(Plant heights are given at maturity)
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A wildflower patch is the perfect way to ensure a beautiful crop of spring and summer blooms, and to provide food and shelter for wildlife.
To establish a wildflower patch, pick an area that matches the type of flowers you want to plant. (If the flowers you want grow naturally in a sunny, dry area, don't pick a damp spot next to a pond to plant them. Your results won't be very good.) Rule of thumb is to pick an area that has good drainage and receives at least 8 hours of sunlight each day. Also, don't choose a site in which clover or another winter ground cover is planted, as these plants will choke out the wildflowers.
To prepare the site, mow the existing vegetation as short as possible, and remove the mowed vegetation from the site. Scratch the surface or till to 1 inch deep. This will be deep enough for the flower seeds, but shallow enough not to 'stir up' the weed seeds. Also, make certain that you have enough seed to cover the area you have prepared. Using too little seed will give a sparse look to the planting and too much will cause overcrowding. Recommended seeding rates are given in the plant descriptions below.
Some wildflower seeds resemble dust - too tiny to handle efficiently, so to allow a more even distribution, mix 1 part seed with 3 or 4 parts of sand, potting soil, perlite, peat or some other coarser substance. To sow, walk in one direction over your patch, broadcasting 1/2 of the seed or seed mix. Then walk in a direction perpendicular to the initial sowing, broadcasting the other half of the seed. Don't cover the seed, as the light will help to germinate, just press them seed into the soil by walking over or rolling over them. If planting deeper than 1/16 inch is recommended, it will be noted in the plant description below. Make sure that the seeds receive adequate moisture and do not dry out excessively during germination. If possible, keep them sprinkled lightly until the seedlings emerge. Once established, if you picked flower types that conform to the soil, water and light in your chosen area, you should not need to water, except possibly under abnormal conditions.
In the fall when all or most of the blooms have faded and died back, mow the area to a height of 4-6 inches. Mowing lower may damage some wildflowers. Mow over the area a couple of times to thoroughly cut up the stems and leaves. This may seem a harsh treatment, but mowing allows for a more complete dispersal of seeds, so that your wildflower patch will be all the prettier next season. It also gets rid of unwanted grasses and weeds and allows the sunlight to penetrate to lower growing plants, allowing them to grow more efficiently and to allow the wildflower seeds to establish themselves next season.
The common conception is that all one has to do is throw wildflower seeds on the ground and a beautiful garden will spring up without a care, but keep in mind that wildlfowers, like all other plants, have their own peculiarities. Some can indeed grow perfectly well when tossed carelessly on the ground, but others are picky and require very specific soil and water requirements. That's why it's so important to match the flower you choose with your climate and soil type and to choose your site and prepare it well.. Even then, some are downright hard to grow and may have to be started in trays or flats and transplanted to their final home. We have indicated below the ease of growing each variety, but don't allow a rating of 'difficult' to deter you from trying a variety that you really want. Generally, once these plants have become established, they provide no problems at all and multiply with ease.
With proper planning and care, your wildflowers will provide years of natural beauty and a haven for bees, butterflies and other creatures.
E = Easy; Germinates readily, established itself with ease, and is low
maintenance
M = Fairly easy; Germination rate is somewhat lower. May be more
difficult to establish
D = Difficult; Germination may be low or sporadic. Plants
may need to be started under controlled conditions, then transplanted
Asclepias
Butterfly
Flower (Asclepias tuberosa) - Perennial; A favorite sunloving plant, these
pretty butterfly magnets are drought resistant and the orange flowerheads
remain bright throughout the summer. Hardy to -40F (-40C);
Full sun; height 18-24in. Seeding rate: 10lbs per acre; Difficulty
rating: M Avg. seeds per lb = 87,000
| #370 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 50 seeds | |
| #Bz-370 Bulk Seed 1oz $31.20 | |
| #B4z-370 Bulk Seed 4oz $75.00 | |
| #B1-370 Bulk Seed 1 lb $253.00 |
Common Milkweed
(Asclepias syriaca) - Perennial; Sweet scented lavender blooms are
carried in dense clusters in mid-summer. The seeds and stem fibers
have been used to make cloth and the young shoots are often eaten like
asparagus. The flowers are also edible and are quite sweet.
Full sun; height: 24-36in.
| #1005 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 50 seeds | |
| #Bz-1005 Bulk Seed 1oz $39.10 | |
| #B4z-1005 Bulk Seed 4oz $83.62 | |
| #B1-1005 Bulk Seed 1 lb $154.65 |
Showy Milkweed
(Asclepias speciosa)- Perennial; Pink to purple flowers with long
hoods form in clusters. Pretty in dried arrangements. Full
sun; plant height: 18-24in.
| #1004 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 25 seeds | |
| #Bz-1004 Bulk Seed 1oz $29.40 | |
| #B4z-1004 Bulk Seed 4oz $83.62 | |
| #B1-1004 Bulk Seed 1 lb $154.65 |
Clarkia
Farewell
to Spring- Clarkia pulchella - Annual; Excellent border flower . Wiry slender
stems bear double flowers in shades from white to deep rose. Good cottage
garden plant. Originally a wildflower listed by the Lewis and Clark expedition,
1804-1806, and named after Clark. It's a lovely addition to a garden. Sow
in spring. Full sun or partial shade; plant height 24in. Seeding
rate: 2lbs per acre; Difficulty rating: M
Avg. seeds per lb = 1,700,000
| #107 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 100 seeds | |
| #Bz-107 Bulk Seed 1oz $7.00 | |
| #B4z-107 Bulk Seed 4oz $12.59 | |
| #B1-107 Bulk Seed 1 lb $32.50 |
Mountain
Garland - Clarkia unguiculata - Annual; Spikes of pastel blooms on
purple stems. Bloom colors are shades of pink, salmon, white, and
purple. Prefers well drained soil. Full sun; height: 2-3ft.
Seeding rate: 2lbs per acre; Difficulty rating: E Avg.
seeds per lb= 1,500,000
| #2502 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 100 seeds | |
| #Bz-2502 Bulk Seed 1oz $7.00 | |
| #B4z-2502 Bulk Seed 4oz $12.59 | |
| #B1-2502 Bulk Seed 1 lb $32.50 |
Coreopsis
Red Plains
Coreopsis - Coreopsis tinctoria - Annual; easily grown from seed,
this wildflower variety thrives in a variety of soils and conditions, including
damp areas. Blooms are mahogany in color and are borne in profusion.
The plant is ideal for mass plantings or wildflower areas. Sow in
spring, summer or fall. Hardy to -40F (-40C); Full sun; plant
height: 12-24in. Seeding rate: 2lbs per acre; Difficulty rating:
E Avg. seeds per lb= 1,400,000
| #1388 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 100 seeds | |
| #Bz-1388 Bulk Seed 1oz $7.21 | |
| #B4z-1388 Bulk Seed 4oz $13.19 | |
| #B1-1388 Bulk Seed 1 lb $34.45 |
Tickseed
(Lanceleaf Coreopsis) Coreopsis lanceolata - Perennial; This is the
wildflower variety whose bright yellow single blooms on 3ft. stems lend
an airy beauty to any garden or hillside. Does well even in hot dry
summers. Sow in spring or fall. Hardy to -40F (-40C);
Full sun; plant height: 36in. Seeding rate: 2lbs per acre; Difficulty
rating: E Avg. seeds per lb= 221,000
| #388 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 100 seeds | |
| #Bz-388 Bulk Seed 1oz $5.59 | |
| #B4z-388 Bulk Seed 4oz $9.99 | |
| #B1-388 Bulk Seed 1 lb $24.79 |
Tinctoria
(Plains Coreopsis) Coreopsis tinctoria - Perennial; Tall plants bear
a profusion of bright yellow single blooms with red centers. Foliage
is lacy and fernlike. Beautiful cottage garden addition. Sow
in spring or fall. Hardy to -40F (-40C); Full sun or partial
shade; plant height: 48in. Seeding rate: 2lbs per acre; Difficulty
rating: E Avg. seeds per lb= 1,400,000
| #389 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 100 seeds | |
| #Bz-389 Bulk Seed 1oz $5.65 | |
| #B4z-389 Bulk Seed 4oz $10.50 | |
| #B1-389 Bulk Seed 1 lb $26.00 |
Cosmos
Bright
Lights Orange - Cosmos sulphureus - Annual, reseeds freely;
2-1/2in. semi-double blooms of bright orange brighten any summer garden
or meadow. Sow in spring. Full sun; plant height: 36-48in.
Seeding rate: 15lbs per acre; Difficulty rating: E
Avg. seeds per lb= 90,000
| #391 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 200 seeds | |
| #Bz-391 Bulk Seed 1oz $7.69 | |
| #B4z-391 Bulk Seed 4oz $13.49 | |
| #B1-391 Bulk Seed 1 lb $35.00 |
Psyche White - Cosmos bipinnatus - Annual, reseeds freely; Huge
4in. double white blooms. Sow in spring. Full sun; plant height:
54in. Seeding rate: 15lbs per acre; Difficulty rating: E
Avg. seeds per lb= 90,000
| #392 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 200 seeds | |
| #Bz-392 Bulk Seed 1oz $8.69 | |
| #B4z-392 Bulk Seed 4oz $14.49 | |
| #B1-392 Bulk Seed 1 lb $36.00 |
Seashells
Mix - Cosmos bipinnatus - Annual, reseeds freely; Rolled petals in
shades of red, pink and white with yellow eyes. Sow in spring.
Full sun; plant height: 36-40in. Seeding rate: 15lbs
per acre; Difficulty rating: E Avg. seeds
per lb= 90,000
| #393 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 100 seeds | |
| #Bz-393 Bulk Seed 1oz $7.69 | |
| #B4z-393 Bulk Seed 4oz $13.49 | |
| #B1-393 Bulk Seed 1 lb $35.00 |
Sensation
Mix- Cosmos bipinnatus - Annual, reseeds freely - First introduced
to English gardens in the mid-1800s from Mexico, Cosmos gives an eye-catching
touch to a summer garden. This variety has tall, feathery plants
producing 3in. flowers in shades from white to crimson with a yellow eye.
Sow in spring. Full sun or partial shade; plant height: 48-60in.
Seeding rate: 15lbs per acre; Difficulty rating: E
Avg. seeds per lb= 90,000
| #109 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 100 seeds | |
| #Bz-109 Bulk Seed 1oz $7.69 | |
| #B4z-109 Bulk Seed 4oz $13.49 | |
| #B1-109 Bulk Seed 1 lb $35.00 |
Flax
Blue Flax -
Linum lewisii - Perennial; Pretty plant native to California, but
now adapted all over the US. Bright blue five-petaled flowers last
only one day, but there are so many of them that the show is not interrupted
all summer. Prefers dry areas with full sun. Hardy to -40F
(-40C); Full sun; plant height: 24in. Seeding rate: 8lbs per
acre; Difficulty rating: M Avg. seeds per lb= 293,000
| #2500 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 200 seeds | |
| #Bz-2500 Bulk Seed 1oz $5.39 | |
| #B4z-2500 Bulk Seed 4oz $9.75 | |
| #B1-2500 Bulk Seed 1 lb $22.75 |
Scarlet Flax
- Linum rubrum - Perennial; This wildflower, originally found in
Europe and North Africa, has aclimated itself to most of the United States.
It is the perfect survivor, tolerating extreme heat and drought.
Very pretty in mass plantings or in wildflower areas. Sow in spring
after danger of frost is past. Hardy to -40F (-40C); Full sun;
plant height: 1-2ft. Seeding rate: 8lbs per acre; Difficulty
rating: E Avg. seeds per lb= 122,000
| #2441 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 200 seeds | |
| #Bz-2441 Bulk Seed 1oz $5.15 | |
| #B4z-2441 Bulk Seed 4oz $8.79 | |
| #B1-2441 Bulk Seed 1 lb $19.50 |
Gaillardia
Indian
blanket flower - Galliardia aristata - Perennial; Bright daisy-like blooms
with red and yellow rings. Heat and drought tolerant. Sow in
fall or early spring. Hardy to -40F (-40C); Full sun; plant
height: 1-1/2 to 2ft. Seeding rate: 10lbs per acre; Difficulty
rating: E Avg. seeds per lb= 132,000
| #2499 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 100 seeds | |
| #Bz-2499 Bulk Seed 1oz $7.50 | |
| #B4z-2499 Bulk Seed 4oz $13.00 | |
| #B1-2499 Bulk Seed 1 lb $41.89 |
Liatris
Liatris, Purple
(Gayfeather) - Liatris spicata - Perennial - Medicinal - Reseeds freely.
Strong spikes of deep purple flowers rise above tufts of grass-like foliage.
The roots are sometimes used to brew a tea used to treat kidney diseases
and sore throats. Prefers a moist well drained soil. Sow in spring.
Hardy to -40F (-40C); Full sun; plant height: 18-36in. Seeding rate:
10lbs per acre; Difficulty rating: M Avg. seeds
per lb= 138,000
| #178 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 100 seeds | |
| #Bz-178 Bulk Seed 1oz $10.89 | |
| #B4z-178 Bulk Seed 4oz $26.95 | |
| #B1-178 Bulk Seed 1 lb $75.70 |
Lupine
Alamo Fire
Lupine (Maroon Bluebonnet) - Lupinus texensis - Perennial; A unique
variety of bluebonnet, this pretty plant has maroon and white petals on
2ft. plants. The original plant was found growing near San Antonio,
Texas. Like most wild lupines, this variety prefers a light sandy soil
and does not tolerate heavy clay soils with poor drainage. Seeds
in these soils will germinate, but will not fully develop. Does best
when planted on a slight slope. Hardy to 10F (-17.7C); Full
sun or partial shade; plant height: 18-24in. Seeding rate: 35lbs
per acre; Difficulty rating: D Avg. seeds per lb=
13,500
| #2445 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 30 seeds | |
| #Bz-2445 Bulk Seed 1oz $12.95 | |
| #B4z-2445 Bulk Seed 4oz $31.85 | |
| #B1-2445 Bulk Seed 1 lb $108.59 |
Arroyo Lupine
- Lupinus succulentus - Perennial or biennial - Native to California
and the western US coast, this variety has upright spikes with purple blooms.
Prefers a moist clay or heavy soil in full sun. Can be difficult
to establish, but is well worth the effort. Hardy to 10F (-17.7C);
Full sun; plant height 12-18in. Seeding rate: 35lbs per acre; Difficulty
rating: D Avg. seeds per lb= 15,500
| #2492 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 200 seeds | |
| #Bz-2492 Bulk Seed 1oz $5.59 | |
| #B4z-2492 Bulk Seed 4oz $10.50 | |
| #B1-2492 Bulk Seed 1 lb $26.00 |
Texas Bluebonnet
- Lupinus texensis - Perennial or biennial (zones 5 and north, mulch
heavily in winter)- Found along the roadsides in Texas, this lovely little
wildflower is the state flower. Small palmate leaves and deep blue flower
spikes in the spring make a lovely show when planted in groups. Does best
in light, sandy soils - hates heavy clay soils. Hardy to -10F (-23.3C);
Full sun; plant height 12-18in. Seeding rate: 35lbs per acre; Difficulty
rating: M Avg. seeds per lb= 13,500
| #125 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 200 seeds | |
| #Bz-125 Bulk Seed 1oz $5.00 | |
| #B4z-125 Bulk Seed 4oz $7.59 | |
| #B1-125 Bulk Seed 1 lb $17.59 |
Monarda
Lemon
Bergamot (Lemon mint, Purple horsemint) Monarda citriodora - Perennial
- Culinary, Medicinal - Blooms are pink and purple. Native
to the southern US. Sow in spring. Hardy to -40F (-40C); Full
sun; plant height: 3-4ft. Seeding rate: 3lbs per acre;
Difficulty rating: E Avg. seeds per lb= 819,000
| #493 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 100 seeds | |
| #Bz-493 Bulk Seed 1oz $5.65 | |
| #B4z-493 Bulk Seed 4oz $10.50 | |
| #B1-493 Bulk Seed 1 lb $26.00 |
Nemophilia
Baby Blue Eyes - Nemophilia insignis - Annual; Native california wildflower
easily grown from seed. Delicate sky blue, cup shaped blooms appear
throughout the spring. Requires light sandy soil with moderate amount
of water. Full sun to partial shade; plant height: 12in.
Seeding rate: 8lbs per acre; Difficulty rating: E
Avg. seeds per lb= 258,000
| #2446 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 200 seeds | |
| #Bz-2446 Bulk Seed 1oz $5.95 | |
| #B4z-2446 Bulk Seed 4oz $10.10 | |
| #B1-2446 Bulk Seed 1 lb $13.00 |
Five Spot
- Nemophilia maculata - Annual; A native California wildflower with 1in.
white blooms with purple spots at the tip of each petal. Best sown
where it is to grow, as it does not like to be transplanted. Full sun to
partial shade; plant height: 12in. Seeding rate: 15lbs per acre;
Difficulty rating: E Avg. seeds per lb= 87,000
| #1389 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 200 seeds | |
| #Bz-1389 Bulk Seed 1oz $5.97 | |
| #B4z-1389 Bulk Seed 4oz $11.09 | |
| #B1-1389 Bulk Seed 1 lb $28.50 |
Poppies
Corn Poppy Mix (Papaver rhoeas) Annual- This European native
has become naturalized all over the US. 3-4inch blooms in pink, red,
white, yellow, orange and pink with small foliage that allows the blooms
an optimum show. Prefers a well-drained soil. Sow in late fall
for best spring showing. Full sun,Partial shade; height: 24-30in.
Seeding rate: 2lbs per acre; Difficulty rating: E
Avg. seeds per lb= 13,500
| #2444 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 200 seeds | |
| #Bz-2444 Bulk Seed 1oz $5.65 | |
| #B4z-2444 Bulk Seed 4oz $10.50 | |
| #B1-2444 Bulk Seed 1 lb $26.00 |
Red Corn Poppy
(Flanders Poppy) Papaver rhoeas - Annual- This European native has
become naturalized all over the US. 3-4inch deep red blooms with
purple-black centers. Prefers a well-drained soil. Sow in late
fall for best spring showing. Full sun, Partial shade; height:
24-30in. Seeding rate: 2lbs per acre; Difficulty rating: E
Avg. seeds per lb= 13,500
| #2494 Packet, $2.50 each, Approximately 200 seeds | |
| #Bz-2494 Bulk Seed 1oz $5.65 | |
| #B4z-2494 Bulk Seed 4oz $10.50 |