While most people think of planting as a springtime activity, fall is a great time to sow wildflower seeds that will blossom next spring. That is the way nature sows seeds – flowers lose seeds in the fall, the seeds germinate all winter, and the flowers bloom in the spring. You can mimic nature’s methods with carefully timed seeding.
You don’t want the seeds to germinate immediately so timing is important. You want to sow the seeds after the first freeze, but before the ground freezes in the winter. Luckily in Oklahoma we often have our first freeze in October yet the ground doesn’t freeze until late December or early January, leaving plenty of time to seed pastures, easements, right-of-ways or just areas of your yard where you want wild flowers to bloom.
For best results, the ground should be prepped before you sow wildflower seeds. Clear away most competing plants, and turn over the soil with a rototiller. At the very least, take a metal rake and rough up the soil so seeds can penetrate the soil surface.
A great place to purchase wildflower seeds is American Meadows They offer wildflower seed mixes specifically designed for various regions of the country, including a mix for the American Southwest. Below are a few examples:
Southwest Wildflower Seed Mix
This favorite wildflower mixture is comprised of 26 different wildflowers, both annuals and perennials, that will thrive in the Southwest region of the country. The Southwest Wildflower Seed Mix is designed to create show-stopping color all season long, year after year – It will burst into blooms the first year with the annual wildflowers and provide color in years after with the perennials.
Fall Maximum Wildflower Seed Mix
Fall is the perfect time to sow wildflowers and this special blend will have your garden bursting with blooms! With 42 different species this easy to grow mix is perfect for all regions and will provide quick annual color in the first growing season and perennials for the second and successive seasons.
Butterfly and Hummingbird Seed Mix
Bring beautiful wildlife into your garden or meadow with our Butterfly & Hummingbird Seed Mix. It contains 16 wildflowers, both annuals and perennials, that will attract winged friends. This mixture is designed to provide stunning color all season long, year after year – It will burst into blooms the first year with the annual wildflowers and provide color in years after with the perennials.
So enjoy the fall colors but go ahead and plant now for a beautiful spring bouquet of flowers in your yard!