Seeds of Hope
Instructions for Our Seed Libraries
Seeds of Hope was founded to help restore Illinois' natural habitat and biodiversity by making native plants accessible to everyone. Through our seed libraries located in schools, libraries, and community spaces, you can pick up free packets of native seeds to plant in your own community, backyard, or garden. This instructions page guides you on which seeds to pick up and what to do once you have them in hand. We have included a seed profile that notes the characteristics and provides pictures of each of our 16 species, allowing you to choose one that suits your needs. We also have step-by-step instructions on how to prepare, plant, and care for each species so that your seeds grow successfully. By combining access to seeds with clear instructions, our goal is to make it simple for anyone to restore native plants, support pollinators, reduce flooding, and strengthen local ecosystems. Every seed you plant connects back to the larger mission of Seeds of Hope: rebuilding biodiversity in our communities, one seed at a time.​
Table of Contents
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Why are Native Plants Important?
Native plants are the foundation of healthy ecosystems. Because they evolved in Illinois’ climate and soils, they require less water, fertilizer, and care than non-native species. Their deep roots help absorb stormwater, reduce flooding, and improve soil health. Just as importantly, native plants provide food and habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife that depend on them for survival. By planting natives, you are helping restore the natural balance of local ecosystems while also creating landscapes that are beautiful, resilient, and sustainable. ​
How are Native Seeds Different from Regular Seeds?
Native seeds are unique because they often require natural cycles like cold winters or periods of disturbance in order to germinate. Unlike many garden-variety seeds bred for uniform growth, native seeds are adapted to the local environment and play a direct role in supporting biodiversity. Some may take longer to sprout, and some may not all germinate at once, but this diversity makes native plants stronger and more resilient. Planting native seeds is not only about growing flowers or grasses; it is about restoring an ecosystem and ensuring that plants, pollinators, and people can thrive together.
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Types of Native Seeds​
The Seeds of Hope collection includes a range of species that represent different parts of Illinois’ prairie ecosystem:
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Wildflowers provide nectar and pollen for pollinators and bring vibrant color throughout the growing season.
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Grasses build the foundation of the prairie, with deep roots that prevent erosion and improve soil structure.
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Milkweeds are especially important for monarch butterflies and other pollinators, offering food and habitat.
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Legumes such as prairie clover help enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen and supporting other plants.
By combining these different types of seeds in your garden, you can create a small-scale ecosystem that mirrors the diversity of Illinois’ natural landscapes.
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Natives, Nativars, and Cultivars
Not all plants sold as “native” offer the same benefits. Here’s what you need to know:
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Natives are the original wild species that evolved in a region. They offer the highest ecological value because they support local insects, birds, and wildlife.
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Nativars are cultivated varieties of native plants bred for traits like color, size, or bloom shape. While they can still provide benefits, they sometimes support fewer pollinators than true natives.
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Cultivars are non-native plants bred for human preferences rather than ecosystem function. They may look appealing, but they often do little to support biodiversity.
Seeds of Hope provides true native species to maximize their ecological impact and support the restoration of Illinois’ natural habitats.
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Germination Codes​
Native seeds often need special conditions to sprout. To make this easier, we use germination codes that explain what each species requires:
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A – No pre-treatment needed; sow directly into soil.
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B – Needs light to germinate; press seeds into the surface without covering.
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C(x) – Requires cold, moist stratification for x number of days (for example, C(30) means 30 days in a refrigerator or outdoors in winter).
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D – Germinates best through natural freeze-thaw cycles; sow outdoors in fall or winter.
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E – Requires scarification (scratching, nicking, or soaking the seed coat to let water in).
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F – Germination is slow or irregular; patience is required.
These codes are listed with each plant profile so you know exactly how to prepare your seeds for the best chance of success.
Seed Profiles
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Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Planting Time & Germination: Germination code of C(30), requiring 30 days of cold stratification. It can be winter-sown or artificially stratified.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: Biennial, full or partial sunlight, and soil that is not consistently soggy.
Height and Bloom: Blooms between June and October; grows to 2-3 feet and has beautiful yellow-orange petals surrounding a brown center.
Additional Notes: They are pioneer plants: the first to grow in areas damaged by fire or natural disasters.
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Spotted Bee’s Balm (Monarda punctata)
Planting Time & Germination: Germination code of A and D, requiring no cold stratification. It can be planted in the fall or early spring.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: Perennial, full or partial sunlight, and soil that is medium-dry or dry.
Height and Bloom: Blooms between July and September; grows 1-3 feet and has complex purple, green, and maroon blossoms.
Additional Notes: The Spotted Bee’s Balm is impressively tolerant to drought and has antiseptic properties, as it was originally used to sooth bee stings.
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Common Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
Planting Time & Germination: Night-blooming flower that grows best when planted in late fall or early spring. A cold stratification of 45-60 days is recommended for germination.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: Requires full sunlight and prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil.
Height and Bloom: When mature, it reaches a height of 3-6 feet. The Common Evening Primrose blooms from June - October, during which the yellow flowers open rapidly in the evening and shrivel by the next noon, emitting a lemony scent.
Additional Notes: An important source of food for birds during the winter months, nighttime pollinators, and the caterpillars of many moth species.
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Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya)
Planting Time & Germination: Prairie Blazing Stars can be stratified from 4-6 weeks or up to 15 weeks in a refrigerator. These seeds can be sown directly into the soil during the fall or the spring.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: The flowering plant needs full sun for at least 6 hours in order to grow. These plants aren’t picky as to the specific type of soil they are planted in as long as it is well-drained, for soggy and overly fertile soils may cause the plant to rot.
Height and Bloom: These plants can reach a mature height between 2-4 feet tall. Prairie Blazing Stars can take up to 2 years to grow and will have purple to pink blooms from midsummer to late summer.
Additional Notes: These flowers are especially beneficial for monarchs because they are attracted to densely cluttered nectar-filled flowers.
Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
Planting Time & Germination: Anise Hyssop seeds should be cold-stratified for about 30 days in a refrigerator before planting and can be directly sown into the soil in early spring after the last frost.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: A versatile, aromatic herb that thrives in full sun and well-drained, loamy soil. It can grow in sandy or slightly dry conditions as long as the soil drains well.
Height and Bloom: This plant typically reaches a mature height of 2 to 4 feet and blooms from June to August, displaying vibrant purple to blue flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Additional Notes: Its aromatic leaves, with a licorice-like flavor, can also be used in cooking or for herbal teas.
Illinois Bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis)
Planting Time & Germination: Illinois Bundleflower seeds can be cold-stratified for 30 days in the refrigerator to improve germination and can be directly sown into the soil in early spring, once the frost has passed.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: Native perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained, loamy soils. It is tolerant of dry and poor soil conditions, making it a resilient plant for prairies and wildflower gardens.
Height and Bloom: This plant typically reaches a mature height of 2-3 feet and blooms from June to August, producing small, white, ball-shaped flowers that form in clusters.
Additional Notes: This plant is especially valuable for supporting native pollinators, and its deep taproot helps with soil stabilization and erosion control, particularly in prairie restoration efforts.
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Planting Time & Germination: New England Aster seeds should be cold-stratified for 30-60 days in the refrigerator before planting and can be directly sown into the soil in early spring or fall.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: Perennial wildflower that thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It prefers well-drained, loamy soil but can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy and slightly dry conditions.
Height and Bloom: This plant typically reaches a mature height of 3-6 feet and blooms from late summer to fall (August to October), producing striking purple to pink flowers with yellow centers.
Additional Notes: New England Aster is also drought-tolerant once established and is relatively low-maintenance, requiring little more than cutting back the stems in early spring to remove dead growth.
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Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Planting Time & Germination: For those looking to cultivate Wild Bergamot, seeds usually benefit from a period of cold stratification to enhance germination rates, and they can be directly sown outdoors in early spring once the danger of frost has passed.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: Full sun and a range of soil types, especially those that are well-drained.
Height and Bloom: Typically, this herbaceous plant grows to a height of 2 to 4 feet and showcases its beautiful blooms from mid-summer to early autumn. The flowers are typically lavender to pale purple and are arranged in dense clusters, attracting a plethora of pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.
Additional Notes: This species plays a significant role in supporting local wildlife and boasts fragrant foliage that can deter garden pests.
Rose Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Planting Time & Germination: For those looking to cultivate Rose Milkweed, sowing seeds in the fall or early spring is recommended. Sacrification or soaking seeds prior to planting helps improve germination rates.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: A striking perennial that flourishes in wetland areas, making it perfect for gardens with moist or bog-like conditions. Rose Milkweed prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in rich, well-drained soils that maintain consistent moisture.
Height and Bloom: This plant typically reaches heights of 3 to 4 feet and boasts clusters of fragrant, rose-pink flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall, drawing in a variety of pollinators, particularly monarch butterflies.
Additional Notes: This plant not only plays a crucial role in supporting monarchs, whose populations have been declining, but also contributes to biodiversity by providing habitat for a range of beneficial insects.
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Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)
Planting Time & Germination: For propogation, gardeners can sow seeds in the fall or early spring, and it is advisable to stratify the seeds to boost germination rates.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: Preferring full sun to partial shade, the Purple Prairie Clover thrives in well-drained soils and is naturally drought-tolerant, making it ideal for low-maintenance and xeriscaped gardens.
Height and Bloom: Typically growing to a height of 1 to 2 feet, this species features dense, cylindrical clusters of small purple flowers that bloom from mid-summer to early fall, attracting a wide variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Additional Notes: While the Purple Prairie Clover supports the local ecosystem by providing vital resources for pollinators and promoting biodiversity, it also has a history of traditional medicinal uses among some Indigenous cultures.
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Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Planting Time & Germination: To germinate purple coneflower seeds, cold stratification for 20-30 days would improve germination rates, then sow seeds in well-draining soil, keeping it moist but not soggy.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: When planted, they produce resilient, drought-tolerant perennial plants that thrive in well-drained soil and full sunlight, although they can also tolerate partial shade.
Height and Bloom: As the plants mature, they yield striking purple flowers with prominent, spiky centers, typically blooming in mid to late summer.
Additional Notes: The plant is renowned for its medicinal properties, with its roots and seeds being used in herbal remedies believed to enhance immune function.
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Little Bluestem Grass (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Planting Time & Germination: Directly sow the seeds into the soil in either fall or spring
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: Little bluestem is well-suited to a variety of environments, thriving in dry, well-drained soils and tolerating both full sun and light shade. It is a perennial grass that is known for its drought resistance and ability to improve soil structure through its deep-root system.
Height and Bloom: This plant typically reaches a mature height of 1-3 feet and blooms in either late summer or early fall.
Additional Notes: The plant serves as an important habitat for wildlife, providing cover for small mammals and birds, while its seeds offer food for various bird species, especially during the winter months.
Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis)
Planting Time & Germination: Cold stratification for a few weeks, then sown directly into soil in either spring or fall.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: This grass thrives in well-drained soils and is well-suited to full sun, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and prairie restoration projects.
Height and Bloom: This plant typically reaches a mature height of 2-3 feet and blooms from late summer to fall (August to October).
Additional Notes: Its deep, fibrous root system helps prevent soil erosion, making it an important plant in land restoration efforts.
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Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Planting Time & Germination: Cold stratification for 30 to 60 days can improve germination rates. Seeds can be sown in late fall or early spring, and if planted in fall, seedlings often emerge the following spring.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: Butterfly Weed is drought-tolerant and well-suited to low-maintenance gardens. It thrives in full sun and grows best in sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils that are well-drained.
Height and Bloom: It typically grows to about 2-3 feet tall and blooms from June through August.
Additional Notes: This species attracts a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, wasps, hummingbirds, and butterflies. It can take two to three years to bloom when grown from seed, but once established, it is long-lived and resilient.
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Perennial Lupine (Lupinus perennis)
Planting Time & Germination: Seeds benefit from scarification, the process of nicking or soaking the hard seed coat to help water penetrate, before sowing in early spring or late fall.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: A short-lived perennial that prefers full sun and sandy, well-drained soils. It does not tolerate heavy clay or waterlogged ground.
Height and Bloom: Reaches 1–2 feet in height and produces tall spikes of blue to purple flowers in late spring and early summer.
Additional Notes: Fixes nitrogen in the soil and serves as a host plant for several butterflies, including the endangered Karner blue.
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Yellow Coneflower (Echinacea paradoxa)
Planting Time & Germination: Best planted in fall or early spring. Blooms may take up to two years when grown from seed.
Life Cycle, Sunlight, and Soil Preference: A hardy perennial that requires full sun and well-drained soil. Its deep taproot provides excellent drought tolerance.
Height and Bloom: Typically grows to 3 feet and blooms in early to mid-summer with yellow petals and dark centers.
Additional Notes: Deer resistant and long-lived, it self-seeds easily and adds bright color to prairie plantings.​​​
Black-Eyed Susan | Credit: Prairie Moon Nursery
Below are the seed profiles for all the seeds carried by Seeds of Hope's Seed Libraries. Each listing contains a brief overview of each plant, along with a picture. The name of each plant is linked to the Prairie Moon Nursery listing for that plant, where you can find more in-depth planting information. We hope that this information will help you in picking seeds from our library, along with planting and caring for them! ​​
Spotted Bee's Balm | Credit: Prairie Moon Nursery
Common Evening Primrose | Credit: Prairie Moon Nursery
Prairie Blazing Star | Credit: Prairie Moon Nursery
Anise Hyssop | Credit: Prairie Moon Nursery
Illinois Bundleflower | Credit: Prairie Moon Nursery
New England Aster | Credit: Prairie Moon Nursery
Wild Bergamont | Credit: Prairie Moon Nursery
Rose Milkweed | Credit: Prairie Moon Nursery
Purple Prairie Clover | Credit: Prairie Moon Nursery
Purple Coneflower | Credit: Prairie Moon Nursery
Little Bluestem Grass | Credit: Prairie Moon Nursery
Prairie Dropseed | Credit: Prairie Moon Nursery
Butterfly Weed | Credit: Prairie Moon Nursery
Perennial Lupine | Credit: Prairie Moon Nursery
Yellow Coneflower | Credit: Prairie Moon Nursery
Seed Sowing Techniques ​​​​
Seed-sowing techniques vary depending on the type of seed and its specific germination requirements. Direct sowing is the simplest method, where seeds are planted directly into the ground in their final growing location. This works best for hardy plants like sunflowers, carrots, and beans, which don’t require transplanting. The key to successful direct sowing is preparing the soil by loosening it, removing weeds, and ensuring proper spacing. Keeping the soil consistently moist without overwatering encourages strong root development. This method allows plants to establish naturally, reducing transplant shock and promoting healthier growth.
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For seeds that require cold exposure to break dormancy, winter sowing is a natural and effective technique. Seeds are sown in plastic containers, such as milk jugs, filled with moist potting soil and left outside during the winter months. This process mimics the natural freeze-thaw cycles that many native plants, like milkweed and coneflowers, need to germinate. As temperatures rise in spring, the seeds sprout on their own, eliminating the need for artificial stratification or indoor seed-starting setups. Winter sowing is particularly useful for native plant restoration projects and pollinator-friendly gardens.
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Some seeds, especially those with hard outer coats, require artificial stratification or scarification to enhance germination. Stratification involves chilling seeds in damp sand or paper towels in a refrigerator for weeks to simulate winter conditions, which is essential for plants like blueberries and certain wildflowers. Scarification, on the other hand, involves breaking down tough seed coats by soaking them in water, nicking them with a knife, or rubbing them with sandpaper to allow moisture to penetrate. This is useful for species like morning glories and lotus. Understanding the right sowing method ensures better germination rates, stronger seedlings, and a thriving, resilient garden.
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Milk jug sowing results in seed germination 5 months later | Credit: Aarin Bothra
What Should I Do After My Seeds Have Germinated?
Once your seeds have sprouted, the most important step is to help them grow strong and establish deep roots. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering, since too much water can cause seedlings to rot. Make sure they receive plenty of sunlight, and thin them out if they are crowded so that each plant has room to grow. As the seedlings mature, you can transplant them to their final location if needed, placing them in soil that matches their sunlight and moisture requirements.
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In the first year, many native plants focus on root growth rather than blooms, so do not be discouraged if flowers take time to appear. Strong root systems will make the plants more resilient in the years to come. Keep weeds under control so they do not compete with young seedlings, and be patient, because native plants often take two or three seasons to reach their full beauty. By caring for your seedlings in these early stages, you are setting the foundation for long-lasting, healthy plants that will support pollinators and restore habitat for years ahead.
Additional Resources
Books:
1. Bringing Nature Home – Douglas W. Tallamy
2. Native Plant Agriculture Vol. 1 & 2 – Indigenous Landscapes
3. Growing and Propagating Wildflowers of the United States and Canada – William Cullina
4. The New Wild Garden – Ian Hodgson
5. The Prairie Builder’s Guide – Carl Kurtz
6. Nature’s Best Hope – Douglas W. Tallamy
7. Wildflowers of North America – Frank Kaczmarek
8. The American Meadow Garden – John Greenlee
9. Seed to Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners – Suzanne Ashworth
Websites:
1. Wild Seed Project (wildseedproject.net)
2. Native Seeds/SEARCH (nativeseeds.org)
3. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (wildflower.org)
4. Prairie Moon Nursery (prairiemoon.com)
5. Xerces Society (Pollinator Conservation) (xerces.org)
6. USDA PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov)
7. Illinois Wildflowers (illinoiswildflowers.info)
8. EcoBeneficial (ecobeneficial.com)
9. Garden for Wildlife (NWF) (nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife)
10. Seed Savers Exchange (seedsavers.org)
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Tools:
1. Stratification Calculator – Helps determine cold stratification time for different seeds (nativeseeds.org)
2. Wildflower Bloom Time Charts – Tracks native plant bloom cycles (wildflower.org)
3. Seed Germination Database – Details optimal conditions for different species (tomclothier.hort.net)
4. Soil Temperature Map – Helps determine best planting times (greencastonline.com)
5. Milk Jug Winter Sowing Guide – Step-by-step guide to winter sowing (joegardener.com)
6. USDA Hardiness Zone Map – Determines which plants thrive in your region (planthardiness.ars.usda.gov)
7. Native Plant Finder (NWF) – Identifies plants native to your zip code (nwf.org/NativePlantFinder)
8. Seed Starting Timetable – Helps plan sowing schedules (burpee.com)
9. Monarch Watch Waystation Program – Supports butterfly-friendly planting (monarchwatch.org)
10. Wild Seed Mix Calculator – Estimates seed amounts for restoration projects (prairiemoon.com)
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Tell us About Your Experience
After visiting one of our seed libraries and picking your seeds, take a moment to fill out this form and share your thoughts and selections with us!
Form: https://forms.gle/23BjoTtbCMqtUZ2A8
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Find a Seed Library: ourseedsofhope.com/locations
Follow Us: Tag us on social media at @ourseedsofhope
Contact Us: Questions? Email: oehs.seedsofhope@gmail.com