Bitter Melon Seeds
It has a distinctive bitter taste, a bumpy green exterior, and is rich in vitamins C and A, as well as other minerals. To reduce its bitterness, the white, spongy pith and seeds are removed, and the fruit is often blanched or salted before cooking in dishes like stir-fries, soups, or stuffed preparations
Planting: Score tip of seeds and soak for 24hrs before planting, sow 1″ into ground and 12-24″ apart, vein growing
Conditions: Full sun, loam/garden soil/moist conditions
Celosia Seeds
Celosia is a bold, eye-catching flower known for its feathery plumes or velvety, blooms in vibrant shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow. These heat-loving annuals add rich texture and long-lasting color to garden beds and bouquets. Celosia is also popular as a dried flower because it holds its shape and color beautifully.
Planting:
Direct sow after the last frost or start indoors 6–8 weeks before. Lightly press seeds into the soil without fully covering (they need light to germinate). Space plants 6–12″ apart depending on variety. Germination typically occurs in 8–14 days.
Conditions:
Full sun. Well-draining garden or loamy soil. Thrives in warm weather and tolerates heat well. Water moderately, allowing soil to dry slightly between watering.
Marigold Seeds
Marigolds are bright, cheerful flowering plants known for their vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and gold. They’re easy to grow, valued for their long-lasting blooms, and often planted in gardens to help deter pests. Marigolds are commonly used in companion planting, borders, and containers, and some varieties are even edible or used for natural dyes.
Planting:
Direct sow seeds after the last frost or start indoors 4–6 weeks early. Lightly cover seeds with soil (about ¼”), spacing plants 8–18″ apart depending on variety. Seeds typically germinate within 5–10 days.
Conditions:
Full sun for best blooms. Well-draining garden or loamy soil. Drought-tolerant once established, but performs best with moderate, consistent watering.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are iconic, easy-to-grow plants enjoyed by gardeners in every state. One of the easiest flowers to grow, Helianthus thrive in full sun and aren’t picky about soil. They are an annual plant native to North America.
Native American peoples first domesticated the sunflower over 5,000 years ago. Colonialists brought the plant to Europe in the 16th century, where it became popular as a food and decoration.
Planting: bury about 1-1.5″ inch deep, space 6 inches apart
Watering: Water at the base of the plant, providing about 1 inch of water per week
Sunlight: They require full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil: They can grow in various soils, including clay and rocky soil, but prefer fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil.
Zinnias
Zinnias are popular, easy-to-grow annual flowers native to Mexico and the Southwestern U.S., known for their vibrant, long-lasting blooms in a wide range of colors and sizes. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, are excellent for cutting gardens and attracting pollinators, and are a great choice for beginners and children
Planting: only about 1/4 inch deep, 4 to 24 inches apart
Watering: Water at the base of the plant, providing about 1 inch of water per week
Sunlight: They require full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil: Well-drained soil rich in organic matter is ideal.