Planning for a Sensational Spring

by Lydia Holley September 25, 2023

Now is the time to think about your spring garden. Wildflower seed can be thrown out, and spring-blooming bulbs can be planted.

For wildflowers, it is best to wait until soil temperatures drop below 70 degrees. Scattering wildflowers is easier if you mix the seed with some sort of filler such as cat litter or potting soil. This helps you distribute the seed more evenly and allows you to see where you have thrown it. Most wildflowers only need to be broadcast, much like the motion you would use when throwing feed for chickens. It is generally recommended to throw seed before a cold front moves through so the temperatures are not too hot and your seeds will get a sprinkling of rain.

Which wildflowers will grow best for you? Botanist Tom Kramer of Wildseed Farms advises buying a mix of various seeds suited to your area, then making note of the plants which both grow well and you like the looks of. You can then purchase more of those seeds individually. Some wildflowers to consider are bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, evening primrose, Indian blanket, coreopsis, and Drummond’s phlox. Of course, there are many others to choose from.

In addition to scattering wildflower seed, fall is the time to plant many spring-blooming bulbs, and there are several types to choose from. Some of the most reliable bulbs are daffodils, muscari, snowflakes (Leuojum), hardy amaryllis, and Dutch iris. Not sure your amaryllis is hardy? Neil Sperry says, in general, the narrower the petals, the hardier the plant, and the fatter the petals, the more it will require tropical conditions. Of course, there are exceptions, and it can be fun to experiment since every garden (and every winter) is different.

Tulips and some other bulbs may need chilling before planting. Most of those are used as annuals. If you order bulbs online, they will arrive at the right time for planting, and if necessary, pre-chilled or with the proper chilling instructions.

With bulbs, it is best to think of purchasing in masses and planting closely. This will give you a more visually appealing show rather than a sporadic bloom here and there.

Whether you want wildflowers or blooms from bulbs—or both—now is the time to plan for a sensational spring garden.

For more information, call 903-675-6130, email [email protected].