7 Things to Know When Growing a Wildflower Garden (2024)

By Steph Coelho | Updated Mar 2, 2021 4:34 PM

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Picture it—an oasis of wildflowers dotted with blooms of various shapes and sizes. Bees and butterflies are buzzing and flitting from nectar-filled flowers to sun-soaked resting spots. It sounds positively idyllic. But planting and growing a wildflower garden involves more than tossing random seeds onto a bare patch of grass. A bit of planning and careful consideration can net you a gorgeous, colorful flower garden filled with plants that support local wildlife.

1. You need full sun.

You’ll need plenty of sunshine to cultivate a thriving wildflower garden. While some blooms can tolerate partial shade, the majority need full sun conditions. Don’t assume that just because a spot is sunny in the morning, it’ll be bright in the afternoon (and vice-versa). Use a light sensor to measure brightness throughout the day. Alternately, on a sunny day, take copious notes about how much light is falling on each area of the garden. Depending on the season, remember that nearby trees may provide more shade when their leaves return during the warmer months.

2. Opt for native seeds or plants.

When planting a wildflower garden, it’s tempting to opt for showy, exotic varieties. However, many blooms won’t thrive outside of their native climate. Some may even become invasive. Stick to plants that fit your USDA Hardiness Zone. When in doubt, ask seed sellers or nursery workers for recommendations. When starting, choose varieties that are easy to grow. Annuals like zinnias and marigolds produce long-lasting blooms and aren’t difficult to start from seed. Invest money in perennial plants that will return year after year.

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3. You’re better off getting ready in the fall.

Preparing the garden in advance will save you precious time in the spring. If the beds are ready, you can jump to planting straight away. In the fall, remove any weeds from the desired planting area. Some will invariably come back but culling them now ensures wildflowers have a better chance of competing against weedy growth. Till the soil to remove clumps, amend the soil with compost, and cover the area with plastic mulch, cardboard, or whatever else is on hand. This preparation in the autumn will prevent weeds from coming up in the spring.

4. You can plant in the fall and spring.

Sow annual wildflowers in the spring by scattering them and covering them lightly with soil. You can also seed in the fall, but there’s a higher chance that wildlife will find and munch on the seeds. Some flower seeds must be planted in the fall because they need to undergo a period of vernalization or exposure to cold. To plant seeds, make sure the soil is moist, sprinkle seeds in the planting area, and cover lightly with soil or mulch. It can take up to 3 weeks for some seeds to germinate.

5. You’ll have better luck with individual seed varieties.

Wildflower seed mixes are an attractive, cheap option for planting a wildflower garden. However, they rarely produce the showy gardens pictured on the packets. Some seeds have different needs, take longer to germinate, or need to go through cold winter periods to sprout. Buying individual varieties is more likely to lead to success. Of course, starter or full-size plants are a foolproof option, but they’re more expensive. One advantage with seed packets is that you can save some seeds just in case. If a month down the road there’s a bare patch in the wildflower garden, sprinkle some easy-to-grow seeds to fill in the gaps.

6. You need to keep weeds in check.

Weeds will quickly outcompete many wildflowers, especially annuals. While an established wildflower garden won’t require much maintenance, you’ll need to weed frequently in the first year or two of growth to prevent weeds from running wild.

At the end of the season, cutting down the wildflower garden ensures that seed heads from self-sowing plants fall to the ground. A garden buzzcut keeps the wildflower garden clean and prevents unwanted growth from taking over.

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7. Watering during dry spells is essential.

A carefully curated wildflower garden filled with native plants shouldn’t require much intervention, even in terms of watering. Many wildflowers are drought-tolerant. However, if the summer season is unusually hot and dry, make sure to water your flower garden. Even the hardiest blooms will suffer in lengthy periods of dry heat. Giving plants a drink when they’re suffering ensures the garden stays looking brilliant and beautiful all season long.

GARDENING