The Best Time to Plant Wildflower Seeds
As with all things horticultural, the ideal planting time for wildflower seeds depends on weather conditions and geography. But more than temperature, it’s seasonal precipitation that should dictate your planting schedule. While it’s possible to plant wildflowers in both spring and fall in the U.S., regardless of the region, certain factors should be taken into consideration for optimal results.
Spring Planting
Gardeners living in the Northern and Northeastern geographic areas of the U.S. reside in USDA Zones one through six, which translates into extremely harsh winters. For this reason, planting in the early spring is recommended. However, if you live in the Southern regions of the United States, that puts you in Zones seven through eleven, which means you can plant wildflower seeds in early spring if you would like.
And while warmer spring temperatures and plentiful rainfall help facilitate the germination process and hasten seedling growth, those who reside in Zones one through 11 should be mindful that a spring planting poses a risk if there is a significant drought after this initial rainfall. A hot, dry period might require extra watering in order to prevent the ground from drying out and causing the seedlings to die.
Fall Planting
For those who live in the Southern and Western parts of the United States, the fall months, from September to December, will yield the most successful planting. This is because many of the species will germinate quickly to give the seedlings ample time to establish healthy roots before they go dormant in the winter. However, if the ground remains below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the seeds will stay dormant until early the next spring and will wait under the soil until it’s warmer to emerge.
Those living in Zones one through six can plant a wildflower seed mix until late fall; however, they will remain dormant through the cold winter months and be germinated the following spring when the weather is warmer.
There are attendant risks associated with planting exotic garden varieties of plants and flowers that fall under the “domesticated” species in the fall. An ongoing cold snap lasting several weeks can freeze or even kill these delicate flowers, so it’s essential to exercise caution.
On the other hand, wildflower mix is formulated to take into account disparate variations in rainfall, soil types, elevation level, and temperatures found from one region to the next. A wildflower mix contains a blend of perennials and annuals to provide a wide range of blooms and colors.
If you have any questions about wildflower seed mix, contact us today and speak to a staff member.