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By John Green

Adapted from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

 

As each day is becoming shorter and with our daily high temperatures slowly beginning to wane, this is gentle reminder cooler weather is close at hand.  Exactly one week from today Autumn begins.  Perhaps it’s time to take the opportunity and sow wildflower seeds for a small or large wildflower garden or meadow.

Now is the time for Texas wildflower lovers to plant their favorite varieties for flowers in the spring, said Joseph Johnson, program manager for The Gardens at Texas A&M University.

Planting in the fall — before the start of the rainy season — gives your wildflowers time to germinate and gain a good root system before going dormant during the winter.

“It is good to use a wildflower mix with several different species to ensure year-round interests and not just blooms for the spring,” he said. “This will give you an array of colors, but also an opportunity to see what does especially well in your wildflower area for the next year. If you let your flowers go to seed, you could see them again and again from year to year.”

Soil preparation for wildflower seeds

 Anyone interested in planting wildflowers for a spring family photo needs to prepare the soil. To adequately prepare the soil, you must ensure that the seeds come into contact with the soil either through tilling or raking, then lightly tamping them into the soil. Once the wildflower seeds are planted, lightly water the area to settle the seeds into the soil.

“If you are partial to bluebonnets, consider planting them in full sun with good drainage,” he said. “Otherwise, an area with a minimum of six hours of sunlight should be sufficient for most types of wildflowers.”

Do not overwater and do not fertilize wildflower seeds, he added. A little bit of care goes a long way, especially for bluebonnets.

Scatter the wildflower seeds

 Spread your seeds over your prepared soil, according to the instructions of your selected seed mix.   If you are looking for a meadow bursting with flowers and color, you may want to spread them thicker.

Once your seeds are in place, walk around the area to compress them into the ground for good germination. It is important not to bury or cover the seeds because they need good exposure to the sun.

Wait for spring and enjoy the blooms

 Because of the fall planting, the seeds should not require too much care and watering. Blooms should begin to appear in early spring, depending on the weather and with a good-quality seed variety, may continue into summer.

For more information or to have your gardening questions answered please contact Orange County TX Master Gardeners via the following:

Website: https://txmg.org/orange

Facebook: Orange County Texas Master Gardeners Association.

Orange County Master Gardner Helpline: (409) 882-7010

Email: extension@co.orange.tx.us