Planting wildflowers can do more than add color to an area; it can also enhance biodiversity. Wildflowers provide an excellent option for supporting ecosystems, improving soil health, and offering a low-maintenance alternative to traditional landscaping.
Our BBS wildflower mixes are designed according to climatic conditions and elevation. Most of our wildflower mixes feature a blend of annuals and perennials. Annuals grow quickly and provide color in the first year, while perennials thrive for over two years and bloom starting in the second year.
Planting Site Selection
Sowing wildflower seeds without care and planning typically yields disappointing results. Here are some essential factors to consider:
- Does the site support plants now? If you have a site where nothing, including weeds, is growing, that site is unlikely to support wildflowers.
- Will there be adequate moisture during germination and establishment? Can you supply supplemental water, if necessary?
Planting Rates
Each mixture has a recommended minimum and maximum planting rate. Minimum planting rates typically range from 5 to 10 pounds per acre, which is usually sufficient for establishing a good stand of wildflowers on prepared soil, provided that adequate weed control is maintained. Maximum planting rates are based on 8 to 22 pounds per acre and are recommended when sufficient soil preparation and weed control are not feasible or when maximum color is desired. Avoid exceeding the recommended rates, as poor perennial establishment may result.
For small areas, broadcast seeds evenly by hand or with a drop or cyclone spreader. Mixing a carrier, such as clean, dry sand, with the seed is beneficial. Lightly rake or drag the area with a chain-link fence to incorporate the seed into the soil surface. Seed drills are most effective for larger areas, specifically those over one acre. Drill to a maximum depth of ¼ inch and firm the soil. Hydro seeders are also effective, particularly on steep slopes or rocky terrain.
Wildflowers can be planted alongside grasses with similar cultural needs at a ratio of 95% grass to 5% wildflowers. They can also be distributed at a lower planting rate in patches as accents to the grassy areas.
When to Plant
The best planting time varies by climate, rainfall, and species. In cool climates, plant annuals and perennials in spring, early summer, or late fall. Fall plantings must be late enough so that seeds do not germinate until spring. Perennials can be sown in early fall with 10-12 weeks of growth before dormancy. Late fall plantings are ideal when irrigation is limited and spring rainfall is expected.
Site Preparation
Remove debris, weeds, and other existing vegetation from the planting site for optimal results. This can be accomplished by pulling, tilling under, spraying with a general herbicide, or by combining these methods. Loosen potentially compacted soil by scraping, tilling, or scarifying. Tilling should only be used when the soil is very compacted and further weed control methods cannot be implemented.
Moisture
All seeds, including wildflowers, require ample moisture to germinate and to develop into healthy seedlings. Soaking the planted areas thoroughly and maintaining consistent moisture for 4-6 weeks, then gradually reducing watering, will obtain the best results.
In non-irrigated situations, plant in the spring or before expected rainfall. In arid climates or during drought conditions, up to ½ inch of supplemental water per week may be needed to maintain an optimal display.
Weed Control
There is no easy solution to weed control in wildflower establishment. In most cases, it is advisable to consider weed control in two phases: as part of site preparation before planting and as a critical component of the post-germination maintenance program.
Once the wildflowers have germinated, further weed control is usually necessary. If practical, pull all weeds as soon as they can be identified. Other successful techniques are spot-spraying with a general herbicide or selectively cutting weeds with a string trimmer. Be sure to remove weeds before they reseed.
Remember that if you plant wildflowers in your grass, you cannot use a broadleaf herbicide to control weeds.
Fall Mowing and Cleanup
If desired, wildflowers can be mowed in the fall after seed set. Mow to a height of 4 to 6 inches and leave the residue on the ground as a reservoir for viable seeds. To prepare the area for fall seeding, you may need to remove any excess plant material or mulch that could hinder good seed-soil contact. The significance of maintaining a regular wildflower care program cannot be overstated. Following this practice will reward you with a wildflower planting that meets or surpasses expectations, ensuring a beautiful display year after year.
Supporting Pollinator Populations
Wildflowers are essential for supporting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. They play a critical role in the food chain, as their leaves, nectar, and pollen serve as important food sources for insects. Furthermore, they provide shelter for insects and other animals, offering a place for butterflies to lay their eggs.
Low Maintenance and Drought-Resistant
Opting for wildflowers instead of more traditional landscaping can be a great way to lower water usage and landscaping maintenance. Once established, wildflowers require little to no supplemental water and don’t require the mowing and fertilization that many traditional landscaping solutions might.
Improves Soil Health and Prevents Erosion
Wildflowers’ root systems hold the soil in place, reducing erosion. This is an excellent tool for stabilizing soil against intense rain or wind. Wildflowers also hold nutrients in the soil and add organic matter, improving soil health.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Once established, wildflowers are a low-maintenance and eco-friendly landscaping solution that requires very little water and no fertilizer. Unless the soil is extremely nutrient-depleted, fertilizer is unnecessary before or after planting wildflowers. Adding organic matter such as weed-free grass clippings, well-rotted compost, or peat moss is an excellent alternative if the soil needs improvement.
Which BBS Wildflower Mix is Right for You?
ALL ANNUAL WILDFLOWER MIX: A mixture of annual wildflowers in pink, purple, yellow, orange and blue
ALL PERENNIAL WILDFLOWER MIX: A mixture of perennial wildflowers in purple, orange, blue, yellow and red
BEE HAPPY POLLINATOR MIX: A mixture to attract pollinators in blue, purple, orange, yellow and red
LOW-GROW WILDFLOWER MIX: A mixture of annual and perennial low-growing wildflowers
MOUNTAIN WILDFLOWER MIX: A mixture of wildflowers that can grow in elevations up to 10,000 ft
DRYLAND WILDFLOWER MIX: A mixture of wildflowers that grow well with limited water
SHADE WILDFLOWER MIX: A mixture of wildflowers that can grow with limited sun exposure
WESTERN WILDFLOWER MIX: A mixture of primarily annual wildflowers that grow well in our region
