Propagation

Sowing seed is a great, lower cost, way to develop your native wildflower meadow or garden site. Seed can be sowed directly onto the soil of your well prepped site, or into propagation mix to grow seedlings that will later be transplanted.  I’ve had best results combining both seedlings and direct sowing to fill in the meadow.

 

Sowing into propagation pots:

Sowing seeds into pots to grow your own seedlings is an interesting and low cost way to create your native plant garden or meadow.  Because our native wildflowers are suited to our climate, they don’t require a lot of effort or fuss to germinate and care for.  Seeds should be sown in late summer and fall, generally from August & September to November to take advantage of the rains and warmer temperature combination.  

 

Fill your propagation containers with a propagation mix.  Coconut coir is a good material to use.  Add perlite, which helps to retain moisture, along with sand for drainage to the coconut coir and mix thoroughly.  Fill the container to about ½ inch from the top and tamp down the soil mix.

 

Sow your seeds into the container.  Add about 3-5 seeds per square inch to each container.  Small seeds should just be pressed into the soil mix.   Larger seeds can be inserted into the soil, about two seed widths below the soil surface.  Gently water the pots and set outside.

 

Watch for your seeds to germinate.  Depending upon the species and any seed dormancy requirements, you will see germination in 7 - 70 days.  See the germination table in the resources section for estimated germination times.  Your pots can be left outdoors and little care is needed in the spring and early summer.  Fertilize with a light liquid fertilizer once per week after the seedlings have developed their second leaves.  Once the rains have stopped for the summer, water your pots to insure the roots do not dry out and perish in the small pots.  Plant your seedlings in the fall.
 

Direct Sowing into Soil:

Seed does not germinate well in mulch or chips, as it needs direct contact with the soil.    If you have smothered the weeds and non-native grasses with a layer of mulch, it is best to let it break down before sowing which may take an extra year.  Another option is to rake the mulch away to expose the soil, but this also risks disturbing the soil and bringing the weed seeds to the surface.    Removing the chips in a test area may be a wise choice to insure that you don't inadvertently create an area of weeds.

 

If your site prep method is to remove the weeds by hand, weed the area and remove any thatch before sowing the seed.  If the seed is small, mix it with an inert material, such as sand or corn meal, to provide bulk which will make it easier to evenly disperse.  Scatter the seed and wait for it to germinate.