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Sowing wildflowers seeds


Planting Information – Wildseed Farms

We dedicate this part of our website to your success with wildflowers.  If you require additional information or have a unique situation, please contact our customer service department at 830-990-8080.

1. When should I plant?

Wildflower planting dates largely depend on site location and geographic weather patterns.  The planting timetable should be decided by seasonal precipitation in your area rather than by temperature.  Wildflowers can be planted in the fall or early spring throughout all regions of the U.S. In the northern and northeastern geographic regions of the United States, USDA Zones 1 through 6, where extremely harsh winters are experienced, an early spring planting is recommended. In the Southern regions of the United States, USDA Zones 7 through 11, your wildflowers can be sown in early spring if desired.  Note: There are risks associated with an early spring planting in USDA Zones 1 through 11.  Warm spring weather and adequate rainfall will accelerate germination and seedling growth.  However, if rainfall is sporadic after initial germination followed by an extremely hot, dry period, supplemental watering may be required to keep the ground from drying out and the seedling from dying.  Sowing In the southern and western portions of the United States, USDA Zones 7 through 11, the autumn months of September through December are the most favorable to plant your wildflowers.  Many of the species will quickly germinate in order to allow the seedling enough time to establish a healthy root system before going dormant in the winter.  Some of the seeds may not germinate if the ground temperature is below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  These seeds will remain dormant within the soil until early spring and will begin to emerge under more favorable conditions.  In the northern regions, USDA Zones 1 through 6, your wildflowers can be planted in late fall.  If you decide to plant your seeds in the fall in Zones 1 through 6, the seed will remain dormant during the harsh winter months and germination will begin at the first indication of spring.  NOTE: There are risks in sowing exotic garden varieties and "domesticated" species D in the fall.  Freeze damage may kill these varieties if unseasonably cold temperatures persist for long periods of time.

2. What should I consider when selecting a site for wildflowers?

Placement is a good start! Prior to planing your wildflowers, select a site that will be appropriate for the nature of your project. Improper site selection or planning usually produces unsatisfactory results. Here are some important factors to consider. 

  • Does the chosen site support plants now?  If you have an area that is naturally void of any plants, including unwanted weeds, the area is unlikely to support wildflowers.
  • If rainfall is inadequate during germination and the seedling establishment, can you supply supplemental water if necessary?
  • Does the area receive a minimum of eight hours of direct sunlight per day?
  • Have you determined the existing soil type and drainage within the area?  Poorly drained or heavily compacted soils will produce unsatisfactory results.  Assessment of the important factors will be necessary to ensure your success!

    • 3. How do I start my wildflower seeds?

    Wildflowers are becoming an increasingly popular landscape alternative by adding color and natural beauty to any area. Unlike the typical European-styled formal gardens of straight lines, square corners and manicured edges, wildflower gardens have the appeal of low maintenance by requiring little water and reduced mowing frequency once established. There is a common misconception today that wildflowers are easily grown from seed. Indeed, some species require little more effort than casting the seed on the soil and waiting for growth.  Most wildflowers, however, require specific soil and temperature conditions, a certain degree of ongoing personal attention and most of all, patience.  We have tried, in this catalog, to assist you in your wildflower selection by labeling each species with an average "planting success" rate on a scale of 10% to 100%.  Wildflower species with a lower percentage ratio may require more of your time and attention, but will be worth your effort.  Additional information about the temperament of each species is included within the description.  Unlike ornamental flower or vegetable seeds, most of the wildflower seeds in our catalog have not been genetically altered to achieve specific traits such as rapid germination, height, color or adaptation to specific soil types or climates.  Each species has been tested for purity and germination by an independent laboratory and meets our high standard of quality before we make the seed available to you for planting.  As wildflower enthusiasts, we want to produce in two to three years a display of color to match that which has taken Mother Nature hundreds of years to achieve.  Nature plays an important role in the success or failure of all wildflower plantings.  Adverse weather conditions such as drought, hail, or excessive rainfall-obviously beyond human control-may seriously affect the success of your wildflowers.  Soil or drainage problems in your planting area may also hamper germination of your seeds; interpretation of the best possible planting area is the customer's responsibility.  At Wildseed Farms we are anxious for your success with wildflower gardening.  Additional help and technical advice is available simply by calling our toll free number (800) 848-0078.  We cannot, however, assume liability for the results obtained based on advice given, nor can we be responsible for substandard performance of our product due to conditions beyond our control.

    4. How do I plant wildflower seeds?

    In order to achieve a successful stand of wild flowers, it is very important that the soil is prepared correctly and the seed is rolled or pressed into the soil after sowing. Burying the seed too deeply or casually broadcasting the seed over an unprepared area will only product disappointing results. Steps for planing a successful wildflower meadow. 

    1. Select a site that drains well.  Oftentimes we tend to plant in areas that are low-lying or poorly drained, thinking that the wild flowers will flourish under these moist conditions.  Moist locations are usually very weedy, because as water drains through the area, thousands of weed seeds are deposited onto the site that were collected upstream.  Remember...most wildflowers thrive in well drained soils.
    2. Use a herbicide to eliminate any vegetation which may compete with your wildflowers (Optional).
    3. Mow the existing or dead vegetation as short as possible.  Collect the clippings and remove the material from the site.
    4. To prepare the seed bed, rake or lightly till the surface of the soil to a maximum depth of one inch.  Shallow soil preparation will limit the disturbance of dormant weed seed.
    5. It is helpful to thoroughly mix a carrier such as masonry sand, perlite, potting soil, etc., with the seed to increase volume and aid in even distribution over your site.  We recommend a minimum of 4 parts of inert material to 1 part of seed. 
      * Sowing a pinch of seed in a flowerpot or cup filled with potting soil will provide you with a transportable specimen to take to the meadow for easy identification.
    6. Broadcast one half of your seed as uniformly as possible over the prepared area.  Sow the remaining seed in a direction perpendicular to the initial sowing.
    7. Press the seed into the soil by walking or rolling over the newly planted area.  Do not cover the seed any deeper than 1/16th of an inch.  Some of the seeds will remain visible.   NOTE:  DO NOT plant wild flowers in clover or grasses that grow during the winter (example: annual rye grass or fescues) as this vegetation will be too aggressive to allow the wild flowers to become established.

    5. Do I have to water? When Should I Water My Wildflowers?

    Your wildflower seeds will require ample moisture to germinate and develop into healthy seedlings. For best results, the area should be kept moist for 4 to 6 weeks during the establishment period. If natural rainfall is inadequate, supplemental watering with a garden hose may be necessary. Light and frequent applications of water should be applied to keep the ground moist. Once your wildflowers begin to germinate do not allow the site to completely dry out but avoid over watering the area. If the soil becomes overly saturated, the seedlings could die from the lack of oxygen supplied to the root system. How frequently you water your newly planted area will depend on local rainfall and soil types. In the western United States you may need to water every day. In the south, central and eastern regions of the United States you may need to water every couple of days. In the southwest desert region, several waterings a day might be needed until your plants are well established. After your seedlings are 1 to 2 inches in height, watering should be gradually reduced and applied only if the plants show signs of stress. On larger projects that cannot be irrigated plant in the fall or early spring during the months when rainfall is usually abundant. If adequate moisture is not received by natural rainfall and irrigation is not possible at your planting site you may run the risk of disappointing results during a dry year.

    6. Can wildflowers be planted in the shade?  How much sunlight do wildflowers need?

    Most wildflowers require a great deal of sunshine.  If your area receives at least eight hours of direct sunlight per day, your wildflowers will prosper.  A few species can tolerate partial shade, but for best results they must have at least four to six hours of sunlight each day.  Our BUTTERFLY HUMMINGBIRD BLEND contains many of the more shade tolerant wildflowers.  Perennial wildflowers require 2 springs before flowering so have patience. NOTE: Sun loving wildflowers that are planted in a shaded environment will produce spindly or "leggy" plants with very few blooms.

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    7. How do I store my wildflower seeds?

    Your leftover seeds will maintain a high germination percentage if stored under proper conditions.  How long your seeds remain viable will depend on the temperature and moisture levels the seeds are exposed to.  Seeds which are improperly stored will quickly deteriorate if unprotected against high humidity and dramatic temperature fluctuations day after day.  For best results, store any unused seed in a water resistant container.  Common household items such as ziplock storage bags, glass jars or plastic containers with snap-on lids work well.  Place the unused portion of seed in the storage container that you have chosen.  Before sealing the container add a packet of desiccant to the seed such as silica gel.  The silica gel will remove any moisture that remains in the storage container after it is sealed.  Seed stored under these conditions will remain viable for many years.  If you collect seed from your own wildflower area, the seed should be thoroughly air dried on newspaper.  Seed which are not completely dry prior to storage will contain excessive moisture which will cause mold to grow and damage the seed.  After the seeds are completely dry  the seeds should be cleaned to remove as much chaff and leaf litter as possible.  Follow the above procedure to store your how grown wildflower seeds for future use.

    8. Should I fertilize?

    We do not recommend fertilizing your wild flowers unless the area is depleted of nutrients.  Fertilization of wildflowers after the plants are established will encourage the growth of unwanted weeds, produce lush foliage and very few blooms.  If you must amend the soil, use a conservative amount of fertilizer at the time of planting.   For best results we recommend a low nitrogen fertilizer with an approximate ratio of  1-3-2  (1 part nitrogen - 3 parts phosphorus - 2 parts potassium).

    9. How do I control grass in my wildflowers?

    As your wildflowers become established, many types of aggressive grasses that were not successfully eliminated during the initial site preparation may appear.  Johnson grass, Crabgrass, and Ryegrasses are examples of unwanted grass varieties that can hide your wildflowers from view and compete with the area's overall beauty.  We recommend Ornamec® 170 herbicide to eliminate unsightly, protruding grasses without injury to your wildflowers, including emerging wildflower seedlings and transplants.  Labeled for over-the-top application, Ornamec® 170's active ingredient begins to work within five days to remove unsightly grasses.   NOTE OBSERVE ALL PRECAUTIONS AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY.    Mixture Ratio 8 - 10 ounces per gallon of water.

    10. How do I control weeds?

    Proper site evaluation and soil preparation are the first defenses against the competition of unwanted weeds in your wildflower site.  Before planting, assess the current weed population existing within the area.  If the site contains an overabundance of weeds, which is usually the case in low-lying or run-off areas where water occasionally stands, we highly recommend that an alternate site be selected.  For best results, choose an area that is elevated with adequate drainage.  A site which is well drained should have a limited population of existing weeds.  To remove the existing weeds from the site, you have the option to treat the entire area with a nonselective herbicide such as Roundup or remove the weeds by hand.  After the area is cleared of as many weeds as possible, soil preparation can begin.  Remember that thousands of buried weed seeds lie dormant beneath the soil, ready to germinate if the ground is disturbed too deeply.  Extensive rototilling, disking or plowing the soil greater than one inch in depth will release the dormant weed seed found within the sub-soil.  Improper soil preparation can create an uncontrollable weed problem in your wildflower area that could have been avoided.  As your wildflowers germinate and grow, periodically hand pull any weeds that may have come up since planting. Weeding should be minimal if the area was prepared properly. Weeds are an inevitable part of gardening and they should be expected.  A little planning and preventive maintenance in combination with proper site selection and soil preparation will greatly reduce the competition of unwanted weeds within your wildflowers.Your wildflower seeds will require ample moisture to germinate and develop into healthy seedlings. For best results, the area should be kept moist for 4 to 6 weeks during the establishment period. If natural rainfall is inadequate, supplemental watering with a garden hose may be necessary. Light and frequent applications of water should be applied to keep the ground moist. Once your wildflowers begin to germinate do not allow the site to completely dry out but avoid over watering the area. If the soil becomes overly saturated, the seedlings could die from the lack of oxygen supplied to the root system. How frequently you water your newly planted area will depend on local rainfall and soil types. In the western United States you may need to water every day. In the south, central and eastern regions of the United States you may need to water every couple of days. In the southwest desert region, several waterings a day might be needed until your plants are well established. After your seedlings are 1 to 2 inches in height, watering should be gradually reduced and applied only if the plants show signs of stress. On larger projects that cannot be irrigated plant in the fall or early spring during the months when rainfall is usually abundant. If adequate moisture is not received by natural rainfall and irrigation is not possible at your planting site you may run the risk of disappointing results during a dry year.

    11. Will my wildflowers return?

    Allow two weeks after the full bloom period has passed for the seeds to mature. As a rule of thumb, when the dead brown foliage offsets the floral color display, the area can be trimmed. Mow the area to a height of 4-6 inches. Often two cuttings will be needed to thoroughly break up the resulting stem and leaf litter. Annual mowing aids in seed dispersal, reduces competition of unwanted weeds and grasses and allows sufficient sunlight to penetrate to the lower growing plants and emerging seedlings.   CAUTION: Cutting the vegetation below 3 inches has a tendency to damage the perennial varieties.

    12. Do deer eat wildflowers?

    Is Bambi nibbling away at your plants?  Deer can be a problem, especially in suburban areas where they are often fed and treated as pets.  There are several species of wildflowers deer do not prefer.  However, if there is an over population of deer or their natural food is low then they will eat just about anything.  

    13. Annual, perennial? What does it mean?

    Domesticated Species and Exotic Garden Varieties Some of the species we offer are categorized as "Domesticated" species and are not considered native North American Wildflowers.  We also offer a few exotic garden varieties which have been genetically altered from their true wild form.  For your convenience, we have denoted the "Domesticated" species and the exotic garden varieties with the symbol D (green box) throughout the catalog.  These species will produce a beautiful display of color the first year, but in most situations will not reappear the following season. In order to achieve the same colorful display, the "Domesticated" species and exotic garden varieties will need to be replanted each year. 

    What is an Annual, Perennial, Biennial? 

    The following colored symbols are used throughout the catalog to indicate the life cycle of each variety. 

    A=Annual (blue box continuing the letter "A")

    P=Perennial (red box containing the letter "P")

    B=Biennial (yellow box containing the letter "B")

    Annuals- Plants that perform their entire life cycle from seed to flower to seed within a single growing season. All roots, stems and leaves of the plant die annually. Only the dormant seed bridges the gap between one generation and the next.

    Perennials- Plants that persist for many growing seasons.  Generally the top portion of the plant dies back each winter and regrows the following spring from the same root system (e.g. Purple Coneflower).  Many perennial plants do keep their leaves year round and offer and attractive border or groundcover (e.g. Tickseed, Shasta Daisy, Ox-Eyed Daisy).  Note: When starting perennial plants from seed, blooms will be observed in either the spring or summer of the second year and each year thereafter (e.g. Ox-Eyed Daisy planted in the spring of 1999 will not bloom until the spring of 2000).

     Biennials-Plants which require two years to complete their life cycle.  First season growth results in small rosette of leaves near the soil surface.  During the second season's growth stem elongation, flowering and seed formation occur followed by the entire plant's death.  Annual/Perennial - A plant can behave as an annual or a perennial depending on the local climatic and geographic growing conditions.  In the southern portion of the United States, these plants tend to grow much quicker than in the north due to the warmer weather and extended growing season.  For example: A Black-Eyed Susan would behave as an annual if grown in Louisiana; where as, if grown in Ohio, a Black-Eyed Susan would behave as a perennial.

    14. Why did I get poor results?

    Factors which generally cause poor results: 

    Our business is here to help you succeed with your wildflower project. The first step to your success is purchasing the highest quality seeds available on the market... and Wildseed Farms is committed to the service. Customers all over the world have grown beautiful strands of wildflowers using our seeds. Because we occasionally have customers who run into difficulty with their wildflowers success, we have outlined their most common mistakes below: 

    Impatience- Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience - Ralph Waldo Emerson

  • Improper site evaluation-good drainage is a must!
  • Deep soil preparation greater than one inch in depth will unleash dormant weed seeds that will compete with your wildflowers.
  • Covering the seed too deeply beneath the soil surface.  Remember: simply rolling or walking over a newly planted area will achieve proper seed/soil contact and aid in germination.
  • Planting at the wrong time of the year.
  • Trying to cover a large area with a small amount of seed.  Recommend seeding rates listed in the catalog are important.
  • Unsuitable site conditions for the variety being planted.  A plant requiring full sun and well-drained soils will not prosper in an area that is partially shaded with heavy clay soils.
  • Not enough sunlight.  Unless indicated, your flowers will require a minimum of eight hours of direct sunlight per day.
  • Inadequate rainfall after seed germination.  The area should not be allowed to become completely dry. Supplemental watering may be required to sustain plant life.
  • Extreme weather conditions; hail, drought, excessive rainfall, floods, unseasonably cold temperatures.

    • 15. What do seedlings look like?

    For your convenience we have included an actual photograph of each wildflower seedling. This will enable you to distinguish your wildflowers from unwanted vegetation during the establishment period. The seedling photo should be used as a reference during the first 45-90 days of development following germination. Your seedlings will undergo a tremendous change in their appearance during secondary growth and stem elongation, Many of the photos will become inapplicable as the plants reach maturity. Sowing a pinch of seed in a flowerpot or cup filled with potting soil will provide you with a transportable specimen to take to the meadow for easy identification. 

    16. What are the Range Maps all about?

    Below each wildflower photograph we have reproduced a map of the continental United States.  The shaded portion of the map represents the geographic region in which the species naturally occurs or is adapted to the environmental conditions.  Most varieties are capable of being grown over a much wider area than indicated.  However, it is important to remember that the elements in nature are highly variable and the maps should be considered generalizations.

    Sowing Perennial Wildflower Seeds For Success

    It sounds simple enough; open a packet, bag, or canister of wildflower seeds, sprinkle them out onto the ground, and “presto!” you have a giant patch of wildflowers blooming in a few short weeks.  Not so fast.

    When To Plant Wildflowers

    First, you need to consider the optimal planting timetable for your wildflower seeds. Sowing at the right time will allow the seeds the best seasonal climate conditions to germinate well. In most zones, wildflower seed sowing season is in the fall, from mid-September to late November is best.  This may seem counter-intuitive because after all most of us plant our potted perennials in spring to grow and flower for us in the summer. However, most perennial wildflower mixes contain varieties and species that require a cold stratification period in order to germinate. Essentially, they need a hard winter to break their natural dormancy to begin germination.

    To Sow Or Not To Sow, Wildflowers In Spring

    Annual & Perennial Wildflower Mixes

    If sowing is done in early spring, know that some species in the mix will not germinate until the following spring and there is a risk that average seasonal moisture will be less than adequate and hot, dry summer conditions will require hours of supplemental waterings. However, if your seed mix contains a good percentage of annual species, spring planting may actually work better.

    Perennial Wildflowers

    Generally speaking, most perennial wildflower species are considered drought tolerant, but only after they have become well established, which is typically by their second season. It is good to understand, most spring and summer seasons will not provide enough rainfall events to make perennial wildflowers thrive. Supplemental irrigation is an important preparation factor that must be considered before seeding happens.

    Why Are My Wildflowers Not Blooming?

    After seasonal timing considerations, there are many other factors that can cause poor germination results for perennial wildflower seed. Before your rake or shovel ever hits the soil, here is what to pay close attention to…

    Improper Site Selection 

    Poor Soil Drainage 

    Improper Site Preparation & Cultivation 

    Covering Seeds Too Deeply

    Not Following Recommended Seeding Rates 

    Control Competitive Weedy Grasses In Your Wildflower Patch

    Even if your site preparations are perfect, there will be encroaching weedy grasses that will move in to try to take over your wildflower planting. The ideal conditions you have created for your wildflowers will also appeal greatly to weedy grasses and other broadleaf weeds.

    Weedy grasses are fast and typically the first to grow up in the spring, so spraying a grass-specific herbicide that will not harm broadleaf plants is the most appropriate and easiest way to fight weedy grasses like annual rye, quackgrass, and crabgrass. Look for Grass Beater® by Bonide®. Follow all label mixing and application instructions for whatever product you choose.

    What About Broadleaf Weed Control In Wildflower Meadow? 

    Read the notes above, under the Improper Site Preparation & Cultivation, section. When it comes to weeds; avoidance is your best defense. Spraying nonselective herbicides is not an option, so hands & knees cultivation and plucking are your primary and best control methods against broadleaf weeds.

    Maximize Your Wildflower Magic

    Creating a wildflower meadow or patch is not an illusion at all it is a carefully planned and executed garden just like any other.  You do not have to be Houdini or David Copperfield to end up with a beautiful wildflower garden.  Follow these simple guidelines of when to plant, where to plant, and how to plant to maximize your perennial wildflower magic!

    We are not experiencing any shipping delays. Fall plants and bulbs will ship according to our Fall Shipping Schedule. Seeds will ship immediately.

    About the Author: Dan Goodspeed’s horticultural knowledge covers unique ornamental native, and a wide range of edible plants used all over the U. S. and beyond.  He has occupied the role of consultant, and lecturer to countless public botanic gardens and arboretums throughout the west and the southwestern U.S.  Along with his wife, Lori, they have practical, hands-on experience gardening and maintaining gardens grand and small across the country.  From a 4500 acre private historic estate in Virginia to a 100-acre private modern property in Up-State New York, to a quaint historic property in the Quinault Rain Forest on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, and they also managed a 200-acre ranch in the Hill Country of Central Texas outside of Austin. All of this gardening time, experience, and travel have brought him full circle, back to the upper Midwest where he grew up to work as a horticultural consultant for J.W. Jung Seed Company and its affiliates.

    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.

    Content

    Features of the meadow in the garden

    Decorative meadows in the garden can be really beautiful throughout 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.

    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.

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

    Creating a flower meadow

    A wildflower meadow 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.

    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.

    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).

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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. A wild meadow, with countless flowering herbs and shrubs, is many times more attractive than a lawn.

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    How to Grow Wildflowers: Everything You Need to Know!

    Have you ever stopped in the meadows to appreciate and admire the colorful and beautiful wildflowers? Don't you wish you had your own garden filled with fragrant and beautiful flowers? The good news is that you can recreate the attractive wildflower meadows you've always admired in your own garden.

    You also don't need to be an experienced gardener to grow them. All you need is some wild flower seeds and water and you're done. If you want to learn how to sow wildflowers and how to care for them, then you've come to the right place.

    Wildflower Growing Guide

    If this is your first time planting a wildflower garden, this guide will help you understand how to plant and care for them. You will also learn about some wildflowers you might want to consider in your garden.

    Consider the Best Time to Plant Wildflowers

    The best time to plant wildflower seeds will depend on your location and soil temperature. It is recommended to check the soil temperature to ensure the germination of wildflower seeds. Ideal soil temperature should be at least 55°F or slightly warmer. Keep in mind that air and soil temperature changes are not the same in spring. The air heats up faster than the soil, so this does not guarantee that warm air means warm soil. This is why it is important to check the soil temperature before sowing seeds.

    If you live in a colder climate where temperatures drop below freezing in winter, here's what to keep in mind when planting wildflowers in the spring.

    If you live in a warmer climate, consider the following:

    Choose a site and prepare the soil

    Selecting the ideal site and preparing the soil is key to growing a healthy and beautiful wildflower meadow. While wildflowers can grow just about anywhere, if you're using a mixture of wildflower seeds, it's ideal to find the right spot to make sure they all bloom.

    Most wildflowers require full sun exposure, so choose a spot with more than 6 hours of sunshine. However, if you have wildflower seed mixes in partial shade, at least 4 hours of sun exposure will suffice.

    You also need to find a place with proper drainage; it will be useful on rainy days. If the water is standing for more than an hour after rain, it may flood your seedlings. Your soil is another thing to consider, although if weed or grass seeds grow in your soil, you can be sure your wildflower can thrive in it as they are very adaptable.

    When preparing the soil, be sure to clear the area of ​​any plants, weeds and grass. You can use organic herbicides or hand tools to get rid of them. The reason for this is that your wildflower seeds will germinate well if they don't have to share water and nutrients with other plants. In addition to this, loosened soil can help facilitate root growth.

    Scatter Wildflower Seeds

    When and how you spread your seeds is vital to ensuring that your wildflower seedlings thrive. There is a proper way to scatter wildflower seeds; you don't just toss and scatter them on the ground. Do not choose a windy or rainy day to scatter them, as they can be easily washed away by both wind and rainwater. However, it's ideal to plan to plant your wildflowers when rainy days are coming up so you don't have to water them every day.

    How to spread wild flower seeds

    The amount of seed you need will depend on what is recommended for your mix or your preferred single wildflower species. Most beginner gardeners make the mistake of adding more seeds in the hope of creating a more beautiful field of wildflowers. However, many of them tend to regret this, as most seedlings compete and smother each other as they grow.

    Maintain good seed-to-soil contact

    Once you've spread the seeds evenly, it's time to press them into the soil. This will allow good seed-to-soil contact. This will help speed up the germination process and ensure that nutrients and moisture from the soil reach each seed.

    This also allows your seeds to have a strong root system. Good seed-to-soil contact will prevent the seeds from being moved by water, wind, and other natural forces.

    There are several ways to compact the soil. You can use your foot to compress the seeds by stepping on them. You can do this with or without shoes. However, this is only ideal for a small area, as it can be very tiring if you are planting over a very large area.

    If you have a medium-sized flower bed, cardboard or plywood will do. Put the board on the ground and walk on it. For large areas, a seed roller is useful. You can attach it to an agricultural machine or tractor.

    Unlike other plants or vegetation, wildflower seeds do not need to be buried in the ground, as they need light to germinate. That's why you only need to scatter them over the surface, squeeze them and leave them open. However, there may be times when you may need to cover them with straw instead of earth. This is to ensure that light enters the seeds, even if they are covered with straw.

    You may need to cover the seeds if you live in an area with strong winds that can move or blow away your seedlings. If you're planting seeds on a slope, you'll also need to cover them with straw so they don't drift down the slope or stick together when it rains.

    Water the wildflower seeds

    Now that you have planted the wildflower seeds, the next thing to do is water them and keep them moist. It is important to soak them thoroughly for at least 4-6 weeks or until they reach a height of 4-6 inches.

    Rain will be good for growing wildflower seeds so that the soil stays moist and the sun doesn't dry it out. If the weather is hot and dry, water the plants in the morning before it gets too hot and repeat watering the next morning. Seedlings need daily watering and care. If you have a sprinkler with a timer, you can use it to water your flowers. This will make watering easier for you, and you can be sure that you won't forget to water them even on busy days.

    Wildflower seedlings need regular watering because their roots cannot get enough groundwater. Since they are not buried in the ground, the seeds are exposed to the sun, which requires a lot of water to prevent them from dehydrating.

    Wait and watch them bloom

    Now all you have to do is wait and see your wildflower bed grow and bloom. It may be weeks before you see any growth; it will all depend on your growing conditions and the types of seed mixes you have planted.

    Perennial wildflowers require a full growing season before they can flower in their second year and subsequent seasons. Annual wildflowers typically bloom in 6-12 weeks, while biennial wildflowers only bloom in their second season.

    As the wildflowers grow and bloom, most gardeners mow a path along their wildflower meadow. Sometimes they add a bench so they can admire their wildflowers in peace. Others install bird feeders and baths. You can add whatever you want to make the area more beautiful.

    How to care for a meadow with wildflowers

    How to control weeds so they don't take over your wildflower meadow

    Keeping weeds from taking over your wildflower meadow is part of maintenance. Although wildflowers require minimal care, weeds can grow among them. This usually happens when you skipped or skipped preparing your site. Pulling weeds can sometimes damage the roots of wildflowers. The best way to control weeds, if you don't want to spoil the soil and your flowers, is to cut them off with scissors.

    Cut weeds as low as possible and do this every two weeks. This will help prevent weeds from taking over your wildflowers and soon your wildflowers will be the star of your meadow again. However, this can only be effective over a small landing area.

    As far as possible, avoid using chemical sprays as they can do more harm than good. You wouldn't want to accidentally spray them on your wildflowers or other plants you want to grow. In addition, insects and other pollinators can be caught by chemical aerosols.

    How to distinguish weeds from wildflowers

    It can be difficult to tell if the plants growing in your soil are weeds or wildflowers. You wouldn't want to accidentally pluck a wildflower you planted just because you thought it was a weed. To help you, here is a guide on how you can tell a flower from a weed.

    When the growing season hits, your wildflowers won't need your help to thrive. This is especially true at the beginning of the second year of life. However, you still need to watch out for invasive weeds and keep them from growing in order to keep your wildflowers healthy.

    Wildflowers to plant on your land

    Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Hirta)

    This is one of the most grown wild flowers. This wild flower with golden yellow color and brown-purple centers is native to North America. Its flowers can grow 2-3 inches in diameter and with leaves about 6 inches. Black-eyed Susan attracts a variety of pollinators, which helps her grow more seeds and fruits.

    They bloom from June to October. One thing to be aware of when planting this beautiful flower is that they may try to compete with other flowers planted next to them. When planting this plant, the soil temperature should be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Germination may take 7 to 30 days.

    Arroyo Lupine (Lupinus succulentus)

    This species of wildflower is also known by other names such as succulent lupin and annual hollow-leaf lupin. Native to California, this plant grows in heavy soils or wet clays. Its flower may be purplish-blue with a pink or white spot. They are among the most water resistant wildflowers. They bloom from April to May, and the germination period is from 15 to 75 days. They have a light fragrance and attract pollinators such as bees and birds.

    Joe Pye Weed (Eutrrochium purpureum)

    This flower is native to central and eastern North America. It is one of the late blooming wildflowers with common names such as trumpeter, gravelroot, and budroot. Like other wildflowers, they attract pollinators such as butterflies with their vanilla scent. The best time to plant Joe Pye Weed is in the spring, after the frost has ended. This species can grow in moist or well-drained soil with full or partial sun.

    Purple Echinacea (Echinacea Purpurea)

    This plant belongs to the Asteraceae family with pink and purple flowers. They bloom from April to September. Echinacea purpurea attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. They also have medicinal properties. It is believed that its extracts stop the formation of bacteria and increase the number of white blood cells. However, it is better to take them in a smaller dose several times a day than in large doses. Echinacea usually has a high growth rate compared to other wildflowers.

    Blanket Flower (Gaillardia Aristata)

    They are ideal for sunny gardens with their bright red daisy-like flowers with bright yellow edges. They grow from 2 to 3 feet. They grow best in sunny areas with dry to moderate soil moisture.

    Aster (Symphyotrichum Oblongifolium)

    Asters have a pleasant smell and usually grow in the autumn season. They tend to be very strong and can hold slopes or rocky soil that is prone to erosion. It can grow from 1 foot to 3 feet. It comes in purple and blue colors and may require full sun exposure. Although they are known to be tough, you may need to stake when you are out of breath in windy areas.

    Interesting facts about wildflowers

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I just sprinkle with wildflower seeds?

    Yes, you don't have to dig the soil to plant wildflower seeds. You can sprinkle the seeds into the ground or planting surface and water the area where you planted them. Just keep the soil moist while the seeds are growing.

    When should wildflower seeds be planted?

    Although you can plant wildflower seeds any time of the year, the ideal time to plant them is in the fall. Planting in the fall will give you the earliest blooming wildflowers. These flowers typically take 60 to 80 days to bloom if planted before or after autumn.

    How long do wildflowers take to grow?

    Wildflowers usually take 14 to 21 days to germinate. After germination, wait another 45 to 60 days until they bloom.

    Is it easy to grow wildflowers?

    Yes, they are very easy to grow and require little care and maintenance. With proper watering, they will bloom quickly.

    What are wild flowers in early spring?

    The first flowers to grow in early spring are spring ephemerals such as cinquefoil, oriental spring beauties, trout lily, starflower and Virginia bluebells.

    Which wild flower grows in early summer?

    The most common wildflowers in early summer are milkweed, purple clover and chamomile.

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