CADL Seed Library

Basil - Genovese

• Days to germination: 5-10
• Days to maturity: 90
• Seeding depth: 1/2"
• Row spacing: 9-12"
• Light preference: full sun

Basil is a warm-weather crop grown both indoors and out. For earliest starts, begin indoors 6-8 weeks prior to final frost. Plant 4-6 seeds .25" deep per cell or 3-4" apart in the garden in moderately moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Germinates in 5-10 days, thinning back to 1-2 plants per pot or every 9-12" in the garden as true leaves establish. Harden off seedlings if transplanting outside. Harvest, prune, and pinch regularly to encourage growth.

Keep soil moist but not saturated as basil is susceptible to overwatering, mildew, and mold.

Growing info source: True Leaf Market Seed Company

Bean - Provider

• Days to germination: 5-8
• Days to maturity: 50-70
• Seed planting depth: 1"
• Plant spacing: 18-24"
• Light preference: full sun

Bush beans can be started indoors but perform best if sown directly after the final spring frost. Sow 2-3 seeds 1" deep and 2-3" apart in moist, rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. Whether direct sowing or transplanting, thin out strongest starts to every 18-24" in the garden as true leaves establish. Beans need light and consistent watering; water as close to the root as possible to avoid saturating greens known to cause root rot and mildew.

Seeds can be sown in cooler soils than most other bush beans can handle, but the soil should be at least 65°. Make sure soil is loose and moist and that the plants are in full sun. For an ongoing harvest, sow seeds every week or so, so that different plants are in different stages of their production.

Growing info source: True Leaf Market Seed Company

Chives

• Days to germination: 7-21
• Days to maturity: 60
• Seed planting depth: 1/4"
• Plant spacing: 4-6"
• Light preference: full sun to partial shade

Chives are a cool-season crop that can be sown direct. Plant 2-3 seeds at 2-4" apart in garden in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Chives seeds germinate in 7-21 days, thin to 1 per pot or 4-6" apart in the garden as true leaves establish.

Although drought-tolerant, keep chives watered for the best flavor. Chives are tenacious perennials with weed-like hardiness and vigorous reseeding.

Growing info source: True Leaf Market Seed Company

Cilantro - Slow Bolt

• Days to germination: 7-21 
• Days to maturity: 50-60
• Planting depth: 1/4"
• Plant spacing: 4-6"
• Light preference: full sun to partial shade

Direct sow cilantro outdoors two weeks past the first frost of the year when temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees. Germination takes 1-3 weeks, depending on whether you plant your coriander seeds whole or split.

Water in the mornings for best results, but don't overwater. Soil should be moist to the touch but not soggy. Cilantro grows rapidly. Within a few weeks of the seed's germination, you should see serrated leaf foliage. This plant grows best in sun, but does benefit from slight shade. Overheating causes the plant to bolt. Cilantro is known for having a short lifecycle, about 7 weeks. At which point, it seeks to flower and drop seeds.

Growing info source: True Leaf Market Seed Company

Cucumber - Straight Eight

• Days to germination: 3-10
• Days to maturity: 55-60
• Seed planting depth: 1"
• Plant spacing: 36-48"
• Light preference: full sun

Cucumber is a warm weather crop best if begun indoors 4-6 weeks prior to final spring frost but can also be sowed directly outdoors. Plant 3-4 seeds 1" deep in a garden mound in loamy, sandy, well-drained soil with a pH of 6-6.5. Seeds germinate in 3-10 days. Cucumbers perform best when grown on 8" tall mounds and provided a trellis to minimize crowding. Shallow roots will benefit from regular watering and top layer of mulch. Bush varieties perform well in pots and containers.

Growing info source: True Leaf Market Seed Company

Dill - Mammoth Long Island

• Days to germination: 10-14
• Days to maturity: 65-70
• Seed planting depth: 1/4"
• Plant spacing: 9-12"
• Light preference: full sun

Dill does not transplant well and is best if sown directly in early spring. Plant 3-4 seeds ¼" deep, 10-12" apart in the garden in sandy, loamy, and well-drained soil in full sun. Seeds germinate in 10-21 days, thinning back to 1 plant per pot or 15" apart in the garden as true leaves establish. Do not grow near carrots to avoid hybridization.

Growing info source: True Leaf Market Seed Company

Lettuce - Grand Rapids

• Days to maturity: 50-60
• Seed planting depth: 1/2"
• Plant spacing: 8-10"
• Light preference: full sun

Sow 1/2 inch in moist soil with one to two inches between rows. Make sure to allow enough space between seeds for the lettuce to grow, as overcrowding can cause the lettuce to have a bitter taste. Firm the soil lightly. While growing, keep the soil well watered. Harvest fifty-five days after planting.

Growing info source: True Leaf Market Seed Company

Morning Glory - mix colors

• Days to maturity: 112
• Seed planting depth: 2-3 seeds at 1/4" deep.
• Plant spacing: 12-36"
• Light preference: full sun

Seeds can easily be sown outside directly after the frost. Morning glories have a variable growth habit dependent on trellis support. With early support, plants can vine as high as 60-120" tall bursting with 2" trumpet-shaped blooms. Without trellis support, plants will only mound 12-15" tall and spreading their blooms 36-60" wide. Plant 2-3 Mixed Color morning glory seeds ¼" deep and 12-36" apart (depending on desired growth habit) in average, consistently moist, and well-drained soil in full sun. Mixed Colors morning glory seeds are native to Mexico and South America and tolerant of gardens in similar climates prone to heat, drought, and poor soils. Morning Glory has no serious pests but monitor for spider mites, especially in dry weather. Mixed Colors morning glory seeds mature in 112 days bursting with 2" trumpet-shaped blooms in a seasonal mix of blue, purple, fuchsia, and rose.

Growing info source: True Leaf Market Seed Company

Sunflower - Mammoth Grey

• Days to maturity: 90-110
• Seed planting depth: 2-3 seeds 1/2" deep
• Plant spacing: 18"
• Light preference: full sun

Mammoth sunflower seeds are recommended solely for outdoor growth because of their enormous 9-12' height. Sow directly after final frost in a sunny spot on the north end of the garden and sheltered from strong winds. Always plant tall varieties of sunflowers on the north end of a garden. Mammoth sunflowers are one of the most resilient and fastest growing flowers in all of North America and will not take long to shadow an entire garden if not properly planned. Plant 2-3 Mammoth sunflower seeds ½" deep and 18" apart in average, rich, loamy, and well-drained soil in full sun. Mammoth sunflowers may need staking if plants are growing isolated and away from the support of a garden. Trim declining foliage as summer progresses. Mammoths are susceptible to rust, leaf fungal spots and powdery mildew. Monitor regularly for caterpillars and beetles that may be feeding on the foliage. Mammoth sunflower seeds mature in 90 - 110 days as 108-144" tall bushy uprights with a 36-40" spread and huge 12" heads of bright yellow sunburst petals with countless deep yellow-orange seeds.

Helianthus annuus is native to the prairies, plains, and meadows of western North America including temperate regions of Canada and Mexico. Many Native American tribes would traditionally plant sunflowers on the north end of their gardens as the "fourth sister" to their "three sisters" staple crops of corn, beans, and squash.

Growing info source: True Leaf Market Seed Company

Zinnia - State Fair

• Days to maturity: 60-80
• Seed planting depth: 1/2"
• Plant spacing: 18"
• Light preference: full sun

State Fair Mix Zinnia Flower seeds are the tallest variety of Zinnias available, with some stalks reaching as high as 48". Zinnia State Fair Mix seeds a tetraploid mix which means it has been bred to produce chromosomes enhancing its desirable traits such as bloom size, height, color, and resistance to common plant diseases, powdery mildew, and Alternaria. State Fair Mix Zinnia seeds offer full-grown 36" tall Zinnias perfect for attracting butterflies to your garden or displaying in a fresh cut arrangement. Sow ½” depth, 18” spaced, in full sun.

Growing info source: True Leaf Market Seed Company