Establishment of Wildflowers from Seed
Sharp Brothers Seed mixes make it easy!
General instructions for planting wildflowers
Annuals, biennials and perennials can be planted in early spring or as a late fall dormant seeding. Plant wildflower seeds no more than ¼ inch deep in a prepared seedbed or in a raked soil of an existing prairie planting. Prairie wildflowers require well-drained, non-acidic soils; no fertilizer is needed if planted in their native habitat. Supplemental watering or regular rain after seeding and through germination is ideal. Avoid over-watering once growth and blooming has begun.
Recommended seeding rates:
Small sites
1 – 2 pounds per 1500 square feet for optimal coverage
1 – 2 pounds per 5000 square feet for average coverage
Large acreages
6 – 8 pounds per acre with grasses
10 pounds per acre wildflowers alone
When: Plant in the fall after the soil has cooled.
Where: On a site with moderately good, well-drained soil.
How: Prepare soil as for any flowerbed
Remove existing clumps of vegetation or dirt
Plant seeds in rows or broadcast evenly
Do not fertilize. Cover not more than ¼.
Water bed if no moisture is apparent.
When are wildflowers "wild"?
There is a great deal of discussion about flower species sold as wildflowers that are not native to the continental United States. Common commercial designations for non-native species are "domesticated" and "introduced." For these, we use the terms, "non-native" or "naturalized."
When is the best time to plant wildflowers?
The answer to this question depends on many different factors: geographic location, soil type and site. Most native plants lose their seeds in the fall, when the natural freezing and thawing of the winter will break the seed's dormancy. Planting time in the fall most closely duplicates this natural cycle. If you are seeding annuals, many of them form a rosette after germination in the fall and then complete their life cycle the following spring.
Many prefer early- to mid-spring plantings, especially if the location is in the northern United States. Extended spring rains may delay planting until too late. Fall planting also has drawbacks; erosion and rodents may damage to your seed. Check with your local Extension Service or Farm Service agents for the best time to plant in your area.
Do I need to water wildflowers?
A certain amount of water is necessary for seed germination to occur. Some suggest that it is essential to keep the seeded area moist for six weeks. Wildflowers, however, are hardy and drought tolerant. In addition, excess water can cause root rot and leaf mold in many species.
How do I prepare the soil? What about weed control?
Remove large clumps of sod and clods of dirt smoothed or thrown out. Remove existing vegetation and weeds to improve chances of success. Eradication of vegetation often must be done twice or more to insure success.
Another method of weed control is the application of a short duration herbicide (i.e. , glyphosate), closely following the manufacturer's instructions. Consider previous herbicide treatment; many herbicides used on farm crops have a significant residual effect and could prevent seed germination or kill young seedlings. If you have used a glyphosate product like Roundup to kill weeds and grasses, allow at least three weeks to lapse before planting your wildflower seeds. A very light mulch or oat straw will hold the seeds in place and act as a retardant against invasive weeds. Many people choose to plant a non-competitive annual cover crop, e.g., oats, for erosion control. Even if the cover crop dies over winter, its rootstock will serve as a soil stabilizer.
How do I plant wildflower seed?
Probably the single greatest mistake made with wildflowers is improper planting. The typical flower seed from domesticated species is planted about one inch deep in the soil. Wildflowers, however, will not tolerate this depth. The seeds must make contact with the soil and need to be only slightly covered. A planting depth of ¼" to ½" is preferred. Identification of seedlings can be made easier by planting in rows. This allows you to cultivate plants and control weeds during the early establishment period.
Should I mow my wildflower planting?
If the planting is all perennials, mow three or four times during the first growing season at a height of six to eight inches. If you have annuals, weed control by hand pulling is preferred, or schedule the mowing after the seed has set after blooming.
Where do I plant wildflowers?
Native species of wildflowers will adapt to most sites that are well drained and receive about six hours of sunlight. Some plants are better adapted to wetter or drier sites. Look for mixtures designed for specific areas, i.e. wetland or dry land mixes, ask your Sharp Brothers representative for guidance, or check our 'Seed Search' feature on this website.
What about the additions of fertilizer to the wildflower planting?
During the first two to three years, wildflowers establish their extensive roots. Fertilizer would encourage competitive weeds. Fertilizer can benefit established stands.
When will my wildflowers bloom?
Annuals will bloom during the first full growing season. Perennials normally will not bloom until the second season or later. Patience is the key.
