Wildflower seed mixes are an alluring concept. Pictures often depict flowers in a variety of colors and shapes blooming all at once. Before you plant a wildflower mix, here are things to consider.
Wildflower versus native plant
Not all wildflowers are native plants. Though there is not a technical definition for a wildflower, it is generally thought of as a plant that naturalizes easily. Think of common roadside plants such as Queen Anne’s lace and chicory, which are not native to North America. Unless a wildflower seed mix is specifically labeled as native to your region, it will contain non-native plants. I examined a number of wildflower seeds mixes, and the proportion was roughly half native, half non-native plants.
If you like to only grow native plants on your property, make sure your wildflower seed mix contains seeds only for native plants.
How to select a wildflower seed mix
Look for a seed mix that is formulated for your site. You can find seed mixes that are specifically for sun, shade, wet areas and dry meadows, among other conditions. Choose a mix that is designated for your region, and if you want only native plants, make sure it is labeled as such.
Where to plant wildflower mixes
A mixture of seeds will take some time to get established, so avoid planting it in a featured part of your landscape. And it will not out-compete weeds or turf grass, so you will have to eliminate those to create a clean slate for planting seeds. To convert an area of lawn or weeds for a wildflower seed mix, one option is to smother the current vegetation by covering it with newspaper and then a layer of organic material.
You can find instructions in the Penn State Extension article “Create New Garden Beds with Sheet Composting and Sheet Mulching,” at lanc.news/PSUSheetMulching
ERIN NEGLEY | Staff WriterWords of caution
— Wildflower seed mixes usually contain annuals and perennials, unless otherwise indicated. Annuals will be most visible the first year and may self-seed in subsequent years. Perennials in the mix may not germinate until they have undergone a cold period.
— Annuals in the mix may bloom all season, but each perennial in the mix will only bloom for several weeks.
— Many who have tried wildflower mixes report that one variety of plant takes over after the first year or two.
— Be sure to check what is in the seed mix. It may contain weeds or even invasive species. Seed mixes should include botanical names so that you are sure what plants you are getting.
— Be especially cautious of seed mixes that are not labeled. You might receive these as wedding favors or embedded in whimsical paper shapes.
— Learn to recognize what is in the mix you purchased so that you will notice weeds that creep into the planting area (or at least recognize common weeds in your area).
— Another way to achieve a wildflower area is a carefully planned mix of individual potted plants. Plant plugs — small, individual plants sold in landscape trays — are an inexpensive way to get started.
Master Gardeners are happy to answer wildflower or other garden questions at LancasterMG@psu.edu or 717-394-6851.
Lois Miklas is a Penn State Master Gardener for Lancaster County, and a former area Master Gardener coordinator.
MARY ELLEN WRIGHT | Staff Writer
