Instructions / Assembly

• For large areas, it might be necessary to use a flail mower or
tractor to rough up the soil surface and remove existing
vegetation. It is important to remove enough vegetation to
ensure that the seed is in firm contact with the soil. If the
seed is not in direct contact with the soil, it will germinate
and die because the root will be unable to obtain water and
nutrients essential for growth.
• For small areas, lightly rake to scalp or scarify the soil,
loosening as much as two inches of the soil surface.
• Practice weed germination and removal as described in
"Controlling weeds."
Watering. After weeds have been removed and the soil has been
tilled, water the area frequently for two to three weeks to allow weed
seeds to germinate. Once the seeds have germinated, apply the
non-selective herbicide but do not disturb the soil any further as this
could cause new weed growth. Seeding should take place about two
weeks after applying the herbicide. Consult the instructions on the
herbicide package for specific waiting periods.
Determine the seeding Rates. Carefully measure the area to be
seeded and check your seed package for the seeding rate, such as
one ounce seed per 100 square feet of area. Check each package or
species you purchase as coverage can vary considerably. Be sure
that you have enough seed to cover the entire area all at once.
Make good contact with soil. We can't overemphasize the
importance of seed-to-soil contact. Be sure that the surface is clear
of vegetation and that it is roughed up a bit so that seeds have direct
contact with the soil.
Distribute seed evenly. The seed you purchased contains
wildflowers only and does not contain expensive fillers or carriers.
Therefore it is important that you distribute the seed evenly over the
planting area. It is often helpful to mix the seed with sand or
vermiculite to help spread the seed more evenly. Usually a mixture of
one part seed to two parts sand is best, although more sand is fine.
Mixing with sand also helps to mark the area that you have seeded.
Divide the seed/sand mixture into two equal parts and apply one half
of the seed in one direction over the entire area and then the second
half in the opposite direction over the entire area. For small areas,
seeding by hand will work, however you'll need to use a hand-held
rotary spreader for larger areas. For very large areas or slopes,
hydroseeding or drill seeding is the best method. Consult a
professional contractor for more information.
Cover the seed. Once the seed has been broadcast, the area
should be lightly raked with top soil to cover the seed. The seed
should be covered with no more than 1/4 inch of soil. Problems with
germination are typically the result of burying seeds too deep.
Irrigating with sprinklers. Wildflower seeds usually need four to six
weeks of ample, consistent moisture to germinate and begin
establishment. A new seeding must not be allowed to dry out! The
irrigation schedule for a new planting site should be light and
frequent until the first signs of germination, which is usually two to
four weeks after initial watering. In warmer arid regions, the
frequency of light irrigation can be up to four times daily. Once plants
reach one to two inches in height, the daily frequency of irrigation
can be reduced. Established wildflowers will need supplemental
irrigation when they exhibit signs of wilting or during periods of high
temperature and/or low rainfall. In arid regions of the country without
consistent rainfall, supplemental irrigation of up to half an inch a
week may be necessary for plants to perform their best.
Irrigating with rainfall. If you are relying solely on Mother Nature to
provide irrigation, you'll need to time your planting to coincide with
the rainy season. However, you'll have a better chance of
germination and establishment if you can provide some
supplemental irrigation, particularly during periods of high
temperature.
Controlling weeds. Periodic weed control helps maintain a steady
show of wildflowers. It is much easier to eliminate weeds when they