If you would love to add a touch of wilderness to your garden, patio, or balcony, then this guide on how to grow wildflowers in pots and containers is for you! Wildflowers are stunning in any setting, and a pot of wildflowers is a beautiful addition to any patio or outdoor seating area. Requiring minimal effort, you can produce a lovely pot of wildflowers that continues to flower throughout the summer. In this article, I will discuss the uncomplicated process of cultivating wildflowers in pots or containers, resulting in a stunning display.
You can skip to the Printable ‘How to’ at the bottom of the page, where you also find some Frequently Asked Questions that I hope will help you to feel confident to take on this fun project!
Be sure to check out my simple guide to growing pea shoots all year round!
When we started our veggie garden, we planted a wildflower garden to make a border to our veggie garden. The results were truly astonishing! But to achieve this we had to use a sod cutter to remove the grass already there, a heavy job!
The same applies if you want to plant larger areas for a wildflower meadow. There is a lot of preparation involved for the wild plants to survive and compete against existing vegetation. But planting wildflowers doesn’t need to be complicated or require a lot of work. A pollinator pot is a wonderful and simple way to support our hard-working pollinators!
Why are wildflowers important?
In recent years, we have become increasingly aware of the importance of native wildflowers for pollinator health. Bees and other beneficial insects depend on the availability of a diverse range of plants for their survival. Native wildflowers provide essential food and habitat for bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators, which play a critical role in pollinating crops and maintaining biodiversity.
There is a growing movement to plant more wildflower seeds, either converting large areas to wildflower meadows or simply adding a wildflower patch to a small area of the garden. Many gardeners now incorporate perennial wildflower plants into their flower beds with beautiful results.
Wildflowers have several symbolic meanings including happiness, joy, and remembrance. Wildflowers are also a welcome sign of spring and summer. Many wildflowers represent strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. Others are linked with healing, renewal, and the circle of life
What do wild flowers symbolise?
Tips for choosing a pot or container.
The seed packet you choose should indicate the height of the mature plant. Smaller wildflowers are usually around 20-30cm and taller plants are about 50-80cm. Tall container pots with holes works perfectly for tall and short varieties.
The most important thing is drainage. You need a pot with drainage holes or to create drainage holes.
Terracotta pots are beautiful and have good drainage, they are a little more expensive to buy new but you can usually pick them up on the Facebook marketplace. The older the pot the more patina it will have. Remember that not all terracotta pots tolerate cold and may need to be brought indoors during winter.
Window boxes are usually not deep enough for the taller wildflower mixes. But perennial species such as red clover do well in this type of pot. Creeping Nasturtium also does well in containers with little compost. The smaller the container, the more often they will need to be watered.
Larger containers also work really well, bearing in mind that you will need more soil or debris to fill the container. Plastic drinking troughs come in different shapes and sizes and are surprisingly beautiful when the flowers are in full bloom. They can also be used to section off areas of the garden or patio.
Buckets – The zinc bucket I’m using was bought cheaply at a thrift store and already had holes!
To make drainage holes, I recommend using a power drill or hammer and nail, depending on your working material.
Choosing the best wildflower seeds
The best wildflowers are native wildflowers!
Native species, of course, vary greatly depending on where in the world you are.
Take the time to choose flowers that are found naturally in the countryside around you for the best chance that they will thrive, and you don’t risk introducing invasive flowers to your area.
Choose seeds according to your budget, but when possible, choose high-quality seeds that are naturally produced and native to your area. Planting a variety of plants that bloom at different times can help to ensure a consistent supply of nectar and pollen for the insects and flowers for your garden.
How much seed you will need depends on how many square metres / square feet you plan to cover. Seed packs typically provide information on the number of seeds included in the packet, as well as recommended planting rates and spacing.
Begin by deciding if you would like perennial plants or annual plants. The type of flowers vary greatly and both have pros and cons.
ANNUAL
An annual plant is a plant that completes its life cycle, from germination to the production of seeds, within one growing season, and then dies.
Planting annual species allows you to choose the color type of flower that suits your color scheme for the rest of the garden on any particular year. They also require less care than perennial species and will always flower on their first year. But you will need to resow every year.
BiENNIAL
A biennial plant is a flowering plant that generally takes two years to complete its biological life cycle in a temperate climate.
Some seeds are bi-annual and flower on their second year. Avoid seed mixes that contain these if you want to enjoy your pot of wild flowers already on the first season.
PERRENIAL
Perennial plants will regrow year after year.
Perennial plants, if cared for, will return year after year. They will also grow and mature in size and may need repotting to larger pots or to be divided into several pots to have room to grow. They, too, can be planted from seed and require minimal care. However, they will need to overwinter in a frost-free room. Their roots are vulnerable to the cold when planted in containers. Most plant stores stock various perennial wildflowers and can advise which perennial species work well together and are easy to care for..
If choosing ready mixed-seed packet you can choose between annual wildflowers and perennial wildflowers. Some Mixes include a blend of both.
Some examples of wildflowers to choose between are Poppies, Daisies, Dog Daisies, Clover, Bluebells, Red Hats,Black Eyed Susan,
Wild flowers thrive in poor soil, we can recreate this by mixing compost with sand. Depending on the quality of your compost, aim for about 50% sand in the mixture.
Did you know that you can easily Grow Pea Shoots and Sprout Mung Beans at home? Both are easy, budget-friendly ways to add nutrition to your diet and give satisfyingly quick results!
What you will need:
A pot or container with drainage holes. You can add your own using a power drill or hammer and nail.
A small bag of compost from the garden store or supermarket. You can also use garden soil if it is not too heavy.
Sand – to mix with compost or soil. I took some sand from our children’s sandbox but you can also buy small bags of sand at the garden center.
Wildflower seeds
A watering can with a fine spray nozzle so as not to wash away the seeds.
Gardeners fleece and some string.
How To Plant Wildflowers In Pots And Containers:
- Wildflowers thrive in poor soil; we recreate this by mixing compost with sand. Aim for 50% sand in the mixture, depending on the quality of your compost.
2. Fill your pot with the mixture, leaving 5—6 inches (10 —12 cm ) at the top. The extra space t the top will act as a support for any taller variants.
3. Give the soil a good watering and allow the water to soak in.
4. Mix your seeds with a handful of sand and scatter evenly over the soil surface. If you have chosen flowers with varying heights you can place the seeds so that the taller plants are in the center. If you have chosen a mixed seed packet then you don’t need to worry about how they are placed. Press down lightly to ensure the seeds have good contact with the soil. Some seeds may need to be planted deeper in the soil, always follow the instructions on the seed packet.
5. Water again lightly from above using a watering can that has a fine spray nozzle. Alternatively, you can spray with a spray bottle. A light spray is important to avoid the risk of the tiny seeds washing away or clumping together.
6. Cut a piece of gardener’s fleece to size and secure it on top of your pot using string. This will help to keep any hungry birds away from your seeds to keep the surface of the soil moist for the seeds to germinate.
7. Water lightly twice a day. If you have very fine fleece, you can water it without removing it. Otherwise, I recommend that you lift the fleece to water to prevent it from crushing any young emerging seedlings.
8. Place your pot in a warm and sheltered area until the seeds have begun germinating. Most wildflowers enjoy full sun and are not particularly sensitive to dry soil; they are generally great survivors if allowed to grow in their natural environment. However, when growing wildflowers in a pot, the roots easily overheat and cannot themselves grow to reach a water source. It is, therefore, a good idea to water your wildflowers daily and choose a position that is sunny but not too hot!
Picking flowers encourages the growth of more flowers, as the plant works hard to produce seeds from flower heads.
Remove dead annual plants by cutting them at the base of the plant at the end of the season. You can read more below about seed harvesting!
If you have chosen a perennial seed, then you will need to consider how to overwinter your pot. Depending on your local temperatures, most potted plants don’t do well with freezing temperatures, which damages their roots. Wrap up your pot or move to a frost-free room for the winter months.
You can experiment with growing a variety of pots with different herbs and wildflowers.
Mint and oregano are my favorite herbs to grow in pots; they’re both useful and have beautiful delicate pink flowers that pollinators love. It’s also easier to contain them in a pot; they can otherwise spread quickly in your garden. A collection of pots, flowers, and herbs is really beautiful!
When is the best time to plant wildflower seeds?
The best time of year to plant depends on where you live, the local temperatures, and the amount of light you receive. I recommend that you follow the instructions on the seed packets that you choose or ask for advice at your local plant shop.
To make the most out of our short growing season, I grow wildflowers in pots in early spring or late spring if we have a cold spell. They germinate in our unheated conservatory and are watered sparsely so that the seeds don’t rot.
I then introduce them gradually to full sunlight together with my other young plants.
Young seedlings are moved outdoors for a few hours during the day to get accustomed to being in direct sunlight and taken in again in the afternoon. Eventually, they can move out completely. Though wildflowers are very hardy, their roots are vulnerable when planted in pots.
I have also successfully planted wildflower seeds outdoors as late as the end of May and enjoyed my wildflowers well into early fall.
If you don’t have access to a greenhouse or conservatory, I advise that you wait until the soil is about 12°C/ 55°F. In spring, air temperatures often warm up before soil temperatures do.
Planting wildflower seeds in the late fall is also a good option, and I know many gardeners recommend it, but I have not personally tried it.
What kind of soil is best for growing wildflowers?
The optimal soil type will depend on what kind of wildflower seed mixture you choose. But wildflowers are hardy; they thrive in poor soil with good drainage. When the plants are established, they do tolerate dry soils quite well, but to flower all season, they need water.
You can use garden soil but avoid clay soils. Heavy clay is hard to improve with sand alone and requires much work. To improve heavy soils, you need to add a lot of organic matter and sand and risk creating soil that is not optimal for wildflowers.
Taking soil from your garden may also introduce weed seeds as well as grass seeds. Both will compete with the wildflower seedlings for light and nutrition.
Wildflowers thrive in poor soil; we can recreate this by mixing compost with sand. Depending on the quality of your compost, aim for about 50% sand in the mixture.
What are optimal growing conditions for wildflowers?
Growing conditions vary depending on the wildflower species you choose.
Most types of wildflowers are very hardy and do well in a sunny area. Woodland wildflowers being the exception, prefer partial shade.
It’s important to keep the soil moist but not wet. Heavy rain can be an issue in the early stages when plants are young and don’t have strong roots. It can take time for the water to drain from a pot after a heavy shower, and the plants can float up from the soil. I keep a close eye on them during the seedling phase and move the container under a roof or pour off excess water after a downfall.
Mother nature is clever and has made wildflowers particularly hardy. They usually cope well with dry periods but they prefer moist soil. For best results, keep them lightly watered!
How long does it take for wildflowers to grow?
Under optimal conditions, wildflower seeds will typically begin to germinate shortly after exposure to moisture. The initial germination stage involves shedding the seed’s outer coat or shell, which takes around 24 hours to complete.
Sprouts should begin to appear roughly 14-21 days after sowing wildflower seeds, with blooming usually occurring between 40-60 days after sprouting. But how long it takes for wildflowers to grow will vary vastly depending on the seed and environmental conditions.
Do wildflowers grow back every year?
Wildflowers can be classified as either annuals, biennials, or perennials, and their ability to grow back each year depends on their classification.
Annual wildflowers complete their lifecycle in one growing season and do not grow back the following year. However, they may self-seed, meaning their seeds will drop into the soil and sprout in the following growing season, resulting in new plants.
Perennial wildflowers, on the other hand, live for multiple growing seasons and can grow back year after year, provided that they are well-maintained and receive proper care. Some perennials may die back during winter, but their roots will remain dormant and regrow in the following growing season. It’s worth noting that some perennials may have a shorter lifespan than others and may need to be replanted after several years.
Biennials begin flowering in their second year of growth and then die.
Perennials and biennials that grow in pots need to be overwintered indoors if you live in a colder climate. Their roots are vulnerable to frost and freezing temperatures.
Can I save my wildflower seeds?
You don’t need to buy new seeds every year! When your wildflowers eventually go to seed, you can easily harvest the seed pods for next year. You will notice the seed pods start to turn brown and become dry. Shake any seeds into a paper bag and save them somewhere dark and dry.
Why are wildflowers important?
In recent years, we have become increasingly aware of the importance of native wildflowers for pollinator health. Bees and other beneficial insects depend on the availability of a diverse range of plants for their survival. Native wildflowers provide essential food and habitat for bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators, which play a critical role in pollinating crops and maintaining biodiversity.
There is a growing movement to plant more wildflower seeds, either converting large areas to wildflower meadows or simply adding a wildflower patch to a small area of the garden. Many gardeners now incorporate perennial wildflower plants into their flower beds with beautiful results.
TO SUMMARISE
Growing wildflower pots is a great way to support local wildlife and a beautiful addition to any garden or patio. Choose your seeds based on if you would want annual, perennial, or biennial flowers, and follow the instructions on the packet.
In addition to planting rates and spacing recommendations, seed packets may also provide information on the best time of year to plant, as well as growing conditions and care instructions. Reading and following the instructions on the seed packet can help to ensure that your seeds have the best chance of germinating and growing successfully.
Keep the soil moist and covered to protect seeds from birds, and place it in a warmer area or sunny spot.
After germination, keeps the soil damp by watering regularly.
As your wildflowers start to bloom, it is advisable to pick dead flowers to encourage new growth. Towards the end of the flowering season, your wildflowers will begin to produce seeds and these can be harvested for planting next season.
Remove dead annual plants by cutting them at the base of the plant.
How To Grow Wildflowers In Pots and Containers
Wildflowers are stunning in any setting, and a pot of wildflowers is a beautiful addition to any patio or outdoor seating area! Bees and other beneficial insects depend on the availability of a diverse range of plants for their survival. Native wildflowers also provide essential food and habitat for bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators, which play a critical role in pollinating crops and maintaining biodiversity.
Materials
- A pot or container with drainage holes. You can add your own using a power drill or hammer and nail.
- A small bag of compost from the garden store or supermarket. You can also use garden soil if it is not too heavy.
- Sand – to mix with compost or soil. I took som esand from our children’s sand box but you can also buy small bags of sand at the garden centre.
- Wildflower seeds
- Gardeners fleece and some string
Tools
- A watering can with a fine spray nozzle so as not to wash away the seeds.
- A small gardening spade.
Instructions
1.
Wildflowers thrive in poor soil; we recreate this by mixing compost with sand. Aim for 50% sand in the mixture, depending on the quality of your compost.
2. Fill your pot with the mixture, leaving 5—6 inches (10 —12 cm ) at the top. The extra space t the top will act as a support for any taller variants.
3. Give the soil a good watering and allow the water to soak in.
4. Mix your seeds with a handful of sand and scatter evenly over the soil surface. If you have chosen flowers with varying heights, you can place the seeds so that the taller plants are in the center. If you have chosen a mixed seed packet, then you don’t need to worry about how they are placed. Press down lightly to ensure the seeds have good contact with the soil. Some seeds may need to be planted deeper in the soil, always follow the instructions on the seed packet.
5. Water again lightly from above using a watering can that has a fine spray nozzle. Alternatively, you can spray with a spray bottle. A light spray is important to avoid the risk of the tiny seeds washing away or clumping together.
6. Cut a piece of gardener’s fleece to size and secure it on top of your pot using string. This will help to keep any hungry birds away from your seeds to keep the surface of the soil moist for the seeds to germinate.
7. Water lightly twice a day. If you have very fine fleece, you can water it without removing it. Otherwise, I recommend that you lift the fleece to water to prevent it from crushing any young emerging seedlings.
8. Place your pot in a warm and sheltered area until the seeds have begun germinating. Most wildflowers enjoy full sun and are not particularly sensitive to dry soil; they are generally great survivors if allowed to grow in their natural environment. However, when growing wildflowers in a pot, the roots easily overheat and cannot themselves grow to reach a water source. It is, therefore, a good idea to water your wildflowers daily and choose a position that is sunny but not too hot!
Notes
Picking flowers encourages the growth of more flowers, as the plant works hard to produce seeds from flower heads.
Don't forget to gather any seeds that appear toward site end of the flowering season!
Hi, I’m Holly. Welcome to my site!
I love sharing my knowledge of foraging and simple, back-to-basics cooking so you’ll find some great recipes here, many inspired by my life in Sweden and my Irish roots.
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