For weeks in the spring and summer, residents of Georgia and visitors traveling through the state enjoy the beautiful wildflower patches in the highway medians planted by local gardening organizations, or the Department of Transportation.\u00a0 If you get started now, you can also enjoy the beauty of wildflowers in your landscape next spring and summer.<\/p>\n
Wildflowers provide a natural look to your landscape and are generally low maintenance.\u00a0 They can attract wildlife and birds to your landscape for your enjoyment.\u00a0\u00a0 Some species make good cut or dried flowers.\u00a0 Many of the wildflower mixes found in Georgia can be annuals, biennials or perennials that can be quite showy if planted in large masses.<\/p>\n
In Georgia, wildflowers are usually sown in late fall and winter when soil temperatures decline.\u00a0\u00a0 Before selecting an area to be planted, make sure that you have chosen a mix that is adapted to zone 8.\u00a0 Some wildflowers may not be tolerant to the heat and humidity of this zone.\u00a0\u00a0Select the area to be planted, and have your soil tests.\u00a0 The area should have a mixture of sun and shade at all parts of the day due to the light requirements of certain wildflower species.\u00a0 The soil pH is a very important factor because many wildflowers have very specific soil needs.\u00a0\u00a0 The addition of lime should be added to the soil if the pH is 5.0 or below.\u00a0 It takes lime three months before it is able to help raise the soil pH.<\/p>\n
The area should then be mowed close and sprayed with a contact herbicide to kill existing vegetation.\u00a0 Two weeks later, the area should be lightly cultivated.\u00a0 At this time, fertilizer should not be applied to the planting site.\u00a0 This will only promote the growth of weeds.<\/p>\n
Next, select the wildflower species or mixes that are adapted to the area. A few mixes include Cornflower, Plains Coreopsis, Purple Coneflower, Blackeye Susan and Scarlet Sage.\u00a0 Seeding rate will vary depending on the size of the area.\u00a0 For large areas, sow 10 pounds of seeds per acre.\u00a0 If you desire a smaller patch of wildflowers, sow 4 to 6 ounces per 1000 sq. ft.\u00a0\u00a0 If you are looking to do something on a smaller scale, for more intense color, double the seeding rate.\u00a0 Mix with damp sand and spread.\u00a0\u00a0 Rake the area lightly to cover the seed.<\/p>\n
Finally, lightly mulch the area with straw, pine needles or bark to conserve moisture that is essential for germination.\u00a0 By next spring, you will be able to enjoy the beauty of wildflowers in your landscape.<\/p>\n
Follow up care requires weeding by hand or chemicals for those isolated weeds.\u00a0 Mow the wildflower at least once a year in the fall or early spring to a height of 4 to six inches.\u00a0 The annuals and biennials will reseed themselves while the perennials will provide you with blooms year after year.<\/p>\n