Flower Seed Planting Tips

Native and Flower Seeds

For planting directions on lawn seed, click here. And for seeds other than natives or flowers, please go to our General FAQ’s page

Native Planting Directions:

Spring and/or Fall Plant (You may fall plant if you are in zones 7-10)

1. The best time to plant is August-November, but they can be planted from August-April. Seeds germinate better if planted outside by using the winter weather to break the seed dormancy.
2. Sprinkle Seeds on top of 1/2- 3/4 inch of potting soil, peat moss or fine sawdust. (Seeds only need to be in the ground as deep as the seeds are long)
3. In areas of lower rain fall, or when planted later during the planting period, follow these watering instructions: Water seeds into the new soil and then keep area moist until the plants are established. (Once plants are established, they don’t need to be watered as much unless they are a wetland type plant. You can extend bloom time on flowering plants by watering while in bloom).

Store Seeds in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight until you are ready to plant them. Seeds can be good for 3 years or more if stored in these conditions.

*Be patient with natives as they can take longer to grow and establish. Some native flowers and grasses may take a few years until they are established enough to produce a flower.

Planting Directions for Flowers: Spring Planting

Sprinkle seed with container onto peat moss, fine sawdust or potting soil.

Peat moss is the cheapest and most economical way, next is sawdust and then potting soil. Use one of these three – spreading a 1/2″ to 3/4″ layer on top of your soil. By using one of these on top the soil already there, you will help prevent many of the weeds from growing in your flowerbed.

(Just remember not to work up your soil too much after planting your flower seed because you will bring up weed seeds to the top of the soil and they will grow).

Plant your seed after all danger of frost is past. Sprinkle seeds over your new planting surface you have made and then water your planted area. The water will push the seeds into the soft soil just enough for them to grow. (Wildflower Seeds only want to be in the ground as deep as the seeds are long).

Keep your soil evenly moist while the seeds are growing. Seeds will usually germinate in 1-2 weeks.

Once the flowers are established many of them don’t need to be watered as much.

Store your seed in a cool place until you are ready to plant. Seeds can be good for 3 or more years if stored in these conditions.

Planting Directions for Flowers: Spring and/or Fall Plant

You may fall plant if you are in zones 7-10, otherwise it is best to just spring plant for best results

1. For April, May or June blooms, plant seed directly outdoors August-October. For June, July, August and/or September blooms, plant your seed outdoors March-June. Seedlings normally tolerate a light frost.
2. Sprinkle Seeds on top of 1/2- 3/4” of potting soil, peat moss or fine sawdust.
3. Wildflower seeds only need to be in the ground as deep as the seeds are long.
4. Water seeds into the new soil and then keep area moist until the flowers are established (Once flowers are established they don’t need to be watered as much. You can extend bloom time by watering flowers while in bloom).

Store seeds in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight until you are ready to plant them. Seeds can be good for 3 or more years if stored in these conditions.