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Historical frost averages plus extension guidance, not a forecast. Check the forecast and soil temperature before planting.
Sow wildflower seed in late fall, 2–6 weeks after your first fall frost, so it sits dormant through winter and sprouts in spring. Or sow in spring, from about 4 weeks before your last frost up to that date, and keep the seedbed moist. Fall sowing usually gives a better show, because winter cold and moisture help many native seeds germinate.
- Frost tolerance
- Varies; most mixes are hardy
- Soil temperature
- Bare, weed-free soil; no rich fertilizer
- Bloom time
- Annuals bloom in 2–3 months; perennials next year
The rule we use
- Sow in spring: from 4 weeks before the last spring frost up to that date
- Sow in late fall (dormant): 2–6 weeks after the first fall frost
Fall (dormant) sowing
Many wildflowers, especially native perennials, need a cold, moist period before they'll sprout. Sowing in late fall lets winter do that for you. The trick is to sow late enough that nothing germinates before winter: seedlings that come up in a warm fall spell are often killed by hard frost. That's why our window starts after your first fall frost, once the soil is cold.
In areas with heavy snow, you can sow on top of the first snow; as it melts, the seed settles into the soil.
Spring sowing
Spring sowing works too, especially for annual mixes like poppies, cosmos and cornflowers. Sow from about a month before your last frost up to the frost date. Unlike fall-sown seed, spring seed needs regular watering until seedlings are established, so plan to keep the soil damp for several weeks.
Prepare the site first
Most wildflower plantings fail because of weeds, not timing. Clear existing grass and weeds completely, and don't add rich fertilizer, which mostly feeds weeds. Rake the soil lightly, mix the seed with sand so it spreads evenly, scatter it, then press it into the surface. Most small seeds need light to germinate, so don't bury them more than about ⅛ inch.
Choose a mix suited to your region and sunlight, and be patient: perennials often bloom little in the first year and fill in from the second.
Wildflower seed and sowing tools
- Wildflower seed mixes at True Leaf Market including regional mixes.
- Park Seed for seeds and young plants.
- A hand seed spreader for even coverage on bigger areas.
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Questions about planting wildflower seeds
Is fall or spring better for sowing wildflowers?
Fall dormant sowing is usually better for native and perennial mixes, because winter cold helps the seed germinate. Spring works well for annual mixes if you can water.
Can I just throw wildflower seeds on the ground?
Only on bare soil. Seed scattered into grass or weeds rarely establishes. Clear the area, scatter the seed, and press it into the surface.
How late in fall can I sow wildflower seeds?
Until the ground freezes, and even onto snow. The aim is for seed to sit dormant until spring, so late is better than early.
When do wildflowers bloom after sowing?
Annuals usually bloom 2–3 months after they sprout. Perennials often take until their second year to put on a full show.
Sources
- Wildflowers in Colorado (Fact Sheet 7.233), Colorado State University Extension
- Growing wildflowers in Central Oregon, Oregon State University Extension
- Frost dates: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (doi:10.25921/4ek7-fk11)