For planting directions on lawn seed, click here.
For seeds other than natives or flowers, visit our General FAQ’s page.
Northwest Native Seed Planting Directions
When to Plant:
- Best planting window: August through September
- Alternative: Plant anytime between March and April
- Fall planting is especially recommended in USDA Zones 7-10, as winter weather helps break seed dormancy.
Regional Planting Recommendations:
| Region | USDA Zones | Best Planting Time |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Zones 3–7 | September–November or March–April |
| Southeast | Zones 7–10 | August–November (Fall preferred) |
| Midwest | Zones 3–6 | September–November or March–April |
| South Central | Zones 6–9 | August–November (Fall preferred) |
| Northwest | Zones 4–8 | August–October or February–April |
| Southwest | Zones 5–10 | August–November (Fall preferred) |
| West Coast (California) | Zones 7–10 | August-October (Fall Preferred) March-April in Spring if needed |
| Mountain West | Zones 3–7 | September–November or March–April |
| Alaska | Zones 1–4 | April–June (Spring only) |
| Hawaii | Zones 10–11 | October–February (cooler season) |
How to Plant:
1. Clear the Area
Begin by removing all weeds, grass, and unwanted vegetation from the planting site. This helps reduce competition for sunlight, water, and nutrients, giving your seeds a better chance to thrive.
Tip: Remove weeds by the root to prevent regrowth.
2. Loosen the Soil
Using a rake, hoe, or garden fork, loosen the top 1–2 inches of soil. This helps improve seed-to-soil contact, which is essential for successful germination.
Tip: Avoid tilling too deeply—doing so can bring dormant weed seeds to the surface, where they may germinate and compete with your native or flower seeds.
Additionally, seeds scattered onto a hard, compacted surface that hasn’t been properly prepared are unlikely to establish well. Seeds need good soil contact and a loose, receptive surface to germinate and root effectively.
Planting into an existing meadow or area already covered with established grasses or other vegetation often leads to poor results, as the young seedlings will struggle to compete for light, space, water, and nutrients.
For best success, always clear the area and prepare the top layer of soil before seeding.
3. Level and Smooth the Surface
After loosening the soil, rake the area smooth and level. Remove any large clumps, rocks, or debris. A flat, even surface helps ensure uniform seed distribution and consistent growth.
4. Apply a Planting Layer
For best results and to reduce weed competition, prepare a layer of organic material over the planting surface. Spread a ½” to ¾” layer of peat moss, fine sawdust, or potting soil over the area.
This layer serves multiple purposes:
- Helps retain moisture
- Improves seed-to-soil contact
- Suppresses existing weed seeds
- Provides a soft surface for seeds to settle into
Tip: Peat moss is the most economical option. Fine sawdust or potting soil can also be used depending on your preference and availability.
Sprinkle seeds evenly on top.
Lightly press seeds into the surface.
Seeds should only be buried as deep as they are long.
Watering:
- In dry climates or late-season planting, water thoroughly after sowing.
- Keep the area consistently moist until seedlings are established.
- Once established, minimal watering is needed—except for wetland species.
- Flowering natives benefit from occasional watering during blooming for extended display.
Seed Storage:
- Store in a cool, dry location, away from sunlight.
- Seeds remain viable for 3+ years under proper conditions.
Note: Native plants may take 1–3 years to fully establish and flower. Be patient!
Why Plant Northwest Natives in the Fall?
1. Mimics Nature’s Cycle
In the Pacific Northwest, most native plants naturally drop their seeds in late summer or fall. Planting in the fall mimics this natural cycle, giving seeds the same environmental cues, they’d get in the wild.
2. Natural Cold Stratification
Many native seeds need a period of cold, moist conditions to break dormancy—a process called cold stratification. By planting in fall, seeds are exposed to:
- Cool temperatures
- Winter rains
- Freeze-thaw cycles
These conditions help prepare seeds to germinate in early spring, when conditions are ideal.
3. Winter Rain Does the Work
The Pacific Northwest is known for its wet winters. Fall planting allows you to take advantage of this natural moisture, reducing or eliminating the need for supplemental watering.
4. Early Spring Germination = Stronger Plants
Seeds that overwinter in the soil tend to germinate earlier in spring, giving seedlings a head start. This often results in:
- Stronger root systems
- Better drought tolerance
- Earlier flowering or growth
5. Less Competition from Weeds
Weeds tend to emerge aggressively in spring. By planting natives in the fall, you’re giving them a head start, which helps them outcompete invasive or opportunistic spring weeds.
Flower Seed Planting Directions
When to Plant:
- Spring Planting: After the last expected frost in your area. Light frosts are generally okay. The main concern is when a seedling begins to sprout without a well-established root system—a hard freeze can cause frost heaving, which lifts the seedling out of the soil. When the ground thaws, the seedling may be left exposed on the surface, where it can dry out and die.
- Fall Planting (Zones 7–10):
- For April–June blooms, sow in August–September
- For June–September blooms, sow in March–June
- The ability to fall plant varies by species and planting region. Look at the information provided on our website for each species for better guidance on planting time.
Regional Guidelines:
| Region | USDA Zones | Spring Planting Time | Fall Planting Time (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Zones 3–7 | April–June | Not recommended |
| Southeast | Zones 7–10 | March–May | August–October |
| Midwest | Zones 3–6 | April–June | Not recommended |
| South Central | Zones 6–9 | March–May | August–October |
| Northwest | Zones 4–8 | April–June | September–October (if mild) |
| Southwest | Zones 5–10 | February–April | August–October |
| West Coast (California) | Zones 7–10 | February–April | September /October if in CA |
| Mountain West | Zones 3–7 | April–June | Not recommended |
| Alaska | Zones 1–4 | May–June | Not recommended |
| Hawaii | Zones 10–11 | October–February | Cooler season only |
How to Plant:
1. Spread a ½” to ¾” layer of peat moss, fine sawdust, or potting soil over the prepared area.
* These materials help suppress weed growth. They are sterile and should have no dormant weed seeds in them that can grow and compete with your flower seeds. The thicker the layer the less chance of having competing weeds.
2. Sprinkle seeds over the layer.
3. Water immediately to help settle seeds into the planting surface.
Seeds only need to be buried as deep as they are long.
Avoid disturbing soil after planting—this may bring weed seeds to the surface.
Seed to soil contact is very important. Seeds need to be planted in loosened soil – not hard.
Watering:
- Keep the soil consistently moist during germination (1–2 weeks).
- Once plants are established, many flowers require less water.
- Additional watering during bloom will extend flowering time.
Seed Storage:
- Store in a cool, dry, dark place.
- Viable for 3+ years with proper storage.
