Every spring thousands of tourists make the pilgrimage to the Australian outback to view the most incredible wildflower display on view. What makes it even more amazing is the fact that no human hand has tendered or cultivated this flower show. The wildflowers just continue to propagate themselves from their own seeds.
This is one of the marvels of growing wildflowers from seed. Many varieties are self-seeding annuals. They grow, flower, produce seed and then release that seed so that it can germinate the following year into another dazzling display.
Many gardeners are beginning to grow wildflowers because they require less maintenance and produce as, if not more, amazing displays of colour. The European style of garden with the rolling lawns and manicured hedges is not appropriate to most of our living regions so wildflowers become a perfect alternative.
While wildflowers may be easy to maintain, they’re certainly not the easiest to germinate from seed. They are fairly selective in waiting for perfect conditions to grow and may take some time, and probably a little frustration, trying to successfully cultivate these plants.
When is the best time to plant wildflower seeds?
If you are keen to see the same results in your own garden then autumn is the time to plant most wildflower seeds. Of course, this will depend on where you live, as some seeds won’t germinate if the soil is below 20°C (70°F). The reason for planting them so early is to give the seeds a chance to germinate and set some roots before the dormancy of winter. If the soil is too cold the seeds will just lay dormant in the soil before germinating in early spring.
If your area is particularly susceptible to frosts or harsh winters you may want to hold off planting your wildflower seeds until early spring.
How much water should you give wildflower seeds?
Wildflowers primarily rely on annual rainfall but when you’re trying to grow them in your own garden, you may want to water the seeds as they begin to germinate and then in the early stage of their growth cycle. This is especially important if the normal rainfall for your area has been less than average.
Types of wildflowers to grow from seed
Sturt Desert Peas – Floral symbol of South Australia
Everlastings – They come in a range of colours
The bizarre wreath leschenaultia – I’m not sure you can obtain the seed for these yet.