Product Information

What’s in my candle?

The Phoenix Candle Shop makes 100% soy wax candles from soybeans grown in the US. This all natural wax is coupled with a cotton wick for clean burning candles that are hand poured in Boston, MA. All fragrance oils used are free of phthalate, parabens, formaldehyde, Prop 65 chemicals and are never tested on animals,

Why soy wax?

Unlike paraffin wax, which is a by-product of petroleum refining, soy wax is a renewable resource that is grown right here in the US. It burns longer and cleaner than paraffin, which produces a lot of soot when burned.

Candle Care

There’s a right way to burn a candle?

Ideally, every time you burn your candle you should allow the wax to melt all the way to the edges. This prevents tunneling (when the wick only burns the wax right down the center of the candle and eventually extinguishes itself). This is especially important on the first burn of a candle! I like to say that candles have memories and will try to follow the first burn.

How do I trim the wick?

Using a pair of scissors or a wick trimmer, cut the wick down to 1/4” before every burn. This will allow for a clean, safe burn and will make your candle last longer! Always discard the wick trimmings in the trash, not back into the candle. Not only does this muddy up the wax, it could be a fire hazard.

How do I burn a candle safely?

When burning a candle, never leave it unattended, within reach of children or pets, and near flammable objects. Do not burn a candle for more than 4 hours and stop burning when there only 1/2” wax remains at the bottom. Make sure the candle is on a flat level surface and keep the wax free from foreign objects, such as matches or wick trimmings.

Planting Tips

How do I plant my seed paper tag?

The seed paper tag contains wildflower seeds such as bird’s-eye, clarkia, black-eyed Susan, sweet alyssum, catchfly and snapdragon.

1. Burn down candle.

2. Soak the seed paper overnight.

3. Fill can with dirt. Place label on top and cover with 1/8” soil.

4. Place in a sunny spot and enjoy!

How do I clean out my candle of remaining wax?

Once the candle has burned down, you’re ready to plant your seed paper! The remaining wax and wick do not need to be removed, but there are a couple of easy methods to do so if you wish.

• Boil method: Boil 1-2” of water on a stove top and place the can in the boiling water. Wait for the wax to melt (keeping a close eye so the can doesn’t tip over!), remove the can with oven mitts, and pour the wax into the trash. Pop the wick and tab out with a fork or knife, wipe the can clean with a cloth, rinse and dry.

• Oven method: Similar to the boil method, you’ll be melting the wax with your oven. Set the oven on the lowest setting, place the can inside until all the wax has melted. Using oven mitts, remove the can and pour the wax in the trash. Pop the wick and tab out with a fork or knife, wipe the can clean with a cloth, rinse and dry.

• Freezer method: Place the candle in the freezer until any remaining wax freezes. Remove the wax by chipping it with a spoon and discarding in the trash. Pop the wick and tab out with a fork or knife, wipe the can clean with a cloth, rinse and dry.

What are some tricks to make sure my flowers grow healthy?

Most of your conventional gardening knowledge applies to growing these wild flowers. Here are some handy tricks:

• Add rocks to the bottom of the can: This will help the water drain through the soil and prevent root rot. A 2” layer should do the trick. You can use any type of rock, I usually go in my backyard and grab a handful!

• Use general potting soil: Dirt that has been mixed for indoor container plants from your local hardware store should do the trick!

• Soak the seed paper overnight: This isn’t strictly necessary, but helps the seeds come out of their shells and prevents overwatering the dirt at the very beginning. Place the seed paper in a small glass and cover with water. Leave soaking overnight. Then place the seed paper on top of the dirt in the can, sprinkle with 1/8” of dirt, drizzle with water and place in a sunny window.

• Create some humidity: If the can is in a dry room or near a heater, the seedlings might dry out before they have a chance to grow. After you’ve planted the seed paper tag, cover the can with a small amount of plastic wrap. Every few days, mist the inside of the can and replace wrap. Once the seeds have sprouted, poke some holes in the wrap to allow some air flow. When the seedlings are 2-3” tall, you can remove the wrap, remembering to finely mist with water if you see it drying out.

• Use a grow lamp: If you’re growing out of season, the sun might not be strong enough for the seedlings to get started or they’ll grow leggy and weak. You can use a grow lamp to get started, suspending it 12-16” above the cans for up to 12 hours a day. Make sure to turn it off at night, the seedlings need to sleep too!

How often should I water my wildflower?

The most common problem with plant parenthood is overwatering. This can cause a seedling to drown, or a fully grown plant to develop root rot. To prevent this, water only when you notice the plant wilting or when the top 2” of soil is dry to the touch. Also try adding a 2” layer of rocks at the bottom of the can before you add the dirt for better drainage.