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Additional Information Resources and Articles
Flowers that grow by themselves out in the wild are known as
wildflowers. It is in their nature to grow without any human help in the
cultivation process since they are part of the natural and wild habitat.
Locally found wildflowers are widely known as "natives" while the types that
are found in other parts of the world and transported to countries all over
the world are known as "naturalized". For this article, we have prepared a
list of guidelines on how gardeners should take care of their wildflower
plants:
1.Wildflower categories
In the flower market
today, there exists three types of wildflowers which are the annuals. perennials
and finally the biennials. The wildflowers included in the
annual flower seeds are red poppy, cornflower and cosmos and they would
germinate, nurture, flower and die in a short period of time because their life
span is very short. Daisy, lance-leaf coreopsis, and dame's rocket are
perennial flower seeds type wildflowers and their growing processes are
slower compared to the annual wildflowers. As for Biennials, for example Queen
Anne's lace, native Black-Eyed Susan and Sweet William wildflower
characteristics are a cross between the first two types if wildflowers. The
biennial wildflowers would sprout during their first year, and later blossom
during the second year and they wilt away.
2.The timing of the planting process
In a tropical climate, planting wild
flower seeds just
before the rainy season will ensure the seeds get plenty of moisture in order to
sprout. In places with four seasons, fall and spring planting can be equally
successful.
3.Choosing a site
You may want to plant a big area or just a small section
of wildflowers. Choose a sunny spot with good drainage. Wildflowers love a great
deal of sunlight.
4.Suitable soil for the
wildflowers
Because they
have been living out in the wild and natural environment for a long time,
therefore they can live and grow in any type of dirt and soil. However, if the
garden land is sterile and contains no nutrition at all, then you should try to
find a better site. Wildflowers are tougher compared to the other plants, and
for that reason it can grow in any type of land available. But, if the land you
want to use is sterile, which not one living thing is growing in it, not even
the unwanted weeds, then it is time you consider a new ground.
5.Preparing the soil
You may want to improve the soil by adding humus if the
soil at your chosen site is too sandy to retain enough moist. On the other hand,
if the soil is heavy clay, you could add in sand to loosen up the soil.
6.Before planting the seeds- the
surface of the soil
Before you plant the wildflower seeds at the chosen site,
you need to break up the earth and clear away whatever that has been growing
there. All you need is a shovel. Next, make sure the area is flat and free from
grass roots. Try to remove the bigger rocks. Small gravels do not bother the
wildflowers too much.
7.Fertilization
Fertilizing is unnecessary as wildflowers thrive in almost
any type of surrounding. But if you wish to, choose a fertilizer that is low in
nitrogen. Rake it into the soil before you plant the seeds.
8.Determining the amount needed
If you want the flowers to be filling the garden at its peak capacity,
then it is recommended that you plant up to two or three times more than the
normal wildflower seeds
coverage quantity. But always remember putting too much seeds in the land would
create too much competition for nutrient and water, so do not go past the
limit.
9.Dessiminating the wildflower
seeds
After that, just use your own hand
or any relevant equipment you can find to spread the mix evenly around your
chosen garden site. For the remaining seeds just repeat the steps, just that the
second time around spread the wildflower seeds in a different direction from the
first time. By doing this you will be sure that there will be no empty spots
left on the site. Including the sand in the seed mixture would help ensure the
even spreading of the seeds in the garden.
10.Compressing the seeds
After the wildflower seeds are planted, further press them into the
dirt but do not use the rake or mulch them. Use the lawn mower if the garden
area is large, but if the garden is small then just by walking over the area
will do just fine. Pressing the seeds is vital in order for them to germinate
and sprout successfully.
11.Waiting for the wildflowers to grow
There are many different type of wildflowers, and the
time they take to germinate and sprout is different. Some species would need
just eight days for their roots to grow and some would need longer period of
time, even months.
12.Watering
When the seeds are in the germinating process, sufficient
moisture is very important so that the new plants can grow well. For it to grow
in a good environment make sure the moisture level is sustained throughout the
first four to six weeks in the garden soil. When you see the wildflowers growing
up, then you can slowly reduce the water amount in the garden.
13.Mulching
Mulching helps the wildflowers stay healthier as it
retains moisture in the soil longer. Bark chips, shredded leaves or peat moss
are good organic choices.
14.Clearing the
weeds
When the
wildflower seeds start to grow bigger, it is likely that unwanted grass and
other plants would appear. Although the weeds and plants would not cause serious
trouble to the wildflower plants, but the garden would look nicer and more
organized once the weeds and unwanted plants are cleared from it.
15.Unwanted company
If animals are making appearances
at your garden site and you are scared they will do harm, then you can try to
scare them away. But there are little cases of animals causing much damage.
16.The beginning of the peak time
Remember to take pictures with your
camera
17.Removing dead and unwanted plants
By cutting away the dying and unhealthy parts, it will give chances for
the new flowers to grow. If you are aiming for a more luxurious look, then
emphasize the top part of the wildlfower.
18.Replanting new
seeds
Once the wildflowers have reached
their peak period and bloomed, allow and extra two weeks for the plants to grow
more. Once you see the new seeds becoming hard and changed into a shade of brown
or black, then remove them from their original plant and place them on the
garden bed for them to reseed.
19.Wildflowers should complement each other
When
growing wildflowers in the garden you will have to make sure that the
combination of the types of wildflowers matches in terms of their shade of color
and their shape. Besides that, adding green grass can also add to the beauty and
elegance of the wildflowers.
20.Storing seeds
If you find that you have extra seeds then it is best kept in a place
where it is not humid and no sunlight. The
wild flower seeds can be kept from
as long as one to five years depending on their type.
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