Sowing Wildflower Seeds

When you look at a project from 30,000 foot level you realize that not everything happens in a logical order. For instance, although the ink was not yet dry on the building plans for the Garden Home Retreat, I knew that I had to get started immediately on the garden if everything was going to come together as planned.

Because work started in fall, one of my first items of business was sowing wildflower seeds. I consulted with John Thomas, wildflower expert and owner of Wildseed Farms, on a plan to create a colorful splash of native blooms at the crest of the long drive that leads from the main road to the house. We settled on a Southeastern wildflower mix that included some of my favorites such as tickseed, purple coneflower, corn poppy and rocket larkspur.

We prepared the ground by removing existing weeds and grass and lightly tilling the soil to about 3 inches. When it was time to sow the seed I decided to try a little experiment to determine if one sowing method was better than another. I used three techniques: hydroseeding, hand broadcasting and using a seed drill, which is a piece of equipment that you pull behind a tractor.

Late winter is usually the time when many wildflowers begin to emerge, so on my last trip to the Garden Home Retreat I made a point to check the field for progress. I am happy to report that all three areas were covered in seedlings that were, as my Grandpa Smith used to say, "as thick as hair on a dogs back."

The result of my seed-sowing test is good news for the home gardener wanting to grow a small patch of wildflowers. As it turns out distributing the seeds by hand works pretty well. Although I'd still recommend hydroseeding or the seed drill for large areas. Whichever method you choose, the keys to success are selecting the best varieties for your area, proper planting time, and good seed to soil contact. 

I can't wait to see the big splash of color this spring!

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Comments

wildflowers

by judy hicks on April 5, 2010 03:23
I live 25 miles north of Nashville TN. Is it too late to sow/plant wildflowers in my area?
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transplanting various varieties of trees

by Diana Mills on March 28, 2010 05:29
Is there a more critsical time for transplanting younger trees than others? Also, what is the best course of amending the soil surrounding the tree for added success in the transition?
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Sowing Wildflower Seeds

by Wendell on March 27, 2010 07:54
Thank you for sharing the sowing techniques. I have a small area to seed and was wondering what results I would get with hand broadcast. Glad to know it works and hope I have the same results as you...W
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Wildflowers

by James on February 21, 2010 04:11
I have been planting wildflower seeds for the last 3 fall seasons here in Southeast Missouri. I try to plant around the time of the first frost of the season. My biggest problem is wondering if I have a field of weeds or wildflowers. My field is along a well traveled state road and I receive many comments.
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Planting wildflowers

by Vicki on December 23, 2009 09:40
I have started watching your weekend show on Create TV and love it. My husband and I have been gardening for many years. We usually plant a 12' x 50' vegetable garden in the back yard (Denver suburb) with lots of success. We use a drip watering system. We are ready to branch out and I find I'm excited and afraid. We purchased 70 acres 20 miles west of Walsenburg, Co. a few years ago. Our place is at 7,200' above sea level and is very arid. The first year we bought the weather was great. There had been enough snow that winter all spring and summer the wildflowers were beautiful. Yellows, reds, purple and white flowers everywhere. Pinion pine and cactus also grow freely. The next two years there was hardly any snow or rainfall. We experienced a major drought. The pine beetles took many of the pinion pines those two years. I would love to plant wildflowers on the property, as well as letting nature do it's thing. Is this possible? It seems like the soil is very fragile. The wind blows a lot, the soil is pouris and dry, water is a premium (meaning we haul water and store it in a cisturn for use in the house) . Watering outside is very limited. Since the wind blows so much would we have to plow up part of the land or can we plant among the vegetation that already grows there? I don't know how to get started or when. Spring will be here before we know it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If I have not given enough information what else do you need to know? Thank you, Vicki
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school wildflower butterfly garden

by michelle allbritton on September 19, 2009 06:02
Hello, I am trying to rejuvinate a much neglected garden at my kids school here in Jonesboro,AR. I was thinking of seed because it would be more economical . What time in the fall should we plant. And can you suggest other varieties of flowers that are easily direct sown from seed .
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sowing wildflower seeds

by Gwenn on September 19, 2009 01:08
I live in Dallas, Oregon and would like to plant wildflowers. I don't know the best time to plant. After reading this article, I thought fall is the answer. Would you send some information my way.
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Seed Balls

by Karen Stoner on September 17, 2009 09:34
My Grandaughters, Kaitlin and Shannon helped me to make seed balls last month (August) . It was messy fun rather like making mudpies. I sprinkled wildflower seeds on top and we took a pinch and rolled into a ball about the size of a walnut. We laid them on trays to dry and then put them into manilla envelopes with a pictured seed packet stapled to the front. About next April we will toss them around the borders for a random sprinkling of color. We hope. This is our first attempt at this, but I understand the French have done this for years. Are you familiar with this type of gardening?
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