Talinum paniculatum (95 days) Open pollinated. Petite pink flowers on thin stems mature into airy glistening bronze-to-burgundy sprays of teensy seedpods. Annual.
Coix lacryma-jobi (100 days) Open pollinated. Sets pendulous sprays of globular pearly purple-grey seeds, which may be strung as beads for necklaces. Spiky 2–3' stalks good for planters or as filler in dried fall arrangements.
Orlaya grandiflora (65-70 days) Open pollinated. 2-3' with ferny foliage and sturdy stems, dainty delicacy resembling lace-cap hydrangea, with the central florets of a flat-topped cluster surrounded by a ring of larger flowers.
Rubia tinctorum Open pollinated. Ancient and excellent source of red dye. Harvest roots after three years and grind to yield a wash- and light-fast red dye par excellence. 4' plants.
Eryngium yuccifolium 3-6' tall. Globe-thistle-like 1" greenish-white flowerheads. Subtle honey-like scent. North american native. Great for cutflower production. Z3.
Artemisia annua (120 days) Open pollinated. The scent of the Common Ground Fair. Light green leaves valued for wreaths, flower crowns and other dried arrangements. Grows up to 5'.
Chelone glabra 2–4' tall. Native wildflower blooms late along with the asters. A final feast for the bumblebees. Prefers moist soil, dappled light. Z4.
Phacelia tanacetifolia Open pollinated. The small frizzy curling lavender-blue sprays provide high-quality pollen and nectar. Can be used to increase beneficial insect diversity and populations while suppressing weeds. Great for honey.
Papaver Open pollinated. 3' tall. Mostly pink on the outer two thirds of the petal edge with a slight purple blush in the middle and on the petal backs. Double, but not a full pompon.
Salvia azurea 3-5' tall. North American native with delicate spires of sky-blue tubular double-lipped flowers and sweetly scented foliage. Incredible in mixed bouquets. Blooms from August to October. Z4.
Matthiola incana (90 days) Open pollinated. Soft lovely mostly double blooms sit atop sturdy 24" stems. A bouquet of this stock can perfume an entire room with its deep warm peppery scent.
Helianthus annuus (70-90 days) Open pollinated. Lovely mix of earthen shades: bright yellow to bronze and purples. Blossoms 4-6" across. 6-8' multibranching stalks. A top seller.
Helianthus annuus (90-100 days) Open pollinated. Rare indigenous heirloom used as a natural dye source for coloring baskets purplish charcoal. Also edible. 8' stalks.
Helianthus annuus Open pollinated. Luxuriant 8" blooms with lemon-yellow petals surrounding striking solid brown centers. Can grow up to 10' tall in rich soil. Organic.
Helianthus annuus (63 days) Open pollinated. These sunflowers have small dark centers and pointed petals in various hues including yellows, golds, maroons and reds. 6–7' tall.
Lathyrus odoratus Open pollinated. Soft primrose-cream blossoms with dark lilac bands at the edges. Long stems perfect for cutting. Lovely fragrance. 4–6' vines.
Verbena stricta 12-48" tall. North American native. Attractive to pollinators, most notably the Buckeye butterfly. Birds will devour the seeds! Blooms June through August. Z3.
Zinnia elegans (85 days) Open pollinated. 3-4' tall and bushy blooms with masses of brilliant 4-6" double flowers in red, yellow, orange, lavender, maroon, violet and white.
Zinnia elegans (85-90 days) Open pollinated. Brilliantly hued large flowers on long stems come in an array of colors: oranges, yellows, red, magenta and pink with many petal forms.
