Our wildflower mixtures are formulated on the basis of climatic
conditions (rainfall, temperature range, humidity) and elevation. Most
species in our mixtures adapt readily to different soil types provided
climate and elevation are suitable. Annuals have been included to
establish cover quickly and to give color the first year; some may
produce new plants the following year (the biennials may also reseed).
Perennial plants live for more than two years, and most flower from the
second year onward.
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These mixtures are blended to give the widest possible range of colors
and periods of bloom. Very few wildflowers bloom continually throughout
the season; therefore, we have included spring-, summer-, and
fall-blooming species in each mixture. Colors include blue, purple,
red, white, yellow and pink. Mix heights vary from 10 inches to 8 feet.
See the chart beginning on page 6 for the height, color and blooming
period of each species.
In general, our mixtures are formulated to contain approximately equal
numbers of seeds of each species. This varies somewhat because of
costs, availability and/or climatic conditions. For example, in the
Moist Mixture we have given less seed of species that are particularly
aggressive. We strive for a balance of the highest quality for each
geographic area.
Mixtures may vary occasionally from the indicated listing, based on availability of individual species.
Seed Quality
Most wildflower seeds and mixtures have a purity of 95-99% and total
viable seed percentages of between 70-95%. The total viable seed
percent is the germination percent, plus the hard seed or dormant seed
percent. Hard seeds have impermeable seed coats and cannot imbibe water
during seed testing. Dormant seeds are viable seeds that have specific
physical or physiological conditions that prevent the seed from
germinating at the time of seed testing. The PLS (Pure Live Seed) is
obtained by multiplying the percent purity by the percent total viable
seed and then dividing by 100.
Site Selection
Sowing wildflower seeds without care and planning usually produces
unsatisfactory results. Here are some important factors to consider:
(1) Does the site support plants now? If you have a site where nothing,
including weeds, is growing, that site is unlikely to support
wildflowers. (2) Will there be adequate moisture during germination and
establishment? Can you supply supplemental water, if necessary? (3)
What weed seeds are likely to be present in the soil? Will weeds spread
to your site from adjacent areas? Assessment of these factors will
enable you to make a realistic choice of a site where wildflowers will
prosper and to decide what action will be necessary to ensure your
success.
Planting Rates
Each wildflower mixture in this catalog has a recommended minimum and
maximum planting rate. The planting rates for some mixtures are
adjusted higher due to the presence of small-seeded, nonaggressive
species. In general however, the minimum planting rates are based on
60-70 seeds per square foot (4 to 12 pounds per acre), which is usually
sufficient to establish a good stand of wildflowers on prepared soil
when adequate weed control can be maintained. Maximum planting rates
are based on 120-140 seeds per square foot (8 to 24 pounds per acre),
and are recommended when adequate soil preparation and weed control are
not possible, or when maximum color is required. Avoid using more than
the recommended rates since poor perennial establishment may result.
When to Plant
The best time to plant in your area depends on the climate and rainfall
patterns as well as the species you are planting. In cool climates,
plant annuals, perennials or mixtures of annuals and perennials in
spring, early summer or late fall. Fall plantings should be late enough
so that seeds do not germinate until spring. 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. Late fall
plantings are advantageous when supplemental irrigation cannot be
provided and adequate rainfall is anticipated in the spring.
In mild climates, plant during the cooler months of the year, fall
through spring, for best results. Fall plantings done prior to periods
of rainfall will insure an early display of flowers the following
spring.
Uses of Grasses
Wildflowers can be sown alone or with grasses. For most areas of the
United States, we recommend using one of our native grass mixtures. For
specific requirements, individual species may be preferred. Hard Fescue
or Sheep Fescue work well in most areas of the United States. However,
in the southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana,
Mississippi and South Carolina, we recommend warm-season grasses; Hard
and Sheep Fescue will not thrive in these climates.
Warm-season grasses to consider include Gramas, Buffalo Grass and
Bluestems. These grasses grow very slowly and are planted for aesthetic
and ecological reasons rather than prompt stabilization of soil.
Aggressive grasses should be avoided because they will crowd out most
wildflowers; these grasses include Kentucky Bluegrass, Smooth Brome,
Crested Wheatgrass, Bermuda Grass, and Annual Rye. If wildflowers must
be used with these grasses, the flowers should be planted in
high-density patches as accents to the grassed areas. Or the flowers
may be sown with the grasses if the planting rates of the grasses are
reduced significantly.
Site Preparation
Proper site preparation is important for prompt germination of seed and
healthy growth of seedlings. Best results will be obtained by planting
on cleared ground. Remove existing vegetation to avoid competition from
other plants. This may be done by pulling, tilling under, spraying with
a general herbicide, or by a combination of these methods, depending
upon the size of the area, type and density of vegetation and other
factors. Loosen soil by scraping, tilling or scarifying. Tilling should
be utilized only when soil is very compacted and further weed control
measures can be taken. Specific recommendations are given under the
heading, Weed Control.
Seed Application
Method of application depends on the size of the area and the terrain.
On small areas, broadcast seeds evenly either by hand or by use of a
drop or cyclone spreader. It is helpful to mix a carrier such as clean,
dry sand with the seed; sand adds volume and aids in even distribution.
We recommend using a ratio of 1 or 2 parts sand to 1 part seed. Rake in
lightly, covering seeds to a maximum depth of 2-3 times their
thickness. Or drag the area lightly with a piece of chain link fence to
mix the seed into the surface of the soil. For seeding large areas,
i.e., over one acre, specially designed drills are most effective.
Drill to a maximum of 1/4 inch and firm soil with a cultipacker; this
maximizes seed/soil contact. Hydroseeders are also effective,
especially for steep slopes, rocky terrain and other areas where
conditions make it impractical for other methods of seed application.
Hydroseeding is the application of a slurry of seed and water to soil.
The slurry may also contain mulch (hydromulching), a tackifier and
fertilizer. Mulches are made of wood fiber, paper or excelsior, and
their purpose is to hold seeds in place, help retain moisture and
provide protection from erosion; mulches are usually dyed green as a
visual aid in even distribution. Rates of application for most mulches
are between 1500 and 23 00 pounds per acre. In general,
hydroseeding/hydromulching is most successful in moist climates or in
irrigated areas.
Most authorities agree that germination is better when seed is applied
first with 5-10% of the mulching fiber—the balance of the mulch being
applied separately as a second step. This approach ensures optimal
seed/soil contact; otherwise, many seeds are wasted because they become
suspended in the fiber.
It is important that proper procedures are followed to minimize the
amount of time that seed is circulated through pumps or paddles prior
to application. Over-circulation may damage the seed.
Moisture
All seeds, including wildflowers, 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 — then gradually reducing waterings. In
non-irrigated situations, plant in the spring or before periods of
anticipated rainfall. After seedlings are established, watering may be
reduced depending on the climate and rainfall. In arid climates or
during drought conditions, up to 1/2 inch of supplemental water per
week may be required to maintain an optimal display. If weeds are
present, remember that they benefit from moisture as much as the
wildflowers and may dominate overwatered areas.
Fertilization
Many wildflowers benefit from some fertilization if the soil does not
have adequate nutrients. Some wildflowers do fine in poor soils, while
others require a more fertile environment. We recommend that a soil
test be performed when soil quality is unknown. If the soil needs
improvement, use a low nitrogen fertilizer with a 5-10-10 ratio or add
organic matter such as weed-free straw or grass clippings, well-rotted
compost, peat moss, or leaf mold. In addition to adding nutrients,
organic materials enhance soil structure and encourage beneficial
microorganisms. Avoid over-fertilizing which may promote weed growth
and lush foliage rather than flowers.
Weed Control
Weed control is the biggest problem facing plant establishment and one
which has no easy solution. Weed seeds are present in many situations
and lie dormant, but viable, for long periods. A weedy area converted
to wildflowers will have a large reservoir of weed seeds in the soil,
ready to germinate when conditions are favorable. In most cases, it is
advisable to consider weed control in two phases—as part of site
preparation prior to planting, and as an important component of the
post-germination maintenance program.
Before planting, remove existing weeds by pulling, tilling under,
applying a glyphosate herbicide such as Roundup®*, or by a combination
of these methods. For additional weed control after site preparation, a
soil fumigant may be used, or the area may be irrigated to encourage
weed growth and then sprayed with a general herbicide.
In very weedy areas, the following method is suggested: (1) Till soil
or spray vegetation with Roundup®*. When using an herbicide, allow
vegetation to die, then rake out the dead debris. If perennial weeds
such as bindweed are present, using an herbicide is more effective than
tilling. (2) Irrigate to encourage germination of weed seeds near the
surface; most seeds will germinate within two weeks if consistent
moisture is available. Do not till the soil again because this will
bring even more weed seeds up to the surface. (3) Spray any new growth
with Roundup®*. (4) After raking out dead vegetation, allow soil to
recover for 3-4 weeks before planting seed. From our experience, a
recovery period of this duration is advisable because extensive use of
glyphosate herbicides may cause a delay in germination and in the
vigorous growth of seedlings.
Once the seeds 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.
Many unwanted annual and some perennial grasses can be controlled with
the herbicides Grass-B-Gon®*, Ornamec®* and Fusilade®*. These
post-emergents do not affect broad-leaved plants so they can be applied
over existing flowers; they are most effective when sprayed on new
growth and young plants. Take care to avoid treating areas with
desirable native grasses or fescues.
*Observe all precautions and follow manufacturer’s recommendations for application.
What to Expect
Wildflowers can provide an excellent, low cost alternative in
large-scale, high maintenance situations, as well as a satisfying
change from traditional urban landscaping. However, during their
initial establishment period, wildflowers require as much maintenance
as traditional plantings.
A smooth, weed- and vegetation-free planting bed is important for good
seed-soil contact and prompt germination. Avoid seeding more than the
recommended rate since overseeding can result in crowded conditions the
first year and poor establishment of perennials. Cover seeds lightly to
protect them from drying out during germination, and to prevent them
from being eaten by birds. Consistent moisture is important for 4 - 6
weeks after planting.
A wildflower planting requires the same weed control measures as
traditional landscaping. Effective measures include site preparation
prior to planting and a post-germination maintenance program.
Most of our wildflower mixes contain annual, biennial and perennial
species. The annuals, which may not be native to your area, are
included to assure maximum color during the first season and to act as
a nurse crop for the slower-growing perennials. Annuals germinate
quickly when conditions are favorable, providing a quick ground cover
and competition against weeds. Natural reseeding of annuals ranges from
significant to minimal, depending on the species, climate, soil texture
and other factors. Most perennial and biennial species begin to bloom
the second season, but not as profusely as annuals. Therefore,
wildflower plantings look noticeably different after the first year.
Sometimes it is desirable or even necessary to sow seed in second and
subsequent years. Reseeding may be necessary if establishment of
wildflowers is spotty or poor. It is possible to reseed bare areas with
the original mixture. Loosen soil of bare areas and provide adequate
weed control and supplemental irrigation as needed. Where natural
reseeding of annuals is minimal, sowing annuals each spring can produce
a magnificent annual and perennial display throughout the growing
season.
If desired, wildflowers may be mowed in the fall following seed set.
Mow to a height of 4-6 inches, and leave the residue on the ground
because it is a reservoir of viable seeds.
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Wildflower Pasture Seed 
