Advent Calendar 2024
Starting your garden from seed can be a rewarding way to grow your own plants. With a little preparation, you’ll be on your way to a thriving garden! Below is a detailed listing of all the seeds you have received in your advent calendar.
Not sure where to start? Sign up to participate in one of our in-person or virtual seed starting workshops.
Day 1 | Celosia
Celosia Flamingo Feather adds sparkle to your bouquets with pale pink and rose spikes with a silvery shimmer.
Latin Name: Celosia argentea spicata
Days to Maturity: 90-95 Days
Life Cycle: Annual
Country of Origin: Netherlands
Sowing: 6 weeks before planting out. Light is required for germination.
Day 2 | Bells of Ireland
Bells of Ireland is a bright green supporting flower that can be used fresh or dried.
Latin Name: Moluccella laevis
Days to Maturity: 90-110 Days
Life Cycle: Annual
Country of Origin: Chile
Sowing: Direct seed into the garden in early spring when it is still cold out. Freeze/thaw temperatures add in germination. You can increase germination by placing in the freezer prior to seeding if you are sowing indoors.
Day 3 | Lady’s Mantle
Lady’s Mantle Thriller Apex is a garden perennial with sprays of yellow flowers.
Latin Name: Alchemilla mollis
Days to Maturity: 90-95 Days
Life Cycle: Perennial
Country of Origin: Denmark
Sowing: 6 weeks before planting out. Light is required for germination. They can take up to 4 weeks to germinate
Day 4 | Bupleurum
Green Gold Bupleurum is a classic supporting flower that provides airiness and bounce to bouquets. Great fresh or makes an unique dried flower.
Latin Name: Bupleurum rotundifolium
Days to Maturity: 80-90 Days
Life Cycle: Annual
Country of Origin: Netherlands
Sowing: 6-8 weeks before planting out. Light is required for germination
Day 7 | Amaranthus
Hot Biscuits Amanranthus is a tall bronze coloured spike that works well in fall bouquets.
Latin Name: Amaranthus cruentus
Days to Maturity: 65-75 Days
Life Cycle: Annual
Country of Origin: United States
Sowing: 4 weeks before planting out, or can be direct seeded
Day 10 | Cosmos
Cosmos Double Click Mix are unique double flowers in colours ranging from white to carmine.
Latin Name: Cosmos bipinnatus
Days to Maturity: 90-95 Days
Life Cycle: Annual
Country of Origin: Chile
Sowing: 6 weeks before planting out. Light is required for germination. Can be direct seeded.
Day 5 | Nigella
Albion Black Pod Nigella can be used two ways - first for its double white flowers and then later in the season for its large decorative seed pods. Can be used fresh or dried.
Latin Name: Nigella damascena
Days to Maturity: 65-70 for flowers; 80-85 for pods
Life Cycle: Annual
Country of Origin: Netherlands
Sowing: Direct seed or can be started 4 weeks before planting out, however plants are sensitive to root disturbance.
Day 8 | Strawflower
Swiss Giants Mix Strawflower is a mix of bright coloured papery flowers that can be used fresh but are often used dried as they retain their shape and colour.
Latin Name: Helichrysum bracteatum
Days to Maturity: 75-85 Days
Life Cycle: Annual
Country of Origin: Chile
Sowing: 4 weeks before planting out. Light is required for germination
Day 11 | Sunflower
Autumn Beauty Sunflower mix have flowers in red, brow and yellow are are multibranched plants which means continuous blooms.
Latin Name: Helianthus annuus
Days to Maturity: 60-70 Days
Life Cycle: Annual
Country of Origin: Chile
Sowing: Direct after last frost.
Day 6 | Yarrow
Flowerburst Fruit Bowl Yarrow is a reliable, long lasting perennial with red, rose, lemon yellow, peach, and plum coloured flowers.
Latin Name: Achillea millefolium
Days to Maturity: 120-130 Days
Life Cycle: Perennial
Country of Origin: Netherlands
Sowing: 8 weeks before planting out. Light is required for germination. Can also be direct seeded.
Day 9 | Zinnia
Giant Flower mix is a mixture of various shades and types of zinnias. Some blooms can be up to 6” in diameter.
Latin Name: Zinnia elegans
Days to Maturity: 75-85 Days
Life Cycle: Annual
Country of Origin: Chile
Sowing: 4 weeks before planting out. A heat mat will aid in germination.
Day 12 | Snapdragon
Chantilly Mix Snapdragon is a mix of unique open faced flowers you are unlikely to see at your average garden centre. Can be used as an edible garnish.
Latin Name: Antirrhinum majus
Days to Maturity: 100-110 Days
Life Cycle: Annual
Country of Origin: Chile
Sowing: 8 weeks before planting out. Light is required for germination
Seed Starting Tips
Use Good Quality Seed Starting Mix
Light and Well-Draining: Use a seed-starting mix that is light, fluffy, and well-draining. Avoid using regular garden soil, which can be too heavy and may contain pests or diseases.
Sterilized Mix: Ensure the seed-starting mix is sterilized to avoid soil-borne diseases.
Select the Right Containers
Containers with Drainage: Use seed trays, pots, or even recycled containers (e.g., yogurt cups) with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Size Matters: Choose a container that is deep enough to allow for root growth.
Provide Proper Light
Natural Light: Place seedlings in a very sunny window that gets at least 6-8 hours of light a day. We almost always recommend supplementing with grow lights.
Grow Lights: If natural light is insufficient, use fluorescent grow lights or LED lights. Position them about 2–4 inches above the seedlings and keep them on for 14–16 hours a day.
Maintain Proper Temperature
Warmth for Germination: Most seeds germinate best in warm temperatures, typically between 65–75°F (18–24°C). A seed heat mat can help maintain consistent warmth for seeds that need higher temperatures.
Cooler After Germination: Once seeds have germinated, they can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures. Aim to keep them around 60–70°F (15–21°C) for optimal growth.
Water Gently and Consistently
Avoid Overwatering: Water your seeds gently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to mold, rot, and other issues.
Use a Spray Bottle: A spray bottle or gentle watering can helps prevent disturbing the soil or drowning small seeds.
Watering from the Bottom: Consider bottom-watering your seedlings by placing the seed tray in a shallow dish of water for 10–15 minutes, allowing the soil to soak up moisture from the bottom.
Provide Good Air Circulation
Prevent Mold and Mildew: Ensure air circulation around your seedlings to help prevent mold and mildew from developing. A small fan set on low can help improve airflow if growing indoors.
Thin Seedlings: As they grow, thin out any overcrowded seedlings to prevent competition for light and nutrients.
Harden Off Seedlings Before Transplanting
Gradual Exposure to Outdoor Conditions: Before moving seedlings outdoors permanently, “harden them off” by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions. Start by placing them outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the exposure over the course of 7–10 days.
Avoid Frost: Don’t expose tender seedlings to frost or extreme temperature swings until the last frost date has passed in your area.
Use Seedling Fertilizer Sparingly
Once seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, you can begin to fertilize them lightly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Dilute Fertilizer: Use about 1/4 to 1/2 of the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding young seedlings.
Be Patient and Stay Consistent
Germination Times Vary: Some seeds take longer to germinate than others, so be patient. Keep the conditions consistent (light, warmth, moisture) and monitor your seeds regularly.
Don't Give Up on Slow Growers: Some seeds take weeks to sprout, while others may surprise you and germinate quickly. Keep an eye on your trays and make adjustments if needed.