Do you believe the Christmas Wildflower Secret?

Take a quiz...

Which of the following are true?
1. Winter is a preferred wildflower planting time.
2. Christmas plantings bring great success.
3. It’s definitely not too late or early to plant wildflower seeds.
4. You can plant wildflowers in the snow.
5. All of the above

The answer is: E All of the above.

Why, you say, these statements seem so strange! The small seeds of wildflowers are very opportunistic, and now is the time for many seeds to germinate. If you think about it, it makes good survival sense while the aggressive grasses and early spring weeds are not active, this is when wildflowers have the advantage to establish. Because once they germinate, they begin to colonize the area and are already safely in the territory when the henbit, chickweed, and other pesky grasses and broadleaf weeds begin to colonize the soil. BUT they don’t have to rob our soils of the pretty flowers that could be establishing now for a wildly beautiful show of flowers this spring and summer, BUT you must do your part. Begin to visualize that colorful wildflower garden or meadow...

We have had some of the loveliest flowers when we put our seeds out in December (I have had success sowing them directly on top of the snow). It makes sense because the soil is still not frozen BUT the freezing and thawing of the air will help the seeds break dormancy and begin the establishment of basil rosettes of leaves that will later anchor lovely gaillardia, larkspur, poppies and coneflowers. And this is how many perennials look the first year BUT sowing in winter will increase their chances of blooming the first year. Many flowers seeds need the gradual cooling and warming of the soil to germinate, in fact there are many flowers like larkspur (Delphinium), batchelors’ buttons (Centaurea), corn poppies(Papaver), Coreopsis and more that are looking for soil that is first hot (when the seeds drop to the ground in summer), then cooling to colder conditions before they can germinate. Once you get into their groove, these flowers perform solo, year after year, as they self-sow their seed each time they flower. It’s important to allow time for the seeds to ripen and fall to the ground so you will have a new crop.

Don’t worry about the seeds that will lay dormant waiting for warmer temperatures. They are well protected from the environment and will not suffer; germination is usually enhanced if they have a dormant period. Wildflowers, or native and naturalized flowers, are unique in that they have proven themselves survivors if given a chance to establish in an area with similar climatic conditions. Most are not picky about soil types. Western, dry-adapted wildflowers are harder to grow in wetter regions, BUT can be grown if given well-drained soil and good aeration. Eastern wildflowers grow well in dry, even arid conditions if irrigation is available.

Well, if you are not afraid of enjoying a winter day in the sun, get started planning next years’ wildflower meadow and the bounty of flowers you’ll have if you take a little time to plan and prepare your site. We’ll supply the freshest seed available, you supply the soil, and let God do the rest. We guarantee the results, so relax and have a wonderful, wildflower winter! Find out how to prepare and plan, and plant your area according to the online planting tutorial.

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