California Native Annual Seeds
Click here for planting instructions and coverage rates.
|
|
|
|
Beginner's Wildflower Sale!
$24.50 value for $20.00
|
| To begin your wildflower education, we have chosen 1/2 ounce each of four of our customer favorites: Baby-Blue-Eyes (Nemophila menziesii), Tidy Tips (Layia platyglossa), Globe Gilia (Gilia capitata), and Farewell-to-Spring (Clarkia amoena). Beautiful and easy to grow, these four make a great beginning, with early spring to midsummer bloom! To insure success, we include our informative pamphlet Notes on Growing California Wildflowers. A great value of $24.50 for only $20.00.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
good to eat
|
butterfly nectar
|
caterpillar
|
hand collected
|
hummingbird
|
pollinator
|
|
|
|
Calandrinia ciliata
Red Maids
An early-blooming annual under 8" tall with petals of intense magenta. Likes full sun, lean soil. Edible seeds and leaves. Prostrate habit. Important indigenous seed food; seed frequently found in archaeological sites. Petals used for rouge. A welcome and endearing first sign of spring. Packets only.
|
|
|
|
Castilleja exserta ssp. exserta
Purple Owl's Clover
Carpets of pink and purple in serpentine and other areas are created by the free-flowering habits of this low-growing annual. Larval food plant for Bay Checkerspot butterfly. Very fine seed, so we offer it by the small packet. A little goes a long way. Not to be included in swathe quarter pound.
| Packet - $6.00 |
|
Not currently available |
|
Click here to view bulk quantity prices (Not currently available)
|
|
 |
|
|
Clarkia amoena
Farewell-to-Spring
Showy lavender to pink flower that brightens the golden hills of California when the spring flowers have gone to seed. Thrives in sun or part shade. A stunning color range from mauve to pink to white, often with blotches of a contrasting color. With irrigation can bloom for as long as 3-4 months. Highly satisfactory garden flower and long-lasting cut flower. Marin to Humboldt Co. Blooms June-Aug, sometimes into Oct. on coast.
|
|
|
|
Clarkia bottae
Showy Farewell-to-Spring (Monterey Farewell-to-Spring)
This clarkia is a dancing, delicate thing growing 1' tall. It has pale lavender-pink flowers with a white center,and is utterly lovely in the flower border, in the meadow, and in containers. Both sun and part-shade. Not to be included in swathe quarter pound.
|
|
|
|
Clarkia concinna ssp racheii
Raiche's Red Ribbons
Deep pink deeply- lobed annual wildflower growing one foot tall, blooming mid-summer. Elegant container plant. We sowed the seed in flats, then transplanted to 4-inch pots, then into the garden, sun or part-shade. Though known from only one north coast locality, this exciting wildflower turned out to be a fairly good seed-producer, and we are thrilled to be able to offer seed, though quantities are limited. Status: Rare.
| Packet - $6.50 |
|
Not currently available |
|
|
|
|
Clarkia rubicunda
Herald-of-Summer
Long-blooming showy pink-lavender flowers with dark red blotch at base of petals. Flower stalks 12 to 18 inches tall. Still blooming in September on the coast. Found in many parts of California, Marin County is its northern limit. Packets only. List substitute in Shopping Cart.
|
|
|
|
Clarkia unguiculata
Mountain Garland
A clarkia growing to 4', this annual is a showy addition to the back of the border. It makes an incredibly long-lasting cut flower, with its pink, red or purple flowers arching gracefully in a bouquet for almost a month. One of the wildflowers that can out-compete weedy grasses. the selected form of this annual....makes a showy addition, etc
|
|
|
|
Claytonia perfoliata
Indian Lettuce (Miner's Lettuce)
This is an incredibly succulent, melt-in-your-mouth raw salad green. Recently it has gained popularity in the gourmet greens world, attracting both world class organic growers and chefs. Spring is its natural season, but this can be extended simply by planting it later and insuring it is kept moist throughout it's growth cycle. It is also an attractive short term (3 month) ground cover which can be helpful in controlling spring growth of invasive non-native grasses. It thrives in both sun and shade.
|
|
|
|
Collinsia heterophylla
Chinese Houses
Lush white, rose, or purple blooms tiered on 2' stalks enhance sunny woodland gardens. Good re-seeding bulb cover with long bloom period. Can be sown in fall and again in early spring for fall bloom.
|
|
|
|
| "No poet has yet sung the full beauty of our poppy, no painter has successfully portrayed the satiny sheen of its lustrous petals, no scientist has satisfactorily diagnosed the vagaries of its variations and adaptability. In its abundance, this colorful plant should not be slighted: cherish it and be ever thankful that so rare a flower is common." |
|
-John Thomas Howell
A Marin Flora |
|
|
Eschscholzia californica
California Poppy
In the spring the hills of California shine with the clear satiny gold blooms of the state flower. Easy to grow, California Poppy is stunning with its traditional companions, the blue lupines. Blooms through the summer if spent blossoms are removed. Though considered an annual, some plants prove to be perennial. Thriving in many parts of the country, California Poppy makes an excellent gift.
Read Judith's blog article about poppies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eschscholzia californica 'Mahogany Red'
Red form of California poppy
Stunning deep-red color selection made in England. Scarlet buds are breathtaking before opening. Due to species variability, Eschscholzia Californica (Mahogany Red) seed may not produce entirely pure red poppies. Some darker orange poppies may propagate from this seed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eschscholzia californica 'Mixed Colors'
Our state flower lends itself to color selections, and many customers have requested this lovely mix of white, pink, yellow, red, and gold poppies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eschscholzia californica 'Moonglow'
White form of the California Poppy
A cream-colored selection we have made here at Larner Seeds. Sets off the vivid colors of other spring wildflowers beautifully. Plant through the spring and summer for bloom into the fall. Perennial at the coast.
Click here to view bulk quantity prices |
|
|
|
|
|
Eschscholzia californica var. californica
Coastal Form California Poppy
The coastal form of the California Poppy is a mounding, low-growing plant with striking gray-blue foliage and deep yellow blossoms. It is perennial and reseeds magnificently, is a joy in bouquets. One of the stars of our coastal border. Not to be included in swathe quarter pound.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eschscholzia caespitosa lobbii
Tufted Poppy, Foothill Poppy
A smaller flower with pale yellow petals, this annual grows 10" tall and equally wide. More delicate than E. californica, it makes a good edging plant and does well in containers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gilia capitata
Globe Gilia
Neat powder-blue flowerballs on 1 to 2 ft. stalks with finely-divided leaves. Thrives on dry banks in the chaparral. Long bloom period. Plant fall or mid-spring to bloom with summer Clarkias. Reliable self-sowing annual. Good cut flower.
|
|
|
|
Gilia tricolor
Bird's Eye Gilia
Charming and dependable California wildflower growing 6" to 12" tall. It is one of the wildflowers that profits from close inspection, with its 1/2" light-blue or violet flowers set off by powder-blue stamen and a yellow throat with a dark purple ring at the top. Long flowering period and good foil to the summer-flowering Clarkias. Marvelous in bouquets. Self-sows, has musky fragrance.
|
|
|
|
Hemizonia congesta ssp. congesta
Hayfield Tarweed (yellow)
Annual wildflower blooming late summer turns fields bright lemon yellow. Grows about 8” tall. Great insectary plant, with unique pungent fragrance. Full sun, grows well on clay. Edible seeds were important food source for indigenous peoples.
| Packet - $6.50 |
|
Not currently available |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hemizonia congesta ssp. luzulifolia
Hayfield Tarweed (white)
This lovely white annual has proved a great garden subject, greening up early and flowering long. Loves hot, dry situations, grows about 2' tall, can be pruned before flowering for bushier plants. Likes banks, grasslands, and full sun.
The tall yellow-blooming flower in the background is elegant madia (Madia elegans). The shorter white-blooming flower in the foreground is hayfield tarweed (Hemizonia congesta ssp. luzulifolia).
|
|
|
|
Lasthenia glabrata
Goldfields
Tiny bright-yellow annual flowers form golden pools that make excellent foil for the larger spring bloomers. We recommend the Trade Packet or Ounce size for effective mass plantings of this species. This plant is one of the primary nectar foodsources for the endangered Checkerspot butterfly. Though fragrance is imperceptible with individual flowers, in masses it becomes heavenly. Attracts goldfinches. Very fine seed.
|
|
|
|
Layia platyglossa
Tidy Tips
Daisy-like yellow flowers with white tips turn coastal bluffs and inland hills to butter from March to June. Likes full sun and lean soil. Adaptable and easy to grow, it will hug the ground on coastal bluffs and richer garden soil and grow to 2' tall. Excellent wildlife attracter. Nectar source for the Checkerspot butterfly. Important element of many wildflower fields. Seed used to make "seed-flour."
|
|
|
|
Limnanthes douglasii
Douglas Meadowfoam
An annual wildflower found in moist places, such as vernal pools and seeps. Yellow petals with white tips make a showy mass in the moist wildflower meadow. Attracts hoverflies, the larvae of one hoverfly eating 600 aphids. A favored nectar source for bees, butterflies, insects. Easy to grow and strong reseeder. Beautiful in containers.
|
|
|
|
Limnanthes douglasii var. nivea
White Seafoam
A pretty addition to our selection of meadowfoam, which we offer in yellow and white, all yellow, and now, all white. Grows near vernal ponds and seasonal wetlands but very garden-adaptable. Part-shade or full sun. Packets only.
| Packet - $5.50 |
|
Not currently available |
|
|
photo by Steve Tyron
www.floralore.com
|
|
Limnanthes alba
White Meadowfoam
An enchanting snowy white annual growing 8-12" tall. Reseeds strongly. Found near vernal ponds, seeps, wet fields, but adaptable to garden conditions.
| 1/2 oz. - $5.50 |
|
Not currently available |
|
Click here to view bulk quantity prices
|
|
|
|
|
Linanthus grandiflorus
Mountain Phlox, Grand Linanthus
One of the most fragrant annual Western wildflower. Lilac, pink, and white clusters of long-blooming, low-growing flowers that also thrive in higher elevations. Can be sown around low-growing perennials for midsummer bloom in the dry border. Thrives in sun or shade. Long bloom period, May-August.
|
|
|
|
Lupinus bicolor
Miniature Lupine
Blue and white annual lupine to 16" Makes good bank planting in full sun. Blooms Spring.
|
|
|
|
Lupinus densiflorus
Gully Lupine
Available in packets only, this annual growing 6" to 12" tall has petals of white to yellow, pink or lavender-tinged. Wide geographic range. Makes beautiful varicolored masses. Blooms later than blue lupines. Packets only.
| Packet - $5.00 |
|
Not currently available |
|
|
|
|
Lupinus densiflorus aureus
Yellow Lupine, Golden Lupine
Yellow annual lupine. A strong grower and a delight to the eye.
|
|
|
|
Lupinus nanus
Sky Lupine
The low-growing annual lupine that turns the flanks of Mt. Tamalpais blue in the spring. Dazzling with California poppies. Likes sun, lean soil. Food plant for Painted Lady butterfly.
|
|
|
|
Lupinus succulentus
Arroyo Lupine
Blue-to-purple flower to 3 ft. casts bluish haze over hills in early spring. One of most reliable annual lupines. Likes sun and drought. Larval food plant.
|
|
|
|
Madia elegans
Elegant Tarweed
For fall bloom plant this stunning annual, 4'-6' tall, with yellow daisy like flowers and deep orange spots at base of petal. It has a clean pungent aroma and edible seeds. Butterfly food. We grow it in our prairie and in large containers.
|
|
|
|
Mentzelia lindleyi
Blazing Star
Upright yellow flower to 2' tall with sheen reminiscent of California Poppies. One of most striking Western wildflowers, particularly good with deep blues like phacelia. Not always available. Packets only. List substitute in Shopping Cart.
|
|
|
|
Nemophila maculata
Five Spot, Calico Flower
White flower with a reddish-purple spot on each petal. A low-grower under 1' good for carpets of delicate bloom in sun or light shade. Spectacular grown in containers. Good under oaks. Easy, and one of our best-sellers at shows.
|
|
|
|
Nemophila menziesii
Baby Blue Eyes
Impossible not to love this clear blue flower with white centers. Charming addition to annual border. Good companion for Chinese Houses, Tidy Tips, Five Spot. Low growing to l0" high. We sow this one regularly throughout the year with excellent results. Sun or part shade. Much grown in England. Also marvelous in containers and as bulb cover. Heralds the beginning of wildflower days. Read Judith's blog article for more info.
|
|
|
|
Oenothera hookeri
Evening Primrose
Western native biennial growing 2-6' high. Bright-yellow 3" flowers open late afternoon. Competes well with grasses. Has a very long bloom time, which is much appreciated by hummingbirds.
|
|
|
|
Phacelia campanularia
Desert Bluebells, California Bluebells
Stunning deep blue flowers with white dots at the base of the petals grace this heat-resistant California annual. Grows to 12" Blooms in eight weeks from seed. Striking contrast with California Poppy or golden Blazing Star.
Click here to view bulk quantity prices |
|
|
|
Phacelia tanacetifolia
Tansy-leaf Phacelia
Annual with bright-blue flowers gives a fuzzy effect. Good in sun or shade, it grows 1-4' high. Fragrant. Good cut flower. In agriculture, used as a cover crop and interplanted with field crops to attract beneficial insects.
| 1/2 oz. - $6.00 |
|
|
| 1 oz. - $10.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Platystemon californicum
Cream Cups
Delectable cream and yellow annual growing under 1' tall, with fuzzy nodding buds. Early spring bloomer but can be planted sequentially for later bloom. Limited quantities; list substitute. Packets only.
| Packet - $5.00 |
|
Not currently available |
|
|
|
|
Salvia columbariae
Chia
If California native plants were to be studied for agricultural potential, we would recommend Chia. Highly nutritious with a mild and nutty taste, it is used to make sprouts, for a refreshing drink, and roasted and ground into meal for pinole. Its pretty blue flowers growing to 2' tall go well with California Poppies. Full sun.
|
|
|
|
Trifolium albopurpureum
Rancheria Clover
Annual clover with showy white and purple flowers March through July. Found in many plant communities. Pretty in containers. Limited quantities. Packets only.
|
|
|
|
Trifolium amoenum
Showy Indian Clover
Rare native clover brought back from the edge of extinction in 1993. One of the prettiest native clovers, it's an annual with pink flowers edged with white and carmine, grows 1' tall. Likes full sun or part-shade. Available in very limited quantities.
|
|
|
|
Trifolium ciliolatum
Tree Clover
One of the annual native clovers that was eaten by indigenous peoples in early spring. Attractive pinkish-purple flowers. Found in many plant communities, including grassland and chaparral, below 5000 feet. Blooms March-June.
|
|
|
|
Trifolium fucatum
Bull Clover
Another edible native clover, with cream, pink, and dark purple flowers. Found in moist places, marshes, ditches, and also serpentine below 3000 feet throughout California. Blooms April-June.
|
|
|
|
|
THE BASICS OF SOWING WILDFLOWER SEEDS
|
|
Spring in California used to mean wildflowers. Lavish, glorious, intoxicatingly beautiful hills and meadows covered with richly and delicately-colored wildflowers of all shapes, sizes, and hues. It must have been one of the wonders of the world, judging from the remnants still to be seen, and from the reactions of early settlers.
In 1850, Jeff Mayfield and his family first encountered the San Joaquin Valley:
"As we passed below the hills the whole plain was covered with great patches of rose, yellow, scarlet, orange, and blue. The colors did not seem to mix to any great extent. Each kind of flower liked a certain kind of soil best, and some of the patches of one color were a mile or more across...My daddy had traveled a great deal, and it was not easy to get him excited about wild flowers or pretty scenery. But he said that he would not have believed that such a place existed if he had not seen it himself."
Traditional Planting Time
Traditional planting time is October and November, but wildflowers are adaptable to many different planting regimes. We sow as late as April on the coast. Seed sown in the spring will usually require some irrigation till the seeds have germinated and made early growth. Some afternoon shade is helpful. Here on the coast, we sow seed in four inch pots through the year for regular planting in the garden.
Weed Control
The most critical factor in reintroducing annual wildflowers is weed control. If the native wildflowers could out-compete weedy species, we would still have scenes such as Jeff Mayfield and other early observers described. Like all annual seeds, wildflowers require good seed-bed with firm seed/soil contact, consistent moisture, and freedom from weed competition. For detailed descriptions of different ways to control weeds and prepare seedbeds, order our "Notes on Growing Wildflowers."
Intimidated by broadcasting seeds? Some gardeners sow in flats or pots, where the environment can be controlled, then transplant the wildflowers into their garden thru the planting season. A good way to learn.
Seed can be bought in bulk and broadcast in meadows, resulting in wildflowers for bringing into the house, for personal adornment, for sitting in, lying in, luxuriating in. They can be planted as garden annuals, carefully chosen
We never can decide which is our favorite way of planting wildflowers Our mixes provide months of lovely color, reseed vigorously, and are an ex-cellent way to educate yourself in wildflowers. On the other hand, planting in swathes is also enticing and allows more control. The four separately-packaged species in our Swathe 1/4 lb. create an opportunity for the gardener to play with color. Try the subtle color variations of a planting of Tidy Tips (Layia platyglossa) with California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) and Goldfields (Lasthenia glabrata), all in the yellow-to-gold range. Little pools of clear blue Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila menziesii) soften this lovely combination. .
Special
Swathe Quarter-pound
Order a Swathe 1/4 lb. and list 4 individual species of your choice, one ounce of each, for $30.00, a savings of $6.00. Note that this offer applies to annual wildflowers only, and not to those which say packet only. Also, note that perennial wildflowers, unless specified, are not sold by the ounce, so should not be among your choices for the Swathe 1/4 lb.
The Swathe 1/4 lb. is our way to promote play with wildflowers.The delicious possibilities are endless. You might choose to plant a pool of tidy tips that overlaps with a pool of goldfields, a dynamite combination often found in those parts of California still fortunate enough to have annual wildflower displays. You might unify these pools with a sprinkling of baby blue eyes or sky lupine. Your fourth species could be an offset sowing of Chinese houses. Delicious! The possibilities are endless!
List four species of your choice in Shopping Cart:
Coverage
Hand-collected seed that is available by packet only: one packet supplies enough seed for twenty to thirty plants.
| Coverage Rates By Weight: |
| 1/2 oz. sows an area approximately 25 sq. ft., or an area 5' x 5'. |
| 1 oz. sows an area approximately 50 sq. ft., or 10' x 5'. |
| 1/4 lb. sows an area approximately 200 sq. ft., or 10' x 20'. |
| 1/2 lb. sows an area approximately 400 sq.ft., or 20' x 20'. |
| 1 lb. sows an area approximately 800 sq. ft., or 20' x 40'. |
| Recommended large-scale sowing rates are 12 to 15 pounds per acre. |
These are approximations only. Applications will vary depending on species, slope, soil and weather conditions. In our experience, it is not necessary to thin wildflowers once they have germinated.
Seed that is not used when purchased will remain viable, with little change in germination rates, for up to three years, if it is kept in a cool, dry location.
Viability
Seed of annual wildflowers loses almost no viability for 3 years, so can be purchased in spring, when you have the opportunity to see the flowers, and held in a cool, dry place for fall planting.
|
