Wildflower Seed Mixes

Plant wildflowers for the pollinators in the garden

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Wildflower Seed Mixes - Grow Organic

Growing Native Wildflowers from Seed to Support Pollinators

Native wildflowers are not only a beautiful addition to your landscape but also play a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems and pollinators. Growing native wildflowers from seed is an eco-friendly and rewarding way to enhance your garden while providing essential resources for bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. In this guide, we will explore the benefits of native wildflowers, the process of growing them from seed, and some versatile native wildflower varieties that thrive across different regions of the United States.

The Importance of Native Wildflowers

Native wildflowers are plants that have evolved in a specific region over thousands of years, making them perfectly adapted to the local climate, soil, and wildlife. Unlike non-native or exotic plants, native wildflowers offer numerous benefits:

  1. Biodiversity: Native wildflowers support a diverse range of wildlife, from insects to birds and small mammals. They provide food and habitat for numerous species from your wildflower garden.
  2. Erosion Control: Native wildflowers have deep root systems that help prevent soil erosion, making them excellent choices for stabilizing slopes and controlling runoff.
  3. Low Maintenance: Once established, native wildflowers require minimal care, including less water and fertilizer compared to many exotic plants.
  4. Pollinator Support: Native wildflowers are an essential source of nectar and pollen for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. By planting them, you contribute to the health of these vital creatures.

Growing Native Wildflowers from Seed

  1. Research Your Local Ecosystem: Before selecting native wildflowers to grow, it's essential to research your region's native plant species and their specific requirements. Local nurseries, native plant societies, and extension offices can be valuable resources for this information.
  2. Choose the Right Seeds: Select native wildflower seeds that are suitable for your specific climate, soil type, and growing conditions. You can find native wildflower seed mixes designed for various regions.
  3. Prepare the Site: Native wildflowers thrive in well-drained, sunny locations. Prepare your planting site by removing weeds, debris, and any invasive plants. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches and amend it with organic matter if necessary.
  4. Planting Seeds: Follow the planting instructions provided on the seed packets. In general, scatter the seeds evenly over the prepared soil and lightly press them into the ground. Water the area gently to help settle the seeds.
  5. Mulch and Water: Applying a light layer of mulch can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Water the newly planted seeds regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until the wildflowers are established.
  6. Patience is Key: Native wildflowers may take some time to germinate and establish themselves. Be patient and allow nature to take its course.

Attracting Pollinators In A Wildflower Garden

Wildflowers are a diverse group of plants that attract a wide range of pollinators, making them essential for supporting local ecosystems. Common pollinators drawn to wildflowers include bees (such as honeybees, bumblebees, and solitary bees), butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, beetles, and flies. These pollinators are attracted to the wildflowers' nectar and pollen, which serve as their primary food sources.

Different wildflower species have unique characteristics that appeal to specific pollinators. For instance, tubular-shaped flowers like those of Penstemon are well-suited for hummingbirds, while open-faced flowers like those of daisies are popular among various bee species. The diversity of wildflower shapes, colors, and flowering times ensures a continuous supply of food for pollinators throughout the growing season. By planting a variety of native wildflowers, you can create a pollinator-friendly garden that not only adds beauty to your landscape but also plays a crucial role in supporting these essential creatures.

Versatile Native Wildflower Varieties

Here are some native wildflower varieties that grow well across different regions of the United States:

  1. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): This cheerful wildflower features bright yellow petals with a dark brown center. It is drought-tolerant and attracts a wide range of pollinators.
  2. Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa): A favorite of monarch butterflies, this orange-flowered milkweed is a must for butterfly gardens. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun.
  3. Eastern Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea): Known for its striking purple petals and raised cone-shaped centers, this coneflower is not only a pollinator magnet but also has medicinal properties.
  4. Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Also known as bee balm, this native wildflower boasts lavender to pinkish-purple flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It prefers moist soils.
  5. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata): With its vibrant red and yellow petals, the blanket flower is a stunning addition to any garden. It thrives in sunny, well-drained locations and is loved by pollinators.
  6. New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae): This late-season bloomer offers beautiful purple or pink flowers and is a valuable nectar source for bees and butterflies in the fall.
  7. Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera): This drought-tolerant wildflower features drooping, cone-shaped centers surrounded by yellow petals. It's a favorite of native bees and butterflies.
  8. Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis): Wild lupine's spiky blue flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators. It prefers sandy, well-drained soils and is commonly used for soil stabilization.
  9. Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea): This perennial wildflower produces dense spikes of purple-pink flowers and provides nectar for butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects.
  10. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): Often wrongly blamed for causing allergies (it's actually ragweed), goldenrod boasts bright yellow blooms that are a vital late-season food source for pollinators.


Growing native wildflowers from seed is a sustainable and beneficial way to enhance your garden while supporting local ecosystems and pollinators. By choosing native species adapted to your region, you can create a beautiful and ecologically responsible landscape that benefits both wildlife and humans. Native wildflowers are not only a feast for the eyes but also a source of life for the many creatures that rely on them for food and habitat. So, get started on your native wildflower garden today, and watch as it blooms with beauty and biodiversity.

For more details, enjoy our blogs on when it is the best time to plant wildflowers.

FAQs: Annie's Perennials

What are perennial plants?

Perennial plants live for more than two growing seasons. If properly cared for, they will return year after year with consistent bloom times to add color and diversity to your garden.

What is the difference between annuals and perennials?

The key difference between annuals and perennials is their lifespan. Annuals live for one growing season, although some of our annual plants do re-seed, thereby prolonging their benefits past a single season. Perennial plants and perennial flowers persist for several years, returning year after year, every growing season. Another difference is that true annuals will bloom throughout the entire season; whereas, perennials may bloom intermittently during or between seasons.

What are the benefits of growing perennials?

Perennial plants and flowers provide lasting beauty and structure to your garden. They have specific seasonal bloom times that remain consistent year after year, ensuring vibrant color for your garden throughout the seasons. Perennials also contribute to biodiversity and help the overall environment. Their deep root systems help prevent soil erosion and retain nutrients, while also sequestering carbon. Planting lots of different perennials with varied bloom times ensures consistent, reliable food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial wildlife.

When should I buy perennials to plant?

The ideal time to plant perennials is spring or early fall. This allows them to establish their root system before extreme weather.

How do I care for perennial plants?

In general, Perennials need watering, occasional fertilization, and deadheading to encourage repeat blooming. The specific care needs can vary by type. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer many native and low water, low-maintenance perennials to make planting and caring for them easy. We want to make gardening success attainable for everyone.

Can you plant perennials in pots or containers?

Yes! We have hundreds of perennial plants that work well in containers as well as in garden beds. Just make sure your pot size is adequate for the root system of your particular plant.

Do perennials require full sun?

Some perennials prefer full sun, which typically means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Other varieties require full or partial shade. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer you many options for both shade and sun plants to fit every gardening need.

Do perennials attract pollinators and wildlife?

Yes! Perennials, with their reliable bloom times, are valuable additions to a pollinator-friendly garden. They provide consistent food sources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other beneficial wildlife. Planting many different perennials with varied bloom times will attract and feed pollinators throughout all of the seasons.

What are some popular perennial flowers?

Some common perennials include <strong>Yarrow</strong> (Achillea millefolium), </strong>African daisies</strong> (Arctotis) </strong>Butterfly Bush</strong> (Buddleja davidii), <strong>Campanula, Dahlia, Delphiniums, Peonies (Paeonia), Roses (Rosa), Irises, and Coneflowers</strong> (Echinacea). At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer almost hundreds and hundreds of popular perennials – like the ones previously mentioned, along with more unusual and hard-to-find varieties.

At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we also offer many more perennials that are quite unusual and hard to find

What are hardy perennials?

Hardy perennials are perennial plants that grow for multiple seasons and can survive very cold weather in their growing zones. For this reason, hardy perennial plants are the perfect plant selection for any garden.

Do perennials come back every year?

Yes, if planted and cared for properly, perennials will return year after year. At Annie’s, we offer hundreds of perennials that are perfect beginner plants– easy to grow and easy to care for - so everyone can garden successfully.

What are different types of perennials?

Flowering Perennials: Are known for vibrant, consistent and long-lasting blooms. Examples include peonies (Paenonia), roses (Rosa), coneflowers (Echinaea), Abutilon, Alstroemeria, african daisy (Arctotis), foxglove (Digitalis pupurea), carnations (dianthus), geraniums, sages (Salvia), Strawflowers (helichrysum bracteatum), hollyhocks and impatiens, among many others.

Foliage Perennials: Are known for their striking, colorful foliage. Hostas, heucheras, and ornamental grasses are some common varieties.

Shade-Loving Perennials: Thrive in low-light or partial shade conditions. Examples include astilbes, ferns, and bleeding hearts (dicentras). Some of our favorite shade perennials at Annie’s are Begonias, Fuchsias, Sedges, Hellebores, Heucheras, and Impatiens.

Sun-loving perennials: Thrive in full sun conditions (meaning full sun for at least 6 hours per day). Some common examples of sun-loving perennials are lavender (Lavandula), sage (Salvia), African daisy (Arctotis), and yarrow (Achillea millefolium). At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer almost one thousand sun-loving perennials – like the ones previously mentioned along with more unusual and hard-to-find varieties.

Herbaceous Perennials: These are perennial plants that die back to the ground each Fall or Winter, but whose roots remain alive and send up new growth and reemerge in the Spring or Summer. They include a variety of flowers and foliage, like columbines (Aquilegia), delphiniums, foxglove (Digitalis pupurea), and Iris.

Woody Perennials: These are shrubs and small trees that persist for many years, bringing useful structure and seasonal blooms to your garden. Examples include hydrangeas, California lilac (Ceanothus), fuchsias, and butterfly bushes (Buddleja).

Native Perennials: are well-suited to specific regions and often need less maintenance and human intervention. California native plant species might include yarrow (Achillea), California poppies (Eschscholzia californica), milkweed (Asclepias), monkey flowers (Mimulus), and some sages (Salvias), depending on your location. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer one of the largest selections of CA native perennials to be found anywhere.

Long-Blooming Perennials: Have extended blooming periods and can include varieties like Alstroemeria, Abutilon (Flowering Maples), African daisies (Actotis), Agastache, coreopsis, yarrow (Achillea), and sages (Salvias).

Drought-Tolerant Perennials: Can withstand periods of dry conditions and need less watering. Examples include lavender (Lavandula), yarrow (Achillea), sedum (stonecrop), Agastache, Aloe, milkweed (Asclepias), and some sages (Salvias).

Deer-resistant Perennials: Have characteristics that make them less appealing to deer. Options include yarrow (Achillea), lambs' ears (Stachys byzantine), Agastache, and some ornamental sages (Salvia).

Perennial Bulbs: Some perennials grow from bulbs, including favorites like tulips, daffodils, freesias, ranunculus, and irises. They return year after year, adding color to your garden each spring.

Climbing Perennials: Perennial vines like clematis and wisteria add vertical interest to your garden, climbing trellises, arbors, and fences.