Sep 15,2023 by gardenerstars
Wildflower Growing Instructions 🏵️
Our wildflower mixes feature a variety of flowers ideal for attracting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators. In addition to supporting pollinator habitats, they may also include selections that can be used as cut flowers. When these flowers are allowed to reseed, you can enjoy a dense and vibrant showy display. These mixes are ideally planted in the spring or fall (early winter) months. For late fall planting, prepare the growing area and spread your seeds before the arrival of snow. When the following spring comes around, the seeds will utilize moisture from the melting snow and spring rainfall to germinate and become established.
For locations that experience partial shade, especially that provided by trees and other foliage, consider growing the shady woodland wildflower mix. Otherwise, we recommend using a mix formulated for your region or for supporting pollinators.
HOW TO PLANT
Step 1 - Growing location: With the exception of our shady woodland wildflower mix, most prefer full sun. This means your growing location should receive at least 6-8 hours of light a day. Without enough light, you will observe fewer than normal blooms.
Step 2 - Prepare soil: Clear the growing area of weeds, debris, and anything else that may get in the way of new plant growth. Lightly till or rake the soil no more than 3 inches deep. This is just to help your seeds have good contact with the soil to soak up needed water for germination to occur. Then, use a rake to level the soil.
Step 3 - Plant seeds: Unlike other plants, wildflower planting does not need to be precise. Some find it easier to spread the seed evenly by mixing them with sand. Or, try using a shaker with holes big enough for the seed to fall. True Leaf Market wildflower shakers are not only easy to use but fully compostable as well.🌸 🐝 Our wildflowers seed mix is 100% pure, non-GMO, and guaranteed to grow. 100,000+ seeds per shaker. Covers 300-450 square feet.
Step 4 - Water: Until established, wildflowers need reliable water. If your area does not experience regular rains or runoff, water regularly until the plants develop healthy roots. Wildflowers are incredibly drought-tolerant. However, like most plants they can also require some additional water during extended periods of extreme heat or drought. Occasionally supplementing with water during these periods will help maintain healthy growth. Additional water should be added in the early morning hours to allow the soil to soak it in without losing much to evaporation.
Step 5 - Mowing: During the fall months, after the flowers have fully bloomed and produced seed, the flowers may be cut or mowed down. A height of 4-6 inches is preferred. Cutting wildflowers in the fall helps ensure the seeds will be spread each year. Some plants may die from time to time due to an inability to thrive, competition with weeds, pest damage, etc. The continual supply of seeds from the previous years growth ensures blooms from year to year. Mowing also helps to discourage weeds and prevent unwanted woody plant growth.