When to Plant
Ready to get your garden party started? For spring planting, aim to sow your seeds about a month after the last winter frost. Timing is crucial—plant too early, and your seeds might meet an untimely frost and need to be reseeded. Yikes!
For fall planting, wait until after the first killing frost to avoid any unwanted germination surprises. Fall planting gives you a head start on those fabulous spring blooms!
Where to Plant
While many wildflowers can handle a little filtered shade (some even love it), most are sunbathers at heart! Wildflowers are tough cookies and can sprout in just about any conditions, so no need to pamper them with fancy fertilizers or rich sod.
How to Plant
These wildflower seeds are light seekers, so don’t go burying them! Clear the area and work the soil as best you can before planting. If a few weeds decide to join the fun, don’t panic; it’s just part of the gardening adventure!
Here’s a fun tip: mix your seeds with sand—5 parts sand to 1 part seeds. This makes it easier to spread them evenly and helps you keep track of where you’ve sown. For smaller areas, toss them by hand; for larger patches, a seed spreader is your new best friend.
Once you’ve scattered those seeds, give them a gentle press into the soil, about 1/4″ deep, to protect them from pesky birds and gusty winds.
How to Care for Annual Wildflowers
Wildflowers are generally low-maintenance, but a little TLC goes a long way! Keep those weeds in check so your flowers can soak up all the nutrients they need. Water them during dry spells, and don’t forget to deadhead those spent blooms to encourage fresh growth. Your wildflowers will thank you with a colorful show!