The Proper Way to Sow Wildflowers
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| Photo Credit: Joe Seals |
| California poppies are easy, showing and long-blooming. |
A flower bed bursting with colorful wildflowers is a spectacular sight. Who wouldn’t want to have that kind of impressive display in their own back yard?! Unfortunately, I think the idea of sowing wildflower seed has been given a bad rap. If it’s not done properly, it’s easy for many gardeners to become dismayed with the results. The good news is that there’s a method that provides the kind of show that we expect from a mix of showy wildflowers. What’s more, it’s not that complicated.
The most important thing is to get a handle on potential weeds before sowing. Weeds are the most common reason for a disappointing wildflower show. Too often, a bad case of weeds will outright swamp a sowing of colorful blooms.
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| Warnings |
- Many “wildflower” seed mixes contain exotic (non-native) species. Often they add some special color and an extended bloom season. Sometimes, however, the exotic species can become somewhat weedy. If this is a concern for you, check to make sure that the mix reads, “All Natives” on the packet. Also check that the seed mixture is designated as appropriate to your region.
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| Facts |
- Depending on the ingredients of a wildflower seed mix, you can expect your flower show to last from four weeks to four months.
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| Tips |
- Because wildflowers are seasonal beauties and often used for temporary effect until a permanent landscape is installed, you may want to consider simply setting out a portable sprinkler and run a hose to it as necessary.
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