Seedling Bundle | How to Care For Your Seedlings

What to do now that your seedlings arrived.

Follow these steps below immediately upon opening your package to ensure your plants stay healthy.

1. Carefully take your seedlings out of the package and give them a nice big drink of water.

2. If weather allows, place them outside in the sun.

3. Keep them inside the first night until you have a secure place outside to keep them (secure from animals, being knocked over by wind, etc)

4. These seedlings are READY and desiring to get in the ground, so the sooner you can do that the better. If potential frost is still in your future, bring them outside during the day and then bring them inside at night if there is danger of frost.

**If you still have frost for a few more weeks, I would recommend potting these up into a bigger container so they have more soil, nutrients and access to water while you wait to plant.

Flower Seedling Key

M = Sensation Mix Cosmos

W = Double Click Snowpuff Cosmos

S = Scabiosa Fata Morgana

B = Bupleurum

H = Strawflower King Size Silvery Rose

Q = Queeny Mix Zinnia

O = Oklahoma Salmon Zinnia

D = Didiscus Lacy Blue

These are listed in order of their HEIGHT.

So the tallest varieties are first.

When you go to plant, make sure to place the tallest plants on the northern side of your bed so they don't cast shadows on the shorter varieties.

Instructions on Planting

When you plant these seedlings, follow these instructions for the healthiest plants:

🌱 How to Plant Your Seedling Bundle (Like a Master Gardener)

1. Unpack Immediately

As soon as your seedlings arrive:

Gently unpack them from the box.
Inspect for any signs of stress.
Water lightly if the soil plugs feel dry.

2. Harden Them Off

Don’t plant them right away!

Place seedlings outdoors in partial shade for a few hours on day 1.
Gradually increase sun exposure over 5–7 days.
Bring them in at night if temps drop below 45°F.

3. Prepare Your Soil

Great flowers start with great soil:

Use well-draining, fertile soil enriched with compost.
Loosen soil 8–12" deep and remove weeds.
If planting in raised beds, mix in Coast of Maine Compost Blend or similar organic compost.

4. Add Organic Fertilizer

Before planting, apply:

🌿 Dr. Earth Flower Girl Bud & Bloom Booster (4-10-7) OR
🐟 Fish emulsion fertilizer (e.g., Neptune’s Harvest 2-3-1) diluted per label.

Mix it gently into the soil at the root zone to boost early growth.

5. Planting Time

Space plants 6–9" apart unless noted otherwise.
Dig a hole just deep enough for the root plug.
Place the seedling in, gently firm the soil around it, and water well.

6. Water Wisely

Water deeply right after planting.
Keep soil evenly moist for the first 1–2 weeks.
After that, water when the top 1" of soil feels dry.

7. Mulch for Moisture & Weeds

Apply a 1–2" layer of organic mulch like straw or shredded leaves.
This helps keep roots cool, retains moisture, and reduces weeds.

8. Ongoing Fertilizing

Feed with fish emulsion or compost tea every 2–3 weeks.
For more blooms, switch to a bloom booster once buds appear.

9. Pinch for Bushier Plants

For cosmos, zinnias, and scabiosa:

When plants are 6–8" tall, snip the top inch of the central stem.
This encourages branching and more flowers!

10. Support as Needed

Tall varieties like Cosmos and Zinnias may need staking or a flower net.
Install supports early to avoid damaging roots later.

11. Harvest Often

Cut blooms regularly to encourage more flowering.
Use clean, sharp snips and harvest in the cool of morning.