Wildflower Planting Guide

Why Should I Plant Wildflower Seeds?Wildflowers are a important part of our ecology that are being enjoyed by many with a renewed interest. Wildflowers have evolved over time without human intervention so they retain the original characterictics of it's plant family. Several species of wildflowers are endangered or almost extinct because of habitat destruction and pollution. You can help bring back the beauty of nature with color and fragrance by planting wildflowers in your yard!
Wildflowers offer a huge variety of uses in your landscaping and around your property: Plant wild flowers in your flower beds, rock garden, around the pond in your water garden or plant a row or two in your vegetable garden for fresh cut flowers. Plant wild flowers to attract song birds, hummingbirds and butterflies to your yard. Plant wild flowers around the base of a tree or around your mailbox. Fill hanging baskets, wooden barrels or any other kind of container you can think of with wildflowers. Wild flowers work well for borders, along fence lines, roadsides and meadows. Use wild flowers for erosion control, in ditches or to hide waste areas.
When Should I Plant Wild Flower Seeds?Wildflowers can be planted in the Fall or early Spring throughout all regions of the USA. The planting date for wildflowers will depend on site location and local weather patterns in your area considering seasonal precipitation as the most important rather than by temperature.
SPRING SOWING In the North and Northeast regions of the USA (Zones 1 - 6) an early Spring planting is regemended. In the South (Zones 7-11) wildflowers may also be planted in the Spring.
FALL SOWINGIn the South and West regions of the USA (Zones 7 - 11) the Fall months of September through December is the regemended planting time for wildflowers - several species will germinate quickly and will allow enough time for seedlings to establish healthy root systems before going dormant for the Winter, some seeds may not germinate if the soil temperature is below 70 degrees Fahrenheit and will remain dormant within the soil emerging in early Spring when more favorable conditions arrive. In the North and Northeast (Zones 1 - 6) wildflowers may also be planted in the Fall, the seed will remain dormant during the Winter with germination beginning in early Spring.
How Do I Plant Wildflower Seeds?
Select an area that drains well - remember that most wild flowers thrive in well drained soils. Use an herbicide to eliminate any plant material which may gepete with your wild flowers - this is optional. Mow the existing or dead plant material as short as possible - remove all plant debris from area. Prepare the seed bed by raking or lightly tilling the surface of the soil to a maximum depth of one -inch - shallow soil preparation is important because it will limit the the disturbance of dormant weed seeds. Mix 4 parts of a carrier such as sand or potting soil to 1 part seed - this will increase volume and aid in even distribution of seeds. Broadcast one half of your seed mixture uniformly over your prepared area - sow the remaining seed mixture in a perpindiclular direction over the initial sowing. Press the seed into the soil by walking over the newly planted area - some seeds will remain visible and you do not want to plant the seeds any deeper that 1/16 of an inch. Most wildflowers require at least eight hours of direct sunlight per day to prosper, a few species can tolerate partial shade with at least five hours of sunlight each day.
Wildflower Species for Partial Shade: Baby Blue Eyes Catchfly Corn Poppy Crimson Clover Johnny-Jump-Up Shasta Daisy Sweet Alyssum WallflowerDo My Wildflowers Need To Be Watered? Wildflower seeds require ample moisture to germinate and to develop into seedlings. How frequently you water your planted area will depend on your soil type and local rainfall, for best results keep the planted area moist at all times for 4-6 weeks, do not allow your area to gepletely dry out but avoid overwatering as this will kill the seedlings because of lack of oxygen. After the seedlings are 1-2 inches in height gradually reduce the amount of water until plants are well established then water only if plants are showing signs of stress.