There's Still Time to Plant Wildflowers!

by Mike Lizotte

regional wildflower seeds - northeast mix — Our Northeast Regional Wildflower Mixture planted at our co-worker Erin's house. This meadow was planted in late May and the photo was taken in August. Gorgeous!

It’s almost June and summer is right around the corner. You’ve diligently planted all of your gardens and are now patiently watching the progress ... or maybe not?! We receive a lot of calls from gardeners this time of year in a panic because they feel like they’ve waited until the last minute to plant. Life can get busy and we all lose track of time, and that includes our aspirations of how we wanted to change or improve our gardens. It’s happened to the best of us!

But don't worry, chances are there is still plenty of time to plant in your area. Find information on the best time for spring wildflower seeding in the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, West, and Pacific Northwest below. We also talk about some of our favorite native varieties to plant in each region for easy, low maintenance blooms.

Our wildflower experts have designed our popular Regional Wildflower Mixtures to bloom all season long in the first year and for years to come. Each mixture is specially formulated to thrive in its region and help support a variety of local wildlife and pollinators.

Northeast Regional Wildflower Seeds

Here in the Northeast we have a very cold winter with lots of snow. In Spring 2017 we’ve had some cooler, rainy weather, along with some days of temperatures in the 80s. Some might consider this a typical New England spring; very unpredictable! Here in the Northeast, anywhere from the beginning to the end of May is the typical time for seeding wildflowers.

regional wildflower seeds - black eyed susan seeds — Black Eyed Susan Seeds are a favorite in the Northeast.

Some of our favorite wildflower seeds for the Northeast are our Northeast Wildflower Mixture, our Northeast Pollinator Wildflower Seed Mix, native Purple Coneflower, Perennial Lupine, Black Eyed Susan, and Aster.

Southeast Regional Wildflower Seeds

The Southeast typically has a milder winter, with frequent rain during the winter months and temperatures in the 50s. This region also warms up quicker and come May, can experience regular temperatures well into the 80s and 90s. The typical planting time for the Southeast ranges from the end of March to the beginning of April, depending on your hardiness zone. However, as long as you’re available to water regularly, you can still plant wildflowers in May and early June.

regional wildflower seeds - planting — As long as you can offer supplemental water, there is still plenty of time to plant wildflowers in the Southeast.

Some of our favorite wildflower seeds for the Southeast are native Milkweed, Black Eyed Susan, Aster, Indian Paintbrush, as well as our Southeast Wildflower Seed Mix and our Southeast Pollinator Wildflower Seed Mix.

Midwest Regional Wildflower Seeds

Midwest winters are often cold and heavy with snow, making them some of the harshest winters in the country. Spring in the Midwest is somewhat similar to the Northeast; it warms rather slowly and summer temperatures don’t usually get above the 80s. For this reason, early to late May and even into early June are the perfect times to plant wildflower seeds in this region.

Plant native perennial wildflowers like Goldenrod, Aster, Milkweed, and Black Eyed Susan, or try our Midwest Wildflower Seed Mix and Midwest Pollinator Wildflower Seed Mix.

Southwest Regional Wildflower Seeds

The Southwest region varies on average weather in the winter and spring, depending on the area. Typically, this area is dry year-round with mild winters and mild summers, making it a great candidate for wildflower seeds. Seeding in the Southwest can range from March through May, depending on the average temperatures. With some supplemental watering right after planting, wildflowers are a great low maintenance, low water choice for this region.

Some of our favorite wildflowers for the Southwest Region are our Southwest Regional Wildflower Mixture, Southwest Pollinator Wildflower Mixture, and native varieties such as California Poppy, Blanket Flower, Milkweed, Lupine, and Indian Paintbrush.

Western Regional Wildflower Seeds

Similar to the Southwest, the Western region can vary greatly depending on location. Some states in the West, including southern California, have very mild winters and hot summers. In areas like this, wildflower planting should be done in the late winter or very early spring, in February or March. Other regions with milder springs and summers can plant in April. With some supplemental water until the seeds start to sprout, wildflowers thrive in the Western region.

regional wildflower seeds - lupine and california poppy — California Poppy and Lupine thrive in the West and Pacific Northwest.

Plant native Western varieties like California Poppy, Lupine, Prairie Clover, Milkweed, and Indian Paintbrush, or try our Western Regional Wildflower Mixture or Western Pollinator Wildflower Mixture.

Pacific Northwest Regional Wildflower Seeds

The Pacific Northwest experiences cool, wet winters, especially near the coast, with a little drier conditions inland. Spring and summer are mild and cool, making this a great place to seed wildflowers in April, May, or even June. If you live in an area with little precipitation, some supplemental watering until the seeds sprout is necessary.

Plant our Pacific Northwest Regional Wildflower Mixture, our Native Pacific Northwest Wildflower Mixture, or native species like Bee Balm, Maximilian’s Sunflower, Wild Sunflower, Indian Paintbrush, and Coreopsis.

Get Quick Color In Any Region With Annuals

No matter where you live, if you want quick color this season, you’ll want to add annuals to your garden. These include customer favorites like Sunflowers, Cosmos, Zinnias and Poppies, just to name a few. Most annuals start blooming in just weeks and are the perfect late addition to the garden, offering up plenty of color and flowers for pollinators well into the fall.

regional wildflower seeds - annuals — Plant annuals now, including Cosmos and Sunflowers, for summer blooms that last all the way into fall.

Annuals bloom and complete their life cycle in the first growing season, giving you quick, bright color in the first year. If you want color in the second and successive seasons you would want to think about incorporating some perennials into your planting as well (that’s why our regional mixtures are so popular, because they contain both annuals and perennials).

So although it’s almost June, if the weather isn’t too warm and you’re getting rain, or you are able to water, you still have time to plant and get beautiful color this season. If you live where you’re already in the mid 80’s or warmer and there’s no rain in sight, don’t get discouraged. Fall will be here before you know it and that’s a great time to get gardening as well!