Methods of Installation For Prairie Wildflowers

Fall or Spring seeding. Fall seeding is preferred for some forbs.

Prepare beds and plant small areas same as garden wildflowers A firm seedbed and good soil / seed contact is a must!

Grass herbicides on Forb plantings only Water in periods of drought the first year. Avoid over watering.

Mowing (4-6″) or hand weeding several times during the first year will control weeds in grass / forb plantings. Plots may take up to seven years to develop

Rates vary from 4-10 lbs per acre for forb plantings to 10-12 lbs per acre for forb / grass plantings Rates should achieve 15-20 live seeds per square foot.

Mixes for forb flowering emphasis should not contain over 20-30% grass.

Mowing in the late Fall or Spring Burning (where permitted) is recommended after 3- 4 years.

Wildflower information provided by Ricky Kemery, former graduate student and Dr. Michael N. Dana, Professor of Horticulture and Extension Urban Horticulture Specialist.