Zones 3 - 10
Ideal Regions: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, West, Southwest, Pacific Northwest
Advantages: Easy To Grow
Attract Butterflies
Attract Birds
Bee Friendly
Low Maintenance
Good For Cut Flowers
Extended Bloom Time (more than 4 weeks)
Great For Mass Plantings
Multiplies / Naturalizes
Light Requirements: Full Sun, Half Sun / Half Shade
Bloom Time: Early summer to late fall

WHEN TO PLANT WILDFLOWERS: When to plant wildflower seeds largely depends on the climate and rainfall patterns in your area as well as the type of seeds you are planting. In cool climates, planting wildflower seeds in spring or early summer is ideal since temperatures are warm enough for germination but not so hot that it’s difficult to keep seeded areas moist. Planting in summer is not recommended since it is difficult to keep seed beds continually moist for the first 4-6 weeks. The hot summer sun tends to dry the soil out too quickly.

Wildflower seeds can also be planted in fall in cool climates. Dormant fall wildflower plantings should be late enough so that seeds do not germinate until spring. These must be done when air and soil temperatures are too low for germination, typically after several freezes but before there is snow cover. The seeds will lie “dormant” in the soil until spring when warmer temperatures and moisture are available. Soil expansion and contraction during the winter can also improve seed-soil contact (cold stratification). 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. This amount of time generally allows enough root growth for plants to survive the winter.

WHERE TO PLANT WILDFLOWERS: Though many wildflowers do tolerate some filtered shade, and a few actually thrive in it. The vast majority are definitely sun lovers. Wildflowers will generally sprout in all but the most difficult conditions. This means that pampering your site with fertilizer or rich sod is not usually necessary.

HOW TO PLANT WILDFLOWERS: Clear the area and work the soil as best you can before planting your seeds.

We recommend mixing your seeds with sand - 2 parts sand to 1 part seeds. This allows for a more even distribution and also provides a convenient way to mark which portions of the site have been seeded and which have not. For a smaller area, you can hand-broadcast the seeds. After the seeds have been sown, lightly compress the seeds into the soil about 1/2" to protect from birds and wind.

MOISTURE REQUIREMENTS: All seeds, including wildflower seeds, 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. Afterwards, watering can be gradually reduced over several weeks. In non-irrigated situations, plant in the spring or before periods of anticipated rainfall.

HOW TO CARE FOR WILDFLOWERS: Although Wildflowers are pretty easy to take care of, there are some steps to keep it looking beautiful. Regularly weed to ensure your wildflowers are getting the nutrients they need. Water your plants during dry spells. Deadhead blooms that are spent to encourage new growth.