The Family Flower Pack

About
The Family Flower Pack delights nose, eyes, and bees with Calendula, Lavender, Poppy Mix, Sweet William, Borage, Cosmos, Marigold Mix, Scented Stock, Columbine Mix, Sunflower Mix, Prairie Coreopsis, and Mullein. Each variety was chosen for its show-stopping blooms, delightful fragrance, and time-honoured uses in folk medicine and herbal crafts.

Where Can You Grow
These flowers flourish in full sun to light shade with well-drained, fertile soil. Sow in garden beds, mixed borders, or large containers. Amend soil with compost and water regularly until established.

History and Historical Uses

• Calendula: Heals skin irritation and used in soothing salves.

• Lavender: Valued since antiquity for calming aromatherapy and culinary infusions.

• Poppy Mix: Petals used historically in mild sedative teas; brilliant garden colour.

• Sweet William: European folk remedy for digestion and ornament.

• Borage: Flower petals used in summer drinks, reputed to lift spirits.

• Cosmos: Medicinally used in Latin America for anti-inflammatory teas.

• Marigold Mix: Calendula cousins used in wound-healing ointments.

• Scented Stock: Victorian favourite for cut-flower bouquets and perfumed sachets.

• Columbine Mix: Traditional remedy for mild expectorant uses.

• Sunflower Mix: Seeds pressed for oil; petals used topically for inflammation.

• Prairie Coreopsis: Native American tea plant for mild digestive support.

• Mullein: Soothes respiratory complaints as a lung-supporting infusion.

Canadian Zone Information

Zones 3–9: Direct-sow annuals (Cosmos, Poppies, Marigolds, Stock) after last frost; start perennials (Lavender, Sweet William, Columbine, Coreopsis, Mullein) indoors 6–8 weeks before frost and transplant once established.

How to Grow and Harvest

• Sowing: Scatter seeds thinly ¼ in deep; cover lightly with soil.

• Spacing: Thin seedlings to 8–12 in apart for good airflow.

• Maintenance: Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering; mulch perennials in autumn.

• Harvest: Cut flowers at peak bloom for arrangements or dry in small bunches for sachets.

Seed Saving Tips for Future Supply

• Isolation: Space related species at least 3 ft apart to maintain purity.

• Collection: Allow seed heads to fully mature and dry on the plant.

• Cleaning & Storage: Gently thresh to release seeds; winnow away chaff; store in airtight jars in a cool, dark place.

Certified Organic By
Islands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)