How to Plant Wildflower Seeds in Fall
Sow native wildflower seed in late fall on bare, weed-free soil. In cold regions wait until after a few hard freezes, when soil is below 45F. Mix seed wit...
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How to Plant Wildflower Seeds in Fall
Fall is the best time to sow most native wildflowers. The Xerces Society says many perennial wildflower seeds need cold, damp weeks before they sprout, and winter rain and snow settle the seed into the soil. You sow now, and seedlings come up in spring.
In cold-winter areas, wait until after the first few hard freezes. University of Wyoming Extension says soil should be below 45F so the seed does not sprout before winter. This is called dormant seeding or frost seeding.
The Pollinator Garden Desk shows the window for your region and works out how much seed and carrier your patch needs.
When to Sow by Region
These are the Xerces Society regional planting times for wildflower seed.
| Region | Sow |
|---|---|
| New England | October to December |
| Mid-Atlantic | October to January |
| Southeast | November to February |
| Upper Midwest | October to December |
| Northern Plains | October to December |
| Southern Plains | October to January |
| Mountain West and Great Basin | October to December |
| Southwest | February to May |
| California | October to January |
| Pacific Northwest | September to mid October |
UNH Extension says mid to late October is the safe bet in northern New England, since snow can cover the ground any time in November. If you miss the window, store the seed cold and dry at 35 to 40F and sow as early as you can in spring.
Steps
- Start with bare, weed-free soil. If the spot is lawn now, see how to kill grass for a wildflower meadow first.
- Rake off debris. Do not till, since tilling brings up weed seed. Do not add compost or manure.
- Weigh out the seed. See how much wildflower seed per square foot.
- Split the seed in half. Mix each half with damp sand or vermiculite. The Xerces Society uses 2 to 3 parts carrier per part seed by volume.
- Scatter the first half walking back and forth one way. Scatter the second half walking crosswise.
- Press the seed in with a lawn roller or by walking over it. If you rake, go no deeper than 1/4 inch, per UNH Extension.
- Spread a thin layer of clean straw, about 1 bale per 1,000 sq ft, to hold seed in place.
- Mark the edges so the seedlings do not get weeded out next spring.
What Comes Up
Do not expect much the first summer. UNH Extension says most wildflowers stay low and grow roots that year. Black-eyed Susan is the exception and blooms the first season. Mow once in midsummer at 4 to 6 inches to knock back weeds. By the second and third summers, the patch fills in and blooms from spring to frost.
Related
- Pollinator plants by bloom season
- Garden flower seeds to sow in fall by zone
- Winter sowing in milk jugs
Sources: Xerces Society, Establishing Pollinator Meadows from Seed; UNH Extension, Planting for Pollinators: Establishing a Wildflower Meadow from Seed; University of Wyoming Extension, Try frost seeding this fall.