A garden of wildflowers in spring starts in fall
By Barbara Elmore Special to the Tribune-Herald
You can plant wildflower seed any time of year, but you will likely have greater success if you do not fling out seeds immediately after being inspired in April by a gorgeous wildflower prairie.
In other words, plant seeds this fall if you want to see the results next spring. Then supplement your plantings annually around the same time and give them a year or two to mature if you want thick stands of wildflowers.
Most wildflowers are reseeding annuals. They will grow back from the seeds they plant themselves, but the area will be prettier if you give it some help.
The other reasons to plant in fall include cooler weather for the seed to germinate and more rain.
Central Texas gardeners can create a wildflower display in spring by planning now.
Jerry Larson/Waco Tribune-Herald
Here’s what to do to get ready:
* Pick a site that gets lots of sun and offers good drainage.
* It’s best to clear out weeds and grass so your seedlings won’t have to compete. Don’t get anxious when the grass comes back. This adds to the natural look and if you continue to supplement your meadow with new seeds, wildflowers eventually will dominate. Once you have a thick stand of flowers, don’t be afraid to mow a path through them so you can get very close for photos or just to look.
* Be sure to plant in an area you can get water to. Sometimes fall rains are non-existent. Seeds will require some water to grow.
* Till the soil lightly.
* Pick a mix that works for your area. Plant perennial natives as well as annuals.
* Get enough seed for the area. If you want a lot of growth, plant about a pound of seed per 1,000-2,000 square feet.
* You don’t want to plant seeds deep. Throw them out on a day without wind, as evenly as possible. You can use the sand method if you wish — mix your seeds evenly with clean sand, enough so that you can see it on the ground. This way, you will know where you have planted.
Barbara Elmore, formerly of Waco, gardens in Fredericksburg. She publishes a free online garden and home newsletter. To subscribe, e-mail her at barbara@digandletdig.com.
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