2016 list
Updated 14 October 2015
All packets are $4.00, packet size is at least 50
seeds, unless otherwise specified. Ordering information is on the home page at How to Order. Zones included at the end of the description
correspond to climatic zones used by the USDA and the RHS Index of Garden
Plants. CN at the end of the entry denotes plants native to California.
This list includes both true annuals and quick-to-bloom perennials that can be treated as annuals in colder climates.
Achyrachaena mollis - Asteraceae, California, Oregon. photo Blow Wives. The very subtle flowers of this composite open golden yellow, then turn to red as they mature. The prominent spherical 1.5" clusters of shining silvery white bracts are held for quite a while when this annual is in seed. A grassland inhabitant. CN
Amsinckia vernicosa
var. furcata 'Griswold Hills' -
Caulanthus anceps (Guillenia lemmonii) - Brassicaceae, California. photo Individual flowers are round and pinkish white, set along long, wand like gray stems. Fairly subtle on its own, but sparkling in combination with other fls, or in a mass. CN
Caulanthus flavescens (Guillenia f.) - Brassicaceae, California. photo Erect thin spikes carry masses of bright, creamy yellow fls in spring and early summer on this slender annual. Very showy when grown in a small colony. Stems to 18-24". CN
Caulanthus inflatus - Brassicaceae, California. photo Spectacular annual with striking inflated yellow stems; terminal tip and buds are dark purple. Small petals are bicolored purple and white and stigmas are pink. Needs excellent drainage, and grows well in containers. Can grow to 2'. There is nothing quite like this plant, commonly known as desert candle, when it blooms. CN
Centaurium (Zeltnera) muehlenbergii – Gentianaceae, California. photo Slender annual carries heads of silky clear pink flowers in spring. Beautiful in a mass, or a meadow. 200+ seed CN
Cerinthe major var. purpurascens – Boraginaceae, Mediterranean. Wide bluish leaves on upright stems produce pendant flower clusters. Flowers are dark purple, with prominent steely blue purple bracts. Annual, reseeds readily. 30 seeds
Chaenactis artemisiifolia – Asteraceae, California. photo Ferny, finely dissected gray leaves are set against well branched purplish stems that can reach 5’ in a season; dense white heads of “pincushion” flowers are abundant. Annual. CN
Chorizanthe douglasii – Polygonaceae, central California. photo Heads of hot pink flowers on slender stems are held over low leaves in late spring on this buckwheat relative. Best in lean soils, found in grassland or open woodland. Annual. CN
Chorizanthe membranacea - Polygonaceae, California. photo In natural settings, this annual is quite understated, with half-inch round heads of pinkish white flowers on erect stems. Planted closer together or in containers, it can present an impressive display of densely interlaced stems carrying white round flower heads in late spring and summer. CN
Chorizanthe stacticoides- Polygonaceae, California. Turkish rugging. Abundant on dry slopes, this annual puts on its show in late spring or early summer. Branched stems make broad heads of bright purplish magenta, prickly flowers. CN
Cirsium occidentale – Asteraceae, California. photo Coastal thistle makes rounded gray mounds to 2-3’; densely cobwebby heads open with red flowers. Literature calls it biennial, but it acts annual. 30 seeds CN
Clarkias are beautiful hardy annuals; they have been hybridized and bred for larger and more double flowers, but some of the species and varieties are the best. These species have been separated in the garden by space and time of bloom, so seed should be true to name. Packets contain 100+ seeds.
Clarkia amoena ssp. whitneyi - Onagraceae, Humboldt, Mendocino Co.,Calif. photo Very large light lavender pink fls. have whitish areas at the bases of the petals. Probably the largest clarkia in size--to 3'--of plant and of flower--to 3"+across. CN
Clarkia modesta –
Clarkia purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera – Onagraceae, California. photo The usual shiny deep reddish purple fls. have an unusual white center. Stems can reach 3-5’ in a garden setting and carry many flowers. CN
Clarkia purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera
–white flower-
Clarkia rubicunda ssp. blasdalei - Onagraceae, California. photo Large lavender pink flowers have red centers on this showy annual. Floriferous and very striking in containers or the garden. Good cut flower. Can grow to 2'+, blooms for months. CN
Clarkia speciosa ssp. immaculata - Onagraceae, California. photo Silky mauve purple flowers with striking white centers are 1.5" across in this subspecies. CN Can only be sold within California
Clarkia unguiculata - compact form - Onagraceae, California. photo From a colony found in Santa Cruz County, this very distinctive seed strain makes stocky columnar plants to 18". Bright mauve-red flowers and leaves are densely held. CN
Clarkia williamsonii - Onagraceae, California. photo Gaudy lavender pink flowers are good sized, with a broad white central zone, and wedge shaped patches of dark red violet on the petals. Best results with good drainage. CN
Claytonia parviflora – Montiaceae, California and the west. photo Diminutive form of miner’s lettuce forms tight mounds with white flowers nestled in the typical cupped leaves. Whole plant turns peachy gray as it matures. Buns to 8”. CN
Collinsia heterophylla—Sierra form - Plantaginaceae, California.photo Plants from the Sierras of this species have dark purple flowers, with light central patch and red lines in the usual places. Striking annual for part shade. CN
Collinsia parviflora - Plantaginaceae, California. photo Roundish bright dark green leaves are densely held on short stems. Vivid small violet blue flowers nestled in leaf axils are very well displayed. Great annual for small scale or containers. CN
Collinsia tinctoria - Plantaginaceae, California. photo Annual grows 2’ high. Abundant flowers in tiers are creamy white, with purple lines that seem almost painted on. Easy to grow. CN
Collomia grandiflora - Polemoniaceae, W. United States. photo Erect annual to 3' with shiny green leaves and very broad dense terminal heads of beige to salmon pink starry flowers. A very unusual color in flowers. CN
Coreopsis (Leptosyne) calliopsidea – Asteraceae, California. photo Sheets of these vivid golden yellow daisies brighten interior valleys when conditions are favorable in spring. This easy annual can have individual flowers up to an inch across. CN
Dahlia coccinea hybrids – shades of orange - Asteraceae, Mexico. Masses of single, bright orange flowers in many shades are carried on bushy plants that can reach 6’ from late spring through fall. Well suited to borders and for cutting. These plants are showy for a very long time, and bloom within three months of sowing.
Dahlia coccinea hybrids – mixed colors - Mix includes a larger range of colors than the preceding offering. Parents had yellow, violet, gold, magenta and red flowers as well as the bright and soft oranges. Masses of flowers their first year.
Deinandra (Hemizonia) corymbosa - Asteraceae, California. Cheery 1" yellow daisies appear all summer on this well branched coastal annual to 18" with aromatic foliage and an easy constitution. CN
Deinandra (Hemizonia) fasciculata – Asteraceae, California. Clouds of acid yellow daisy flowers are held in dense heads on wiry stems on this well branched, airy annual. Plants can reach 3' in height. Extended bloom season. CN
Eremalche parryi - Malvaceae, California. photo Trailing stems carry many bright silky light rose purple flowers in spring on this uncommon, pretty annual. Flower form like that of many Clarkias, and quite showy in bloom. CN
Eriogonum grande var. rubescens - dark fl. Polygonaceae, California. photo This seed strain of red buckwheat produces rose pink to exceptionally dark rose-red flowers. Low leaves are gray to greenish gray. Fl. color is variable, but never light pink. Some fl. stems are taller than the typical seed strains offered of this species. Z9 CN
Eriogonum vimineum– Polygonaceae, California to WA, Arizona. photo Wicker buckwheat. Perfect 18” domes with vivid rose pink round flowers held along wiry interlaced stems brighten the summer and early fall garden. Showy, annual. CN
Erysimum capitatum – Brassicaceae, California. Biennial brightens hillsides with spikes of fragrant, glowing orange “wallflowers” in spring. This seed came from particularly well branched plants. 30 seeds CNErysimum concinnum – Brassicaceae, California. Fragrant creamy yellow flowers are in short spikes on this perennial wallflower from central coastal California. Tidy green leaf mounds. CN
Erysimum franciscanum var. crassifolium - Brassicaceae, California. photo Low subshrubs make dense mounds that carry many spikes of bright yellow, sweetly scented wallflowers over the foliage in spring and summer. These seeds originated from a coastal population in Santa Cruz County. Z9 at least CNEschscholzia californica - cream fl. - Papaveraceae, California. This perennial form of California poppy has creamy to pale yellow flowers; it is smaller in stature than many robust orange cultivars, fitting into plantings easily. Z6 100 seeds CN
Eschscholzia californica - coastal form. Papaveraceae, California. This groundcover form of California poppy develops branching stout roots, and spreading low stems. Blooms all summer in my garden, flowers are golden yellow with orange centers. Foliage stays clean all season, plants retreat to leafy rosettes in winter. Perennial. 100 seeds Z9 CN
Eschscholzia lobbii - Papaveraceae, California. Diminutive plants produce vibrant clear yellow round flowers in spring and summer. Great for containers or rock gardens. Annual. 100 seeds CN
Eschscholzia lobbii ‘Sundew’ – Papaveraceae, California. The always diminutive plants put on their spring show with bright soft creamy yellow flowers. Exceptional seed strain for the dry border or containers. Annual, of course. CN
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia - Boraginaceae, California. Divided mounding foliage has a wafting sweet-lemony smell; small white flowers are carried in loose clusters in spring ,early summer. Annual, and worth it for the foliage scent alone. CN
Gilia achilleifolia – Polemoniaceae, California. More relaxed in leaf and flower than G. capitata, this population carries cheery bright blue heads of flowers in spring and early summer. 100+ seed CN
Gilia achilleifolia- white flower – Polemoniaceae, California. White flowered form of this cheery annual—easy and prolific in bloom. Reseeds nicely. CN
Gilia capitata ssp chamissonis – Polemoniaceae, California. photo Finely divided leaves form tight, low cushions; round heads of lavender blue flowers are held just over the low leaves. Native to coastal sandhills. CN
Gilia nevinii – Polemoniaceae, San Clemente, Santa Catalina, Guadalupe islands, California. photo Small starry blue flowers appear for months in abundance among feathery leaves on this charming annual. Mounds to 12”. 200+ seed CN
Gilia splendens – Polemoniaceae, California.photo Recently pronounced Saltugilia splendens, but it may take a while for the name to settle. This splendid annual keeps its rosette of finely divided leaves low, and sends up 1-3’ slender stems that branch profusely and carry clouds of rich candy pink flowers that move in the slightest breeze. Not always easy in cultivation, good drainage and lean soil are recommended. CN
Helenium
puberulum - Asteraceae, California. Round balls of fertile flowers have a short skirt
of petals below. The effect is of upright stems, very nodding in bud, and many
round half-inch yellow balls. Very easy, can reseed. Z8 100
seeds CN
Hemizonia congesta ssp. luzulifolia - Asteraceae, California. Bright white daisies are carried on this annual tarweed and it perfumes the summer and fall air with its aromatic foliage. Blooms summer to fall. CN
Hulsea heterochroma – Asteraceae, California. photo Very narrow rusty red rays surround a central golden disc; glandular green leaves stay low. Can grow to 3' high. "Instant smoke" will accompany seed, as it is a fire follower. CN
Lasthenia californica ssp.macrantha
–
Layia chrysanthemoides – Asteraceae, California. photo Smooth tidy tips. Somewhat succulent low leaves are glossy green; cheery spring flowers are good sized, abundant and yellow with white tips. Annual. CN
Layia gaillardioides – Asteraceae, California. photo Perfumed tarweed ends the spring season with bright yellow daisies held on slender stems with that wonderful tangy aroma. Easy annual in sun or part shade. CN
Layia glandulosa - creamy yellow fl. Asteraceae, western U.S. photo Palest yellow daisies in spring on branched slender stems create a great effect in spring. Aromatic leaves. Spring bloom is profuse, annual. CN
Limnanthes douglasii ssp. nivea - Limnanthaceae, California.photo Easy annual, and it does well in winter wet soil. Pure white flowers in spring appear in abundance, before the plant disappears for the summer, to reappear with fall rains. CN
Linanthus “dylanae” – Polemoniaceae, Santa Cruz County, California. photo Thought to be either a subspecies of Linanthus grandiflorus or a distinct species, this annual extends its blooming season for months with some supplemental water. Dense heads (over an inch across) of dark lavender flowers are held on 12” stems. Easy. CN
Linanthus 'Stardust' -
Lotus (Hosackia) crassifolius var. otayensis - Fabaceae, San Diego County, California. Arching stems carry gray green, softly furry leaves and rise to about 18". Clusters of red violet and white fls. appear in spring and summer. Perennial. Z9? 30 seeds CN
Lotus formosissimus (Hosackia gracilis) - Fabaceae, California. From seasonally moist meadows, harlequin lotus forms a flat perennial mat to 2' across, covered with bright yellow and pink pea flowers in spring, with scattered bloom in summer. Z8? 50 seeds CN
Lupinus bicolor – Fabaceae, California to Washington. Annual. Miniature lupine displays small, very bright blue flowers in spring. Only 12” tall, but a patch of flowers creates quite a nice, sparkling effect. Annual. 50+ seeds CN
Lupinus concinnus – Fabaceae, California. Cute little bajada lupine creates white furry foliage mounds to 8" and decorates them with spikes of smallish bright blue purple flowers in spring. Annual. 50 seeds CN
Lupinus hirsutissimus - Fabaceae, California. The common name of stinging lupine for this annual does not begin to illustrate the charm of this plant. Covered with stiff hairs, it bristles with enthusiasm. Red violet fls. in spring. 30 seeds CN
Lupinus microcarpus var microcarpus (L. subvexus) – photo Bright red violet to purple flowers are carried in spikes over low green leaves on this spring blooming annual. Low leaves, nice show. 30 seeds CN
Lupinus microcarpus
var microcarpus –lavender
blue–
Seed from a local race with lavender blue flowers. Dense furry flower spikes held
over low green leaves. 30
seeds CN
Lupinus nanus - Fabaceae, western U.S. photo Annual with bright blue flowers grows to 15", and blooms with abandon in spring. Sweet "moth ball" fl. fragrance is just another intriguing smell from California grasslands. 50 seeds CN
Lupinus nanus 'Pacific Pink'- Fabaceae, western U.S. Soft pink flowered seed strain of the annual lupine that paints California spring meadows in broad swathes. Developed from a chance finding of pink fl. plants. 50 seeds CN
Lupinus succulentus 'Rodeo Rose' - Fabaceae, California. Typical L. succulentus has blue purple flowers. This very pretty seed strain produces soft rose pink flower spikes for a long period in spring and summer. Original selection and naming was by Roger Raiche. Annual. 30 seeds CN
Madia elegans - Asteraceae, California. photo Annual. Young rosettes are soft-hairy; by midsummer they can elongate from 3-7' and short branches carrying many 1.5" miniature sunflowers explode with color. Aromatic foliage. CN
Madia elegans
ssp. vernalis -
Mimulus guttatus -low form Phrymaceae, western U.S. This desirable seed strain of common monkeyflower produces leaves that always stay low, and fairly tidy. Brilliant yellow fls. on leafless 18" stems. Wet growing. Z6 CN
Mimulus pictus - Phrymaceae, California. The beauty of this small annual is in the intricate markings on its salverform flowers. The background color is white, but it is delicately patterned with clear brown lines. Best in containers. CN
Mirabilis longiflora - Nyctaginaceae, Texas, Mexico. photo Long stems have clusters of white flowers at their tips. The effect is very airy, as the flower tubes are 5” long, and the exotically scented, rose-centered white flowers open only at night, and all point in different directions. Not for the meticulously manicured garden, but well worth growing! Perennial. Z8 30 seeds
Mirabilis viscosa - Nyctaginaceae, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru. Vase shaped perennial to 30" has firm textured medium green, heart shaped leaves and bright fuchsia pink 1" flowers followed by tan “seed parachutes”. Z8
Monolopia lanceolata – Asteraceae, California. Hilltop daisy paints the interior coast range hillsides yellow in favored years. This annual is easy to grow with an abundance of bright yellow daisies in spring. CN
Monolopia stricta – Asteraceae, California. photo Small yellow daisy flowers are held in frothy abundance over smooth gray leaves on this charming small stature spring blooming annual from the dry interior parts of California. CN
Nemophila menziesii 'Frosty Blue' – Boraginaceae, California. photo Typical baby blue eyes has those incredible baby blue flowers in spring set among green leaves with silver spots. This seed strain produces many plants with all silver leaves as well as the typical silver spotted ones. Annual, and shows up well in the shade. CN
Nicotiana glutinosa - Solanaceae, Peru, Ecuador, Galapogos Islands. Very distinctive and pretty dusky rose flowers have more open throats than the typical nicotiana. Flower stems reach to 4'. Probably perennial in mild climates. 100+ seeds
Nicotiana 'Hot Chocolate' - Solanaceae. This charming seed strain was generously shared by Brian McGowan of Blue Meadow Farm, Massachusetts. Starry flower faces are muted ruby red to chocolate. Green flower tubes are great contrast.
Nicotiana mutabilis -
Nicotiana 'Priscilla' – Solanaceae, garden hybrid. Seed strain from a local garden displays huge white flowers in the usual fashion. Greenish buds open to lightly fragrant starry white flowers with faces almost 3" across; tubes are 2" long. 4-5' tall.
Phacelia bolanderi - Boraginaceae, California, Oregon. photo Light lilac blue flowers are held on spreading stems over softly hairy, gray green leaves. Effect is subtle, but very pleasing. Good perennial plant for dry shade. CN
Phacelia californica - Boraginaceae, California. photo Perennial foliage clumps are a purplish gray green. Full flower heads are light lavender and are held over the foliage on erect stems in spring. Z9, at least CN
Phacelia campanularia –
Phacelia ciliata –
Phacelia distans – Boraginaceae, California. Creamy flowers with delicate brown veining are abundant on this widespread California annual. It is much appreciated by all sorts of bees and flying creatures. 100+ seeds CN
Pholistoma auritum
–
Romanzoffia californica - Boraginaceae, California to Washington. photo Mist maidens. Low clumps of shiny lobed lvs are absolutely covered with dainty white flowers in spring. Must dry out completely summer and fall. Easy in containers. Z7 CN
Salvia carduacea - California. Pale lavender blue flowers with an incredibly frilly lower lip are borne in spiny, cobwebby heads. Annual, good in containers. Z8 30 seeds CN
Salvia coccinea 'Brenthurst' – Tropical S. America. Generally used as an annual bedding sage, this plant can be perennial in mild areas. Warm pink flowers are set off nicely by dark stems during a very long blooming season. 30 seeds
Salvia coccinea 'Vermillion '– Tropical S. America.
Freely blooming sage carries bright orange red flowers for months and is
most attractive to hummingbirds. 30
seeds
Salvia columbariae - California, southwest U.S. Chia is a great annual for open ground. Prickly round heads of bright blue purple flowers on very straight stems. Plants can bloom at 4" or 2', depending on cultural conditions. 50 seeds CN
Salvia macrophylla - upright form - Peru. Upright sage, to 5'+. Flower spikes are a long series of lime green calyces from which bright blue buds develop into gentian blue flowers with a severely swept back lower lip. Styles and stamens are lightly blue flushed too. Broad green leaves. 30 seedsSalvia patens 'Pink Ice' – Mexico. Pale pink form of the large flowered sage. Plants can be over 2' tall and flowers appear throughout the summer. 20 seeds
Salvia splendens – pink fl. – Brazil. Majestic shrubs to 5’+ bloom all summer into fall with spikes of light peachy pink flowers set in peach calyces among lush green leaves. Backlit flowers are translucent and honeybees have been observed entering the flowers and sipping nectar, with extended tongues! Easy in a watered shady spot. Tender to frost. 30 seeds
Salvia subrotunda – Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina. Small vivid orange flowers are in perfect contrast to green stems and leaves on this 4’ bushy tender perennial. Blooms from spring to frost, and is especially attractive to hummingbirds. 30 seeds
Streptanthus farnsworthianus - Brassicaceae, California. Startling shiny red violet to navy blue bracts are up to 4” long and 2” wide on this spring annual. Actual small flowers are white. To 18” tall. Easy to grow. CN
Streptanthus glandulosus ssp glandulosus (albidus ssp. peramoenus) - Brassicaceae, California. An uncommon annual with bright mauve-purple inflated flowers on slender stems. Easy. CN
Streptanthus glandulosus ssp. secundus -
Streptanthus insignis -
Thysanocarpus curvipes - Brassicaceae, California, western U.S. photo Lacepod is a slender spring annual with small white flowers, but elegant and well displayed fruits. Dangling round seeds display a network of veins to the edges of the "pod", and are subtly colored pink and green and cream as they mature. 30 seeds CN
Trifolium fucatum - Fabaceae, California, Oregon. A very nice annual from wet meadows, lush green leaves often have interesting brown and silver markings. Large flower heads start out creamy white and age to a light rosy pink. CN
Trifolium lilacinum - Fabaceae, California. Green, pink, cream and black are combined on (smallish) intricately patterned leaves. Flowers combine lilac and white. Included within T. barbigerum var. andrewsii in Jepson Manual. CN
Trifolium jokerstii – Fabaceae, Butte County, California. Bright golden flower heads glow over green –sometimes with red markings—leaves on this small annual cushion. Spring bloom. 20 seeds CN
Trifolium phaeocephalum Greene - Fabaceae, California. Flowers are darkest purple and white on this species; and can appear for a long time if season is mild. Some markings on the leaves. Classified in Jepson under T. variegatum. CN
Trifolium species or subspecies—cub clover. Fabaceae, central California. Affectionately called "cub clover" because it is a junior form or subspecies of bear clover, T. virescens, this annual has lush green leaves with brown speckles and round greenish yellow flower heads that age rose. Grows on grassy slopes and in meadows. 30 seeds CN
Trifolium virescens Greene - Fabaceae, California, Oregon. Lush green leaves form strong clumps on this annual; good sized flower heads start out bright greenish yellow and age to vivid rose. A very ornamental clover; also used by native Americans. Some of the seedlings may have dark patterns on the leaves. CN
Trifolium willdenovii - Fabaceae, W. United States. Thin leaves and many rich purple and white flowers on rounded heads. Some seedlings have burgundy leaves. Annual. Good on heavy soils. CN
Urospermum dalechampii – Asteraceae, Mediterranean. Pale yellow chicory-style daisies are carried over deep green leaves from late spring to fall on this easy perennial dandelion. Flowers attract all kinds of beneficial insects. Z6
