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Plant wild flower seeds


Directions On How To Plant Wildflower Seeds


Our Regional Mixtures are designed to fit the broad cross-section of conditions that generally exist within any one geographic region (and within any one project), i.e., variations in soil, slope, drainage, exposure and availability of moisture. For example, we include species for both moist and dry conditions in each mixture, provided that these conditions exist in the particular region. Furthermore, species are included on the basis of their versatility or ability to adapt. If conditions are relatively consistent or the requirements exacting, one of our Special-Use Mixtures may be appropriate (eg. Dry, Moist, Low- Growing, Super-Short or Shade Mix). For instance, on the rough of a golf course where moisture is controlled, our Moist Mixture may be a better choice than the Regional Mixture indicated for the area. Likewise, our Low-Growing Mixture (less than 16 inches high) has been designed to meet the demand from urban and suburban landscape architects and contractors for low-growing blends. These mixtures have a "semi-wild" appearance and can be used along roadsides, in parks, and in commercial and residential developments without looking weedy. Neither mixture will need mowing except once in the late fall, if desired. Both mixtures are very versatile and contain species that will flourish in either dry or moist situations.  

Sowing wildflower seeds without care and planning usually produces unsatisfactory results. Here are some important factors to consider:

Assessment of these factors will enable you to make a realistic choice of a site where wildflowers will prosper and to decide what action will be necessary to ensure your success.

It is difficult to kill weeds out of clover since broad-leafed herbicides will kill the clover as well. Due to this fact, it is essential that competing vegetation be killed before planting. If you must till or plow the soil before planting, be sure you wait 4 to 6 weeks for new weeds to emerge so you can kill them before planting the clover seed.

You may also use the no-till method. Mow or burn off existing vegetation in spring, wait for green-up so those perennial weeds and seeds emerge, then spray with Roundup (Monsanto) or another total herbicide to kill all existing vegetation. Wait for it to turn brown then lime (if necessary) and seed. The dead thatch will provide all the cover needed for the seed. We recommended spraying the area with Lazyman Soil Doctor to break down existing thatch and to aerate the soil. This will help in seed germination and establishment.

If you are planting a small area,

Seeding Rates Vary By Mixture refer to the label for specific recommendations.

General Guidelines:

Seeding rate: 1/4 LB Per 500 - 1,000 SF or 5 LBS Per 10,000 - 20,000 SF.

Question: Why such a broad range on the seeding rate?
Answer: Wild flower seed planting applications vary tremendously from the back yard flower bed to the 5 acre meadow. Various seeding rates are needed depending on the type of application you are considering. For your specific application use this for your guideline: For a meadow look with scattered wildflowers using the lower end of the seeding rate For an average display with good coverage use the middle range of the seeding rate For a lush stand with almost solid wildflowers choose the upper end of the seeding rate  

The best time to plant in your area depends on the climate and rainfall patterns as well as the species you are planting.

In cool climates, plant annuals, perennials or mixtures of annuals and perennials in spring, early summer or late fall. Fall plantings should be late enough so that seeds do not germinate until spring. Perennials can also be sown in early fall provided that there are at least 10-12 weeks of growing time before the plants go dormant for the winter. Late fall plantings are advantageous when supplemental irrigation cannot be provided and adequate rainfall is anticipated in the spring

In mild climates, plant during the cooler months of the year, fall through spring, for best results. Fall plantings done prior to periods of rainfall will insure an early display of flowers the following spring.

Method of application depends on the size of the area and the terrain. On small areas, broadcast seeds evenly either by hand or by use of a drop or cyclone spreader. It is helpful to mix a carrier such as clean, dry sand with the seed; sand adds volume and aids in even distribution. We recommend using a ratio of 1 or 2 parts sand to 1 part seed. Rake in lightly, covering seeds to a maximum depth of 2-3 times their thickness. Or drag the area lightly with a piece of chain link fence to mix the seed into the surface of the soil. For seeding large areas, i.e., over one acre, specially designed drills are most effective. Drill to a maximum of 1/4 inch and firm soil with a cultipacker; this maximizes seed/soil contact. Hydroseeders are also effective, especially for steep slopes, rocky terrain and other areas where conditions make it impractical for other methods of seed application.

Hydroseeding is the application of a slurry of seed and water to soil. The slurry may also contain mulch (hydromulching), a tackifier and fertilizer. Mulches are made of wood fiber, paper or excelsior, and their purpose is to hold seeds in place, help retain moisture and provide protection from erosion; mulches are usually dyed green as a visual aid in even distribution. Rates of application for most mulches are between 1500 and 2300 pounds per acre. In general, hydroseeding/hydromulching is most successful in moist climates or in irrigated areas.

Most authorities agree that germination is better when seed is applied first with 5-10% of the mulching fiber - the balance of the mulch being applied separately as a second step. This approach ensures optimal seed/soil contact; otherwise, many seeds are wasted because they become suspended in the fiber.

Popular Wildflower Options

Mixture Formulation

Outsidepride wildflower mixtures are formulated on the basis of climatic conditions (rainfall, temperature range, humidity) and elevation. Most species in our mixtures adapt readily to different soil types provided climate and elevation are suitable. Annuals have been included to establish cover quickly and to give color the first year; some may produce new plants the following year (the biennials may also reseed). Perennial plants live for more than two years, and most flower from the second year onward.

Outsidepride mixtures are blended to give the widest possible range of colors and periods of bloom. Very few wildflowers bloom continually throughout the season; therefore, we have included spring-, summer-, and fall-blooming species in each mixture. Colors include blue, purple, red, white, yellow and pink. Mix heights vary from 10 inches to 8 feet. Click Here for specific heights of wildflowers and colors.

In general, our mixtures are formulated to contain approximately equal numbers of seeds of each species. This varies somewhat because of costs, availability and/or climatic conditions. For example, in the Moist Mixture we have given less seed of species that are particularly aggressive. We strive for a balance of the highest quality for each geographic area.

Mixtures may vary occasionally from the indicated listing, based on availability of individual species.

Seed Quality

Most wildflower seeds and mixtures have a purity of 95-99% and total viable seed percentages of between 70-95%. The total viable seed percent is the germination percent, plus the hard seed or dormant seed percent. Hard seeds have impermeable seed coats and cannot imbibe water during seed testing. Dormant seeds are viable seeds that have specific physical or physiological conditions that prevent the seed from germinating at the time of seed testing. The PLS (Pure Live Seed) is obtained by multiplying the percent purity by the percent total viable seed and then dividing by 100.

Use of Grasses

Wildflowers can be sown alone or with grasses. For most areas of the United States, we recommend using one of our native grass mixtures. For specific requirements, individual species may be preferred. Hard Fescue or Sheep Fescue work well in most areas of the United States. However, in the southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and South Carolina, we recommend warm-season grasses; Hard and Sheep Fescue will not thrive in these climates.

Warm-season grasses to consider include Gramas, Buffalo Grass and Bluestems. These grasses grow very slowly and are planted for aesthetic and ecological reasons rather than prompt stabilization of soil.

Aggressive grasses should be avoided because they will crowd out most wildflowers; these grasses include Kentucky Bluegrass, Smooth Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Bermuda Grass, and Annual Rye. If wildflowers must be used with these grasses, the flowers should be planted in high-density patches as accents to the grassed areas. Or the flowers may be sown with the grasses if the planting rates of the grasses are reduced significantly.

Site Preperation

Proper site preparation is important for prompt germination of seed and healthy growth of seedlings. Best results will be obtained by planting on cleared ground. Remove existing vegetation to avoid competition from other plants. This may be done by pulling, tilling under, spraying with a general herbicide, or by a combination of these methods, depending upon the size of the area, type and density of vegetation and other factors. Loosen soil by scraping, tilling or scarifying. Tilling should be utilized only when soil is very compacted and further weed control measures can be taken. Specific recommendations are given under the heading, Weed Control.

Moisture

All seeds, including wildflowers, need ample moisture to germinate and to develop into healthy seedlings. Best results will be obtained by soaking the planted areas thoroughly and maintaining consistent moisture for 4-6 weeks - then gradually reducing waterings. In non-irrigated situations, plant in the spring or before periods of anticipated rainfall. After seedlings are established, watering may be reduced depending on the climate and rainfall. In arid climates or during drought conditions, up to 1/2 inch of supplemental water per week may be required to maintain an optimal display. If weeds are present, remember that they benefit from moisture as much as the wildflowers and may dominate overwatered areas.

Fertilization

Many wildflowers benefit from some fertilization if the soil does not have adequate nutrients. Some wildflowers do fine in poor soils, while others require a more fertile environment. We recommend that a soil test be performed when soil quality is unknown. If the soil needs improvement, use a low nitrogen fertilizer with a 5-10-10 ratio or add organic matter such as weed-free straw or grass clippings, well-rotted compost, peat moss, or leaf mold. In addition to adding nutrients, organic materials enhance soil structure and encourage beneficial microorganisms. Avoid over-fertilizing which may promote weed growth and lush foliage rather than flowers.

Weed Control

Weed control is the biggest problem facing plant establishment and one which has no easy solution. Weed seeds are present in many situations and lie dormant, but viable, for long periods. A weedy area converted to wildflowers will have a large reservoir of weed seeds in the soil, ready to germinate when conditions are favorable. In most cases, it is advisable to consider weed control in two phases-as part of site preparation prior to planting, and as an important component of the post-germination maintenance program.

Before planting, remove existing weeds by pulling, tilling under, applying a glyphosate herbicide such as Roundup®*, or by a combination of these methods. For additional weed control after site preparation, a soil fumigant may be used, or the area may be irrigated to encourage weed growth and then sprayed with a general herbicide.

In very weedy areas, the following method is suggested: (1) Till soil or spray vegetation with Roundup®*. When using an herbicide, allow vegetation to die, then rake out the dead debris. If perennial weeds such as bindweed are present, using an herbicide is more effective than tilling. (2) Irrigate to encourage germination of weed seeds near the surface; most seeds will germinate within two weeks if consistent moisture is available. Do not till the soil again because this will bring even more weed seeds up to the surface. (3) Spray any new growth with Roundup*. (4) After raking out dead vegetation, allow soil to recover for 3-4 weeks before planting seed. From our experience, a recovery period of this duration is advisable because extensive use of glyphosate herbicides may cause a delay in germination and in the vigorous growth of seedlings.

Once the seeds have germinated, further weed control is usually necessary. If practical, pull all weeds as soon as they can be identified.

Other successful techniques are spot-spraying with a general herbicide or selectively cutting weeds with a string trimmer. Be sure to remove weeds before they reseed.

Many unwanted annual and some perennial grasses can be controlled with the herbicides Grass-B-Gon*, Ornamec* and Fusilade*. These post-emergents do not affect broad-leaved plants so they can be applied over existing flowers; they are most effective when sprayed on new growth and young plants. Take care to avoid treating areas with desirable native grasses or fescues.

*Observe all precautions and follow manufacturer's recommendations for application.

What to Expect

Wildflowers can provide an excellent, low cost alternative in large-scale, high maintenance situations, as well as a satisfying change from traditional urban landscaping. However, during their initial establishment period, wildflowers require as much maintenance as traditional plantings.

A smooth, weed- and vegetation-free planting bed is important for good seed-soil contact and prompt germination. Avoid seeding more than the recommended rate since overseeding can result in crowded conditions the first year and poor establishment of perennials. Cover seeds lightly to protect them from drying out during germination, and to prevent them from being eaten by birds. Consistent moisture is important for 4 - 6 weeks after planting.

A wildflower planting requires the same weed control measures as traditional landscaping. Effective measures include site preparation prior to planting and a post-germination maintenance program.

Most Outsidepride wildflower mixes contain annual, biennial and perennial species. The annuals, which may not be native to your area, are included to assure maximum color during the first season and to act as a nurse crop for the slower-growing perennials. Annuals germinate quickly when conditions are favorable, providing a quick ground cover and competition against weeds. Natural reseeding of annuals ranges from significant to minimal, depending on the species, climate, soil texture and other factors. Most perennial and biennial species begin to bloom the second season, but not as profusely as annuals. Therefore, wildflower plantings look noticeably different after the first year.

Sometimes it is desirable or even necessary to sow seed in second and subsequent years. Reseeding may be necessary if establishment of wildflowers is spotty or poor. It is possible to reseed bare areas with the original mixture. Loosen soil of bare areas and provide adequate weed control and supplemental irrigation as needed. Where natural reseeding of annuals is minimal, sowing annuals each spring can produce a magnificent annual and perennial display throughout the growing season.

If desired, wildflowers may be mowed in the fall following seed set. Mow to a height of 4-6 inches, and leave the residue on the ground because it is a reservoir of viable seeds.

Selecting a Mix

Our Regional Mixtures are designed to fit the broad cross-section of conditions that generally exist within any one geographic region (and within any one project), i.e., variations in soil, slope, drainage, exposure and availability of moisture.

For example, we include species for both moist and dry conditions in each mixture, provided that these conditions exist in the particular region. Furthermore, species are included on the basis of their versatility or ability to adapt.

If conditions are relatively consistent or the requirements exacting, one of our Special-Use Mixtures may be appropriate (eg. Dry, Moist, Low- Growing, Super-Short or Shade Mix). For instance, on the rough of a golf course where moisture is controlled, our Moist Mixture may be a better choice than the Regional Mixture indicated for the area.

Likewise, our Low-Growing Mixture (less than 16 inches high) has been designed to meet the demand from urban and suburban landscape architects and contractors for low-growing blends. These mixtures have a "semi-wild" appearance and can be used along roadsides, in parks, and in commercial and residential developments without looking weedy. Neither mixture will need mowing except once in the late fall, if desired. Both mixtures are very versatile and contain species that will flourish in either dry or moist situations.

for a colorful natural display |

(Image credit: Clive Nichols)

It’s essential to know when to plant wildflower seeds if you want to bring their informal charm and natural grace to your yard. 

Their unfussy habit and gorgeous colors, paired with incredible flower power, make wildflower garden ideas irresistible. And their biggest draw is their ability to attract and provide for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which are a joy to share the yard with in summer.  

Whether you want to use wildflowers to create a mini meadow or as part of your flower bed ideas, our guide has all you need to know on the peak times to sow and plant for the best results.  

When to plant wildflower seeds

Thanks to the contemporary love of natural garden design and the zeal to be more wildlife-friendly and eco-minded, wildflowers are increasingly being grown in backyards. Many gardeners like to enjoy them as a ‘mini meadow’, which is easy and inexpensive to grow and provides colorful bloom for months.

‘The trend of wildflower meadows has hit our industry in a big, beautiful way,’ says Pennsylvania-based landscape designer Nathan Tuno of Roots Landscape Inc . ‘Our clients are more and more adding meadows to unused lawn areas, and they act as bird, bee, and butterfly sanctuaries.’ 

As to when to plant wildflower seeds, in general, spring and fall are the best times to direct sow and plant annual and perennial wildflowers. However, biennials (such as foxgloves) can be sown or planted in summer, and often so-called ‘wildflowers’ are not native, which means they may need to be sown under cover or sown at different times.  If you prefer to make wildflower seed bombs, fall is best.

When to plant annual wildflowers

There are thousands of wildflowers and each has its own growing advice, so check with your supplier or read the seed packet. However, a general rule of thumb is that most hardy annual wildflowers that are native to your area can be sown direct in spring, and many can be sown direct in the fall. 

When to plant perennial wildflowers

For the majority of perennial wildflowers that are native to your area, a spring sowing is best in cool regions and a fall sowing is ideal in hotter areas. However, there is a huge range of species available, so check with your supplier or read the back of the seed packet to discover any specific instructions on sowing or planting times. 

When to plant an annual wildflower mini meadow

Many seed companies sell native and non-native ‘wildflower’ mixes that are composed of easy-to-grow seeds and a great mix of colors. For instance, Wildseed Farms in the US and Pictorial Meadows in the UK. If you want to create the unique look of your local area, make sure you choose a native mix. 

‘Mini meadows can be a nice way to make wildlife habitat,’ says Ohio-based garden designer Ethan McGory . ‘Because there can be a sense of wildness to mini meadows, think about having a crisp, clear edge of paving or mown lawn, and sowing them in a simple shape like a large rectangle or circle.’ 

When to plant a perennial wildflower mini meadow

A spring or fall sowing is recommended everywhere, but the climate you live in will dictate which is the best season. If you’re in a cool, temperate region (such as the northern US or most of the UK), a spring sowing is better. But in warmer areas (including zones 7 to 11 in the US), a fall sowing is preferable, as the temperature allows the plants to establish a good root system at that time of year. 

‘Start small,’ advises Nathan Tuno. ‘Pick an area on your property that does not see a lot of traffic, perhaps designate it as a “no-mow” area and start adding plant material like echinacea and bee balm. Also look up what the native pollinator flowers are in your area. In the northeast of the US, flowers like asters and Joe Pye are all the rage when it comes to going native.’

When to plant your favorite wildflowers

If you want to grow wildflowers, find out which plants are native to your area or non-invasive in your area. 

Here is a selection of some good-looking wildflowers you might want to try growing in your backyard.

When to plant echinacea

(Image credit: Clive Nichols)

Native to: eastern North America

The purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a good-looking perennial for the middle or back of the border and creates a wonderful prairie mood. Sow it under cover (for example, in a greenhouse) in late winter, spring, late summer, or fall.  

‘My favorite native wildflower is echinacea,’ says Shannie McCabe, horticulturist for Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds . ‘It hosts a range of pollinators, it has a rich history of Native medicinal uses, and, of course, it’s a really beautiful plant. The wild E. purpurea that we see growing on roadsides is lovely, but those looking for a more domesticated spin on this favorite native wildflower can try ‘Green Twister’, which is equally easy to grow.’ 

When to plant Joe Pye weed

Native to: the US and Canada

Formerly known as Eupatorium and now classed as Eutrochium, the tall perennials known as Joe Pye weed have an informal charm and attract lots of butterflies when their dusky pink or ivory flowers bloom in late summer and early fall. Sow them under cover in spring (for example, in a cold frame) or sow direct outside in early summer. 

For British gardeners, hemp agrimony (E. cannabinum) is native to Europe and closely related.  

When to plant sea kale

Native to: Europe

Fabulous in a gravel garden, sea kale (Crambe maritima) has superb wavy blue-green foliage that is topped with sprays of tiny white flowers in early summer. Purchase this tough perennial from a specialist seed supplier and sow as soon as possible upon receiving it, at any time of year, under cover – for example, in a greenhouse. 

‘Our Crambe seeds are dispatched from cold storage and should be sown immediately upon receipt,’ says Nina Marshall at Chiltern Seeds , ‘and therefore they can be started at any time of year. They germinate irregularly over a long period of time and are best sown with a given temperature of 64°F (18°C) for eight weeks. If germination does not occur in this time, then cold stratify for eight weeks. This can be achieved by either using the natural winter cold or by placing the tray in the fridge.’ 

When to plant milkweed

Native to: North and South America

Butterflies love milkweeds, such as Asclepias syriaca, which is native to southern Canada and the eastern US.  

‘Milkweed blooms later in the summer, just in time for the Monarch butterfly migration,’ says Catherine Kaczor, Sales Manager at Hudson Valley Seed Co . ‘Its flowers and leaves provide food, shelter, and protection for the Monarchs. Urbanization has dramatically decreased the habitat in which milkweed thrives, so any attempt to simulate that environment in our yards or gardens helps the Monarch population.’ 

Sow direct into soil outside in fall or early winter; alternatively, sow in spring, placing containers in a fridge initially, before moving them to a greenhouse or sunny windowsill. 

‘Milkweed, because it is native to the Northeast, needs to be “cold-stratified”,’ says Catherine. ‘This means that the seeds must be subjected to cold and moist conditions in order to grow. This is very easy for us in the Northeast. All you have to do is sow in late fall and let the winter weather take care of the rest.’  

When to plant bluebells

(Image credit: Future)

Native to: Western Europe

The beautiful Hyacinthoides non-scripta is the bluebell that carpets British woodland with scented bells in late spring and early summer. Bulbs are the more usual way of growing bluebells, but they can be grown from seed in fall or winter, which saves money if you have a large area to naturalize. 

‘Although these seeds can be sown year round, they are best sown in the fall or winter as a period of six to eight weeks of cold weather is needed for the seeds to germinate,’ says Nina Marshall. ‘Results show the following spring from sowing. Grow on undisturbed for two years. They require little attention so sow and forget!’ Sowing in a cold frame is ideal to keep mice away. 

When to plant bee balm

Native to: North America

Monarda (commonly known as bee balm or bergamot) produces pink or red punk-hair flowers, which provide for pollinators in summer. There are several species in the US, including widely grown aromatic M. fistulosa and lemon-scented M. citriodora, as well as the more unusual exotic-looking M. punctata. 

Sow M. fistulosa under cover in spring or sow direct outside in late summer or early fall; sow M. citriodora under cover in spring or sow direct outside from mid-spring to late summer; and sow M. punctata under cover in March or April or sow outside in fall. 

When to plant chicory

Native to: Europe

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a tall perennial that is sometimes grown for salad leaves or as a coffee substitute, but is more commonly cultivated as an ornamental. Native to Europe and naturalized in North America, it produces gorgeous sky-blue daisy flowers in summer. 

It can be sown direct in spring, but is best sown direct in late summer or early fall for flowers the following year. If you want flowers this year, buy young plants (usually sold in the herb section of nurseries) instead. In the right conditions, chicory will self-sow. 

When to plant foxgloves

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Native to: Europe

The biennial foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) sends up spires of pink hooded flowers, which bumblebees visit for nectar. The white form (Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora) is very elegant and easy to grow from seed. 

As for planting foxgloves, they can be sown under cover in early spring or sown under cover or direct in late spring or early summer. If you have foxgloves growing already, collect the seed in summer once the flower spikes are spent and either sow it under cover or direct where you want them to grow. 

Foxgloves are biennial. ’The plants focus on their green growth in the first year and will then reward you with flowers the following spring and summer,’ says Nina Marshall. Therefore, to ensure flowers every year, do a sowing next year as well. Since foxgloves self-sow, once you have enough in the garden, you won’t need to sow any. 

When to plant aster

Native to: North America

Symphyotrichum are asters native to the US that brighten the garden in late summer and fall. These hardy perennials produce daisy flowers that have an informal charm and attract a range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.  

They are great for prairie-style borders or perennial wildflower meadows. There are several forms to choose from, including S. oblongifolium (aromatic aster), S. laeve (smooth aster), and S. novae-angliae (New England aster). Sow them under cover in early spring or sow direct outside in late spring after risk of frost has passed. 

What is a wildflower?

A wildflower is a plant that is native to your region. What is and isn’t native may be surprising. For instance, in the UK, many people think of cornflowers as wildflowers, but in fact they are native to Greece and Italy. This is why many suppliers label so-called ‘wildflowers’ as native or non-native. 

Why grow wildflowers?

Wildflowers offer the unique quality of being native to the area in which you live. This means they are often the best plants to grow to achieve a beautiful natural look. They’re also certain to be hardy and to benefit the local wildlife, and you can relax knowing they won’t escape the backyard and become invasive monsters (as so many non-native plants have done in the US).  

Are non-native wildflowers invasive?

Not necessarily. If you are – rightly – wary of planting something that may be invasive, check with your supplier or on the seed packet. Choose species labeled as ‘non-invasive’. This means they won’t wreak havoc in your local countryside. For more information, seek out the national resources on invasive and non-invasive plants in your country, such as the US Forest Service . 

Rachel is senior content editor, and writes and commissions gardening content for homesandgardens.com, Homes & Gardens magazine, and its sister titles Period Living Magazine and Country Homes & Interiors. She has written for lifestyle magazines for many years, with a particular focus on gardening, historic houses and arts and crafts, but started out her journalism career in BBC radio, where she enjoyed reporting on and writing programme scripts for all manner of stories. Rachel then moved into regional lifestyle magazines, where the topics she wrote about, and people she interviewed, were as varied and eclectic as they were on radio. Always harboring a passion for homes and gardens, she jumped at the opportunity to work on The English Home and The English Garden magazines for a number of years, before joining the Period Living team, then the wider Homes & Gardens team, specializing in gardens.

7 beautiful wild flowers for your garden that do not need special care

Wild and meadow flowers in the garden will create an atmosphere of naturalness, naturalness. Now it is one of the most relevant landscape techniques. In addition, they require little or no care, and the seeds can be collected right in the field.

No time to read? Watch the video!

1 Bluebells

The most widespread meadow species is the spreading bluebell. It has a thin stem and purple flowers. In the forest, it is easier to meet the Sredny and Portenschlag varieties. Grassland varieties should be planted in an open and sunny space. And forest ones - in partial shade, for example, under garden trees. You can collect the seeds in faded bluebells and plant them in the spring. Water the plant during severe drought and cut dead flowers to prolong flowering. nine0003

2 Tansy

Tansy is an unpretentious wild plant with small bright yellow flowers. It has a strong spicy aroma and repels parasites. Almost does not require watering, takes root well and tolerates frosts. You can wait for the end of flowering and collect the seeds. They are planted in the ground at the end of April or in May.

Pixabay

3 Periwinkle

Periwinkle is a creeping unpretentious plant that will help out if you need to fill in a garden area where nothing grows. It takes root on any soil, is not afraid of shade and drought. It blooms with small flowers of pink, lilac and purple tones. Seeds are sown at the beginning of summer.

Pixabay

4 Spring primrose

Primrose is a hardy plant with yellow flowers that blooms throughout the spring. It does not have to be watered - enough melted snow and spring rains. After flowering, you can collect the seeds and store them in a dark, dry and cool place for the next year. Plant the primrose whenever possible in well-lit areas. nine0003

5 Horned Violet

Violet grows like a carpet, gradually covering an ever larger area. It is convenient to use it to decorate the lawn or the space in front of the fence. It is not demanding on the composition of the soil, it tolerates frosts well. Blooms from April to late July. You can collect seeds and plant them in the ground in the fall.

nine0002 Instagram: @brri_olya

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6 Marshmallow officinalis

Marshmallow officinalis reaches up to half a meter in height and blooms with pink and lilac flowers. It is often used in medicine, for example, they make decoctions for digestive problems and ointments for joints. The seeds collected in the meadow should be soaked in warm water for a day and then dried, this will increase their germination. They are planted shallowly, to a depth of 1-1.5 cm and watered once. It is not necessary to tamp the earth. Sprouts appear in about a week, but sometimes you have to wait up to three weeks. nine0003

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7 Chamomile

Daisies are well suited for poor soil or quick planting of bare ground in the garden. Chamomile seeds are sown outdoors in May or August, when there is no threat of frost. In the field next to the cottage, you can most often find pharmacy and field chamomile. The pharmacy has small flowers and thin leaves, and it grows in bushes. The field grows in separate flowers, and they are larger in it. The seeds of all chamomiles are small, so put them in the ground quite thickly and do not dig too much so that they can sprout. nine0003

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Prepared by

Maria Revina

Dacha Plants

Caring for meadow flowers in the garden, watering, growing

A flower meadow of meadow flowers not only looks beautiful, but is also extremely easy to create. Flower beds, sidewalk plantings, islands of meadow flowers instead of a lawn in the garden bring beauty, ease and harmony. This is the simplest and perhaps the most beautiful type of garden design. Unlike a lawn, a small flowering meadow does not require special care. Meadow and wildflowers cope with drought, frost and heat. They rarely get sick and are not particularly susceptible to pests. The flower garden does without watering, it does not need to be mowed every week, and if the right seeds are sown, the plants do not grow above the knees. nine0003

Content

Features of the meadow

Decorative meadows in the garden can be really beautiful throughout the whole growing season, because different types of meadow flowers constantly alternate in flowering and growth. The flower meadow blooms from May until the very autumn, and the bloom is constantly returning. nine0003

Please note! The appearance of the garden with meadow plants changes during the season, which is its great advantage. Wildflowers require much less maintenance than a standard lawn (mowing, loosening, aerating, seeding, weeding) and do not even require watering and fertilizing.

Gardens planted with cultivated plants are a bit capricious - prone to diseases and pests, require a relatively large amount of gardening work. A much easier way is to sow a flower meadow with flowering and seed-forming annuals, biennials and perennials. nine0003

Thus, meadow flowers in the garden are beautiful, useful and practical.

Creating a flower meadow

A field of wild flowers in the garden is not a particularly hard job. In addition to sown annual flowers, you can plant wild perennials. They are easy to care for because they are adapted to environmental conditions and have not been changed by selection. nine0003

Chamomile as an annual and perennial plant

How to start growing meadow flowers in the garden? What should be considered when creating a flower meadow? Determine the size of the flower meadow in advance, carefully looking at the site on which it is planned to break the flower meadow.

Is it sunny or rather shady? The wild meadow needs plenty of sun to grow rich flowers. As with all plants, it is important to choose a location that meets the requirements for soil conditions. Most grassland plants do not make great demands on the soil. The rest of the plants do not require care. The full effect of a flowering meadow will appear only after 3-4 years of growing flowers. nine0003

Moorish lawn

One distinguishing feature is the longevity of meadow flowers.

Caring for meadow flowers in the garden

Bring a piece of local nature into the garden with a flowering meadow or flower border. Growing meadow plants in the garden is easy. For the best effect, sowing meadow flowers is suitable.

A beautiful plant

The advantage of such plants is that they can adapt to any type of soil and do not need fertilizer. The most suitable period for sowing flowers is spring (March, April) or autumn (October, November). nine0003

They do best in full sun but can also grow in shade. Prepare for this site in the garden from March / April or autumn.

The surface of the future flower meadow should be loosened, but not too deep so that the seeds can penetrate into the soil. To do this, first remove the remnants of grass and old leaves.

Since the seeds are small, they must be mixed with a large dose of dry sand before sowing. This will ensure that they are evenly distributed over the crop area. If the garden soil is loose, you can sow a flower meadow without digging. nine0003

In compacted soil, or waterlogged due to a high proportion of loam or clay, sand must be added so that wild plants can take root.

Water the soil well before sowing. Seeds are sown widely, at a sufficient distance so that they have room for subsequent growth. The seeds are not covered with soil, but simply lightly pressed on them so that they germinate. In the first year after sowing, the plants in most cases still do not bloom.

Water generously and keep the soil moist for the first few weeks. Nature will take care of the rest. nine0003

Please note! From time to time, invasive species of plants appear in meadow flowers, which must be uprooted along with the root.

Watering

Meadow flowers should be watered only after planting (2 weeks), and after rooting only need to be watered in case of prolonged drought. The wild meadow remains untouched until the end of the year.

Meadow flower seeds

Meadow flowers and their seeds can be divided into 2 main groups: perennial and annual. Perennial species can be sown in late summer. Annuals can be sown in spring. nine0003

The advantage of annual plants is their abundant and intensive flowering throughout the growing season, the disadvantage is that they need to be sown every season in the spring.

Popular meadow and wild flowers

You can collect wild flower seed pods in late summer and scatter them in the garden.

Perennials grow for many years and gradually renew themselves by self-sowing, so that their lifespan is theoretically unlimited. When choosing meadow flower seeds, it is necessary to pay attention to perennial and annual meadow mixtures. Equally important is the proportion of meadow flowers in the mixture, as grass seeds are usually added to them. The ratio of meadow flowers in the mixture must be at least 75% in order to achieve the desired effect of meadow flowering. nine0003

The choice can be guided by the color of the flowers, light-loving or shade-loving plants.

Please note! The beauty of meadow and wild flowers lies in their diversity. You can find flowers of any shape and color, they can be compact and tall.

Any drought tolerant crop can be used for the flower garden. It can be wild flowers - chamomile, poppies, bluebells and cornflowers, decorative cereals.

Meadow and wild flowers

All of them tolerate drought well. But without water, they will not be able to grow: they need to be watered at least occasionally.

There are a lot of wildflowers. Attractive are, for example, steppe sage, yarrow, meadow cornflower, foxglove and meadow daisy and others. The first spring flowers begin to awaken: primrose, lungwort. They are followed by summer ones: chamomile, poppies, cornflowers. At the end of the season, late blooming autumn flowers bloom.

Perennial meadow flowers should not grow more than 15 cm during the first growing season. They are kept trimmed to establish well and to prevent planting of unwanted grasses. If this is not done, the proportion of meadow flowers in this area will decrease in the future. nine0003

In the second and subsequent seasons there is no need for regular mowing. The meadow is mowed only once a season. The best time for mowing is autumn. Mowing the meadow supports self-seeding of plants.

Unfortunately, the wild flower meadow is still too rare in home gardens. Nevertheless, it is the most natural of all meadows - beautiful, with a lot of plants.

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