MBS Seed, Ltd.

Denton, Texas

(940) 387-2701

(800) 627-2939

info@mbsseed.com

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Wildflower MixMBS Seed has put together a wildflower mix that includes the popular annual and perennial species that are adapted to North Central and East Texas and Southern Oklahoma.  This mix provides a wide array of flower colors that bloom from early spring to mid-summer under optimum conditions. 

Click thumbnail for enlarged photo of seed.

Planting Dates:  September 15 thru November 15

Planting Rates:  1 lb per 1,000 ft² or approx. 22 lbs per acre

Wildflower seed can be planted into many different situations, from pastures to yards.  The simplest method is to broadcast the seed into a pasture and then leave.  Results should be fair at best, with optimum conditions.  The wildflowers that sprout and mature will likely spread and become thicker each year, depending on weather conditions, competition with grasses, etc.  If you are planting wildflowers into a more controlled situation, such as a yard or flower bed, there are more steps that you can take to help establish a more successful and uniform wildflower stand:

Site Selection—Select a site that has good drainage.  The wildflower species in this mix will not thrive in conditions where water collects for a period of time.  The site should also be in mostly- to full-sun.

Seed Bed Preparation— This should begin in August, in order to have the necessary time to do it properly before the proper seeding date.  Once your site is selected, you should remove any existing  vegetation through either mechanical or chemical means.  Then, rake or till the soil down to one inch deep.  Soil that has not been tilled for some time will probably contain dormant weed seed that may sprout when tilled near the soil surface.  By not tilling deeper than one inch, you will keep the number of weed seed brought to the surface to a minimum.  Irrigate to encourage the weed seed to sprout.  Within two weeks, the majority of the weed seed should have sprouted.  Now, spray the weeds with a  herbicide.  A glyphosate herbicide, such as Roundup®, should do the job.  Remove the dead vegetation and allow the soil to recover for 3-4 weeks.

Seed Application—Before seeding, the seed bed may need to be lightly raked in order to loosen the soil surface again.  It may be helpful to mix an inert material with the seed to aid in spreading.  Clean and dry sand is a commonly used carrier for adding volume and helping the seed flow through the spreader.  Mix sand:seed at a ratio of approximately 2:1.  Broadcast on the surface.  A good way to get an even coverage is to broadcast half of the seed in one direction, then broadcast the rest in a direction perpendicular to the first.  Press or roll the seed into the soil.  Lightly raking will also work, but be very careful that the seed does not get too deep; 1/16th of an inch is about as deep as the seed should be.

Care and Maintenance—For best results, keep the area moist (not over-watered) for 4 to 6 weeks during the growth period.  Generally speaking, wildflowers do not require fertilization to be successful.  However, getting a soil test first will eliminate doubts.  If there is a problem with grass competing with the wildflowers, there are several selective herbicides available, such as Grass-B-Gon®, Ornamec®, and Fusilade®.  Be sure to read and follow directions on the label.  If mowing is desired once the wildflowers are established, mow at a height of 4-6 inches only after the seed has set and flowers are brown and drying.