Xeriscape Mix Blend Wildflowers Flowers Seeds - West Coast Seeds

PRODUCT DETAILS

Conserve water by planting varieties that (once established) need little or no further irrigation to thrive. Xeriscape Mix wildflower seeds are a selection of drought-tolerant species that can be used anywhere in Canada or the Western United States where the elevation is below 2,000m (7,000'). It will bloom throughout the driest weather and return year after year. Xeriscaping allows growers to conserve the water that is proving to be ever more precious each year, and at the same time provide food for threatened pollinators and beauty to areas that may look haggard and dry in a normal season. This blend grows to 60cm (24") tall. Recommended rate of application: 141g per 1,000 square feet.

• Annuals, perennials, and biennials
• Sow in spring and autumn
• Drought tolerant
• Returns year after year

All About Xeriscape Mix

Difficulty

Easy

Season & Zone

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade, depending on the blend

Timing

Try to direct sow wildflower seeds during the period two weeks before, and eight weeks after, your last average frost date. Sowing when there is some risk of minor frost may improve germination. Wildflower seeds can also be sown in the autumn, but a certain percentage of seeds may be lost to water, birds, and animals. To make the most of the annual species, direct sow in early spring.

Starting

Site Selection

If there are already no plants (including weeds) growing in the planting site, there may be a problem with the soil. Possible issues may be soil fertility, lack of drainage, or the need for soil amendments to improve texture. In such spots (e.g., beneath a cedar tree), few plants will thrive, including wildflowers.

Site Preparation

Remove as much existing vegetation as possible through pulling or tilling under in order to minimize competition. Loosen the soil by scraping, raking, or tilling. Wildflower blends will not usually take if planted into existing lawn because the thatch prevents their contact with soil.

Seed Application

In small areas, seeds can be scattered by hand. In larger areas, you may want to employ a lawn spreader or some other mechanical means. We recommend adding 1-2 parts clean, dry sand to 1 part wildflower seeds which will help the seeds spread evenly. Do not use beach sand, as it usually contains salt. It may be wise to spread most of the seed but to save some for filling in bald spots at a later date. Seeds must come into contact with the soil in order to germinate. Do not bury seeds more than 2-3 times their thickness.

Planting Rates

Aim for a planting density of 70 seeds per square foot. 90g of seeds will cover 1,000 ft². Use 4kg per acre. 500g covers about 5,500 ft². If seeding an area where site preparation and weeding are not possible, double this rate.

Growing

Keep the seeded area as evenly moist as possible to help the seeds germinate and the young seedlings become established. Weeds need to be kept under control. Once they are growing, most mixes will not require additional water except in long periods of hot, dry weather. All of our mixes should re-grow for several years but will eventually benefit from re-seeding. In late summer, many of the components will produce seed heads that can be harvested and replanted the following spring.