Native wildflowers require a “cold stratification” or cold treatment before they will germinate. Choose one of 3 options: 1) sow seeds outside before March 1st. 2) mix the seeds into ½ cup of moist sand in a sealed plastic bag and place in the refrigerator for 6-8 weeks before planting. 3) Plant the seeds in the fall so they are naturally exposed to the cold & will germinate the following spring/summer. Plant these native wildflowers in bare mineral soil In a full sun location. Prepare area by removing weeds and loosen soil surface with a rake. Hand broadcast (sow) seeds evenly over area. Water seeds with a light sprinkle after sowing. From seed, these plants can take 1-3 years to become established and large enough to flower. We recommend sowing annual plant seeds to fill in the area until the native plants get established. Try Hopi Red Dye Amaranth or Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch Kale. Seed packet covers 100 sq ft.
Hand harvest seeds after plants have flowered and seeds begin to mature but before the seeds fall off of the plant. Or, cover immature seed heads with a paper bag and securely wrap the paper around the plant stem with string. When seeds are mature, cut stem, invert paper bag, and shake to dislodge seeds from plants.
