Q: Are the containers of mixed wildflower seeds from the garden center the best thing to buy? A: There's nothing wrong with those containers as long as you know what to expect. Not all wildflowers will grow in all areas, so although the container might give you a list of what should grow, probably not all of those flowers will grow. But because it's a mix of several types of flowers, some should grow quite nicely. Your other alternative is to investigate which varieties of wildflowers will grow will in your area, buy those seeds and make your own wildflower mix.
Q: When should I plant wildflower seeds, and how do I plant them correctly?
A: Generally you can plant wildflower seeds in the fall or the spring. There are pros and cons to both of these: If you plant in the fall, depending on where you live, some of the seeds may not make it through the winter. But if you live in the West, Southwest or Southeast, it's best to plant in the fall because that will give the seeds a longer time to develop a root system.
You can plant in the spring if you live in the North or Northeast, two weeks before your last expected frost -- but plan to wait a little longer to see results as the root system will take a few weeks to develop. To plant them, spread them across a prepared bed, and push them into the soil slightly. Don't bury them, or they won't germinate.
Q: Are there wildflowers that grow in shade?
A: It's not easy to grow wildflowers in the shade. Most blooming flowers need a minimum of four hours of sun a day to produce their blooms, but you can by wildflower mixes that are designed for partial shade. Flowers in these mixes will probably include such varieties as foxglove, viola, coneflower and poppy, to name just a few.
Q: What's the best way to cut wildflowers for a bouquet?
A: The rules for cutting wildflowers are the same rules that apply to any other flower. It's best to cut them in the morning when they have the most moisture. Use a sharp cutting tool and cut them on a diagonal to expose the most area for water. Remove any leaves, and immediately put them into water.
Q: What are the most popular wildflowers to grow?
A: There are many plants that will easily grow as wildflowers. Here are a few of the most common across the country:
Annuals
- African daisy
- Cosmos
- Bachelor's button
- Baby's breath
- Poppy
- Zinnia
Perenials
- Purple coneflower
- Black-eyed Susan
- Sweet William
- Mexican hat
- Coreopsis
