Many homeowners want a yard filled with bluebonnets, coreopsis, sunflowers and other Texas wildflowers next spring, and fall is the perfect time to plant seeds.
Michael Arnold, Ph.D., director of The Gardens at Texas A&M University and professor of landscape horticulture in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Horticultural Sciences, says patience is key. “Planting wildflowers is all about delayed gratification,” Arnold said. “You won’t see immediate results, but planting in September, October or early November gives the wildflowers time to establish before winter dormancy. The farther north you are in Texas, the earlier in the season you should plant.”
To enjoy a vibrant display of Texas wildflowers from spring through midsummer, it is important to mix annuals and perennials to ensure color year after year. For early spring, Arnold suggests planting bluebonnets, tickseed and Indian paintbrushes. Then add evening primrose, Mexican hat and coreopsis for late spring to midsummer. Hardy sunflowers extend summer color even further. It is important to choose a regional seed mix designed for the specific region of Texas.
Wildflowers peak from late winter through midsummer. So, Arnold encourages the gardner to think about where they want that burst of color. For the best wildflower display, plant in full sun with at least six hours of sunlight daily; use well-draining soil; plant along garden edges or in naturalized areas to create a lasting landscape feature, and avoid mowing or cutting wildflowers too soon, so seeds can replenish for next year’s blooms. Successful wildflower planting starts with proper soil preparation and seeding. Arnold’s says for the best results, loosen soil in existing beds or clear and till new areas, scatter seeds evenly and gently press them into the soil to ensure good contact, but don’t bury them entirely, ensure seeds get plenty of sun exposure, water newly planted seeds to get them started, but don’t overwater, and if there isn’t enough winter rainfall, continue to water. Once rooted, most Texas wildflowers require little care. With a little planning and planting this fall, there will be a colorful display of blooms for years to come.