Wildflowers in the Home Garden

1. Bulletin #43
Wildflowers in the Home Garden
Because few sights are as spectacular as a field of • Wildflower seed mixes should be formulated for
wildflowers, many gardeners wish to include them in their your specific geographic region -- read the label to
home gardens. Wildflowers are see if the mix meets your growing conditions. Mixes
admired for their combination of usually contain both native and naturalized wildflower
beauty and self-sufficiency. However, species.
the most common misconception • Grasses, if added, should be the non-aggressive
about wildflower gardening is that it is clumping grasses like sheep fescue. Another option
maintenance-free. Like any garden, a is to use native grasses such as big bluestem, blue
wildflower area will take some work. grama, buffalograss, Indian ricegrass, sand
Once established, maintenance will dropseed, lovegrass or side-oats grama with
diminish greatly but normal weeding, wildflowers. These are slower growing than fescue,
tilling and watering will make the so consider combining fescues and native grasses.
garden successful. • Note taking: Make a habit of taking notes about your
garden. They will be invaluable as a reference later.
For some, the idea of having a strictly “wildflower” garden You should note such things as pleasing color
has been expanded to include a more integrated planting combinations, plants you want to add or subtract,
of flowers and shrubs, including as many native plantings ideas from other people’s gardens, when certain
as possible. Wildflowers should be mixed into your plants bloom, etc. These notes are most useful in
garden along with other selected perennials, bulbs, herbs, the winter months when planning for the next season.
and flowering shrubs. Planting wildflowers alone will show
a dominance of annuals the first year with the more Working with Native Wildflower Seed:
persistent perennials settling into dominance. Retaining
diversity will require a bit of work but your efforts will be Note from Native Seeds/SEARCH: Gardeners should
rewarded. Your goal as a gardener should be to create an be aware that seeds of wild plants need to be treated
effect, choosing from as many different kinds of plant differently from those of domesticated plants. Wild plant
material as necessary, whether perennials, bulbs, herbs, seed may have germination inhibitors, dormancy
annuals, and, of course, wildflowers. requirements, or extra-hard seed coats to insure survival
of the plant. Before planting wild seeds, gardeners may
find it helpful to pre-treat the seeds. Chemical inhibitors
Factors to consider: on seeds, well known on chilte pines, need to be flushed
• Site location, which can determine the success or away. (One gardener found that a solution of 1 tsp.
failure of your wildflower garden, should consider the vinegar to 1 cup of water worked well.) Dry seeds of
amount of sunlight, what is growing now, provision of plants native to cold-winter climes may benefit from a few
adequate moisture, and weeds and rocks in the area. days to weeks in the freezer. Hard seed coats can be
• Soil preparation is critical for prompt germination and sanded or filed in order to promote water absorption.
healthy growth of seedlings. Remove all weeds/
grasses before planting. Seed Saving and Storage
• Plant in spring or fall -- late fall is best, especially if 1. Select seeds from more than one plant.
seed is grown or collected locally as some native 2. Dry seeds.
plants require an over-wintering period to break
3. Clean and store in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid.
dormancy of the seed. Try to plant just prior to the
rainy season if supplemental water is not available. 4. Label seeds and include crop names or variety, date
grown, and source.
• It is best to start small. Consider: blooming time,
height, color scheme, maintenance, propagation 5. To prevent insect damage, freeze dry seeds for 5-7
methods, moisture, use of mulches, problem areas, days. This kills larvae under the seedcoat.
fertilization, weed control, and reseeding.
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2. Wildflowers in the Home Garden Bulletin #43
Seed Collection: Look for indications in the fruiting the most common method of dispersing seed over a
structures that hold the seed as to when the seed is ready small area. It is advisable to mix the seed with an inert
for collection. Regular and careful inspection of carrier (sand or vermiculite) at a ratio of 2:1 (sand to
developing seed is a must. In general, when seed is seed) for more even distribution. Once distributed, the
maturing, it will turn from a lighter to a darker color and seed should be covered with a minimum of 1/8 to 1/4
expand in size. Collection of mature seed is critical for inches of soil, which can be achieved by lightly raking
good germination. When broken, a mature seed will over the area. Seed cultivated too deeply will not
reveal a moist white embryo inside. Be sure to place seed germinate. Finally, cover the entire area with mulch to
of each wildflower species in a separate container to avoid reduce moisture loss and help protect the seeds from
contaminating seed lots. Collecting seed from the wild birds. During the germination period it is important not to
requires some planning. Plants should be marked when in let the seed bed dry out. Gardeners may find the most
flower, because often a plant looks different in fruit than in prolific method of propagation for some wildflowers to be
flower. The location should be recorded to enable return the natural self-sowing process in the garden.
to the exact spot to harvest the seed. If insects are found
in freshly collected seed, fumigation will be necessary. Transplanting Seedlings: Seedlings grown indoors are
“No-pest strips” placed among the seed in a sealed paper ready to be transplanted when the second set of true
bag and left for two weeks is effective. leaves has developed. When removing a seedling from
the flat, avoid contact with the stem and roots. Grasp a
Seed Cleaning: After collection, seed should be cleaned leaf with one hand and with the other hand pry under the
right away. Some seed can be air dried for 1 to 2 days seedling with a wooden label or popsicle stick. Loosen
and the seeds will disperse from the capsules, whereas the roots and remove the plant. A thorough watering
some seed will need to be shaken free from the capsules prior to transplanting will ease removal. Generally, a 3-
after drying. Other seed, that is tiny and difficult to extract, inch container is the next step for the seedling. Set the
requires that the capsule be crushed and worked through seedling into a hole large enough to accommodate the
a sieve to separate the seed. Fleshy seed coats should roots and at the same level at which the plant was
be removed. Seed contained in larger capsules can be growing in the seed flat. Gently firm the soil at the base
easily removed by splitting open the capsule. of the seedling. (Tall, thin seedlings can be planted
slightly deeper for stability.) Seedlings will benefit from a
Seed Storage: Plan to store the seed immediately weekly application of a general purpose fertilizer, applied
following cleaning. The condition of the seed (dry or at half-strength for several weeks after transplanting.
moist) is a clue as to how the seed should be stored. Dry Seedlings are ready to be moved into the garden when a
seed should be stored dry in an air tight container. Moist vigorous root system has developed and danger of frost
seed should be ‘stratified’ or layered in a moist medium, is past.
such as whole-fiber spagnum moss, and placed in an air
tight container. Containers of seed should be labeled and Transplanting and Establishing New Plants in the
placed in the refrigerator for the winter months. Home Garden: Select the proper location for new plants.
Consult the cultivation instructions for specifics.
Seed Sowing: Seed can be sown indoors in late winter or Container material is best transplanted on a cloudy day
directly into a seed bed outdoors in the fall or in spring or late in the afternoon on a clear day. (If transplanting
when the danger of frost is past. If sowing indoors, a well- cannot be carried out soon, protect plants from the sun
drained seed mix, such as equal parts of peat moss, and keep them watered.) Transplants should go directly
vermiculite, and sand should be used. Commercial seed into prepared garden soil. A transplant should be planted
mixes are also available at local garden centers. Select a at the same level as it was growing in the pot. Many of
container large enough to spread seeds out evenly. Tiny the plants may be pot-bound. It is important to break up
seed can be broadcast on the surface of the seed mix. the root mass in order to allow the roots freedom to grow
Larger seed should be covered with an amount of soil into their new environment. Firm the soil around the
twice the size of the seed. Freshly sown seed is best plant; water thoroughly, and mulch.
watered from below, i.e. immerse the seed flat in a shallow
pan of water until the surface of the soil is moist. Place Post-planting/Sowing Care: Supplemental water should
the seed flat in a warm (70-75 degrees F) location and be given during dry months. Once established, the
cover with clear plastic or a glass panel to retain moisture. amount of water given to wildflowers can be gradually
As the seedlings develop, the cover may be removed a reduced. If well adapted to the area, the wildflowers will
little more each day to gradually adjust the plant to lower survive drought periods without supplemental water.
humidity. However, for longer and showier blooming periods, 1/2-
inch water a week is recommended except during the
Seeds sown outdoors in the fall or spring should be in rainy season. Weeding may be necessary for the first
prepared seed beds of fine soil and covered with a wire two years. Once the nights have cooled down and the
mesh for protection against rodents. Hand broadcasting is flowers have declined (fall), mowing of the wildflower
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3. Wildflowers in the Home Garden Bulletin #43
garden will simultaneously scatter ripened seed and add a (Salvia columbariae); Bluebells (Phacelia
layer of organic mulch. Your mower should be set at 4 to campanularia); Desert Verbena (Vebena goodingii).
6 inches for best results. Wildflowers tend to prefer soil of • For Bedding Plants: Daisy (Chrysanthemum
low fertility, so the addition of fertilizers is not generally leucanthemum); Purple Coneflower (Echinacea
necessary. Older wildflower gardens produce fewer purpurea); Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea); Baby Blue
flowers due to nutrient depletion. In this case, a fertilizer Eyes (Nemophila insignis); Iceland (Papaver
with a 5-10-10 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and nudicaule) and Flanders (Papaver rhoeas) Poppy.
potassium should correct any deficiencies. • For Red/White/Blue: Red/Blue Flax (Linum
grandiflorum ‘rubrum’/Linum lewisii); Bluebells
Wildflowers to Consider for Specific Themes: (Phacelia campanularia); Scarlet Gilia/Skyrocket
• Hummingbirds: Beardtongues (Penstemon spp.); (Gilia aggregata); Daisy (Chrysanthemum
Columbine (Aquilegia spp.); Red Sage (Salvia leucanthemum).
coccinea) (Stachys coccinea); Skyrocket (Gilia spp.); • For Beginners: Arroyo Lupine (Lupinus sp.); Scarlet
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis); Lupines (Lupinus Flax (Linum grandiflorum ‘rubrum’); California
spp.); Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja integra); Toadflax
(Linaria maroccana); Beebalms (Monarda spp.); Aloes
Poppy (Eschscholzia mexicana); Bluebells
(Phacelia campanularia); Desert Coreopsis
(Aloe spp.); Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens); and
(Coreopsis bigelovii); Mexican Evening Primrose
Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis).
(Oenothera berlandier).
• Butterflies: Milkweeds (Asclepias spp.); Buckwheats
• For Master Gardeners: Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja
(Eriogonum spp.); Beebalm and Mints (Monarda
integra); Butterfly Weed or Butterfly Milkweed
spp.); Yarrow (Achillea spp.); Parsley and Passion
(Asclepias tuberosa); Sundrops (Oenothera
Vine (Passiflora sp.).
tetragona); Monkeyflower (Mimulus spp.); Bluedicks
• Birds: Chia (Salvia
(Dichelostemma pulchellum).
columbariae); Prickly Pear
• For Shade: Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila menziesii);
(Opuntia spp.); Sunflower
Daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum); Five Spot
(Helianthus spp.) and many
(Nemophila maculata); Chinese Houses (Collinsia
species of grasses. For shelter
heterophylla); Toadflax (Linaria maroccana);
and nesting consider Wolfberry
Delphinium (Delphinium spp.); Larkspur (Consolida
(Lycium pallidum); Barberry
ambigua); Beebalms (Monarda spp.); Scarlet Gilia/
(Berberis spp.); Sumacs (Rhus
Skyrocket (Gilia spp.); Columbine (Aquilegia spp.);
spp.); Cat-Claw Acacia (Acacia greggii); Hackberry
Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea); Scarlet Sage
(Celtis reticulata); Quailbush (Atriplex lentiformis);
(Salvia coccinea).
Saltbush (Atriplex canescens); Hopbush (Dodonaea
viscosa); Cholla (Opuntia spp.); Desert Coreoposis • For Summer: Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa);
(Coreopsis bigelovii). Coneflower (Echinacea spp.); Sunflower (Helianthus
spp.); Golden Fleece (Dyssodia pentachaeta); Desert
• Children: Devil’s Claw (Proboscidea spp.);
Marigold (Baileya multiradita); Desert Senna (Cassia
Bubblegum Plant (Agastache cana); Chocolate Flower
covesii); Firewheel (Gaillardia aristada); Summer
(Berlandiera lyrata); Five Spot (Nenophila maculata);
Poppy (Papaver rhoeas); Blackfoot Daisy
Mexican Hat (Ratibia columnifera); Sunflower
(Melampodium cinereum); Chocolate Flower
(Helianthus spp.) Hopi Black Dye; Watermelon
(Berlandiera lyrata); Sacred Datura (Datura
(Citrullus lanatus) Tohono O’odham Yellow.
meteloides); Red Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus).
• Containers: Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia
• Partners: Owl Cover (Orthocarpus purpurascens)
rotundifolia); Bluebells (Phacelia campanularia);
and Bladderpod (Lesquerella gordoni); Plains
Poppy (Papaver nudicaule and rhoeas); Tidy Tips
Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria) and Blanketflower
(Layia platglossa).
(Gaillardia spp.); Scarlet Gilia (Gilia aggregata) and
• Night Garden: Tufted Primrose (Oenothera
Daisy (Chrysanthemum leucanthemum); Desert
caespitosa); Angel’s Trumpets (Mirabilis longiflora);
Senna (Cassis covesii) and Blanketflower (Gaillardia
Sundrops (Oenothera tetragona); Yucca (Yucca spp.);
spp.); Pineleaf Penstemon (Penstemon pinifloious)
Pale Blue Trumpets (Ipomopsis longiflora).
and Prairie Zinnia (Zinnia grandiflora); Mexican
Evening Primrose (Oenothera berlandieri (speciosa))
Wildflower Combinations to Consider:
and Chocolate Flower (Berlandiera lyrata); California
• For Spring: Penstemon (Penstemon spp.); Poppy (Eschschozia mexicana) and Lupines
Bladderpod (Lesquerella gordoni); Owl Clover (Lupinus succulentus); Indian Paintbrush and blue
(Orthocarpus purpurascens); California Poppy grama grass.
(Eschscholzia mexicana); Globemallow (Sphaeralcea
laxa or ambigua); Bluedicks (Dichelostemma
pulchellum); Tidy Tips (Layia platyglossa); Chia
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4. Wildflowers in the Home Garden Bulletin #43
Wildflower Conservation Guidelines Source of Seeds:
Let all your acts reflect your respect for wild plants as • Applewood Seed Co., 5380 Vivian St., Arvada, CO
integral parts of natural landscapes. Remember that 80002, (303) 431-7333, http://
every time you pick a flower or disturb a patch of www.applewoodseed.com. Quality seed with 98%
wildflowers, your action affects the natural world and that purity with no noxious weeds. All mixtures contain a
the cumulative effect of the actions of many people can be high percentage of perennials to annuals and are
particularly harmful. blended to give the widest possible range of colors
and blooming periods. Has wildflower sod; each
When photographing wildflowers or inspecting them carpet is 10'X20" of densely packed 3" high hardy
closely, take care not to disturb the surrounding perennial wildflower plants with no annuals or
vegetation. Trampling can damage nearby seedlings or grasses included.
roots. • Granite Seed, 1697 W. 2100 North, Lehi, UT 84043,
(801) 768-4422; http://www.graniteseed.com. Offers
Report unlawful collection of plants to proper authorities a diverse selection of native and domesticated
(Arizona State Department of Agriculture at 602-542-3292) grasses, turf grasses, wildflowers and shrubs,
and when necessary, remind others that collecting plants including obscure and hard-to-find species. Specialty
or disturbing natural areas is illegal. DO NOT dig or take of custom blending seed mixes to customer’s
cuttings from native plants in the wild except as part of a specifications.
project to rescue plants from sites were they would • Native Seeds/SEARCH -- Non-profit, seed bank of
otherwise be destroyed. Remember to have the traditional domesticated crops and their wild and
landowner’s consent and the proper permits. No plants weedy relatives native to the U.S. Southwest and
should be removed from parts of a site that will be left Northwest Mexico. The Native Seeds/SEARCH
undisturbed. encourages farmers and gardeners to continue to
plant and use the traditional crops within the region to
Before obtaining plants or seeds of wild species for your which they are native and to foster habitat protection
home landscape, learn enough about their cultural of wild useful plants. Members in the organization
requirement to be sure you can provide a suitable habitat. receive a quarterly newsletter which contains recipes,
If you collect seeds from the wild, collect a few seeds from previews workshops and other special events,
each of many plants and only from common species that gardening tips, book reviews, and feature articles on
are locally abundant. Collect only the seeds or fruits Native American farmers and crops. Members also
without harming the rest of the plant. Always leave receive a 10% discount on all items sold. Associate
sufficient seed numbers for the plant population to reseed membership starts at $25/year. To become a
itself. Buy seeds only from companies that collect member or to order a seed catalog ($1.00) contact
responsibly. Buy plants of native species only from the organization at 526 N. 4th Ave, Tucson, AZ
organizations or individuals that propagate their own 85705, (520) 622-5561.
plants or that purchase from those who propagate them. • S & S Seeds, P.O. Box 1275, Carpinteria, CA 93014-
Ask the seller about the origin of the plants. If the seller is 1275, (805) 684-0436; http://www.ssseeds.com. Has
unable to tell you a plant’s origin, don’t purchase it. production fields and extensive collections of native
plant seed; offers more than 900 plant species
If you pick wildflowers, dried seed stalks, or greens for including wildflowers, native and reclamation
home decoration, use only common species that are grasses, trees, shrubs, and native plants; can design
abundant at the site. Leave enough flowers or seeds to particular seed mixes; specializes in California native
allow the plant population to reseed itself. Do not pick seeds; wholesale company.
herbaceous perennials that need to retain their vegetative • Seed Savers Exchange, 3094 N. Winn Road,
parts to store energy for next year’s development. Do not Decorah, Iowa 52101, (563) 382-5990; http://
cut slow-growing plants for Christmas wreaths or other www.seedsavers.org. Good source of heirloom
decorations. varieties and an exchange for seed savers (members
write directly to each other). Membership ($35)
Because it is important to protect information about the includes availability of more than 11,000 rare
location of rare species, should you discover a plant varieties of vegetables, fruits and grains. Flower and
species that you know or suspect is rare, report the site to Herb membership also available ($10).
responsible conservation officials as soon as possible.
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5. Wildflowers in the Home Garden Bulletin #43
• Seeds Blum, Contact Victory Seed So, P.O. Box 192, For More Information:
Molalla, Oregon 97038, 503-829-3126; http:// The New Seed Starter’s Handbook, Nancy Bubel, 1988.
www.victoryseeds.com. Heirloom varieties plus good How to start and grow seedlings in great detail of more
information on seed collection. than 200 plants. A whole chapter on seed saving; source
• Wild Seed is a collaboration of individuals and the lists for seeds and gardening supplies. $18.95 (paper)
Southwest plant kingdom dedicated to providing
quality native seed for trees, shrubs, grasses, Seed to Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for
succulents, and wildflowers. Wild Seed offers over Vegetable Gardeners, Suzanne Ashworth, 1991. Seed
250 species of seed throughout the world to promote Savers Exchange bible of seed-saving techniques, edited
the use of native seed. Wild Seed can be reached at by Kent Whealy and illustrated with black and white
PO Box 27751, Tempe, AZ 85285, (602) 345-0669. photos by David Cavagnaro. $24.95 (paper).
• Wildflowers International, Inc., 918-B Enterprise
Way, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 253-0570. Wholesale; Saving Seeds: The Gardener’s Guide to Growing and
specializes in custom-designed seed mixtures native Storing Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Marc Rogers,
to a particular region but also supplies individual 1990. An easy to understand text on seed saving and
varieties and standard mixtures. In developing growing vegetables and flowers from seed. Includes an
custom mixtures they consider climate and soil overview of basic concepts and a species-by-species
conditions; blooming patterns; annuals and account of what to do. $12.95 (paper).
perennials; and various color/height combinations.
Updated August 1, 2007
http://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai
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