Resources

When to Plant Wildflowers
In Your State and Region

Planting a wildflower garden or yard is an exciting journey, and knowing when to plant wildflowers is the first step. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this comprehensive guide will walk you through when, where, and how to plant wildflowers.

Table of Contents

Understanding Your Planting Zone

The U.S. is divided into different hardiness zones, each of which represents a different climate. If you're wondering, "What plant zone am I in?" consult the USDA's plant zone map posted below. Knowing your zone helps determine the best time to plant wildflowers and choose the perfect seed mix for your region.

For example, if you're curious about "When to plant wildflower seeds in Texas?", which falls primarily within Zones 6 to 9, the answer would be to sow in the fall. The cooling weather allows seedlings to establish before the summer heat.

We'll break down the best planting times for wildflowers in different regions of the United States below. Once you determine the planting zone for your home, it's time to figure out what wildflowers will flourish in your area.

Choosing The Right Seed Mix for Your Area

You may be thinking that once you know your area's hardiness zone, you're ready to start planting wildflowers in your backyard garden. Not so fast!

We know you're eager to get started on nurturing one of nature's greatest assets right at home. But in order to be successful at wildflower gardening, you also need to consider which wildflowers are right for your area.

Not all wildflowers are the same. Some thrive in thick, hot Southern summers. Others can withstand the bitter frost of winter in the Midwest and bloom again in the spring. If you're planting wildflowers not only to beautify your space, but to encourage natural wildlife in your community, it's essential to use wildflowers that are native to your region.

Introducing wildflower species that aren't meant for your area could make for a disappointing blooming season. When choosing wildflower seeds, be sure to select ones marked for your hardiness zone.

Created By Nature specializes in seed packets curated for different national parks and states, including types of wildflowers native to these regions, ensuring they’re easy to grow in local climates.

From the robust Black-Eyed Susan that thrives in the Midwest to the Texas Bluebonnet perfect for Southern climates, our seed mixes are designed for you to succeed.

The Ideal Planting Season by Region

Regardless of your grow zone, planting season plays a crucial role in your garden's success. For most wildflowers, there are two planting seasons: spring and fall. How early or late you can plant during these seasons depends on your region.

The soil conditions and temperature during these seasons facilitate seed germination and growth, giving your wildflower yard a head start. Now, let's dive into the best times to plant for each season in the U.S.

When to Plant Wildflowers in the Southeast (Zones 6-11)

This region includes:

If you're in the South, you're in luck! Not only are more wildflowers available to plant for your area thanks to little to no frosts during the winter, but planting season comes earlier for your neck of the woods.

Sow your wildflowers in the fall, winter or spring. Most gardeners prefer the autumn season, as the rainfall from the winter will bring more vibrant results. 

Keep in mind, you won't want to plant your wildflowers midsummer in the South. Intense summer heat will destroy seedlings and younglings.

Florida in particular spans four hardiness zones (8-11), so be sure to check the exact planting zone for your address. Luckily, we offer a seed mix that's easy to grow in any part of the Sunshine State!

When to Plant Wildflowers in the Southwest (Zones 6-10)

This region includes:

If you live in areas with little to no frost throughout the year, wildflowers can be planted and grown at any time (though we don't advise you sow seeds during the hottest time of the year).

Thanks to arid, dry areas in this region, making sure you regularly water your wildflowers is essential. Drought-tolerant wildflowers will do exceptionally well in your area. For best results, time your planting with the rainy season of your area (most likely late fall).

If you live around the mountains of Arizona or New Mexico, look at our suggestions for growing wildflowers in the Rockies here.

When to Plant Wildflowers in the Northeast (Zones 3-7)

This region includes:

If snow and frost are a common occurrence in your area, planting during the warmer months of the year is best. Once the ground outside has reached a temperature of at least 55°F, you can technically start sowing seeds.

But beware the late spring frost! A cold snap will stunt or kill your newly planted seeds or younglings. For best practice, plant within a month of the last frost of the season.

If you choose to plant in the fall, make sure to sow your seeds after the first frost to eliminate any chance of germination. Fall planting will get an extra boost from cold temperatures and damp soil during the winter time, giving you a head start on spring blooms.

When to Plant Wildflowers in the Midwest (Zones 3-7)

This region includes:

If you're from the Midwest, you're familiar with the region's vast diversity. From balmy to severe, Midwestern winters vary significantly, with the region spanning five different hardiness zones.

When to plant in your state will largely depend on when your winters begin and end. As a general rule, most planting in the Midwest can be done from mid-March to mid-May. In some areas with longer growing seasons, you have the flexibility to plant as late as mid-June.

If your specific location experiences milder winters, there's also an opportunity for fall planting. October and November can serve as ideal planting months, giving your seeds an early start for spring growth.

When to Plant Wildflowers on the West Coast (Zones 6-10)

This region includes:

The West Coast's climate varies from the cool, wet regions of the Pacific Northwest to the hot, dry conditions of Southern California. These variations create a diverse range of environments where a multitude of wildflowers can thrive.

In the cooler Zones 6-7 of the Pacific Northwest, plant wildflower seeds in spring after the risk of frost has passed. Fall planting is also an option for hardy species.

Zones 8-9 have milder climates, allowing for wildflower planting in both early spring and fall. Aim for the rainy seasons for best seed germination and growth.

For Zone 10, which includes Southern California and coastal regions, fall planting is preferred, but the mild climate allows for a broader planting window throughout the year (some gardners can plant as late as November and December!).

When to Plant Wildflowers in the Rockies (Zones 2-7)

This region includes:

The Rocky Mountain region, spanning states from Arizona to Montana, offers a unique blend of climates and hardiness zones. It's great for hitting the slopes and other winter activities – but what about wildflowers?

Not to worry – even states with the harshest winters in this region are home to native wildflowers. For the coolest zones with higher elevation, late spring to early summer (May-June) is the best time for planting. Be sure to wait until the risk of frost has passed before sowing.

In milder Zones 5-6 (Wyoming, Colorado, and parts of New Mexico), earlier spring is best in April or May once the ground has a chance to warm up.

For the mildest zones of the area in Arizona, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico, fall planting is a viable option. If you plant your seeds by October or November, you'll have an early spring bloom and a stronger root system for your wildflowers.

When to Plant Wildflowers in Alaska (Zones 1-8)

Alaska is home to some of the most beautiful, natural landscapes and wildlife this country has to offer. Spanning eight zones in one single state, Alaska presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to planting wildflowers.

If you reside in the southern and coastal areas of the state, such as Ketchikan and Sitka, you're in the prime planting region of Alaska. This area has a cool, maritime climate and longer growing seasons compared to the rest of the state. The ideal time to plant wildflowers in these zones is in early spring, around April to May, when the ground has thawed, and the risk of frost is minimal.

Further inland and towards the north, the zones gradually decrease from 6 to 1. This is where planting wildflowers gets a little more tricky. These areas, including Anchorage (Zone 4b to 5a), Fairbanks (Zone 2b to 3a), and the frigid Arctic regions (Zone 1), endure harsh winters and have considerably shorter growing seasons. In these areas, it's recommended to plant wildflower seeds in late spring to early summer, once the ground has fully thawed and temperatures are consistently above freezing.

It's important to note that, due to the harsh climate and short growing season, wildflower varieties that are more tolerant of cold conditions and that can grow quickly will have a higher success rate in Alaska.

When to Plant Wildflowers on Hawaii (Zones 9-13)

Famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and fascinating wildlife, Hawaii is also a hotspot for some beautiful wildflowers. With the state's hardiness zones ranging from 9 to 13, it offers a unique gardening experience.

In the warmer zones (12-13) like the coastal areas of Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island, you can plant wildflower seeds almost all year round. However, the ideal time is just before the rainy season, which typically starts around November. This way, your seeds get plenty of water to kickstart their growth.

For the cooler zones (9-11) found at higher elevations like the slopes of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, the best time to plant wildflower seeds is during the warmer months, generally from April to October.

How to Plant Wildflowers, Step-by-Step

Here's a simple guide to planting your wildflower seeds:

  1. Prepare the ground: Clear the area of grass and weeds. Wildflowers prefer poor soil, so there's no need for fertilizers or topsoil. Most wildflowers require full sun, so choose a spot with at least 6 hours of daily sunlight.
  2. Spread the seeds: Whether you spread by hand or with a seed spreader across a larger yard, distribute your seeds evenly around the chosen area.
  3. Sow the seeds: Gently press the seeds into the ground to protect them from birds and wind. Don't bury or cover the seeds with soil.
  4. Water the seeds: Keep the area moist until the seedlings reach about 4-6 inches tall. Once they've reached this height, they can generally survive on natural rainfall.
  5. Wait for blooms: Depending on your specific seed mix, you could see the first blooms in as early as six weeks.
  6. Maintain your garden: Wildflowers are some of the easiest plants to maintain in your garden, but be sure to keep the area free of weeds. Adding nutrients to your plants can aid in their growth. Be sure to water more often during dry spells.

Frequently Asked Questions

When to plant wildflower seeds in Zone 4?

In Zone 4, which experiences a shorter growing season and colder winters, the best time to plant wildflower seeds is in late spring, once the risk of frost has passed.

When to plant wildflower seeds in Zone 5?

Gardeners in Zone 5 should aim to plant wildflower seeds in early spring when the soil is beginning to warm up.

When to plant wildflower seeds in Zone 6?

In Zone 6, the optimal time to plant wildflower seeds is early spring or late fall. Planting in the fall allows the seeds to establish roots before winter.

When to plant wildflower seeds in Zone 7?

Zone 7 gardeners have flexibility, as both early spring and fall are suitable for planting wildflower seeds.

When to plant wildflower seeds in Zone 8?

If you live in Zone 8, the best time to plant wildflower seeds is in the fall, ahead of the rainy season and before the summer heat.

When to plant wildflower seeds in Texas?

Texas falls within Zones 6 to 9. The best time to plant wildflower seeds in Texas is typically in the fall, as the cooler weather helps seedlings establish before summer heat waves arrive.

When to plant wildflower seeds in California?

California spans Zones 5b to 11a. For most of the state, the ideal planting time is in late fall, ahead of winter rains, but for the mountainous regions (Zone 5b-6a), spring planting after the last frost is recommended.

When to plant wildflower seeds in Florida?

Florida's warm climate (Zones 8b to 11a) allows for a flexible planting schedule, but generally, planting in the fall will give your wildflowers a good start before the heat of summer.

Conclusion: Bring Nature to Your Doorstep

Starting a wildflower garden is an adventure that pays off in a stunning display of colors, a habitat for local wildlife, and a beautiful outdoor space for you to enjoy.

Wildflowers require less maintenance than a typical flower garden, making them the perfect choice for home gardens. Not only will they beautify your space, they'll also attract pollinators and support your local ecosystem.

Now that you know the right time to plant your wildflowers, it's time to get to work: mark your calendars, get set, and plant! If you're looking for wildflowers species designed to thrive in your state or region, be sure to check out Created By Nature's wildflower seed mixes today. Take the first step towards creating a vibrant, wildflower-filled yard.