Bumble Bee Blend Blend Wildflowers Flowers Seeds - West Coast Seeds

PRODUCT DETAILS

Several of the forty six species of North American bumble bees find themselves in peril due to loss of habitat and forage. Planting diverse species of nectar-rich flowers is one of the best strategies for pollinator conservation. The Bumble Bee Wildflower Blend is a selection of annual and perennial flowers that will attract and feed these important pollinators from early spring to the end of their season. The nectar rich flowers in this selection cater to long-tongued bees, as well as butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. The mix grows to a maximum height of around 90cm (36") tall, and is hardy in Zones 4 through 8. It will work in larger containers but does best in full sun.

Wildflowers and Regionality

Blend Ingredients

• Annuals and perennials
• Hardy to Zone 4
• Extended bloom period
• Pollinator conservation

All About Bumble Bee Wildflower Blend

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 to 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 (eg, 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.