The Miracle of Seeds: Growing Wildflowers
By David Salman, High Country Gardens Chief Horticulturist
I've always been fascinated by seeds. The fact that plants can create little dormant pieces of themselves to broadcast out into the world to germinate is quite marvelous. Even more amazing, is how long some seeds can survive before being given the chance to sprout. There have been discoveries of bean seeds uncovered in archaeological digs that are over a thousand years old, and they were still viable and able to germinate! While not all seeds have the ability to hold a spark of life for so many centuries, it’s not uncommon for seeds that have been stored in a dry, cool place to maintain their viability for a decade.
For gardeners, seeds are an essential piece of horticulture, allowing us to propagate and grow thousands of species of ornamental and edible plants. We can do this in two basic ways:
- Germinate the seeds and transplant the seedlings into containers for future relocation into our gardens and landscapes.
- Sow and germinate seeds directly outdoors without having to cultivate and transplant seedlings.
Each method has its pros and cons. Success in either arena is mostly dependent on the skill of the gardener and favorable weather.
Sowing seeds directly into the area where you want them to grow is a fun, challenging, and cost-effective way to garden. So here are a few basics that I have used over the years to optimize the outdoor seed sowing process and some easy-to-germinate wildflower species on which to practice.
For more information about how to plant wildflowers, visit our helpful guide:
A helpful hint for seedling identification: Sow a pot full of your seed mix as a reference for future weeding. There is no point sowing a new meadow only to weed out the flower seedlings because you didn't know the difference between the weeds and your seeds.
Some Easy-to-Germinate Annual Wildflower Species
Annual wildflowers are a great way to “color up” new gardens and landscapes. Annuals will grow and bloom in one growing season. They also leave behind ample seeds to continue to inhabit their new home year after year. It's best to sow annual flower seeds in late spring.
- Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria) – a tough, colorful, drought-tolerant native wildflower that the bees and butterflies will love to pollinate. Color-wise, it combines best with yellow, orange, blue or purple flowers.
- Scarlet Flax (Linum grandiflorum rubrum) – an Old World wildflower species, Scarlet Flax has naturalized over much of the US. The large bright red flowers are a stunning addition to your waterwise landscape.
Easy to grow and dependable, Cosmos add brilliant color starting in midsummer, lasting all the way until the frost. Beautiful in the meadow and cut for summer bouquets. Annual....
Learn MoreCosmos Seeds Cosmos Seeds Cosmos bipinnatusAs low as $8.95Per 1/4 PoundEasy to grow and dependable, Cosmos add brilliant color starting in midsummer, lasting all the way until the frost. Beautiful in the meadow and cut for summer bouquets. Annual.Learn MoreThe sweet scent and brilliant blooms of Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea) will summon hummingbirds, butterflies and bees from near and far. Plant Scarlet Sage seeds for long-lasting blo...
Learn MoreScarlet Sage Seeds (Salvia) Scarlet Sage Salvia coccineaAs low as $12.95Per 1 OunceThe sweet scent and brilliant blooms of Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea) will summon hummingbirds, butterflies and bees from near and far. Plant Scarlet Sage seeds for long-lasting blooms from spring through fall, lovely for cut flowers. These deer resistant flowers readily self-sow, so you'll enjoy it year after year. At High Country Gardens, all seeds are non-GMO, neonicotinoid-free and guaranteed to grow. Annual.Learn MorePeruvian Zinnia (Zinnia peruviana) has elegant red blossoms that progress through a subtle range of hues as they mature, blooming all summer long. Plant Peruvian Zinnia seeds to enli...
Learn MorePeruvian Zinnia Seeds Peruvian Zinnia Zinnia peruvianaAs low as $19.95Per 1/4 PoundPeruvian Zinnia (Zinnia peruviana) has elegant red blossoms that progress through a subtle range of hues as they mature, blooming all summer long. Plant Peruvian Zinnia seeds to enliven a border, brighten a meadow, attract pollinators, and add charm to bouquets. This Southwestern native wildflower is easy to grow and deer resistant. At High Country Gardens, all seeds are non-GMO, neonicotinoid-free and guaranteed to grow. Annual.Learn MoreWith clusters of lavender flowers atop willowy foliage, Lacy Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) is a refreshing addition to the garden or meadow. This native wildflower blooms all sum...
Learn MoreLacy Phacelia Seeds Lacy Phacelia Phacelia tanacetifoliaAs low as $6.95Per 1/4 PoundWith clusters of lavender flowers atop willowy foliage, Lacy Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) is a refreshing addition to the garden or meadow. This native wildflower blooms all summer, attracting butterflies and bees. Lacy Phacelia is often used as a cover crop to protect and enrich soil, and will self-sow for a naturalized planting. Seeds are non-GMO, neonicotinoid-free, and guaranteed to grow. Annual.Learn More
Perennial Wildflowers Return Each Year
Perennial wildflowers are the essential plant component of meadows and prairies, living for many years in the same place. Perennials grow strong, resilient root systems, dying back in winter, but returning each year as a plant that matures and grows larger each season. Sow perennial flower seeds in early spring while the nights are still frosty, or sow in fall or winter, when seeds can lay dormant until spring.
- Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) – a big colorful Midwestern wildflower that germinates readily without any pre-treatment.
- Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea) – a member of the legume family, native Purple Prairie clover is not only a beautiful flower that attracts a wide variety of pollinators, but it takes nitrogen from the air and fixes it into the soil to help feed the soil and fertilize the plants. If sowing Dalea in the spring or summer, you’ll first need to cold stratify* the seed to simulate a period of winter dormancy. Take the Dalea seed and mix it into a ziplock baggie with 4 times the volume of slightly damp sand. Stick the bag in the ‘frig for 6 weeks (write the removal date on the baggie). After 6 weeks of sitting in the damp cold of the refrigerator, it is ready to sow.
Echinacea is one of the most beloved flowers both in the garden and meadow. It is easy to grow, attracts butterflies and makes for gorgeous bouquets. Perennial....
Learn MorePurple Coneflower Seeds (Echinacea) Purple Coneflower Seeds Echinacea purpureaAs low as $16.95Per 1/4 PoundEchinacea is one of the most beloved flowers both in the garden and meadow. It is easy to grow, attracts butterflies and makes for gorgeous bouquets. Perennial.Learn MoreA long-lasting favorite in the plains and the west coast, Blanket Flower creates a colorful show that lasts for months. Perennial....
Learn MoreBlanket Flower Seeds (Gaillardia) Blanket Flower Seeds Gaillardia aristataAs low as $10.95Per 1/4 PoundA long-lasting favorite in the plains and the west coast, Blanket Flower creates a colorful show that lasts for months. Perennial.Learn MoreBlue Flax is one of the easiest wildflowers to grow and one of the most rewarding. The powder-blue blooms create a spectacular look in the meadow, on their own or paired with other w...
Learn MoreBlue Flax Seeds (Linum) Blue Flax Seeds Linum perenneAs low as $15.95Per 1/4 PoundBlue Flax is one of the easiest wildflowers to grow and one of the most rewarding. The powder-blue blooms create a spectacular look in the meadow, on their own or paired with other wildflowers. A ready re-seeder, it easily naturalizes.Learn MoreA showy wildflower with beautiful clusters of pink to lavender-pink flowers that attract butterflies, bumblebees and hummingbirds....
Learn MoreBee Balm Seeds (Monarda) Wild Bergamot, Bee Balm Seeds Monarda fistulosa$3.95Per PacketA showy wildflower with beautiful clusters of pink to lavender-pink flowers that attract butterflies, bumblebees and hummingbirds.Learn More
Wildflower Mixes Pair Annuals & Perennials
Wildflower seed mixes typically include a mix of both annual and perennial wildflowers. A mix allows you to enjoy various colors as flowers bloom over the season. This way you can see bright colors in the first season, and have wildflowers that get better every year with perennial wildflowers. Over time, your meadow will mature, attracting pollinators and wildlife.
This mix is the perfect blend of wildflowers to create a High Country meadow.This hardy, drought resistant mix contains over 20 native species that will thrive with little maintenanc...
Learn MoreHigh Country Meadow Native Wildflower Seed Mix High Country Native Meadow Wildflower Seed MixAs low as $19.95Per 1/4 PoundThis mix is the perfect blend of wildflowers to create a High Country meadow.This hardy, drought resistant mix contains over 20 native species that will thrive with little maintenance and are great for attracting pollinators. Flowers will begin quickly with annual favorites such as Gaillardia puchella (Annual Indian Blanket), Gilia tricolor (Bird’s Eye). You'll get years of blooms with a large selection of native wildflowers, including: Liatris spicata (Gayfeather), Coreopsis lanceolata (Lance-Leaved Coreopsis), Penstemon strictus (Rocky Mountain Penstemon), Salvia farinacea (Blue Sage), Ratibida pinnata (Grey-Headed Coneflower), Aquilegia canadensis (Eastern Columbine), Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Milkweed) and Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan), to name a few.Learn MoreA customer favorite for over 25 years, this special blend of wildflowers will do very well in dry, well-drained soils. Popular in coastal areas or sandy soil conditions, this mix con...
Learn MoreDry Area Wildflower Seed Mix Dry Area Wildflower Seed MixAs low as $9.95Per 1/4 PoundA customer favorite for over 25 years, this special blend of wildflowers will do very well in dry, well-drained soils. Popular in coastal areas or sandy soil conditions, this mix contains 25 hardy wildflower varieties. Flowers from the annual wildflowers will begin in around just 6 weeks and last all season long with 14 annual species for first-year blooms and 11 perennial varieties for lasting flowers for years to come.Learn MoreThis wildflower seed mix attracts beneficial bugs to your garden, which will help destroy harmful pests such as mites, thrips and aphids. Beneficial bugs include lady bugs, hover fli...
Learn MoreBeneficial Bug Wildflower Seed Mix Beneficial Bug Wildflower Seed MixAs low as $11.95Per 1/4 PoundLearn MoreThis wildflower seed mix attracts beneficial bugs to your garden, which will help destroy harmful pests such as mites, thrips and aphids. Beneficial bugs include lady bugs, hover flies, parasitic wasps and lacewings.
The Partial Shade Seed mix provides a large mix of shade tolerant annuals and perennials for partially sunny areas of your landscape and garden....
Learn MorePartial Shade Wildflower Seed Mix Partial Shade Wildflower Seed MixAs low as $9.95Per 1/4 PoundThe Partial Shade Seed mix provides a large mix of shade tolerant annuals and perennials for partially sunny areas of your landscape and garden.Learn More