HOW DO I PLANT WILDFLOWERS?

The most essential procedure in achieving a successful stand of wildflowers lies in obtaining proper seed/soil contact. Casually broadcasting the seed on an unprepared area will bring disappointing results. A little work and patience will reward you in the long run by producing a much more successful stand of blooms.

WHEN DO I PLANT?

Wildflower planting dates largely depend on site location and geographic weather patterns. The planting timetable should be decided more by the seasonal precipitation in your area than by temperature. In most areas the autumn months of August, September, October and November are the most favorable months to plant your wildflowers. If the weather will allow you to work the soil, a fall planting is best. If fall planting isn't possible, spring planting will also produce vistas of color for your enjoyment.

TO PLANT ON BARE SOIL AND BARK MULCH AREAS

Rake the area with a garden rake to loosen the soil surface. (No more than 1/2 inch deep.)

Mix seeds thoroughly to provide equal distribution. (Small seeds tend to filter to the bottom of the mix.)

Hand broadcast the seed on the area to be planted.

Lightly rake over the area to establish proper seed/soil contact.

TO PLANT ON EXISTING GRASS

Use a herbicide to eliminate any vegetation which may compete. (Optional - see note)

Mow the existing vegetation as short as possible. Rake the clippings and remove from site.

Rake the area with a garden rake to loosen soil surface or hoe lightly. (No more than 1/2 inch deep.)

Mix seeds thoroughly to provide equal distribution. (Small seeds tend to filter to the bottom of the mix.)

Hand broadcast the seed on the area to be planted.

Lightly rake over the area to establish proper soil/seed contact.

NOTE: DO NOT plant wildflowers in grasses that grow during winter (example - annual ryegrass or fescues) as the winter grasses will be too aggressive to allow the wildflowers to become established.

WILDFLOWERS AROUND YOUR VEGETABLE GARDEN

Growing wildflowers near vegetable gardens attracts honey bees and butterflies which in turn provide additional pollination to your garden plants.

LEGEND OF THE INDIAN BLANKET MAKER

The legend tells of an old Indian blanket maker whose talent for weaving produced such beautiful blankets that other Indians would travel many miles to trade for one. The old blanket maker had never taken an apprentice and when he realized he had only a short time left, he began weaving his own burial blanket. It blended his favorite browns, reds and yellows into the beautiful patterns for which he was so famous.

In time, the old man died and his family wrapped him in his gift to the Great Spirit when they met. The Great Spirit was very pleased because of the beauty of the gift but also saddened because he realized that only those in the Happy Hunting Ground would be able to appreciate the old blanket maker's beautiful creation. So he decided that he would give his gift back to those that the old Indian had left behind.

The spring following the old man's death, wildflowers of the colors and design of the old Indian's blanket appeared in profusion on his grave to bloom and spread forever.

-David Northington, Executive Director, National Wildflower Research Center