Monarda punctata Open pollinated. A whimsical beauty with complex blossoms and many culinary and medicinal uses. Its oregano-like aroma and flavor is lovely for tea and seasoning.
Celosia argentea var. spicata (75 days) Open pollinated. Upright 20-26" tall multi-branched wheat-type celosia produces showy spikes, light pink at the base turning to a deep rose-magenta at the tip. Green foliage starts at ground level.
Sorghum bicolor (105 days) Open pollinated. Sprays of ornamental seedheads in gold, bronze, brown, black, burgundy, red and cream are great for making natural straw brooms and classic autumnal displays. Small shiny seeds are beloved by birds.
Pennisetum glaucum (120 days) Open pollinated. Ornamental grass with deep-purple foliage and large purple seed spikes. Popular in arrangements. 4-5' tall.
Triticum durum Open pollinated. Too beautiful to eat! Used for wheat weaving and flower arrangements. Four rows with blue-grey husks and long black awns. Sow in April, reap in Sept.
Lobelia cardinalis Open pollinated. This gorgeous wetland native wildflower and hummingbird magnet can be grown in moist garden soils or meadows. 2–4' tall
Ipomoea purpurea (50 days) Open pollinated. Rich deep purple flowers vibrate against lush green foliage. Starts blooming while it is only 2' tall and still vining.
Nicotiana sylvestris Open pollinated. Clusters of drooping tubular white blossoms that perfume the garden day and night. Full powerful scent. 4–5' tall.
Clarkia amoena (90 days) Open pollinated. 3" “satin flowers” blooms in red, pink, salmon, lavender and white, and with a bright red patch in the heart of the four petals. Best for cutting.
Persicaria tinctoria Open pollinated. Japanese indigo preferred by dyers in Maine. A tender annual, indigo thrives in fertile soil and likes heat and humidity.
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.
Ageratina altissima Open pollinated. Flat-topped fuzzy clusters of small pure white disk flowers bloom August through October, attracting multiple species of bees, moths and butterflies.
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'.
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.
Rudbeckia hirta Open pollinated. With this stunning array of single and double blooms in raspberry, pink, yellow and copper, you'll have lovely bouquets and feast for the pollinators from midsummer to frost.
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 (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 (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.
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.
