How to Grow Easy Wildflower Gardens

Published Nov 5, 2021

Updated Oct 21, 2022

Wildflowers are some of my favorite flowers. Their ability to easily grow in adverse conditions and poor soils makes them a great selection for improving unmaintained areas. Plus, you can prepare the growing area and plant wildflower seeds in the fall to reduce the spring rush of planting. Follow along for more information on how you can start your own wildflower garden now.

I have always had an appreciation for the beauty of mountain meadows filled with color and swaying tall grasses. To locals, these types of fields are known to create quite a buzz as people flock to admire their blooms. You can find wildflowers of many colors that grow in your area. We understand how important it is to grow wildflowers that fit your climate, which is why we have designed several special mixes to make selecting wildflower seeds easy for you.

Wildflower Seed Mixtures

Wildflowers aren’t just for us to look at. They play a vital role in maintaining healthy bee and other pollinator populations. Year after year the honey bee is becoming more and more in danger of extinction. This is due to the affects of harmful toxins permeating our environment in various forms, a lack of food, habitat loss, and much more. You can help save the bees by planting wildflowers and other flowering plants to support a declining population.

While the honeybee is not endangered yet, many bee species are and continue to become more vulnerable to extinctions. Because bees in general are known as the primary source of pollination besides the wind, it is important that we help protect their habitat. Our food production relies on it.

Help Save Endangered Monarch Butterflies

Some types of butterflies are also vulnerable to declining populations. The monarch butterfly was actually placed on the endangered species list earlier this year (2022). In an effort to help save these beautiful pollinators we have created the Save The Monarchs Wildflower Collection. 10% of its purchases are donated to the Monarch Joint Venture organization to help protect their environments and further monarch butterfly research.

How to Grow a Low Maintenance Wildflower Garden at Home:

• Step 1 - Select a growing location: Selecting the right location is key to having success in growing anything. For wildflowers, use a bright and sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. Because wildflowers adapt well to adverse conditions and poor soils, sunlight is the most important factor in this decision.
• Step 2 - Prepare the soil: To help your wildflower seeds have the best chance of success, you should clear the area of weeds. This helps reduce competition for your young flowers, and creates a more visually appealing location. After removing the weeds, lightly till the soil no more than 3 inches. This is just to help your seeds have good contact with the soil for stability and moisture. Then, use a rake to level the soil.
• Step 3 - Plant your seeds: Unlike many flowers that require precise placement and germination requirements, wildflowers are best planted by broadcasting. For easier distribution mix your seeds with some sand. Germination can occur at temperatures over 55 degrees Fahrenheit. When planting in the fall, wait for temperatures to cool off. Planting just before snowfall is best, though not required. The snow helps provide the needed moisture while also providing some insulation throughout the winter.
• Planting for a meadow: To create a beautiful wildflower meadow it is best to plant both wildflower seeds and grass together. This will provide soil stability through the changing seasons. In more northern areas, hardy fescues are preferred. In warmer climates tall fescue or Kentucky 31 are best grown. You can also use one of our pasture grass mixtures which include Cabin Grass, Irrigated Pasture, or Dryland Pasture seeds. Generally grass may be planted at 25 lbs/acre. You may want to plant more or less grass depending on how dense you would like your wildflowers to be.
• Step 4 - Water: Wildflowers are incredibly drought tolerant. However, like most plants they can require some additional water during extended periods of extreme heat without rain. Occasionally supplementing their water during these periods will help maintain healthy growth. Additional water should be added in the early morning hours to allow the soil to soak it in without losing much to evaporation.

• Step 5 - Mowing: During the fall months, after the flowers have bloomed, the flowers should be cut or mowed down. A height of 4-6 inches is preferred. Cutting wildflowers in the fall helps ensure the seeds will be spread each year. Some plants may die form time to time due to an inability to thrive, competition with weeds, pest damage, etc. The continual supply of seeds from the previous years growth ensures blooms from year to year.

  Mowing also helps to discourage weeds and prevent woody plant growth. Woody perennials can quickly overtake an area if they are allowed to become established. Because they require multiple seasons mowing every fall will reduce any issues with this problem.