When is the Best Time to Plant to Wildflowers?
Autumn is the best time to sow wildflower seeds for spring blooms. Planting in fall allows time for the plants to sprout and develop a healthy root system before going dormant in the winter. Success with wildflowers depends on selecting the right variety of flower for our growing region, preparing the soil properly and maintaining adequate moisture for germinating seedlings. Although wildflowers are “wild,” they still need help getting established in an urban landscape.
When selecting flowers, look for species that are native or adapted to our area. Most of North Texas lies within the Blackland Prairie ecosystem, so choose flowers known to perform in this type of environment. Texas Agri-Life recommends, “When selecting wildflowers, consider choosing a mix with several species to ensure year-round interest and not just blooms for spring. This will give you an array of colors, but also an opportunity to see what does especially well in your wildflower area for the next year. If you let your flowers go to seed, you could see them again and again from year to year.”
Another critical factor to consider is site preparation. Seed to soil contact is necessary for germination. Sowing into a stand of thick turf will prevent seeds from reaching the soil. Ideally, seeds should be sown into a prepared bed where all competing vegetation has been removed. If grass cannot be removed, use a mower to scalp the grass as close as possible. Once seeds have been sown, they need to be rolled or pressed into the soil. Leaving seeds on the surface or burying too deeply can inhibit germination.
Once you have sown the seeds, thoroughly water the area. Wildflower seeds require ample moisture to germinate and develop into healthy seedlings. For best results, the area should be kept moist for 2 to 3 weeks during the establishment period. If natural rainfall is inadequate, supplemental watering with a garden hose may be necessary. Once the wildflowers begin to germinate, do not over-water the area or you may saturate the soil and drown the seedlings.
A fun activity to try with kids is making seed balls. Sow seed balls the same way you would individual seeds; making sure there is seed to soil contact and adequate moisture after sowing.
There are some great wildflower resources out there. One of the most comprehensive sites for all things wildflower is the “Wildflowers in Bloom” site. Here you will find detailed information about the best wildflowers for your region, along with planting instructions, photographs and more.
For more information on site preparation, see:
https://www.plantanswers.com/wild…/growing/howtoplant.html
https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/…/tips-to-plant…/
https://www.wildflower.org/learn/how-to/make-seed-balls
https://www.plantanswers.com/wildseed/tamuhort.html
https://www.plantanswers.com/wildseed/growing/watering.html
The Texas Department of Transportation, the agency responsible for the wildflowers along Texas roadways, has an informative site: https://www.txdot.gov/…/bluebon…/wildflower-program.html
