. 


Squash Butternut 101624 

Winter Variety 

Bottle shaped. Creamy brown. Orange 

yellow flesh. 5 X 12". Sow directly into 

the garden. 

Squash Table Queen 101629 

Winter Variety 

Smooth thin shelled. Light yellow flesh. 

4.5 X 5". Looks like a large dark green 

acorn with a hard shell with pointed 

blossom end. Sow directly into the 

garden. 

— STRAWBERRY SPINACH — 

botanical: Chenopodium capitatum 

Strawberry Spinach 127499 

A remarkable plant that grows delicious 

berries and tasty spinach-like-leaves in 

one! Very showy and compact plants are 

grown for their nutritious triangular 

tooth leaves and tender shoots used in 

salads or steamed. Shiny mulberry-like 

fruits are edible, can be added to salads 

or used for drying. Re-seeds year-afteryear. 

— SWEDE TURNIP — 

aka: Rutabaga 

botanical: Brassica napus 

Swede Turnip Laurentian 

Globe 101648 

Cream yellow flesh. 5-6"(15-18 cm) 

diameter. Cold-weather crop that likes 

deep, rich, well-drained, moisture 

retaining soil; pH 6.0-7.0. Avoid planting 

turnips near potatoes. Closely related to 

Turnips but they are longer, smoother 

and full of vitamin A. Sow outdoors as 

soon as ground can be worked in spring. 

— SWISS CHARD — 

botanical: Beta vulgaris var. cicla 

If you have problems growing Spinach, 

try Swiss Chard. It tolerates summer 

temperatures that makes spinach bolt to 

seed. Sunny location with rich, welldrained 

fertile soil; pH 6.0 to 7.0. Should 

be watered generously during dry 

Nutritional Facts: High in iron and 

vitamins. 


Swiss Chard Bright Lights 101654 

All America Selections Winner! 

Bright Lights offers a brilliant rainbow of 

colour! Plant stems can be yellow, gold, 

orange, pink, violet, or variegated, in 

addition to the standard red or white. 

Easy to grow. A great ornamental plant. 

Offers a milder chard flavour. Sow in the 

spring. Harvest can begin 4-5 weeks after 

planting for young salad greens. Pick 

young or mature leaves just above the 

soil line so that plants can grow back for 

multiple harvests. 

Swiss Chard Discovery 130126 

A premium baby leaf and bunching swiss 

chard. Distinctly pleasant flavour, 

Delicious in salads, quiche, and steamed 

with butter. 

Swiss Chard Fordhook 101655 

Broad dark green leaves on thick broad 

white stems. Both stalks and leaves 

edible. Delicious in salads, in quiche, and 

steamed with butter. Freezes well. Sow 

outdoors in spring as soon as frost 

danger past. 

Swiss Chard Rhubarb 101667 

This chard variety looks like rhubarb with 

bright crimson stalks and dark green 

leaves. Grows well in containers. Iron and 

vitamin rich. It is delicious. Leaves and 

stalks are tasty in salads and as cooked 

greens. It is also great for freezing. Sow 

outdoors in spring as soon as frost 

danger past. It can be harvested all 

season long by cutting the outer leaves 

for use and allowing the inner leaves to 

continue to grow. 

— TOMATO — 

botanical: Lycopersicon lycopersicum 

Tomato seed should be started indoors 

and the plants must be planted outdoors 

as soon as danger of frost is past. 

Tomatoes are extremely sensitive to cold. 

Move to garden after the night 

temperature is expected to remain above 

15 C (60 F). Some gardeners have success 

seeding outdoors in warm soil. Tomatoes 

do well in any deep well drained soil with 

111


pH 5.5-7.5. It is a deep rooting, heat 

loving plant. Most tomatoes will thrive in 

a greenhouse environment as long as 

pollination occurs. To encourage 

pollination of "hot-house" tomatoes, 

gently shake the plants (ideally, around 

noon) to simulate a breeze. The most 

common problem with tomatoes is 

known as blossom end rot. The cause of 

blossom end rot is a calcium deficiency 

and drought. The symptoms are light tan 

lesions turning to dark brown sunken 

areas at the blossom end of the fruit. The 

lesions enlarge and become more sunken 

accompanied by dry rot. Normally fruit 

that are about half developed are the 

first to show the symptoms. Blossom end 

rot occurs during periods of luxuriant 

growth and during periods of alternately 

high and low soil moisture. Soil that is 

affecting the uptake of calcium may 

result in blossom end rot. Other causes 

include excessive soil salinity and root 

damage. To control blossom end rot use 

an application of lime or calcium fertilizer 

and irrigate during dry weather or apply 

mulch to provide a constant moisture 

supply. Do not give too much nitrogen 

especially the nitrogen fertilizer in the 

ammonium form since this increases the 

demand for calcium by the plant and 

reduces the availability of calcium in the 

soil. Do not plant tomatoes on spots 

which are difficult to irrigate. Plant near 

asparagus, pepper, celery, onions, carrots, 

cucumbers, basil, parsley, chives, 

marigolds or nasturtiums but not near 

dill, potatoes, cabbage or kohl rabi. 

Tomatoes top the list of useful 

vegetables. All varieties, particularly the 

Cherry Tomatoes are great for tossed 

salad. The big slicers like Beefsteak make 

a great sandwich, toasted or plain. 

Tomatoes are very important for sauces, 

soups and meat dishes. They can be 

preserved by canning and freezing and in 

recent years, dehydrated tomatoes have 

become very popular. 

Nutritional Facts: Tomatoes are high in 

Vitamin A and C. Although levels of both 

are effected by environment vitamin C is 

not as high in fruit from shaded plants as 

those in strong sun light. Like carrots, 

tomatoes are another good source of 

beta carotene. They are a highly 

nutritious low-calorie food. 

Tomato Big Beef 101721 

Bush Variety 

High yielder. An indeterminant variety. 

For all climates. Deep well drained soil is 

best. Use borage as a companion plant to 

attract bees for early pollination. Rich 

flavor combined with large size. Start 

seed indoors 8 weeks before planting 

outside. Transplant when all danger of 

frost is past. When transplanting out, 

bury the stem of the tomato up to the 

2nd or 3rd set of true leaves-this aids in 

deep root development. Eliminate 

blossom end rot problems by deep 

watering the plants so that the root 

system will be less effected by 

fluctuations in soil moisture. 

Tomato Brandywine Red 127514 

A ‘Heirloom’ variety that is well known 

for its size and excellent flavour! Deep 

red, very large size fruits can weigh up to 

900 grams (2 lbs )! Rich sweet flavour is 

great for salads, canning, soups and 

sandwiches. Plant seedlings outdoors 

once all danger of frost has passed and 

soil has warmed. Deep, well drained soil 

is best. Inderterminate. 

Tomato Bush Beefsteak 101681 

Large! Bush Variety 

12 oz. deep oblate fruit; a slightly 

flattened globe shape. Red. Start seed 

indoors 8 weeks before planting outside. 

Transplant when all danger of frost is 

past. When transplanting out, bury the 

stem of the tomato up to the 2nd or 3rd 

set of true leaves-this aids in deep root 

development. 

Tomato Christmas Grape 127515 

Bright, scarlet, 2.5 cm (1") grape-like 

fruits. Super productive plants bear loads 

of huge clusters, 10-20 fruits per cluster! 

Their sweet rich flavour is satisfying in 

salads or straight from the vine. 

Excellent keeper. Plant seedlings outdoors 


once all danger of frost has passed and 

soil has warmed. Deep, well drained soil 

is best. Indeterminate. 

Tomato Cherry Roma 128748 

Incredibly heavy set of 1" long plumshaped 

fruits. Addictive sweet-spicy 

flavor, great fresh or dried. Fruits hold 

well for extended periods. Similar in 

appearance to grocery store grape 

tomatoes. Indeterminate. Plant seedlings 

outdoors once all danger of frost has 

passed and soil has warmed. Deep, well 

drained soil is best. Harden off the 

seedlings prior to transplanting. 

Tomato Early Girl 101692 

Early Girl is a medium size tomato, and 

one of the earliest slicing tomatoes for 

home gardeners. It is a very popular red 

115-170 gram (4-6 oz) globe-shaped 

tomato. It will produce continuously until 

frost. It is indeterminate and has good 

disease resistance. Stake well and keep 

well fed and watered. Requires full sun. 

Start seed indoors 8 weeks before 

planting outside. Transplant when all 

danger of frost is past. When 

transplanting out, bury the stem of the 

tomato up to the 2nd or 3rd set of true 

leaves-this aids in deep root 

development. 

Tomato Golden Queen 125917 

An eye-catching tomato with yellow-gold 

color throughout and delicious flavour. 

Fruits are round, do not crack and 

become a size of 6 - 8 cm (2 1/2 - 3 3/4"). 

Excellent for canning, freezing, sauces 

and novelty salsa! Indeterminate. 

Staking required. 


Tomato Hybrid Early 101690 

This is one of the most productive of all 

tomatoes and it is a very early variety. It 

produces pendant clusters of medium 

sized 115 gram (4 oz) tasty, firm fruits. It 

has a good disease resistance. Stake well 

and keep well fed and watered. It 

requires full sun. A very sweet tomato. 







development. 

Tomato Manitoba 101695 

Juicy!! 

This was a top performer in our 1995 

seed trials. It is a very trustworthy early 

variety that is excellent for the prairies. 

Very juicy fruit that is bright red in 

colour. Deep well-drained soil is best. 

Mulch the soil in hot dry weather to 

retain even soil moisture.Start seed 

indoors 10 -12 weeks prior to last frost. 

Eliminate blossom end rot problems by 

deep watering the plants so that the root 

system will be less affected by 

fluctuations in soil moisture. When 

transplanting, bury the stem of the 

tomato up to the second or third set of 

true leaves. This will aid in deep root 

development. 

GARDENING TIP 

To help support young plants that have 

just been transplanted in the garden, 

put juice cans, pop bottles or bleach 

bottles (with ends removed) over the 

plants. This also helps to keep plants 

warmer, moist and keeps animals from 

tramping on tender young plants. 

Remove cans when plants are strong 

enough to support themselves. 

Barbara Bordeleau, Blind River ON 


113


Tomato Pink Ponderosa 101700 

Tasty Staking Variety 

5 oz. oblate fruit. Pink. Start seed indoors 

8 weeks before planting outside. 





development. 

Tomato Purple Prince 101671 

Produces tennis-ball sized fruit and turns a 

deep reddish brown when ripe. Will set 

fruit in cold weather. Stake well and keep 

well fed and watered. Plant in full sun. Its 

rich tomato flavour is hard to beat. Purple 

Prince is a heritage tomato variety from 

Siberia where it is a market favourite. 






leaves-this aids in deep root development. 

Rainbow Blend 130128 

A sensational blend of assorted Heirloom 

tomatoes, such as Black, Pink, Red, 

Cherokee Purple, Green Zebra, White 

Wonder and Nebraska Wedding - you 

have an Heirloom pack that can’t be beat! 

Tomato Roma V.F. 101702 

For Sauces! - Bush Variety 

3 oz. Pear-shaped fruit. Orange/red. Start 

seed indoors 8 weeks before planting 

outside. Transplant when all danger of 

frost is past. When transplanting out, 

bury the stem of the tomato up to the 

2nd or 3rd set of true leaves-this aids in 

deep root development. 

Tomato Roman Candle 124975 

This open pollinated variety offers 

spectacular smooth iridescent yellow 

fruits that are 5cm (2") wide and 10cm 

(4") long. Very meaty with nice flavor. 

One of the few pure yellow banana 

shaped fruits available to gardeners. An 

indeterminate variety that may require 

staking. 

Tomato Speckled Roman 124976 

A cross of two heirloom varieties 

(Antique Roman and Banana Legs), 

Speckled Roman produces gorgeous 8 x 

12cm (3x5") fruit with jagged orange and 

yellow stripes. This meaty tomato has a 

great taste with few seeds. This very 

productive indeterminate type may 

require staking. 

Tomato Starfire Improved 101696 

Early - Bush Variety 

3 oz. globe fruit. Red. Start seed indoors 

8 weeks before planting outside. 





development. 

Tomato Sub Arctic Plenty 101703 

This variety matures early. It is an early 

upright determinate tomato. It produces 

bountiful yields of 42-85 gram (1-1.67 oz) 

bright red tomatoes. Sub Arctic Plenty 

was developed in Alberta for Prairie 

climates. It will set fruit, even under cold 

conditions. Stake well and keep well fed 

and watered. Start seed indoors 8 weeks 

before planting outside. Transplant when 

all danger of frost is past. When 




development. 

Tomato Sweet 100 Hybrid 101705 

Staking Variety 

Less than 1 oz. fruit. Red. Sweet 100 will 

climb as high as 10 feet if staked so will 

provide a beautiful crop, right on your 

patio. Start seed indoors 8 weeks before 






development. 


Tomato Yellow Pear-Shaped 125918 

A superb miniature 2.5-3cm (1 - 1 1/4") 

pear-shaped yellow tomato with a 

delightful sweet flavour. Excellent in 

salads, preserves or eating fresh. Vigorous 

vines bear profusely. Mid-early ripeness 

until frost. Indeterminate. Staking 

required. 

— TOMATO - PATIO — 

botanical: Lycopersicon lycopersicum 

Small Space Options! 

Tomato seed should be started indoors 

and the plants must be planted outdoors 

as soon as danger of frost is past. 

Tomatoes are extremely sensitive to cold. 

Move to the garden when night 

temperature expected to remain above 

15 C (60 F). Some gardeners have success 

seeding outdoors in warm soil. Do well in 

any deep well drained soil with pH 5.5- 

7.5. Tomato is a deep rooting plant. Patio 

tomatoes grown indoors, or in a green 

house should be gently shaken around 

noon each day, during the blossom 

period. This action simulates a breeze and 

encourages pollination.Many tomatoes 

make beautiful patio plants, particularly 

the bush varieties that produce fruit 

lighter than 5 oz. 


Tomato Sweet Cherry Hybrid 101704 

Staking Variety 

Sweet Cherry produces an abundance of 

globular cherry-type fruit with an 

average weight of less than 28 g (1 oz.). 

This high yielder is an indeterminate 

variety, which means that the plant 

grows tall and requires staking. Seeds 

should be started indoors about 8 weeks 

before setting out in the garden. Keep 

the growing medium moist, but not wet 

to promote healthy root development. 

Needs less space than bushy type 

varieties. 

Tomato Tiny Tim 101706 

For Garnish! - Staking Variety 

Less than 1 oz. fruit. Red. ASC, ST. Start 

indoors for earlier fruit. 

— TURNIP — 

botanical: Brasicca rapa 

Cold-weather crop that likes deep, rich, 

well-drained, moisture retaining soil. If 

you grow turnips for the greens, they do 

not need thinning.Avoid planting turnips 

near potatoes.Turnips store well for use 

all winter. They are delicious raw with 

vegetable dips. They can be served 

boiled, either cubed or mashed, and 

turnips add important flavor to poultry 

and beef stews. 


vitamin C. 

115


Turnip Early Snowball 101724 

Sweet 

Egg shaped. Cream white flesh with 

white skin. Sweet. pH 5.5-7.0. Sow 


worked in spring. 

Turnip Purple Top 

White Globe 101727 

Cold Tolerant 

Crisp, pure white flesh. 2-5" diameter. pH 

6.0-7.0. Most popular as a raw vegetable 

treat. Sow outdoors as soon as ground 

can be worked in spring. 

— WATERMELON — 

botanical: Citrullus lanatus 

Sow direct or start indoors 2-3 weeks 

early. Plant or transplant outdoors when 

night temperatures remain above 13 C 

(55 F). Seed should be started indoors in 

peat pots because watermelon roots are 

sensitive to transplanting. Does best in a 

sunny location with rich well drained soil; 

pH 6.0-6.8. Water during dry weather. 

Native to Africa where they grow wild, 

but have been cultivated for thousands 

of years. 

Watermelon Early 

Improved Canada 101734 

Oblong, dark green stripes with red flesh 

and reddish brown seeds. 10 x 12" 10-15 

lbs. Foliage, attract bees for better 

garden pollination. Seeds can be put 

directly outside after the last frost. For 

earlier fruit, start seed indoors 2-3 weeks 

early. When transplanting out, take great 

care not to disturb the root system. 

Watermelon Sugar Baby 101739 

Globular. Crisp, red flesh is very sweet. 7- 

8". Most popular watermelon! Seeds can 

be put directly outside after the last frost. 

For earlier fruit, start seed indoors 2-3 

weeks early. When transplanting out, 

take great care not to disturb the root 

system. 

To prevent 

injuries... 

Exercise regularly and 

year round to promote 

strong and flexible 

muscles and to ensure 

you're ready to pursue 

your favourite activities, 

like gardening. 



We have included convenient Quick Reference 

Charts to help with garden planning. Ten 

characteristics were identified and the garden 

seed selections that fit these categories are 

grouped and sorted. 

The following legend will help you easily use the 

charts. 

ATTRIBUTE ATTRIBUTE DESCRIPTION CODE CODE DEFINITION 

Growth Variety's perpetual growth habit 

A Annual 

B Biennial 

P Perennial 

Light 

Containers 

Start Seed 

Drought 

Habit 

Cutting 

Drying 

Edible 

Short Season 

Preference for sunlight 

Variety suitable for containers 

Variety's preferred start method 

Varieties that tolerate dry conditions 

or are suitable for rock gardens and 

xeriscapes 

Variety's physical growth 

Q U I C K R E F E R E N C E G U I D E 

Stems suitable for cutting and 

bouquets 

Suitable for dried arrangements and 

crafts 

Blooms are edible 

Varieties that can be harvested earlier 

● 

C 

I 

O 

I/O 

D 

R 

X 

L 

M 

T 

V 

* 

* 

* 

* 

Full sun 

Shade preferred 

Partial shade 

OK for containers 

Start indoors 

Plant directly outdoors 

Direct plant or start indoors for 

earlier blooms or fruit 

Will tolerate drier soil or rain 

shortages 

Suitable for rock gardens 

Suitable for xeriscapes 

Maximum height < 30 cm 

Maximum height 30 cm - 1 m 

Taller than 1 m 

A vine. Climbing habit 

Asterisk = yes, suitable 



Asterisk = fewer than 65 days 

to maturity 

117

Q U I C K R E F E R E N C E C H A R T 

118 

F L O W E R S 

Ageratum Blue Mink A C I M 

TYPE 

Ageratum Timeless Mix A C I M * * 

Aquilegia Lime Sorbet P I M 

All Purpose Mix Wildflower A I/O T 

Amaranthus Velvet Curtains A I M 

Aster Dwarf Queen Mix A I/O L * 

Aster Early Charm A I/O M 

Aster Starlight Light Pink A C I/O L * 

Astilbe Arednsii Hybrid Mix P ● I/O * 

Baby Blue Eyes A O L 

Bachelor's Button Blue Boy A I/O 

LIGHT PREF 

S H A D E T O L E R A N T 

Bachelor's Button Polka Dot Mix A I/O M 

Begonia ‘Bayou Pink Bicolor’ A C I M 

Begonia ‘Go Go Mix’ A C I M 

Bells of Ireland A O M * * 

Bergenia Heart-leaved P O M 

Black Eyed Susan P I M 

Butterfly Garden A I T 

Calendula Pacific Beauty Mix A I/O M * 

Calendula Touch of Red A C I/O M * 

Canary Bird Vine A I/O TV 

Candytuft White Snow P O L 

Canterbury Bells Cup and Saucer B I M 

Catchfly A O M 

Cerastium Snow In Summer P I/O X L 

Chilean Glory Vine Tresco Mixed A I/O TV 

Clematis Radar Love P C I VT * 

Coleus A ● C I/O M 

Columbine Long Spurred Mixed P I M 

Cosmos Early Sensation Mixed A I/O T 

Dahlia Stargazer A C I M * 


CONTAINER 

START SEED 

DROUGHT 

HABIT 

CUTTING 

DRYING 

EDIBLE 

SHORT SEASON

F L O W E R S 


TYPE 

LIGHT PREF 


Delphinium Blue Bouquet P I/O L 

Delphinium Percival P I T 

Dianthus Siberian Blue P I M 

Digitalis Apricot Beauty B I T * 

Digitalis Excelsior - Foxglove B I/O T 

Everlasting Pea P I/O TV 

Forget-me-not A I/O M * 

Four O'Clock Marvel of Peru TP I/O M 

Fuzzy Wuzzy P C I M 

Geranium Florist Mix P I M 

Geranium Red Apple P I M 

Gloxinia Chinese Hardy P I M 

Golden Moss A I L 

Hibiscus Red Shield A I T 

Hollyhock B O T 

Hosta Elegans P I M 

Impatiens Butterfly Cherry A C I L 

Impatiens Butterfly Mix A C I L 

Impatiens Butterfly Orchid A C I L 

Impatiens Butterfly Peach A C I L 

Impatiens Extreme Lavender A C I L 

Impatiens Extreme Pink A C I L 

Impatiens Extreme Salmon A C I L 

Impatiens Extreme White A C I L 

Lady's Mantel P I/O M * 

Lavatera Silvercup A O M * 

Lobelia Crystal Palace A I L 

Lobelia Regatta Rose A C I L 

Lobelia Trailing Sapphire A I L 

Low Growing Mix A O M 

Lupins Russell Mix P O T 

CONTAINER 

START SEED 

DROUGHT 

HABIT 

CUTTING 

DRYING 

EDIBLE 

119 

SHORT SEASON


TYPE 

Malva Zebrina P I/O M 

Mistflower Eupatorium P I M 

Monarda Panorama Mix P ● 

I/O T 

Morning Glory Flying Saucers A I/O V 

Nasturtium Alaska A O D M 

Nasturtium Dwarf Double Cherry Rose A O M 

Nasturtium Jewel Mixed A O M 

LIGHT PREF 

Nasturtium Milkmaid A C O TV * 

Nasturtium Primrose Jewel A C O L * 

Nasturtium Tip Top Lemon A C O L * 

Nemesia All Spice A C I/O L 

Ornamental Cabbage B I/O M * 

Pansy Black and White B C I L 

Pansy Show Swiss Giant B I L 

Passion Flower P C I VT 

Physalis Chinese Lantern P I/O M * 

Poppy Double Shirley Mixed A O M 

Poppy Falling in Love A O M * * 

Poppy Iceland Mixed Colors P I R M 

Purple Coneflower P I/O D T 

Scarlet Flax A O M 

Shade Mix A ● 

O 

Silene Starburst A C I/O M 

Stylomecon A C O M 

Sweet Violet Queen Charlotte P ● 

I L * 

Viola Helen Mound B I D L * 

120 

F L O W E R S 



CONTAINER 

START SEED 

DROUGHT 

HABIT 

CUTTING 

DRYING 

EDIBLE 

SHORT SEASON



TYPE 

LIGHT PREF 

Lettuce Early Curled Simpson A O * * 

Lettuce Grand Rapids A O * * 

Lettuce Prizehead A O * * 

Lettuce Simpson Elite A O * * 

Lettuce Summertime A O * * 

Lettuce A O * 

Marrow Squash Striato D'Italia O Di Napoli A I/O * 

Pole Bean Meraviglia Di Venezia A Grano Nero A O V * 

Savoy Cabbage Testa Di Ferro A I/O * 

Snow Pea Snowflake A O * * 

Spinach A O * 

H E R B S 


Catnip P I/O * 

Chervil A ● 

O M * * 

Lemon Balm P I/O M * 

Mint P I/O M * 

Oregano P C I/O M * 

Spearmint P I/O M * 

Thyme P I/O DR M * 

CONTAINER 

START SEED 

DROUGHT 

HABIT 

CUTTING 

DRYING 

EDIBLE 

121 

SHORT SEASON


122 

Perennials Flowering Times 

Alkaline 

Name Flowers Site Soil Soil* 

Achillea Jun-Sept sun wd X 

Agapanthus July-Sept sun wd 

Agastache Jun-Aug sun wd 

Alchemilla Jun-Aug sun/shade wd X 

Alstroemeria Jun-Sept sun wd 

Alyssum saxatile Apr-June sun wd X 

Anaphalis Aug sun/shade wd 

Aquilegia May-June sun/shade wd X 

Arabis Mar-June sun wd X 

Armeria Jun-Aug sun wd X 

Aruncus sylvester Aug sun/shade wd 

Astilbe Jun-Aug sun/shade d/m X 

Aubrieta Mar-June sun wd X 

Belamcanda August sun/light wd 

Campanula July-Aug sun/light wd X 

Catananche Jun-Aug sun wd X 

Christmas Rose Dec-Mar part shade d/m X 

Chrysanthemum Sept sun wd X 

Clematis tangutica Aug-Oct sun wd X 

Cyclamen Aug-Oct sun wd X 

Delphinium Jun-July sun wd X 

Dianthus Jun-Aug sun n/l X 

Echinacea July-Sept sun wd 

Erigeron Jun-Aug sun wd X 

Eryngium Aug-Sept sun wd X 

Fuzzy Wuzzy June-July sun/shade wd 

Gaillardia Jun-Oct sun wd X 

Geum June-Aug sun wd 

Gypsophila paniculata Jun-Aug sun/light, shade wd X 

wd = ordinary well drained garden soil 

d/m = moist but well drained soil 

n/l = neutral or limey soil 

* These plants as well as growing in ordinary garden soil will also do well in alkaline soil. 



Perennials Flowering Times 

Alkaline 

Name Flowers Site Soil Soil* 

Helianthemum Jun-July sun wd X 

Incarvillea delavayi May-July sun wd 

Lychnis July-Aug sun wd X 

Malva Jun-Sept sun wd X 

Mimulus Jun-Sept sun/shade d/m 

Monarda Jun-Sept sun/light d/m 

Myosotis May-Jun sun wd 

Pansy May-Sept sun/light wd X 

Papaver nudicaule Jun-Aug sun wd X 

Papaver orientale LMay-EJun sun wd X 

Penstemon Jun-July sun wd X 

Platycodon Jun-Aug sun wd 

Polemonium April-July sun/light wd X 

Primula acaulis Mar-Apr sun/light d/m 

Primula auricula March-Mar sun/light d/m 

Primula denticulata March-Mar sun/light d/m 

Primula polyanthus Mar-Apr sun/light d/m 

Primula veris Mar-Apr sun/light d/m 

Primula vialli Jun-July sun/light d/m 

Primula vulgaris Mar-Apr sun/light d/m 

Prunella JulyAug sun wd X 

Rudbeckia July-Sept sun wd 

Saxifrage June-Aug sun/light wd X 

Verbascum July-Aug sun wd X 

Viola cucullata May-June sun/light wd X 

Viola labradorica April-May sun/light wd X 

Viola odorata Feb-Apr sun/light wd X 

Viola tricolor May-Sept sun/light wd X 

wd = ordinary well drained garden soil 

d/m = moist but well drained soil 

n/l = neutral or limey soil 

* These plants as well as growing in ordinary garden soil will also do well in alkaline soil. 

123

Agastache P C O M 

Alyssum Saxatile - Gold Dust P I/O R L 

TYPE 

Astilbe Arednsii Hybrid Mix P ● 

I/O * 

Baby's Breath P O R T * * 

Bellflower Blue Chips P C I/O M 

Bergenia Heart-leaved P O M 

Black Eyed Susan P I M 

Blue Flax P I/O DR M 

Cactus Novelty Mix P I 


Canterbury Bells Cup and Saucer B I M 



Columbine Long Spurred Mixed P I M 

Columbine Pink Tower P I M * 

Cupid's Dart P I M * 


Delphinium Pacific Giants P I T 

Delphinium Percival P I T 

LIGHT PREF 

Dianthus Arctic Fire P I/O R L * 

Dianthus Siberian Blue P I M 

Digitalis Apricot Beauty B I T * 

Digitalis Excelsior - Foxglove B I/O T 

Evening Primrose B I T * 

124 


F L O W E R S 

P E R E N N I A L S & B I E N N I A L S 


CONTAINER 

START SEED 

DROUGHT 

HABIT 

CUTTING 

DRYING 

EDIBLE 

SHORT SEASON

F L O W E R S 



Everlasting Pea P I/O TV 

Four O'Clock Marvel of Peru TP I/O M 


Gaillardia Grandiflora Mix P I M 

Geranium Florist Mix P I M 

Geranium Red Apple P I M 

TYPE 

Geum P C O M * 

Gloxinia Chinese Hardy P I M 

Heuchera Coral Bells P I L 

LIGHT PREF 

Hollyhock Double Mixed B I D T * 

Hollyhock Fruity Mix B O T 

Hollyhock King Henry the Eighth B O T 

Hollyhock The Watchman B I/O T 

Hosta Elegans P I M 

Jacob's Ladder Blue Pearl B I M 

Lady's Mantel P I/O M * 

Lupins Russell Mix P O T 

Malva Zebrina P I/O M 

Mistflower P I M 

Monarda Panorama Mix P ● 

I/O T 

Musk Mallow Rosea P I/O M 







Poppy Pizzicato P O M * * 

Prunella P I/O S 

CONTAINER 

START SEED 

DROUGHT 

HABIT 

CUTTING 

DRYING 

EDIBLE 

125 

SHORT SEASON


126 

F L O W E R S 



TYPE 

Rudbeckia Goldsturm P I M * 

Sedum Voodoo P C I L 

Shasta Daisy Alaska P I/O M 

Shepherd's Scabiosa P O R M * 


I L * 

LIGHT PREF 

Sweet William Mixed Colors B I/O M * 

Valerian Centranthus Ruber Mixture P I/O R M * 

Viola Aalsmeers Mixed B I L 

Viola Helen Mound 

H E R B S 

B I D L * 

Catnip P I/O * 

Chives P C O M * * 

Garlic Chives P I M * 

Lavender TP C I M * * 

Lemon Balm P I/O M * 

Marjoram Sweet TP O L * 

Mint P I/O M * 


Rosemary TP C I D T * 

Sage P I/O M * 

Spearmint P I/O M * 

Tarragon P I/O M * 

Thyme 


P I/O DR M * 

Asparagus Viking P I/O T * 

CONTAINER 


START SEED 

DROUGHT 

HABIT 

CUTTING 

DRYING 

EDIBLE 

SHORT SEASON

O R N A M E N T A L 

G R A S S E S 

F L O W E R S 

LIGHT PREF 

Bean Scarlet Runner 

H E R B S 

A O VT * * 

Chervil A ● 

O M * * 

Savory Summer A C I/O M * * 



TYPE 

TYPE 

A N N U A L S & P E R E N N I A L S 

Blue Fescue Grass P C O L 

Golden Top A O D T * * 

Pink Pampas Grass P O T * 

Purple Fountain Grass A O T * * 

Tufted Hair Grass P O T * * 

White Pampas Grass P O T * 

Black Madras A C O M 

Froseetd Curls P C O D S 

LIGHT PREF 

S H O R T S E A S O N 

Bean Green Crop A O M * * 

Bean Improved Golden Wax A O M * * 

Bean Kentucky Wonder A O T * * 

Bean Romano A O T * * 

Bean Round Pod Kidney Wax A O L * * 

Bean Scarlet Runner A O TV * * 

Bean Stringless Green Pod A O M * * 

Bean Tendergreen A O M * * 

Beet A O * * 

Broad Bean Windsor Large Pod A O * * 

Broccoli Munchkin A I L * * 

Cabbage Early Copenhagen Market A I * * 

CONTAINER 

CONTAINER 

START SEED 

START SEED 

DROUGHT 

DROUGHT 

HABIT 

HABIT 

CUTTING 

CUTTING 

DRYING 

DRYING 

M C K E N Z I E S E E D S 

EDIBLE 

EDIBLE 

127 

SHORT SEASON 

SHORT SEASON



TYPE 

LIGHT PREF 

S H O R T S E A S O N 

Carrot A O * * 

Cauliflower Early Snowball A I D * * 

Chinese Mustard Greens Green Giant A O * * 

Corn Canadian Early Supersweet A O * * 

Cress Extra Triple Curled A O * * 

Cucumber A I/O * * 

Egg Plant Black Beauty TP I/O * * 

Lettuce A O * * 

Mesclun A C I/O * * 

Pak Choi White Long Petoile A O * * 

Pea A O M/T * * 

Pepper A C I * * 

Radish A O * * 

Snow Pea Snowflake A O * * 

Squash A O * * 

Strawberry Spinach A O * * 

Swiss Chard A O * * 

Tomatillo Toma Verde A C I * * 

Tomato A C I T * * 

Turnip A O * * 

128 W W W . M C K E N Z I E S E E D S . C O M 

CONTAINER 

START SEED 

DROUGHT 

HABIT 

CUTTING 

DRYING 

EDIBLE 

SHORT SEASON


F L O W E R S 

TYPE 

LIGHT PREF 

CONTAINER 

C O N T A I N E R 

Agastache p C O M 

Ageratum Blue Mink A C I M 

Ageratum Timeless Mix A C I M * * 

Alyssum Rosy Red A C I L 


Bellflower Blue Chips P C I/O M 

Campanula A C I DR L * 

Calendula Touch of Red A C I/O M * * 

Castor Bean A C I T 


Coleus A C I/O M 

Cosmos Yellow Garden A C I/O * T * 

Dahlia Stargazer A C I M * 

Dimorphotheca A C I D M 


Easter Egg Plant Golden Eggs A C I L 

Geranium A C I L 

Geum P C O M * 

Globe Amaranth Choice Mixture A C I/O D L * 


Marigold French Jolly Jester A C I D L 







Petunia A C I L 

Phlox Dwarf Beauty Mixture A C I/O L 

W W W . M C K E N Z I E S E E D S . C O M 129 

START SEED 

DROUGHT 

HABIT 

CUTTING 

DRYING 

EDIBLE 

SHORT SEASON


F L O W E R S 

TYPE 

LIGHT PREF 

Ruby Moon Hyacinth Bean A C O VT * 


Sunflower Incredible A C O M 

Sunflower Pacino A C O M 

Sunflower Sunspot A C O M 

Sunflower Teddy Bear Dwarf A C O M 

Stylomecon A C O M 

Zinnia Red Spider A C I/O L 

H E R B S 

Basil Purple A C I/O M * 

Basil Sweet A C I/O L * 





Savory Summer A C I/O M * * 


Mesclun A C I/O * * 

Pepper A C I * * 

Tomato Cherry Roma A C I * * 

Tomato Roman Candle A C I * * 

Tomato Speckled Roman A C I * * 

Swiss Chard Rhubarb A C O * * 

130 

CONTAINER 

C O N T A I N E R 

START SEED 

DROUGHT 

HABIT 

CUTTING 

DRYING 

EDIBLE 

SHORT SEASON

F L O W E R S 


TYPE 

LIGHT PREF 

Bean Scarlet Runner A O VT * * 

Canary Bird Vine A I/O VT 

Chilean Glory Vine Tresco Mixed A I TV 

Cypress Vine White Ipomoea A I/O TV 


Cobaea Cathedral Bell A I VT 

Everlasting Pea Lathyrus P I/O TV 

Moonflower A O TV 

Morning Glory Early Call, Mixed A I/O TV 

Morning Glory Flying Saucers A I/O V 

Morning Glory Heavenly Blue A I/O TV 

Morning Glory Sunspots A I/O TV 

Morning Glory Double Sunrise Serenade A I/O TV 




Sweet Pea Mixed A O TV * 

Sweet Pea Little Sweetheart A O MV * 

Sweet Pea Streamers Mix A O TV * 

Thunbergia Black-Eyed Susan Vine A I/O TV 


CONTAINER 

START SEED 

V I N E S 

Bean Scarlet Runner A O TV * * 

Cucumber Earliest Mincu A I/O V * * 

Cucumber English Long Telegraph A I/O V * * 

Pea Alaska A O MV * * * 

Pole Bean Kentucky Wonder Wax A O V * 

Pole Bean Lima O Del Papa A O V * 

Pole Bean Pencil Pod Black Wax A O V * 

Tomato Sweet 100 Hybrid A C I V * * 


DROUGHT 

HABIT 

CUTTING 

DRYING 

EDIBLE 

131 

SHORT SEASON

F L O W E R S 

Alyssum A I/O R L 


TYPE 


Blue Flax P I/O DR M 

California Poppy Mission Bells A O R M 



LIGHT PREF 

Cornflower Pink A I/O D * 


Dimorphotheca A C I D M 



Hollyhock King Henry the Eighth B O T 

Marigold A I/O D L 

Mesembryanthemum A I/O D L 

Nasturtium Alaska A O D M 








Viola Blackjack B I R L 


H E R B S 


Thyme 


P I/O DR M * 

Cauliflower Early Snowball I D * * 

132 


D R O U G H T T O L E R A N T 

CONTAINER 

START SEED 

DROUGHT 

HABIT 

CUTTING 

DRYING 

EDIBLE 

SHORT SEASON


F L O W E R S 

TYPE 

Sunflower Paquito A C O M * 


LIGHT PREF 

C U T & D R Y I N G 

Aquilegia Lime Sorbet P I M * 



Astilbe Arednsii Hybrid Mix P ● 

I/O * 


Bells of Ireland A O M * * 



Carnation Chabaud Giant Mix A I M * 

Clematis Radar Love P ● C I VT * 

Columbine Pink Tower P I M * 

Cosmos A O T * 

Cupid's Dart P I M * 

Forget-me-not A I/O M * 


Geum P O C O M * 

Helichrysum Everlasting A I/O * * 

Helipterum A I M * 

Hollyhock Fruity Mix A O T * 

Lady's Mantle P I/O M * 

Larkspur Early Giant Imperial Mixed A O T * * 

Marigold Durango Mix Hybrid A I/O L * 

Marigold Citrus Mix A I/O L * 


Poppy Pizzicato P O M * * 

Poppy Falling In Love A O M * * 

Rudbeckia Goldsturm P I M * 


Statice A I D M * 

Salvia Mojito A O M/T * 

Salvia Picante A C O M * 

Sunflower Autumn Beauty A O T * 

Sunflower Golden Hedge A O T * 

Sunflower Henri Wilde A O T * 

CONTAINER 

START SEED 

DROUGHT 

HABIT 

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DRYING 

EDIBLE 

SHORT SEASON 

133


TYPE 

Sunflower Starburst Blaze A O T * 

Sunflower Taiyo A O T * 

Sweet Pea A O TV * 

Sweet Pea Streamers Mix A O TV * 


I L * 

Venidium Orange Prince A I M * 

Venidium Zulu Prince A I M * 

Zinnia Canary Bird A O M * 

Zinnia Pumila Mixture A O M * 

Zinnia Red Spider A C I/O M * 

H E R B S 

LIGHT PREF 

Chamomile A I/O M * * 


Dill A O * * * 


Safflower Red A I/O * * 

134 

C U T & D R Y I N G 

CONTAINER 

START SEED 

DROUGHT 

HABIT 

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DRYING 

EDIBLE 

SHORT SEASON

F L O W E R S 

TYPE 

LIGHT PREF 

CONTAINER 


START SEED 

E D I B L E 

Bean Scarlet Runner A O VT * * 

Calendula Pacific Beauty Mix A I/O M * 


Chrysanthemum Merry Mix A O M * 

Cornflower Pink A I/O D * 


Evening Primrose B I T * 


Hollyhock King Henry the Eighth B O T * 

Lavatera Mont Blanc A O M * 





Pansy Black and White B C I L * 


Salvia Sclarea B O M * 

Sweet William Mixed Colors B I/O M * 



DROUGHT 

HABIT 

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DRYING 

EDIBLE 

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Alyssum A I/O R L 

Alyssum Rosy Red A C I L 


TYPE 



Baby Blue Eyes A O L 




Cineraria Jester Royal Shades A C I L 

Coleus Wizard A C I/O L 


LIGHT PREF 


Dusty Miller Silverdust A I L 

Easter Egg Plant Golden Egg A C I L 

Gazania Kontiki Stars and Stripes A I L 


Golden Moss A I L 

Heuchera Coral Bells P I L 

Impatiens Mix A ● 

I L 

Lobelia Crystal Palace A I L 


Lobelia Trailing Sapphire A I L 

Marigold Bonanza Bolero A I/O D L 

Marigold Disco Mix A I/O D L 

Marigold Disco Orange A I/O D L 

Marigold Disco Red A I/O D L 

Marigold Disco Yellow A I/O D L 

Marigold French Jolly Jester A C I/O D L * * 

Marigold Hero Mix F1 Hybrid A I/O D L 

136 

F L O W E R S 

L O W G R O W I N G 


CONTAINER 

START SEED 

DROUGHT 

HABIT 

CUTTING 

DRYING 

EDIBLE 

SHORT SEASON


F L O W E R S 

Marigold Little Hero Spry F1 Hybrid A I/O D L 

Mesembryanthemum A I/O L 

TYPE 

LIGHT PREF 




Pansy Black and White B C I L * 


Petunia Primetime Mix A I L 

Petunia Dreams Mix A I L 

Phlox Dwarf Beauty Mixture A C I/O L 

Portulaca A I/O L 

Prunella P O L 

Rudbecki Spotlight A C I L 


Snapdragon Dwaft Lollipops Mixed A I/O L 

Snapdragon Mini Snap Mix A I/O L 

Sweet Pea Sugar and Spice A C O L 


I L * 

Vinca Carpet Mix A I L 

Viola Aalsmeers Mixed B I L 


H E R B S 

Basil Purple A C I/O L * 

Marjoram Sweet TP O L * 


L O W G R O W I N G 

Bean Pencil Pod Black Wax A O L * 

Bean Royal Burgundy A O L * 

Broccoli Munchkin A I L * * 

Bush Bean Borlotto Lingua di Fuoco A O L * 

Celery Green Utah B I L * 

Pepper Mini Bell Mixed A C I * * 

CONTAINER 

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137 

SHORT SEASON

G A R D E N I N G T I P S 

Growing Techniques For Vegetables 

BASIL 

To produce more leaves on your 

basil plant, pinch off the growing 

tips of the top few branches. Side 

shoots will develop along the 

remaining stems. Pinching 

through the season yields a steady 

supply of young tasty leaves and 

keeps the plants productive by 

discouraging them from bolting. 

Olga Gresiuk, North Battleford SK. 

BEANS 

Start your green beans under a 

Remay Blanket. This helps 

germinate the seeds faster and 

also stops birds, skunks and mice 

from digging up the seeds. 

Nina Haleta, Sechelt BC. 

To hasten sprouting, soak seed in 

water overnight before planting. 

Marjorie Merrylees, Unionville ON. 

Plant soaked bean seeds along 

with unsoaked beans. If they are 

killed by a late spring frost the 

unsoaked seeds will come up later. 

If there is no frost, your beans 

have an early start. 

Gerry Irwin, Fort Fraser BC. 

BEETS 

When growing beets, make sure 

you keep covering the vegetables 

with dirt as they grow out of the 

ground. This will prevent them 

from becoming woody and 

tasteless. 

Lorraine Stoesz, Winnipeg MB. 

138 

BROCCOLI 

For the first broccoli harvest cut 

just below the head. New side 

shoots will continue to appear. 

Andre Grenier, Ste. Barbe QC. 

CABBAGE 

I find it most helpful using dried 

crushed up egg shells mixed well 

into the soil when putting out 

transplants of any member of the 

cabbage family. I have had a 

good harvest of these vegetables 

using this method. 

Marian Braan, Battleford SK. 

I use flour with the dusting 

powder to make it go further for 

dusting cabbage, cauliflower and 

broccoli. Put in about half and 

half. It works! 

Rose Calver, Grandview MB. 

CARROTS 

Mix carrot seeds with old (used 

and dried) tea leaves so it is easier 

to plant. Also tea leaves in the 

row helps to keep worms away. 

Eva Dobryden, Regina SK. 

Before harvesting your carrots, 

water them well for a few days 

and they'll stay crisp longer. 

Karan Spoelder, Coleman AB. 

Sprinkle sand in the row before 

planting. They grow better and 

pull out easier. 

Cameron Bracken, Cremona AB. 


Place carrot seeds in rows, then 

carefully pour boiling water over 

them. The carrots will grow 

straight. 

Chris Shirran, Leaf Rapids MB. 

Soak carrot seeds in hot tea for a 

minimum of one hour to speed 

germination. Place in a bowl 

lined with a paper towel or cloth 

for easy draining. Mix with fine 

dry sand to absorb excess moisture 

and to prevent from seeding too 

thick. 

Ernest Sommerfeld, Rockyford AB. 

Sprinkling wood ashes in the row 

will eliminate carrot maggots. 

Mary Nevocshonoff, Grand Forks BC. 

CAULIFLOWER 

To achieve snow-white cauliflower, 

gather the long young leaves 

when the cauliflower is no bigger 

than a baseball. Tie them 

together loosely at the top. Let 

the cauliflower grow until 

maturity. 

Rose Arvi, Tillsonburg ON. 

I put panty hose over my 

cauliflower to keep the bugs off. 

Just cut off the legs and slip over a 

plant and tie it up. Works great! 

Jean Friday, Lloydminster SK. 

CELERY 

I usually plant sixteen celery stocks 

three inches apart in a square 

area. When they are sixteen to 

eighteen inches tall put a string 

around the whole patch. They 

stay tight and it saves holding each 

plant separately for blanching. 

C. Bond, Englehart ON. 


Celery will stay tender if it is not 

allowed to dry out. I dig two 

trenches, a shallow one to plant it 

in and a deeper one to keep the 

roots wet. Make the deeper one 

like a moat and keep filled with 

water. 

Ruth Hehir, Prince George BC. 

CORN 

To warm the earth before 

planting corn, spread black plastic 

over it for a few days in sunny 

weather. 

Ruth Longman, Maryfield SK. 

I pre-sprout my corn before 

planting which helps it come up 

much faster especially if it 

happens to be a late spring. To 

pre-sprout, place the corn seeds 

between damp paper towels and 

place in a warm spot. 

Francine Poulin, Wainwright AB. 

I cut the tips off the corn once 

they turn brown and have a seedy 

texture. This tends to mature the 

corn faster. 

Eileen Yufrym, Danbury SK. 

When planting corn, work crushed 

zinc tablets into the row. Corn 

grows faster and sweeter. 

Myrna Woytuck, Olds AB. 

Pollinate the plants by putting on 

a jacket and walking through the 

patch with arms extended. Leave 

for a couple of days. Then cut off 

the seed part down to where the 

cobs start to form. I find that it 

allows all the growth to go into 

developing cobs. I always have a 

good crop with big, full cobs! 

Wilma Will, Star City SK. 

139


When planting corn make sure 

there is not too much peat moss 

where you plant it. The moss will 

stunt the corn's growth and holds 

it back. 

Alfred Bernesky, Arborfield SK. 

CUCUMBERS 

Take a wad of old panty hose and 

put it under each cucumber plant 

to keep the cucumbers from 

rotting or mildewing. 

Violet Spendlow, Pincher Creek AB. 

I like to plant cucumbers in a circle 

around a small hole, which holds a 

large margarine container, of 

which the bottom has been 

perforated with two to nine small 

holes. This makes it very easy to 

keep them watered, which is most 

rewarding after the fruits are set 

and doubles the yield without 

stem damage. 

Violet Copeland, Maidstone SK. 

To give cucumbers a head start, 

fold a paper towel in two, 

dampen it and lay the seeds on it 

spacing evenly. Place another 

folded damp paper towel over the 

seeds. Slip into a plastic bag. Seal 

the bag by folding the open end 

under. Place in a warm location. 

In a few days the seeds will 

sprout. Plant as usual in the 

garden and cover with clear 

plastic until the seedlings appear. 

Anne Senga, Komarno MB. 

Sprinkle brown sugar over your 

cucumber blossoms to attract 

bees. I find that I get a better and 

bigger crop of cucumbers. 

Bonnie Wells, Eston SK. 

140 

Spread old leaves and grass 

clippings in a low area to absorb 

moisture. Add a good six inch 

layer of rotted manure, plant the 

cucumber seeds, keep the soil 

moist and be ready with a lot of 

pickling jars! 

Anne Judd, Port Elgin ON. 

For earlier cucumbers, plant seed 

in wide rows or hills, which have 

been mounded up a bit, to warm 

up the soil. After planting and 

watering, cover with black 

garbage bags for four or five days 

or until the seedlings start to 

emerge. Then spread a thin layer 

of dry grass clippings around the 

plants to retain moisture. 

Margaret Davis, Camrose AB. 

Water cucumbers the day before 

you pick them and they will not 

be bitter. 

E. Basaraba, Prince George BC. 

Pinch off ends of runners on 

cucumbers. They produce earlier 

and more. 

Mrs. B. Anderson, Swift Current SK. 

Use tomato cages amongst 

cucumbers. It uses much less 

space, cucumbers will stay clean 

and are much easier to spot and 

pick. 

Judy Grzybowski, Saskatoon SK. 

When growing cucumbers trim the 

shoots back about two or three 

inches every three to four days. 

You will have an earlier and 

heavier crop. 

K. Harvey, Halifax NS. 


GARLIC 

When the tops of the garlic have 

grown to mature length, tie them 

very carefully into a knot. Then 

your garlic will produce cloves. 

Sherry Bomok, Speers SK. 

Plant garlic bulbs in the hardest 

soil in your garden. When 

weeding, do not soften the soil 

around the bulbs. You will grow 

larger garlic bulbs and fewer tops. 

Sonya Kobylanski, Rycroft AB. 

LETTUCE 

When cutting leaf lettuce, do not 

cut it below one inch above the 

stock. It will re-grow itself many 

times. 

Linda Enslen, Schuler AB. 

I plant my lettuce in October 

before the ground freezes. In 

springtime we eat lettuce two 

weeks before my regular garden. 

Mary Kalynowski, North Battleford SK. 

If you have trouble with lettuce 

during the hot months, drive tall 

stakes into the ground and create 

a canopy with burlap. It helps to 

keep the lettuce from bolting. 

C. Keenan, Roblin ON. 

ONIONS 

Bend over the onion stalks before 

they form seed pods and the 

onions will grow larger and firmer. 

Miriam Gair, Peace River AB. 

If you want your onions to grow 

big, remove the dirt from around 

the onion without disturbing the 

roots. 

Emily Haidey, Melfort SK. 


In September, using a fork, loosen 

onions until some of the roots 

break. This will speed up drying 

and closing of the onion necks, 

therefore, they will not rot in 

storage. 

Doris Severyn, Fort Saskatchewan AB. 

Make your life easier! There will 

be no weeds if you lay down a 

mulch of newspaper on onion 

beds. Water the mulch 

thoroughly and weigh it down 

with rocks or lumber to prevent it 

from blowing away. Plant onion 

sets in holes punched in the 

mulch. 

Malleen Veroba, Fox Creek AB. 

PARSNIPS 

We leave our parsnips in over the 

winter, but dig them before they 

start to grow in the spring. You 

will have parsnips so sweet they 

could be used for dessert! Plant in 

a part of the garden where they 

will not be trampled in the late 

fall or early spring. 

Keith Law, Saskatoon SK. 

We plant our parsnips with some 

radish seed. Take care when 

pulling the radishes and you will 

have a good parsnip crop. 

Clifford Johnston, St. Gregor SK. 

PEAS 

Once the plants are five to six 

inches high, I hill the soil on both 

sides of the rows. It gives the 

plants more support, holds the 

moisture better and also makes it 

easier for roto-tilling. 

Ruth Ohlde, Coronation AB. 

141


When planting peas, plant two 

rows close together (about six 

inches apart). When they are up 

and about six inches high, pound 

in a row of tall wooden pegs 

between the two rows and attach 

chicken wires to the pegs. It is so 

easy to pick the peas when you 

stake them this way. No bending 

over! 

Margaret Youck, Regina SK. 

PEPPERS 

As bell peppers begin to form, 

pinch off all but four or five per 

plant. The peppers will be larger, 

mature faster and be very sweet. 

This is helpful in short growing 

season areas. 

B. Fahlman, Sioux Lookout ON. 

I plant my peppers inside old tires. 

It provides wind protection when 

the plants are tiny. It also stores 

the heat, during the first cooler 

weeks of summer, releasing it at 

night when the plants need it 

most. My yields have increased 

substantially since we started 

using this method. It also makes 

covering the young plants easy 

should there be a sudden cold 

snap. 

Stephanie Hook, Sydenham ON. 

If you want bigger and bug free 

peppers, sprinkle epsom salt 

around the ground. This is one of 

my grandmother's tips many years 

ago. It truly works! 

Maureen Dombroski, Eganville ON. 

142 

Place a layer of tin foil around the 

base of each plant. This reflects 

more heat to the plant, keeps the 

roots cool and keeps insects away 

from the plants. 

Lorraine Hargreaves, Brandon MB. 

I place a couple of matches, from 

a matchbook, in the hole when I 

transplant seedlings. I get pestfree 

and disease-free peppers 

from each plant. In twenty years I 

have never had a pepper crop 

failure. 

P. Sidney Irwin, Morrisburg ON. 

PUMPKINS 

Pinch off the tips of the pumpkin 

vines when four to six pumpkins 

have appeared. Growth will go 

into the pumpkin and not the 

leaves and vines. 

Joan Williams, St. Stephen NB. 

When pumpkins start to form, 

take a ballpoint pen and print 

your grandchildren's or special 

names on them. The name will 

enlarge as the pumpkin grows. 

Mrs. L. Freeth, Winnipeg MB. 

Place boards under developing 

pumpkins to help keep them from 

rotting. To keep pumpkins round 

and evenly colored, lift and turn 

them regularly. 

Maryann Yarga, Rock Glen SK. 

To grow pumpkins in colder 

climates, plant them on top of a 

compost pile. Plants that normally 

take one hundred to one hundred 

and twenty days to bear fruit, will 

do it under sixty days. 

Mrs. G. Goldsmith, Prince George BC. 


RADISHES 

After planting and harvesting your 

spinach, plant radishes in the same 

row. Your radishes will not have 

any worms. 

Mrs J. Hermann-Roll, Shelburne 

ON. 

Every ten days, I plant new 

radishes from the first of May 

until well into the summer. This 

way we never run out of fresh 

salad produce and less goes to 

waste. 

Laurie Hodgins, Pipestone MB. 

RHUBARB 

Nitrates lightly raked in around 

the soil of your rhubarb patch will 

give a bountiful crop. This should 

be done between February and 

March. 

Lili Muise, Yarmouth NS. 

ROSEMARY 

Grow in clay pots buried just 

beneath the surface of your 

garden's soil. Doing so facilitates 

moving them indoors when the 

weather gets cold since they are 

temperature sensitive and may 

perish if you do not protect them. 

Audrey Rooke, Grande Prairie AB. 

SPINACH 

Plant in the fall so you can be 

eating spinach from the garden in 

the first week of May - even on 

the prairies. 

Bill Ritchie, Edmonton AB. 


Cut spinach to the ground, in late 

fall, leaving the roots in and 

mulch them well. It will survive 

very cold temperatures and yield 

new growth in early spring. 

Andre Grenier, Ste Barbe QC. 

SQUASH 

Build a mound of soil with a 

gravel base twelve feet in 

diameter and three to four feet in 

height to grow squash. Enrich the 

soil with well-rotted manure. 

Squash can be planted in less 

space. 

Harry Lasn, Shabaqua ON. 

Plant on or around manure and 

compost piles. Squash like rich 

conditions and since they need a 

lot of area, they will cover the 

unsightly piles and free up 

valuable space for other 

vegetables. 

John Hutton, Norval ON. 

SUNFLOWERS 

I plant a row of sunflowers on 

either end of my windswept 

garden. They make a great 

windbreak, offer a shady cool spot 

for certain vegetables, provide 

food for the birds over the winter 

and trap snow for extra spring 

moisture. 

Betty Grech, Mannville AB. 

Be sure to feed the birds through 

the summer. The sunflower seeds 

attract birds that eat garden insects. 

In five or six years I have also never 

seen a potato beetle in my garden. 

Jean Nichols, Mitchell ON. 

143

When your sunflowers have fully 

bloomed, take onion sacks or nets 

and wrap the sunflowers. This 

prevents the birds from eating the 

seeds when they are fully mature. 

Natalie Scherbey, Regina SK. 

If you take the bottom leaves of a 

sunflower plant off, the heads will 

grow larger. 

Catherine Sperle, Unity SK. 

SWISS CHARD 

Do not dig up your swiss chard in 

the fall. Just leave "as is" and you 

will have a great crop the next year. 

Lois Wilson, Toronto ON. 

TOMATOES 

Mix some fresh grass clippings 

with the soil, when you plant your 

tomatoes. It generates warmth 

and the tomatoes thrive. 

Marlene Wilkie, Okotoks AB. 

I grow my tomatoes right beside 

the house over the weeping tile. 

There is always good drainage and 

they never get water logged. 

They also get radiant heat from 

the side of the house. 

P. Shebaylo, Winnipeg MB. 

To enjoy larger tomatoes pinch off 

all the flowers that have not started 

to form a fruit after the first three 

weeks that they started blossoming. 

Pruning is also required. 

Roland Proulx, Sudbury ON. 

To prevent rot on the ends of my 

tomatoes, I put milk, that has 

soured, on the ground beside the 

plants or mix six tablespoons of 

powdered skim milk with two 

quarts of warm water and pour 

this on the soil. Tomatoes love it! 

Annabelle Slattery, Hussar AB. 

144 


Shredded paper or newspaper put 

in the bottom of the hole when 

planting seems to keep the plants 

healthier and insect free. 

Ardith Speaker, Boswell BC. 

When transplanting tomatoes, 

pinch off all the leaves except the 

few on top. Dig a deep hole and 

bury the plant to the top leaves. 

The transplant will be set back a 

little, but the entire stem will 

produce roots and the extra 

nutrition will give extra fruit 

production. 

Claire Bruce, Winfield BC. 

Plant tomatoes in a sunny 

location, in well-drained soil. The 

richer the better! Water 

frequently when dry periods occur. 

Steve Andrusiak, Flin Flon MB. 

Make a mound around your 

tomatoes to keep excess water 

away from the roots. 

L. Bradbury, Newbridge NB. 

In mid August pinch off the 

growing tips of your staked 

tomatoes. This will encourage the 

ones left to develop quickly and 

ripen before frost. 

D. Peebles, Keswick ON. 

In really hot weather, take large 

plastic milk bottles, drill a small 

hole into the cap and a small hole 

into the bottom. Turn upside 

down and put next to the plant 

(about one-quarter of the bottle). 

Fill with water. This will keep the 

roots moist and help the plant. 

Yvonne Greenwood, New Sarepta AB. 


When your tomato plants are 

safely in the ground and cages 

placed over them and one of 

those blustery chinook winds hit 

everything head on, do not panic. 

Raid your husband's closet, 

bringing out all his shirts. Button 

them around the cages one by 

one. The collar drops neatly into 

the cages, tie the sleeves in front 

and they can ride out a warm 

blizzard cozily. When the storm is 

over, toss the shirts into the 

washing machine. He will never 

know! 

Eleanor Long, Red Deer AB. 

When tying tomatoes to stakes, 

use old nylons and they will not 

cut the stems of the plants. The 

nylon gives in the wind and does 

not break the plant plus you are 

recycling for the environment. 

Lois DeBlois, Willow Bunch SK. 

Wood shavings, around plants 

keeps moisture in and keeps the 

tomatoes clean and free of slugs. 

Anna Bauman, Waterloo ON. 

After your tomatoes have blooms, 

go out early in the morning when 

the dew is still on them and brush 

your hand over the blooms. This 

pollinates them quicker and they 

set tomatoes sooner. 

Joy Cockrum, Meadow Lake AB. 

Put a package of matches in the 

hole when you transplant 

tomatoes. The sulphur makes the 

tomatoes larger and sweeter. 

Excellent! 

Margaret Varga, Kelowna BC. 

To prevent tomato skins from 

splitting, you need to give them a 


steady supply of water, rather 

than waiting until they are dry 

and giving them a lot of water at 

once. 

Michelle Dunn, High Prairie AB. 

When planting new seedlings into 

the garden, use half a milk carton 

around the seedling, fill with soft 

soil and vegetable or potato 

peelings. As it grows fill in 

around the plant. It supports and 

feeds it producing a superior 

strong tomato plant. We lost 

"zero" plants last year with this 

method! 

Glenna Seppala, Chitek Lake SK. 

Plant tomatoes in a shallow trench 

laying the stems lengthwise in the 

trench. Cover with soil, leaving 

only the top leaves exposed. No 

need to protect plants from wind 

and sun exposure. 

Pauline Cameron, Carlyle SK. 

Last year I had one tomato 

seedling left with no place to put 

it, so I planted it right in the 

compost pile. It had three times 

more tomatoes than the ones I 

pampered. 

Donna Fleet, Woodstock ON. 

Water your tomatoes with 

lukewarm water. Cold water will 

stop them from growing for up to 

eight hours. Use green manure to 

water them with (one-third parts 

green plants, and two-thirds parts 

water). Let stand for seven days, 

then pour onto plants. 

Brenda Volke, Kelowna BC. 

Sprinkle baking soda on the soil 

around plants to keep pests away. 

145


It also cuts back on the tomatoes 

acidity. 

Bill Jewell, Elnora AB. 

WATERMELON 

When enough fruit is fully grown, I 

snip eight to ten inches off the vine 

ends to encourage faster ripening 

of the fruit. 

Kathy Hildebrand, Halbstadt MB. 

Rather than waiting for fully 

matured watermelons, pick them 

while they are still young and 

about two inches in diameter. 

Steam them and serve with butter. 

Tastes great! 

Mrs. S. King, Bengough SK. 

ALYSSUM 

I like to plant some white alyssum 

behind some petunias in my 

flower border. It gives the sense 

of depth to the flowerbed. 

Diane Garrod, Oakbank MB. 

BABY'S BREATH 

To keep baby's breath from falling 

down, I cut the bottom out of a 

whiskey barrel and placed it 

around the plant. I put a red 

pump beside it. It looks like a 

barrel of sudsy bubbles! 

Cheryl Kayter, Moose Jaw SK. 

CACTUS 

Delightful Flower Tips 

For the sweetest, tastiest 

watermelon include the equivalent 

of two double handfuls of chicken 

manure (well rotted) at planting 

time. When July arrives, repeat 

and keep plants well watered. 

Harvest when ready and enjoy a 

dazzling, mouth-watering treat. 

Robert Cerna, Port Burwell ON. 

For early watermelons use large 

plastic garbage bags, puncture 

three holes in each and place on 

the melon mound. Warm water 

will drip from the bag and onto the 

plants during cold nights. This 

produces early and larger melons. 

H. MacDonald, Maryvale NS. 

are effective in choking out wild 

portulaca and other noxious 

weeds. 

Kim Tsuji, Raymond AB. 

COSMOS 

They self-seed very well. Do not 

disturb the ground where you 

planted them the year before and 

soon you will have a lot of plants. 

Move to other parts of the garden 

or space them in the same spot. 

Helen Graham, Trenton NS. 

DELPHINIUM 

Place Christmas cactus outdoors, in 

I like to put tomato cages over my 

delphiniums when they are small 

and they grow into it. It protects 

the shade, during the summer to them from the wind. 

induce Christmas blooming. 

Olive Kunzelman, Morden MB. 

Hazel Westwood, Debolt AB. 

GERANIUMS 

CALENDULAS 

Cut four layers of paper towel to 

When allowed to self-seed, they fit the bottom of a small 


margarine container. Pour in 

warm water - drain off the excess. 

With tweezers place seeds, ten to 

a container, smooth side up. Put 

on the lid and place on top of the 

fridge. Check daily - some 

germinate in as little as twelve 

hours. When three-quarters of an 

inch high, carefully transplant to a 

soil mixture and give them a lot of 

light. 

Peggy Sheffield, Swan Lake MB. 

Spray a mixture of one tablespoon 

epsom salts to one gallon of water 

on your geraniums to bring out 

leaf color and grow larger leaves. 

L. Heinrichs, Lorette MB. 

Take cuttings off geraniums and 

stick them directly into the soil. 

This will provide sturdy young 

plants to winter over in the house. 

William Brownscombe, Winnipeg MB. 

When geranium cuttings are 

growing nicely, keep pinching out 

the middle leaf and soon new 

shoots will start along the stems. 

Mrs. D. Poulton, Quill Lake SK. 

Petals from strong colored 

geraniums can be dried and added 

to pot pourri. They keep their 

color for at least two years. 

Joyce Scriver, Consecon ON. 

HOLLYHOCKS 

Plant hollyhocks where they can 

be seen from a window. If you 

are a bird watcher, you will be 

able to enjoy watching the 

hummingbirds at these flower all 

summer long. 

Sandra Ban, Cupar SK. 


IMPATIENS 

Freeze your seeds for one week 

before planting. 

D. M. Smith, Westlock AB. 

LAVETERA 

Plant flowers along the south side 

of a building and they will bloom 

continuously until freeze-up. 

Mrs. C. Heck, Provost AB. 

Directly sow seeds along the fence 

of your backyard and garden. 

They grow quickly and will 

produce large flowers all summer 

and into the fall. 

Phyllis Kalynchuk, Sherwood Park AB. 

LUPINS 

To germinate lupin seed, freeze 

the seed for at least forty-eight 

hours, then soak overnight and 

they will sprout sooner. Better 

yet, sprinkle the seed on the snow 

and let nature take its course. I 

have had the best results this way! 

Annelle Johnstone, Birch Hills SK. 

147


MORNING GLORY 

Plant seeds at the end of February 

in pots. Place them in a south 

window. You will need a stick or 

branch for them to climb up. Pinch 

off the tops after the plant 

reaches about two feet. They are 

beautiful all summer! 

Eda Thompson, Lac La Biche AB. 

Start morning glories in your 

home. They will start to bloom in 

the house, giving you spring color. 

Transplant and you have a longer 

blooming season. 

Angie Coombs, Huntsville ON. 

MONARDA 

Attracts hummingbirds. They love 

the color and the perfume. 

Marion Stewart, Pinawa MB. 

NASTURTIUMS 

For a wonderful pot of flowers or 

in old steel tires on your farm, 

plant giant nasturtiums. They 

grow fast, are plentiful and easy 

to look after. They are also 

edible! 

D. Hagman, Mayerthorpe AB. 

PETUNIAS 

If petunias get leggy in midsummer, 

cut back, mulch with 

compost, water well and in no 

time they will look springtime 

fresh again. 

Paula Dixon, Belle River ON. 

PHLOX 

Use a mild solution of baking soda 

and water with a little mild 

detergent added to combat 

mildew. 

Jean Little, Barrie ON. 

SILVER MOUND 

Cut back silver mound in early July 

and instead of a leggy plant, you 

will have a nice mound in a few 

weeks. 

Matilda Chmielewski, Manning AB. 

SNAPDRAGONS 

Pinch out the center flower stalk 

after planting. This encourages 

the plant to bush out. 

Georgina Sorkilmo, High River AB. 

If your snapdragons are growing 

tall and lanky due to too much 

rain and no sun, pinch the plants 

back and there will eventually be 

numerous flowers. 

Adeline Simpson, Calgary AB. 

SWEET PEAS 

Plant early in the spring while 

frost is still in the ground. I have 

used a hammer and a spike to 

make the holes for the seeds. 

Colleen Wolstenholme, Weekes SK. 

Sweet Peas seeds can be grown in 

a glass with kleenex. Water 

regularly and transplant outside 

when they are one to two inches 

high. 

Rachel Coulter, London ON. 

Plant sweet peas with gladiolus 

against a short trellis. The sweet 

peas bloom first and the gladioli 

take over as the sweet peas fade 

offering beautiful blooms from 

spring to fall. 

Susan Kingdon, Valleyview AB. 

Along the inside of our backyard 

fence I plant thirty-five feet of 


sweet peas. They climb up a seven 

foot garden net creating a colorful 

background for the garden. 

Delores Yung, Watrous SK. 

Sweet peas do well if planted as 

early as possible (even if there is 

still a bit of snow around) on the 

east side of a building or fence. 

Provide a trellis or wire support as 

they may reach eight or nine feet 

in height. Pick the blooms 

frequently. They make one of the 

nicest gift bouquets! 

Louise Hathaway, Lloydminster AB. 

Plunge fresh cut sweet peas into 

hot tap water to instantly release 

their scent into your home. 

Heather Parsons, Calgary AB. 

Parsley planted among roses 

enhances their fragrance and also 

discourages pests. 

Eva Chernishenko, Virgil ON. 

Plant a row of flowers in your 

vegetable garden to attract the 

bees for pollination. 

Katie Deslauriers, Preeceville SK. 

Plant sweet peas with your regular 

garden peas. They give a lot of 

color and scent when you are 

working in the garden. You will 

also need only one set of wire for 

the climbers. 

S. Daigle, 100 Mile House BC. 

Plant peas and bush beans in 

double rows eight to ten inches 

apart with a row of compost in 

between. As the plants grow 

together, they shade their roots to 

retain moisture and prevent 

weeds from robbing the nutrients 

supplied by the compost. Also 


VIOLETS 

Beneficial Companion Planting 

Mix one teaspoon of epsom salts 

in a liter of water and water your 

African violets with this once a 

month. This will keep them 

blooming all summer. 

Irene Jamieson, Boyle AB. 

ZINNIAS 

To continue seeing your zinnias 

bloom throughout the summer, 

pinch back the faded flowers. This 

causes the nutrients to go the the 

remaining blooms. 

G. Corbey, Oak River MB. 

makes harvesting doubly 

rewarding! 

Leonard Mailloux, Tilbury ON. 

Mix your carrot and radish seeds 

when planting. As you pull out 

the radishes, you will not have to 

thin the carrots. 

Mary Semchuk, Regina SK. 

To save space, sow radish and 

lettuce together in the same row. 

Radish will mature and get picked 

early, leaving the lettuce, which 

takes longer, to finish growing 

and fill out the row. 

Hilda McPhail, Belmont MB. 

Plant bush beans with potatoes. 

Beans help repel the potato beetle 

and potatoes repel the bean 

beetle. They are best companions 

planted in alternate rows. 

Gloria Parker, Hazlet SK. 

149


I usually plant cucumbers in the 

shade of the corn. This way they 

do not wilt in the hot sun. A cloth 

dipped in a tub of water and 

draped over the edge, acts as a 

self-waterer and works well in 

hot, dry weather. 

Angela Jarvie, Kinosota MB. 

I plant sweet peas in between my 

sunflowers so they can grow up 

the stalk. 

Daniel Braithwaite, Landis SK. 

Plant several scarlet runner beans 

about twelve inches in from the 

stem of a trellised honeysuckle 

vine. The beans will use the vine 

branches for support and will 

provide blooms when the vine 

does not. It also keeps the 

hummingbirds coming. 

Barbara Bolce, Caledon East ON. 

Seed radishes and beets together. 

When the radishes are done, your 

beets are well thinned out. 

Sylvia Woloshyn, Kuroki SK. 

Plant onions between broccoli and 

cauliflower to prevent green 

worms from attacking the plants. 

Linda Teskey, Sudbury ON. 

I plant marigolds among my 

potatoes. They keep the bugs 

away and add color to the potato 

patch. 

Helena Archibald, Glenwood AB. 

Plant annual poppies in the row 

with onions and radishes to 

prevent worms in these 

vegetables. 

Vera Chambers, Wabamun AB. 

To have healthy tomatoes, seed 

helpful partners such as 

150 

nasturtiums, poppies and 

marigolds, which attract the 

insects that eat aphids and other 

pests. 

Richard Wandler, Fox Valley SK. 

Scatter spinach seeds between 

cucumbers or between onions. 

You will get larger spinach leaves 

and you save space. 

V. Bizon, Edmonton AB. 

We plant lettuce in the shade of 

corn. The lettuce still gets the sun 

it needs to grow, but is protected 

from the intense sun that makes it 

fail to thrive in late summer. 

Madeleine Blades, Jordan Falls NS. 

Plant radishes and parsnips 

together in the same row. The 

radishes come up first and help 

break the way for the parsnips. 

Marilyn Hoegl, Lloydminster SK. 

I grow poppies in my vegetable 

garden. They come up every year, 

and grow throughout the garden. 

Alice Willard, North Cobalt ON. 

Plant garlic with tomatoes to repel 

red spider mites. 

Janice Cunningham, Fairview AB. 

Beets do not mind partial shade. 

Grow them between tall rows of 

other crops. 

Alvina Sobus, Nokomis SK. 

We plant dwarf nasturtium seeds 

around the base of corn. The 

nasturtiums provide a great source 

of water retention for the corn 

and an abundant display of color. 

Cheryl Whittle, Edmonton AB. 


I use old peas and beans to help 

replenish my rock gardens. Toss 

the seeds between perennials. 

When they germinate, they grow 

long before the regular flowers. 

Then I snip them down to add 

valuable compost to my rock 

garden. 

Bonny Hagen, Prince George BC. 

Plant four to six radish seeds in the 

middle of each mound of squash, 

pumpkin, zucchini or cucumber. Let 

the radishes bloom. The striped 

cucumber beetles have stayed away 

from my crops. 

Maureen Pardy, Bear River NS. 

Plant thyme as a companion for 

dill. Aphids do not like it. 

M. Koshelanyk, Paradise Hill SK. 

My husband and I grow a large 

patch of tomatoes each year. I 

have been growing the herb, 


borage, with my tomatoes. It is 

amazing to see the number of 

bees that this attractive herb 

brings to our garden. We have 

noticed an increase in our tomato 

crops as well as the cucumbers and 

anything else which benefits from 

bee pollination. 

M. Lessmeister, Lake Lenore SK. 

Plant onions and mint together to 

discourage root maggots in the 

onions. 

B. Davis, Livelong SK. 

Sunflowers planted among the 

corn help to keep away the "corn 

borer" which attacks the corn. 

Mary MacKenzie, Meagher's Grant NS. 

Plant sunflowers beside your 

potatoes. The potato bugs go to 

the sunflower plants instead of 

your potatoes. There is no need 

to dust your plants. 

Linda Main, Richer MB. 

151


I plant garlic beside each of my 

rose bushes. A very effective way 

to keep my rose bushes insect free. 

Pat Bolen, Salmon Arm BC. 

If you have a small garden area, 

plant vegetables and flowers in 

different "plots" of various 

geometric designs. This makes for 

a higher yield as well as a very 

interesting conversation piece. 

Leona Wall, Vermilion Bay ON. 

I plant scarlet runner beans 

around my apple tree. No harm 

to the tree and the bees love it. 

Anne Lenko, Sangudo AB. 

Mix parsley seeds with parsnip and 

carrot seeds. The parsley and 

parsnips seem to germinate better 

in the same row with carrots. 

Stella Sloboda, Henribourg SK. 

Plant herbs in flowerbeds near the 

house. They add attractive foliage 

and aromas. 

Barbara Plett, Landmark MB. 

You will not have worms in your 

onions if you plant onions and 

carrots together or plant a row of 

carrots close to the onions. 

Laura Thompson, Lloydminster SK. 

I plant early spinach and squash in 

the same bed. The spinach is 

harvested by the time the squash 

plants are taking up space. A 

handful of zinnia seeds in 

amongst the squash is also nice. 

They pop up through the tangled 

vines and look very pretty. 

Devina Brookman, Chemainus BC. 

Plant calendula flowers on both 

sides of tomato plants to 

discourage tomato hornworm. 

Florence Fawcett, Stratford ON. 

If gardening space is limited, I 

plant carrots in my flowerbed. 

The fern-like tops make a nice 

backdrop for the colorful blooms. 

M. Fedoryshyn, Falcon Lake MB. 

Plant garlic in your row of onions 

and you will not have onion 

maggots. 

Debbie Ash, Glentworth SK. 

I always plant marigolds between 

cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower 

to deter bugs. A row crop cover 

ensures protection to young 

plants. 

Linda Franklin, Chetwynd BC. 

Transplant head lettuce or 

romaine between broccoli plants. 

They appreciate the shade and are 

usually harvested before the 

broccoli heads are up. 

Lorraine Falcioni, North Augusta ON. 

We grow our pumpkins under our 

old apple tree and train the vines 

to grow up the branches of the 

tree. In the fall, you see yellow 

fruit hanging down or sitting on 

the tree branches. 

Mrs. I. Maslanko, Fruitvale BC. 

I plant pumpkins and squash 

among my daffodils. By the time 

the plants are up, the daffodils 

have finished their spring show 

and I save space. 

Ruth Chorney, Rose Valley SK. 

Plant tomatoes between 

asparagus and you will have 

virtually no asparagus beetles. 

Marie Mcintosh, Brussels ON. 

If you do not have room for a 

vegetable garden, plant bronze 


leaf lettuce in your border and a 

tomato plant between your 

flowers and chives as an edging. 

Plant sugar snap peas and pole 

beans with your morning glories 

and sweet peas. 

Sonja Pawliw, Yorkton SK. 

To all organic gardeners!! Did you 

ever try creating a wild vegetable 

& flower garden? Mix tomatoes, 

okra, carrots, cabbages, 

BEANS 

When cooking green or yellow 

beans (fresh or frozen) I always 

use one small to medium onion 

(diced, sliced or whole). For those 

who do not like onions, use the 

whole onion and discard it when 

the beans are cooked. It takes the 

"rawness" taste out of the beans. 

Shirley Halpape, Calgary AB. 

BEETS 

Dry beet greens, crumble them 

and add to soups and stews for a 

better flavor and nutrition. 

Nancy Timm, Wildwood AB. 


Wholesome Storage Methods 

strawberries, peppers, onions, 

garlic, herbs, pansies, nasturtiums, 

etc. (whatever you want, but 

make sure every plant gets 

sufficient sunlight). When the 

plants mature, you will notice 

there are less diseases and 

unwelcomed bugs but most of all 

you will have healthy, organic 

vegetables & flowers! 

Niko Mejia, Calgary AB. 

BROCCOLI 

To get rid of worms, soak heads of 

broccoli in warm water with a 

drop of vinegar for 15 minutes. 

Christine Adler, Port Carling ON. 

BRUSSELS SPROUTS 

To have brussels sprouts far into 

the winter, cut stalks at the soil 

level after first frost. Remove 

leaves and lower sprouts and 

keeps stalks in buckets, with a bit 

of water, in a cold shed or garage. 

Sprouts keep fresh for several 

months. 

Elizabeth L'Windt, Eastern Passage NS. 

153


CARROTS 

When carrots are cleaned and 

stored in plastic bags in the fridge 

crisper, they will keep as fresh as 

from the garden for three to four 

months. Excellent! 

Leslie Rutledge, Dawson Creek BC. 

To keep carrots, cut off the tops 

and bottoms (so there is no 

chance of them growing) and 

layer them in a container with 

peat moss. 

Olive Macrae, Eastend SK. 

For longer storage of carrots put 

semi-moist garden soil on the top 

of a pail that is three-quarters full 

of carrots (cut tops off and do not 

wash the carrots). Store in a cool 

place. Carrots will last until 

spring. 

Marcus Sannerud, Battleford SK. 

In the fall, I purchase a few 

inexpensive laundry bags of meshlike 

fabric. I rinse the carrots, cut 

off the tops and place them 

loosely in the bags. Put them in 

the washing machine, on gentle 

cycle, using cold water wash and 

rinse. The carrots are ready for 

pickling, cooking or eating. A 

great time saver! 

Gail Meir, Dauphin MB. 

CORN 

After picking corn on the cob, 

immerse it immediately in cold 

water. It will be sweeter when 

cooked or prepared for the 

freezer. 

Carol Oelke, Leduc AB. 

For fresh tasting corn, freeze it 

without blanching. Husk corn, 

remove silks, then wrap cob in the 

husks and cover with plastic wrap. 

Store in a brown paper bag, then 

in a plastic bag and place in the 

freezer. 

M. Kerber, Saskatoon SK. 

CUCUMBERS 

Before pickling, never soak the 

cucumbers in water. They will fill 

up with water, which prevents the 

brine from soaking in. This is the 

reason for most pickle failures. 

Gloria Mock, Medicine Hat AB. 

HERBS 

Bring delicate herbs, such as 

rosemary, in for the winter and replant 

them in the spring. 

Lori Lane, Red Deer AB. 

When herbs are ready to dry, pull 

the plant out, gently wash the 

entire plant and pin the plant root 

to the clothesline. They dry very 

well. 

Eva Digney, Raymore SK. 

After harvest, hang herbs in 

bunches to dry. The best place to 

hang them is someplace dark, 

with good ventilation, low 

humidity and soft breezes (e.g. a 

dry attic or loft). When dry, store 

in jars away from light and heat. 

Lenora McDonald, Brandon MB. 

KOHLRABI 

A nice addition to cucumber, 

tomato, and lettuce salads is cut 

up sticks of kohlrabi. Wrapped in 

plastic wrap, kohlrabi will keep in 

the refrigerator for months. 

Irene Boehm, Hodgeville SK. 

ONIONS 

To dry onions, put them in a nylon 

stocking. Tie the stocking after 


each one, so if one spoils, it will 

not affect the rest. Fill the stocking 

and hang it on the clothesline until 

the onions are dried. When you 

want an onion, just cut the 

stocking below the knot. 

Eileen Winters, Frontier SK. 

PEAS 

A time saving tip when canning 

peas: blanch them for three 

minutes in hot (not boiling) water. 

Dip them out with a wire sieve and 

into cold water, saving the hot 

water for the next batch. While 

still warm, shell the blanched peas. 

Annie Penner, Altona MB. 

PEPPERS 

Plant a few pepper plants in pots 

and sink them in the garden. Then 

in the fall they will produce 

indoors for many weeks. 

Kristina Altun, Kelowna BC. 

PUMPKINS 

Freeze pumpkin in one or two cup 

packages to be in required 

quantities commonly used in 

recipes. 

Dorothy Nelson, High Bluff MB. 

TOMATOES 

When the growing season for 

tomatoes has ended, pick the vines 

(roots and all) containing the 

unripened tomatoes. Bunch the vines 

together and tie them. Hang them 

upside down and store them in a 

cool, dark place. This will provide you 

with fresh tomatoes for an extra few 

months during the winter season. 

Selina Fry, Brigus NF. 

When freezing whole tomatoes cut 


out the stems and place the 

tomatoes in plastic bags. Once you 

take them from the freezer, dip 

them in hot water and the skins 

come off easily. 

Thelma Smith, Dryden ON. 

TURNIPS 

To keep turnips fresh for weeks, 

wash them and put them in a large 

plastic bag with small holes 

punched in it to allow them to 

"breathe". Small whole turnips 

can be washed, then put in the 

freezer for soups or stews. When 

you take them out of the freezer, 

put them in cold water for just a 

few minutes (do not let them 

thaw). Peel and cut them when 

the flesh part is still frozen. They 

are very sweet. 

Joyce Gauthier, Cochrane ON. 

ZUCCHINI 

Zucchini can take the place of 

cucumbers in mustard pickles and 

no one will know the difference. 

J. Mercer, Hinton AB. 

OTHER 

Reserve combined summer veggie 

bits (almost any combination 

except beets). Dice (if required), 

steam, blanch or dehydrate and 

store in air tight jars. Add to 

leftover meat, fowl juices or 

broths. Simmer with half a cup of 

rice, barley or pasta. Season and 

serve. Makes an excellent soup! 

K. Lindstrom, Halifax NS. 

155


Used coffee grounds will get rid of 

ants in the garden and in the 

house. 

Louise Rice, Terrace BC. 

Hot pepper spray for aphids: mix 

half a cup of finely chopped hot 

pepper with one pint of water. Let 

stand for twenty-four hours and 

then simmer for a short time. Cool 

and strain. Add a small amount of 

soap solution to coat the plant. It 

kills the aphids on contact. 

Madeline Gibson, St. Stephen NB. 

Boil one garlic bulb and some 

rhubarb leaves together for ten 

minutes. Strain and cool. Add 

three tablespoons of dish 

detergent. Mix thoroughly and 

use as a spray for aphids and 

other bugs on plants. 

Ruby Milligen, Didsbury AB. 

Boil rhubarb leaves, old hand soap 

bars and garlic. Spray on fruit 

trees to kill aphids and other 

bugs. Environmentally friendly! 

Elizabeth Stewart, Invermere BC. 

A truly organic spray for aphids 

and many other pests: juice or 

grind three large onions, six large 

garlic cloves and two tablespoons 

of tabasco sauce. Strain through 

an old nylon stocking and add to 

one gallon of water and one 

teaspoon of dish soap. Put in a 

sprayer. Use only after natural 

pollination time. 

Vega Johnson, Kaslo BC. 

An inexpensive and effective way 

to rid houseplants and garden 

plants of aphids and other pests, 

"No-Nonsense" Pest Control 

spray with a solution of dish 

detergent and water. 

Marie Petrie, New Waterford NS. 

To control bugs on fruit trees, 

crush a clove of garlic, mix with 

water and spray on the tree. 

Rosalie Gardezi, Sault Ste. Marie ON. 

If you want to have your radishes 

free of bugs, just sprinkle a thin 

layer of garlic powder in the row, 

plant your seeds and cover with 

soil. 

W. Forstbauer, Fort Steele BC. 

To keep bugs away from rose 

bushes and flowering plants, use 

this natural formula: to one gallon 

of water, add one onion and a 

clove of garlic (peeled). Leave for 

twenty-four hours and spray on 

the bushes. 

Helen Belisle, Kerrobert SK. 

Sage scattered on cabbage family 

plants, repels the cabbage 

butterflies. 

V. Ford, Calgary AB. 


To prevent aphids in the garden or 

flowerbeds, plant chives, garlic or 

herbs among your plants. 

R. Huber, Regina SK. 

Spread old, sheer curtains over 

your cabbages and no cabbage 

butterflies can get in. Hold the 

curtains down with rocks or 

stakes. 

Patricia Suhan, St. Lina AB. 

Place a chunk of rhubarb in the 

hole when transplanting 

cauliflower, broccoli or cabbage. 

This helps to keep the root weevil 

beetles away. 

Wendy Rocco, Duncan BC. 

Drizzle cabbage plants with a 

mixture of vinegar and icing sugar 

to stop cabbage butterflies. 

M. Patterson, Ottawa ON. 

To keep ants away in the summer 

when children often spill sweet 

drinks, keep a fresh piece of 

cucumber (preferably the end, it 

lasts longer) under the sink. 

Christina Holtby, Surrey BC. 

Sprinkling boric acid or baking 

soda under the kitchen sink will 

rid your house of cockroaches. 

When they get back to their 

hiding places, they will lick their 

feet and die. 

Mrs. B. Wuorijarvi, Thunder Bay ON. 

A used dryer sheet placed around 

new bedding and vegetable plants 

prevents cutworms. The dryer 

sheet eventually rots in the 

ground. 

C. Poole, Calgary AB. 


Sprinkle corn meal on your 

cabbages to eliminate worms. 

L. Ford, Nepean ON. 

When planting cabbage plants 

into the garden, wrap the stem 

with a piece of wax paper to 

prevent cutworm damage. 

Dora Bzowy, Dauphin MB. 

To stop cutworms from cutting off 

your bedding plants, sprinkle 

yellow cornmeal around the base 

of the plants. 

Alva Albers, Christopher Lake SK. 

To rid your garden of certain pests 

and insects, sprinkle garlic salt on 

the ground around peas, beans, etc. 

Louise Gauthier, Val Gagne ON. 

In early spring, slice a grapefruit 

and put it around the trunk and 

base of peach trees. Earwigs, etc. 

will not bother the tree or the 

fruit. 

R. McNiven, Nanaimo BC. 

To keep the earwig population 

down, I use the following mixture: 

fill a five gallon watering can with 

hot water, add half a tablespoon 

of liquid dish detergent and mix 

thoroughly. Pour into the cracks 

of fences, trellises and around the 

foundation of the house. This is 

most effective in late spring when 

the earwigs are still young. 

L. Carson, Vancouver BC. 

To catch and kill earwigs, mix one 

tablespoon of molasses, one 

tablespoon of oil, one teaspoon of 

yeast and one cup of water. Set 

out in cans. 

Carol MacNeil, Tantallon NS. 

157


To get rid of aphids, mix a few 

soap flakes and one teaspoon of 

baking soda in one liter of water. 

Spray on the plants. Test one or 

two plants first to make sure the 

soda does not burn the infested 

plant. 

Mrs. A. Seaman, Hanna AB. 

A safe way to cure fire blight in 

fruit trees is to mix equal amounts 

of apple cider vinegar and water. 

Spray it on the trees early in the 

spring and through the growing 

season if needed. 

Peggy Ewacha, Zhoda MB. 

Basil repels flies and mosquitoes. 

Kim Jespersen, Pickardville AB. 

After seeding turnips, cover with 

old sheer curtains to protect the 

seedlings from flea beetles. The 

seedlings will lift the curtains 

while growing and will still get 

plenty of light as well as rain. 

K. Klassen, Burlington ON. 

Try planting a variety of aromatic 

plants such as chives, dill, basil and 

garlic in the garden to help 

control pests. 

Marian Malowany, Regina SK. 

When planting my radishes and 

carrots in the same row, I scatter a 

few black tea leaves in the soil. It 

seems to keep the pests away 

from the radishes. 

Dorothy Loffler, Salmon Arm BC. 

Citronella plants help to keep 

mosquitoes away. Put two or three 

on your deck, lightly brush the 

foliage and it will discharge a lemony 

scent that mosquitoes do not like. 

Sharon Pearson, Golden BC. 

For bug spray, mix together one 

gallon of water, one tablespoon of 

tabasco sauce, one tablespoon of 

liquid dishwashing detergent and 

one quart of rubbing alcohol. I 

spray all my flowers and shrubs 

with this mixture before entering 

them in the fair and all the bugs 

are off my plants. It can be sprayed 

on the garden and yard too. 

R. Olson, Toronto ON. 

To keep maggots out of onions, 

plant spruce needles with the 

onion seeds or sets. 

Clare Carlson, Camrose AB. 

I use cayenne pepper and garlic 

powder around my onions. It 

seems to keep the bugs away. 

Anne Plummer, Saskatoon SK. 

Take a gallon of water and one 

cup of vinegar. Pour it into a row 

and plant your onion bulbs and 

watch them grow. No maggots! 

Anne Woytiuk, Krydor SK. 

We had trouble with radishes 

getting worms in them so we 

sprinkled sulphur in the row with 

the seeds. No more worms! 

Christina Brechin, Bruce Mines ON. 

Spreading bulk bran flakes around 

hostas will deter slugs. This also 

works on cutworms when planting 

beans. 

Nancy Gill, Vernon River PE. 

To keep potato beetles away, roll 

the potato seed in bone meal and 

let dry overnight before planting. 

I have done this for two years and 

have not had any potato bugs. 

Glennis Hopkins, Clanwilliam MB. 


G A R D E N I N G 

Clever Animal Tactics 

T I P S 

BEARS 

To keep birds from raiding your 

berry bushes, cut up orange 

A bright light on a motion sensor garbage bags into strips and tie 

keeps bears out of the compost them to your bushes. The orange 

pile. 

strips seem to confuse the birds 

Doug Pederson, Hagensborg BC. 

and they will leave your berries 

alone. 

BIRDS 

Helen Machura, Vilna AB. 

To keep the birds from eating 

your lettuce, strawberries, etc. put 

a string between two stakes over 

your rows and hang aluminum foil 

"bows" from the string. 

Dorothy McDonald, Assiniboia SK. 

I hang aluminum tart shell cups in 

my saskatoon trees to repel the 

birds. 

Dawn Holmlund, Wetaskiwin AB. 

To prevent our saskatoons from 

being eaten by robins, I sewed a 

tent made of nylon sheer. We 

used bricks to hold it down. It lets 

in light but not the birds. 

Anne Wilkie, Regina SK. 

Slip small rubber bands over corn 

ears to keep the birds from eating 

them. 

Mrs. L. Stanley, Gainsborough SK. 

For easy to make scarecrows that 

keep birds away, spray paint 

aluminum pie plates yellow. Hang 

them in the garden. You can also 

coat your foil pan scarecrows with 

cooking oil. The yellow sticky 

surface attracts and traps many 

damaging insects. 

Eileen Telawsky, New Sarepta AB. 

CATS 

Sprinkle used coffee grounds in 

your flower beds to prevent cats 

from digging in them. 

Audrie Seidl, Biggar SK. 

Surround your vegetable and 

flower garden with marigolds. It 

keeps cats from digging there and 

encourages bees for pollination. 

Joy Edmonds, Brandon MB. 

159


To keep cats and dogs out of your 

flowerbeds, sprinkle liberally with 

black pepper. The animals dislike 

the smell. 

Mary Highmoor, Glenavon SK. 

Lay wire decorative fence 

segments in your flowerbed to 

keep cats away. You can plant in 

between the wires and the cats 

will stay away because they do 

not like scratching against the 

wire bars. 

Janice Gattinger, Neudorf SK. 

To deter cats from digging in the 

garden or flowerbeds, sprinkle 

crushed chili pepper or any strong 

odoured spice on top of the soil 

around plants. Repeat after a rain 

or watering. 

Gale Biloski, Thunder Bay ON. 

COWS 

I live on a farm and the cows 

reach through the fence into the 

garden. Instead of leaving a two 

foot empty space, I plant 

marigolds along the fence. The 

cows will not reach over the 

marigolds to get at anything else. 

Kate Wittman, Vibank SK. 

DEER 

After years of deer feeding in my 

garden, I finally solved my 

problem simply, inexpensively and 

effectively. I pounded two, four 

foot wooden stakes into the 

ground fifty feet apart, centered 

along the south garden edge. 

Using "Birds Away" tape (one-half 

inch wide, shiny) I tied it to the 

tops of the stakes after twirling it. 

I repeated the same procedure 

160 

along the east edge of the 

garden. Even the slightest breezes 

created a continuous motion and 

whirring sound. I also left trailing 

tape (three feet long) at each 

stake, which the breezes could 

whip about. 

M. Simulik, Edmonton AB. 

To keep deer out of my garden, I 

hang Irish Spring hand soap on 

four foot stakes every twenty to 

thirty feet. 

Charles Levean, Whitney ON. 

To repel deer, save your old tea 

bags and coffee grounds. Scatter 

them around your plants, etc. Deer 

hate it and it is good for the soil. 

Margaret Engler, Qualicum Beach BC. 

We have not had any deer in our 

garden since we hung yellow 

plastic bags on posts in and 

around the garden. 

Boyd Nicolson, Shaunavon SK. 

DOGS 

Spread coffee grounds around the 

base of your fruit trees to 

discourage free running dogs. 

D.Watson, The Pas MB. 

MICE 

Cayenne pepper sprinkled around 

your trees and shrubs discourages 

mice from chewing on them over 

the winter. 

D. Gonet, Haines Junction YT. 

To deter mice we place natural 

blood meal on our asparagus bed. 

The mice stay away from the 

animal odor and blood meal is 

also a good fertilizer. 

Ingeborg Olund, Abbotsford BC. 


MOLES 

If you are having problems with 

moles in your garden, chew up 

some gum and lay it near the 

mole holes. 

Marvin Parker, Listowel ON. 

MOOSE 

I make small bags out of rags, fill 

them with mothballs and hang 

them from the trees. It keeps the 

moose from eating the fruit trees. 

Philip Gaultois, Stephenville NF. 

RABBITS 

Plant onions around the perimeter 

of your garden to discourage 

rabbits. 

Jennifer Duncan, Glen Robertson ON. 

RACCOONS 

To discourage raccoons from 

getting at your corn, plant squash 

among the corn. The raccoons do 

not like getting tangled in the 

sharp vines. 

Lloyd Jackson, St. Stephen NB. 

When planting rows of corn, I 

leave room in between the seeds 

of corn to plant cucumbers. 

Raccoons, who love corn, will stay 

away because the cucumber plants 

become tangled up in their low 

straddle. The cucumber plants 

also appreciate the shade of the 

corn in the hot sun. 

Evangie Michalenko, Hafford SK. 

Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes 

in flower beds where raccoons 

and other animals dig for grubs 

and worms. 

Dan Diebolt, Fergus ON. 


RODENTS 

To keep small rodents away from 

your plants, sprinkle blood meal 

around them. It also nourishes 

the plants. 

Louise Elstad, Stratton ON. 

Plant tansy at frequent intervals 

(in containers to prevent 

spreading) in the garden. It keeps 

squirrels, mice, rabbits and 

raccoons out. 

Audre Andrews, Gananoque QC. 

SQUIRRELS 

Save orange and lemon peels in 

the freezer. In the spring, bury 

the peels just below the surface of 

your soil. It will deter squirrels 

from digging in your garden. 

Louisa Reed, Grand Forks BC. 

WOODPECKERS 

Do you have trouble with 

woodpeckers attacking your 

buildings and trees? Make a paste 

of cooked jalapeno peppers and 

spread with a brush over the 

surfaces to deter the pests. Be 

sure to wear gloves when 

handling peppers. 

Shari Howe, Foam Lake SK. 

161

Use your lawn mower to chop up 

your potato and tomato vines, if 

you do not have a shredder, when 

preparing your garden for the fall. 

It is easy to roto-till them into the 

soil. 

Kathy Sarrazin, Salmon Arm BC. 

When you are mixing powders to 

use in your sprayer, add two 

tablespoons of lemon juice to 

three gallons of spray. It helps to 

dissolve the powder and does not 

clog the sprayer. Mix well. 

James Griffin, Chilliwack BC. 

Place foam in the bottom of your 

hanging planters. If you are away 

for a few days, the water will soak 

into the foam and your plants will 

stay moist. 

Margaret Ellis, Sylvania SK. 

Use your old electric frying pan to 

warm "heat loving seeds". Place a 

folded towel in the bottom and 

place pots of tomato, squash, etc. 

seeds on the towel. Cover with 

the lid and with the vent open. 

Set the temperature control to 

ultra low. Check seeds two or 

three times every day. Remove the 

pots when seeds have sprouted. 

Maureen Evans, Chatsworth ON. 

Water patio plants with cooled 

potato water for more lush leaves 

and flowers. 

Helen Dunbar, Drumheller AB. 

Recycle small soap pieces. Put 

them in a mesh onion bag and tie 

it to your outdoor tap. It serves as 

a good scrubber when washing 

your hands. 


"Fun And Rewarding" Tips 

Delores Karbon, Carrot Creek AB. 

Put your seeds in the deep freezer 

for a week before planting. Plant 

them as soon as you take them 

out and watch the germination 

rate improve. 

Pat Thibault, Saskatoon SK. 

Place three pennies in your vase 

for cut flowers. The flowers will 

last twice as long. 

Mrs. Charles Dodge, Cabri SK. 

Line plant pots with paper coffee 

filters to keep the potting soil in 

the pot. The used coffee grounds 

can also be salvaged and used in 

trenches while planting onions 

and other maggot prone seeds. 

Anita Ring, Pilot Butter SK. 

Instead of chemical powders, I use 

flour mixed with black pepper 

(one teaspoon pepper to one cup 

flour). Sprinkle this on all 

vegetables and flowers. It is good 

for beetles, worms, moths, etc. It 

is cheaper and organic! 

Saras Naidoo, Battleford SK. 

Conserve water: leave a couple of 

buckets or any container out in 

the rain. During dry periods, use 

that water for plants and shrubs. 

Ivo Arena, Nepean ON. 

For organic gardeners: When 

starting seed indoors, a strong 

chamomile tea solution misted on 

young plants will help prevent 

damping off. Brew it as you 

would for drinking but let it steep 

overnight, then strain. 

B. Scharf, McLeese Lake BC. 


For growing seedlings on a 

window sill, place a mirror behind 

the pots so the light is reflected 

back on the seedlings. 

Jackie Souliers, St. John's NF. 

If you have no composter, bury 

kitchen waste (peelings, coffee 

grounds, tea bags, etc.) between 

your rows in the garden. Dig it in 

to improve your soil. 

E. Rusnak, Prince George BC. 

Do not be afraid to try new 

vegetables and flowers. It 

enhances the pleasure of home 

gardening. 

Aina Miltins, Calgary AB. 

Collect clear plastic shower caps 

and punch holes in them. Put 

over seedlings. The caps work as a 

small greenhouse. 

K. Hall, Sherwood Park AB. 

To give a bouquet of cut flowers 

longer life try this homemade 

preservative: two tablespoons of 

freshly squeezed lemon juice, one 

tablespoon of sugar, one and a 

half teaspoons of bleach and one 

quart of water. Mix the 

ingredients and add half a cup to 

the container of flowers. 

D. Horvey, Cabri SK. 

To speed up slow germinating 

seeds such as carrots, leek and 

parsnips, soak them in hot tea for 

a few hours. Use one tea bag per 

cup of boiling water and add a 

drop of dishwashing detergent. I 

soak most of my seeds in 

lukewarm water overnight. 

Helen Isaackson, Saskatoon SK. 


Mix handfuls of regular flour with 

your small seeds. As you sow the 

seeds, the amount of flour on the 

soil will show where seed 

coverage is especially light or 

heavy. 

Florence Melnyk, Vegreville AB. 

For northern climate composts, try 

running your vegetable waste 

through a blender first, before 

adding it to the compost pile. You 

will find a much faster decaying 

time and a more useable soil the 

next spring. 

Chris Wild, Grande Prairie AB. 

Save the plastic holders, from six 

packs of pop, to make great 

trellises for climbing plants by 

attaching them together with 

twist ties. The holders are very 

strong and invisible for when the 

plants grow up them. You will 

help save the birds and fish from 

getting caught in them when they 

are left on the beach or in 

campgrounds. 

Anne Hebel, St. Laurent MB. 

Plant seeds into dampened tea 

bags. They will germinate well. 

Doris Cholowski, Radway AB. 

To enjoy your fresh cut flowers 

longer, place them in a vase with 

regular 7-UP or Sprite. 

Cheryl Merkley, Sioux Lookout ON. 

When transplanting your plants, 

add a shake or two of cinnamon 

to the soil. This is a natural 

fungicide and will help protect 

young or damaged roots. 

Neville MacKay, Tantallon NS. 

163


Recycle used styrofoam cups and 

plates by crushing them and using 

them in the bottom of planters 

and pots instead of rocks. 

Sheena Read, Nanton AB. 

Mark plant locations with labelled 

popsicle sticks to prevent 

accidental destruction. Also make 

a diagram, cut and paste 

catalogue pictures and write-ups. 

Instant recall about size, needs, 

leaf appearance, height, blooming 

times, etc! 

G. Kowal, Russell MB. 

Use a pair of tweezers to 

transplant small seedlings like 

petunias, lobelia, etc. 

Margaret Coben, Perdue SK. 

Place a mailbox in your garden. It 

164 

is a good place to put your garden 

tools, gloves, etc. They will always 

be handy and stay dry. 

Mrs. N. Chernish, Athabasca AB. 

If you usually root your cuttings in 

water, use a plastic cottage cheese 

container. Cut holes into the lid 

and put a plant through each 

hole. The lid will hold the cutting 

in place. Later lift the lid and cut 

it to free the rooted plants. 

J. Loepelmann, Edmonton AB. 

When starting plants indoors or 

out, mix a small amount of plain 

gelatin with the fine seeds. The 

tint of the gelatin makes the seeds 

easy to see and also nourishes 

them. 

Celine Catellier, Dufrost MB. 


As an additional seed starter tray, I 

use foam egg trays. 

Ethel Rushton, Edmonton AB. 

I transplant cabbage, tomatoes, 

etc. into styrofoam cups. When it 

is time to plant them in the 

garden, the bottom half is cut off 

and the top half serves as a collar 

against cutworms. 

Michael Klym, Ste. Anne MB. 

The plastic containers that cakes 

come in (the domed kind) make 

ideal rooting terrariums. They let 

the light in and keep moisture in. 

Judy Clark, Regina SK. 

To kill sod without heavy digging, 

I mulch with layers of newspaper 

and follow with two to three 

inches of topsoil. Seeds can then 

be planted on top. The 

newspapers will decompose. 

Margery Coons, Schomberg ON. 

Put water in black drums so the 

sun takes the chill out of it. Never 

water plants using ice cold water. 

Lou Rocher, Yellowknife YT. 

To make the most of your garden 

space, at one end of your garden 

plant two rows of early maturing 

vegetables. In the third row plant 

vines and allow them to spread 

into the now empty rows. 

Lea Dissette, Killarney MB. 


Save your water from cooking 

vegetables. Let it cool and pour 

onto herbs, salad greens and 

flowers. In the winter, use the 

water for houseplants. 

Diane Federkiewicz, Atmore AB. 

When blooms or leaves become 

brown snip them off to where 

they start being brown. This will 

let the nutrients get to the 

healthier parts of your plants. 

Tracey Yuzik, Prince Albert SK. 

To keep fresh cut flowers lasting 

longer, cut them early in the 

morning. In a vase with water 

add one tablespoon of clear corn 

syrup and a pinch of bleach. They 

will last beautifully for a week. 

Lisa Harper, Aurora ON. 

Make sure to water your garden 

in the morning while the soil is 

cool. 

M. Robinson, Parksville BC. 

My favorite garden clean up tip is 

to run the lawnmower over the 

dried pea and bean plants. There 

is very little time spent in vine 

cleanup. 

M. Mehler, Tisdale SK. 


165

THE McKENZIE DIFFERENCE 

McKenzie Seeds is Canada‘s 

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Seed Guide 2007 pgs 01/41 - McKenzie Seeds

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