When to Plant Annual and Perennial Wildflower Seeds
For Spring planting, it's optimal to wait until about a month after the final frost of the winter season. Planting too early risks losing seeds to late-season frosts, necessitating re-seeding.
For Fall planting, ensure you sow the seeds after the first killing frost to prevent premature germination. Fall planting offers a head start on Spring blooms.
Where to Plant Annual and Perennial Wildflower Seeds
While some wildflowers can indeed thrive in filtered shade, the majority are unquestionably sun-lovers. Wildflowers are generally resilient and will sprout in various conditions, even challenging ones. Therefore, there's usually no need to pamper your site with fertilizer or rich sod.
How to Care for Annual and Perennial Wildflowers
While wildflowers are generally low-maintenance, maintaining their beauty requires a few essential steps. Regular weeding is crucial to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients. During dry spells, make sure to water your plants appropriately. Additionally, deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth and prolonged flowering.
How to Plant Annual and Perennial Wildflower Seeds
Wildflower seeds require light to germinate, so be careful not to cover them when planting. Learn more about germination light requirements here.
Clear and work the soil before planting seeds. Don't worry about weeds sprouting alongside flowers; it's common when soil is disturbed.
Mix seeds with sand at a ratio of 5 parts sand to 1 part seeds for even distribution and easy marking of seeded areas. Hand-broadcast seeds for smaller areas or use a seed spreader for larger areas to ensure better coverage.
After the seeds have been sown, lightly compress the seeds into the soil about 1/4" to protect from birds and wind.