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Commonwealth University of PA

North Hall Seed Library

Planting Instructions for Seeds

Contender (Bush) Beans

Instructions: Sow seeds when the soil is warm and all danger of frost is past.
Plant 2 seeds every 4 inches. Soaking seeds overnight before planting will
speed germination. Thin to 1 plant every 4 inches when the plants have 4
leaves. Pick early and often to encourage. 

Days to germ: 6 - 8
Depth: 1 to 1 1/2 inches
Spacing: 20 in./4 in. 
Days to harvest: 55

Three Color Mix (Bush) Beans

Instructions: After danger of frost has passed, sow in well-exposed warm
ground. Cover with 1/4 inch soil. Thin when plants are 3 inches tall. Rich
soil preferred, but will survive poor soil. 

Days to germ: 7 - 8
Depth: 1/8 inch
Spacing: 10 in. 
Days to harvest: 55 - 80

 

Broccoli (De Cicco)

Instructions: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Or, sow
2-3 seeds together outdoors every 2 feet. Thin to 1 plant every 2 feet when 
1 inch tall. Keep watered and fertilized. Cut before buds open for best harvest.

Days to germ: 10 - 14
Depth: 1/2 inch
Spacing: 3 ft./2 ft. 
Days to harvest: 48

 

Lemon Cucumbers

Instructions: In full sun, sow a few seeds over a hill 12 inches tall and 
2 feet across with well-drained soil. For smaller gardens, plant alongside a 
fence or trellis. When plants are 2 inches tall, thin to 3 plants per hill. Plant
at 3 week intervals up to midsummer for fresh cucumbers all season. Keep
fruits picked. 

Days to germ: 8 - 10
Depth: 1/2 inch
Spacing: 4 ft./6 ft.  
Days to harvest: 65

National Pickling Cucumbers

Instructions: In full sun, sow a few seeds over a hill 12 inches tall and 2 feet
across with well-drained soil. For smaller gardens, plant alongside a fence or
trellis. When plants are 2 inches tall, thin to 3 plants per hill. Plant at 3 week
intervals up to midsummer for fresh cucumbers all season. Keep fruits picked. 

Days to germ: 7 - 10
Depth: 1/2 inch
Spacing: 4 ft./6 ft.
Days to harvest: 55

 

Cosmos

Instructions: Sow seeds outdoors in spring in a sunny location with well-tilled soil
after all danger of frost is past. Cover seed with 1/4 inch of fine soil and keep soil
moist during germination. For earliest blossoms, start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks
 before the last frost date. Transplant outdoors after all danger of frost is past. 

Days to germ: 5 - 10
Depth: 1/4 inch
Spacing: 1 inch
Height: 2 - 3 feet

Johnny Jump Up

Instructions: After all danger of frost, sow in open ground well exposed. Cover
with 1/8 inch of soil. For earlier blooms, start indoors in flats about 10 weeks
before the last frost. Cover with 1/8 inch of soil. When plants are 3 inches high,
thin or transplant.

Days to germ: 10 - 15
Depth: 1/8 inch
Spacing: 6 inches
Height: 6 - 10  inches
Days to bloom: 75 - 85

Shasta Daisy

Instructions: After all danger of frost, sow in open ground well exposed. 
Cover with 1/4 inch of soil. When plants are 3 inches high, thin.

Days to germ: 14 - 21
Depth: 1/4 inch
Spacing: 12 inches
Height: 24 - 30 inches
Days to bloom: 180 - 300

Wildflower Mix (Bird & Butterfly Mixture)

Instructions: Broadcast seed thinly and evenly over prepared soil. Rake in
lightly, covering seed no deeper than 1/8 inch. For best germination, soak
planted area thoroughly and maintain consistent moisture for 4 to 6 weeks, 
then gradually reduce watering.

Days to germ: 7 - 21
Depth: 1/8 inch
Spacing: Broadcast
Height: 12 - 36 inches
Days to bloom: 42 - 56

 

Basil (Sweet Italian)

Instructions: Start indoors near a sunny window 6 weeks before transplanting
to the garden. Or, sow in the garden in full sun when frost danger is over and
ground is warm. Performs best in rows 2 feet apart. Thin or transplant plants
to 10 inches apart when they are 2 inches tall.  

Days to germ: 5 - 10
Depth: 1/4 inch
Spacing: 10 inches
Days to harvest: 85

Chives

Instructions: Sow seeds when the soil is warm and all danger of frost is past.
Start indoors near a sunny window 6 weeks before planting 
outdoors. Or, sow seed in the garden in a sunny location in rich, well-drained
soil. Performs best in rows 12 inches apart. Thin or transplant plants to 6 inches
apart when they are 2 inches tall. Leaves can be harvested 4 months after 
sowing: then, cut often.

Days to germ: 15 - 21
Depth: 1/4 inch
Spacing: 6 inches
Days to harvest: 80 - 90

Cilantro

Instructions: Sow directly in full sun after all danger of frost is past. For best 
results, thin plants to 6 inches apart when 2 inches tall. 

Days to germ: 7 - 10
Depth: 1/4 inch
Spacing: 6 inches
Days to harvest: 70

Elephant Dill

Instructions: Sow directly in the garden in well-drained soil in a sunny
location. Thin plants to 9 inches apart when they are 2 inches tall. The seeds 
can be harvested when the lower part of a seed cluster is ripe. 

Days to germ: 14
Depth: 1/4 inch
Spacing: 12 inches
Height: 36 inches. 
Days to harvest: 40

Oregano (Vulgare)

Instructions: Start seeds indoors in a sunny location 6 weeks before
transplanting outside. Or, sow in ordinary well-drained soil in full sun after 
danger of frost is past. Performs best in rows 18 inches apart. Thin or 
transplant plants to 12 inches apart when they are 2 inches tall. Pick leaves
as needed.

Days to germ: 8 - 14
Depth: 1/8 inch
Spacing: 12 inches
Height: 14 - 22 inches
Days to harvest: 80

Parsley (Italian Dark Green)

Instructions: Soak seeds overnight in warm water. Start seeds indoors, 6 to 8
weeks before frost. Sow in open ground well exposed when soil is warm. Thin
when plants are a few inches tall. Transplant to garden after frost. Harden off 
before transplanting. 

Days to germ: 21 - 28
Depth: 1/4 inch
Spacing: 10 inches
Height: 12 - 16 inches
Days to harvest: 40

Rosemary

Instructions: Start indoors by sowing seeds thickly in light, well-drained soil
8 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Needs some shade. Transplant
outdoors when 6 inches tall. Grows into large perennial shrubs in warm 
climates, but killed by frost everywhere. Cut sprigs as needed.

Days to germ: 15
Depth: 1/8 inch
Spacing: 36 inches
Height: 2 to 6 ft. 
Days to harvest: 68 - 72

 

Kale (Red Russian)

Instructions: Sow in outdoor rows as soon as the ground can be worked. 
Place one seed every 4 inches and cover with soil. When plants are about 3
inches tall, thin to 12 inches apart. Harvest side leaves as needed at 6 to 8
inches in length.

Days to germ: 8 - 12
Depth: 1/4 - 1/2 inch
Spacing: 18 in./18 in.
Days to harvest: 50

Lettuce (Gourmet Blend)

Instructions: After danger of frost, sow outdoors. Thin when plants are a few
inches tall. 

Days to germ: 7 - 10
Depth: 1/4 inch
Spacing: 12 in./6 in.
Days to harvest: 45 - 50

Swiss Chard (Bright Lights)

Instructions: Drought tolerant and heat tolerant. This can be decorative.
Grow in a container for the patio.

Days to germ: 7 - 10
Depth: 1/2 inch
Spacing: 20 in./6 in.
Days to harvest: 60

 

Leeks (American Flag)

Instructions: Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. After
danger of frost, sow outdoors. Thin when plants are a few inches tall. Before
harvesting, blanch for 2 weeks. 

Days to germ: 10 - 15
Depth: 1/2 inch
Spacing: 15 in./4 in.
Days to harvest: 130

 

Cascadia Sugar Snap Peas

Instructions: After danger of frost, sow outdoors. Will tolerate light frost, but
sensitive to heat. Plants perform best when supported by trellis. 

Days to germ: 8 - 12
Depth: 1 to 1 1/2 inches
Spacing: 2.5 ft./2 in.
Days to harvest: 58 - 65

 

Jalapeno Pepper (Mild)

Instructions: Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before planting outdoors.
Keep seeds moist in full sunlight. Transplant when 3 inches tall. Or, sow 
directly in the garden in a sunny location after the danger of frost is past. 
Plant 2 seeds every 18 inches. Thin or transplant to 1 plant every 18" when
3" tall. Use a balanced fertilizer when 6" tall to increase production. 

Days to germ: 10 - 12
Depth: 1/4 inch
Spacing: 2 1/2 ft./18 in.
Days to harvest: 67 - 70

Sweet Banana Peppers

Instructions: Start seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost. After 
danger of frost, sow outdoors. Keep beds moist to sprout seeds. Thin when
plants are a few inches tall. Transplant to garden after frost. Harden off before
transplanting. 

Days to germ: 10 - 12
Depth: 1/4 inch
Spacing: 2.5 ft./18 in.
Days to harvest: 72

Sweet Peppers (California Wonder 300 TMR)

Instructions: Start seeds indoors, 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost.
After danger of frost, sow outdoors. Keep beds moist to sprout seeds. Thin
when plants are a few inches tall. Transplant to garden after frost. Harden off
before transplanting.

Days to germ: 10 - 12
Depth: 1/4 inch
Spacing: 2 1/2 ft./18 in.
Days to harvest: 85

 

Fall Rainbow Blend Pumpkins

Instructions: In full sun, sow 4 to 5 seeds over a 12 inch tall and 2 feet wide
across hill. When 6 inches tall, thin to 3 per hill. Control weeds with mulch.

Days to germ: 7 -10
Depth: 1 - 1 1/2 inch
Spacing: 8 ft./8 ft.
Days to harvest: 80 - 110

Mini Harvest Blend Pumpkins

Instructions: In full sun, sow 4 to 5 seeds over a 12 inch tall and 2 feet
across hill. When 6 inches tall, thin to 3 per hill. Control weeds with mulch.

Days to germ: 7 -10
Depth: 1 inch
Spacing: 2 - 3 ft.
Days to harvest: 95

 

Beets (Tall Top Early Wonder)

Instructions: Sow in rows as early as the ground can be worked. After |
planting, press down covering with soil firmly. It performs best in full sun and
well drained soil. When the tops are about 6 inches tall, pull the plants until
the roots are 4 inches apart. Harvest when roots are 3 inches in diameter. 

Days to germ: 8 - 10
Depth: 1 inch
Spacing: 18 in./4 in.
Days to harvest: 45 - 50

Carrots (Petite Sweet)

Instructions: After danger of frost, sow outdoors. Thin when plants are a few
inches tall. For fresh carrots all season, plant every 3 weeks until 75 days
before the first fall frost.

Days to germ: 14 - 25
Depth: 1/4 inch
Spacing: 15 in./2 in.
Days to harvest: 60 - 65

Parsnips (All American)

Instructions: For the finest parsnips, seed directly outdoors in deeply tilled
soil. To speed germination, soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before
planting. Scatter seeds in rows, dropping 3-4 seeds every 3 inches. When
seedlings have 3 leaves, thin to one plant every 3 inches. 

Days to germ: 21 - 28
Depth: 1/2 inch
Spacing: 3 in.
Days to harvest: 95

Radishes (Icicle Short Top)

Instructions: In full sun, sow 2 seeds per inch in the row. Cover seeds 
firmly with soil. When plants have 3 or 4 leaves, thin to 1 inch apart. For a 
steady crop, sow every 10 days until warm weather and again in the fall
until 30 days before frost. 

Days to germ: 4 - 7
Depth: 1/2 inch
Spacing: 12 in./1 in.
Days to harvest: 27 - 35

Turnips (Purple Top White Globe)

Instructions: Sow directly in the garden as early as the soil can be worked.
Plant 2 seeds together every 2 inches, covering firmly with soil. Thin to 1 plant
every 6 inches when seedlings are 2 1/2 - 3 inches tall. Sow again in late
summer for a fall crop. 

Days to germ: 7 - 10
Depth: 1/2 inch
Spacing: 18 in./6 in.
Days to harvest: 50 - 55

 

Cocozelle Squash

Instructions: In full sun, sow 4 to 5 seeds over a 12 inch tall and 2 feet 
wide across hill. When 6 inches tall, thin to 3 per hill. Control weeds with 
mulch.

Days to germ: 7 - 10
Depth: 1 inch
Spacing: 3 ft./4 ft. 
Days to harvest: 50

 

Chef's Choice Blend Tomato

Instructions: Start seeds indoors in a sunny location 6 weeks prior to warm 
weather. Transplant outdoors in full sun when seedlings display 4-6 leaves
and the weather is warm. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden when 
soil is warm. Tomatoes cannot tolerate frost. 

Days to germ: 7 - 21
Depth: 1/2 inch
Spacing: 24 in. 
Days to harvest: 75 - 85

Early Girl Hybrid Tomato

Instructions: Start seeds indoors in a sunny location 6 weeks prior to
warm weather. Transplant outdoors in full sun when seedlings display 4-6
leaves and the weather is warm. Tomatoes cannot tolerate frost.

Days to germ: 7 - 10
Depth: 1/4 inch
Spacing: 3 ft./2 ft.
Days to harvest: 52

Independence Day Cherry F1 Tomato

Instructions: Seed indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before last frost. Then
transplant in to full sun garden area. Tomatoes can be seeded directly outdoors
after damage of frost has passed, sow in warm soil. Cover with 1/8 inch of soil

Days to germ: 10 - 14
Depth: 1/4 inch
Spacing: 12 in.
Days to harvest: 75

Jelly Bean Hybrid Tomato

Instructions: Sow seeds when the soil is warm and all danger of frost is past.
Start seeds indoors in a sunny location 6 weeks prior to warm
weather. Transplant outdoors in full sun when seedlings display 4-6 leaves
and the weather is warm. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden when
soil is warm. Tomatoes cannot tolerate frost. 

Days to germ: 7 - 10
Depth: 1/4 inch
Spacing: 3 ft./2 ft.
Days to harvest: 70