Growing wild flowers, either by buying seed or saving your own seeds can be among the most rewarding experiences for any gardener. If you enjoy that rich array of vivid color of sparklingly bright hues jostling for space, if you find it rewarding to grow and nurture wildflowers, then here are some tips that may be of use.
1. Select good quality seeds
Good quality seed from a reputed supplier is a good idea. You can source your seeds from a local supplier or you can buy them online.
2. Pick your time
It is a vexing question – whether to plant in the fall or in spring. Both obviously have their pluses but in general, fall planting means a longer life span for the plants, quicker germination and growth. There is also the advantage of having to deal with fewer weeds and grasses if you plant in the fall. However you will have to take into account the local weather and other conditions, to take that fall or spring decision.
3. Choose your spot
The rule of thumb is that wild flowers need a lot of sunlight. Any area that gets plenty of sunlight (preferably 8 hours a day) would be ideal. Indirect or insufficient sunlight can mean leggy plants and far fewer flowers. There are some plants that can tolerate less sunlight or filtered light (cineraria for instance); so fit the type of plant to the area you propose to grow it in.
4. Prepare the soil
Firstly pick areas that show signs of supporting plant life. If even weeds aren’t growing where you propose to create your flower beds, it is unlikely that flowers will grow there either. Heavily compacted or poorly drained soil is usually not suitable; so your soil may need preparation beforehand.
5. Planting and watering
Before planting, make sure that you remove the weeds (use an herbicide if needed). Seeds should be planted uniformly and should be no deeper than a fraction of an inch – at least some seeds should be visible. Do you have enough rain during the month following planting? If not do you have the means to water them? At first, the soil will need to remain very moist and after germination, the soil should be dry enough that oxygen can reach the roots.
