Quick Reference:

A mixture of annuals, biennials and perennials that will flower over several seasons. Cover seed with not more than 1/8 inch of fine soil. Some varieties prefer light and others darkness to germinate. Germination varies by variety, usually 7 to 25 days. Seed spacing 2 to 3 inches. Keep soil moist at all times for up to 4 weeks until the slower growing perennials have germinated. Plant height: 12 to 36 inches.

When and where to plant:

Wild flowers like full sun but will tolerate some very light shade, grow in any good, well-drained soil and grow best when planted where they will remain permanently. Unlike most perennials, it is recommended that this mixture of easy to grow varieties be planted directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be prepared and has warmed in the spring. An early planting will allow the annuals in the mixture to mature, set seed and re-seed themselves to allow the planting to perpetuate. Cultivate the area where the seed is to be planted, enrich with plant food, smooth the soil surface, sprinkle one gram of seed sparingly on the soil surface, over ten square feet, lightly drag a leaf rake over the surface to partially cover the seed with fine soil, water well with a fine mist for good seed-soil contact and keep moist until the seedlings emerge, perennials are slow germinating and the soil must be kept uniformly moist for at least 30 days to get complete germination. Thin seedlings and transplant as needed, so the mature plants will be 4 to 8 inches apart.

Care:

Water as necessary, apply plant food before planting seed and before the plants start to grow each spring and again mid-summer. Allow some annuals to mature to produce seed for the next year. Pull any large weed that may appear.