Wild Flower Planting and Maintenance Tips
Site Preparation:
Rid the area to be planted with wild flowers of weedy vegetation by:
Smothering the area with black plastic, plywood or a thick layer of
leaves for about two months.
Cultivating
Using herbicides (consult local specialists for herbicide
recommendations).
A combination of the above.
Seed Pretreatment:
Since most wildflower seeds go into a dormancy stage, the may need special
treatment to germinate. Some seeds need to be stratified (go through a
cold spell). To simulate this at home:
Some seeds which have hard seedcoats must be scarified. Rub
the seeds gently between sandpaper to break the seedcoat or soak the seeds in hot water.
Plant immediately. (See individual packages for treatment required.)
Starting Seeds Indoors:
Pretreated seeds may be started indoors during the winter. Use a sterilized,
porous soil mixture with sand or vermiculite to prevent damping off of the seedlings. Sow
seeds shallowly, as many seeds need light to germinate. Transplant outdoors in spring or
late summer.
Seeding Outdoors:
Seed in the late spring to early summer or late fall before freeze-up. Do not
pretreat seeds for fall planting. Mix wild flower seed with a lightly dampened carrier
such as saw dust, peat moss or vermiculite. Broadcast the mixture over the planting area.
Rake and lightly pack the soil covering the seeds with 0.25 inch of soil. While not
required, adding mulch may be especially beneficial on sandy or heavy clay soils.
To contain wildflowers that spread by root and can be
invasive (as stated on seed packages) install a 6 inch plastic or metal strip below ground
to surface level around the seeded area.
Watering:
Late spring/early summer and fall seedlings benefit from regular watering. Water
just enough to keep the soil moist for the first 4 to 6 weeks. Watering after 6 weeks in
not necessary unless there is a long dry spell.
Weed Control:
Controlling weeds in the first year is important for growing wildflowers
successfully. Being mostly perennials, wildflowers establish root systems the first year
and will likely not grow taller than 6 inches. Weeds can be controlled by keeping them
mowed back to 4-6 inches. Pulling weeds is not recommended in the first year as the
seedlings are small and can be uprooted.
Maintenance:
Once the site is established, little maintenance is required. In the second and
subsequent years the site should be mowed in spring and the cuttings raked off. Do not mow
after the new plant growth has reached a foot or taller. Fertilization is not recommended
for it increases foliage at the expense of the blooms.
Dedicated to Preserving and Restoring Native Canadian Wild Flowers.
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Blazing Star Wild Flower Seed Co.
Lisa and Renny Grilz
Box 1496
Didsbury, AB
T0M 0W0
Phone: (403)335-4956
Fax: (403)335-9482
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